Histological biomarkers and biometric data on trahira Hoplias malabaricus (Pisces, Characiformes, Erythrinidae): a bioindicator species in the Mearim river, Brazilian Amazon.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of environmental contamination in a protected area in the Brazilian Amazon. For this, two areas were chosen along the Mearim River: the reference area (A1) and the potentially contaminated area (A2), where water samples were collected, for physicochemical and microbiological analyses, as well as specimens of Hoplias malabaricus, for the evaluation of biometric data and incidence of branchial lesions. The physicochemical analyzes of the water from both areas showed contamination (low levels of dissolved oxygen, tubidity and high iron concentrations, especially in A2). The microbiological analyzes showed that all water samples showed total coliform values higher than those acceptable by CONAMA and WHO (with higher values in A2), in addition to E. coli values higher than those allowed by legislation in A2. Regarding biometric data, male and female fishes were significantly longer and heavier in A1 during the dry and rain seasons and the gonadosomatic index also showed higher values in A1 than in A2 in both seasons. H. malabaricus showed gill lesions of minimal to moderate pathological importance in A1 and A2, indicating that specimens from both areas of the Mearim River showed biological responses to contamination. The observed changes in the water quality, bimetic parameters and the histological analyzes of the specimens of H. malabaricus directly reflect on the quality and health of the fishes in the Mearim River, and point to the urgent need for prevention and remediation of contamination in these ecosystems.

Effects of heat stress on pullet cloacal and body temperature.

One measure of the thermal status of poultry is cloacal temperature measured with a cloacal thermometer; however, this method requires handling the bird, is invasive, and can be stressful. Infrared thermography is an alternative means for assessing bird thermal status. The objective of this study was to investigate the body temperature response of pullets subjected to different environmental air temperatures during the growing phase and to evaluate the relationship between the cloacal temperature and the body parts surface temperature. A total of 648 chicks (Lohmann LSL Lite) were used in 2 different phases, phase I (day 1 through 6 wk of age) and phase II (week 7 through 17). During phase I, chicks were reared at 1 of 3 different thermal environments: thermal comfort (35°C-19°C), mild heat stress (38°C-22°C), or mild cold stress (28°C-17°C). In phase II, pullets were randomly redistributed to 1 of 4 daytime temperature treatments: 20°C; 25°C; 30°C; and 35°C, all with night time temperature of 20°C. Cloacal temperature and body surface temperature for 8 parts (head, eye, comb, chest, back, wing, leg, head area, and body area) were obtained weekly from 4 to 2 birds per treatment, respectively, during phase II. There were no effects for the interactions between the 2 experimental phases for cloacal and body parts surface temperature. There was a strong correlation (P < 0.001) between cloacal temperature and each body part temperature; cloacal temperature followed a quadratic response to environmental air temperature treatments. Pullets subjected to 35°C/20°C and 30°C/20°C had the highest body parts temperatures compared with the other 2 treatments (P < 0.05). The leg surface temperature was greatest in all treatments, and the chest the lowest. Regression between cloacal and body parts temperature had a 95% predictive accuracy of better than 0.4°C, suggesting a useful alternative to direct cloacal temperature measurement.

Productive performance and surface temperatures of Japanese quail exposed to different environment conditions at start of lay.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different environment conditions on productive performance and surface temperatures of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) during the initial stage of laying. In environmental controlled chambers, the birds were subjected to different temperatures and air velocities at the feeder. A total of 216 Japanese quails were distributed randomly in 2 galvanized wire cages, with 3 partitions each and 27 birds/cage. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with 2 treatments (air velocity at the feeder: 0, 1, 2, and 3 m/s and air temperature: 17, 23, 29, and 35°C) and 6 replicates. The productive performance was analyzed statistically (Sigma Plot 12.0) by 2-way ANOVA, with treatment means separated by the Tukey test (P < 0.05). To evaluate the main effects and interactions of the factors, the Holm-Sidak multiple comparisons test was performed using a mild condition as the control group (0 m/s). Feed intake did not differ (P > 0.05) among birds reared at temperatures of 23, 29, and 35°C, but higher feed intake was noted at 17°C. The mean values of egg production increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increased air velocity levels. It was observed that there was an increase in egg production and feed intake with the intensification of air velocity at the feeder, regardless of ambient temperature. Egg weight and feed conversion were not affected by air velocity treatments (P > 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between air temperature and mean surface temperature and head surface temperature. In contrast, a significant negative correlation was observed between air velocity and mean surface temperature and head surface temperature. Productive performance was affected by temperature and air velocity, except for egg weight and feed conversion, which was not influenced by air velocity. Air velocity is important in removing heat from the surface of birds.

Optical Characterization of Parathyroid Tissues.

The parathyroid glands are small and often similar to lymph nodes, fat, and thyroid tissue. These glands are difficult to identify during surgery and a biopsy of the parathyroid for identification can lead to damage of the gland. The use of static and time-resolved fluorescence techniques to detect biochemical composition and tissue structure alterations could help to develop a portable, minimally invasive, and nondestructive method to assist medical evaluation of parathyroid tissues. In this study, we investigated 10 human parathyroid samples by absorbance, fluorescence, excitation, and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. Moreover, we compared the results of time-resolved fluorescence measurements with 59 samples of thyroid tissues. The fluorescence lifetimes with emission at 340 nm were 1.09 ± 0.10 and 4.46 ± 0.06 ns for healthy tissue, 1.01 ± 0.25 and 4.39 ± 0.36 ns for benign lesions, and 0.67 ± 0.36 and 3.92 ± 0.72 ns for malignant lesions. The lifetimes for benign and malignant lesions were significantly different, as attested by the analysis of variance with confidence levels higher than 87%. For each class of samples (healthy, benign, and malignant) we perceived statistical differences between the thyroid and parathyroid tissue, independently. After further investigations, fluorescence methods could become a tool to identify normal and pathological parathyroid tissues and distinguish thyroid from parathyroid tissues.

Endoparasites of wild animals from three biomes in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Endoparasitas de animais silvestres de três biomas do Mato Grosso, Brasil

The population of wild animals is regulated by many biotic and abiotic factors, and parasites are a biotic factor that affects the dynamic and density of host populations. From 2002 to 2014, 62 wild animals from the biomes Pantanal, Amazon, and "Cerrado" (or Savanna), which died in attendance in the veterinary hospital or have been road-killed, underwent necropsy for parasitological examination. Overall, 36 species of parasites were identified from 24 host species. Among the parasites, the most prevalent order was Oxyurida (29.1%), followed by Strongylida (20.9%), Spirurida (19.4%), Ascaridida (16.2%), Pentastomida (3.2%), Echinostomida (3.2%), Gygantorhynchia (3.2%), Rhabditida (1.6%), Plagiorchiida (1.6%), and Monilimorfida (1.6%), especially nematodes, which have more biotic potential and is more easily adapted to the environment than other classes. The occurrence of endoparasites was observed more frequently in endothermic than ectothermic animals, and herein is reported eleven new host occurrences for endoparasites in wild animals. The study has contributed to the knowledge on the biodiversity of parasites in wild animals from three biomes in central-western Brazil.(AU)

Populações de animais selvagens são reguladas por diversos fatores bióticos e abióticos, e parasitas são um fator biótico que afetam a dinâmica e a densidade de populações. De 2002 até 2014, 62 animais silvestres provenientes dos biomas Pantanal, Amazônia e Cerrado, que vieram a óbito no atendimento do hospital veterinário ou foram encontrados atropelados em rodovias, foram submetidos à necropsia parasitológica. Ao todo 36 espécies de parasitas foram identificadas em 24 espécies de hospedeiros. Entre os parasitas, a ordem mais prevalente foi Oxyurida (29,1%), seguida por Strongylida (20,9%), Spirurida (19,4%), Ascaridida (16,2%), Pentastomida (3,2%), Echinostomida (3,2%), Gygantorhynchia (3,2%), Rhabditida (1,6%), Plagiorchiida (1,6%) e Monilimorfida (1,6%), destacando-se os nematódeos, por seu maior potencial biótico e facilidade de adaptação ao meio do que as demais classes. A maior ocorrência de endoparasitas foi observada em animais endotérmicos que ectotérmicos, e este estudo registra onze novas ocorrências de hospedeiros para endoparasitas de animais selvagens. O estudo contribui para o conhecimento da biodiversidade de parasitas em animais silvestres dos três biomas do Centro-Oeste do Brasil.(AU)

Optical characterization of normal, benign, and malignant thyroid tissue: a pilot study.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology is the standard technique to diagnose thyroid pathologies. However, this method has a high percentage of inconclusive and false-negative results for benign and malignant lesions. Hence, it is important to search for a new method to assist medical evaluation during these surgical procedures. The use of time-resolved fluorescence techniques to detect biochemical composition and tissue structure alterations could help to develop a portable, minimally invasive, and non-destructive method to assist medical evaluation. In this study, we investigated 17 human thyroid samples by absorbance, fluorescence, excitation, and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. This initial investigation has demonstrated that thyroid fluorescence originates from many endogenous fluorophores and culminates in several bands. The fluorescence lifetimes of benign and malignant lesions were significantly different, as attested by analysis of variance using Tukey test with individual confidence level of 98.06%. Our results suggest that fluorescence lifetimes of benign and malignant lesions can potentially assist diagnosis. After further investigations, fluorescence methods could become a tool for the surgeon to identify differences between normal and pathological thyroid tissues.

Biomarcadores histopatológicos na espécie Hoplias malabaricus (Pisces, Osteichthyes, Erythrinidae) em uma Unidade de Conservação de São Luís (MA) / Histopathological biomarkers in Hoplias malabaricus (Pisces, Osteichthyes, Erythrinidae) species in a protected area of São Luís (MA)

Neste estudo objetivou-se validar dois órgãos (brânquia e fígado) de Hoplias malabaricus para análise de biomarcadores de contaminação aquática na Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) do Maracanã em São Luís-MA. Exemplares de traíra foram capturados em uma lagoa de policultivo e no Rio Ambude, localizados na APA do Maracanã. A biometria foi realizada em laboratório. Brânquias e o fígado de cada espécime foram fixados em formol a 10% e mantidos em álcool a 70% até a execução da técnica histológica usual. Cortes de aproximadamente 5µm de espessura foram corados em hematoxilina e eosina (HE). Os resultados referentes à biometria dos peixes capturados durante o período de estiagem indicaram que o comprimento total e padrão dos exemplares foram maiores quando comparados com os indivíduos do período chuvoso. As alterações hepáticas identificadas foram: lipidose, necrose, infiltração leucocitária, vacuolização do citoplasma, hemossiderina e centro de melanomacrófagos. Constataram-se as seguintes lesões branquiais: fusão lamelar, aneurisma lamelar, deslocamento e necrose do epitélio, proliferações de células do muco e dilatação capilar. As respostas biológicas de H. malabaricus, registradas em nível branquial e hepático, podem ser caracterizadas como biomarcadores de contaminação aquática. As brânquias mostraram-se como os melhores órgãos para esse tipo de análise na espécie. Esses resultados indicam que os peixes da região apresentam a saúde comprometida por poluentes presentes nos ambientes analisados...

The aim of the present work was to validate two organs (liver and gill) of Hoplias malabaricus for analysis of aquatic contamination biomarkers in the Maracanã Environmental Protected Area (APA) in São Luís-MA. Trahira animals were captured in a pond polyculture and Ambude River located in Maracanã APA. Biometric analysis was performed in the laboratory. Gills and liver of each specimen were fixed in 10% formalin and kept in 70% alcohol to running the usual histological technique. Cuts of approximately 5μm thick were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE). The results concerning the biometrics of the fish caught during the dry season indicated that the total and standard length were higher when compared to the rainy season. The liver changes identified were: lipidosis, necrosis, leukocyte infiltration, vacuolization of the cytoplasm, hemosiderin and melanomacrophages centres. We found the following gill lesions: melting lamellar, lamellar aneurysm displacement, necrosis of the epithelium, proliferation of mucous cells and capillary dilation. The biological responses of H. malabaricus, recorded in gill and liver level, can be characterized as biomarkers of aquatic contamination. The gills appeared as the best organs for this kind of analysis in the species. These results indicate that the fish have health problems caused by pollutants present in the analyzed environments...

In vitro radioautographic studies of the biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals on blood elements.

In the present study we evaluated the binding of the radiopharmaceuticals sodium pertechnetate (Na 99mTcO4), methylenediphosphonic acid (99mTc-MDP) and glucoheptonate acid (99mTc-GHA) to blood elements using centrifugation and radioautographic techniques. Heparinized blood was incubated with the labelled compounds for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 24 h. Plasma (P) and blood cells (BC) were isolated and precipitated with 5% trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and soluble (SF) and insoluble fractions (IF) were separated. Blood samples were prepared (0 and 24 h) and coated with LM-1 radioautographic emulsions and percent radioactivity (%rad) in P and BC was determined. The binding of Na 99mTcO4 (%rad) to P was 61.2% (0 h) and 46.0% (24 h), and radioautography showed 63.7% (0 h) and 43.3% (24 h). The binding to BC was 38.8% (0 h) and 54.0% (24 h), and radioautography showed 36.3% (0 h) and 56.7% (24 h). 99mTc-MDP study presented 91.1% (0 h) to P and 87.2% (24 h), and radioautography showed 67.9% (0 h) and 67.4% (24 h). The binding to BC was 8.9% (0 h) and 12.8% (24 h), and radioautography showed 32.1% (0 h) and 32.6% (24 h). 99mTc-GHA study was 90.1% (0 h) to P and 79.9% (24 h), and radioautography showed 67.2% (0 h) and 60.1% (24 h). The binding to BC was 9.9% (0 h) and 20.1% (24 h), and radioautography showed 32.8% (0 h) and 39.9% (24 h). The comparison of the obtained results suggests that the binding to plasma and blood cells in the two techniques used (radioautography and centrifugation) is qualitatively in accordance.

In vitro radioautographic studies of the biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals on blood elements

In the present study evaluated the binding of the radiopharmaceuticals sodium pertechnetate (Na (99m)TcO4), methylenediphosphonic acid (99m)Tc-MDP)) and glucoheptonate acid (99m)Tc-GHA)) to blood elements using centrifugation and radioautographic techniques. Heparinized blood was incubated with the labelled compounds for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 24 h. Plasma (P) and blood cells (BC) were isolated and precipitated with 5 percent trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and soluble (SF) and isoluble fractions (IF) were separated. Blood samples were prepared (0 and 24 h) and coated with LM-1 radioautographic emulsions and percent radioactivity (percent rad) in P and BC was determined. The binding of Na (99m)TcO4 (percentrad) to P was 61.2 percent (0 h) and 46.0 percent (24 h), and radioautography showed 63.7 percent (0 h) and 43.3 percent (24 h). The binding to BC was 38.8 percent (0 h) and 54.0 percent (24 h), and radioautography showed 36.3 percent (0h) and 56.7 percent (24 h), and radioautography showed 36.3 percent (0 h) and 56.7 percent (24 h). (99m) Tc-MDP study presented 91.1 percent (0 h) to P and 87.2 percent (24 h), and radioautography showed 67.9 percent (0 h) and 67.4 percent (24 h). The binding to BC was 8.9 percent (0 h) and 12.8 percent (24 h), and radioautography showed 32.1 percent (0 h) and 32.6 percent (24 h). (99m)Tc-GHA study was 90.1 percent (0 h) to P and 79.9 percent (24 h), and radioautography showed 67.2 percent (0 h) and 60.1 percent (24 h). The binding to BC was 9.9 percent (0 h) and 20.1 percent (24 h), and radioautography showed 32.8 percent (0 h) and 39.9 percent (24 h). The comparasion of the obtained results suggests that the binding to plasma and blood cells in the two techniques used (radioautography and centrifugation) qualitatively in accordance.

In vitro effect of cyclophosphamide on the binding of radiopharmaceuticals (99mTcO4- and 99mTc-MDP) to blood elements.

Sodium pertechnetate (99mTcO4-) and many 99mTc-products are the radiopharmaceuticals most frequently used in nuclear medicine. Using an in vitro model, we evaluated the effect of cyclophosphamide on percent radioactivity of 99mTcO4- and methylenediphosphonic acid (99mTc-MDP) bound to isolated blood elements. Blood samples were incubated with the two radiopharmaceuticals, plasma and blood cells were separated and precipitated, and soluble and insoluble fractions were separated. To evaluate the effect of cyclophosphamide, blood was incubated with this drug 1 h prior to the addition of the radiopharmaceuticals. The fraction of 99mTcO4- radioactivity was slightly higher in plasma (61.2 to 53.8%) than in blood cells (38.8 to 46.2%) up to 6 h and cyclophosphamide did not interfere with this distribution. The amount of 99mTc-MDP radioactivity was higher in plasma (91.1 to 87.2%) than in blood cells (8.9 to 12.8%) up to 24 h and cyclophosphamide did not modify it. The binding of 99mTcO4- to the insoluble fraction of plasma (4.9 to 6.1%) was low and cyclophosphamide did not interfere with it up to 6 h, but a small blockade (9.8 to 4.8%) was observed at 24 h. From 3 h on, cyclophosphamide slightly inhibited 99mTcO4- binding to blood cells (23.1 to 16.6%) and increased it at 24 h (31.2 to 14.3%). Cyclophosphamide did not alter 99mTc-MDP binding to the insoluble fraction of blood cells and slightly decreased 99mTc-MDP binding to the insoluble fraction of plasma (29.8 to 23.6%) up to 6 h.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In vitro effect of cyclophosphamide on the binding of radiopharmaceuticals (99mTcO4 and 99mTc-MDP) to blood elements

Sodium pertechnetate (99mTcO4) and many99m Tc-products are the radiopharmaceuticals most frequently used in nuclear medicine. Using an in vitro model, we evaluated the effect of cyclophosphamide on per cent radioactivity of 99mTcO4 and methylenedi-phosphonic acid (99mTc-MDP) bound toi isolated blood elements. Blood samples were incubated with the two radiopharmaceuticals, plasma and blood cells were separated and precipitated, and soluble and insoluble fractions were separated. To evaluate the effect of cyclophosphamide, blood was incubated with this drug 1h prior to the addition of the radiopharmaceuticals. The fraction of 99mTcO4 radioactivity was slightly higher in plasma (61.2 to 53.8 per cent) than in blood cells (38.8 to 46.2 per cent) up to 6 h and cyclophosphamide did not interfere with this distribution. The amount of 99mTc-mdp radioactivity was higher in plasma (91.1 to 87.2 per cent) than in blood cells 8.9 to 12.9 per cent) up to 24 h and cyclophosphamide did not modify it. The binding of 99mTcO4 to the insoluble fraction of plasma (4.9 to 6.1 per cent) was low and cyclophosphamide did not interfere with it up to 6h, but a small blockade (9.8 to 4.8 per cent) was observed at 24 h. From 3 h on, cyclophosphamide slightly inhibited 99mTcO4 binding to blood cells (23.1 to 16.6 per cent) and increased it at 24h (31.2 to 14.3 per cent). Cyclophosphamide did not alter 99mTc-MDP binding to the insoluble fraction of blood cells and slightly decreased 99mTc-MDP binding to the insoluble fraction of plasma (29.8 to 23.6 per cent) up to 6 h. The effect of cyclophosphamide was strongest at 24 h, with decreased radioactivity binding to the insoluble fraction of plasma (47.6 to 27.0 per cent) and blood cells (51.2 to 23.2 per cent). The fact that cyclophosphamide can bind to plasma proteins and/or cross the cell membrne explains in part the results obtained. Studies using other chemotherapeutic drugs may lead to the development of an in vitro model for the evaluation of drug interaction with radiopharmaceutical substances

Effect of cyclophosphamide on the binding of 99mTcO-4 and 99mTc-MDP to blood cells and plasma proteins.

Since the introduction of technetium-99m (99mTc) and its rapid acceptance as a tool in nuclear medicine, very little information is available about its biological action as 99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals. We have determined if cyclophosphamide, an alkylating agent, used in oncology as a chemotherapeutic drug, modifies the binding of 99mTcO-4 and 99mTc-MDP (99mTc-methylenediphosphonic acid) to blood cells and to plasma proteins. The radiopharmaceuticals were injected intravenously (iv) into SW-55 mice (male and female, weight 25 g) and samples of plasma and blood cells were separated. Cyclophosphamide (50 micrograms) was injected iv 1 h before the radiopharmaceuticals. Samples of plasma and blood cells were also precipitated with 5% trichloroacetic acid and soluble and insoluble fractions were isolated. The following results were obtained: 1) cyclophosphamide did not alter (0.25 to 8 h) percent radioactivity of 99mTcO-4 in plasma or blood cells but increased the binding of 99mTc-MDP to blood cells; 2) cyclophosphamide did not alter (0.25 to 8 h) the binding of 99mTcO-4 in insoluble fraction of plasma and decreased (1 to 4 h) percent radioactivity of 99mTc-MDP in the insoluble fraction of plasma; 3) cyclophosphamide increased (0.25 to 4 h) percent radioactivity of 99mTcO-4 in the insoluble fraction of blood cells but did not alter the binding of 99mTc-MDP. Cyclophosphamide and/or its metabolites modified the effective half-life of these radiopharmaceuticals (to 99mTcO-4 was increased 2.3 to 3.4 h and to 99mTc-MDP was decreased 3.3 to 2.1 h) and possibly increased the permeability of blood cells to 99mTcO-4.

Effect of cyclophosphamide on the binding of 99mTcO4 and 99mTc-MDP to blood cells and plasma proteins

Since the introduction of technetium-99m (99mTc) and its rapid acceptance as a tool in nuclear medicine, very little information is available about is biological action as 99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals. We have determined if cyclophosphamide, an alkylating agent, used in oncology as a chemotherapeutic drug, modifies the binding of 99mTCO-4 and 99mTc-MDP (99mTc-metylenediphosphonic acid) to blood cells and to plasma proteins. The radiopharmaceuticals were injected intravenously (iv) into SW-55 mice (male and female, weight 25 g) and samples of plasma and blood cells were separated. Cyclophosphamide (50 µg) was injected iv 1 h before the radipharmaceuticals. Samples of plasma and blood cells were also precipitated with 5 per cent trichloroacetic acid and soluble and insoluble fractions were isolated. The following results were obtained: 1) cyclophosphamide did not alter (0.25 to 8h) percent radioactivity of 99m TcO04 in plasma or blood cells but increased the binding of 99m Tc-MDP to blood cells; 2) cyclophosphamide did not alter (o.25 to 8h) 6the binding of 99m TcO-4 in insoluble fraction of plasma and decreasde (1 to 4h) percent radioactivity of 99mTc-MDP in the insoluble fraction of plasma; 3) cyclophosphamide increased (0.25 to 4h) percent radioactivity of 99mTcO-4 in the insoluble fraction of blood cells but did not alter the binding of 99m Tc-MDP. Cyclophosphamide and/ or its methabolities modified the effective half-life of these radiopharmaceuticals (to 99TcO-4 was increased 2.3 to 3.4h and to 99mTc-MDP was decreased 3.3 to 2.1 h) and possibly increased the permeability of blood cells to 99m TcO-4

Object reconstruction from photon-limited centroided data of randomly translating images.

Centroiding is investigated as a simple and computationally fast technique of object reconstruction, at low light level, from randomly translating images. A relationship between the spectrum of the average N-photon centroided frame and the object spectrum is presented as well as an algorithm for retrieving the phase in the case of one-dimensional objects. Computer-simulated data are used to test the relationship and the reconstruction algorithm.