Performance, Feeding Behavior and Immune Response in Nellore and Angus × Nellore Steers Fed Whole Shelled Corn Diets with or without Fiber.

This study aimed to evaluate performance, to evaluate performance, carcass traits, feeding behavior, and humoral immune response in Nellore and Angus × Nellore steers fed whole shelled corn diets. Sixteen Nellore and 16 Angus × Nellore steers with 353 ± 25.3 kg were randomly assigned into 2 feeding groups, whole shelled corn without forage (WSC) or whole shelled corn and sugarcane bagasse (WSCB). The data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Angus × Nellore steers had greater final BW, DMI, ADG, and subcutaneous fat thickness than Nellore. Moreover, Nellore steers had lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake but spent more time ruminating and had a greater rumination rate of NDF. Regarding the diets, steers fed the WSCB had greater DMI and spent more time chewing and ruminating. Nellore × Angus steers had a greater haptoglobin concentration. The concentration of D-Lactate tended to be greater in the Nellore steers regardless of diet. In conclusion, the use of sugarcane bagasse in WSC diets increases DMI and ADG without affecting feed efficiency or the carcass traits of the steers. Although Angus × Nellore steers have increased haptoglobin concentration, this effect was not enough to reduce the performance of these animals.

Cannibalism rate and mLeptin expression are influenced by photoperiod and diets in Piracanjuba, Brycon orbignyanus (Valenciennes, 1850) larvae.

Piracanjuba (Brycon orbignyanus) is a species with great productive potential, and during its larval phase, it presents intense cannibal activity. The photoperiod and diet are primary feed behaviour and cannibalism modulators to fishes. This experiment aimed to verify the effect of different photoperiods and diets in Piracanjuba larviculture. Larvae were kept under different photoperiods - 12 h light: 12 h dark (12 L: 12D); 24 h light:00 h dark (24hL: 00D) - Larvae were fed with Artemia nauplii and a formulated micro-diet in a factorial scheme for 10 days, and at the end of the experimental period, the influences of the treatments on performance and quantitative expression of mLeptin and mBmall1 were evaluated. In order to quantify the expression of mLeptin and mBmall1, qPCR adopting ß-actin and Elongation Factor 1 as endogenous genes was used. The primers for all the analysed transcripts were obtained through multiple sequences alignments of different fish species. It was observed that the diet and photoperiod influence the performance of Piracanjuba (B. orbignyanus) larvae in the initial phase of larviculture. Feeding with artemia nauplii and the photoperiod of 24 L:00D reduce cannibalism rates in intensive Piracanjuba larviculture. The results on the rate of cannibalism, rate of survival and the relative expression of mLeptin are related to the survival rate of the larvae, and it is inversely proportional to the cannibalism rate. The expression levels of mBmall1 showed a correlation with the final weight of the larvae. Piracanjuba Larvae under a photoperiod of 24 light and fed Artemia nauplii showed more significant levels of mLeptin expression.

Repellent activity of acetylcarvacrol and its effects on salivary gland morphology in unfed Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks (Acari: Ixodidae).

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), commonly known as brown dog tick, is a widely distributed tick species that is substantially important for human and veterinary medicine. Therefore, it is the target of different control methods. Carvacrol and its semisynthetic derivative, acetylcarvacrol, are promising chemical compounds for alternative tick control. Thus, this study aimed to compare the repellent activities of carvacrol and acetylcarvacrol at different concentrations and drying times. Additionally, morphological alterations found in salivary glands were evaluated through histological techniques after exposure to acetylcarvacrol. The impact of the morphological changes on the development and survival of acini/cells in salivary glands was measured by a semiquantitative analysis. The repellent action of both compounds did not differ when evaluated at different concentrations, although acetylcarvacrol increased its effects as the concentration raised. Regarding the different drying times, acetylcarvacrol maintained its effects after 3 hours of exposure, while the efficacy of carvacrol decreased during this time period. Salivary glands of unfed R. sanguineus s.l. females showed dose-dependent alterations in the size and shape of acini as well as cytoplasmic vacuolization. Loss of the acinar cell limit, rupture of secretory granules and nuclear changes in the cells were also observed in the treated groups. Thus, our results demonstrated the potential of acetylcarvacrol to act as repellent against R. sanguineus s.l. Additionally, the morphological alterations found in salivary glands may interfere with the feeding process of ticks, which contributes to mitigate infestation by this species.

Effect of protein level and methionine supplementation on dairy cows during the transition period.

Cows experience a significant negative protein balance during the first 30 d of lactation. Given the functional effects of AA on health, especially in challenging periods such as calving, higher levels of protein and specific AA in the diet may act to improve health and feed intake. The response of dairy cows to 3 protein supplementation strategies during the transition period and through the first 45 d in milk was evaluated. The final data set had 39 Holstein cows blocked based on parity (primiparous vs. multiparous) and expected calving and randomly assigned within each block to one of 3 dietary treatments: low protein (LP), high protein (HP), or high protein plus rumen-protected methionine (HPM). Treatments were offered from d -18 ± 5 to 45 d relative to parturition. Pre- and postpartum diets were formulated for high metabolizable protein (MP) supply from soybean meal, and HP and HPM provided higher MP balance than LP. Preplanned contrasts were LP versus HP+HPM and HP versus HPM. Significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05 and trends at 0.05

Acetylation of carvacrol raises its efficacy against engorged cattle ticks Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

The effects of acetylcarvacrol on the reproductive performance of engorged female R. microplus were evaluated. Carvacrol was acetylated by a reaction with acetic anhydride, confirmed by the identification of its melting point and by infrared spectroscopy. Based on the median lethal concentration, females were exposed to sublethal concentrations (3.7, 4.6 and 5.0 µL/mL) of acetylcarvacrol by means of the adult immersion test. The following parameters were evaluated: female weight before oviposition, pre-oviposition period, egg mass weight, egg production index, incubation period, hatching rate, fecundity rate, percentage of reduction in oviposition, percentage of reduction in hatching and product efficacy. The greatest efficacy was observed in the group treated with the highest concentration (91.69%) due to the greater weight reduction in egg mass (34.91 ± 0.02 mg) and the lower hatching rate (7.23 ± 15.50%). Therefore, this compound is a promising alternative for the control of R. microplus infestations.

Sublethal concentrations of acetylcarvacrol affect reproduction and integument morphology in the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae).

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), also known as the brown dog tick, is among the main tick species involved in the transmission of pathogens to humans and other animals and, therefore, the target of numerous control methods. However, due to the disadvantages of synthetic acaricides, the use of alternative products such as plant derivatives has been encouraged. This study aimed to evaluate the acaricidal potential of acetylcarvacrol and to determine its efficacy at sublethal doses for the control of R. sanguineus s.l. female ticks. In addition, as acetylcarvacrol was applied topically, morphological alterations in the integument were assessed. Acetylation of carvacrol was performed by reaction with acetic anhydride in a sodium hydroxide solution, being confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. The lethal concentration for 50 and 90% (LC50 and LC90) of unfed ticks and the efficacy of acetylcarvacrol in engorged females were determined after the Adult Immersion Test (AIT). For the evaluation of effects of acetylcarvacrol in the integument, routine histological techniques were employed after the AIT. The LC50 and LC90 in unfed females were 2.8 and 7.2 µL/mL, respectively. Regarding reproductive performance, after treatment with 8.0 µL/mL acetylcarvacrol 90.9% control was achieved, as ticks showed the lowest egg production index (EPI), hatching rate (HR), and fecundity rate (FR). In the integument, considerable morphological alterations were observed both in cuticle and epithelium. Thus, acetylcarvacrol affected R. sanguineus s.l. external coating and reproduction when applied at sublethal concentrations, probably contributing to a long-term control.

Low concentrations of acetylcarvacrol induce drastic morphological damages in ovaries of surviving Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks (Acari: Ixodidae).

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s. l.) ticks are targets of acaricidal treatments due to their great veterinary and medical importance. Acetylcarvacrol stands out as a promising acaricidal substance for its increased biocidal activity and stability. Additionally, its toxicity to mammals is reduced when compared to the parent molecule, carvacrol. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of acetylcarvacrol on the morphology of ovaries of engorged R. sanguineus s. l. ticks. The animals were subjected to the Adult Immersion Test to calculate the lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) of acetylcarvacrol. Subsequently, the surviving ticks were dissected for collection of the ovaries. The samples were processed through routine histological techniques. The histological sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, bromophenol blue (protein detection) and PAS (polysaccharide detection). The alterations found in the ovaries were evaluated by morphometric and semiquantitative analysis. The LC50 and LC90 were 17.805 and 26.164 µL/mL, respectively. The most severe morphological alterations were disappearance of the female germ cells (oocytes), nucleolus vacuolization, thicker and irregular chorion, and decrease in size of the oocytes. Also, the content of proteins and carbohydrates in the oocytes were heavily affected by the chemical, as evidenced by a non-homogeneous staining pattern. The group exposed to the highest concentration of acetylcarvacrol (20 µL/mL) exhibited a statistically greater score in the semiquantitative analysis when compared to the other groups. The morphological changes in the ovaries may reduce the ticks' offspring production or generate descendants that will struggle to carry out essential biochemical processes during their lives. Thus, acetylcarvacrol may be a promising alternative to control tick infestation by impairing the reproduction of this parasite.

Epizootic Infection by Trypanosoma vivax in Cattle from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Trypanosomiasis is caused by a pathogenic protozoan of the genus Trypanosoma, being Trypanosoma vivax the most important agent for cattle. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the expansion of T. vivax infection in different mesoregions of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and describe the clinicopathological findings of trypanosomiasis in cattle. The diagnosis was based on visualization of the parasite in blood smears and DNA detection of T. vivax in the blood of live cows and tissues of necropsied animals by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thirty suspected herds were tested, of which 11 were positive for T. vivax. The most frequent clinical signs were anemia, apathy, drop in milk production, weight loss, reproductive disorders, and nervous signs. Concomitant diseases, such as malignant edema, pneumonia and increased cases of mastitis were associated with T. vivax infection. Three cows were necropsied and the most significant findings were low body condition score, pale mucous and spleen with white pulp hyperplasia. The results demonstrated the expansion of T. vivax infection in Minas Gerais, that PCR-associated blood smears are promising for diagnosis, and that other diseases often occur concomitantly to T. vivax infection in regions with trypanosomiasis in cattle.

Avaliação da composição centesimal carne de frangos criados em sistema alternativo com uso de duas metodologias / Evaluation centesimal composition of chickens meat in alternative system using two methodologies

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a composição centesimal da carne de frangos de ambos os sexos, criados em sistema alternativo com a suplementação de diferentes minerais biocomplexados, com o uso de duas metodologias de análise. O delineamento foi em esquema fatorial (3 x 2), sendo três dietas e dois sexos. Foram utilizadas duas técnicas para avaliação da composição bromatológica (NIR e convencional através de determinação analítica conforme AOAC). Foram avaliados os teores de umidade, proteína, cinzas/matéria mineral e gordura/extrato etéreo. As duas técnicas apresentaram resultados percentuais diferentes em relação aos teores de umidade e cinzas. Considerando os fatores estudados, a técnica com o uso de NIR não revelou os mesmos efeitos apontados pela metodologia analítica da AOAC na avaliação da composição bromatológica.

Experimental poisoning by Brachiaria decumbens in rabbits / Intoxicação experimental por Brachiaria decumbens em coelhos

Brachiaria spp. are important sources of forage for ruminants in Brazil, due to the easy cultivation, good resistance to drought, good adaptation to different soils and low maintenance cost. However, the ingestion of this grass has been related to photosensitization outbreaks in cattle and sheep with significant economic losses. The hepatotoxic effects related to the ingestion of grass are the formation of crystals and foamy macrophages due to the accumulation of toxic metabolites. The use of cattle and sheep in experiments involving the plant presents several obstacles in the ethical, economic and animal management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of rabbits as an experimental model for B. decumbens poisoning. Two experiments were carried out. In Experiment 1 four rabbits received the fresh plant in daily doses of 10, 20, 40 and 80g/kg body weight for 120 days. In Experiment 2 three rabbits received the fresh plant in amounts of 500g daily with duration of 210 days. The animals of Experiment 1 showed no clinical signs and no macroscopic and microscopic changes characteristic of B. decumbens poisoning. In Experiment 2 the animals also showed no clinical signs or significant macroscopic alterations. Histological analysis showed isolated foamy macrophages or present in random groups of cells in the liver and mesenteric lymph nodes. Samples of liver and mesenteric lymph nodes of the rabbits of Experiment 2 were submitted to the lectin-histochemistry technique. The WGA, sWGA and RCA lectins showed reactivity in foamy macrophages in both organs. This is the first study of our knowledge that demonstrates histopathological lesions caused expetimentally by Brachiaria spp. in rabbits, demonstrating its potential as an animal model.(AU)

Brachiaria ssp. são importantes fontes de forragem para ruminantes no Brasil, devido ao fácil cultivo, boa resistência a seca, boa adaptação a diferentes solos e baixo custo de manutenção. Entretanto, a ingestão desta gramínea está relacionada a surtos de fotossensibilização, em bovinos e ovinos, principalmente, ocasionando prejuízos econômicos significativos. Os efeitos hepatotóxicos relacionados à ingestão da gramínea são a formação de cristais e macrófagos espumosos causados pelo acúmulo de metabólitos tóxicos. A utilização de bovinos e ovinos em experimentos envolvendo a planta apresenta vários empecilhos, tanto no âmbito ético, econômico e no manejo dos animais. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a sensibilidade de coelhos como modelo experimental para intoxicação por B. decumbens. No presente estudo foram realizados dois experimentos. O Experimento 1 utilizou quatro coelhos que receberam a planta fresca em doses diárias de 10, 20, 40 e 80 g/Kg de peso vivo durante 120 dias. O Experimento 2 utilizou três coelhos recebendo a planta fresca em quantidades de 500g diárias por animal com duração de 210 dias. No Experimento 1, os animais não apresentaram sinais clínicos e nem alterações macroscópicas e microscópicas características de intoxicação por B. decumbens. No Experimento 2 os animais também não apresentaram sinais clínicos e alterações macroscópicas significativas. Na análise histológica observou-se presença de macrófagos espumosos isolados ou em grupos aleatórios de células no fígado e nos linfonodos mesentéricos. Amostras de fígado e linfonodos mesentéricos dos animais do Experimento 2 foram submetidos à técnica de lectino-histoquímica. As lectinas WGA, sWGA e RCA apresentaram reatividade em macrófagos espumosos nos dois órgãos. Este é o primeiro trabalho de nosso conhecimento que demonstra lesões histopatológicas por Brachiaria spp conduzido de forma experimental em coelhos, demonstrando seu potencial como modelo animal nesse campo de estudo.(AU)

Oat beta-glucan as a dietary supplement for dogs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oat beta-glucan supplementation on metabolic, physiological, immunological and nutritional variables in adult dogs. Fourteen dogs were fed a control diet or a diet supplemented with 1% beta-glucan during 71 days. Serum concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol and lipoprotein fractions, as well as plasma concentrations of peptide YY and ghrelin, were determined. In addition, coefficient of total tract apparent macronutrient digestibility (CTTAD), food intake and fecal output, score, and pH were evaluated. For evaluation of immunological variables, serum concentrations of interleukin-4 and interferon gamma were determined on days 0, 57 and 71, which corresponded to blood collection prior to beta-glucan supplementation, and at 7 and 14 days post first and second dose of vaccination (Pneumodog®, Merial, Campinas, Brazil), respectively. Animals fed the supplemented diet showed (P<0.05) lower serum concentrations of total cholesterol and low and very low density lipoproteins, lower coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, mineral matter and ether extract, higher fecal output and lower fecal consistency, as well as a tendency (P = 0.07) of decreasing the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility of crude protein. Moreover, the supplemented diet resulted in lower number of red blood cells, hematocrit percentage and hemoglobin concentration 21 days post-vaccination as well as lower serum concentration of interleukin-4 seven days post-vaccination (P<0.05). It is concluded that oat beta-glucan extract can be used as a dietary supplement for dogs at a dose of 10 g/kg of food, being effective in reducing blood concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-c and VLDL-c as well as CTTAD of nutrients, demonstrating a potential to be used in the feeding of obese animals. In addition, by reducing the predominance of a Th2 response, oat beta-glucan can positively modulate the vaccine response of animals.

Placental lesions associated with abortion and stillbirth in goats naturally infected by Neospora caninum / Lesões placentárias associadas a abortos e natimortos em cabras naturalmente infectadas pelo Neospora caninum

Neospora caninum has been described as a parasite that sporadically causes reproductive problems in goats. Several aspects of the pathogenesis of neosporosis in naturally infected goats remain to be established. The aims of the present study were to characterize the placental lesions in goats naturally infected by N. caninum and to evaluate several diagnostic techniques for effective detection of this protozoan in the goat placenta. Some placentas in this study originated from abortion and stillbirth in which there were severe lesions. The lesions were characterized mainly by necrosis involving the mesenchyme of the chorionic villi and trophoblast cells often alongside mononuclear inflammation and in some cases with neutrophilic infiltration. N. caninum DNA was detected in these placentas, but parasite structures were not visualized through immunohistochemistry (IHC). However, five of 11 placentas from N. caninum-infected goats that gave birth to healthy kids had histological lesions characterized by mononuclear inflammation. Of these 11 placentas, N. caninum DNA was detected in seven, and N. caninum tachyzoites were detected in only one of these seven placentas using IHC. The present study demonstrates that severe lesions in the placenta are associated with abortion and stillbirth in caprine neosporosis and the placental alterations are likely involved in abortion pathogenesis. Moreover, the results highlight the importance of using more than one diagnostic technique for the detection of the protozoan in placentas because N. caninum cannot be reliably detected by histological and immunohistochemical tests.(AU)

Neospora caninum é descrito como um parasito que causa problemas reprodutivos esporádicos em cabras. Muitos aspectos da patogênese da neosporose em cabras naturalmente infectadas ainda precisam ser estabelecidos. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram caracterizar as lesões placentárias em cabras naturalmente infectadas por N. caninum e avaliar as técnicas diagnósticas para a detecção efetiva do protozoário na placenta. Algumas placentas deste estudo são originárias de abortos e natimortos, nas quais havia lesões graves. As lesões foram classificadas principalmente por necrose envolvendo o mesênquima das vilosidades coriônicas e células trofoblásticas, geralmente associadas a infiltrado inflamatório mononuclear e em alguns casos infiltrado neutrofílico. O DNA do N. caninum foi detectado nestas placentas, porém estruturas parasitárias não foram visualizadas na imuno-histoquímica (IHQ). Entretanto, cinco das onze placentas de cabras infectadas, que deram à luz a conceptos saudáveis, apresentaram lesões histológicas caracterizadas por infiltrado inflamatório mononuclear. Destas 11 placentas, foi detectado DNA de N. caninum em sete e taquizoítos foram encontrados em apenas uma por meio de imuno-histoquímica. O presente estudo demonstra que abortos e natimortos na espécie caprina, causados pelo N. caninum estão associados a lesões acentuadas nas placentas, sendo que as mesmas estão envolvidas na patogênese do aborto. Os resultados também ressaltam a importância do uso de mais de uma técnica diagnóstica para a detecção do protozoário em placentas, pois o N. caninum não pode ser confiavelmente detectado somente pelos exames de histopatologia e imuno-histoquímica.(AU)

Inspection of the actions of veterinarians qualified to act in the National Programme for Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis / Fiscalização das ações de médicos veterinários habilitados para atuar no Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose Animal

The inspection of qualified professionals is an important action of the National Programme for Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT). The data for this study were obtained by compiling reports of 63 inspections in loco of qualified private veterinarians between 2008 and 2011 in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Through the findings of this study, it was observed that all inspected professionals are regularly registered in the CRMV-ES, nevertheless it was found pending issues regarding the registration to conduct vaccinations against brucellosis. It was observed that most professionals keep the infrastructure and equipment for conducting tuberculosis and brucellosis tests. The majority adopts the official models of certification, however there is a significant delay in sending reports of actions, and many professionals reported a lack of demand for certification of properties.(AU)

A fiscalização de profissionais habilitados é uma importante ação do Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose Animal (PNCEBT). Com este trabalho, buscou-se reunir informações das fiscalizações relativas à habilitação de médicos veterinários privados no estado do Espírito Santo. Os dados deste estudo foram obtidos mediante a compilação dos relatórios de 63 fiscalizações in loco entre 2008 e 2011. Por meio dos achados deste estudo, observou-se que todos os profissionais fiscalizados estão regularmente inscritos no CRMV-ES, todavia foram verificadas pendências quanto ao cadastro para realizar vacinações contra brucelose. Observou-se que a maior parte dos profissionais mantém a infraestrutura e os equipamentos para a realização de exames de brucelose e tuberculose. A maioria adota os modelos oficiais de atestados, contudo há um expressivo atraso no envio dos relatórios de ações, e muitos profissionais relataram falta de demandas para certificação de propriedades.(AU)

Analysis of poultry transit, notification systems and legislation in the state of Sergipe, 2008-2012 / Análise do trânsito de aves, dos sistemas de notificação e da legislação no estado de Sergipe entre 2008 e 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess the transit of poultry, as well as the inspection on the outbreak of diseases, by addressing the issues concerning the system of the National Program on Poultry Sanity and its legal resolutions. The data on the animal transportation and the occurrence of the diseases were collected from the official services. A legislation-based assessment was also carried out for the period from 2008 to 2012 in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Results showed an intense transit of poultry in just about all towns of the state in the period under study, especially in chicken farms where less number of poultry is bred: from 5,000 to 15,000. Besides, 64% of poultry transportation was found to be intermunicipal. The state of Sergipe has received poultry particularly from the states of Pernambuco (49.87%), Bahia (20.85%), Minas Gerais (5.94%), Paraíba (5.16%), and Goiás (5.05%). The number of transit indicates an increase in transit over the years. In addition, three of six municipalities which saw these diseases (Estância, São Cristóvão and Itaporanga d'Ajuda) are responsible for a great part of the poultry transit. Results also showed that the majority of activities of the State Program on Poultry Sanity would be carried out in the municipalities where a larger poultry marketing flow takes place, thereby seeking to record a greater number of notifications on the diseases and, then, carry out the surveillance activities. Therefore, regarding the poultry transit, it is recommended to do a mapping of the risk regions for poultry diseases, as well as studies about the epidemiological characterization of the municipalities of the state of Sergipe.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o trânsito de aves, sua fiscalização e o surgimento de enfermidades, abordando questões referentes ao sistema do Programa Nacional de Sanidade Avícola e suas determinações legais. Dessa forma, compilaram-se dados do serviço oficial sobre o trânsito dos animais e a ocorrência de doenças, realizando-se também uma avaliação da legislação vigente entre 2008 e 2012, no estado do Sergipe. Observou-se no período averiguado um intenso trânsito de aves em quase toda a totalidade dos municípios, principalmente entre granjas que alojam pequenas quantidades de aves (5.000 a 15.000), e 64% do total do transporte de aves ocorreu entre municípios do Estado. Os estados fornecedores de aves para Sergipe foram sobretudo Pernambuco (49,87%), Bahia (20,85%), Minas Gerais (5,94%), Paraíba (5,16%) e Goiás (5,05%). O número de guias de trânsito emitidas aponta um crescimento do trânsito ao longo dos anos. Verificaram-se que três municípios (Estância, São Cristóvão e Itaporanga d'Ajuda), dos seis acometidos por enfermidades, são aqueles responsáveis por grande parte do trânsito realizado. O estudo mostrou que para os municípios sergipanos, nos quais acontece maior fluxo de comercialização avícola, seriam indicadas mais das ações do Programa Estadual de Sanidade Avícola, com a finalidade de registrar maior número de notificações de enfermidades e, consequentemente, exercer ações de vigilância. Assim, quanto ao trânsito animal, recomendam-se a adoção de um mapeamento das regiões de risco sanitário para as enfermidades de aves e a realização de estudos sobre a caracterização epidemiológica dos municípios de Sergipe.(AU)

Histological and immunohistochemical characterization of the inflammatory and glial cells in the central nervous system of goat fetuses and adult male goats naturally infected with Neospora caninum.

BACKGROUND: Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan protozoan that is considered one of the main agents responsible for abortion in ruminants. The lesions found in the central nervous system (CNS) of aborted fetuses show multifocal necrosis, gliosis, and perivascular cuffs of mononuclear cells, but the inflammatory and glial cells have not been immunophenotypically characterized. The lesions in the CNS of infected adult animals have rarely been described. Therefore, in this study, we characterized the lesions, the immunophenotypes of the inflammatory and glial cells and the expression of MHC-II and PCNA in the CNS of goats infected with N. caninum. The CNS of eight aborted fetuses and six adult male goats naturally infected with N. caninum were analyzed with lectin histochemistry (RCA1) and immunohistochemistry (with anti-CD3, -CD79α, -GFAP, -MHC-II, and -PCNA antibodies). All animals were the offspring of dams naturally infected with N. caninum. RESULTS: The microscopic lesions in the CNS of the aborted fetuses consisted of perivascular cuffs composed mainly of macrophages (RCA1(+)), rare T lymphocytes (CD3(+)), and rare B lymphocytes (CD79α(+)). Multifocal necrosis surrounded by astrocytes (GFAP(+)), gliosis composed predominantly of monocytic-lineage cells (macrophages and microglia, RCA1(+)), and the cysts of N. caninum, related (or not) to the lesions were present. Similar lesions were found in four of the six male goats, and multinucleate giant cells related to focal gliosis were also found in three adult goats. Anti-GFAP immunostaining showed astrocytes characterizing areas of glial scarring. Cysts of N. caninum were found in three adult male goats. The presence of N. caninum was evaluated with histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and PCR. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated anti-PCNA labeling of macrophages and microglia in the perivascular cuffs and the expression of MHC-II by microglia and endothelial cells in the CNS of the aborted fetuses and adult male goats. CONCLUSIONS: Macrophages and microglia were the predominant inflammatory cells in the CNS of aborted fetuses and healthy adult male goats infected with N. caninum. Activated astrocytes were mainly associated with inflamed areas, suggesting that astrocytes were involved in the resolution of the lesions.

Estudo retrospectivo da raiva no Estado da Paraíba, Brasil, 2004 a 2011 / Retrospective survey of rabies in Paraíba State, Brazil, from 2004 to 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um estudo retrospectivo da raiva em herbívoros no estado da Paraíba, Brasil, avaliando aspectos epidemiológicos da doença no período de 2004 a 2011. Foram utilizados os registros da notificação dos casos de raiva contidos no Sistema Continental de Vigilância Epidemiológica (SIVCONT). Durante o período avaliado, foram submetidas para diagnóstico amostras de 17.454 animais de todo o Brasil, das quais 43 (0,25%) foram procedentes do estado da Paraíba, e todas elas foram positivas para raiva. A frequência de focos de raiva por município variou de 2,3% a 11,6%. A distribuição dos casos variou conforme a espécie afetada, havendo predominância nos bovinos (93%), seguidos de equinos (4,7%) e um morcego (2,3%) (p < 0,001). Foi observada predominância de casos positivos nos quais a notificação foi efetuada por proprietários (53,5%), seguido de terceiros (39,5%) e vigilância (7%) (p = 0,001). Com relação aos meses de ocorrência dos focos em todos os anos do período avaliado, as frequências variaram de 4,7% no mês de agosto a 14% no mês de abril. Houve predominância de focos no ano de 2010 (41,9%), com diferença significativa entre os anos (p < 0,001). Em conclusão, sugere-se a adoção de medidas estratégicas de controle da raiva e vigilância contínua das doenças nervosas no estado da Paraíba.

The aim of this work was to perform a retrospective study of rabies in herbivores in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, in order to evaluate epidemiological aspects of the disease from 2004 to 2011. Data on notification of rabies cases included in the Continental Epidemiological Surveillance System (SIVCONT) were used. During the study period samples from 17,454 animals from Brazil were sent to rabies diagnosis, from which 43 (0.25%) samples from the state of Paraiba, and all of them were positive for rabies. The frequency of rabies outbreaks by county ranged from 2.3% to 11.6%. The distribution of cases ranged according to species affected, with predominance in cattle (93%), followed by horses (4.7%) and one bat (2.3%) (p < 0.001). It was observed a predominance of positive cases when the notification was made by owners (53.5%), followed by others (39.5%) and surveillance (7%) (p = 0.001). Related to occurrence of outbreaks by month in all years of the study period, the frequencies ranged from 4.7% in August to 14% in April. It was found predominance of outbreaks in 2010 (41.9%), with significant differences among years (p < 0.001). In conclusion, it is suggested the adoption of strategic measures for the control of rabies and continuous surveillance of nervous diseases in herbivores in the state of Paraíba.

A directed approach for the identification of transcripts harbouring the spliced leader sequence and the effect of trans-splicing knockdown in Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease caused by trematodes from the genus Schistosoma. Because schistosomes exhibit a complex life cycle and numerous mechanisms for regulating gene expression, it is believed that spliced leader (SL) trans-splicing could play an important role in the biology of these parasites. The purpose of this study was to investigate the function of trans-splicing in Schistosoma mansoni through analysis of genes that may be regulated by this mechanism and via silencing SL-containing transcripts through RNA interference. Here, we report our analysis of SL transcript-enriched cDNA libraries from different S. mansoni life stages. Our results show that the trans-splicing mechanism is apparently not associated with specific genes, subcellular localisations or life stages. In cross-species comparisons, even though the sets of genes that are subject to SL trans-splicing regulation appear to differ between organisms, several commonly shared orthologues were observed. Knockdown of trans-spliced transcripts in sporocysts resulted in a systemic reduction of the expression levels of all tested trans-spliced transcripts; however, the only phenotypic effect observed was diminished larval size. Further studies involving the findings from this work will provide new insights into the role of trans-splicing in the biology of S. mansoni and other organisms. All Expressed Sequence Tags generated in this study were submitted to dbEST as five different libraries. The accessions for each library and for the individual sequences are as follows: (i) adult worms of mixed sexes (LIBEST_027999: JZ139310 - JZ139779), (ii) female adult worms (LIBEST_028000: JZ139780 - JZ140379), (iii) male adult worms (LIBEST_028001: JZ140380 - JZ141002), (iv) eggs (LIBEST_028002: JZ141003 - JZ141497) and (v) schistosomula (LIBEST_028003: JZ141498 - JZ141974).

A directed approach for the identification of transcripts harbouring the spliced leader sequence and the effect of trans-splicing knockdown in Schistosoma mansoni

Schistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease caused by trematodes from the genus Schistosoma. Because schistosomes exhibit a complex life cycle and numerous mechanisms for regulating gene expression, it is believed that spliced leader (SL) trans-splicing could play an important role in the biology of these parasites. The purpose of this study was to investigate the function of trans-splicing in Schistosoma mansoni through analysis of genes that may be regulated by this mechanism and via silencing SL-containing transcripts through RNA interference. Here, we report our analysis of SL transcript-enriched cDNA libraries from different S. mansoni life stages. Our results show that the trans-splicing mechanism is apparently not associated with specific genes, subcellular localisations or life stages. In cross-species comparisons, even though the sets of genes that are subject to SL trans-splicing regulation appear to differ between organisms, several commonly shared orthologues were observed. Knockdown of trans-spliced transcripts in sporocysts resulted in a systemic reduction of the expression levels of all tested trans-spliced transcripts; however, the only phenotypic effect observed was diminished larval size. Further studies involving the findings from this work will provide new insights into the role of trans-splicing in the biology of S. mansoni and other organisms. All Expressed Sequence Tags generated in this study were submitted to dbEST as five different libraries. The accessions for each library and for the individual sequences are as follows: (i) adult worms of mixed sexes (LIBEST_027999: JZ139310 - JZ139779), (ii) female adult worms (LIBEST_028000: JZ139780 - JZ140379), (iii) male adult worms (LIBEST_028001: JZ140380 - JZ141002), (iv) eggs (LIBEST_028002: JZ141003 - JZ141497) and (v) schistosomula (LIBEST_028003: JZ141498 - JZ141974).

Captura de Desmodus rotundus em regiões de mata e manguezais do Estado do Maranhão: um estudo longitudinal / Desmodus rotundus capture in forest (Amazon biome) and mangrove areas in the State of Maranhão, Brazil: a longitudinal study

O presente trabalho teve por objetivos investigar o número de capturas e o controle do morcego hematófago Desmodus rotundus, em pequenas propriedades localizadas no município de Cedral no estado do Maranhão, que foi escolhido por ter sido efetuado o maior número de capturas do estado, sendo todas ao redor de currais. O controle oficial é realizado pela aplicação de pasta vampiricida de uso tópico a base de warfarina a 2%. Para o estudo foram utilizadas fichas de controle de morcegos hematófagos capturados em currais, como também, foi aplicado um questionário a campo para identificação dos locais com maior número de capturas. No período de 2005 a 2010 foram estudados os resultados de 223 buscas ativas por D. rotundus, em 101 propriedades. Foi capturado um total de 408 morcegos hematófagos, distribuídos em 190 das 223 buscas. Em todos os espécimes de D. rotundus capturados foi realizado o tratamento, que consistiu na aplicação da pasta vampiricida, no dorso do animal. Nas propriedades estudadas, verificou-se que dos 754 animais expostos, 344 foram agredidos. Destes, os bovinos foram a maior oferta de alimento aos Desmodus (49%), seguidos dos equídeos (18%), aves (15%), suínos (9%) e caprinos (8%). Apesar dos bovinos terem sido os mais atacados, em função do efetivo disponível, verificou-se uma preferência dos morcegos hematófagos por eqüídeos. As falhas nas capturas ocorreram onde havia poucos animais agredidos. Após análise de seis anos de realização do programa de controle com pasta vampiricida, verificou-se que a proporção de macho e fêmeas de D. rotundus capturados foi 1,08 machos para cada fêmea, o que demonstra que o tratamento foi mais efetivo nas fêmeas, uma vez que no primeiro ano do estudo, a proporção era de 1,21 fêmeas para cada macho. Verificou-se ainda que o controle foi realizado com sucesso em 95% das propriedades trabalhadas, com uma média de tempo de três anos de trabalho com até seis capturas por propriedade. Ao exame dos animais agredidos verificou-se que a área do pescoço dos grandes animais e dos caprinos são as mais atingidas, sugerindo o pouso direto dos morcegos sobre o animal. Uma representação pequena dos proprietários entrevistados vacinavam seus animais (57%), e destes apenas um fazia o reforço de vacinação. Concluiu-se que nas regiões de mangue e/ou matas, o controle foi efetivo nas capturas em currais, sendo prudente verificar a ocorrência de novas agressões, dentro de 15 dias e nos primeiros três meses. No planejamento de controle de D. rotundus em curral, deve ser considerado que o número de morcegos capturados é semelhante ao número de mordidas recentes. Em relação às criações domésticas de subsistências, D. rotundus se alimenta de fontes distintas, com uma menor predileção pelas aves.

The aim of the study was to investigate the number of captures and the control of the common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus on small farms in the municipality of Cedral, State of Maranhão, Brazil. The area was chosen because the highest number of captures in Maranhão was made there around corrals. Official control is accomplished by applying warfarin 2%, a vampiricid gel, on captured bats. In this study, control records of captured hematophagous bats were analyzed, and a questionnaire was applied in the field to identify areas with the highest number of captures. From 2005 to 2010, 223 captures in 101 farms were studied; in 190 of them existed control with application of warfarin 2% gel on the bats.. There was a total of 344 attacked livestock out of 754 exposed animals, mostly cattle (49%), followed by horses (18%), poultry (15%), pigs (9%) and goats (8%). After 6 years, the proportion of captured male and female bats was 1.08 to 1.00, compared to 1.00 to 1.21 in the first year, what demonstrates that the treatment was more effective in females. Within three years, there was control in the number of bats in 95% of the farms, after 1 to 6 captures. The main attacked area of the animal bodies was the neck. Only 57% of the owners vaccinated their livestock. The present study concluded that (1) the control with capture of bats in corrals was effective, (2) but it is prudent to monitor the area during the first 3 months after the end of control, (3) the number of captured bats was similar to the number of recent bites, and (4) D. rotundus could attack any domestic animal, with little predilection for poultry.