Oral Infection and Survival of Trypanosoma cruzi in Sugarcane Juice Conditioned at Different Temperatures.

PURPOSE: The current most important form of transmission for Trypanosoma cruzi is the oral route, being responsible for high mortality during the acute phase in infected individuals. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the possibility of infection for this parasite using sugarcane juice in different temperatures employing metacyclic trypomastigotes obtained from xenodiagnosis performed in Swiss mice previously infected with T.cruzi Y strain, and then diluted in sugarcane juice. METHODS: For stomach histopathological analysis, 20 mice were infected with metacyclic trypomastigotes diluted in sugarcane juice and euthanized after the 2nd, 4th, 10th, and 15th days after infection. Concurrently, six batches of ten mice were fed using 1.5 mL of the mixture and kept for 12 h at the temperatures of - 80 ºC, - 20 ºC, + 2 ºC, + 28 ºC, + 60 ºC, and + 80 ºC, for later infection verification. RESULTS: Inflammatory infiltrate was found after the 2nd day of infection, and amastigotes nests were present after the 4th, 10th, and 15th day in the margo plicatus stomach region. Viable trypomastigotes were observed in the microtubes kept at - 80 ºC, - 20 ºC, and + 2 ºC, but the animal's infection was observed in the - 80 ºC and + 2 ºC groups. In vitro tests demonstrated the decrease of T. cruzi trypomastigote viability, which was negative after 120 h at -20 ºC and 144 h at + 2 ºC, in contrast to the maintenance of survival after 168 h at - 80 ºC. CONCLUSION: We observed the ability of survival and infection of T. cruzi packaged at - 80 ºC without the use of preservatives and, therefore, less suitable for storing food.

Morphogeometric Evaluation of the Left Ventricle and Left Atrioventricular Ring in Dogs: A Computerized Anatomical Study.

In veterinary, there is scarce availability of morphogeometric studies in normal and remodeled hearts; furthermore, ventricular geometry acts as an indicator of cardiac function. It is a highly necessary field of knowledge for the development of therapeutic protocols, especially surgical ones. The objectives of this study were: to obtain measurements of the left atrioventricular valve ring and left ventricle, to analyze the proportionality between the segments of the left cardiac chamber of normal hearts and to describe reference values for morphogeometric analysis of the left ventricle. For this, 50 hearts from small (Group 1-G1) and medium to large (Group 2-G2) dogs were laminated in the apical, basal and equatorial segments, and submitted to computer analysis to identify the perimeter of each segment and the left atrioventricular ring, wall thickness and distance from the atrioventricular sulcus to the apex. The largest internal perimeter was that of the equatorial. The basal segment had the highest mean for ventral parietal wall thickness, suggesting greater contractile reserve at that location. Considering the proportionality relationships, there was no statistical difference between the intersegmental perimeter indices for the two groups. This suggests that despite the animals' weight variations, the proportions between the left ventricular segments are maintained. Therefore, it is concluded that the data can be used as a standard of comparison for cardiac geometric assessments, as well as a basis for the development of therapeutic measures in the context of adverse cardiac remodeling.

Development of an interactive multidisciplinary platform for the bovine neuroanatomy study / Desarrollo de una plataforma interactiva multidisciplinar para el estudio de la neuroanatomía bovina

SUMMARY: The anatomy study is part of the basic cycle of disciplines that composes Veterinary Medicine college curriculum, and its comprehension is essential for other courses subject understanding. However, the current student's profile, the reduced time frame of superior education programs, and the multidisciplinary approach nowadays have made anatomy teaching method outdated and ineffective. Addressing the problem we developed an interactive and multidisciplinary platform based on the blended learning methodology, which could serve as a valuable tool for bovine neuroanatomy comprehension. To produce a new study tool, photos from bovine specimens fixed in formaldehyde, platinated brain pieces sectioned in a metameric order, as well as histological slides of the bovine central nervous system were used. These materials were applied to photos and schemes production, that were correlated with image exams correlation, as well as written content and videotaped classes. The obtained content was compiled into a digital platform, that can serve as an effective additional method to bovine central nervous system study. Furthermore, our results serve as a guide for the development of other blended learning methodologies in veterinary medicine and anatomy teaching. The platform provides a great tool for those who wish to accomplish a better understanding of bovine neuroanatomy and its clinical, surgical and image diagnosis correlations.

El estudio de la anatomía forma parte del ciclo básico de disciplinas que componen el currículo de la facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, y su comprensión es fundamental para el entendimiento de las materias de otros cursos. Sin embargo, el perfil del estudiante actual, la reducción de los tiempos de los programas de educación superior y el enfoque multidisciplinario actual han hecho que el método de enseñanza de la anatomía sea obsoleto e ineficaz. Abordando el problema desarrollamos una plataforma interactiva y multidisciplinar basada en la metodología blended learning, que podría servir como una valiosa herramienta para la comprensión de la neuroanatomía bovina. Para producir una nueva herramienta de estudio, se utilizaron fotografías de especímenes bovinos fijados en formaldehído, piezas de cerebro plastinadas y seccionadas en un orden metamérico, así como láminas histológicas del sistema nervioso central bovino. Estos materiales se utilizaron en la producción de fotos y esquemas, que se correlacionaron con exámenes de imágenes, así como contenido escrito y clases grabadas en video. El contenido obtenido se compiló en una plataforma digital, que puede servir como un método adicional y eficaz para el estudio del sistema nervioso central bovino. Además, nuestros resultados sirven como guía para el desarrollo de otras metodologías de aprendizaje semipresencial en la enseñanza de la medicina veterinaria y la anatomía. La plataforma proporciona una gran herramienta para aquellos que deseen lograr una mejor comprensión de la neuroanatomía bovina y sus correlaciones clínicas, quirúrgicas y de diagnóstico por imágenes.

Ganoderma lucidum Modulates Glucose, Lipid Peroxidation and Hepatic Metabolism in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Pregnant Rats.

The consumption of functional foods, such as mushrooms, apparently influences Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), and brings benefits to maternal-fetal health. Ganoderma lucidum contains a variety of bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, proteins and polyphenols that are able to control blood glucose and be used in anti-cancer therapy. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the consumption of Ganoderma lucidum (Gl) on maternal-fetal outcomes in streptozotocin-induced GDM (GDM-STZ). Pregnant rats were exposed to Gl (100 mg/kg/day) before and after the induction of GDM-STZ (single dose 40 mg/kg) on the eighth pregnancy day. Biochemical and oxidative stress parameters, reproductive performance and morphometry of fetuses were assessed. Gl reduced the glycemic response in the oral glucose tolerance test. Moreover, Gl decreased AST and ALT activities. GDM increased lipid peroxidation, which was reverted by Gl. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased in GDM and the administered Gl after the fetus implantation increased catalase activity. Measurements of the fetal head, thorax, craniocaudal and tail showed greater values in fetuses from rats exposed to Gl compared to GDM. Ganoderma lucidum has an encouraging nutritional and medicinal potential against GDM, since it modifies glucose metabolism, reduces lipid peroxidation, and has protective effects in fetuses born from GDM dams.

Cervical ventral slot in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Piezosurgery versus conventional technique.

PURPOSE: To investigate the applicability of piezosurgery for cervical ventral slot (CVS), comparing it with the conventional technique of using high-speed burs for bone wear. METHODS: Thirty rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were divided into two treatment groups (T1 and T2) corresponding to CVS between C3-C4. In T1, the surgery was performed with piezoelectric apparatus, and in T2 with high-speed burs. The evaluated parameters were: duration of each stage of surgery, temperature variations during CVS, visibility of the surgical field, intra and postoperative complications, and anesthetic monitoring. At 14, 28, and 56 postoperative days, five animals from each treatment group were submitted for histopathological study of the surgical site. RESULTS: Compared with T2, T1 had more precise bone cut, and better visibility of the operative field, although it required longer total surgical time (p = 0.02) and triggered a greater number of intraoperative complications (p < 0.01), microscopic lesions in the spinal cord (p < 0.05), and transient neurological deficits in the postoperatively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to perform surgical planning and have several tips of the piezoelectric instrument available for the safe use of the piezoelectric device in neurosurgery.

Assessment of qualitative and quantitative parameters of healthy thyroid gland in adult horses by magnetic resonance imaging.

In humans and pets, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides important adjunctive anatomic information about the thyroid and its adjacent structures. To the best of our knowledge, however, no studies have been reported regarding the use of MRI for thyroid evaluation in horses. The aim of this study was to obtain qualitative and quantitative parameters of healthy thyroid gland in adult horses by MRI. Eleven horses were submitted to thyroid MRI evaluation. The healthy thyroid of these animals was ensured by normal examinations performed before (free thyroxine and ultrasound) and after (cytology) to MRI. It was concluded that the dorsal spin-echo T1-weighted, fast spin-echo T2-weighted, sagittal STIR and a three-dimensional T1-weighted gradient echo were the sequences that best characterized the thyroid lobes. Qualitatively, there was a significant variation in the elliptical format of some lobes considering the sagittal plane, which oscillated between rounded and flattened conformation. Excellent reproducibility of the quantitative thyroid parameters obtained was verified. The thyroid gland total volume mean of observers was 14.31 cm3 (±0.69). In relation with comparisons between quantitative parameters of left and right lobes, only differences regarding their respective lengths were observed. Thus, we can infer that the difference in some thyroid lobes format can be explained by the significant variation identified between left and right lobes lengths.

Evaluation of Bacterial Nanocellulose Membranes Loaded or Not with Nisin as a Complementary Treatment in Surgical Dehorning Wounds in Bovines.

Treatments of postsurgical dehorning in cattle usually includes topical application of healing agents in wounds. The Bacterial Nanocellulose (BNC) may come to a complementary treatment for these wounds. Two new complementary treatments with BNC and BNC loaded with nisin were evaluated for wound healing in surgical dehorning in bovine. Hence, two groups of experiments were run, and 12 animals were used in each group. All animals, in right and left horns, received antisepsis treatment. For the first group, the left horn was the control, and on the right one the BNC was applied. For the second group, BNC was applied on the left horn (control) and on the right ones BNC+nisin was applied. In both experiments, wounds were evaluated macroscopically by photographic images and microscopically by histology. For macroscopic evaluations, a significant difference was observed over time, but only in the comparison within the same groups. Microscopic analyzes did not showed significant differences in any type of comparison. In conclusion, there was a clinical improvement in the wound healing response with the application of BNC. However, there was no significant difference between BNC compared to the nisin loaded in BNC. For the first time it was applied a BNC in surgical dehorning wounds in bovines and evaluated the efficacy of treatment in a real animal handling situation.

Three-dimensional printed poly (L-lactide) and hydroxyapatite composite for reconstruction of critical bone defect in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To use a 3D printed poly (L-lactide) acid (PLLA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) composite as a bone substitute for reconstruction of a critical bone defect in the radius of rabbits. METHODS: A 1.5 cm ostectomy was performed in the radial diaphysis of 60 New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were divided into three groups according to surgical treatment of the bone defect (group I - control, group II - bone graft, group III - 3D PLLA). Each group was divided into four subgroups with different radiographic and histopathologic evaluation times (T1 - 15 days, T2 - 30 days, T3 - 60 days, T4 - 90 days). RESULTS: The implant group had greater clinically lameness (p = 0.02), edema (p = 0.007), pain (p = 0.04) and more complications at the surgical site (p = 0.03). Histologically, this group showed greater congestion (p = 0.04), hemorrhage (p = 0.04) and inflammation. Osteogenesis was microscopically similar between days (p = 0.54) and treatments (p = 0.17), even though radiographically, more effective bone healing occurred in the graft group (II), with more callus and bone bridge formation. CONCLUSIONS: The customization of a 3D PLLA/HA scaffold was successful. However, in animals receiving the polymer-ceramic composite less bone callus and bone bridge was formed compared to the graft group.

Surgical Repair of an Occipital Meningocele in a Foal.

There are no previous reports of cranial meningocele in horses. In this report, we present the case of a 1-day-old male Quarter Horse that was born with a mass in the occipital region. The newborn was brought to the veterinary hospital, and a meningocele was diagnosed. The patient then underwent surgical closure of the defect. After an initial favorable response, the patient displayed signs of infection. The antibiotic therapy was changed, and the patient's condition improved. On the 13th postoperative day, the patient exhibited ataxia, difficulty standing, and limb hypertonia. Hydrocephalus was suspected, and a cerebrospinal puncture was performed. Because of the lack of improvement after the puncture and the high turbidity of the obtained fluid, bacterial encephalitis was suspected and antibiotic therapy restarted. The patient was euthanized on the 14th postoperative day when no response to therapy was observed. Postmortem tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed dilation of the encephalic ventricles with the presence of gas. On necropsy, bacterial encephalitis was confirmed, and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli was isolated. This case suggests that surgical treatment of meningocele in horses is feasible; however, infectious complications may limit the long-term therapeutic success.

Lentinus edodes Exposure before and after Fetus Implantation: Materno-Fetal Development in Rats with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The presence of ß-glucans and phenolic compounds in Lentinus edodes suggests this mushroom can be used as a nutritional supplement. Two gestational conditions (before and after fetus implantation) were evaluated, and Lentinus edodes exposure was performed in diabetes mellitus rat model induced by streptozotocin in pre-clinical tests. METHODS: On the 20th day of pregnancy, cesarean sections were performed. Blood was collected for biochemical, hematologic parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers. Placenta and amniotic fluid were collected, and fetuses were analyzed through morphological evaluation. RESULTS: The mushroom did not reduce the severe hyperglycemia of the mother-concept but promoted an increase in maternal insulin levels; reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride and total cholesterol; protected the animals from post-implantation losses. Liver damage induced by streptozotocin was reversed in experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lentinus edodes mushroom has antioxidant properties that can minimize the damage caused by gestational diabetes mellitus.

Ultrasonographic features of the normal thyroid gland in adult horses / Características ultrassonográficas da glândula tireoide hígida em equinos adultos

Few reports have been published regarding the use of ultrasonography as a method of evaluating the normal thyroid gland in horses. For these reasons, this study aimed at determining reliably of the thyroid measurements from the comparison between the left and right thyroid lobes, as well as assessing the contour, format, echotexture and echogenicity of the healthy thyroid by mode-B ultrasonography. Additionally, the equine thyroid vascularization was quali-quantitatively characterized the by Doppler. The sample size initially was determined by the animal selection with advanced age and without volume increase in the neck proximal region. Finally, eleven horses were selected by laboratory test, search of thyroid neoformations by ultrasonography and cytology thyroid. Next, these animals were submitted to thyroid lobes ultrasonographic evaluation. Excellent reproducibility was observed for all measurements obtained. Among the comparisons made between the quantitative parameters of the left and right lobes, it was observed that there was only difference between their respective lengths. Qualitatively, there was a significant variation between the lobes elliptical format in the longitudinal plane of some glands, which oscillated between a rounded and flattened conformation. Thus, we can conclude that the difference between the lobes format of some thyroids can be explained by the significant difference observed between the length of the left and right lobes. Additionally, it was verified that there was no difference between the Doppler quantitative parameters. Therefore, we may suggest that unilateral analysis of the cranial thyroid artery by spectral Doppler can be used to evaluate equine thyroid diffuse disorders.(AU)

Poucas análises foram publicadas com relação ao uso da ultrassonografia como método de avaliação da glândula tireoide hígida em equinos. Alguns trabalhos incluem a determinação das dimensões e características do parênquima. Por essas razões, este estudo teve como objetivo determinar com segurança as medidas tireoidianas a partir da comparação entre o lobo tireoidiano esquerdo e direito, bem como avaliar os contornos, formato, ecotextura e ecogenicidade das glândulas tireoides hígidas pela ultrassonografia em modo B. Além disso, a vascularização da tireoide equina foi caracterizada quali-quantitativamente pela ferramenta Doppler. O tamanho da amostra inicialmente foi determinado pela seleção dos animais com idade avançada e sem aumento de volume na região proximal do pescoço. Por fim, onze equinos foram selecionados por meio de exame laboratorial, pesquisa de neoformações tireoidianas por ultrassonografia e citologia da tireoide. Em seguida, estes animais foram submetidos à avaliação de lobos tireoidianos por ultrassonografia. Observou-se excelente reprodutibilidade em relação a todas as medidas deste estudo. Foram observadas diferenças qualitativas entre os lobos tireoidianos direito e esquerdo. Assim, podemos concluir que tais diferenças entre o formato dos lobos tireoidianos podem ser explicadas pela diferença significativa e/ou tendência observada no parâmetro comprimento entre os respectivos lobos. Além disso, não foi encontrada diferença significativa entre os valores da artéria tireoidiana cranial esquerda em relação aos obtidos na artéria tireoidiana cranial direita, sugerindo que a análise dos valores espectrais do Doppler de uma das artérias tireoidianas craniais possa ser utilizada como método de avaliação de distúrbios difusos da tireoide equina.(AU)

Rhodococcus equi pVAPN type causing pneumonia in a dog coinfected with canine morbillivirus (distemper virus) and Toxoplasma gondii.

Canine morbillivirus (previously, canine distemper virus, CDV) is a highly contagious infectious disease-causing agent that produces immunosuppressive infections and multiple clinical signs. Canine toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic disease characterized by enteric, pulmonary, and neuromuscular signs that might be confused with CDV-induced infections. Rhodococcus equi is a Gram-positive intracellular facultative bacterium that is also opportunistic in nature, and causes pyogranulomatous infections in humans and multiple host animals, although canine rhodococcosis is rare or unrecognized. The pathogenicity of R. equi is intimately related to the presence of plasmid-encoded virulence-associated proteins (Vap). Three host-adapted virulence plasmid types of R. equi have been recognized: the circular pVAPA and pVAPB are associated with equine and porcine strains, respectively, and the recently detected linear pVAPN virulence plasmid is related to bovine isolates. Nevertheless, data regarding the detection of host-adapted virulence plasmid types of R. equi isolated from companion animals are scarce. This report describes a case of an uncommon coinfection due to R. equi, T. gondii and CDV, which was diagnosed in a pet dog with respiratory distress. In this case, CDV most likely induced immunosuppression, which facilitated opportunistic infections by R. equi and T. gondii. The analysis of the virulence profile of R. equi revealed the novel pVAPN plasmid type, initially related to bovine strains. This is the second report of the bovine-associated pVAPN type in a pet dog, with an unusual coinfection with T. gondii and CDV. These findings represent a public health concern due to the close contact between pet animals and their owners, particularly because the pVAPN plasmid type was recently detected in people with HIV/AIDS from the same geographical region.

Circadian Clock Proteins and Melatonin Receptors in Neurons and Glia of the Sapajus apella Cerebellum.

Oscillations of brain proteins in circadian rhythms are important for determining several cellular and physiological processes in anticipation of daily and seasonal environmental rhythms. In addition to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the primary central oscillator, the cerebellum shows oscillations in gene and protein expression. The variety of local circuit rhythms that the cerebellar cortex contains influences functions such as motivational processes, regulation of feeding, food anticipation, language, and working memory. The molecular basis of the cerebellar oscillator has been demonstrated by "clock gene" expression within cells of the cerebellar layers. Genetic and epidemiological evidence suggests that disruption of circadian rhythms in humans can lead to many pathological conditions. Despite this importance, data about clock gene and protein expression in the cerebellum of diurnal (day-active) species, specifically primates, is currently poorly explored, mainly in regard to cellular identity, as well as the relationship with other molecules also involved in cerebellar functions. These studies could contribute to clarification of the possible mechanisms behind cerebellar rhythmicity. Considering that calcium binding proteins (CaBPs) play crucial roles in preserving and modulating cerebellar functions and that clock gene expression can be controlled by afferent projections or paracrine circadian signals such as the hormone melatonin, the present study aimed to describe cellular identities, distribution patterns and day/night expression changes in PER1, PER2, CaBPs, and MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors in the cerebellar cortex of a diurnal primate using conventional fluorescence and peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemical techniques. PER1 and PER2 immunoreactive (IR) cells were observed in the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, and MT1 and MT2 receptors were localized around Purkinje cells in the Pj layer in Bergmann cells. This identity was confirmed by the S100ß-IR of these cells. The highest expression of PER seen in the daytime analysis coincided with the highest expression of melatonin receptors. CaBPs showed day/night morphological and density changes in the cerebellar cortex. The presence of the same temporal variations in the expression of PER in the Pj neurons and in MT1 and MT2 receptors in Bergmann cells indicates a possible relation between these cells during the rhythmic processing of the cerebellum, in addition to the CaBP temporal morphological and density changes.

Safety and efficacy of hydroxyapatite scaffold in the prevention of jaw osteonecrosis in vivo.

Two scaffolds of chitosan/sodium alginate/hydroxyapatite (Ch/NaAlg/Hap) 1:1:0.2 and 1:1:0.6 were evaluated in the prevention of bisphosphonate-induced jaw osteonecrosis. Two groups of rats (n = 24, according to the euthanasia time: 15 or 30 days after the last Zoledronic acid (ZA) administration) were subdivided in four subgroups (n = 6): I - Control (saline + teeth extraction); II - ZA 0.6 mg/kg + teeth extraction; III - ZA + teeth extraction + scaffold 1:1:0.2; IV - ZA + teeth extraction + scaffold 1:1:0.6. Jaws were evaluated histologically and blood was evaluated for hematological and biochemical parameters. Histopathology showed significant osteonecrosis in AZ group. The scaffold's implantation, despite the inflammatory process, were able to prevent the osteonecrosis. In the 15-day euthanasia group, an increase in red blood cells and platelets was observed in the subgroup II. Hemoglobin and hematocrit decreased in subgroup IV compared to II. Hepatic transaminases and creatinine concentration increased significantly in subgroup II. Calcium concentration increased in subgroup IV compared to II. In the 30-day euthanasia group, no differences among the groups were observed for any parameter. Scaffolds proved to be efficient and safe to liver and kidney function. Some hematological parameters were altered by the scaffold, but returned to normal concentrations over time. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1799-1808, 2018.

Massive attack of honeybee on macaws (Ara ararauna and Ara chloropterus) in Brazil - A case report.

Three adult birds of the species Ara chloropterus and five of the species Ara ararauna from a conservation breeding facility suffered a massive attack by honeybees. The A. chloropterus birds presented swollen puncture lesions with stingers (mainly in the facial regions without feathers), swelling of the eyelids and subcutaneous tissue, and respiratory distress, and they were treated with intramuscular injections of 1.67 mg/kg of promethazine and 10 mg/kg of hydrocortisone followed by removal of the stingers. Complete remission of the clinical signs occurred 48 hours after start of treatment. The five A. ararauna birds died before they arrived at the veterinary hospital, and the necropsies found stingers in the areas of the face without feathers and the subcutaneous tissue, which were associated with erythema, bruising, and swelling. Food content from the crop was found in the oral cavity and the tracheal lumen, and marked congestion was observed in the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, brain, and cerebellum. Among the histopathological findings, significant swelling of the myocytes in the endocardium and vascular dilation with erythroid repletion were observed, and there were multifocal areas of centrilobular necrosis associated with severe congestion and hemorrhaging in the hepatic tissue. Severe acute tubular necrosis and hydropic-vacuolar degeneration were observed in the kidneys. The clinical signs and pathological findings suggest envenomation due to a massive bee attack, the first such report for Psittacidae.

Day/night expression of MT1 and MT2 receptors in hypothalamic nuclei of the primate Sapajus apella.

Melatonin is involved in the temporal organization of several physiological and behavioral events, controlled by hypothalamic nuclei, like sleep, feeding, reproduction and metabolic modulation and acts through two types of high-affinity G protein-coupled membrane receptors: MT1 and MT2. This study aimed to investigate the expression of MT1 and MT2 receptors proteins in four hypothalamic nuclei, i.e., SCN, supraoptic (SON), paraventricular (PVN) and anteroventral periventricular nuclei (AVPV), of the diurnal primate Sapajus apella using immunohistochemistry. Since these areas are involved in the expression of biological rhythms, they are candidates to have variations in their neurochemistry, so the MT1 and MT2 expression has been analyzed at a point in light and another in the dark phase. Both receptors were found to have day/night differences in the four hypothalamic nuclei with an apparent inverse expression in the SCN compared with the other areas. These differences could be related to the idea that the individual should be prepared to respond by different ways to melatonin signal within the several processes and can contribute to the efficacy of melatonin ligands or melatonin in therapies.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and Subordinate Brain Oscillators: Clock Gene Desynchronization by Neuroinflammation.

OBJECTIVE: The clock genes Period (per) 1 and 2 are essential components in the generation and adjustment of biological circadian rhythms by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Both genes are also rhythmically present in extrahypothalamic areas such as the hippocampus and cerebellum, considered subordinate oscillators. Several pathological conditions alter rhythmic biological phenomena, but the mechanisms behind these changes involving the clock genes are not well defined. The current study investigated changes in PER1 and PER2 immunoreactivity in the SCN, hippocampus, and cerebellum in a neuroinflammation model. METHODS: Wistar rats received lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or vehicle intracerebroventricularly. The melatonin plasmatic content was quantified by ELISA to confirm the alterations in biological rhythms, and PER1 and PER2 immunoreactivities were analyzed in brain sections by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In the SCN, intracerebroventricular LPS changed PER1 expression, increasing the number of PER1-immunoreactive (IR) cells at zeitgeber time (ZT) 15, decreasing it at ZT5 and ZT20 and not changing it at ZT10. LPS also induced a decrease in PER2-IR cells at ZT5, ZT10, and ZT15 but not at ZT20 in the SCN. In the hippocampus, LPS induced a decrease in PER1-IR and PER2-IR cells at both ZTs (ZT10 and ZT15). In the cerebellum, LPS increased the number of PER1-IR cells at ZT10 and decreased it at ZT15, while the number of PER2-IR cells was reduced at both ZTs. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that a neuroinflammatory condition leads to desynchronization of primary and subordinate brain oscillators, supporting the existence of the integration between the immune and the circadian system.

Hemangiosarcoma at the base of the left atrium of a dog with mitral and tricuspid valve degeneration ­ case report / Hemangiossarcoma na base do átrio esquerdo de um cão com degeneração da válvula mitral e tricúspide ­ relato de caso

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant neoplasm originating from the vascular endothelium, with high metastatic power and commonly described in the spleen, liver, and right atrium. Thus, the objective of the present study is to report the occurrence of HSA at the base of the left atrium of a male, elderly, Lhasa Apso dog, treated with cyanosis, orthopedic position, cough. In the physical examination, the presence of crackling was observed in pulmonary lobes, murmur in focus of mitral and tricuspid grade IV\VI. The recommended emergency therapy was performed until the clinical improvement of the animal. After echocardiography, mitral and tricuspid valvular degeneration was confirmed, as well as the presence of an irregular, mixed echocardiogram, extra-cardiac, immobile at the base of the left atrium, measuring 2.9 x 1.44 cm in diameter. The clinical therapy established stabilized the clinical picture for 128 days, with recurrence of pulmonary edema and severe hemorrhagic pleural effusion, with the owners opting for euthanasia of the animal and necropsy confirming the definitive diagnosis of extrahepatic SAH at the base of the left atrium.(AU)

O hemangiossarcoma (HSA) é uma neoplasia maligna originada no endotélio vascular, com alto poder metastático e comumente descrito no baço, fígado e átrio direito. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é relatar a ocorrência do HSA na base do átrio esquerdo de um cão, macho, idoso, da raça Lhasa Apso, atendido apresentando cianose, posição ortopneica e tosse. No exame físico foi observado presença de crepitação em lobos pulmonares e sopro em foco de mitral e tricúspide grau IV\VI. Foi realizada terapia emergencial preconizada até a melhora clínica do animal, e após a ecocardiografia confirmou-se a degeneração valvular mitral e tricúspide, bem como a presença de uma imagem irregular, de ecogenicidade mista, extracardíaca e imóvel na base do átrio esquerdo, medindo 2,9 x 1,44 cm de diâmetro. A terapia clínica instituída estabilizou o quadro clínico por 128 dias, havendo recidiva do edema pulmonar e efusão pleural hemorrágica grave, com os proprietários optando pela eutanásia do animal e a necropsia, confirmando o diagnóstico definitivo do HSA extracardíaco na base do átrio esquerdo.(AU)

Valores de lactato sérico e sua correlação com parâmetros clínicos de cães saudáveis, mensurados durante atendimento ambulatorial veterinário / Serum lactate values and its correlation with clinical parameters evaluated at veterinary ambulatorial exam

A mensuração do lactato sérico é utilizada na rotina médica como marcador prognóstico de pacientes em estado de emergência. Sua interpretação não deve ser feita de forma isolada, mas conjunta aos demais parâmetros clínicos, pois seus valores podem sofrer interferência do estresse metabólico ou ambiental, contenção física e/ ou manipulação dos pacientes. Assim, buscou-se mensurar os valores do lactato sérico e parâmetros clínicos de cães saudáveis, bem como as suas correlações, durante o atendimento clínico ambulatorial veterinário. Para isso, foram avaliados 80 cães, machos ou fêmeas, com idade de um a oito anos, atendidos para revacinação anual polivalente. Foram considerados cães saudáveis os que não apresentaram intercorrências clínicas nos últimos 60 dias e alterações nos exames físicos e nos valores de hemograma e glicemia sérica. Foram mensurados inicialmente o peso corporal, a frequência cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (FR), tempo de preenchimento capilar (TPC), coloração de mucosas, temperatura retal (TR), periférica (TP) e a diferença entre TR e a TP, o Delta T°C. Por último, realizaram-se os exames de hemograma e glicemia sérica, juntamente com a mensuração do lactato sérico, utilizando para isso um lactímetro portátil, por meio da amostra sanguínea obtida da veia cefálica. Além disso, havendo a correlação dos valores do lactato séricos com o peso corporal os cães foram divididos conforme o cálculo do 33° e 66° percentil. Os cães avaliados evidenciaram valores médios de 18,3±12,1 kg de peso corporal e 3,0±1,9 anos de idade; FC de 126,6±29,1bpm, FR de 66±24mpm, TR de 38,9±0,4°C, TP de 31,5±1,0°C, Delta TºC de 7,3±1,0°C e lactato sérico de 3,2±0,4mmol/L; com este último, evidenciando intervalo de confiança a 95% de 3,1-3,3mmol/L e correlação significativa (p<0,05) dos seus valores com o peso corporal (r=0,6) e a frequência cardíaca (r=0,4). Os valores do lactato sérico obtidos foram comparados entre os grupos de cães conforme o peso corporal, evidenciando diferenças significativas (p<0,05) entre eles. Dessa forma, pode se concluir que os valores do lactato sérico em cães hígidos sob atendimento ambulatorial é de 3,2mmol/L, com o intervalo de confiança de 3,1-3,3mmol/L, ressaltando a influência que a FC e o peso corporal podem exercer nos seus valores.(AU)

The measurement of serum lactate is used in the medical routine as a prognosis marker of emergency patients. Its interpretation should not be done disconnectedly from the other clinical parameters once metabolical or environmental stress as well as restraint and/or manipulation of patients can interfere. Thus we tried to measure the levels of serum lactate and clinical parameters of healthy dogs, as their correlation during veterinarian outpatient clinical care. For that we evaluated 80 dogs, males and females, with age ranging from one to eight years, met for polyvalent annual revaccination. We considered to be healthy those dogs that had no clinical events in the last 60 days or alteration in physical exams, blood exam values and serum glycemia. We initially measured body weight, heart rate (HR) and respiratory (RR), capillary refill time, mucosa's coloring, rectal temperature (RT), peripheral temperature (PT) and the difference between RT and PT, Delta T°C. Finally we did the blood exam and the serum glycemia, as well as the serum lactate measurement. For that we used a portable lactimeter, using the blood sample taken from the cephalic vein. Furthermore, when there was correlation between the serum lactate values and the body weight, we divided the dogs according to the calculation of 33 and 66 percentile. Evaluated dogs showed average values of 18.3±12.1 kg of body weight and 3.0±1.9 of age; with HR of 126.6±29.1bpm, RR of 66±24mpm, RT of 38.9±0.4°C, PT of 31.5±1,0°C, Delta T°C of 7.3±1.0°C and serum lactate of 3.2±0.4mmol/L; with the latter showing range of 3.1-3.3mmol/L with 95% of reliability and significant correlation (p<0.05) between its values and the body weight (r=0.6) and the heart rate (r=0.4). The serum lactate values obtained were compared between the dogs' groups according to their body weight, showing distinguished differences between them. Thereby we concluded that the serum lactate values in dogs under outpatient care is 3.2mmol/L, with a trust gap of 3.1-3.3mmol/L, highlighting the influence that HR and body weight can have on its values.(AU)

Efeito da localizaçäo do nó de sutura na recuperaçäo morfofuncional do tendäo flexor digital profundo do membro torácico do cäo após tenorrafia experimental / Effect of different suture knot placements on functional recover of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon (FDPT) of the toracic member of the dog after experimental tenorrhaphy

Este estudo teve por escopo comparar a influência do nó de sutura em três diferentes localizaçöes na recuperaçäo morfofuncional do tendäo flexor digital profundo (TFDP) do cao. Foram utilizados 20 caes divididos em três grupos de oito, sete e cinco animais. Os TFDP do segundo e quinto dedos do membro torácico esquerdo foram seccionados e suturados pela técnica de Kessler modificada, alterando-se a localizaçäo do nó e o tipo de sutura no epitendíneo. No grupo um, o nó da sutura ficou localizado na regiäo ventral do tendäo e no grupo dois na face dorsal. Em ambos os grupos, o epitendao foi suturado com pontos simples separados. No grupo três, o nó da sutura ficou interno ao endotendíneo e o epitendíneo foi suturado com ponto simples contínuo. Após a cirurgia, foi realizada diariamente a movimentaçäo passiva controlada do membro do primeiro ao 15§ dia. No 7§ e no 15§ dia os animais foram sacrificados por anestesia profunda e os tendöes foram colhidos para avaliaçäo macroscópica do processo de reparo tendíneo. O critério de comparaçao utilizou como parâmetros para avaliar a recuperaçäo morfofuncional a ruptura do tendao, o afastamento dos cotos e a coaptaçäo completa dos cotos tendíneos. O grupo que apresentou melhor resultado com relaçäo aos parâmetros avaliados foi o terceiro, com ausência de ruptura e índice de afastamento de apenas 2,5 por cento dos cotos tendíneos. Os resultados encontrados permitem concluir que a localizaçäo do nó de sutura na tenorrafia do TFDP interfere na resposta reparadora e biomecânica