Exposure to Pfaffia glomerata causes oxidative stress and triggers hepatic changes.

Medicinal plant species are genetically engineered to obtain higher production of biomass and specific secondary metabolites, which can be used in the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen tetraploid hydroalcoholic extract on the liver of adult Swiss mice. The extract was prepared from the plant roots and given to the animals by gavage, for 42 days. The experimental groups were treated with water (control), Pfaffia glomerata tetraploid hydroalcoholic extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and Pfaffia glomerata tetraploid hydroalcoholic extract discontinuously (200 mg/kg). The last group received the extract every 3 days, for 42 days. The oxidative status, mineral dynamics, and cell viability were analysed. The liver weight and the number of viable hepatocytes were reduced, despite the increased cell's number. Increased levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and changes in iron, copper, zinc, potassium, manganese and sodium levels were observed. aspartate aminotransferase levels were increased while alanine aminotransferase levels were decreased due to BGEt intake. Our results showed that BGEt induced alterations of oxidative stress biomarkers leading to liver injury, which was associated with a reduction in the number of hepatocytes.

Aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos de infecção por Mycobacterium bovis em gato doméstico - relato de caso / Clinical and therapeutic aspects of infection by Mycobacterium bovis in domestic cat - case report

Este artigo tem como objetivo relatar um caso de infecção por Mycobacterium bovis em um gato doméstico, com seis meses de idade, enfatizando seus aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos. O felino apresentava como histórico a ingestão de leite de vaca não fervido e posteriormente desenvolveu sinais de anorexia, tosse não produtiva e linfadenomegalia. Para elucidação do diagnóstico, foram realizados exames complementares de imagem, hematológicos, citológicos e reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Diante da confirmação de infecção por Mycobacterium, o tratamento foi instituído por meio da associação de três antimicrobianos (enrofloxacino 5mg/kg, claritromicina 10mg/kg e rifampicina 15mg/kg), por via oral, a cada 12 horas, aos quais o animal respondeu positivamente, apresentando significativa diminuição dos sinais clínicos; entretanto, após 60 dias de tratamento, foi a óbito devido a um atropelamento. Conclui-se que a realização do tratamento em gatos com tuberculose pode ocasionar melhora dos sinais clínicos e que, embora de ocorrência rara no Brasil, essa enfermidade deve ser incluída como diagnóstico diferencial das enfermidades infecciosas nessa espécie.(AU)

This article aims to report a case of Mycobacterium bovis infection in a six-month-old domestic cat, emphasizing its clinical and therapeutic aspects. The feline presented as history the intake of unboiled cow's milk and later developed signs of anorexia, non-productive cough and lymphadenomegaly. Additional imaging, hematological, cytological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were performed to elucidate the diagnosis. In the presence of Mycobacterium infection, treatment was instituted by the combination of three antimicrobials (Enrofloxacin 5mg/kg, Clarithromycin 10mg/kg, and Rifampicin 15mg/kg) orally every 12 hours, to which the animal responded positively, presenting significant decrease of the clinical signs, however after 60 days of treatment the cat died accidentally, hit by a car on the street. It is concluded that the treatment in cats affected by tuberculosis can cause improvement of clinical signs and that although rare in Brazil, this disease should be included as a differential diagnosis of infectious diseases in this species.(AU)

Características físicas e microbiológicas de compostagem de resíduos animais / Physical and microbiological characteristics process of composting waste from animals

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho caracterizar o processo de compostagem de fluxo contínuo e aeração passiva de resíduos da produção e abate da caprino-ovinocultura e de seu composto orgânico gerado. O processo de compostagem utilizou resíduos sólidos provenientes da produção e do abate de caprinos e ovinos e foi realizado em galpão de alvenaria. Os resíduos agropecuários utilizados incluíram sobras de capim-elefante triturado seco, poda de árvores, esterco e carcaça de caprinos e ovinos. Os tratamentos empregados foram três níveis de umidade aplicados nas leiras de compostagem (30, 50 e 70% com base no peso da carcaça dos animais) e épocas do ano de montagem (período seco, transição e úmido) com base na precipitação, com três repetições. As variáveis avaliadas foram atributos químicos, físicos, microbiológicos e parasitológicos do composto e sua comparação com a legislação vigente. O composto orgânico gerado atende as especificações das legislações utilizadas para comparação. Independentemente da época do ano ou da umidade aplicada, o processo de compostagem foi eficiente em reduzir passivos ambientais, como carcaças. A compostagem promoveu a eliminação dos patógenos avaliados, indicando que o composto não oferece risco de transmissão e pode ser utilizado de forma segura.(AU)

The objective of this study to characterize the process of continuous flow of composting and passive aeration of waste production and slaughter the goat and sheep industry and its generated organic compound. The composting process, performed in a brick barn, used solid residues (manure and carcass parts) from the slaughter of goats and sheep along with chopped dry elephant grass and tree trimmings. The treatments employed three moisture levels in the piles and four collections of samples from the piles at timed intervals (0, 30, 60 and 120 days), with three repetitions. The variables evaluated were the chemical and physical attributes of the compost generated. The treatments were three moisture levels applied in compost piles (30, 50 and 70% based on the housing of animals) and assembly times of the year (dry, transitional and humid) based on rainfall, with three replications. The variables were chemical, physical, microbiological and parasitological of the compound and its comparison with current legislation. The generated organic compound meets the specifications of the laws used for comparison. Regardless of the time of year or moisture applied, the composting process was effective in reducing environmental liabilities as carcasses. Composting promoted elimination of this pathogen, indicating that the compound can be used safely.(AU)

Effects of nanoparticles of hydroxy-aluminum phthalocyanine on markers of liver injury and glucose metabolism in diabetic mice

Photodynamic therapy, by reducing pain and inflammation and promoting the proliferation of healthy cells, can be used to treat recurrent lesions, such as diabetic foot ulcers. Studies using the photosensitizer phthalocyanine, together with the nanostructured copolymeric matrix of Pluronic® and Carbopol® for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and leishmaniosis lesions, are showing promising outcomes. Despite their topical or subcutaneous administration, these molecules are absorbed and their systemic effects are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the subcutaneous administration of the hydroxy-aluminum phthalocyanine hydrogel without illumination on systemic parameters, markers of liver injury, and liver energy metabolism in type 1 diabetic Swiss mice. Both the hydrogel and the different doses of phthalocyanine changed the levels of injury markers and the liver glucose release, sometimes aggravating the alterations caused by the diabetic condition itself. However, the dose of 2.23 µg/mL caused less marked plasmatic and metabolic changes and did not change glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity of the diabetic mice. These results are indicative that the use of hydroxy-aluminum phthalocyanine hydrogel for the treatment of cutaneous ulcers in diabetic patients is systemically safe.

Effects of nanoparticles of hydroxy-aluminum phthalocyanine on markers of liver injury and glucose metabolism in diabetic mice.

Photodynamic therapy, by reducing pain and inflammation and promoting the proliferation of healthy cells, can be used to treat recurrent lesions, such as diabetic foot ulcers. Studies using the photosensitizer phthalocyanine, together with the nanostructured copolymeric matrix of Pluronic® and Carbopol® for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and leishmaniosis lesions, are showing promising outcomes. Despite their topical or subcutaneous administration, these molecules are absorbed and their systemic effects are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the subcutaneous administration of the hydroxy-aluminum phthalocyanine hydrogel without illumination on systemic parameters, markers of liver injury, and liver energy metabolism in type 1 diabetic Swiss mice. Both the hydrogel and the different doses of phthalocyanine changed the levels of injury markers and the liver glucose release, sometimes aggravating the alterations caused by the diabetic condition itself. However, the dose of 2.23 µg/mL caused less marked plasmatic and metabolic changes and did not change glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity of the diabetic mice. These results are indicative that the use of hydroxy-aluminum phthalocyanine hydrogel for the treatment of cutaneous ulcers in diabetic patients is systemically safe.

Avaliação de um controle estratégico da artrite encefalite caprina em rebanho caprino leiteiro / Evaluation of strategic control of caprine arthritis- encephalitis in dairy herd goats

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a utilização periódica de testes de diagnóstico mais sensíveis aliados às práticas de manejo, visando ao controle eficaz da artrite encefalite caprina (CAE). Foram realizadas oito coletas de sangue em matrizes e reprodutores. Da primeira à sétima análise, as coletas foram quadrimestrais, utilizando-se os testes de imunodifusão em gel de agarose (IDGA), ensaio imunoenzimático indireto (ELISA-i) e Western Blot (WB). A oitava coleta aconteceu seis meses após a sétima, utilizando-se o WB e a reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR). A prevalência da CAE foi de 6,8%, 14,9% e 39,2% no IDGA, ELISA-i e WB, respectivamente. Na última análise, foram detectados 0,9% de animais positivos pelo WB e 10,8% pela PCR. Apesar de não erradicarem a CAE, as medidas adotadas, aliadas à utilização periódica dos testes sorológicos e à combinação com a PCR, foram importantes para reduzir significativamente os animais soropositivos no rebanho.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodic use of more sensitive diagnostic tests associated to management practices for the effective control of caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE). We carried out eight blood samples in does and bucks. From the first to the seventh analysis, the samples were quarterly, using Agarose Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID), Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) and Western Blot (WB) tests. The eighth collection was made six months after the seventh, using the WB and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The prevalence of CAE was 6.8%, 14.9% and 39.2% in the AGID, i-ELISA and WB respectively. The last analysis detected 0.9% of animals positive by WB and 10.8% by PCR. Although they do not eradicate CAE, steps taken together with the periodic use of serological tests and the combination with PCR were important to significantly reduce positive animals in the herd.(AU)

Phototoxic effect of aluminium-chlorine and aluminium-hydroxide phthalocyanines on Leishmania (l.) amazonensis.

This study investigated the activity of photosensitive phthalocyanines on promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. Aluminum phthalocyanine chloride (AlPcCl), Aluminum phthalocyanine hydroxide (AlPcOH) and zinc phthalocyanine (PcZn) were tested in the presence (matte red LED, potency of 2.5-2.3 µW for 30 min) and absence of light against L. amazonensis promastigotes and the parasite viability was evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 h. The amastigote forms were treated with AlPcCl and AlPcOH, following the same lighting protocols described for the promastigote forms, being evaluated after 24 h. Cytotoxicity to human erythrocytes and peritoneal macrophages was also evaluated. The results showed that AlPcCl and AlPcOH in the presence of light have antileishmania activity, with leishmanistatic effects on promastigotes and amastigotes of L. amazonensis, without causing cytotoxicity to peritoneal macrophages and erythrocytes. The concentrations that inhibited 50% of the promastigote forms after 24 h of light exposure were 0.21 ±â€¯0.08 µM for AlPcCl and 0.23 ±â€¯0.06 µM for AlPcOH. In 48 h and 72 h after the treatment, the IC50 of AlPcCl was 0.13 ±â€¯0.02 and 0.12 ±â€¯0.03 µM and for AlPcOH was 0.14 ±â€¯0.01 µM and 0.11 ±â€¯0.01 µM, respectively. PcZn showed no activity on promastigotes of L. amazonensis. This study showed a substantial photodynamic activity of the phthalocyanines AlPcCl and AlPcOH against intracellular amastigotes forms of L. amazonensis after irradiation, presenting IC50 values of 0.62 ±â€¯0.06 µM and 0.92 ±â€¯0.12 µM, respectively. These results support the possibility of using photodynamic therapy for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Níveis de inclusão do farelo de arroz parboilizado em rações para leitões na fase de creche / Inclusion levels of parboiled rice bran in piglet diets in the nursery phase

Foram conduzidos dois ensaios para avaliar a utilização do farelo do farelo integral de arroz parboilizado (FIAP) em rações para leitões na fase de creche. No primeiro, foram utilizados 14 suínos machos castrados para a avaliação nutricional do ingrediente em ensaio de digestibilidade. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso, com dois tratamentos e sete repetições por tratamento. O FIAP apresenta 17,15% de PB, elevado teor em fibras (33,75% de FDN e 15,91% de FDA) e teor reduzido de energia metabolizável, próximo a 2320kcal/kg. No segundo experimento, foram utilizados 60 leitões machos castrados, com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho zootécnico, a ocorrência de diarreia e a viabilidade econômica do farelo de arroz parboilizado. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (0, 4, 8, 12 e 16% de inclusão) e seis repetições. Não houve diferença significativa entre o tratamento controle e os tratamentos teste (P>0,05), assim como para a análise de regressão, em que os crescentes níveis de inclusão do ingrediente não resultaram em piora no desempenho (P>0,05). O FIAP pode ser incluído até o nível de 16% em rações para leitões na fase de creche...

Two assays were conducted to evaluate the parboiled rice bran in piglet's diets in the nursery phase. In the first, 14 male castrated piglets were allotted to determine the nutritional value of parboiled rice bran in a digestibility assay. A completely randomized design, with 2 treatments and 7 replicates per treatment were used. The parboiled rice bran presents 17.15% of CP and high fiber content (33.75% of NDF and 15.91% of ADF) and low metabolizable energy (2320kcal/kg). In the second assay, 60 male castrated piglets were used to evaluate the effect of inclusion on productive performance, diarrhea incidence and economic viability of parboiled rice bran. A randomized block design was used, with 5 treatments (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16%) and 6 replicates. There was no difference between treatments and control treatment as well as in regression analysis, and the increasing levels of parboiled rice bran did not reduce the performance of animals. In conclusion, parboiled rice bran can be included up to 16% in diets for piglets in the nursery phase...

Study of constructed wetlands effluent disinfected with ozone.

The purpose of this research was to study the disinfection of sanitary effluent from constructed wetlands, evaluating the oxidation of organic matter, the formation of formaldehyde, as well as the efficiency of total coliforms and Escherichia coli inactivation. A constant flow of ozone was applied to the batch system in 5 and 10 mg.O3 L(-1) doses with contact times of 5 and 10 min. This study revealed that the average values of formaldehyde formation ranged between 259.00 and 379.00 µg L(-1), which means that the values are within World Health Organization recommended values. The total coliforms and E. coli showed complete inactivation in almost all tests. The dose of ozone 5 mg.O3 L(-1) and contact time of 5 min were sufficient for a significant reduction of the concentration levels of pathogens in constructed wetlands effluent with similar characteristics, thus allowing for its agricultural reuse.

First record of Anastrepha serpentina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in citrus in Brazil.

Anastrepha serpentina (Wiedemann) is recorded for the first time in citrus (Rutaceae) in Brazil. Specimens were obtained from sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) sampled in the municipalities of Belém and Capitão Poço, and from mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) from Tomé-Açu, state of Pará, Brazil.

Evaluation of the prophylactic effect and curative efficacy of fipronil 1% pour on (Topline) on post-castration scrotal myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax in cattle.

A field trial was carried out during a summer-fall period on a commercial beef cattle farm in Minas Gerais State, located in the Southeast of Brazil. In order to evaluate the prophylactic effect and the curative efficacy of fipronil in a 1% solution, 200 Zebu crossbred bulls, with ages varying from 20 to 30 months and weights from 233 to 362 kg, were selected. The bulls were assigned by ranked pair to an untreated control group (A) or to a treated group (B), resulting in 100 animals per group. All experimental animals were surgically castrated on day 0, following routine procedures. After castration all animals in the group B were treated with 10 mg/kg bw of a 1% fipronil solution, topically on the dorsal mid-line. The wounds were individually inspected on days: 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 28 and 35. After castration the animals were naturally exposed to Cochliomyia hominivorax and remained in the same pasture throughout the trial. Among the animals in the control group, 83 were observed to harbor C. hominivorax eggs, with a total of 97 ovipositions, and among those 73 animals had active myiasis. In group B (fipronil 1%), 66 animals showed C. hominivorax eggs, with 92 ovipositions and five animals with active myiasis. Most ovipositions and active myiasis were detected until seven days post-castration for both groups. Wound parasite infestation evidenced bleeding, serous purulent exudation and presence of active C. hominivorax larvae. Treatment with fipronil 1% had a prophylactic effect on scrotal wounds against the development of C. hominivorax larvae in more than 95% of the treated animals for up to 17 days after castration. The treatment showed partial protection of 66% and 50% on days 21 and 28 post-treatment (pt), respectively. Three animals from the control group and one from the treated group showed active screwworms on day 21 pt, and one animal from the treated group and two from the control group also presented C. hominivorax larvae on scrotal wounds on day 28 pt. By the end of the observation period (day 35 pt), the castration wound had healed in all animals. All experimental animals presenting scrotal wounds infested with C. hominivorax larvae were treated with a 1% pour-on formulation of fipronil, on the same day that infestation was observed. Active C. hominivorax larvae were not seen during the monitoring period immediately after treatment. The curative efficacy of fipronil 1% against C. hominivorax larvae infestation in castration wounds was 100%.

A low protein diet causes an increase in the basal levels and variability of mean arterial pressure and heart rate in Fisher rats.

The correlation between nutrition and cardiovascular related disorders is a well-established fact. Previous work from our Laboratory has suggested a significant compromise of cardiovascular reflexes in conscious rats submitted to a low-protein (LP) diet. Our working hypothesis is that the basal level of mean arterial pressure (MAP), variability of the mean arterial pressure (VMAP), heart rate (HR) and variability of heart rate (VHR) are altered in rats submitted to a protein restricted diet. Two experimental groups were used: control group (normal protein 15%, NP) and malnourished group (low-protein 6%, LP). In order to verify the efficiency of the dietary restriction we measured body weight, total blood protein, plasma albumin, urea and glucose. Our experiments demonstrated that the malnourished rats presented augment levels of basal MAP (LP 122+/-2 mmHg vs. NP 113+/-1 mmHg) and of VMAP (LP 12.8+/-1.5mmHg vs. NP 9+/-1mmHg) when compared to the control group. We observed similar increased levels, in the malnourished group, for both HR (LP 429+/-8 bpm vs. NP 381+/-7bpm) and VHR (LP 67.6+/-8.3bpm vs. NP 44.4+/-4.9bpm). Our results suggest a correlation between the LP diet in Fisher rats and the increased basal levels of mean arterial pressure, HR and their respective variability.

A juvenile sheep model for the long-term evaluation of stentless bioprostheses implanted as aortic root replacements.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Orthotopic valve replacement in large animals is an important component of the preclinical assessment of bioprosthetic valves. To provide the most useful preclinical information, the development of models that parallel clinical practice patterns is essential. Therefore, we sought to develop a technically feasible and reproducible model for chronic evaluation of stentless bioprosthetic aortic valves implanted as aortic root replacements in juvenile sheep. METHODS: Juvenile domestic sheep (mean age 21+/-2.28 weeks; range: 17-26 weeks) underwent aortic root replacement using standard cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and surgical techniques. Animals were implanted with 19 mm (n = 21), 21 mm (n = 18) or 23 mm (n = 4) bioprostheses from two different manufacturers, and followed for 150 days. Animals surviving at least 150 days were considered long-term survivors; those which died prior to postoperative day (POD) 31 were considered operative deaths. RESULTS: Forty-three animals underwent aortic root replacement. The mean CPB time was 91+/-20 min (range: 62-149 min); mean cross-clamp time was 63+/-13 min (range: 39-95 min). Thirty-five animals (81%) survived the first 30 days of the study period. Five deaths occurred at POD 0 due to anastomotic complications. One death occurred each on POD 3, 6, and 26 as a result of prosthesis size mismatching, thromboembolic complications, and endocarditis, respectively. There were five late deaths. Twenty animals survived the minimum 150-day study period, and 12 were sacrificed at 183+/-17 days. Six animals remain alive at 151+/-0.98 days, and one animal died each on POD 184 and 190. The remaining 10 animals are not yet 150 days from their operation. Currently, all are well at 102+/-34 days (range: 33-140) days. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that long-term evaluation of stentless aortic bioprostheses implanted as aortic root replacements can be accomplished using juvenile sheep.

Estudos dos efeitos toxicológicos dos estratos de folhas e frutos de Indigofera suffructosa Mill. em camundongos. I. Estratos hexânicos / Toxicological effects of leaves and fruits extract of Indigofera suffructosa Mill. in mice I. Hexane extracts

A leguminosa indigofera suffruticosa Mill, apresenta potencial forrageiro. Folhas e Frutos foram extraídos com hexano e os extratos obtidos, administrados por via intraperitoneal em camundongos. Encontrou-se a dose tóxica de 5,0g/kg e 7,5g/kg para os extratos hexânicos de folha e fruto respectivamente. As principais alteraçöes foram observadas a nível hepático e pulmonar