Pathological findings and differential diagnoses of lymph node diseases in slaughtered cattle in Brazil: A study of 2000 samples.

Slaughterhouse inspections play a crucial role in the sanitary control of zoonoses and foodborne diseases. This study aimed to identify and analyze the frequencies of lymph node diseases in cattle slaughtered for human consumption, using the samples sent to the anatomic pathology service of the Federal Laboratory for Agricultural Defense (Laboratório Federal de Defesa Agropecuária), Minas Gerais, Brazil, from January 2015 to September 2022. In total, 2000 lymph node samples were analyzed, and additional information was individually retrieved. Lesions were most frequently identified in thoracic lymph nodes. Bacterial isolation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed using samples suspected of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis cases accounted for 89.3% of the samples. Histopathology was more sensitive than other ancillary tests for diagnosing tuberculosis. Paraffin-embedded tissues from lymphoma cases were subjected to immunophenotyping using anti-CD3 and anti-CD79a immunohistochemistry. Frozen and/or paraffin-embedded tissues from lymphoma cases were used to identify the enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) retrovirus through qPCR. Other diagnoses included primary (T- and B-cell lymphoma) and metastatic neoplasms (squamous cell carcinoma, pulmonary adenocarcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, undifferentiated adenocarcinoma, undifferentiated sarcoma, undifferentiated round cell tumor, mesothelioma, hepatic carcinoid, meningioma, and seminoma), actinogranulomas (pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis [actinobacillosis and actinomycosis]), idiopathic lymphadenitis (neutrophilic and/or histiocytic, granulomatous, and suppurative), and miscellaneous nonspecific lymphadenopathies (depletion/lymphoid atrophy, lymphangiectasia, erythrocyte drainage, parasitic eosinophilic lymphadenitis, follicular hyperplasia, and toxic granulomatous lymphadenitis). The combination of histopathology with complementary techniques is important for successful diagnosis, especially in complex cases of high epidemiological, economic, and zoosanitary importance, such as tuberculosis and EBL.

Exploring the impact of high-energy diets on cattle: Insights into subacute rumen acidosis, insulin resistance, and hoof health.

Cattle lameness remains a significant concern, causing economic losses and compromising animal welfare. Claw horn lesions have been identified as a major cause of lameness in dairy cows, but their correlation with high-energy diets and ruminal acidosis remains unclear. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of a high-starch diet and a conventional diet on the rumen environment, acute-phase proteins, and metabolic alterations, with a particular focus on insulin resistance and the consequent implications for the histology of the hooves in Holstein steers. A total of 16 animals were divided into the high-starch (HS; 37% starch) and conventional (CON; 16.8% starch) groups. Glucose tolerance tests (GTT), blood analyses, rumen fluid analyses, and histological evaluations of the hoof tissue were conducted over a 102-d experimental period. The HS group showed a lower ruminal pH than the CON group, and with values indicating SARA. The plasma glucose and IGF-1 concentrations were higher in the HS group, suggesting an anabolic state. Both groups exhibited an increase in the insulin area under the curve (AUC) after the GTT on d 102. Histological analysis of the hooves showed a reduction in the length and width of the epidermal lamella in both groups. We found a significant negative correlation between the insulin AUC and the length and width of the epidermal lamella. Because both groups were similarly affected, the hypothesis that histological alterations were caused by the experimental diets still needs confirmation. Additionally, the development of SARA was not essential for the observed histological changes in the hoof. Further studies are warranted to thoroughly investigate the role of insulin and IGF-1 imbalances in claw health.

Lab-made 3D-printed electrochemical sensors for tetracycline determination.

Antibiotics such as tetracycline (TC) are widely prescribed to treat humans or dairy animals. Therefore, it is important to establish affordable devices in laboratories with minimal infrastructure. 3D printing has proven to be a powerful and cost-effective tool that revolutionizes many applications in electrochemical sensing. In this work, we employ a conductive filament based on graphite (Gr) and polylactic acid (PLA) (40:60; w/w; synthesized in our lab) to manufacture 3D-printed electrodes. This electrode was used "as printed" and coupled to batch injection analysis with amperometric detection (BIA-AD) for TC sensing. Preliminary studies by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry revealed a mass transport governed by adsorption of the species and consequent fouling of the redox products on the 3D printed surface. Thus, a simple strategy (solution stirring and application of successive potentials, +0.95 V followed by +1.2 V) was associated with the BIA-AD system to solve this effect. The proposed electrode showed analytical performance comparable to costly conventional electrodes with linear response ranging from 0.5 to 50 µmol L-1 and a detection limit of 0.19 µmol L-1. Additionally, the developed method was applied to pharmaceutical, tap water, and milk samples, which required minimal sample preparation (simple dilution). Recovery values of 92-117% were obtained for tap water and milk samples, while the content found of TC in the capsule was close to the value reported by the manufacturer. These results indicate the feasibility of the method for routine analysis involving environmental, pharmaceutical, and food samples.

Outbreak of canine distemper and coinfections in a maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and in three giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

Canine distemper outbreak and coinfections in three giant anteaters and in a maned wolf has been described. Three giant anteaters developed respiratory and digestive clinical signs after the introduction of a maned wolf to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The maned wolf and two anteaters died, and one anteater was euthanized. Post mortem and histopathologic exams revealed lesions associated with numerous intraepithelial inclusion bodies, mainly in the respiratory and digestive systems. Infection by distemper virus was confirmed in all animals by RT-PCR and gene sequencing, which revealed the Europe 1/ South America 1 strain, closely related to the strain from Canis familiaris. In addition to distemper, the animals had other comorbidities, such as toxoplasmosis and salmonellosis in the maned wolf and cutaneous candidiasis in an anteater. Considering the chronology of clinical manifestation in both species and the viral characterization, it is possible that the maned wolf was the source of infection to the anteaters. This study demonstrates the importance of implementing biosecurity measures in enclosures that house animals of different species, highlighting the importance of quarantine before introduction of new animals into the same environment.

Cytogenetic characterization of the strongly electric Amazonian eel, Electrophorus electricus (Teleostei, Gymnotiformes), from the Brazilian rivers Amazon and Araguaia

A karyotype analysis of the electric eel, Electrophorus electricus (Teleostei, Gymnotiformes), a strongly electric fish from northern South America, is presented. Two female specimens were analyzed, one from the Amazon River and one from the Araguaia River. The specimens had a chromosomal number of 2n = 52 (42M-SM + 10A). C-bands were present in a centromeric and pericentromeric position on part of the chromosomes; some interstitial C-bands were also present. Heteromorphic nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) were detected in two chromosome pairs of the specimen from the Amazon River. The chromosome number and karyotype characteristics are similar to those of other Gymnotidae species. The genera Electrophorus and Gymnotus are positioned as the basal lineages in the Gymnotiformes phylogeny.

[Risk factors of death in children with diarrhea and shock admitted to the intensive care unit]. / O óbito em crianças com diarréia aguda e choque em UTI.

BACKGROUND: Describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric patients diagnosed with acute diarrhea and shock, admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, in order to compare the evolution of clinical data between the survival and non-survival groups, thereby identifying the risk factors of death. METHODS: In the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Clinical Hospital at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), a non-controlled, descriptive and retrospective study was carried out from February 1994 to January 1998 The epidemiological and clinical/evolution data were analyzed and the groups of those who survived (56) and did not survive (15) were compared. For continuous variables, the Chi-Square test was used and for categorical variables, the Fisher's Exact test, for values lower than five. RESULTS: Seventy one children aged from 0.4 to 13.9 months were admitted, 15 of them died (21.2%). Low birth weight was found in 18.1% and the mean breast-feeding time was 1.1 months. The average length of stay was 5.6 days. 52/71 children needed mechanical ventilation, use of vasoactive drugs and sodium bicarbonate was necessary in 23/71 and 15/71, respectively. 93% of children were given antibiotics. The use of sodium bicarbonate, vasoactive drugs and mechanical ventilation showed an association with risk of death, but only vasoactive drugs (OR=18.56) and an age less than 3 months (OR=0.10) showed a statistically significant difference in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Acute diarrhea and shock occurred mainly in children under 3 months of age with a severe clinical/laboratorial condition. During clinical evolution, the high risk of death was related to the use of vasoactive drugs, a support therapy used in critical patients.

O óbito em criancas com diarréia aguda e choque em UTI / Risk factors of death in children with diarrhea and shock admitted to the intensive care unit

OBJETIVOS: Descrever características clínicas e epidemiológicas de criancas com diarréia aguda e choque, admitidas em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica, e comparar a evolucão clínica entre os grupos óbito e sobrevida, identificando fatores associados ao óbito. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, não controlado, no período de fevereiro de 1994 a janeiro de 1998. Os dados epidemiológicos e clínico-evolutivos dos pacientes foram analisados e os grupos de pacientes com sobrevida e com óbito foram comparados. O teste Qui-quadrado foi utilizado para variáveis contínuas, e o teste exato de Fisher para as variáveis categóricas (valores menores que cinco). RESULTADOS: Foram admitidas 71 criancas, com idade entre 0,4 e 13,9 meses. Evoluíram para óbito 15. Baixo peso de nascimento foi encontrado em 18,1 por cento dos pacientes, tempo médio de aleitamento materno de 1,1 mês e de internacão de 5,6 dias. Receberam antibióticos 93 por cento das criancas. Necessitaram de ventilacão pulmonar mecânica 52/71 criancas, uso de drogas vasoativas 23/70 e uso de bicarbonato de sódio 15/71; estas variáveis estiveram associadas com maior risco de óbito, na análise univariada. No modelo multivariado, permaneceram como significantes o parâmetro droga vasoativa (OR=18,56) e idade menor que três meses (OR=0,10). CONCLUSÕES: A diarréia aguda e choque ocorreram principalmente em criancas com menos de três meses de idade, com apresentacão clínica e laboratorial de gravidade. Na evolucão clínica, a utilizacão de terapia de suporte em paciente crítico esteve associada ao óbito, com destaque para o uso de droga vasoativa.

Molecular markers in Chinese carps and their interspecific hybrids

A sample consisting of 2 Ctenopharyngodon idella (grass carp) females, 2 Aristichthys nobilis (bighead carp) males, and 10 interspecific hybrids was analyzed using a multidisciplinary approach. The 10 hybrids were the only surviving specimens of a crossbreeding experiment. The cytological approach, involving the measurement of the largest axis of the erythrocytes, revealed that the parental species were diploid, whereas, among the hybrids, eight individuals were triploid, and two were diploid. Two of the triploid individuals were analyzed cytogenetically and showed 2n = 3X = 72 chromosomes. Using the biochemical and molecular approaches, it was possible to confirm that one of the C. idella specimens was the true mother of the hybrids. Those data also allowed to rule out both males from parenthood. The molecular analyses also indicated the absence of gynogenetic individuals among the hybrids. We discuss the use of a multidisciplinary approach as an efficient tool in the monitoring of aquaculture programs.

Análise de 52 pacientes com traumatismo de crônio atendidos em uti pediátrica: considerações sobre o uso da monitorização da pressão intracraniana / Analysis of 52 patients with head trauma assisted at pediatric intensive care unit: considerations about intracranial pressure monitoring

OBJETIVO:Análise de 52 pacientes pediátricos com trauma de crânio (TCE) assistidos em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, considerando fatores epidemiológicos do trauma, manifestações clínicas, aspectos tomográficos, variações hemodinâmicas e opções de tratamento da hipertensão intracraniana; avaliar a utilização da monitorização da pressão intracraniana (PIC). MÉTODO:Estudoretrospectivo de 52 pacientes com TCE e 17 destes submetidos a monitorização da PIC. RESULTADO:Houve predominância masculina e a média de idade foi 7,75 anos. Atropelamento foi a principal causa (38,5% dos casos). Encontramos 21,2% dos pacientes com hipotensão arterial. Foram classificados como TCE grave 67,3% dos pacientes. Tivemos graduação tomográfica de Marshall tipo I em 19,2%, II em 65,4%, III em 3,8%, IV em 3,8% e V em 7,7%. Apresentaram crise convulsiva 25%. Foram submetidos a monitorização da PIC 32,7%. A taxa de mortalidade foi 11,5%. O maior valor pressórico ocorreu no segundo dia em 58,8%. CONCLUSÃO: O prognóstico se relacionou com a severidade do trauma, hipotensão arterial, graduação tomográfica de Marshall tipo III e IV e altos valores de PIC. A monitorização da PIC permite facilidades no diagnóstico e tratamento da hipertensão intracraniana

[Analysis of 52 patients with head trauma assisted at pediatric Intensive Care Unit: considerations about intracranial pressure monitoring]. / Análise de 52 pacientes com traumatismo de crânio atendidos em UTI pediátrica: considerações sobre o uso da monitorização da pressão intracraniana.

OBJECTIVES: Analysis of 52 pediatric patients with head trauma assisted at Intensive Care Unit; to present considerations about epidemiologic factors of trauma, clinical presentation, tomografic aspects, hemodynamic changes and treatment options of intracranial hypertension; to present considerations about the intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. METHOD: Retrospective study involving 52 patients with head trauma and 17 patients submitted to a ICP monitoring. RESULTS: We found a male predominance, mean age 7.75 years-old, main cause was run over (38.5%); 21.2% patients presentd arterial hypotension; 67.3% were considered severe head trauma. According to Marshall tomografic grading we had 19.2% type I, 65.4% type II, 3.8% type III, 3.8% type IV and 7.7% type V. Seizures occurred in 25% children ICP monitoring was made in 32.7% of all patients. Mortality rate was 11.5%. In 58% the maximum ICP level occured at the second day of trauma. CONCLUSION: Prognosis was related to severity of trauma, arterial hypotension, Marshall's tomografic gradind III and IV and ICP high values. The ICP monitoring was considered useful to allow the identification and treatment of intracranial hypertension.

Síndrome hemolítica-urêmica: casuística de dez anos em um hospital universitário / Hemolytic-uremic syndrome: case of ten years in hospital

Foram analisados os pronbtuários dos pacientes internados na unidade de intenaçäo de um hospital universitário durante um período de dez anos (janeiro de 1985 a janeiro de 1995), e que tivessem o diagnóstico de Síndrome Hemolítica Urêmica. Este diagnóstico foi baseado na presença de graus variados da tríade: insuficiência renal aguda, anemia hemolítica e trombocitopenia. Desta forma, foram encontrados 13 pacientes com idades entre quatro a 84 meses com mediana de 14 meses, 11 brancos, sem predomínio de sexo. Com exceçäo de um, todos tinham peso adequado à idade...