First reported case of Trichomonas gallinae infection in red-breasted toucan (Ramphastos dicolorus).

This study reports the infection and diagnosis of the protozoan morphologic complex Trichomonas gallinae in a baby red-breasted toucan (Ramphastos dicolorus). Nodular lesions on the soft palate and edema in the oral cavity were observed macroscopically. Microscopically, a granuloma with multiple layers of necrosis interspersed with inflammatory polymorphonuclear infiltrates was observed. Parasitism was confirmed by parasitological diagnosis, isolation of the flagellates in culture medium, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using 5.8S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Flanking internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene regions were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and the sequences were analyzed phylogenetically using MEGA 11 software. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS1/5.8S rRNA/ITS2 sequences demonstrated high nucleotide identity with two Trichomonas sequences available in GenBank, which were more closely related to T. vaginalis (99%) than to T. gallinae (98%). In addition to being potential transmitters of this protozoan, rigorous monitoring of infectious and parasitic diseases in wild bird populations is essential for their preservation. The forms of transmission of Trichomonas sp. favor the occurrence of the disease in many non-Columbiformes species, which is essential for the monitoring of this disease in wild birds.

Se-[(2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl] 4-Chlorobenzoselenolate Attenuates Inflammatory Response, Nociception, and Affective Disorders Related to Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice.

Despite major advances, not all patients achieve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission, thus highlighting a pressing need for new therapeutic treatments. Given this scenario, this study sought to evaluate Se-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl] 4-chlorobenzoselenolate (Se-DMC) potential on a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced unilateral arthritis model. The effects of Se-DMC (5 mg/kg; oral dose) and meloxicam (5 mg/kg; oral dose), both administered to animals daily for 14 days, on paw edema, mechanical sensitivity, neurobehavioral deficits (anxiogenic- and depressive-like behaviors), Na+/K+-ATPase activity, oxidative stress, and inflammation were evaluated in male Swiss mice exposed to CFA (intraplantar injection of 0.1 mL; 10 mg/mL). Se-DMC reduced the paw withdrawal threshold and CFA-induced paw edema. Histopathological results revealed the antiedematogenic potential of the compound, which was evidenced by lower quantities of dilated lymphatic vessels compared with the CFA group. Se-DMC reduced mRNA relative expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the hippocampus and paw of CFA mice. The CFA-induced anxiogenic- and depressive-like behaviors were reversed by Se-DMC to the control levels in the elevated plus-maze and tail suspension tests. Se-DMC reduced the paw reactive species levels and restored the superoxide dismutase (hippocampus and paw) and Na+/K+-ATPase (hippocampus) activities previously increased by CFA. Moreover, CFA administration inhibited serum creatinine kinase activity, albeit the Se-DMC effects did not appear to involve the modulation of this enzyme and were equal to or greater than meloxicam. Se-DMC attenuates CFA-induced inflammatory response, nociception, and neurobehavioral deficits in mice.

Suppressive effect of 1,4-anhydro-4-seleno-D-talitol (SeTal) on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice through regulation of inflammatory mediators.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease that affects ∼20 % of children and 3% of adults globally and is generally treated by the topical application of steroidal drugs that have undesirable side-effects. The development of alternative therapies is therefore an important objective. The present study investigated the effects of topical treatment with a novel water-soluble selenium-containing carbohydrate derivative (4-anhydro-4-seleno-D-tatitol, SeTal) on the symptoms and inflammatory parameters in an AD mouse model. METHODS: Mice were sensitized by applying 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to their dorsal skin on days 1-3, then further challenged on their ears and dorsal skin on days 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, and 29. SeTal (1 and 2%) or hydrocortisone (1%) was applied topically to the backs of the mice from days 14-29, and skin severity scores and scratching behavior determined on day 30. The mice were euthanized, and their ears and dorsal skin removed to quantify inflammatory parameters, edema, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and AD-associated cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukins (IL)-18, and IL-33). RESULTS: DNCB treatment induced skin lesions and increased the scratching behavior, ear edema, MPO activity (ear and dorsal skin), and cytokine levels in dorsal skin. Topical application of SeTal improved inflammatory markers (cytokine levels and MPO activity), cutaneous severity scores, and scratching behavior. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of SeTal was satisfactory in the analyzed parameters, showing similar or better results than hydrocortisone. SeTal appears to be therapeutically advantageous for the treatment and control of AD.

Role of 7-chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinoline in the treatment of oxaliplatin-induced hepatic toxicity in mice.

There is an increasing incidence of hepatotoxicity induced by oxaliplatin (OXA); therefore, researchers' attention has been drawn to therapeutic alternatives that may decrease OXA-induced hepatotoxicity. Studies indicate that oxidative stress plays a major role in OXA-induced liver injury. As several pharmacological effects of 7-chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinole (4-PSQ) involve its antioxidant action, the hypothesis that this organoselenium compound could be promising for the treatment or prevention of hepatotoxicity induced by treatment with OXA was investigated. To test this hypothesis, male Swiss mice received OXA (10 mg·kg-1) on days 0 and 2, followed by oral administration of 4-PSQ (1 mg·kg-1) on days 2 to 14. 4-PSQ reduced the plasma aspartate, and alanine aminotransferase activity increased by exposure to OXA. The histopathological examination of the liver showed that 4-PSQ markedly improved OXA-induced hepatic injury. In addition, treatment with 4-PSQ reduced the oxidation of lipids and proteins (thiobarbituric acid reactive species levels and protein carbonyl content) and attenuated the increase of hepatic catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity caused by OXA. The inhibition of hepatic δ-aminolevulinic dehydratase activity induced by OXA was reverted by 4-PSQ. In conclusion, results indicate that 4-PSQ may be a good therapeutic strategy for attenuating OXA-induced liver damage.

Psittacid herpesvirus 3 infection in rose-ringed parakeets in southern Brazil.

We diagnosed disease caused by psittacid herpesvirus 3 (PsHV-3), a novel psittacid pathogen, in rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) housed in an exotic psittacine breeding colony in southern Brazil. The disease affected several adult birds. Clinical signs included apathy, tachypnea, and wheezing. Four birds were autopsied, and sections of lungs and liver were examined histologically and by electron microscopy (EM), revealing pulmonary congestion, bronchopneumonia, or multifocal necrosis of tertiary bronchi, with syncytial cells and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. Viral particles morphologically compatible with herpesviruses were observed by EM in lung sections. PCR with pan-herpesvirus primers performed on total DNA extracted from paraffinized tissue resulted in a 278-bp product. Sequencing of the amplicon revealed 93% nucleotide identity with a PsHV-3 sequence available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the obtained sequence with the only PsHV-3 DNA polymerase gene sequence available (GenBank accession JX028240) and separated the sequence from psittacid herpesviruses 1 and 2. The clinical, pathologic, and molecular findings support the association of PsHV-3 with pneumonia found in these rose-ringed parakeets in southern Brazil.

Diseases of wild birds in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Doenças de aves silvestres no sul do Rio Grande do Sul

Necropsy protocols of the "Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico" of "Faculdade de Veterinária" of the "Universidade Federal de Pelotas" were reviewed, ranging the period from 2000 to 2018. Three hundred eighty one necropsies, 25 refrigerated and/or formaline fixed organs, and seven biopsies were received, representing 413 samples. Most of these materials were sent by the "Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre" of "Universidade Federal de Pelotas" (NURFS-CETAS-UFPel) and were from municipalities within the range area of LRD-UFPel influence. Of the 413 cases 55 (13.31%) corresponded to metabolic/nutritional diseases; 50 (12.10%) to trauma; 35 (8.47%) to bacterial diseases/toxi-infections; 30 (7.26%) to parasitic diseases; 28 (6.77%) to fungal diseases; four (0.97%) to viral diseases and 17 (4.11%) to other diseases. Cases where it was not possible to determine the etiology, were in severe autolysis or were inconclusive totaled 194 (46.97%). Metabolic/nutritional diseases and traumatic injuries were the main cause of death in wild birds', being Passeriformes the most affected order.(AU)

Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo dos diagnósticos de causas de morte e de lesões em aves silvestres na região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul de 2000 a 2018. Foram revisados os protocolos de necropsia e materiais de aves silvestres encaminhados ao Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas no período. Foram recebidos 381 cadáveres para necropsia, 25 órgãos refrigerados e/ou em formol e 7 biopsias, totalizando 413 materiais. A maioria desses materiais foi remetida pelo Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (NURFS-CETAS-UFPel) e provenientes de municípios da área de influência do LRD-UFPel. Dos 413 casos 55 (13,31%) corresponderam a doenças metabólicas/nutricionais; 50 (12,10%) a traumas; 35 (8,47%) a doenças bacterianas/toxi-infecções; 30 (7,26%) a doenças parasitárias; 28 (6,77%) doenças fúngicas; 4 (0,97%) doenças virais e 17(4,12%) outras doenças que não se encaixavam nas categorias. Ainda em nos casos em que não foi possível determinar a etiologia, apresentaram autólise acentuada ou foram inconclusivos somaram 194 (46,97%). As doenças metabólicas/nutricionais e lesões traumáticas foram as principais causas de morte de aves silvestres, sendo a ordem mais afetada a Passeriformes.(AU)

Oral trichomoniasis in raptors in Southern Brazil / Tricomoníase oral em rapinantes no sul do Brasil

A retrospective study of oral trichomoniasis cases in raptors was carried out at "Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico" of "Faculdade de Veterinária" of "Universidade Federal de Pelotas" (LRD-UFPel) from December 2014 to August 2017. Seven necropsy reports were reviewed. All raptors including Falconiformes and Strigiformes orders were from periurban zones. Four birds were adults, and there was no apparent sex predisposition. Clinical signs included dysphagia, regurgitation, and anorexia. Gross lesions were characterized by multifocal yellow to coalescent caseous nodules adhered to the oral cavity, which extended to the entrance of the esophagus. Microscopically, the lesions were characterized by severe focally extensive heterophilic granulomatous stomatitis. Trichomonas gallinae was isolated in modified Diamond medium of all samples collected from birds. It is believed the transmission occurred by the predation of domestic pigeons (Columbia livia domestica) contaminated with T. gallinae that agglomerate in patios of grain processing complexes.(AU)

Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de casos de tricomoníase oral em rapinantes recebidos no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD-UFPel) no período de dezembro de 2014 a agosto de 2017. Foram revisados os protocolos de necropsia encontrando-se sete casos. Os animais eram todos de zonas periurbanas e foram afetadas a ordem Falconiformes e a ordem Strigiformes. Das aves afetadas 4/7 eram adultas e não houve aparente predisposição por sexo. Os sinais clínicos incluíram disfagia, regurgitação e anorexia. As lesões se caracterizaram por nódulos amarelados multifocais a coalescentes aderidos a cavidade oral, que se estendiam até a entrada do esôfago. Histologicamente as lesões caracterizaram-se por estomatite heterofílica granulomatosa focalmente extensiva acentuada. Foi isolado em meio Diamond modificado Trichomonas gallinae de todas as amostras coletadas das aves. Acredita-se que a fonte de transmissão tenha ocorrido a partir da predação por estes rapinantes de pombas domésticas (Columbia livia domestica) portadoras com T. gallinae que se aglomeram em pátios de complexos de beneficiamento de grãos.(AU)

Modulation of COX-2, INF-É£, glutamatergic and opioid systems contributes to antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic effects of bis(3-amino-2-pyridine) diselenide.

Preclinical assays play a key role in research in research on the neurobiology of pain and the development of novel analgesics. Drugs available for the treatment of inflammatory pain are not fully effective and show adverse effects. Thus, we investigated the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic effects of bis(3-amino-2-pyridine) diselenide (BAPD), a new analgesic drug prototype. BAPD effects were investigated using nociception models induced by chemical (glutamate), immunologic (Freund's Complete Adjuvant - CFA) and thermal stimuli in Swiss mice. Mice were orally (p.o.) treated with BAPD (0.1-50 mg/kg) 30 min prior to the glutamate and hot-plate tests and a time-course (0.5 up to 8 h) of the antinociceptive effect of BAPD (50 mg/kg, p. o.) was evaluated in a CFA model. In the CFA model, BAPD effects on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) and interferon-γ (INF-γ) expression, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, oxidative (2,2'-Azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline 6-sulfonic acid and 2,2-diphe- nyl-1-picrylhydrazyl levels) and histological parameters were evaluated. The safety of the compound (50 and 300 mg/kg, p. o.) was verified for 72 h. BAPD reduced the licking time induced by glutamate and caused an increase in latency response to thermal stimulus. Naloxone reversed the antinociceptive effect of BAPD. Paw edema formation induced by glutamate or CFA injection was reduced by BAPD. Mechanical hyperalgesia induced by CFA was attenuated by BAPD. BAPD did not protect against the increase in MPO activity and decrease of the 2,2'-Azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline 6-sulfonic acid and 2,2-diphe- nyl-1-picrylhydrazyl levels induced by CFA. BAPD protected against histological alterations and reduction on the levels of gene expression COX-2 and INF-γ in the paw of mice exposed to CFA. BAPD was safe at the doses and time evaluated. BAPD exerts acute antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic actions, suggesting that it may represent an alternative in the future development of new therapeutic strategies.

Clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from the South of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A forty-year survey (1978-2018) and a brief review of the literature / Clostridioses diagnosticadas em bovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Uma pesquisa de quarenta anos (1978-2018) e breve revisão da literatura

Clostridial diseases are important causes of livestock losses in the southern Rio Grande do Sul. Since 1978 annual surveys conducted at the "Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico" of the "Universidade Federal de Pelotas" (LRD-UFPel) have shown that clostridial diseases represent 10.40% of the bacterial diseases diagnosed in cattle and 1.65% of all diseases diagnosis in cattle over a 40-year period. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical, epidemiological and pathological aspects of the clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from January 1978 to December 2018 at the LRD-UFPel in the hopes that it will constitute a useful guide for field veterinary practitioners and interested farmers. We assessed and review the necropsy protocols of 6,736 cattle; these necropsies were performed either by LRD-UFPel faculty or by field veterinary practitioners; 111 outbreaks (1.65%) were diagnosed as clostridial disease, distributed as follows: 35 outbreaks of tetanus, 34 of blackleg, 23 of bacillary hemoglobinuria, 11 of malignant edema (gas gangrene), and eight of botulism. Approximately 904, from a total of 42,480 cattle at risk, died in these outbreaks.(AU)

Clostridioses são doenças produzidas por alguma das espécies do gênero Clostridium e são importantes causas de perdas pecuárias no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisas anuais realizadas no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD-UFPel) desde 1978 demonstraram que as clostridioses representaram 11,1% das doenças bacterianas diagnosticadas em bovinos e 1,65% de todos os diagnósticos de doenças em bovinos ao longo de 40 anos. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar os aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos das clostridioses diagnosticadas de janeiro de 1978 a dezembro de 2018, pelo LRD/UFPel com a intenção de que esse trabalho possa servir de guia útil para os veterinários de campo e fazendeiros interessados. Foram avaliados e revisados os protocolos de necropsia de 6.736 bovinos; essas necropsias foram realizadas pelo pessoal do LRD/UFPel ou por veterinários de campo. Cento e quatro (1,16%) casos foram diagnosticados como clostridioses, distribuídos da seguinte forma: 35 surtos de tétano, 34 de carbúnculo sintomático, 23 de hemoglobinúria bacilar, 11 de edema maligno (gangrena gasosa) e oito de botulismo. Aproximadamente 904, de um total de 42.480 bovinos sob-risco, morreram nesses surtos.(AU)

Blackleg in a free-range brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) / Carbúnculo sintomático em veado virá de vida livre (Mazama gouazoubira)

A case of blackleg in a brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) associated with trauma from being hit by a car in southern Rio Grande do Sul is reported. The clinical signs included fever, dehydration and lethargy that worsened progressively until 36 hours after the accident, when the animal died. In the fore right limb, there was a comminuted closed fracture of the radius and ulna but no skin wounds were observed. Grossly, the musculature of the pelvic limbs presented hemorrhage, edema and emphysema. Microscopically, the muscles of both rear legs had necrosis, edema, hemorrhage and mild inflammatory infiltration of neutrophils. Clostridium chauvoei was cultured from affected skeletal muscles, and it was also detected by immunohistochemistry, confirming a diagnosis of blackleg. The overlapping habitat of cattle and brown brocket deer is proposed as a predisposing factor in this case and alerts to spillover cases maybe happening in this region. In addition, blackleg should be included as differential diagnoses of deer with post-traumatic myositis.(AU)

Descreve-se um caso de carbúnculo sintomático em um veado-virá (Mazama gouazoubira), macho, jovem, resgatado após atropelamento em uma rodovia na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. O cervídeo apresentou febre, desidratação e letargia, progredindo para a morte em 36 horas. No membro torácico direito foi observado fratura cominutiva fechada de rádio e ulna sem a presença de feridas perfurantes. Na necropsia foi observada hemorragia, edema e enfisema na musculatura dos membros pélvicos. Microscopicamente, os músculos dos membros pélvicos apresentaram necrose, edema, hemorragia e discreto infiltrado inflamatório neutrofílico. Houve o isolamento de Clostridium chauvoei e marcação positiva na técnica de IHQ com anticorpo monoclonal anti-C. chauvoei, confirmando o diagnóstico de carbúnculo sintomático. A sobreposição de habitat entre bovinos domésticos e cervídeos pode ser um fator de risco para esta doença e chama a atenção para casos de "spillover" que podem estar ocorrendo na região. Adicionalmente, sugere-se que o carbúnculo sintomático seja incluído nos diagnósticos diferenciais de cervídeos que apresentam miosite pós-traumática.(AU)

Polysaccharide-based film loaded with vitamin C and propolis: A promising device to accelerate diabetic wound healing.

Wound healing can be a painful and time-consuming process in patients with diabetes mellitus. In light of this, the use of wound healing devices could help to accelerate this process. Here, cellulose-based films loaded with vitamin C (VitC) and/or propolis (Prop), two natural compounds with attractive properties were engineered. The starting materials and the cellulose-based films were characterized in detail. As assessed, vitamin C can be released from the Cel-PVA/VitC and Cel-PVA/VitC/Prop films in a controlled manner. In vitro antibacterial activity studies showed a reduction of bacteria counts (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) after Cel-PVA/VitC, Cel-PVA/Prop, and Cel-PVA/VitC/Prop treatments. Moreover, we examined the antibacterial and wound healing properties of the cellulose-based films in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animal model. Diabetic mice exhibited impaired wound healing while the Cel-PVA/VitC/Prop treatment increased the wound closure. A marked reduction in bacterial counts present in the wound environment of diabetic mice was observed after Cel-PVA/VitC, Cel-PVA/Prop and Cel-PVA/VitC/Prop treatment. Histological analysis demonstrated that the non-treated diabetic mice group did not exhibit adequate wound healing while the treated group with Cel-PVA/VitC and Cel-PVA/VitC/Prop films presented good cicatricial response. Furthermore, these novel eco-friendly films may represent a new therapeutic approach to accelerate diabetic wound healing.

Lontra longicaudis infected with canine parvovirus and parasitized by Dioctophyma renale / Lontra longicaudis de vida livre infectada por parvovirus canino e parasitada por Dioctophyma renale

This study describes a case of parvovirus infection in a river otter (Lontra longicaudis) assisted at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Wildlife Screening Center, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Clinical signs included apathy, dark and fetid diarrhea, and crusted lesions on the palmar pads of the fore and hind limbs. The animal died after undergoing support treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and fluid therapy. At necropsy, the intestines were reddened and edematous and the right kidney was diminished by one third of its normal size and covered with whitish, spongy material. A female Dioctophyma renale was found free in the abdominal cavity. Histologically, dilatation of the intestinal crypts and fusion and blunting of the intestinal villi were observed. In addition, moderate, multifocal lymphocytic enteritis with lymphoid depletion in Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes were present. Immunohistochemistry with anti-canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody (anti-CPV) was strongly positive in the bone marrow cells and enterocytes of the intestinal crypts, confirming the diagnosis of parvovirus infection. The peritoneum on the right kidney was expanded with a cuboidal cell border, forming multiple papillary projections associated with eggs of D. renale and severe inflammatory infiltrate (giant cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and plasma cells). Areas of necrosis and mineralization were also observed. Due to fragmentation and degradation of its natural habitat, the otter approached the urban area and was contaminated with the virus, which is hosted and disseminated by domestic animals. Infection with D. renale can be associated with the large population of parasitized domestic animals, which eliminate the helminth eggs through urine, contaminating the environment where the parasite intermediate and paratenic hosts co-inhabit. The diseases of these animals can be a decline factor of wild populations that inhabit the region and are an alert to spillover risk.(AU)

Descreve-se um caso de parvovirose em uma lontra (Lontra longicaudis) enviada ao Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre e Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O animal estava debilitado, apático, apresentava diarreia escura e fétida e lesões crostosas nos coxins palmares dos membros torácicos e pélvicos, morrendo após tratamento de suporte com antibiótico, anti-inflamatório e fluidoterapia. Na necropsia os intestinos estavam edematosos e avermelhados e o rim direito estava recoberto de material brancacento e esponjoso, com comprometimento de cerca de um terço do órgão. Foi observado, também, um exemplar de Dioctophyma renale, fêmea, livre na cavidade abdominal. Histologicamente havia fusionamento das vilosidades, dilatação das criptas intestinais com enterite linfocítica moderada multifocal e depleção linfoide nos linfonodos mesentéricos. Na técnica de imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) com anticorpo monoclonal anti-Parvovírus canino (Anti-CPV) houve marcação positiva nos enterócitos da base das vilosidades intestinais e na medula óssea, confirmando o diagnóstico de parvovirose. O peritônio sobre o rim direito estava espessado e revestido por células cuboides, formando múltiplas projeções papilares, nas quais observava-se acentuado infiltrado de células gigantes, macrófagos, linfócitos, eosinófilos e plasmócitos. Entre as projeções papilares havia ovos de Dioctophyma renale, áreas de necrose, calcificação e células gigantes. Conclui-se que a lontra, em função da fragmentação e degradação de seu habitat natural, aproximou-se do centro urbano e contaminou-se com o vírus, o qual é mantido e disseminado por animais domésticos. Por sua vez, a infecção por D. renale pode estar relacionada com a presença de animais domésticos parasitados, os quais eliminam ovos do helminto através da urina contaminando o ambiente, onde coabitam hospedeiros intermediários e paratênicos do parasito. As doenças desses animais podem ser um fator de declínio das populações de animais silvestres e alerta para o risco de spill-over na região.(AU)

Current advances of pharmacological properties of 7-chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinoline: Prevention of cognitive deficit and anxiety in Alzheimer's disease model.

This study investigated the effect of 7-chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinoline (4-PSQ) at a dose of 1 mg/kg in memory impairment and anxiety in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) model induced by amyloid ß-peptide (Aß) (fragment 25-35) in mice. The involvement of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and lipid peroxidation in hippocampus and cerebral cortex was evaluated. Male Swiss mice were pretreated with 4-PSQ (1 mg/kg, intragastrically (i.g.), daily) for fourteen days. Thirty minutes after the first treatment with 4-PSQ, the animals received a single injection of Aß (3 nmol/3 µl/per site, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.)). Mice were submitted to the behavioral tasks (open-field, elevated plus maze, Barnes maze, object recognition and location, and step-down inhibitory avoidance tests) from the fifth day onwards. On the fifteenth day, blood was removed for analysis of biochemical markers (glucose, triglycerides, urea, aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotrasferases), and cerebral cortex and hippocampus for determination of AChE activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels. Aß caused memory impairment, anxiogenic behavior, increased AChE activity in the cerebral structures and TBARS levels in the cerebral cortex. 4-PSQ was effective to protect against behavioral changes, AChE activity and TBARS levels. In conclusion, 4-PSQ protected against learning and memory impairment and anxiety in a mouse model of AD induced by Aß, and anticholinesterase and antioxidant actions are involved in the pharmacological effect of the compound.

Doenças do sistema nervoso central de bezerros no sul do Rio Grande do Sul: uma contribuição ao diagnóstico diferencial / Central nervous system disease of calves in southern Brazil: a contribution to the differential diagnosis

Este estudo teve o objetivo de determinar a frequência das enfermidades do sistema nervoso central que afetam bezerros até 12 meses de idade na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo estabelecendo-se as principais enfermidades observadas nesta categoria de bovinos em um período de 36 anos. Foram revisados os protocolos de necropsia e de materiais remetidos ao Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas entre janeiro de 1978 e dezembro de 2015 referentes aos bovinos até 12 meses de idade que apresentavam sinais neurológicos. Foram resgatados os dados epidemiológicos referentes à procedência dos animais, tipo de criação, raça, idade e época de ocorrência e frequência de cada enfermidade. Foram identificados 615 casos de bovinos com sinais neurológicos, dos quais 162 (26,3%) tinham até 12 meses de idade. Os diagnósticos foram agrupados por etiologia, sendo que as enfermidades virais totalizaram 42,6% dos casos; as doenças bacterianas 19,1% e as doenças parasitárias 17,3%. Os defeitos congênitos e as doenças hereditárias representaram 6,2% dos casos, seguidos pelas intoxicações e micotoxicoses com 4,9%; pelas doenças carenciais e multifatoriais ambas com 2,5% dos casos e pelos traumatismos com 1,9%, doenças degenerativas e neoplasias com 0,6% dos diagnósticos. Os casos inconclusivos representaram 1,86% do total. Nos bezerros até os 90 dias as principais enfermidades foram os defeitos congênitos e as meningites e encefalites por causas bacterianas, além dos abscessos do sistema nervoso central; nos bezerros entre os quatro e nove meses as enfermidades tiveram uma frequência mais baixa destacando-se apenas a raiva. A partir dos 10 até os 12 meses a babesiose, a raiva e a encefalite por herpesvírus bovino foram as mais importantes como causa de morte.(AU)

This paper aimed to determine the frequency of diseases of the central nervous system affecting calves under 12 months of age in southern Rio Grande do Sul. A retrospective study was conducted determining the main diseases observed in this category of cattle over a period of 36 years. We reviewed all the necropsy protocols and materials sent to the laboratory between 1978 and December 2015 relating to cattle under 12 months of age that showed neurological signs. The epidemiological data concerning the origin of the animals, raising system, breed, age and time of occurrence of each disease and frequency were taken from necropsy protocols. Out of 615 cases with neurological signs, 162 (26.3%) corresponded to cattle with age up to 12 months. The diagnoses were grouped by etiology of viral diseases (42.6%), bacterial diseases (19.1%), parasitic diseases (17.3%), congenital defects, hereditary diseases (6.2%), poisoning, mycotoxicoses (4.9%), nutritional deficiency and multifactorial diseases (2.5%), and trauma, degenerative diseases and neoplasms with 0.62% of diagnoses. Inconclusive cases represented 1.9% of the total diagnosed. In 1 to 90 day-old calves the main diseases observed were congenital defects, meningitis and encephalitis caused by bacteria. Central nervous system abscesses were also observed. In 4 to 9 month-old calves a lower frequency of disease were noted. Rabies was the most important disease diagnosed in this category. Babesiosis, rabies and encephalitis by bovine herpesvirus were the most important causes of death in 10 to 12 month-old calves.(AU)

Degenerative axonopathy associated with copper deficiency in pigs / Axonopatia degenerativa associada com deficiência de cobre em suínos

The epidemiological, clinic and morphological (pathological and ultrastructural) aspects of four outbreaks of copper deficiency affecting 21- to 90-day-old pigs in the Northeast region of Brazil are reported. Clinical signs began with paraparesis and ataxia and progressed to flaccid or spastic paralysis of the pelvic and thoracic limbs, followed by sternal and/or lateral recumbence. In addition, some animals showed dog-sitting position and intention tremors. The clinical manifestation period was 5-20 days. Significant gross lesions were not observed; however, microscopically, symmetrical degeneration of the white matter with ballooned myelin sheaths containing occasional macrophages was observed, mainly in the spinal cord. Two pigs presented with necrosis ad loss of Purkinje cells and ectopic Purkinje cells in the granular layer and cerebellar white matter. A ultrastructural analysis showed different degrees of damage of myelinated axons in the spinal segments, including an absence of the axoplasm structures with only axonal residues remaining. The myelin sheaths were degenerated and often collapsed into the space previously occupied by the axon. These results suggest that myelin degeneration is secondary to the axonal lesion. Finally, the concentration of copper in the liver was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and was found to be low (ranging from 2.2 to 10.8 ppm). In conclusion, in the Brazilian semiarid region, Cu deficiency occurs in 21 to 90-day-old pigs that ingested different types of waste in their food.(AU)

São relatados os achados epidemiológicos, clínicos e morfológicos (patológicos e ultraestruturais) de quatro surtos de deficiência de cobre em suínos afetados entre 21 e 90 dias de idade na região Nordeste do Brasil. Os sinais clínicos iniciaram com paraparesia e ataxia, que progrediu a paralisia flácida ou espástica dos membros pélvicos e torácicos, seguido de decúbito esternal e/ou lateral. Além disso, alguns animais apresentaram posição de cão sentado e tremores de intenção. O período de manifestação clínica variou de 5-20 dias. Não foram observadas lesões macroscópicas significativas; no entanto, microscopicamente, foi observada degeneração simétrica da substância branca com fragmentação das bainhas de mielina, contendo ocasionais macrófagos, principalmente na medula espinal. Dois suínos apresentaram necrose e perda de células de Purkinje e células de Purkinje ectópicos na camada granular da substância branca cerebelar. A análise ultraestrutural mostrou diferentes graus de lesões em axônios mielinizados em segmentos da medula espinhal, incluindo o desaparecimento de estruturas do axoplasma, restando apenas restos axonais. A bainha de mielina encontrava-se degenerada e muitas vezes, colapsada dentro do espaço previamente ocupado pelo axônio. Esses resultados sugerem que a degeneração da mielina é secundária à lesão axonal. Finalmente, a concentração do cobre no fígado foi determinada usando espectrometria de absorção atômica e revelou baixos valores (variando de 2,2-10,8ppm). Conclui-se que na região semiárida do Brasil ocorre deficiência de cobre em suínos de 21 a 90 dias de idade alimentados com diferentes tipos de resíduos.(AU)

Polymeric nanocapsules as a technological alternative to reduce the toxicity caused by meloxicam in mice.

This study determined whether meloxicam in nanocapsules modifies stomach and liver damage caused by free meloxicam in mice. Male Swiss mice were treated with blank nanocapsules or meloxicam in nanocapsules or free meloxicam (10 mg/kg, intragastrically, daily for five days). On the seventh day, blood was collected to determine biochemical markers (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, total bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, albumin and alkaline phosphatase). Stomachs and livers were removed for histological analysis. There was no significant difference in the biochemical markers in the plasma of mice. Meloxicam in nanocapsules did not have an ulcerogenic potential in the stomach or cause lipid peroxidation in the stomach and liver. Free meloxicam increased the ulcerogenic potential in the stomach and lipid peroxidation in the stomach and liver. Meloxicam in nanocapsules caused less histological changes than free meloxicam. In conclusion, polymeric nanocapsules can represent a technological alternative to reduce the toxicity caused by meloxicam.

Infecção por pox vírus e Aspergillus fumigatus em Bubo virginianus (Coruja jacurutu) / Avipoxvirus infecction in Bubo virginianus (great horned owl)

Este trabalho descreve um caso de infecção mista por pox vírus e Aspergillus fumigatus em Bubo virginianus (coruja jacurutu). A ave, um macho adulto, foi encaminhada ao Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre do Instituto de Biologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (NURFS/CETAS/UFPEL). Apresentava bom estado corporal, estava ativa, porém com incapacidade de voo. Após três dias apresentou lesões crostosas e de aspecto verrucoso na superfície dorsal das patas. Havia, também, nódulos de mesmo aspecto na pálpebra esquerda e na cera. A ave morreu após 15 dias de sua chegada ao NURFS e foi necropsiada no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD/UFPel). Histologicamente, as lesões verrucosas caracterizavam-se por hiperplasia do epitélio e nas células das camadas basal, espinhosa, granular e córnea havia corpúsculos de inclusão intracitoplasmáticos do tipo Bollinger. Na microscopia eletrônica foram visualizadas partículas virais características de pox vírus, incluindo Bubo virginianus como um hospedeiro do vírus. Havia, ainda, infiltrado inflamatório de células mononucleares e focos de colônias bacterianas na derme. Nos pulmões havia congestão e presença de granulomas com hifas fúngicas, que pela técnica de Grocott, apresentaram ramificação dicotômica compatível com Aspergillus spp., identificado na cultura como A. fumigatus. O diagnóstico de infecção por avipoxvirus pode contribuir para estudos relacionados com a ocorrência desta doença nas populações de vida livre e como informação auxiliar para o manejo e conservação desta espécie. Sugere-se, ainda, a inclusão do uso de raios-X nos protocolos de centros de reabilitação como o diagnostico de aspergilose em aves rapinantes com bom estado corporal, porém incapazes de voar.(AU)

This paper describes a case of mixed infection by pox virus and Aspergillus fumigatus in Bubo virginianus (Owl Jacurutu). An adult male Bubo virginianus was referred to the Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (NURFS/CETAS/UFPEL). The owl was active and had a good body condition but with flight disability. After three days of their admission at NURFS the owl developed crusty and verrucous lesions at the dorsal surface of their feet. Also it had nodes on the left eyelid and cera with the same aspect. The owl died 15 days after its arrival. Necropsy and histopatological examination were carried out. The warty lesions had hyperplasia of the epithelium and intracytoplasmic Bollinger-like inclusion bodies in the basal, spinal, granulosa layer and cornea. Viral particles characteristic of pox viruses were shown by electron microscopy. This case includes Bubo virginianus as a host of the avipoxvirus. There were also a mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate and bacterial colonies in the dermis. In the lugs, there was congestion and presence of granulomas with intralesional fungal hyphae. With the Grocott stain those structures showed dichotomous branching which was later identified in mycological culture as characteristic for A. fumigates. The diagnosis of avipoxvirus infection can contribute to studies related to the occurrence of this disease in free-living populations and as auxiliary information for the management and conservation of this raptor species. It is also suggested to include the use of X-rays in rehabilitation center protocols as screening test to diagnose aspergillosis in birds of prey with good body condition but inability to fly.(AU)

Ultrastructural lesions in the myocardium and kidneys of rabbits in experimental acute Amorimia exotropica poisoning / Lesões ultra-estruturais no miocárdio e rins de coelhos na intoxicação experimental aguda por Amorimia exotropica

Amorimia exotropica is an important plant associated with sudden death in cattle in Southern Brazil. In order to understand the mechanisms by which A. exotropica causes acute lesions in the heart and kidney of intoxicated animals, an experiment was conducted to determine the histopathology and ultrastructure of myocardial and renal lesions of intoxicated rabbits. After receiving 18g/kg of dried plant, six rabbits died suddenly. At necropsy, the liver was swollen and no other macroscopic lesions were observed. Histologically, centrolobular and midzonal hepatocytes were vacuolated. These vacuoles were strong PAS stained positive, suggesting that they corresponded to glycogen accumulations. In some regions of the ventricular septum and ventricles were found vacuoles of different sizes and the kidneys of two rabbits showed vacuolar degeneration on distal convoluted tubules. Ultrastructurally, the myocardium had cardiomyocytes swelling with separation of myofibrils bundles and rupture and disorganization of the sarcomeres. The mitochondria displayed swelling, disorganization, disruption of the mitochondrial cristae, and electron-dense matrix. Some mitochondria exhibited eccentric projections of their membranes with disruption of both outer and inner membranes. The sarcoplasmic reticulum had no alterations, whereas the T-tubule system was occasionally dilated and ruptured. The kidneys had mitochondrial swelling with disorganization and disruption of the mitochondrial cristae. The vacuoles result from the swelling of the endoplasmatic reticulum and usually were located between two basolateral infoldings and mitochondria, occurring preferentially around the nucleus. The myocytes and T system damages induced by A. exotropica result in acute heart failure and death. Furthermore, this mechanism of cardiotoxicity may be common to all plant containing monofluoroacetate.

Amorimia exotropica é uma importante planta associada à morte súbita em bovinos no Sul do Brasil. Visando compreender os mecanismos pelos quais a A. exotropica provoca lesões agudas no coração e rins de animais intoxicados, foi conduzido uma intoxicação experimental em coelhos para determinar a histopatologia e ultraestrutura da lesão miocárdica e renal. Depois de receber 18g/kg de planta seca, seis coelhos morreram subitamente. Na necropsia, o fígado apresentava acentuação do padrão lobular. Os demais órgãos não apresentaram alterações macroscópicas. Histologicamente, os hepatócitos centrolobulares e mediozonais estavam vacuolizados e coraram-se fortemente com PAS. Em algumas regiões foram observados vacúolos de diferentes tamanhos no septo ventricular e ventrículos e os rins de dois coelhos mostraram degeneração vacuolar nos túbulos contorcidos distais. Ultraestruturalmente, o miocárdio apresentou cardiomiócitos tumefeitos com separação das bandas de miofibrilas e ruptura e desorganização dos sarcômeros. As mitocôndrias estavam tumefeitas exibindo desorganização das cristas mitocondriais, e a matriz estava eletrodensa. Algumas mitocôndrias exibiam projecções excêntricas das suas membranas com ruptura das membranas externas e internas. O retículo sarcoplasmático não tinha alterações, e os túbulos T estavam ocasionalmente dilatados e rompidos. Os rins apresentavam tumefação mitocondrial com desorganização e ruptura das cristas mitocondriais. Os vacúolos resultam da expansão do retículo endoplasmático e foram localizados geralmente entre duas invaginações basolaterais e as mitocôndrias, ocorrendo preferencialmente ao redor do núcleo. A lesão nos miócitos e o dano no sistema T induzido pela A. exotropica resultam na insuficiência cardíaca aguda e morte. Este mecanismo de cardiotoxicidade pode ser comum a todas as plantas contendo monofluoroacetato.

Ultrastructure and molecular phylogeny of Pleistophora hyphessobryconis (Microsporidia) infecting hybrid jundiara (Leiarius marmoratus × Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum) in a Brazilian aquaculture facility.

A microsporidian infecting the skeletal muscle of hybrid jundiara (Leiarius marmoratus × Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum) in a commercial aquaculture facility in Brazil is described. Affected fish exhibited massive infections in the skeletal muscle that were characterized by large opaque foci throughout the affected fillets. Histologically, skeletal muscle was replaced by inflammatory cells and masses of microsporidial developmental stages. Generally pyriform spores had a wrinkled bi-layer spore wall and measured 4·0 × 6·0 µm. Multinucleate meronts surrounded by a simple plasma membrane were observed. The polar filament had an external membrane and a central electron dense mass. The development of sporoblasts within a sporophorous vesicle appeared synchronized. Ultrastructural observations and molecular analysis of 16S rDNA sequences revealed that the microsporidian was Pleistophora hyphessobryconis. This study is the first report of a P. hyphessobryconis infection in a non-ornamental fish.

Paratuberculose em bovinos de corte na região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul / Paratuberculosis in beef cattle in Southern Brazil

Descrevem-se os aspectos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos de paratuberculose diagnosticada no sul do Rio Grande do Sul em uma propriedade de bovinos de corte. Dois bovinos criados extensivamente que apresentavam emagrecimento progressivo e diarreia crônica foram necropsiados. Os linfonodos mesentéricos estavam aumentados e edematosos. A mucosa do intestino estava espessada e enrugada com aspecto cerebroide principalmente na porção final do íleo, válvula íleo-cecal e ceco. Fragmentos dos órgãos foram fixados em formalina 10%, incluídos em parafina, cortados e corados pela técnica de hematoxilina e eosina (HE) e Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN). Fezes foram encaminhadas ao Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Área de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco para o cultivo de Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis em meio Lowenstein Jensen com micobactina e para realização da PCR. Histologicamente, havia enterite granulomatosa no jejuno, íleo, ceco e reto, afetando multifocalmente, também, o duodeno e o cólon. Havia, ainda, linfangite e adenite granulomatosa. Pela coloração de ZN foram observados numerosos bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes (BAAR) no interior de macrófagos, células gigantes de Langhans e nos linfonodos mesentéricos no jejuno, íleo ceco e reto. Não houve crescimento bacteriano nas amostras de fezes e cinco amostras amplificaram a sequência genética IS900 específica do Mycobacterium aviumsubesp. paratuberculosis. Pelo presente trabalho pode-se concluir que a paratuberculose apesar dos poucos relatos ocorre também em bovinos de corte criados extensivamente no sul do Rio Grande do Sul e pode ter uma prevalência maior do que se supõe na região. Alerta-se para a necessidade do diagnóstico e da tomada de medidas efetivas de controle para esta doença que, por muitos, ainda é considerada uma doença exótica no Brasil.

The epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of paratuberculosis diagnosed in southern Rio Grande do Sul in a beef cattle property are described. Two cattle raised extensively and that presented progressive weight loss and chronic diarrhea were necropsied. The mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged and edematous. The intestinal mucosa was thickened and wrinkled with cerebroid aspect, especially in the final portion of the ileum, ileocecal valve and cecum. Fragments of the organs were fixed in 10% formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN). Feces samples were referred to Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Área de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, for the cultivation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis with Lõwenstein Jensen for mycobacterial and PCR analysis. Histologically, granulomatous enteritis was observed in the jejunum, ileum, cecum and rectum, and in multifocal areas the duodenum and colon. Lymphangitis and granulomatous adenitis was also observed. In ZN staining numerous resistant acid-fast bacilli (AFB) within macrophages, giant cells of Langhans and mesenteric lymph nodes in the jejunum, ileum cecum and rectum were observed. There was no bacterial growth in stool samples. Five samples amplified the gene sequence IS900 specific for Mycobacterium aviumsubsp. paratuberculosis. It can be concluded that paratuberculosis, despite the few reports, occurs in beef cattle raised extensively in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Paratuberculosis may have a higher prevalence in the region than it is assumed. There is need for diagnosis of this disease and to assume effective measures for its control, as for many it is still considered an exotic malady in Brazil.