Bovine anaplasmosis as a risk factor for retained placenta, mastitis, and abomasal displacement in dairy cattle.

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of IgG antibodies against A. marginale, the occurrence of this bacterium by qPCR, and the effect of bovine anaplasmosis as a risk factor for clinical cases of retained placenta, mastitis, and abomasal displacement in dairy cattle. For that 179 Holstein cows out of three dairy herds, in the municipality of Sertão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. These cows were on farms that were vulnerable to risk factors that are crucial to susceptibility among these animals to this intracellular hemoparasite. The mean seropositivity for A. marginale from the periods evaluated was 54% on farm A, 69.4% on farm B, and 27.3% on farm C. Molecular diagnosis was performed with qPCR and the mean positivity for A. marginale among the cows on farms A, B, and C in December 2017 was 34.6% (67/179). Infected animals showed clinical cases of retained placenta (6.1%), mastitis (6.1%), and abomasal displacement (0.5%). The association between positivity for anaplasmosis and these clinical cases was assessed through the odds ratio. Our results show that females with a positive qPCR assay for A. marginale had 52.48 times increased probability (OR) to develop clinical cases of retained placenta and mastitis (P < 0.001). These clinical cases negatively impact the productivity of positive females. Thus, implementing preventive and prophylactic control measures to ensure the sanitary quality of the herds is needed to avoid losses due to morbidity and mortality and diminish the economic losses suffered by farmers.

Surface immunoglobulins of erythrocytes and platelets in dogs naturally infected by Rangelia vitalii.

Rangelia vitalii is a protozoan of the Babesiidae family that parasitizes domestic and wild dogs in South American countries. The main laboratory findings in blood samples from animals infected by R. vitalii are anemia and thrombocytopenia. The aim of this study was to detect IgM and IgG immunoglobulins on the surface of red blood cells and platelets, as well as to determine the percentage of reticulated platelets and reticulocytes in dogs naturally infected by R. vitalii. Blood samples from twenty dogs seen at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) were divided into two groups: the diseased group consisted of blood samples from 10 animals with the diagnosis of rangeliosis, and the healthy group (control) consisted of samples from 10 healthy animals. All diseased dogs showed normocytic normochromic anemia but showed no differences (p > 0.05) in reticulocyte counts compared to healthy dogs. Moreover, IgM and IgG immunoglobulins were detected on the surface of the plasma membrane of red blood cells from both groups, but the amounts did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). Thrombocytopenia in infected animals was classified as severe. The percentage of reticulated platelets was higher (p < 0.001) in diseased dogs than in healthy animals. Diseased animals showed more IgM immunoglobulins bound to the surface of platelets than did the healthy group (p < 0.001). However, the amount of IgG bound to the surface of platelets was not different between groups. In conclusion, we showed that R. vitalii caused immune-mediated thrombocytopenia since IgM immunoglobulins were found on the surface of platelets of diseased dogs. We suggest that the binding of immunoglobulins on platelet surfaces contributes to early destruction of these cells and, consequently, alterations in hemostasis. An increase in reticulated platelets was noted in response to thrombocytopenia, indicating active thrombopoiesis.

Serological detection and molecular characterization of piroplasmids in equids in Brazil.

Equine piroplasmosis is a disease caused by the hemoparasites Babesia caballi and Theileria equi and is considered to be the most important parasitic infection affecting Equidae. The objective of the present study was to carry out an epidemiological molecular and serological survey for the presence of these two protozoal organisms in equids from the northwestern region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), south Brazil. For this purpose, blood samples were collected from 90 equids in the city of Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil. Those were animals used for sport activities, outdoor recreational riding, and work including cattle herding and mounted patrol. Anti-T. equi and anti-B. caballi IgG antibodies were detected in the sera of those animals by commercial ELISA kits. The molecular diagnosis of equine piroplasmosis due to T. equi or B. caballi (or both) consisted in the amplification of the 18S rRNA gene by nested PCR followed by sequencing of the amplified PCR product and sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis of the isolates; 17 (18.9%) and 5 (5.55%) out of the 90 serum samples tested in this study were positive for T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. Piroplasmid 18S rRNA gene fragments were detected by PCR in 24.4% (22/90) of the samples analysed and shared 99-100% identity with sequences of T. equi by BLASTn. Samples for the phylogenetic analysis were divided into 2 groups. In group A, there was close phylogenetic relationship between 4 sequences and sequences previously reported along the US-Mexico border, in South Africa, and in Brazil. There was a phylogenetic proximity between 5 samples from group B and samples tested by other authors in the US and Spain. Variation of the 18S rRNA gene allowed the identification of 9 new T. equi genotypes in the geographical region studied.

Does Previous Laparoscopic Experience Influence Basic Robotic Surgical Skills?

OBJECTIVE: Studies addressing the effect of laparoscopic experience on robotic skills have produced conflicting results. This study aimed to compare simulated robotic surgical tasks using the virtual reality simulator dV-Trainer between laparoscopically experienced surgeons and first-year surgical residents. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. Participants completed 4 trials of the following tasks on the dV-Trainer: Peg Board 2, Ring and Rail 1, and Suture Sponge 1. Performance was recorded using a computerized built-in scoring algorithm. Scores and metrics were compared between groups 1 and 2 and between the first and subsequent trials. SETTING: Hospital de Clínicas, Porto Alegre, Brazil, a tertiary care teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty laparoscopically experienced surgeons (group 1) and 20 first-year surgical residents (group 2). All participants completed the study. RESULTS: The overall scores for Peg Board 2 (738.04 ± 267.83 vs 730.39 ± 225.31; p = 0.57), Ring and Rail 1 (919.03 ± 242.69 vs 965.84 ± 222.96; p = 0.13), and Suture Sponge 1 (563.62 ± 185.50 vs 560.99 ± 152.71; p = 0.67) did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 2. Group 1 had better results for master workspace range in Peg Board 2 and Ring and Rail 1. Group 2 had higher scores for economy of motion in Peg Board 2 and Ring and Rail 1 and for excessive instrument force in Ring and Rail 1. In both groups, the overall scores in the third and fourth trials were significantly higher than those in the first trial. CONCLUSIONS: There are no significant differences in the performance of simulated robotic surgical tasks between laparoscopically experienced surgeons and laparoscopically naïve surgical residents. Some slight differences were observed in specific metrics, but these differences were not sufficient to change the final results. We may assume that laparoscopic experience should not be an essential step in the initial learning curve of robotic surgery.

Immunomodulatory effects of dietary ß-glucan in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) / Efeito imunomodulador da ß-glucana usada como aditivo alimentar em jundiás (Rhamdia quelen)

The immunomodulatory effects of dietary ß-glucan were evaluated in silver catfish. ß-glucan was added to the diet (0.01%, and 0.1%) and fed to the fish for 21 days, to evaluate effects on blood and some innate immune parameter, or fed for 42 days, to evaluate growth rate and resistance to challenge with pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila. We found that adding ß-glucan to the diet had no effect on fish growth and no effect on blood cells, or serum bacterial agglutination and serum myeloperoxidase activity. However, fish that received ß-glucan in the diet had the natural hemolytic activity of complement significantly higher compared to control fish. Furthermore, fish fed with ß-glucan and challenged with A. hydrophila had fewer bacteria in blood and presented a significantly higher survival rate compared to control fish. Thus, we concluded that ß-glucan might be explored as feed additive aiming to improve silver catfish innate immunity and resistance to specific pathogen.(AU)

O uso da ß-glucana como suplemento alimentar foi avaliado em jundiás. A ß-glucana foi adicionada à ração na proporção de 0.01%, e 0.1% e fornecida aos peixes por 21, para avaliar dados hematológicos e parâmetros do sistema imune natural, ou 42 dias, para avaliar ganho de peso e resistência ao desafio com Aeromonas hydrophila. A adição da ß-glucana na dieta não afetou o ganho de peso e não induziu alterações hematológicas nem alterações nos níveis de aglutininas e mieloperoxidase sanguínea. No entanto, a atividade hemolítica natural do sistema do complemento foi significativamente maior nos peixes alimentados com ß-glucana. Além disso, nos peixes alimentados com ß-glucana e desafiados com A. hydrophila, o número de bactérias isoladas do sangue foi significativamente menor, e a sobrevivência ao desafio foi significativamente maior do que nos peixes que não receberam ß-glucana. Consequentemente, concluímos que a ß-glucana tem potencial imunomodulador quando adicionada à dieta, nas condições experimentais aqui indicadas, e contribui para aumentar imunidade natural e a resistência dos jundiás ao desafio com patógenos específicos.(AU)

Rangelia vitalii, Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in dogs in Passo Fundo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Pathogens transmitted by ticks are an emerging problem worldwide, this study aimed to diagnose the causal agents of infection in dogs presenting suspected hemoparasitoses. Fifty-eight dogs with clinical signs such as depression, hemorrhagic diathesis and fever were evaluated regarding clinical presentation, hemogram, blood smears and serological tests, using the indirect immunofluorescence method for the agents Babesia vogeli and Ehrlichia canis and conventional PCR for Babesia spp. (gene 18S rRNA), Rangelia vitalii (gene 18S rRNA) and Ehrlichia spp. (gene dsb). Five (8.6%) of the 58 dogs were serologically positive for Babesia spp. and three (5.1%) for E. canis. Four dogs (6.8%) were positive for R. vitalii through the molecular diagnosis. The PCR products were sequenced and the DNA from R. vitalii was found to be 99% genetically identical to samples of R. vitalii that had been isolated in Brazil. No presence of Babesia spp. or E. canis was observed through PCR on the dogs evaluated here. The results indicate the presence of R. vitalii and exposure to Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia spp. among the dogs analyzed.

Rangelia vitalii, Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in dogs in Passo Fundo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Rangelia vitalii, Babesia spp. e Ehrlichia spp. em cães de Passo Fundo, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Abstract Pathogens transmitted by ticks are an emerging problem worldwide, this study aimed to diagnose the causal agents of infection in dogs presenting suspected hemoparasitoses. Fifty-eight dogs with clinical signs such as depression, hemorrhagic diathesis and fever were evaluated regarding clinical presentation, hemogram, blood smears and serological tests, using the indirect immunofluorescence method for the agents Babesia vogeli and Ehrlichia canis and conventional PCR for Babesia spp. (gene 18S rRNA), Rangelia vitalii (gene 18S rRNA) and Ehrlichia spp. (gene dsb). Five (8.6%) of the 58 dogs were serologically positive for Babesia spp. and three (5.1%) for E. canis. Four dogs (6.8%) were positive for R. vitalii through the molecular diagnosis. The PCR products were sequenced and the DNA from R. vitalii was found to be 99% genetically identical to samples of R. vitalii that had been isolated in Brazil. No presence of Babesia spp. or E. canis was observed through PCR on the dogs evaluated here. The results indicate the presence of R. vitalii and exposure to Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia spp. among the dogs analyzed.

Resumo Patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos são um problema emergente em todo o mundo, o trabalho objetivou diagnosticar os agentes causais da infecção em cães com suspeita de hemoparasitoses. Cinquenta e oito caninos com sinais clínicos como depressão, diáteses hemorrágicas e febre foram avaliados quanto à apresentação clínica, hemograma, esfregaço sanguíneo, sorologia pelo método de Imunofluorescência Indireta para os agentes Babesia vogeli e Ehrlichia canis e na PCR convencional para Babesia spp. (gene 18S rRNA), Rangelia vitalii (gene 18S rRNA) e Ehrlichia spp. (gene dsb). Cinco (8,6%) dos 58 cães apresentaram sorologia positiva para Babesia spp. e três (5,1%) para E. canis. Quatro (6,8%) animais mostraram-se positivos para R. vitalii no diagnóstico molecular. Os produtos da PCR foram sequenciados e o DNA encontrado de R. vitalii mostrou 99% de identidade genética com amostras de R. vitalii isoladas no Brasil. Não foi observada a presença de Babesia spp. e E. canis na PCR dos cães avaliados. Os resultados indicaram a presença de R. vitalii e exposição a Babesia spp. e Ehrlichia spp. entre os cães analisados.

Protein profile of lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and supplemented with selenium and copper.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal nematodes cause significant economic losses in the sheep industry, with frequent reports of anthelmintic resistance. Therefore, alternative methods to control these parasites are necessary. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of treatment with selenium and copper on the protein profile of sheep that were experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus. METHODS: Twenty-eight lambs were experimentally infected with H. contortus and divided into four experimental groups as follow: G1--untreated animals; G2--treated with sodium selenite; G3--treated with copper; G4--treated with sodium selenite and copper. The serum protein, body weight and egg count per gram of feces (EPG) were assessed at the baseline and after 20, 40, 60 and 80 days. The parasite burden was assessed 80 days after the beginning of the experiment. RESULTS: Higher levels of total protein and gamma globulin were observed in the lambs treated with sodium selenite and copper on D80. Copper acted as a growth promoter. The copper-supplemented groups exhibited higher daily and total weight gain. The association of selenium and copper altered the protein profile of sheep. Copper and selenium supplementation reduced EPG and worm burden at the end of the experiment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the positive effect of the combined parenteral supplementation of Se and Cu on H. contortus infection. CONCLUSIONS: This injectable supplementation could be used as an auxiliary method to control H. contortus in sheep.

Copper and selenium: auxiliary measure to control infection by Haemonchus contortus in lambs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selenium and copper on oxidative stress and its performance in lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus. Twenty-eight five-months old lambs were experimentally infected by the oral route with 5000 third-stage infective larvae and allocated into four groups, i.e., untreated animals, animals treated intramuscularly with sodium selenite (0.2 mg kg(-1)), animals treated subcutaneously with copper (3.5 mg kg(-1)), and animals treated with sodium selenite (IM; 0.2 mg kg(-1)) and copper (SC; 3.5 mg kg(-1)). These animals received oat hay (Avena sativa) and commercial concentrate, totaling 15% of crude protein, 30% being derived from oat hay and 70% of the concentrate. Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, eggs per gram of feces (EPG) and body weight were assessed on the day of infection and after 20, 40, 60 and 80 days post-infection. The number of H. contortus adults was assessed at the end of the experiment. The selenium associated or not with copper reduced the effects of oxidative stress caused by infection. The groups supplemented with copper had increased body weight, and the combination of these two minerals reduced the EPG and number of H. contortus adults in lambs. The use of selenium associated with copper may help the control of infection by H. contortus.

Biomarcadores inflamatórios e indicadores de estresse oxidativo em cadelas submetidas à ovariossalpingohisterectomia convencional, por NOTES híbrida e NOTES total / Inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress indicators in bitches subjected to conventional ovarysalpingohysterectomy, by hybrid NOTES and by total NOTE

Objetivou-se comparar a resposta inflamatória e o perfil oxidativo da técnica de ovariossalpingohisterectomia (OSH) convencional com duas técnicas de Cirurgia Endoscópica por Orifícios Naturais (NOTES). Foram utilizados 15 fêmeas, alocadas em três grupos de cinco animais. No primeiro grupo, a OSH foi realizada por celiotomia convencional, no segundo, por NOTES total e, no terceiro, por NOTES híbrida. Foram realizadas as coletas sanguíneas antes do procedimento cirúrgico (basal), 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 e 72h pós-operatórias. A atividade da catalase manteve-se alta nos três grupos estudados, entretanto a peroxidação lipídica, medida pelos níveis dos produtos de reação com o ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS), ocorreu mais acentuadamente no grupo convencional e foi quase que imperceptível no grupo de NOTES total. Nos três grupos estudados, ocorreu elevação na atividade da butirilcolinesterase e acetilcolinesterases, bem como aumento leucocitário neutrofílico nas primeiras horas pós-cirúrgicas. Conclui-se que a inflamação sistêmica acontece de forma similar nas três técnicas operatórias, com ressalva para as realizadas por NOTES total que mantiveram as mais baixas taxas oxidativas.

This study aimed at comparing the inflammatory response and the oxydative profile of the conventional ovarysalpingohysterectomy (OSH) technique to Totally Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) and Hybrid NOTES. Group of fifteen female dogs was used for each technique. Blood samples were taken before the surgical procedure (basal) and 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72h postoperative. The catalase activity was increased in the three studied groups. Nevertheless, lipid peroxidation, measured by TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) levels, was higher in the conventional group and almost indistinguishable in the total NOTES group. In the three analyzed groups, both butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase activities were increased as well as the neutrophil counts during the first post-surgical hours. It is possible to conclude that systemic inflammation occurs in a similar way in the three operative techniques; however, total NOTES technique presents lower levels of cellular oxidative damage, particularly if compared to the conventional approach.

Role of acute phase proteins in the immune response of rabbits infected with Trypanosoma evansi.

The aim of this study was to characterize the response of acute phase proteins (APP) in rabbits experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi), and to relate the findings with serum immunoglobulins levels, in order to verify the relation between APP and the immune response of rabbits. A total of 12 animals were used in this experiment and divided into 2 groups, control and infected, of six rabbits each. The experimental period was 118 days, and blood was collected on days 0, 5, 20, 35, 65, 95 and 118 post-infection (PI). The infection with T. evansi stimulated APP and immunoglobulins production, once the infected animals showed an increase in C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, alpha 2-macroglobulin and IgM levels. The elevation in IgM levels observed in this study, when related to the increase in C-reactive protein and haptoglobin levels, suggests the involvement of these proteins in host defense against flagellated protozoa, with possible participation in the control of the parasitemia in rabbits infected with T. evansi.

Rangelia vitalii: changes in the enzymes ALT, CK and AST during the acute phase of experimental infection in dogs.

Rangelia vitalii is a protozoon that causes diseases in dogs, and anemia is the most common laboratory finding. However, few studies on the biochemical changes in dogs infected with this protozoon exist. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the biochemical changes in dogs experimentally infected with R. vitalii, during the acute phase of the infection. For this study, 12 female dogs (aged 6-12 months and weighing between 4 and 7 kg) were used, divided in two groups. Group A was composed of healthy dogs (n = 5); and group B consisted of infected animals (n = 7). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 10, 20 and 30 after infection, using tubes without anticoagulant to obtain serum and analyze the biochemical parameters. An increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) on day 20 (P < 0.05) was observed. Also, increased creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were observed throughout the experimental period (P < 0.05). No changes in the serum gamma-glutamyltransferase, urea and creatinine levels were observed. Thus, is possible to conclude that experimental infection with R. vitalii in dogs causes changes to the biochemical profile, with increased ALT, AST and CK enzyme levels.

Rangelia vitalii: changes in the enzymes ALT, CK and AST during the acute phase of experimental infection in dogs / Rangelia vitalii: mudanças nas enzimas ALT, CK e AST na fase aguda da infecção experimental em cães

Rangelia vitalii is a protozoon that causes diseases in dogs, and anemia is the most common laboratory finding. However, few studies on the biochemical changes in dogs infected with this protozoon exist. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the biochemical changes in dogs experimentally infected with R. vitalii, during the acute phase of the infection. For this study, 12 female dogs (aged 6-12 months and weighing between 4 and 7 kg) were used, divided in two groups. Group A was composed of healthy dogs (n = 5); and group B consisted of infected animals (n = 7). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 10, 20 and 30 after infection, using tubes without anticoagulant to obtain serum and analyze the biochemical parameters. An increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) on day 20 (P < 0.05) was observed. Also, increased creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were observed throughout the experimental period (P < 0.05). No changes in the serum gamma-glutamyltransferase, urea and creatinine levels were observed. Thus, is possible to conclude that experimental infection with R. vitalii in dogs causes changes to the biochemical profile, with increased ALT, AST and CK enzyme levels.

Rangelia vitalii é um protozoário que causa doença em cães, sendo a anemia o achado laboratorial mais frequente. No entanto, existem poucos estudos sobre as alterações bioquímicas em cães infectados com o protozoário. Assim, este estudo tem como objetivo investigar as alterações bioquímicas de cães experimentalmente infectados com R. vitalii na fase aguda da infecção. Para o estudo, foram utilizados 12 cães fêmeas (com idade entre 6 a 12 meses e peso entre 4 a 7 kg), divididos em dois grupos. O grupo A (n = 5) foi composto de animais saudáveis e o grupo B (n = 7) de animais infectados. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias zero, dez, vinte e trinta PI, utilizando tubos sem anticoagulante para obtenção de soro e análise dos parâmetros bioquímicos. Foi observado um aumento na alanino aminotransferase (ALT) no dia 20 PI (P < 0,05) e aumento na creatinoquinase (CK) e aspartato aminotransferase (AST) em todo o período experimental (P < 0,05). Não foram observadas alterações séricas na gama-glutamiltransferase, uréia e creatinina. Portanto, é possível concluir que a infecção experimental por R. vitalii causa alterações no perfil bioquímico, com aumento na ALT, CK e AST.

17-ß estradiol in the acetylcholinesterase activity and lipid peroxidation in the brain and blood of ovariectomized adult and middle-aged rats.

AIMS: To investigate the 17-ß estradiol in the acetylcholinesterase activity and lipid peroxidation in the brain and blood of ovariectomized rats of different ages. MAIN METHODS: Animals were randomly assigned into three experimental groups of each age (n=6). Control groups consisted of adult (sham-A) and middle-aged (sham-MA) female rats, ovariectomized adult (OVX-A) and middle-aged (OVX-MA) rats without estrogen therapy reposition, and ovariectomized adult (OVX+E2-A) and middle-aged (OVX+E2-MA) rats treated with 17-ß estradiol for 30days. After this period, AChE activity and lipid peroxidation were measured in the brain and blood. KEY FINDINGS: The AChE activity increased (p<0.05) in striatum (ST) in OVX-A, OVX+E2-A and OVX-MA, and hippocampus (HP) in OVX-MA. The enzyme activity decreased (p<0.05) in ST of OVX+E2-MA, and cerebral cortex (CC) in OVX+E2-A, OVX-MA and OVX+E2-MA. Blood AChE activity increased (p<0.05) in OVX+E2-A and decreased (p<0.05) in OVX-MA. Lymphocyte AChE activity increased (p<0.05) in OVX-A and OVX+E2-A and decreased (p<0.05) in OVX-MA. Lipid peroxidation increased (p<0.05) in ST of OVX-A, CC of OVX-A and OVX-MA, HP of OVX-A, and cerebellum (CE) of OVX-A, OVX-MA, and OVX+E2-MA. Lipid peroxidation decreased (p<0.05) in ST, CC and CE of OVX+E2-A, and ST and HP of OVX+E2-MA. Similar values of lipid peroxidation to control groups were found in ST and HP of OVX-MA, HP of OVX+E2-A and CC of OVX+E2-MA. SIGNIFICANCE: 17-ß estradiol is able to modulate the AChE activity and non-neuronal cholinergic response as well as to reduce lipid peroxidation. Its response is dependent on the age and brain structure analyzed.

Transplante de fração total de células mononucleares ou fração vascular estromal associada à membrana celulósica em feridas cutâneas experimentais de coelhos / Total fraction of mononuclear cell or stromal vascular fraction transplant associated with cellulosic membrane in experimental cutaneous wounds in rabbits

A pele apresenta diversas funções importantes para o organismo. A manutenção de sua integridade é fundamental, entre outras, para impedir a penetração de microrganismos e a perda de líquidos essenciais à manutenção da vida. Por estar constantemente exposta ao meio ambiente, a pele é altamente susceptível a traumas que podem acarretar soluções de continuidade. A cicatrização da pele ferida deve ser rápida e diversas alternativas são buscadas, visando à redução do tempo de reparo a fim de garantir cicatriz funcional e esteticamente aceitável. Uma opção cada vez mais viável para reparar tecidos danificados é a terapia celular com células-tronco adultas. Os objetivos deste trabalho consistiram em avaliar o transplante da fração total de células mononucleares (FTCM) da medula óssea (MO) e da fração vascular estromal (FVE) do tecido adiposo (TA), associado ao uso da membrana celulósica. Para realização deste experimento, 20 coelhos foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos com cinco animais cada. Após a indução da ferida cutânea experimental, o grupo A, não recebeu nenhum tratamento, o grupo B, recebeu apenas membrana celulósica e os grupos C e D, além de receberem a membrana, foram submetidos a transplante autólogo da FTCM, com valor total de células entre 6,92 x 106 a 4,91 x 107 e uma viabilidade de 82 a 97% ou da FVE, com valor total de células entre 9,6 x 105 e 6,5 x 106 e uma viabilidade de 66 a 87%, respectivamente. Ao final do período de avaliação, os três grupos tratados apresentaram diferença estatística significativa da área da ferida em relação ao grupo controle e o grupo que recebeu a FVE do tecido adiposo apresentou o menor tempo de cicatrização da ferida.

The skin presents various important functions to the organism. The maintenance of its integrity is fundamental, among others, to prevent penetration of microorganisms and exit of liquids essential to life maintenance. Due to its constant environment exposure, the skin is highly susceptible to trauma which can result solutions of continuity. The healing of wounded skin should be fast and many alternatives are searched for, aiming to reduce repair time and to guarantee a functional and esthetically acceptable scar. One option to repair injured tissues which is ever more viable is cellular therapy with adult stem cells. The aims of this study consisted in evaluating the transplant of total mononuclear cell fraction (TMCF) from bone marrow (BM) or stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue (AT), associated with the use of cellulose membrane. To carry out this experiment, 20 rabbits were randomly divided in four groups with five animals each. After induction of the experimental cutaneous wound, Group A did not receive any treatment; group B received only cellulose membrane; and groups C and D, in addition to receiving the membrane, were submitted to autologous transplant of TMCF, with total cell value between 6,92 x 106 and 4,91 x 107 and a viability of 82 to 97% or SVF, with total cell value between 9,6 x 105 and 6,5 x 106 and a viability of 66 a 87%, respectively. At the end of the evaluation period, the three treated groups presented significant statistical difference of wound area in relation to the control group, and the group which received SVF from adipose tissue presented the shortest wound healing time.

Serum proteinogram of cats experimentally infected by Trypanosoma evansi.

This study was aimed at evaluating the electrophoretic profile of serum proteins in Trypanosoma evansi-infected cats during different periods of infection. Thirteen adult females non-breeding Felis catus were separated into two groups. Animals from the infected group (n=7) were inoculated intraperitoneally with a strain of T. evansi; whereas, animals from the control group (n=6) received a physiological solution. Blood samples were collected at days 0, 7, 21, and 35 for total protein evaluation and protein fractionation by electrophoresis. Albumin (P<0.01), alpha-2 globulin and gamma globulin (P<0.05) concentrations were statistically different from the seventh day post-inoculation onwards. Beta-globulin levels were increased from day 21 onwards (P<0.05). Alpha-1 globulin fraction did not differ statistically. These results indicate that the infection by T. evansi in cats alters the serum protein electrophoretic profile.

Decanoato de nandrolona no hemograma e nas células mononucleares da medula óssea de ratos Wistar hígidos / Nandrolone decanoate in the hemogram and bone marrow mononuclear cells of healthy Wistar rats

O decanoato de nandrolona (DN), um estimulante do sistema hematopoético, caracteriza-se por ser um medicamento acessível aos proprietários de animais com escassos recursos econômicos. Assim, este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses do DN no hemograma e na quantificação e a viabilidade das células mononucleares (CM) da medula óssea (MO), juntamente com a marcação das células hematopoéticas CD34+ de ratos Wistar saudáveis. Para isso, 48 animais foram separados em seis tratamentos, de forma aleatória, com oito animais cada. Os grupos foram constituídos por: G1 - controle (solução fisiológica); G2 - controle diluente (somente veículo oleoso de origem vegetal); G3 - 0,42mg kg-1 de DN; G4 - 1,8mg kg-1 de DN; G5 - 4,6mg kg-1 de DN; e G6 - 10,0mg kg-1 de DN. O fármaco foi aplicado semanalmente por três semanas. Os parâmetros hematológicos e medulares avaliados não tiveram diferença significativa entre os grupos, o que pode ter sido influenciado pela condição da MO ou pelo intervalo entre as doses. De acordo com os resultados obtidos e nas condições em que esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida, pode-se concluir que o DN não altera o hemograma, a quantificação e a viabilidade das CM e a marcação de CD34+ em ratos wistar saudáveis.

Nandrolone Decanoate (ND), a hematopoietic system stimulant, is characterized as an accessible medicament for low-income pet owners. The aim of this research is to study the effect of different ND doses in the blood cytological parameters and the quantification and viability of the bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells (MC), together with the labeling of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells of healthy Wistar rats. Forty eight animals were randomly separated into six different groups of treatment, each composed of eight animals. These groups were divided in: G1 - control group (physiologic solution); G2 - diluent control (only vegetal oily vehicle); G3 - ND 0.42mg kg-1; G4 - ND 1.8mg kg-1; G5 - ND 4.6mg kg-1 and G6 - ND 10.0mg kg-1. The drug was weekly applied for three weeks. The hematologic and medullar analyzed parameters showed no significant difference between the groups, which may have been influenced by the BM conditions or by the applications frequency. According to the results obtained and according to the conditions under which this research was developed, it can be concluded that ND did not affect the blood cytological parameters, quantification and viability of MC and CD34+ labeling in healthy Wistar rats.

Primeiro registro de Trypanosoma vivax em bovinos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / First report of Trypanosoma vixax in bovines in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Este estudo teve o objetivo de relatar a ocorrência de Trypanosoma vivax no Sul do Brasil. O protozoário foi diagnosticado em esfregaço sanguíneo de um bovino e a identificação baseada na morfologia das formas tripomastigotas e confirmada pela técnica de reação em cadeia de polimerases (PCR). O animal infectado apresentou sintomatologia compatível com a forma nervosa da infecção por T. vivax. Outros bovinos que compartilhavam o mesmo ambiente apresentaram resultados negativos para T. vivax por PCR. Este é o primeiro registro de T. vivax no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul e na região Sul do Brasil.

This study aimed at reporting the occurrence of Trypanosoma vivax in southern Brazil. The protozoan was diagnosed through peripheral blood smear evaluation of a bovine and confirmed by the evaluation of the trypomastigote forms morphology and by the Polimerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The animal showed clinical signs similar to the nervous form of the infection by T. vivax. Negative results for T. vivax were found in other bovines grazing in the same paddock. This is the first report of T. vivax in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and in the southern region of Brazil.

Trypanosoma evansi: hematologic changes in experimentally infected cats.

This study aimed at evaluating hemogram and erythropoietic changes in cats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi. Thirteen adult female non-breeding Felix catus were separated into two groups: seven animals were infected with 10(8) trypomastigotes each, and six animals were used as negative controls. Animals were kept in air-conditioned rooms and blood smears were performed daily for 49 days. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at days 0, 7, 21, 35 and 49 and stored in blood-collecting tubes containing anticoagulant. Bone marrow was collected from the proximal epiphysis of the right femur at days 14 and 42 post-inoculation (PI). Total erythrocyte count, hematocrit and hemoglobin showed statistical differences among groups from the seventh day PI onwards (P<0.05). The mean corpuscular volume and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration remained normal, characterizing a normocytic-normochromic anemia. Reticulocyte count increased in the infected group from the 21st day onwards, but remained near normal values suggesting a mild regenerative anemia. Moreover, the myeloid:erythroid ratio significantly reduced at day 42 PI, evidencing a bone marrow hematopoietic response. Based on these results we conclude that cats infected with T. evansi have normocytic, normochromic, regenerative anemia.

Ocorrência de Trypanosoma evansi em eqüinos no município de Cruz Alta, RS, Brasil / Occurrence of Trypanosoma evansi in equines in Cruz Alta, RS, Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a ocorrência de Trypanosoma evansi em eqüinos no município de Cruz Alta, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, abordando aspectos epidemiológicos e sinais clínicos da infecção. A tripanosomose ocorreu em uma propriedade rural no município de Cruz Alta. Ao exame clínico, observou-se que quatro dos animais apresentavam marcha oscilante, com incoordenação dos membros posteriores. No entanto, eles estavam em bom estado nutricional, sem febre, bem hidratados e alimentavam-se normalmente. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue das éguas para hemograma, sendo identificado aumento das proteínas plasmáticas, leucocitose, eosinofilia e linfocitose em animais com sinais clínicos. No esfregaço sangüíneo periférico, observou-se a forma flagelada do T. evansi em três dos eqüinos.

This study aimed at describing the occurrence of Trypanosoma evansi in equines from the city of Cruz Alta, RS, Brazil, relating epidemiological aspects and clinical signs of the infection. The tripanosomiasis occurred in a rural area of Cruz Alta, RS. Clinical signs presented by four animals were stiff and incoordinated gait of the pelvic members, although they were in good nutritional status, without fever, well-hydrated and eating normally. Blood samples were collected from the mares for hemogram. Increased levels of plasmatic proteins, leukocytosis, eosinophilia, and limphocytosis were observed in animals with clinical signs. Flagellated forms of T. evansi were observed in the blood smear of three animals.