Prognostic markers of canine pyometra / Marcadores prognósticos na piometra canina

The pyometra is a disease that affects middle age and elderly female dogs during diestrus. Hormonal, microbiological, biochemical and hematological aspects are well described. However, few studies have evaluated the role of each in the prognosis of canine pyometra. The aim of this study was to identify markers associated with clinical worsening of dogs with pyometra. We prospectively evaluated 80 dogs with pyometra treated surgically. Group 1 consisted of dogs that were discharged within 48 hours after surgery and Group 2 consisted of those who required prolonged hospitalization or died. The findings of hematological, biochemical and blood lactate levels were compared between groups and variables such as bacterial multidrug resistance, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), hyperlactatemia and increased creatinine were analyzed through the dispersion of frequencies between groups. Among the variables studied, the presence of SIRS and elevated serum creatinine >2.5mg/mL were effective in predicting the worsening of the disease and can be used as prognostic markers of canine pyometra...

A piometra é doença que acomete as fêmeas da espécie canina de meia-idade a idosa durante o diestro. Aspectos hormonais, microbiológicos, hematológicos e bioquímicos são bem descritos. Entretanto, são poucos os estudos que avaliam o papel de cada um desses no prognóstico da piometra canina. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar marcadores associados ao agravamento clínico de cadelas com piometra. Foram avaliadas prospectivamente 80 cadelas com piometra tratadas cirurgicamente. O grupo 1 foi composto por cadelas que receberam alta até 48 horas de pós-operatório, e o grupo 2 por aquelas que necessitaram de internamento prolongado ou morreram. Os achados hematológicos, bioquímicos e os níveis do lactato sanguíneo foram comparados entre os grupos, e variáveis como multirresistência bacteriana, síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica (SIRS), hiperlactatemia e aumento da creatinina foram analisadas por meio da dispersão de frequências entre os grupos. Entre as variáveis estudadas, a presença de SIRS e a elevação da creatinina sérica >2,5mg/mL foram eficazes em predizer o agravamento da doença e podem ser utilizadas como marcadores prognósticos da piometra canina...

Determination of Neisseria gonorrhoeae susceptibility to ciprofloxacin in clinical specimens from men using a real-time PCR assay.

A real-time PCR (RT-PCR) assay was modified to simultaneously detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae and to determine gonococcal susceptibility to ciprofloxacin using clinical samples. The modified RT-PCR assay was validated using DNA extracted from 40 linked isolates and urethral swabs, 24 of which had linked first-pass urine samples, obtained from men presenting with urethral gonorrhoea. The RT-PCR assay enabled amplification of N. gonorrhoeae dcmH, gyrA and parC genes. The quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) of the isolates' gyrA and parC genes were sequenced. Following successful validation, 33 first-pass urine-derived DNA extracts, obtained from men with gonorrhoea, were tested with the assay and results were compared with blinded ciprofloxacin susceptibility data. Gonococcal susceptibility to ciprofloxacin correlated perfectly with gyrA amplicon generation. No gyrA amplicons were detected for gonococcal infections due to ciprofloxacin-intermediate/resistant organisms. Amplification of parC correlated less well with ciprofloxacin susceptibility phenotypes. Simultaneous non-generation of gyrA and parC amplicons consistently predicted the presence of ciprofloxacin-resistant gonococci. Characteristic point mutations in the gyrA/parC QRDRs were found in DNA amplified from those extracts that failed to produce gyrA/parC amplicons. The RT-PCR assay performed well with DNA extracted from first-pass urine specimens and results correlated perfectly with ciprofloxacin susceptibility phenotypes. In conclusion, the modified RT-PCR assay can detect N. gonorrhoeae in DNA extracted from first-pass urine specimens of men with urethral gonorrhoea and accurately predicts gonococcal susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. This molecular assay provides a useful tool for surveillance and patient management in settings where fluoroquinolones can still be used for treatment of gonorrhoea.

Estrogens need insulin-like growth factor I cooperation to exert their neuroprotective effects in post-menopausal women.

BACKGROUND: The abrupt fall in estrogens levels during the menopausal transition may connote an hormonal state predisposing to neurodegenerative disorders, e.g. Alzheimer's disease (AD). Reportedly, the neurotrophic activity of estrogen involves an interaction with IGF-I. AIM: To evaluate the leukocyte gene expression of progesterone receptor (PR-A/B) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), two parameters under the control of estrogens and involved in the pathogenesis of AD. SUBJECTS: The study was conducted in non-demented women divided into two groups according to their pre- or post-menopausal state; each group being further divided into two subgroups based on their circulating levels of IGF-I (normal or low). An additional sample of AD-affected women served as a comparison group. RESULTS: Estrogens maintained their full activity only when IGF-I levels were in the range of normalcy. On the contrary, if the concentrations of one or both hormones were reduced, estrogens were not anymore capable to control the gene expression of PR-A/B or IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: Before administering hormone-based replacement therapy, characterization of the somatotropic function should be performed in the early phase of the menopause.

GH and cortisol responses following an acute session of respiratory muscle endurance training in severely obese patients.

It is well established that obese patients are hypo-responsive to classical GH-releasing stimuli, including aerobic exercise. Recently, we have demonstrated that whole body vibration was able to markedly stimulate GH secretion in obese patients, thus suggesting that this refractoriness is not absolute but dependent on the GH-releasing stimulus. Furthermore, we have shown the ability of a respiratory muscle endurance training (RMET) to stimulate GH and cortisol secretion in healthy subjects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of RMET on GH and cortisol responses in severely obese patients. Eight severely obese patients (4 M/4 F, mean age±SEM: 22.8±1.6 years, body mass index, BMI: 39.9±1.1 kg/m2) underwent an incremental progressive RMET protocol of 11 daily sessions, obtained through the use of a specifically designed respiratory device (Spiro Tiger®). The 12th session of RMET (15 min duration: 1 min at a respiration rate of 28 acts/min, 5 min at 32 acts/min, 5 min at 34 acts/min, 4 min at 36 acts/min) was associated with blood samplings for determination of GH, cortisol, and lactate (LA) levels. An age- and sex-matched normal-weighted control group (n=7, 4 M/3 F, age: 26.1±3.1 years, BMI: 22.4±0.6 kg/m2) was also recruited. In both normal-weighted subjects and obese patients, GH secretion significantly increased after a 15-min RMET session. Although serum GH levels at 30 min were higher in normal-weighted subjects than in obese patients, there was no statistically significant difference in either GH peaks or net GH areas under the curve between the 2 groups. RMET significantly increased serum cortisol levels in normal-weighted subjects, but was associated to a progressive cortisol decline in obese patients. RMET stimulated LA production, with no significant differences in normal-weighted subjects and in obese patients. A 15-min RMET session was capable to induce a GH response in severely obese patients, which was comparable to that recorded in normal-weighted subjects. A progressive decline in serum cortisol levels occurred in obese patients after RMET, while an opposite pattern (i. e., a significant cortisol increase) was found in normal-weighted subjects. Optimization of long-term RMET protocols could represent a valid strategy to (physiologically) stimulate GH/IGF-I system in those GH hyposecretory states such as obesity.

GH responses to two consecutive bouts of respiratory muscle endurance training in healthy adults.

Repetition of voluntary exercise bouts and of different pharmacological GH-releasing stimuli at 2-h intervals is associated with a complete abolishment of GH responsiveness. By contrast, a different pattern is observed after repeated neuromuscular electrostimulation, which is characterized by preservation of GH responsiveness. Aim of the study was to evaluate GH responses to repeated bouts of respiratory muscle endurance training (RMET) by mean of a specific commercially available device (Spiro Tiger®). Eight healthy men underwent an incremental progressive RMET protocol of 11 daily sessions. Blood samplings for GH, cortisol and lactate (LA) determinations were collected during the 12th session, which was composed of two consecutive bouts of RMET (of identical intensity and duration: 1 min at a respiration rate of 28 acts/min, 5 min at 32 acts/min, 5 min at 34 acts/min, 4 min at 36 acts/min) at a 2 h interval. Baseline GH levels (mean: 0.9±0.4 ng/ml) significantly (p<0.01) increased after the first bout of RMET (peak: 15.7±4.0 ng/ml). The administration of the second bout of RMET resulted in a significantly lower (p<0.05) GH increase (peak: 3.9±0.8 ng/ml) in comparison with the first one. Baseline LA levels (mean: 1.2±0.1 mmol/l) significantly increased (p<0.001) after the first bout of RMET (peak: 2.3±0.2 mmol/l). The administration of the second RMET bout resulted in a comparable LA increase (from a basal value of 1.2±0.1 mmol/l up to a peak of 2.0±0.1 mmol/l, p<0.001). The first bout of RMET caused a significant increase of cortisol levels (p<0.01), starting from a basal mean value of 142.9±9.4 ng/ml up to a peak of 188.8±10.3 ng/ml. By contrast, the second bout of RMET did not induce any significant change of cortisol levels (basal: 149.1±9.0 ng/ml, peak: 168.5±5.1 ng/ml). In conclusion, a single bout of RMET is capable of stimulating GH and cortisol secretions and LA production. When a second bout is repeated after 2 h, there is a blunting of GH and cortisol responses with a preservation of LA release. Further studies are needed to schedule long-term RMET protocols capable of persistently stimulating GH-IGF-I release and to maximally enhance the ergogenic and metabolic benefits of this intervention either in normal subjects (e.g. athletes) or patients with an impairment of motor capabilities requested to perform normal daily activities (i.e. severely obese and elderly people).

Seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine herpesvirus 1 infection in cattle herds in the state of Paraná, Brazil.

Epidemiological data describing bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) infection in Brazilian cattle herds are scarce. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the state of Paraná between December 2001 and July 2002 with the objective of estimating the apparent prevalence of BoHV-1-seropositive herds and animals and identifying the potential risk factors for infection in farms with breeding animals in the state of Paraná in Southern Brazil. The state was divided into seven regions based on the livestock production dynamics of the different areas. Sampling was performed in two stages. Initially, herds were randomly selected, followed by a random selection of animals within the selected herds. Blood samples were collected from 14803 females, aged ≥24 months, from 2018 BoHV-1 non-vaccinated herds. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against BoHV-1 using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The apparent prevalence of seropositivity in the herds and animals in Paraná was 71.3% (95% CI: 69.3-73.3) and 59.0% (95% CI: 56.2-61.8), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that risk factors associated with the presence of the infection were as follows: beef herds [OR = 1.58 (1.12-2.23)], natural service [OR = 1.48 (1.02-2.14)], purchase of animals [OR = 1.90 (1.52-2.37)], pasture rental [OR = 2.24 (1.51-3.33)], existence of calving pens [OR = 1.56 (1.20-2.03)] and records of abortion in the last 12 months [OR = 1.45 (1.08-1.95)]. These results indicate that BoHV-1 infection is widespread in the state of Paraná.

Anorexigenic postprandial responses of PYY and GLP1 to slow ice cream consumption: preservation in obese adolescents, but not in obese adults.

OBJECTIVE: Eating slowly increases the postprandial responses of some anorexigenic gut hormones in healthy lean subjects. As the rate of food intake is positively associated with obesity, the aim of the study was to determine whether eating the same meal at different rates evokes different postprandial anorexigenic responses in obese adolescent and adult subjects. DESIGN AND METHODS: Eighteen obese adolescents and adults were enrolled. A test meal was consumed on two different sessions by each subject, meal duration taking either 5  min (fast feeding) or 30  min (slow feeding). Circulating levels of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1), peptide YY (PYY), glucose, insulin, and triglycerides were measured over 210  min. Visual analog scales were used to evaluate the subjective feelings of hunger and satiety. RESULTS: fast feeding did not stimulate GLP1 release in obese adolescent and adults, whereas slow feeding increased circulating levels of GLP1 only in obese adolescents. Plasma PYY concentrations increased both in obese adolescents and in adults, irrespective of the eating rate, but slow feeding was more effective in stimulating PYY release in obese adolescents than in adults. simultaneously, slow feeding evoked a higher satiety only in obese adolescents compared with fast feeding but not in obese adults. in obese adolescents, slow feeding decreased hunger (only at 210 min). irrespective of the eating rate, postprandial responses of insulin and triglycerides were higher in obese adults than in obese adolescents. CONCLUSION: Slow feeding leads to higher concentrations of anorexigenic gut peptides and favors satiety in obese adolescents, but this physiological control of food intake is lost in obese adults.

Growth hormone variants: a potential avenue for a better diagnostic characterization of growth hormone deficiency in children.

Human GH (hGH) is a heterogeneous protein hormone consisting of several isoforms. This heterogeneity is the consequence of multiple hGH genes, mRNA splicing, post-translational modifications, and peripheral metabolism, and it represents one important reason for the disparity among GH assay results from different laboratories. However, other factors are involved: a) interference from endogenous GH binding proteins; b) different specificities of anti- GH (monoclonal and polyclonal) antibodies; c) different matrix effects among the calibrators; d) the use of different calibrators. The measurement of GH levels in response to provocative testing is an essential part of the diagnosis of GH deficiency. For this purpose, an accurate, reproducible and universally valid GH measurement would be highly desirable, but, despite a huge number of efforts in clinical biochemistry, this goal remains elusive.

Growth hormone response induced by a respiratory muscle endurance training in healthy subjects.

To date, the large majority of studies evaluating growth hormone (GH) response to acute physical exercise has been performed involving gross muscle groups. To the best of our knowledge, none has evaluated the effects of a respiratory muscle endurance training (RMET) on hormonal secretions, particularly on GH release, though some respiratory devices have been widely used in athletes to train respiratory muscles and to improve cardiopulmonary function and physical performance. 8 healthy men underwent an incremental progressive RMET protocol of 11 daily sessions, obtained through the use of a specifically designed respiratory device (Spiro Tiger®). The 12th session of RMET (15 min duration: 1 min at a respiration rate of 28 acts/min, 5 min at 32 acts/min, 5 min at 34 acts/min, 4 min at 36 acts/min) was associated with blood samplings for determination of GH, cortisol, ghrelin, glucose, and lactate (LA) levels. GH and cortisol responses significantly increased after a 15-minute RMET session, which, in contrast, inhibited ghrelin secretion. There was a minimal, though significant, increase in LA levels with a significant elevation in glycemia. A 15-minute RMET session, administered after a 11-days incremental progressive RMET protocol, was capable of stimulating GH and cortisol release and suppressing ghrelin secretion. Optimization of incremental progressive RMET protocols would be important to maximize the positive chronic effects of this intervention on somatotropic function and muscle performance.

The cholestyramine-induced decrease of PYY postprandial response is negatively correlated with fat mass in obese women.

Obese patients have decreased fasting and postprandial levels of peptide YY (PYY), an anorexigenic peptide produced by the L cells of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Fatty nutrients are the most powerful stimulus for PYY release. Cholestyramine, an anion exchanger which adsorbs bile salts, reduces digestion of lipids. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cholestyramine or placebo on PYY secretion in obese women administered a high-fat meal [n=8; age: 30.9±2.7 years; BMI: 47.3±3.3 kg/m2]. Postprandial PYY levels in obese women given placebo significantly increased in plasma at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after meal ingestion. Cholestyramine administration significantly reduced postprandial PYY response at 15, 30, and 60 min. Percent fat mass (FM%) was negatively correlated with the percent increment of plasma PYY concentrations induced by meal administration at 30 min; conversely, there was a positive correlation between FM% and the percent decrement of plasma PYY concentrations induced by cholestyramine at the same time interval. These correlations failed to reach statistical significance when related to BMI. This study implies that in the obese state the altered PYY response to food consumption is a consequence of a dysfunction of L cells, which become less sensitive to the positive feedback effect of lipids.

GH responses to two consecutive bouts of whole body vibration, maximal voluntary contractions or vibration alternated with maximal voluntary contractions administered at 2-h intervals in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacological or exercise stimuli repeated at a short interval (but not electrical muscle stimulation) are associated with a blunting of GH responsiveness. AIM: To compare GH responses to repeated bout of three different GH-releasing stimuli. METHODS: The effects of two consecutive bouts (with a 2-h interval) of whole body vibrations (WBV), maximal voluntary contractions alone (MVC), or alternated with WBV (MVC-WBV) on blood GH and lactate (LA) were assessed in nine young males. RESULTS: Baseline levels of both GH and LA increased significantly after the first bout of all the tested stimuli, and were significantly lower after WBV than after MVC or MVC alternated with WBV, no difference being detected between these last. The administration of a second bout resulted in significantly lower GH increases than those elicited in the first bout in the three different tests; significantly lower LA responses were recorded after the second bout of MVC and MVC-WBV when compared with those obtained after the first bout, while no significant differences were observed after the two WBV bouts for LA. All responses after the second bout of MVC and MVC-WBV were significantly higher than those observed after WBV alone. GH concentrations were significantly correlated with LA after all stimuli, although LA concentrations after the second bout were associated with markedly lower GH levels. CONCLUSIONS: A significant blunting of GH responsiveness ensues after a second bout of different GH-releasing stimuli, independent from the amount of GH released after the first bout. This is a pattern also observed for other pharmacological stimuli and exercise modalities, and suggests a common mechanism underlying different GH-releasing stimuli.

Changes in plasma levels of ghrelin, leptin, and other hormonal and metabolic parameters following standardized breakfast, lunch, and physical exercise before and after a multidisciplinary weight-reduction intervention in obese adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate in severely obese adolescents the effects of a 3-week multidisciplinary weight-reduction intervention involving moderate energy restriction, individualised physical activity and behavior therapy on the response of some hormonal and metabolic parameters to meals and exercise. DESIGN: Clinical longitudinal study on inpatients in a specialised institution. SUBJECTS: A total of 20 obese adolescents (10 boys and 10 girls) aged 12-17 yr [body mass index (BMI): 37.7±6.1 kg/m2; fat mass (FM): 44.8±13.2 kg]. MEASUREMENTS: The changes in plasma concentration of leptin, ghrelin, GH, IGF-I, insulin, glucose, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in response to standardised meals and exercise bouts were measured before and after the weight-reduction intervention. At the same times, body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance as well as appetite sensations using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: At the end of the intervention, the adolescents had lost body weight and FM (expressed both in kg and %) (p<0.05), without any significant fat-free mass loss (in % terms). In response to both meals and exercise, after the 3-week intervention, plasma leptin concentration decreased significantly (p<0.05), whereas the other hormones (insulin, ghrelin, GH, and IGF-I) and metabolic parameters (glucose and NEFA) did not change. Interestingly, appetite was not affected by the intervention. CONCLUSION: This 3-week multidisciplinary intervention in obese adolescents induced a significant body weight loss with beneficial changes in body composition. However, despite there being no change in metabolic parameters and ghrelin in response to meals and exercise after the intervention, plasma concentrations of leptin were decreased. The failure of ghrelin levels to increase by this approach might explain the good control of appetite observed at the end of the study.

Estudos de prevalência da brucelose bovina no âmbito do Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação de Brucelose e Tuberculose: Introdução / Prevalence studies on bovine brucelosis according to Brazilian National Program for the Control and Eradication of Bovine Brucellosis and Tuberculosis: Introduction

As estratégias de combate à brucelose bovina são bastante conhecidas e, até o momento, os resultados são divergentes. No Brasil, o Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) implementou, em 2001, o Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose. Conhecer a situação epidemiológica da brucelose no início de um programa de controle permite: 1 - escolher as melhores estratégias de controle em função da frequência e padrão de distribuição da doença na população e 2 - acompanhar o programa com a finalidade de promover correções e evitar o desperdício de tempo e de recursos. Em razão disso, é necessário realizar estudos para dar suporte à escolha das melhores estratégias para os vários estados e regiões brasileiras e criar um mecanismo racional de verificação da efetividade das ações implementadas. Para tanto, o MAPA estabeleceu um Termo de Cooperação Técnica com a Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de São Paulo e envolveu também a Faculdade de Agronomia e Veterinária da Universidade de Brasília. Até o momento, foram concluídos os estudos de 15 unidades federativas, cujos resultados são apresentados nos artigos subsequentes. Além disso, há um 16º artigo que explora o impacto da vacinação de bezerras com a B19 na redução da prevalência da brucelose.

Although strategies for controlling and eradicating of bovine brucellosis are well known, the achievements vary widely. In 2001, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA) started a new National Program for the Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (NPCEBT). In the beginning of a brucellosis control program, it is of utmost importance to gain insights into the epidemiological status of the disease in order to: (1) determine the sanitary measures according to the frequency and distribution patterns of the disease in the population; (2) monitor the development of the program and decide when to make adjustments, avoiding the waist of time and resources. As the epidemiological status of bovine brucellosis is not adequately known in Brazil, there was a case for undertaking cross-sectional studies targeted at identifying the best strategies for each state and region, as well as providing a basis for future appraisal of the NPCEBT. For this purpose, MAPA established a collaborative project with FMVZ-Universidade de São Paulo, which also included FAV-Universidade de Brasília. So far, 15 states completed the survey, whose results are described in the following papers. In addition, it is presented a paper that deals with modeling the impact of vaccination of heifers with strain 19 upon the reduction of brucellosis prevalence.

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Paraná / Epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Paraná, Brazil

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Paraná. O Estado foi estratificado em sete circuitos produtores ou regiões. Em cada circuito foram amostradas aleatoriamente cerca de 300 propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido de forma aleatória um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total, foram amostrados 14.857 animais, provenientes de 2.098 propriedades. Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico para verificar o tipo de exploração e as práticas zootécnicas e sanitárias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infecção pela doença. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado e o reteste dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo se pelo menos um animal foi reagente às duas provas sorológicas. Para o Estado, os resultados de prevalências de focos e de animais infectados foram, respectivamente, de 4,0 por cento [3,2-4,8 por cento] e 1,7 por cento [1,1-2,4 por cento]. Para os circuitos, a prevalência de focos e a de animais foram, respectivamente: circuito 1, 14,7 por cento [10,9-19,2 por cento] e 2,8 por cento [1,2-4,4 por cento]; circuito 2, 8,8 por cento [5,9-12,6 por cento] e 2,4 por cento [1,0-3,8 por cento]; circuito 3, 3,4 por cento [1,6-6,1 por cento] e 0,85 por cento [0,21-1,5 por cento]; circuito 4, 2,3 por cento [0,94-4,8 por cento] e 0,83 por cento [0,02-1,6 por cento]; circuito 5, 2,3 por cento [0,94-4,7 por cento] e 1,6 por cento [0,06-3,3 por cento]; circuito 6, 0,3 por cento [0-1,9 por cento] e 0,09 por cento [0-0,27 por cento]; circuito 7, 1,0 por cento [0,21-2,9 por cento] e 2,2 por cento [0-6,0 por cento]. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associados à condição de foco foram: compra de reprodutores (OR= 2,20 [1,42-3,40]) e prática de aluguel de pasto (OR= 2,45 [1,54-3,90]).

A study to characterize the epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Paraná was carried out. In this study, the State was divided into seven regions. Three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals were sampled in each of these herds. A total of 1,4857 serum samples from 2,098 herds were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire regarding herd features and also husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies against Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal test (RBT), and all RBT-positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). A herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. The prevalences of infected herds and infected animals in Paraná State were 4.0 percent [3.2-4.8 percent] and 1.7 percent [1.1-2.4 percent], respectively. In the regions, the prevalences of infected herds and animals were: region 1, 14.7 percent [10.9-19.2 percent] and 2.8 percent [1.2-4.4 percent]; region 2, 8.8 percent [5.9-12.6 percent] and 2.4 percent [1.0-3.8 percent]; region 3, 3.4 percent [1.6-6.1 percent] and 0.85 percent [0.21-1.5 percent]; region 4, 2.3 percent [0.94-4.8 percent] and 0.83 percent [0.02-1.6 percent]; region 5, 2.3 percent [0.94-4.7 percent] and 1.7 percent [0.06-3.3 percent]; region 6, 0.34 percent [0-1.9 percent] and 0.09 percent [0-0.27 percent]; and region 7, 1.0 percent [0.21-2.9 percent] and 2.2 percent [0-6,0 percent]. The risck factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection were: purchase of animals for breeding (OR= 2.20 [1.42-3.40]) and pasture rental practice (OR=2.45 [1.54-3.90]).

Estudos de prevalência da brucelose bovina no âmbito do Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação de Brucelose e Tuberculose: Introdução / Prevalence studies on bovine brucelosis according to Brazilian National Program for the Control and Eradication of Bovine Brucellosis and Tuberculosis: Introduction

As estratégias de combate à brucelose bovina são bastante conhecidas e, até o momento, os resultados são divergentes. No Brasil, o Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) implementou, em 2001, o Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose. Conhecer a situação epidemiológica da brucelose no início de um programa de controle permite: 1 - escolher as melhores estratégias de controle em função da frequência e padrão de distribuição da doença na população e 2 - acompanhar o programa com a finalidade de promover correções e evitar o desperdício de tempo e de recursos. Em razão disso, é necessário realizar estudos para dar suporte à escolha das melhores estratégias para os vários estados e regiões brasileiras e criar um mecanismo racional de verificação da efetividade das ações implementadas. Para tanto, o MAPA estabeleceu um Termo de Cooperação Técnica com a Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de São Paulo e envolveu também a Faculdade de Agronomia e Veterinária da Universidade de Brasília. Até o momento, foram concluídos os estudos de 15 unidades federativas, cujos resultados são apresentados nos artigos subsequentes. Além disso, há um 16º artigo que explora o impacto da vacinação de bezerras com a B19 na redução da prevalência da brucelose.

Although strategies for controlling and eradicating of bovine brucellosis are well known, the achievements vary widely. In 2001, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA) started a new National Program for the Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (NPCEBT). In the beginning of a brucellosis control program, it is of utmost importance to gain insights into the epidemiological status of the disease in order to: (1) determine the sanitary measures according to the frequency and distribution patterns of the disease in the population; (2) monitor the development of the program and decide when to make adjustments, avoiding the waist of time and resources. As the epidemiological status of bovine brucellosis is not adequately known in Brazil, there was a case for undertaking cross-sectional studies targeted at identifying the best strategies for each state and region, as well as providing a basis for future appraisal of the NPCEBT. For this purpose, MAPA established a collaborative project with FMVZ-Universidade de São Paulo, which also included FAV-Universidade de Brasília. So far, 15 states completed the survey, whose results are described in the following papers. In addition, it is presented a paper that deals with modeling the impact of vaccination of heifers with strain 19 upon the reduction of brucellosis prevalence.

Menopausal transition: a possible risk factor for brain pathologic events.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are higher in postmenopausal women than in age-matched men. Since at menopause the endocrine system and other biological paradigms undergo substantial changes, we thought to be of interest studying whether (and how) the balance between some biological parameters allegedly neuroprotective (e.g. related to estrogen, dehydroepiandrosterone and CD36 functions) and others considered pro-neurotoxic (e.g. related to glucocorticoid and interleukin-6 activities) vary during lifespan in either sex in either normalcy or neurodegenerative disorders. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Along with this aim, we evaluated the gene expression levels of estrogen receptors (ERs), glucocorticoid receptors (HGRs), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CD36, a scavenger receptor of class B allegedly playing a key role in the proinflammatory events associated with AD, in a population of 209 healthy subjects (73M, 106F, 20-91-year old) and 85 AD patients (36M, 49F, 65-89-year old). Results obtained were related to plasma titers of estrogens, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). Studies were performed in peripheral leukocytes, since these cells (1) are easily obtainable by a simple blood sampling, (2) express many molecules and multiple receptors which are under the same regulatory mechanisms as those operative in the brain and (3) some of them, e.g. monocytes, share many functions with microglial cells. RESULTS: In healthy men all the study parameters were quite stable during lifespan. In women, instead, at menopausal transition, some changes that may predispose to neurodegeneration occurred. In particular, there was (1) an up-regulation of ERs, and a concomitant increase of IL-6 gene expression, events likely due to the loss of the inhibitory control exerted by estradiol (E(2)); (2) an increase of HGR alpha:HGR beta ratio, indicative of an augmented cortisol activity on HGR alpha not sufficiently counteracted by the inhibitory HGR beta function; (3) a reduced CD36 expression, directly related to the increased cortisol activity; and (4) an augmented plasma cortisol:DHEAS ratio, widely recognized as an unfavorable prognostic index for the risk of neurodegeneration. In AD patients of both sexes, the expression of the study parameters was similar to that found in sex- and age-matched healthy subjects, thus indicating their unrelatedness to the disease, and rather a better correlation with biological events. CONCLUSIONS: Menopausal transition is a critical phase of women's life where the occurrence of an unfavorable biological milieu would predispose to an increased risk of neurodegeneration. Collectively, the higher prevalence of AD in the female population would depend, at least in part, on the presence of favoring biological risk factors, whose contribution to the development of the disease occurs only in the presence of possible age-dependent triggers, such as beta-amyloid deposition.

Muscle expressions of MGF, IGF-IEa, and myostatin in intact and hypophysectomized rats: effects of rhGH and testosterone alone or combined.

Myostatin and mechano-growth factor (MGF), an isoform of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), are two important regulators of muscle hypertrophy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) and/or testosterone on muscle MGF/IGF-IEa/myostatin expression in intact and hypophysectomized rats treated for 15 d with 1) saline or rhGH, 2) sesame oil or testosterone, 3) saline+sesame oil, or rhGH+testosterone (first experiment) or for 7 d with saline or rhGH (second experiment). Animals were killed by decapitation 24 h or 4 d after the last injection (first or second experiment, respectively). Muscle expressions of MGF, IGF-IEa, and myostatin were determined by RT-PCR. A significant increase in the weight of gastrocnemius muscle was observed only in hypophysectomized rats treated with rhGH alone or in combination with testosterone. Administration of rhGH to hypophysectomized rats caused a marked increase in both MGF and IGF-IEa muscle mRNA levels (without any change in the muscle expression of myostatin), an effect that was abolished when testosterone was combined with rhGH. Conversely, in intact rats rhGH increased myostatin muscle mRNA levels without affecting those of MGF and IGF-IEa. Testosterone, alone or combined with rhGH, induced an inhibition of myostatin expression in the muscle of intact rats, but did not change muscle paradigms of hypophysectomized rats. In conclusion, rhGH and/or testosterone anabolic effects in the muscle are mediated by a different expression of MGF/IGF-IEa/myostatin, which is related to the pituitary function.

Neuroendocrine and autonomic control of metabolic functions: recent advances.

Many studies have been prompted in the last few years aimed at clarifying and disentangle the different components involved in the control of metabolism and body weight. Based on a host of neuroanatomic, immunohistochemical and physiological findings, it is now clear that the hypothalamus is activated or deactivated by a series of afferent signals either hormonal or neural originated by peripheral tissues, which reflect changes in the global energy state. These hormonal and neural signals mainly stem from the adipose tissue, which is now considered a true endocrine organ, and, alternatively, by the gastrointestinal tract, in relation to fasting, feeding or refeeding conditions, and are vehicled to the brain where they act on receptors of an increasing family of first and second order peptides. This contribution at first presents the key elements of the complex mechanisms of control of metabolism and body weight, and then reports on recent presented advances in neuroendocrine and autonomic regulation of metabolic functions.

Detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae by polymerase chain reaction in swine presenting respiratory problems / Detecção do mycoplasma hyopneumoniae pela reação em cadeia da polimerase em suínos apresentando problemas respiratórios

Since Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae isolation in appropriate media is a difficult task and impractical for daily routine diagnostics, Nested-PCR (N-PCR) techniques are currently used to improve the direct diagnostic sensitivity of Swine Enzootic Pneumonia. In a first experiment, this paper describes a N-PCR technique optimization based on three variables: different sampling sites, sample transport media, and DNA extraction methods, using eight pigs. Based on the optimization results, a second experiment was conducted for testing validity using 40 animals. In conclusion, the obtained results of the N-PCR optimization and validation allow us to recommend this test as a routine monitoring diagnostic method for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection in swine herds.

A Nested-PCR (N-PCR) tem como objetivo melhorar a sensibilidade do diagnóstico direto da Pneumonia Enzoótica Suína, pois o isolamento do Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae é trabalhoso tornando-se inviável na rotina. Neste trabalho, foi realizado um projeto piloto para a otimização da técnica de N-PCR, utilizando três variáveis: tipo de amostra biológica, meio de transporte da amostra e método de extração do DNA, utilizando oito animais. Os resultados obtidos foram empregados no segundo experimento para a validação do teste utilizando 40 animais. Os resultados obtidos, pela otimização da N-PCR, neste trabalho, permite sugerir esta prova como método de diagnóstico de rotina no monitoramento das infecções por Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae em granjas de suínos.