Desenvolvimento ponderal e parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de cordeiros Pantaneiros submetidos a diferentes manejos de amamentação / [Ponderal development and hematological and biochemical parameters of Pantaneiro lambs subjected to different suckling regimens]

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o desenvolvimento ponderal e a dinâmica dos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de cordeiros Pantaneiros submetidos a diferentes manejos de amamentação dos 15 aos 43 dias. Foram separados 30 cordeiros em três diferentes grupos (n=10). Os grupos foram caracterizados conforme o tempo de permanência das ovelhas com suas crias em diferentes sistemas de amamentação: MAM24 - ovelhas e cordeiros 24 horas em conjunto; MAM12 - ovelhas e cordeiros 12 horas em conjunto durante a noite; MAM2x30 - ovelhas e cordeiros 30 minutos de manhã e 30 minutos à tarde em conjunto. As coletas de amostras sanguíneas e as pesagens ocorriam a cada sete dias. Houve aumento significativo no peso com o avanço da idade dos cordeiros nos três manejos, mas os tratamentos não diferiram entre si para o ganho de peso. Houve diferenças entre os três tratamentos para a variável hematológica CHGM e para as variáveis bioquímicas AST, glicose, ureia e proteína total. As variáveis bioquímicas foram influenciadas pela faixa etária dos animais. Os diferentes manejos de amamentação não influenciaram o desenvolvimento ponderal dos cordeiros. Não ocorreram alterações patológicas. Alguns parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos podem ser influenciados pelo desenvolvimento etário dos cordeiros.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the weight development and the dynamics of hematological and biochemical parameters of Pantaneiro lambs submitted to different breastfeeding management from 15 to 43 days. First, 30 lambs were separated into three different groups (n = 10). The groups were characterized according to the length of stay of ewes with their young in different breastfeeding systems: MAM24 - ewes and lambs 24 hours together. MAM12- Sheep and lambs 12 hours together at night. MAM2x30 - sheep and lambs 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon together. Blood samples were collected and weighed every seven days. Significant increase in weight was observed with the age of the lambs in the three managements, but the treatments did not differ for weight gain. Differences were identified between the three treatments for the hematological variable CHGM and for the biochemical variables AST, glucose, urea and total protein. Correlating the age of the lambs with the biochemical variables, there was variation influenced by the age of the animals. The different management of breastfeeding did not influence the weight development of the lambs. Hematological and biochemical variations did not represent pathological changes. Some hematological and biochemical parameters may be influenced by the age development of lambs.(AU)

Desordens hematológicas em onças-pardas (Puma concolor; Linnaeus, 1771) infectadas por Citauxzoon felis / [Hematological disorders in Brown jaguars (Puma concolor; Linnaeus 1771) infected by Citauxzoon felis]

Este estudo objetivou descrever o aspecto hematológico de seis onças-pardas (Puma concolor) infectadas pelo Cytauxzoon felis. Os seis casos de infecção foram identificados durante o manejo sanitário de 11 animais de um centro de reabilitação de animais silvestres. Estruturas compatíveis com piroplasmídeos foram observadas durante a avaliação do esfregaço sanguíneo e confirmadas como Cytauxzoon felis pela técnica de PCR. A análise estatística demonstrou diferença significativa (P<0,05) no número absoluto dos linfócitos entre os grupos dos animais infectados e não infectados. Assim, expressivas alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas entre os grupos investigados alertam para a dificuldade de identificação de onças-pardas infectadas por C. felis, apoiada apenas em exames de rotina, bem como para o risco, sobretudo, da reintrodução desses animais na natureza.(AU)

This Cytauxzoon felis by the PCR technique. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference is study aimed to describe the hematological appearance of six puma (puma concolor) infected with cytauxzoon felis. The six cases of infection were identified during the sanitary management of 11 animals from a wild animal rehabilitation center. Piroplasmid compatible structures were observed during the blood smear evaluation and confirmed as (P<0.05) in the absolute number of lymphocytes between the groups of infected and uninfected animals. Thus expressive hematological and biochemical alterations between the groups investigated alert to the difficulty of identifying infected brown jaguars by C. felis, supported only by routine examinations, and the risk especially when aiming at the reintroduction of these animals in the wild.(AU)

Molecular identification of Ehrlichia sp. in a beef cattle from Brazilian Cerrado - case report / Identificação molecular de Ehrlichia sp em um bovino do Cerrado brasileiro - relato de caso

Ehrlichia infections in cattle are frequent in Africa but have also been reported in Brazil and North America. This paper reports natural infection by Ehrlichia sp. associated with Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale in a calf in the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, presenting polioencephalomalacia. The molecular evidence, based on a fragment of the dsb gene, indicates a species of Ehrlichia genetically related to Ehrlichia canis and other species of the genus found in the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and a calf from Brazil (99 to 100% identity). It was not possible to associate the clinical signs with Ehrlichia infection due to co-infections and histological evidence of another disease. However, the circulation of the bacteria in bovines in Brazilian Cerrado was confirmed and more attention should be given to clinical suspicion of tick-borne pathogens in cattle to clarify the pathogenic potential of Ehrlichia sp.(AU)

Infecções por Ehrlichia em bovinos são frequentes na África, mas também foram relatadas no Brasil e na América do Norte. Este artigo relata uma infecção natural por Ehrlichia sp. associado a Babesia bigemina e Anaplasma marginale em um bezerro, no município de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, o qual apresentava polioencefalomalácia. A evidência molecular, baseada em um fragmento do gene dsb, indica uma espécie de Ehrlichia geneticamente relacionada a Ehrlichia canis e outras espécies do gênero encontradas no carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus e em um bezerro do Brasil (99 a 100% de identidade). Não foi possível associar os sinais clínicos à infecção por Ehrlichia devido a coinfecções e evidências histológicas de outra doença. No entanto, a circulação da bactéria em bovinos no Cerrado brasileiro foi confirmada, e mais atenção deve ser dada à suspeita clínica de patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos em bovinos para esclarecer o potencial patogênico de Ehrlichia sp.(AU)

Hipoparatireoidismo secundário ao uso prolongado de omeprazol em um cão: relato de caso / Secondary hypoparathyroidism to omeprazole prolonged use in a dog: case report

O hipoparatireoidismo, quer seja primário ou secundário, é uma doença rara em cães, causada pela diminuição da secreção de paratormônio pelas paratireoides, que leva a sinais clínicos resultantes da hipocalcemia. O omeprazol vem sendo cada vez mais utilizado na medicina veterinária visando à diminuição na produção de líquor, mas existem poucos estudos sobre os efeitos colaterais relacionados ao uso crônico dessa medicação. Relata-se o caso de um cão macho da raça Yorkshire Terrier, com quatro anos de idade, com sinais clínicos de dor, sendo verificada calcificação em pelve e divertículo renal. Segundo o proprietário, o cão fazia uso de omeprazol há mais de dois anos devido ao histórico de hidrocefalia. Os exames laboratoriais evidenciaram anemia microcítica hipocrômica, hipocalemia, hiperfosfatemia, hipocalcemia, hipomagnesemia e hipercalciúria. A dosagem do paratormônio sérico confirmou o hipoparatireoidismo. Após a suspensão do omeprazol, as alterações encontradas nos exames se normalizaram, confirmando que a causa do hipoparatireoidismo era o uso crônico da medicação.(AU)

Primary or secondary hypoparathyroidism is a rare disease in dogs caused by the decreased secretion of parathormone from the parathyroid glands, leading to clinical signs of hypocalcemia. Omeprazole has been increasingly used in veterinary medicine in order to reduce the production of cerebrospinal fluid, but there are few reports of side effects related to its chronic use. We report a case of a four-year-old male Yorkshire terrier with clinical signs of pain, calcification in the pelvis and renal diverticulum. According to the owner, the dog had been receiving omeprazole for over 2 years because of the history of hydrocephalus. Hematological exams revealed hypochromic microcytic anemia, hypokalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia besides hypercalciuria. The determination of serum parathyroid hormone concentrations confirmed hypoparathyroidism. After interrupting omeprazole, the altered features on the exams returned to normal values, confirming that the cause of hypoparathyroidism was the chronic use of the drug.(AU)

Técnicas de citologia aspirativa, biópsia e citobloco de medula óssea para identificação e determinação de intensidade parasitária na leishmaniose visceral canina / Techniques of aspiration cytology, biopsy and cell block of the bone marrow for the identification and determination of parasite intensity in Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis

O objetivo com este estudo foi comparar as técnicas de citologia aspirativa, biópsia e citobloco para identificação e quantificação parasitológica de Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi em medula óssea de cães. Amostras de tecido medular de 26 animais, em diferentes estágios clínico-laboratoriais da doença, foram estudadas obedecendo-se os mesmos critérios de investigação nas técnicas de citologia aspirativa, biópsia e citobloco. O menor número de campos para a confirmação parasitológica foi constatado no esfregaço direto obtido por citologia aspirativa. O estágio clínico-laboratorial não influenciou no número de campos necessários para a primeira visualização do agente em nenhuma das técnicas (p>0,05), e menor intensidade parasitária foi observada nas lâminas de citobloco. As técnicas de citologia aspirativa e biópsia concordaram na estimativa do coeficiente de infectividade no tecido estudado (p<0,05). Apesar de a técnica de citobloco permitir a concentração de células e o melhor reaproveitamento de amostras, não demonstrou ser um método adequado para rápida identificação e quantificação parasitológica na leishmaniose visceral canina. Considerando-se suas vantagens, a citologia aspirativa foi o melhor método para detecção microscópica do parasito e determinação do nível de intensidade parasitária no tecido estudado.(AU)

The aim of the present study was to compare the aspiration cytology, biopsy and cell block techniques for identification and parasitological quantification of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in dog bone marrow. Bone marrow tissue samples from 26 animals, in different clinical-laboratory stages of the disease, were studied according to the same criteria of investigation in the aspiration cytology, biopsy and cell block techniques. The lowest number of fields for the parasitological confirmation was found in the direct smear obtained by aspiration cytology. The clinical-laboratory stage did not influence the number of fields required for the first visualization of the agent in any of the techniques (p> 0.05) and less parasitic intensity was observed in the cell block slides. The aspiration cytology and biopsy techniques agreed on the estimation of infectivity coefficient in the tissue studied (p< 0.05). Although the cell block technique allows the concentration of cells and better reutilization of samples, it has not been shown to be an adequate method for rapid identification and parasitological quantification in canine visceral leishmaniasis. Considering its advantages, aspiration cytology was the best method for microscopic detection of the parasite and determination of the level of parasite intensity in the tissue studied.(AU)

Indicadores biológicos séricos em veado-campeiro ( Ozotoceros bezoarticus bezoarticus, Linnaeus 1758) de vida livre do Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense / Serum biological indicators in free-living pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus bezoarticus, Linnaeus 1758) of the Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense

O objetivo com este estudo foi estabelecer os intervalos de referência de diferentes analitos séricos em Ozotoceros bezoarticus bezoarticus de vida livre. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 54 fêmeas e 14 machos adultos, capturados no Pantanal de Mato Grosso do Sul. A determinação das concentrações de cálcio total, albumina, colesterol total, creatinina, glicose, fósforo, proteína total, triglicerídeos e ureia séricas e a atividade das enzimas alanina aminotransferase, aspartato aminotransferase, creatina quinase fração MB e fosfatase alcalina foi realizada em equipamento automático. Valores de globulinas, cálcio total e proporções (razões) entre analitos foram realizados por meio de cálculo matemático. Esta é a primeira descrição do intervalo de referência de parâmetros bioquímicos séricos em veado-campeiro de vida livre do Pantanal de Mato Grosso do Sul. O tamanho da amostra e a distribuição dos dados indicam que os valores médios obtidos são representativos e podem ser usados para a monitorização da saúde, do estado nutricional e do diagnóstico de enfermidades nesse estrato populacional.(AU)

The objective of the present study is to establish the reference intervals of different serum analytes in free - living Ozotoceros bezoarticus bezoarticus. Blood samples were drawn from the 54 females and 14 males, adults, captured in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul. A determination of total calcium, albumin, total cholesterol, creatinine, glucose, phosphorus, total protein, triglycerides, and serum urea concentrations and an activity of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase MB fraction and alkaline phosphatase were performed in automated equipment. Values of globulins, total calcium and proportions among analytes were performed by means of mathematical calculations. This is a first description of the reference parameters for serum biochemistry of free - living pampas deer in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul. Sample size and distribution of data indicate that the mean values obtained are representative and can be used for a health monitoring, nutritional status, and diagnosis of diseases in this population stratum.(AU)

Ceratoconjuntivite nodular em um caso de leishmaniose visceral canina: relato de caso / Nodular keratoconjunctivitis in a case of canine visceral leishmaniasis: case report

Relata-se um caso de leishmaniose visceral canina com ceratoconjuntivite nodular como queixa exclusiva do proprietário. O diagnóstico se deu pela observação de formas amastigotas de Leishmania sp. no exame parasitológico direto de citologia aspirativa conjuntival. Lesões oculares raramente são queixas principais únicas de cães com leishmaniose, como o caso em questão, o que demonstra a variabilidade de apresentação clínica da doença e a importância da realização de testes laboratoriais diagnósticos para leishmaniose como triagem para pacientes de áreas endêmicas.(AU)

We describe a case of canine visceral leishmaniasis with nodular keratoconjunctivits as the owner's only complaint. Diagnosis was made by the observation of Leishmania sp. amastigotes in parasitological examination from conjunctival aspirative cytology. Eye lesions are rarely the only complaint of dogs suspected of leishmaniasis, as the case reported, demonstrating the variability of clinical presentation of the disease and the importance of performing screening diagnostic laboratorial tests for leishmaniasis in endemic areas.(AU)

Fontes de contaminação de Yersinia enterocolitica durante a produção de leite / Contamination sources of Yersinia enterocolitica during milk production

Objetivou-se determinar as possíveis fontes de contaminação de Yersinia enterocolitica em diferentes pontos do processo de ordenha de vacas leiteiras em oito propriedades da região de Pelotas, RS, ao longo de um ano. Foram analisadas amostras de leite cru de conjunto logo após a ordenha, água de estábulo leiteiro, mão de ordenhador, balde de recolhimento do leite e insuflador de teteiras. As amostras de leite cru e água foram coletadas em frascos estéreis, e as amostras de mão, balde e teteiras com zaragatoas estéreis. As amostras de leite cru foram submetidas a um pré-enriquecimento em água peptonada, sendo posteriormente incubadas em caldo PSTA, adicionado de ampicilina. As amostras de água foram filtradas em membrana de éster de celulose e incubadas em caldo TSB. As amostras de leite após incubação em PSTA, as membranas utilizadas na filtragem da água incubadas em TSB, bem como o material de mãos, balde e teteiras coletadas nas zaragatoas, foram semeados em ágar MacConkey e incubados para a obtenção de colônias. Colônias características foram analisadas por meio de duplex PCR para confirmação da espécie. Os perfis moleculares dos isolados de Y. enterocolitica foram comparados utilizando-se a técnica de rep-PCR. Y. enterocolitica foi isolada de 9,37% das amostras de leite, 6,25% das amostras de água e 12,5% das amostras de mão. Não houve similaridade no perfil de bandas dos isolados encontrados, entretanto foi identificada a presença de cepas diferentes na mesma amostra, demonstrando uma variedade grande de cepas distribuídas no ambiente. A presença de Y. enterocolitica em leite cru no Brasil é preocupante, já que uma quantidade considerável do produto ainda é comercializada de forma clandestina, expondo o consumidor ao risco de infecção pela bactéria, ao consumi-lo sem tratamento térmico adequado.(AU)

This work was performed in order to determine the possible Yersinia enterocolitica contamination sources at different points of the dairy cows milking process in eight properties of Pelotas, RS, in a year. Raw milk samples were analyzed immediately after milking, as well as water from milking parlor, milkers' hands, milk collection bucket, and inflator liners. The samples of raw milk and water were collected in sterile bottles and hand samples, and sterile swabs were used for the buckets and liners. The raw milk samples were subjected to a pre-enrichment peptone water buffered and subsequently incubated in PSTA broth with added ampicillin. Water samples were filtered through cellulose ester membrane and incubated in TSB medium. The milk samples after incubation in PSTA, the membranes used in water filtration were incubated in TSB and the material of the hands material, bucket and liners collected in the swabs were plated on MacConkey agar to obtain colonies. Characteristics of colonies were analyzed by duplex PCR to confirm the species. The molecular profiles of Y. enterocolitica isolates were compared using rep-PCR. Y. enterocolitica was isolated from 9,37% of milk samples, 6,25% of water samples and 12,5% of hand samples. There weren't similarities in the band profile of the isolates found; however, the presence of different strains was found in the same sample, demonstrating a variety of strains distributed in the environment. The presence of Y. enterocolitica in raw milk in Brazil is dangerous, considering that the product is sold clandestinely, exposing consumers to the risk of infection by the bacterium, when consuming it without proper heat treatment.(AU)

Eletrocardiografia em onças-pardas (Puma concolor) anestesiadas com sevoflurano ou isoflurano / Electrocardiography in pumas (puma concolor) anesthetized with sevoflurane or isoflurane

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os achados eletrocardiográficos de 11 onças- pardas (Puma concolor). Os animais foram sedados com 0,15mg/kg de detomidina associado a 5mg/kg de cetamina e mantidos anestesiados com sevoflurano (GSEVO, n=6) ou isoflurano (GISO, n=5). A frequência cardíaca foi de 95 ± 13bpm. As alterações observadas nos animais no GSEVO foram: atrial standtill com condução ventricular, episódios isolados de contração ventricular prematura, bloqueio atrioventricular de primeiro grau, diminuição da amplitude do complexo QRS, onda S profunda e aumento da amplitude da onda T. No grupo GISO, observou-se bloqueio de ramo direito do feixe de His, bloqueio atrioventricular de primeiro grau e aumento da amplitude da onda T. Arritmias não puderam ser associadas ao uso dos anestésicos inalatórios devido à não sensibilização do miocárdio às catecolaminas. Achados como o BAV de primeiro grau pode ter ocorrido devido ao uso de agonistas alfa-2 adrenérgicos. Este estudo aumentou o conhecimento sobre as alterações eletrocardiográficas em onças-pardas anestesiadas, entretanto mais estudos são necessários para correlacionar estes achados ao uso de agentes anestésicos.(AU)

The aim of this study was to describe electrocardiographic findings in pumas (Puma concolor). The animals were sedated with 0.15mg/kg of detomidine plus 5mg/kg of ketamine and anesthetized with sevoflurane (GSEVO, n=6), or isoflurane (GISO, n=5). The heart rate was 95 ± 13bpm. The changes observed on GSEVO animals were: atrial standstill with ventricular conduction, isolated episodes of ventricular premature contraction, atrioventricular blockage of first degree, reduction of the amplitude of the QRS complexes, deep S wave, and increase of the amplitude of the T wave. In the GISO group a right bundle branch block of the His bundle, atrioventricular blockage of first degree and of the amplitude of the T wave. Arrhythmias couldn´t be related to the use of inhalant anesthesia due to the lack of myocardial awareness to catecholamines. Findings such as atrioventricular block in first degree may have occurred due to the use of alfa-2 adrenergic agonists. This study improved the knowledge about electrocardiographic alterations in anesthetized pumas, however further studies are required to correlate these findings to the use of anesthetic agents.(AU)

Canine cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in an agricultural settlement, endemic area for leishmaniasis / Leishmaniose tegumentar canina por Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis em um assentamento agrícola, área endêmica para leishmanioses

Cutaneous leishmaniasis has several species of Leishmania as agents, and a wide variety of wild and domestic animals as hosts and different species of phlebotomines as vectors. A case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a dog coming from an agricultural settlement is described. This is the first report of parasitism in a dog by Le. (Viannia) braziliensis in Mato Grosso do Sul State. Attention is called to the importance of including this protozoonosis in the differential diagnosis of dermopathies in dogs as also the need to assess the importance of the domestic dog as a possible reservoir of Le. braziliensis.(AU)

As leishmanioses tegumentares são antropozoonoses metaxênicas de importância em saúde pública. Possuem como agentes etiológicos várias espécies de Leishmania, com ampla variedade de hospedeiros, como animais selvagens e domésticos, e diferentes espécies de flebotomíneos como vetores. Um caso de leishmaniose tegumentar em um cão procedente de um assentamento agrícola em Mato Grosso do Sul é descrito, sendo este o primeiro relato de parasitismo em cão doméstico nesse estado por Le. (Viannia) braziliensis. Alerta-se para a importância de se incluir essa protozoonose no diagnóstico diferencial de dermopatias em cães e para a necessidade de se avaliar o papel do cão doméstico como reservatório de Le. (Vi.) braziliensis.(AU)

Avaliação dos indicadores de lesão miocárdica em cães com leishmaniose visceral / Changes in myocardial injury indicators in naturally infected dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os indicadores laboratoriais, eletrocardiográficos e histológicos de lesão cardíaca em diferentes grupos clínicos de cães com leishmaniose visceral. Foram analisados marcadores séricos, traçado eletrocardiográfico e fragmentos de tecido cardíaco de 41 cães naturalmente infectados, distribuídos em três grupos: assintomático, oligossintomático e sintomático. Todos os animais apresentaram aumento na atividade sérica da enzima creatina quinase fração MB. No traçado eletrocardiográfico, o complexo de baixa voltagem foi o distúrbio de condução mais frequente (8/10). Na análise histológica, 75,6% dos cães apresentaram reação inflamatória com predomínio de infiltrados linfo-histiocítico (13/31) de intensidade discreta a moderada e distribuição multifocal. As alterações microscópicas identificadas no miocárdio foram independentes dos achados laboratoriais, eletrocardiográficos e do quadro clínico apresentado pelos animais estudados. A ausência de associação entre alterações histopatológicas e os parâmetros investigados alerta para a dificuldade de identificação de cardiopatia em cães com leishmaniose visceral e ressalta a importância de incluir a leishmaniose visceral no diagnóstico de patologias cardíacas principalmente em regiões endêmicas para o agente.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the laboratory indicators, electrocardiographic and cardiac histological lesions in different clinical groups of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis. Serum markers were analyzed in conjunction with the electrocardiographic tracing and heart tissue fragments of 41 naturally infected dogs which were divided into three groups: asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic and symptomatic. All animals showed increased activity in serum creatine kinase MB fraction. In the electrocardiographic tracing, low voltage complex was the most frequent conduction disorder (8/12). In the histological analysis, 75.6% of the dogs showed inflammatory reaction with predominance of linfohistiocítico infiltrates (13/31) of mild to moderate intensity and multifocal distribution. Microscopic changes identified in the myocardium were independent laboratory findings, an electrocardiographic and clinical picture presented by the studied animals. The lack of association between histopathological changes and the parameters investigated indicate the difficulty in disease identification in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis and highlights the importance of including visceral leishmaniasis in the diagnosis of heart disease especially in endemic regions to the agent.

A retrospective analysis of the GDC's performance against its newly-approved fitness to practise guidance.

OBJECTIVES: To assess if the GDC considers relevant factors at all stages of its deliberations into misconduct, as required by the determinations in the cases of Cohen, Zygmunt, and Azzam; and to assess whether those circumstances described in the Indicative Sanctions Guidance as warranting erasure from GDC registers led to that outcome. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of practise committee transcripts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The consideration of specific factors in determining impairment of fitness to practise was compared with their subsequent consideration when determining the severity of sanction. Additionally, cases that highlighted aggravating circumstances deemed as serious enough to warrant erasure were monitored. Pearson's Χ test was used to detect any variation from the expected distribution of data. RESULTS: Sixty-six cases met with the inclusion criteria. Of the five factors considered, all but one was more likely to be heard when determining sanction having first been factored in to the consideration of impairment. Additionally, there was a statistically significant correlation between the aggravating factors and erasure from the registers. CONCLUSIONS: The GDC do, in general, consider relevant factors at all stages of their deliberations into practitioner misconduct, and act in a manner that is consistent with their own guidance when determining sanction.

TESA-blot for the diagnosis of Chagas disease in dogs from co-endemic regions for Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma evansi and Leishmania chagasi.

We standardized serodiagnosis of dogs infected with Trypanosoma cruzi using TESA (trypomastigote excreted-secreted antigen)-blot developed for human Chagas disease. TESA-blot showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. In contrast, ELISA using TESA (TESA-ELISA) or epimastigotes (epi-ELISA) as antigen yielded 100% sensitivity but specificity of 94.1% and 49.4%, respectively. When used in field studies in an endemic region for Chagas disease, visceral leishmaniasis and Trypanosoma evansi (Mato Grosso do Sul state, Central Brazil), positivities were 9.3% for TESA-blot, 10.7% for TESA-ELISA and 32% for epi-ELISA. Dogs from a non-endemic region for these infections (Rondonia state, western Amazonia) where T. cruzi is enzootic showed positivity of 4.5% for TESA-blot and epi-ELISA and 6.8% for TESA-ELISA. Sera from urban dogs from Santos, São Paulo, where these diseases are absent, yielded negative results. TESA-blot was the only method that distinguished dogs infected with T. cruzi from those infected with Leishmania chagasi and/or Trypanosoma evansi.

Domestic feline cutaneous leishmaniasis in the municipality of Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil: a case report

Cutaneous leishmaniases are anthropozoonoses that involve many species of Leishmania and a wide variety of wild mammalian hosts, thus presenting high importance to public health. This study reports the second case of feline leishmaniasis in Mato Grosso do Sul state, in which Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis was found in a domestic cat from Ribas do Rio Pardo. Clinical signs were similar to those observed in other diseases commonly diagnosed in cats, such as cryptococcosis and sporotrichosis. Cutaneous leishmaniasis should, therefore, be added to differential diagnoses by feline veterinary practitioners, and also adequate investigations should be carried out to verify the relevance of domestic cats as L. amazonensis reservoirs.

Heat shock protein 27 is associated with freedom from graft vasculopathy after human cardiac transplantation.

Experimental studies have suggested that protective genes protect allografts from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), the major complication after cardiac transplantation. Here we have sought to confirm this hypothesis using long-term heart transplant recipients. Twenty-two patients that were 9 years or older after transplant were investigated; 11 of these were without angiographic evidence of CAV; 11 had developed early CAV at 1 to 3 years after transplant. To identify proteins that may act as protectors from CAV, a global proteomic approach was used comparing cardiac biopsies from 12 patients taken within the first 2 weeks after transplant and those taken after 9 years from the same patient. Proteins were separated by 2-D gel-electrophoresis, detected by silver staining, and analyzed using Progenesis software. A particular protein spot was found in 4/6 biopsies from patients without CAV, but absent from 5/6 biopsies from those with CAV (P=0.24); however, quantitative analysis of spot intensity showed a significant difference (0.061+/-0.05 versus 0.003+/-0.01, P=0.04). This spot was identified by mass spectrometry and a combination of techniques as a diphosphorylated form of HSP27. Immunohistochemistry of further biopsies not only validated that HSP27 was more abundantly expressed on biopsies without CAV but also showed it to be localized to blood vessels. In contrast, vessels from patients with CAV did not express HSP27 (P=0.028x10(-4)). Immunohistochemistry of 12 further early biopsies and nontransplanted heart showed HSP27 to be present in normal blood vessels. These findings suggest that expression of a specific diphosphorylated form of HSP27 is associated with healthy blood vessels; it appears to be lost from vessels of patients with graft vasculopathy.

Relative importance of SR load and cytoplasmic calcium concentration in the genesis of aftercontractions in cardiac myocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether calcium overload of the sarcoplasmic reticulum underlies drive train-induced aftercontractions in cardiac myocytes. METHODS: Sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium contents were measured immediately prior to drive train-induced aftercontractions in isolated guinea pig cardiac myocytes, using caffeine application under voltage clamp conditions. Cell shortening during caffeine exposure and cell shortening during the final stimulated beat of the drive train and the delay between caffeine exposure and the onset of inward current were also used as indirect measures of sarcoplasmic reticulum load. RESULTS: At the threshold for aftercontractions, all four measures of sarcoplasmic reticulum load showed interruption of the positive relationship between stimulation frequency and sarcoplasmic reticulum content, the sarcoplasmic reticulum being no more loaded prior to an aftercontraction than following subthreshold drive trains. Intracellular calcium concentration, estimated with the calcium-sensitive dye indo-1, was higher in cells showing aftercontractions than those not. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that calcium overload of the sarcoplasmic reticulum does not underlie spontaneous calcium release in this situation and the primary trigger for spontaneous release may instead be raised cytoplasmic calcium concentration.

Reasons for hospitalization due to abortion and pregnancy termination.

The aim of this study was to identify the reasons for hospitalization associated with abortion and pregnancy termination among women attending the Maternity Unit of IMIP, Recife, Brazil. In a case-control study, 230 women who were hospitalized consecutively between August 1994 and June 1995 due to causes related to pregnancy termination or abortion were chosen as cases. Four controls per case were selected randomly out of a total of 920 women who delivered at the same hospital. For each potential cause considered, the odds ratio (OR) and respective 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was then used to control for confounders. Among all potential causes studied, those that showed significant association with pregnancy termination or abortion were: being single, absence of emotional support from partner, being a working woman, literacy up to the fourth year of school, failure of contraceptive method employed, and experience of previous pregnancies, children, and abortions.

Na+-Ca2+ exchange and sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ regulation in ventricular myocytes from transgenic mice overexpressing the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger.

1. The contribution of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and Na+-Ca2+ exchanger to intracellular Ca2+ regulation in mouse cardiac myocytes was investigated by measuring contraction after variable rest intervals, rapid cooling contractures (RCCs) and fast application of caffeine. The results obtained showed differences from other species in the roles played by the SR and the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger. They suggest that in mouse ventricular myocytes there is significant Ca2+ entry via the exchanger during rest and during the latter part of the Ca2+ transient. 2. In cardiac myocytes isolated from transgenic mice overexpressing the cardiac Na+-Ca2+ exchanger the time to peak and relaxation of twitches and RCCs were faster than in control littermates. The decline of Ca2+, assessed by indo-1 fluorescence, was faster in transgenic myocytes even in the absence of Na+ and Ca2+ in the superfusing solution. This suggests that SR Ca2+ uptake is faster in these myocytes. However, no difference in the expression of SERCA2a, phospholamban or calsequestrin measured with Western blotting could be found in the two groups. 3. We measured SR Ca2+ content by integrating the caffeine-induced transient inward current. The amount of Ca2+ stored in the SR of transgenic mouse myocytes was 69 % greater than in non-transgenic littermates. The increased SR Ca2+ content may be responsible for the faster rate of SR Ca2+ release and uptake in cells from transgenic mice. 4. We performed experiments to assess whether the reversal potential of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (ENa-Ca) was different in transgenic cardiac cells. We measured a Ni2+-sensitive current elicited by voltage ramps in non-dialysed myocytes. The current-voltage relationship showed no difference in the reversal potential of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger in transgenic and control myocytes. This suggests that the effects on the SR Ca2+ content in transgenic cardiac myocytes can be ascribed to the overexpression of the exchanger and are not secondary to changes in intracellular diastolic Ca2+ and Na+.

[Rereading contraceptive policy: health professionals' views of daily routine in public health services]. / Relendo a política de contracepção: o olhar de um profissional sobre o cotidiano das unidades públicas de saúde.

This essay is part a larger study on the relationship between the Brazilian government and contraceptive policy and precedes a survey performed in health services in Rio de Janeiro. It is also intended to analyze what health care professionals and users think about contraception. It presents considerations by a social worker with experience in family planning activities in outlying public health care services and also provides data facilitating activities in this area. It thus touches on some elements that interfere in practical work in this field, such as academic life and social representation, in addition to submitting a written critique to PAISM (the Brazilian Ministry of Health's Program for Integrated Women's Health Care) as an official contraceptive policy.