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.

Evaluation of intravenous regional perfusion with amphotericin B and dimethylsulfoxide to treat horses for pythiosis of a limb.

BACKGROUND: Treatment for horses with pythiosis of a limb is challenging. This study aims to evaluate the effects of administering amphotericin B in a 10 % solution of dimethylsulfoxide by intravenous regional limb perfusion (IRLP) to treat horses for cutaneous pythiosis of a limb. RESULTS: All 15 of the horses treated had complete resolutions of their lesion between 6 to 9 weeks after a single IRLP treatment. No complications were observed at the site of venipuncture for IRLP. Before initiation of treatment, there was anemia and marked leucocytosis which resolved following treatment. Serum biochemistry showed no significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: IRLP administration of amphotericin B in a 10 % DMSO solution was easily performed, relatively inexpensive and an effective treatment for treating horses for pythiosis of a limb and resolved the infection with no complications.

Short-term low-protein diet during pregnancy alters islet area and protein content of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway in rats.

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways mediate ß cell growth, proliferation, survival and death. We investigated whether protein restriction during pregnancy alters islet morphometry or the expression and phosphorylation of several proteins involved in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. As controls, adult pregnant and non-pregnant rats were fed a normal-protein diet (17%). Pregnant and non-pregnant rats in the experimental groups were fed a low-protein diet (6%) for 15 days. Low protein diet during pregnancy increased serum prolactin level, reduced serum corticosterone concentration and the expression of both protein kinase B/AKT1 (AKT1) and p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), as well as the islets area, but did not alter the insulin content of pancreatic islets. Pregnancy increased the expression of the Src homology/collagen (SHC) protein and the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) independent of diet. ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK1/2) was similar in islets from pregnant and non-pregnant rats fed a low-protein diet, and was higher in islets from pregnant rats than in islets from non-pregnant rats fed a normal-protein diet. Thus, a short-term, low-protein diet during pregnancy was sufficient to reduce the levels of proteins in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway and affect islet morphometry.

Ureaplasma diversum as a cause of pustular vulvovaginitis in bovine females in Vale Guapore, Mato Grosso State, Brazil.

Ureaplasma diversum has been associated with various reproductive problems in cattle that include granular vulvovaginitis, weak calves, and abortion. This study was conducted in a beef herd situated in the Middle-West region of Brazil, and the objectives were to verify the presence of U. diversum and to elucidate its possible relationships with independent variables in this bovine herd population. A total of 134 vaginal mucous swabs were taken for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of these, 51 (38 %) were PCR positive for U. diversum. Of the 58 heifers with vulvovaginal lesions characterized by hyperemia, granulated lesions, and edema distributed throughout the vulvar mucosa, 37 (64 %) were U. diversum positive; of the 76 heifers without reproductive lesions, 14 (18 %) were U. diversum positive. All tested samples were negative for bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the following two variables were significantly associated with the presence of U. diversum: the presence of vulvar lesions (p = 0.001) and the presence of a progesterone (P4) device (p = 0.001). These findings indicate that U. diversum should be considered a pathogen that is associated with pustular vulvovaginitis in heifers from the Mato Grosso state and that additional studies of the risk factors associated with intravaginal P4 device transmission should be performed.

Brazilian porcupinepox virus infection in a free-ranging neotropical porcupine in Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Although the novel Brazilian porcupinepox virus (BPoPV) can infect wild porcupines, its lethality and zoonotic potential are not well-established. In May 2021, a free-ranging neotropical porcupine (Coendou longicaudatus boliviensis) rescued from the natural savanna in the Brazilian Cerrado, Mato Grosso State, was presented with a lethal poxviral infection. Clinical signs and PCR detection of BPoPV supported the diagnosis. Poxviral lesions included erythema, exfoliative dermatitis, and erosions involving mainly the face, hindlimb, and vulva. Histologically, the lesions consisted of proliferative and necrotic dermatitis, intraepidermal and follicular pustules, and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in keratinocytes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed BPoPV strains closely related to other rodent-infecting poxviruses. This poxviral infection resulted in the death of a specimen of C. l. boliviensis; the effect on species conservation, and the potential of spillover into humans and other vertebrates remain unknown.

Natural SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Free-Ranging Black-Tailed Marmoset (Mico melanurus) from an Urban Area in Mid-West Brazil.

The emergence of spillover pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 is a risk to vulnerable human populations. We report natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in a free-ranging adult female black-tailed marmoset (Mico melanurus) from an urban area of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The animal was found after a motor vehicle collision without previous clinical history. Necropsy confirmed polytrauma. Severe multifocal to coalescent haemorrhage and mild multifocal peribronchial lymphocytic hyperplasia were seen in lung sections. The alveolar septa were multifocally expanded by a few lymphocytes. Mild lymphocytic periportal hepatitis and interstitial nephritis were found. The lymphoid nodules of the large intestine showed marked lymphocytic hyperplasia. Infection by SARS-CoV-2 was established by viral RNA detection in a pool of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs and liver samples. Immunohistochemistry detected the viral nucleocapsid protein in sections of lung, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and large intestine, and spike protein antigen in lung tissue. This is the first report of naturally occurring SARS-CoV-2 infection in a New World monkey. Platyrrhine species should be included as potential hosts of natural infection of SARS-CoV-2.

Successful potassium iodide treatment for rhinofacial pythiosis in sheep.

BACKGROUND: Pythiosis in sheep is an important disease in Brazil, which could cause rhinitis, dermatitis and alimentary tract inflammation. It is caused by the aquatic oomycete, Pythium insidiosum. The rhinofacial pythiosis causes facial deformity and upper respiratory tract clinical signs associated with necroproliferative masses occupying the rostral nasal cavity and hard palate. Little is known regarding the therapy, prophylaxis and pathogenesis of this disease. METHODOLOGY: During the 6-year study, we examined 13 sheep presenting rhinofacial pythiosis. The diagnosis was performed through biopsy of the rhinofacial lesions followed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies against P insidiosum, polymerase chain reaction and an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: This study presents the clinical findings of a potassium iodide treatment of rhinofacial pythiosis in sheep. All sheep were treated with 10 ml of 10% potassium iodide solution, administered orally every day during 63-120 (mean 85) days. Among treated sheep, 84.6% demonstrated complete recovery. CONCLUSION: Potassium iodide therapy may treat rhinofacial pythiosis in sheep.

Granulomatous meningoencephalitis due to toxoplasma gondii in a black-headed night monkey (Aotus nigriceps).

This report describes toxoplasmosis infection in a black-headed night monkey (Aotus nigriceps) from the Zoological Park of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The animal was submitted alive to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso presenting neurologic clinical signs. There were no improvements on the animal's clinical condition after treatment, so it was euthanized. At necropsy, the most significant gross lesions observed were hemorrhages diffusely scattered throughout the cerebral hemispheres. Histologic findings were characterized by nonsuppurative encephalitis and mild multifocal necrotizing nonsuppurative myocarditis. Groups of tachyzoites and cysts were observed surrounding the inflamed areas of cerebral parenchyma. Sections of the brain were submitted for immunohistochemistry examination for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum and also for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the presence of Toxoplasma gondii. The samples were positive for Toxoplasma gondii by PCR; however, cross reactivity was observed between Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies. These findings were consistent with a toxoplasmosis infection in this animal.

First report of a canine morbillivirus infection in a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in Brazil.

Canine morbillivirus, also known as canine distemper virus (CDV), induces a contagious multisystemic disease caused by an enveloped RNA virus belonging to the genus Morbillivirus within the family Paramyxoviridae. CDV replicates readily in epithelial, nerve and lymphoid tissues; it is excreted in urine, feces, saliva, oral and nasal discharge; and its major route of entry for infection is through the respiratory system. Although the virus was originally believed to infect domestic dogs, new studies have shown that it can also naturally or experimentally infect non-domestic hosts. A recent blood test performed on a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) found Lentz inclusions in the animal's leucocytes. A rapid CDV test, an RT-PCR assay and pathology findings confirmed this report of canine morbillivirus in this species, which corresponds to the second report of CDV infection in the order Pilosa, family Myrmecophagidae in central west Brazil.

Urinary oligosaccharides: a peripheral marker for Sida carpinifolia exposure or poisoning.

Poisoning by Sida carpinifolia belongs to a group of plant-induced phenotype which resembles lysosomal storage diseases. Saanen goats were fed aerial parts of green S. carpinifolia for up to 3 months. Concentrates complemented the nutritional requirements. Urine and blood samples were collected for oligosaccharide study (by thin layer chromatography-TLC) and hemogram analysis, respectively. Abnormal excretion of oligosaccharides was observed from the 2nd day of S. carpinifolia ingestion until one day after withdrawal of the plant from the diet. There were no changes in hemogram. Clinical signs were typical of poisoning caused by plants of this group and were seen from the 37th day on S. carpinifolia diet until seven days after withdrawal of the plant, when signs gradually became scarce and less evident. Results presented here suggest that detection of urinary oligosaccharides by TLC may be an useful method to assess swainsonine-containing plants exposure or an early diagnostic tool for poisoning by these plants.

Mucosal disease-like lesions caused by HoBi-like pestivirus in Brazilian calves in 2010-2011: Clinical, pathological, immunohistochemical, and virological characterization.

A HoBi-like pestivirus was first described in 2004 in a Brazilian fetal bovine serum that was exported to Germany. Nevertheless, it is believed that the virus had been present since the 1990's, when it was detected in buffalos of Brazilian origin. Reproductive and respiratory diseases have been reported since 2001 in cattle, and more recently, diseases accompanied by a clinical presentation of mucosal disease-like (MD-like lesions have been reported as well. In the present study, the authors reported the oldest case of MD--like in cattle, associated with a HoBi-like pestivirus infection. Diarrhea, anorexia, nasal discharge, hypersalivation, and weakness were observed in 20 calves. For two of the animals, clinical follow-ups were performed. Following their death, necropsy was performed on these two calves. The main gross alterations observed were ulcers and erosions in the upper and lower digestive tract and interdigital dermatitis. Clinical history, gross findings, histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and virus isolation were determined as suitable tools for the diagnosis of a MD-like outbreak, caused by a HoBi-like pestivirus.

A Low-Protein, High-Carbohydrate Diet Stimulates Thermogenesis in the Brown Adipose Tissue of Rats via ATF-2.

The aim of this study was to evaluate thermogenesis in the interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) of rats submitted to low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC) diet and the involvement of adrenergic stimulation in this process. Male rats (~100 g) were submitted to LPHC (6%-protein; 74%-carbohydrate) or control (C; 17%-protein; 63%-carbohydrate) isocaloric diets for 15 days. The IBAT temperature was evaluated in the rats before and after the administration of noradrenaline (NA) (20 µg 100 g b w(-1) min(-1)). The expression levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and other proteins involved in the regulation of UCP1 expression were determined by Western blot (Student's t test, P ≤ 0.05). The LPHC diet promoted a 1.1 °C increase in the basal temperature of IBAT when compared with the basal temperature in the IBAT of the C group. NA administration promoted a 0.3 °C increase in basal temperature in the IBAT of the C rats and a 0.5 °C increase in the IBAT of the LPHC group. The level of UCP1 increased 60% in the IBAT of LPHC-fed rats, and among the proteins involved in its expression, such as ß3-AR and α1-AR, there was a 40% increase in the levels of p38-MAPK and a 30% decrease in CREB when compared to the C rats. The higher sympathetic flux to IBAT, which is a consequence of the administration of the LPHC diet to rats, activates thermogenesis and increases the expression of UCP1 in the tissue. Our results suggest that the increase in UCP1 content may occur via p38 MAPK and ATF2.

Congenital malformations caused by Stryphnodendron fissuratum (Leg. Mimosoideae) in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of Stryphnodendron fissuratum pods in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and test the hypothesis that this plant has teratogenic effects. Thus, sixteen guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups of four animals each. Groups 10, 20 and 40 consisted of guinea pigs that received commercial food that contained crushed pods of S. fissuratum at concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 g/kg, respectively, during the period of organogenesis. Control group consisted of guinea pigs under the same management conditions that did not receive crushed pods of S. fissuratum in their food. In all experimental groups, the main clinical signs of poisoning consisted of anorexia, prostration, absence of vocalizations, alopecia, diarrhea, and abortions within the adult guinea pigs. Those that did not abort gave birth to weak, malnourished pups, some of which had fetal malformations. The main teratogenic changes consisted of eventration, arthrogryposis, amelia of the forelimbs, anophthalmia, microphthalmia, anotia and agnathia. The reductions in the number of offspring and the malformations observed in the experimental groups suggest that S. fissuratum affects fetal development and is teratogenic.

Granulomatous pneumonia due to pythiosis in captive South American coatis (Nasua nasua) / Pneumonia granulomatosa decorrente de pitiose em quatis sul-americanos (Nasua nasua) de cativeiro

Pythiosis is an emerging infectious disease affecting captive and free-ranging wild animals. We report granulomatous pneumonia due to Pythium insidiosum in two South American coatis (Nasua nasua), who were found dead without any clinical records. Severe granulomatous pneumonia associated with pleural effusion was revealed in the necropsy. Microscopically, variably sized granulomas and pyogranulomas presented negative hyphae profiles at the periphery of their necrotic cores. Grocott methenamine silver stain highlighted these structures, and immunostain (anti- P. insidiosum) was strongly positive. Molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction amplified P. insidiosum specific DNA. These findings characterized P. insidiosum as a cause of granulomatous pneumonia in coatis and proved that pythiosis needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of respiratory diseases affecting this species in endemic areas.(AU)

A pitiose é uma doença infecciosa emergente que afeta animais silvestres de cativeiro e em vida livre. Reportamos dois casos de pneumonia granulomatosa decorrentes da infecção por Pythium Insidiosum em quatis sul-americanos (Nasua nasua), que foram encontrados mortos sem apresentar nenhum quadro clínico prévio. Pneumonia granulomatosa severa associada a efusão pleural foi observada durante a necropsia. Na microscopia, foram observados múltiplos granulomas e piogranulomas de tamanhos variados que continham imagens negativas de hifas na periferia de seus centros necróticos. A coloração de metenamina de prata (Grocott) evidenciou estas estruturas, e a imunomarcação (anti-P. insidiosum) foi fortemente positiva. A análise molecular pela reação de polimerase em cadeia amplificou o DNA específico do P. insidiousum. Estes achados caracterizaram o P. insidiosum como a causa da pneumonia granulomatosa nos quatis e provou que a pitiose deve ser considerada um diagnostico diferencial para outras doenças respiratórias que afetam esta espécie.(AU)

Chronic copper poisoning in beef cattle in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Intoxicação crônica por cobre em bovinos de corte no Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil

Copper is an essential micromineral in animal feed; however, when consumed in excess, it can cause liver necrosis, hemolytic crisis, hemoglobinuric nephrosis and death in cattle. Although uncommon in this species, copper poisoning occurs as a result of exacerbated supplementation, deficiency of antagonist microminerals, or previous liver lesions. An outbreak of chronic copper poisoning is reported in semi-confined cattle after supplementation with 50 mg/Kg of dry matter copper. The cattle showed clinical signs characterized by anorexia, motor incoordination, loss of balance, jaundice, brownish or black urine, diarrhea and death, or were found dead, 10 to 302 days after consumption. Of the 35 cattle that died, 20 underwent necropsy, whose frequent findings were jaundice, enlarged liver with evident lobular pattern, black kidneys, and urinary bladder with brownish to blackish content. Microscopically, the liver showed vacuolar degeneration and/or zonal hepatocellular centrilobular or paracentral coagulative necrosis, in addition to cholestasis, mild periacinal fibrosis, apoptotic bodies, and mild to moderate mononuclear inflammation. Degeneration and necrosis of the tubular epithelium and intratubular hemoglobin cylinders were observed in the kidneys. Copper levels in the liver and kidneys ranged from 5,901.24 to 28,373.14 µmol/kg and from 303.72 to 14,021 µmol/kg, respectively. In conclusion, copper poisoning due to excessive nutritional supplementation is an important cause of jaundice, hemoglobinuria, and death in semi-confined cattle.(AU)

Cobre é um micromineral essencial, que quando em excesso induz necrose hepática, crise hemolítica, nefrose hemoglobínurica e morte em bovinos. As intoxicações, apesar de incomuns nessa espécie, ocorrem devido a suplementação exacerbada de cobre, pela deficiência de microminerais antagonistas ou secundária a lesão hepática prévia. Relata-se um surto de intoxicação crônica por cobre em bovinos semiconfinados após suplementação com 50mg/kg de cobre em matéria seca. Os bovinos manifestaram sinais clínicos caracterizados por anorexia, incoordenação motora, perda de equilíbrio, icterícia, urina acastanhada ou negra, diarreia e morte ou foram encontrados mortos, após 10 a 302 dias do início de consumo. De 35 bovinos que morreram 20 foram submetidos à necropsia sendo achada frequente icterícia, fígado aumentado e com padrão lobular evidente, rins pretos e bexiga urinária repleta de conteúdo acastanhado a enegrecida. Microscopicamente, no fígado havia degeneração vacuolar e ou necrose coagulativa hepatocelular zonal, centrolobular ou paracentral, além de degeneração vacuolar com corpúsculos de Councilman, colestase, fibrose periascinar leve, e inflamação de discreta a moderada. Nos rins havia degeneração e necrose do epitélio tubular assim como cilindros de hemoglobina intratubulares. Os níveis de cobre no fígado e rim foram de 5.901,24 a 28.373,14µmol/kg e 303,72 a 14.021µmol/kg respectivamente. A suplementação nutricional excessiva com cobre pode causar doença hemolítica com icterícia, hemoglobinúria e morte de bovinos mantidos em sistema de semiconfinamento.(AU)

Study of experimentally induced lesions in sheep by grazing Brachiaria decumbens.

A histologic and ultrastructural study of the alterations found in the lymph nodes and livers of nine sheep with experimental cholangiohepatopathy by grazing on Brachiaria decumbens has been performed. Sheep were euthanized in three groups, on the 77th, 89th, and 150th days of the experimental feeding. The main gross lesions were whitish spots of multifocal distribution scattered throughout the hepatic parenchyma from all B. decumbens-grazed animals and whitish foci surrounded by reddened halos in the mesenteric and hepatic lymph nodes of sheep necropsied on the 150th. The principal histologic findings included hepatocellular cloudy swelling, marked multifocal cholangitis in the portal triads with bile duct proliferation and infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes. Crystals were observed within bile ducts and surrounded by macrophages. Ultrastructurally, there were criytaloid structures within the macrophages and hepatocytes, which also presented hyperplasia of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. These findings suggest that hepatocytes were the initial target of the toxic effects, which depending on the degree of severity developed would cause both, subsequent cholangiopathy or occasional photosensitization. Additionally, the developmental stages of the hepatic lesions observed in this study have been presented.

Silver staining combined with alcian blue and hematoxylin-eosin for the detection of Lawsonia intracelullaris in swine proliferative enteropathy.

Fragments of ileum from 663 pigs were collected in abattoirs, prepared with the use of standard histological methods and stained with a novel sensitive histochemical method for the detection of porcine proliferative enteropathy. The method is a combination of the following 3 well-known methods, the Warthin-Starry method, alcian blue and hematoxylin-eosin. In 11 cases, mucus-producing cells were completely absent, severe adenomatous proliferation was observed and intracellular bacteria were found in enterocytes. Disappearance of goblet cells and the presence of adenomatous proliferation without any detectable intracellular bacteria were observed in 16 cases. In the remaining 636 cases, histological changes and intracellular bacteria were not found. When comparing the conventional Warthin-Starry method with the modified staining method presented here, the same 16 cases were found. However, the method presented here enables examination of large numbers of sections in a relatively short period of time.

A novel Ehrlichia genotype strain distinguished by the TRP36 gene naturally infects cattle in Brazil and causes clinical manifestations associated with ehrlichiosis.

A novel Ehrlichia genotype most closely related to E. canis was reported in North American cattle in 2010, and a similar agent was subsequently identified in the hemolymph of Brazilian Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks and isolated in 2012. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this or other novel ehrlichial agents naturally infect Brazilian cattle. Using PCR targeting the genus-conserved dsb gene, DNA from this novel ehrlichial agent in Brazilian cattle was detected. Attempts to isolate the organism in vitro were performed using DH82 cells, but morulae and ehrlichial DNA could only be detected for approximately one month. In order to further molecularly characterize the organism, PCR was performed using primers specific for multiple E. canis genes (dsb, rrs, and trp36). Sequence obtained from the conserved rrs and dsb genes demonstrated that the organism was 99-100% identical to the novel Ehrlichia genotypes previously reported in North American cattle (rrs gene) and Brazilian ticks (rrs and dsb genes). However, analysis of the trp36 gene revealed substantial strain diversity between these Ehrlichia genotypes strains, including divergent tandem repeat sequences. In order to obtain preliminary information on the potential pathogenicity of this ehrlichial agent and clinical course of infection, a calf was experimentally infected. The calf showed clinical signs of ehrlichiosis, including fever, depression, lethargy, thrombocytopenia, and morulae were observed in peripheral blood monocytes. This study reports a previously unrecognized disease-causing Ehrlichia sp. in Brazilian cattle that is consistent with the genotype previously described in North America cattle and ticks from Brazil. Hence, it is likely that this is the organism previously identified as Ehrlichia bovis in Brazil in 1982. Furthermore, we have concluded that strains of these Ehrlichia genotypes can be molecularly distinguished by the trp36 gene, which has been widely utilized to define E. canis strain diversity.

Bone quality evaluation of experimental osteometabolic disease in Pantanal alligators (Caiman yacare) by High Resolution Computerized Microtomography (µCT) / Avaliação da qualidade óssea de doença osteometabólica experimental em jacarés do pantanal (Caiman yacare) por Microtomografia Computadorizada (µCT)

Computerized microtomography is the gold standard examination for the evaluation of the three-dimensional bone structure. This experiment was developed to evaluate the structure and bone quality of Caiman yacare with metabolic bone disease using high resolution computerized microtomography (μCT). The animals were distributed into four groups: G1 - hyperphosphatemic diet with sun exposure deprivation (n=4), G2 - hyperphosphatemic diet with sun exposure (n=4), G3 - balanced diet with sun exposure deprivation (n=4), and G4 - balanced diet with exposure to sunlight (n=4). The parameters for the trabecular bone (Trabecular Number, Trabecular Thickness, Trabecular Separation, Bone Pattern Factor, Fractal Dimension, Euler Number, Structural Model Index, Degree of Anisotropy, Eigenvalues 1, 2 and 3, and Centroides X, Y and Z), and cortical bone (Number of Closed Pores, Volume of Closed Pores, Surface of Closed Pores, Closed Porosity, Volume of Open Pores, Open Porosity and Total Porosity). The overall results showed that the structure and bone quality of group G3 and G4 were better than those of groups G1 and G2, and that the diet factor influenced more than the sun exposure factor. The computerized microtomography allowed to evaluate the quality of the cortical and trabecular bones of the Pantanal alligator tibia with osteometabolic disease. The diet and sun exposure factors influenced individually the results of the μCT parameters between the groups, demonstrating the functional and structural complexity. Thus, these parameters can contribute to the interpretation of the mechanical behavior of bones and correlate them with the risk of lesions and fractures associated with osteometabolic diseases.(AU)

Microtomografia computadorizada é o exame padrão-ouro para a avaliação da estrutura tridimensional do osso. Este estudo experimental foi desenvolvido para avaliar a estrutura e a qualidade óssea de jacarés-do-pantanal (Caiman yacare) com doença óssea metabólica utilizando a microtomografia computadorizada (μCT) de Alta Resolução. Os animais foram distribuídos em quatro grupos, G1 - dieta hiperfosfatêmica com privação de luz solar (n=4), G2 - dieta hiperfosfatêmica com exposição à luz solar (n=4), G3 - dieta balanceada com privação de luz solar (n=4) e G4 - dieta balanceada com exposição à luz solar (n=4). Avaliaram-se os parâmetros para o osso trabecular (Número de Trabéculas, Espessura Trabecular, Separação Trabecular, Fator do Padrão Ósseo, Dimensão Fractal, Número de Euler, Índice do Modelo Estrutural, Grau de Anisotropia, Autovalores 1, 2 e 3 e Centroides X, Y e Z) e osso cortical (Número de Poros Fechados, Volume dos Poros Fechados, Superfície de Poros Fechados, Porosidade Fechada, Volume de Poros Abertos, Porosidade Aberta e Porosidade Total). Os resultados gerais evidenciaram que a estrutura e a qualidade óssea dos grupos G3 e G4 foram superiores aos dos grupos G1 e G2, sendo que o fator dieta influenciou mais do que o fator exposição solar. A Microtomografia Computadorizada permitiu avaliar a qualidade dos ossos cortical e trabecular da tíbia de jacarés do pantanal com doença osteometabólica. Os fatores dieta e exposição solar influenciaram individualmente no resultado dos parâmetros do μCT entre os grupos, demonstrando a complexidade funcional e estrutural. Assim, esses parâmetros podem contribuir na interpretação do comportamento mecânico dos ossos e correlacioná-los com o risco de lesões e fraturas associadas às doenças osteometabólicas.(AU)

É possível integrar pecuária à conservação da biodiversidade? Estudo de casos de depredação de ovinos por onça-parda (Puma concolor) / Is it possible to integrate livestock into biodiversity conservation? Case study of sheep depredation by puma (Puma concolor)

Em diversas partes da América Latina, a perda e diminuição do habitat natural de animais silvestres ocorre em função do aumento das atividades agropecuárias. Nos últimos anos o número de mortes de animais de criação por depredação tem aumentado, bem como a consequente retaliação aos predadores. Como resultado destas ações, ocorre à extinção ou redução das populações destes predadores de topo, provocando perdas ecológicas. Esse estudo teve como objetivo apontar medidas preventivas e mitigatórias da depredação de ovinos por onça-parda (Puma concolor). Através da análise de dois estudos de casos de depredação no Centro-Oeste brasileiro e na região dos Andes Colombianos, levantamos soluções alternativas sustentáveis para que profissionais e criadores possam se prevenir desta ameaça ao rebanho ovino. Um estudo de caso foi realizado em fazenda no município de Alto Paraguai, Mato Grosso. Entre os anos 2005 e 2014 houve visitas na propriedade para diagnóstico de doenças e realizou-se estudo comparativo da quantidade de mortes por doenças com as mortes por depredação. No ano de 2010 ocorreu um ataque depredatório que resultou em morte de seis ovinos. Em 2014, realizou-se um estudo na região central do Departamento del Valle del Cauca, há 2814m de altitude nos Andes colombianos, para diagnosticar a depredação de gado na região e implementar medidas para prevenir sua ocorrência e avaliar sua eficácia. No total, foram implementadas medidas anti-depredação sobre oito propriedades, e entre elas, um curral com cerca elétrica para ovelhas foi implementada em uma fazenda no município de Tuluá. Os resultados mostram que as perdas econômicas por depredação são graves nas duas regiões estudadas e se equiparam a perdas por doenças no estudo de caso em Mato Grosso, Brasil. Portanto recomenda-se a combinação entre o manejo sanitário, métodos de prevenção e, se necessário, mitigação de ataques depredatório. Além disso, legisladores devem se associar a pesquisadores para traçar estratégias efetivas para esse sério problema na América Latina.(AU)

In several parts of Latin America, the expansion of agriculture over the years has caused loss and reduction of wild fauna natural habitat. Recently, deaths of sheep and cattle have increased due to predation by large carnivores and the resulting retaliation by farmers on predators. Consequently, populations of these top predators have been reduced or have got even locally extinct, leading to imbalances on ecosystems, altered because of the carnivore effects on prey dinamics. The objective of this study is to analyse sheep depredation by puma (Puma concolor), in Central Brazil and in the Colombian Andes and point out preventive and mitigating measures that can be implemented in rural areas. From 2005 to 2014, we visited a ranch in Alto Paraguai, Mato Grosso, Brazil for diagnostic purposes and we compared the death of sheep from diseases and depredation attacks. In 2014, we visited a rural area in the central region of Departamento del Valle del Cauca, at 2814m of altitude in the Colombian Andes, to diagnose sheep predation, implement preventive measures, and evaluate their effectiveness. The results reveal that economic losses due to predation are critical on both studied regions and similar to losses by diseases in Mato Grosso state, Brazil. Thus, we recommend the integration of health management, preventive measures as well as mitigation of depredatory attacks at the local scale and we discuss potential sustainable measures that can be locally implemented by farmers. Furthermore, we recommend that public policies should incorporate scientific results on human-wildlife conflicts to be effective, considering both livestock management and biodiversity conservation.(AU)