Surgical gowns as a safety barrier under non-standard environmental conditions.

In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate whether surgical gowns become contaminated during surgery. Samples from the gowns of five surgeons during 19 surgeries were collected using sterile swabs in circular standard delimited areas on both wrists and the mid-chest at three time-points: immediately before surgical incision (t=0), 30 min (t=30), and 60 min (t=60) later. Additionally, at t=0 and t=60, three settle plates of plate count agar were positioned at 1.5 m from the ground and remained open for 20 min. The operating room temperature and relative humidity were monitored. The swabs were cultivated and incubated, and colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) counts were measured. The CFU/g counts for bacteria or fungi did not differ among the three sampling sites. The surgeons' lateral dominance in manual dexterity did not influence the gowns' contamination. There were significant variations in the temperature and relative humidity over time, but not in the CFU/g counts. In conclusion, during the first hour of surgery, surgical gowns did not become a source of contamination and are an effective barrier against bacterial and fungal contamination even under non-standard surgical environmental conditions.

Antimicrobial Potential of Essential Oils from Cerrado Plants against Multidrug-Resistant Foodborne Microorganisms.

Foodborne pathogens are a real public health concern in an escalating antimicrobial resistance scenario. Natural products represent a promising source of bioactive molecules, and essential oils have attracted much attention due to their myriad of biological properties, including antibacterial activities. In this context, essential oils obtained from the leaves of Chromolaena squalida, Campomanesia sessiliflora, Myrsine guianensis, Matayba guianensis, Siparuna guianensis, Ocotea minarum and Endlicheria paniculata-species from the Cerrado biome of Midwest Brazil-were extracted and evaluated for their antibacterial activity against a panel of four standard and three clinical multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. All tested oils showed moderate to good activity against at least four bacterial strains, including Salmonella Typhi and oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus. The essential oils from C. squalida, C. sessiliflora, My. guianensis and Ma. guianensis showed strong inhibition of clinical Staphylococcus strains, which cause bovine mastitis and are related to milk-borne diseases. Their chemical profiles were investigated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS), which revealed a predominance of mono- and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, some of which with well-known antimicrobial properties. The essential oil from Cerrado plants proved active against resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, revealing their potentialities for the development of new alternative agents to prevent the spreading of resistant bacterial contamination.

The gynecological examination in Pantaneiro mares.

Gynecological examination is essential to assess the reproductive tract of mares and can provide important information about the uterine environment. It includes physical, vaginal, and rectal examination, ultrasound, cytology, culture, and endometrial biopsy. The present study aimed to perform gynecological examination and fertility to assess the fertility prognosis of Pantaneiro mares that have not been reproductively active and to determine their reproductive ability. Eight mares underwent ultrasound and gynecological examination and artificial insemination. Ultrasound revealed changes only in one mare. Histopathological findings were mild, such as periglandular and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates, fibrotic areas, glandular dilation, glandular island formation, and edema due to the phase of the estrous cycle. One animal was classified in category I and the others in category IIA. Cytological changes were found in only one mare. Endometrial culture from five mares resulted in isolation of Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp., Escherichia coli and Candida sp. Only four mares resulted pregnant through artificial insemination, using the same stallion with fresh semen, which has been proving fertility. Thus, mares with better uterine conditions will not always become pregnant and those with mild changes will not always be barren.

Propolis extract in tshe diet of weaned piglets / Extrato de própolis na dieta de leitões desmamados

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to assess the use of propolis ethanolic extract as an alternative to performance-enhancing antibiotics for piglets. Seventy piglets weaned at 21 days of age, with initial weights of 7.3±0.4kg and final weights of 24.9±1.2kg, were randomly assigned to five diets: positive control (diet with 200ppm antibiotic); negative control (diet without growth promoter); and diets with 100, 500, and 1,000ppm of brown propolis ethanolic extract, with seven replicates of two piglets each. The duration of the experimental period was 35 days. The diets did not influence (P>0.05) daily feed intake, daily weight gain, final weight, and feed conversion of animals. The bacteriological profile of the nasal swab presented a predominance of gram-positive bacteria commonly associated with the mucous membranes in all samples. Rectal swabs did not present atypical bacterial isolates. The use of ethanolic propolis extract in diets did not alter the performance of weaned piglets, nor did it affect the bacteriological profile, fecal score, or the occurrence of diarrhea in piglets.

RESUMO: Esta pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de investigar a utilização de extrato etanóico de própolis como alternativa aos antibióticos melhoradores de desempenho para leitões. Foram avaliados 70 leitões desmamados aos 21 dias de idade, com pesos iniciais de 7,3±0,4kg e final de 24,9±1,2kg. Estes foram distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com cinco dietas: controle positivo - dieta com 200ppm de antibiótico; controle negativo - dieta sem promotor de crescimento; dietas com 100, 500 e 1.000ppm de extrato etanóico de própolis marrom, com sete repetições de dois leitões cada. A duração do período experimental foi de 35 dias. As dietas não influenciaram (P>0,05) no consumo de ração diária, ganho de peso diário, peso final e a conversão alimentar dos animais. O perfil bacteriológico da swab nasal apresentou predomínio de bactérias Gram positivas comumente associadas às membranas das mucosas em todas as coletas realizadas. As swabs retais não apresentaram isolamento atípico. A utilização do extrato etanóico de própolis nas dietas não altera o desempenho de leitões desmamados, bem como não afeta o perfil bacteriológico, escore fecal e a ocorrência de diarreia dos leitões.

First genetic identification of Cryptosporidium parvum subtype IIaA14G2R1in beef cattle in Brazil.

The presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in a cattle herd registered with an outbreak of diarrhea was investigated and the the molecular subtyping of Cryptosporidium parvum was characterized. Fecal samples from 85 Nellore beef cattle (Bos indicus) were collected and examined with Ziehl-Neelsen modified staining method. Fifty-four cattle (63.52%) had Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in their feces. Fragments of genes encoding the 18S ribosomal RNA subunit and a 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) were amplified by nested PCR accomplished in the 11 most heavily parasitized samples, and the amplicons were sequenced. Eight of the 11 analyzed samples were positive for 18S rRNA sequences and identified monospecific infections with C. parvum. Seven samples were positive for gp60 and identified subtypes IIaA15G2R1 (6/11) and IIaA14G2R1 (1/11). This report is the first for C. parvum subtype IIaA14G2R1 in beef cattle in Brazil.

Métodos disponíveis e possíveis para o diagnóstico da leishmaniose visceral americana canina / Available and possible methods for the diagnosis of American canine visceral leishmaniasis

Nesta revisão são apresentadas as técnicas disponíveis para o diagnóstico da leishmaniose visceral americana, em especial para o diagnóstico do reservatório doméstico canino, sendo discutidas as vantagens e desvantagens de cada método, em termos de diagnóstico individual, em programas de controle e para avaliação epidemiológica.

Effects of platelet-rich plasma gel on skin healing in surgical wound in horses.

PURPOSE: To establish a low-cost method to prepare platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and evaluates the potential of platelet derived factors to enhance wound healing in the surgical wounds in equine. METHODS: To obtain a PRP gel, calcium gluconate and autologous thrombin were added to platelet-rich plasma. For the tests six saddle horses were used and two surgical incisions were made in each animal. Wounds were treated with PRP gel or untreated. Sequential wound biopsies collected at Treatment 1: at days 5 and 30 and Treatment 2: at days 15 and 45 post wounding permitted comparison of differentiation markers and wound repair. RESULTS: The optimal platelets enrichment over 4.0 time's baseline values was obtained using 300 g for 10 min on the first centrifugation and 640 g for 10 min on the second centrifugation. CONCLUSION: Wounds treated with PRP gel exhibit more rapid epithelial differentiation and enhanced organization of dermal collagen compared to controls in equine.

Effects of platelet-rich plasma gel on skin healing in surgical wound in horses / Efeitos do gel de plasma rico em plaquetas na cicatrização de feridas cirúrgicas na pele de cavalos

PURPOSE: To establish a low-cost method to prepare platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and evaluates the potential of platelet derived factors to enhance wound healing in the surgical wounds in equine. METHODS: To obtain a PRP gel, calcium gluconate and autologous thrombin were added to platelet-rich plasma. For the tests six saddle horses were used and two surgical incisions were made in each animal. Wounds were treated with PRP gel or untreated. Sequential wound biopsies collected at Treatment 1: at days 5 and 30 and Treatment 2: at days 15 and 45 post wounding permitted comparison of differentiation markers and wound repair. RESULTS: The optimal platelets enrichment over 4.0 time's baseline values was obtained using 300 g for 10 min on the first centrifugation and 640 g for 10 min on the second centrifugation. CONCLUSION: Wounds treated with PRP gel exhibit more rapid epithelial differentiation and enhanced organization of dermal collagen compared to controls in equine.

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer um método econômico na preparação de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) e avaliar se os fatores derivados destas plaquetas aceleram a cicatrização de feridas cirúrgicas em cavalos. MÉTODOS: Gluconato de cálcio e trombina autógena foram adicionados ao PRP para a obtenção do gel de PRP. Foram usados seis cavalos de sela, cada um dos quais sofreu duas incisões cirúrgicas. Uma destas incisões foi tratada com gel de PRP e a outra suturada de maneira tradicional (controle). A biópsia das feridas foi coletada de maneira seqüencial; Tratamento 1. nos dias 5 e 30 e Tratamento 2. nos dias 15 e 45 do período pós-operatório permitindo uma comparação na diferenciação epitelial e no reparo das feridas. RESULTADOS: O enriquecimento das plaquetas obtido através de uma primeira centrifugação usando 300 g por 10 minutos e uma segunda 640 g por 10 minutos acelerou quatro vezes a reparação tecidual em relação ao controle. CONCLUSÃO: As feridas tratadas com gel de PRP apresentaram uma mais rápida diferenciação epitelial e acelerou a organização do colágeno da derme comparado ao grupo controle em cavalos.

Asymptomatic infection in family contacts of patients with human visceral leishmaniasis in Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil.

The Brazilian city of Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul State, has experienced an urban outbreak of visceral leishmaniasis since 2000. In 2002, due to the increase in the number of cases, 46 families with cases of visceral leishmaniasis were studied to verify the prevalence of asymptomatic infection in household contacts. Indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA showed a 36.4% positive infection rate. There were no cases of symptomatic disease among these contacts. There was no statistically significant difference in gender or age. Median age was 21 years, and the 10-19-year age bracket was the most heavily affected (23%). As for family characteristics, no differences were observed in schooling or family income; most families (58.7%) owned their homes, which were built of masonry (97.8%) and had adequate infrastructure. All the families reported what were probably phlebotomine sand flies in the peridomicile. In conclusion, asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis infection is frequent and occurs in both males and females, regardless of age.

Asymptomatic infection in family contacts of patients with human visceral leishmaniasis in Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil / Infecção assintomática em contactantes de pacientes com leishmaniose visceral humana em Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

The Brazilian city of Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul State, has experienced an urban outbreak of visceral leishmaniasis since 2000. In 2002, due to the increase in the number of cases, 46 families with cases of visceral leishmaniasis were studied to verify the prevalence of asymptomatic infection in household contacts. Indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA showed a 36.4 percent positive infection rate. There were no cases of symptomatic disease among these contacts. There was no statistically significant difference in gender or age. Median age was 21 years, and the 10-19-year age bracket was the most heavily affected (23 percent). As for family characteristics, no differences were observed in schooling or family income; most families (58.7 percent) owned their homes, which were built of masonry (97.8 percent) and had adequate infrastructure. All the families reported what were probably phlebotomine sand flies in the peridomicile. In conclusion, asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis infection is frequent and occurs in both males and females, regardless of age.

O Município de Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, foi alvo de uma epidemia de leishmaniose visceral a partir de 2000. Em 2002, devido ao incremento de casos, estudou-se 46 famílias que apresentavam um caso de doença para verificar-se o percentual de positividade de infecção assintomática por leishmaniose visceral em contactantes. Encontrou-se 36,4 por cento de positividade pelos testes sorológicos Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta e/ou imunoenzimático ELISA, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa quanto ao sexo e faixa etária. A mediana de idade foi de 21 anos, sendo a faixa etária mais acometida de 10 a 19 anos (23 por cento). Quanto às características familiares não observaram-se diferenças quanto ao nível de instrução e renda familiar; a moradia, em sua maioria, era própria (58,7 por cento), em alvenaria (97,8 por cento), com infra-estrutura adequada. Todas as famílias relataram a presença de provável flebotomíneo no peridomicílio. Conclui-se que a infecção assintomática por leishmaniose visceral é freqüente, ocorrendo em homens e mulheres, independente de faixa etária.