Acidose l��ctica ruminal aguda induzida experimentalmente em ovinos: estudo cl��nico e laboratorial

P��s-gradua����o em Medicina Veterin��ria - FCAV

Estresse oxidativo em equinos submetidos �� obstru����o intraluminal do c��lon menor

P��s-gradua����o em Medicina Veterin��ria - FCAV

Acute phase response following ovariohysterectomy in female dogs

The concentrations of acute phase proteins are correlated with the severity of the surgical trauma, being elevated when severe tissue injury is produced. The aim of this study was to evaluate the leukogram and the acute phase proteins concentrations in healthy female dogs submitted to minimally invasive ovariohysterectomy, with the use of nylon cable ties (G1), and conventional (laparotomy) ovariohysterectomy, with the use of nylon suture (G2), as methods to ligate the ovarian pedicles and uterine body, respectively. Blood samples from 30 adult healthy female dogs (15 for each group) were obtained before surgery, and at 24 and 48 h and 7 days after surgery. Serum protein fractions were determined by means of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Neutrophilia was observed 24 h after both surgical procedures but did not differ (P���������0.05) between the groups. In G1, the estimated concentration of ceruloplasmin increased (P���������0.05) 48 h after the surgical procedure. The estimated ceruloplasmin concentration was significantly higher in G1 (P���������0.05) when compared to G2 48 h postoperatively, and the estimated haptoglobin concentration was also significantly greater in G1 (P���������0.05) than in G2 from 24 h to 7 days after surgery. Through the ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin estimated concentrations, we conclude that the minimally invasive ovariohysterectomy caused a more intense inflammatory response, which was not reflected in the white blood cell count.

Mastite infecciosa equina: uma vis��o geral da doen��a

Mastits is considered uncommon disease in mares. Streptococcus equi, Staphylococcus sp., Corynebacterium sp., Actinobacillus sp., Nocardia sp. and enterobacterias are major microorganisms involved in equine mammary infections. The disease is commonly related to traumatic lesions in mammary glands and teats. Edema, fibrosis, masses to palpation of glands, and viscous to seropurulent milk are mainly clinical signs observed in affected animals. The diagnosis is based on clinical exam of mammary glands and microbiological culture of the milk. There are no standard to use of indirect exams on diagnosis, including California Mastits Test and Somatic Cell Count. Systemic antimicrobials are recommended in therapy, based on previous ���in vitro��� susceptibility microbiological test. No specific control measures are indicated in equine mastits. The present study reviewed the mastits in mares, with emphasis to etiology, epidemiology findings, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, treatment and control aspects.

Vitamin A affects haematology, growth and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L.), but has no protective effect against bacterial challenge or cold-induced stress

Vitamin A (vitA) is an essential nutrient that acts as an endocrine regulator of several metabolic pathways, modulating normal growth and health status of animals. Although the importance of vitA for normal haematology and immune response is well documented for higher vertebrates, there is limited information on the physiological effects of vitA on fish. Therefore, we designed a 130-day feeding trial to evaluate the effect of vitA supplementation on growth, haematology, immune function and resistance to experimental infection with Aeromonas hydrophila and cold-induced stress. A group of 320 Nile tilapia fingerlings 7.49 �� 0.19 g weight (mean �� SD) were randomly stocked into 40 250 L-aquaria and fed practical diets containing graded levels of vitA (0, 0.06, 0.12, 0.24, 0.48, 0.96, 1.92, 3.84 mg retinol (ROH) kg���1 diet. Growth, haematology, plasma protein profile and immune response were significantly affected by vitA supplementation; however, no clear protective effect of vitA supplementation on disease and cold stress resistance were observed in this study. Clinical signs of vitA deficiency were: resting and abnormal swimming behaviour, exophthalmia, haemorrhages at the base of fins and on skin, serous fluids in abdominal cavity, neutropenia, reduction in red blood cell count, haematocrit and haemoglobin evolving to high mortality rates in a short period of time. A dietary level of vitA around 1.2 mg ROH kg���1 may be required to prevent gross deficiency signs and promote proper growth and health status of Nile tilapia. VitA does not seem to have a pronounced effect on leucocyte differentiation, but clearly plays an important role on maintaining normal erythropoiesis.

Influence of biliary anastomosis on recovery from secondary biliary cirrhosis

Objective The influence of choledochoduodenostomy and choledochojejunostomy on the repair of hepatic lesions secondary to biliary obstruction is not well known. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of choledochoduodenostomy and choledochojejunostomy on the recovery of these lesions in rats with biliary obstruction. Methods Rats subjected to 4 weeks of biliary obstruction underwent choledochoduodenostomy (n=10) or choledochojejunostomy (n=10). The following variables were measured: total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aminotransferases, and albumin. Hepatic mitochondrial energy metabolism was evaluated by calculating the respiratory control ratio and the oxidative phosphorylation index. Hepatic morphometry was used to estimate the mass of the hepatocytes, bile ducts, and fibrosis, as well as the hepatic stellate cell count. Results After choledochoduodenostomy and choledochojejunostomy, there was a regression in cholestasis and a reduction in the oxidative phosphorylation index. However, the total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and respiratory control ratio values improved only after choledochojejunostomy. The mass of the liver, spleen, and fibrosis was reduced after both choledochoduodenostomy and choledochojejunostomy, but the number of hepatic stellate cells increased. After choledochojejunostomy, the hepatic mass recovered completely, and the spleen mass was significantly reduced compared with that after choledochoduodenostomy. After both choledochoduodenostomy and choledochojejunostomy, enterobiliary reflux, biliary contamination, and an exacerbation in hepatic inflammation developed. Conclusion Choledochojejunostomy was more effective than choledochoduodenostomy, but both techniques induced enterobiliary reflux and biliary contamination, which may explain the maintenance of hepatic alterations, especially after choledochoduodenostomy. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 24: 1039-1050 (C) 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Minimal residual disease in cerebrospinal fluid at diagnosis: a more intensive treatment protocol was able to eliminate the adverse prognosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

We analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 65 consecutive children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated according to two different treatment protocols (GBTLI-ALL-93 and -99) with no puncture accident for minimal residual disease (MRD) in the central nervous system (CNS). Minimal residual disease was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with homo/heteroduplex analysis using consensus primers to IgH and TCR genes. MRD in the CSF at diagnosis was detected by PCR in 46.8% of children with no puncture accident or morphological involvement. In patients treated with GBTLI-ALL-93 a significantly lower 5-year event-free survival (EFS) was demonstrated for those with CSF involvement, in univariate (p = 0.01) and multivariate (p = 0.04) analysis. This observation was not true for patients treated with the more intensive protocol GBTLI-ALL-99 (p = 0.81). These findings suggest that MRD detection in the CSF is a common event in children with ALL. Treatment intensification provided by the GBTLI-ALL-99 apparently overcomes the detrimental effect of CNS minimal residual disease at diagnosis.

Quality and quantity of milk produced by Saanen goats submitted to stress during three sequential days

The experiment aimed to study the effect of physiological stress on cortisol levels, quality and quantity of milk through punctual administration of ACTH. Twelve Saanen goats were divided in two experimental groups: ACTH group (0,5 mu g of ACTH/Kg.L.W); Placebo group (placebo solution). Milk production, and percentages of protein, fat, lactose and SCC (somatic cells counting) of the milk were analyzed before, during and after the administration of ACTH/placebo. Simultaneously to the ACTH/placebo administration and during three sequential days, blood was collected to evaluate cortisol concentrations. At times -30 and zero, both groups presented basal concentrations of cortisol. The increase of cortisol contents was significant at times 60 (group ACTH: 59.00 +/- 5.70 and groups placebo: 5.23 +/- 1.37ng/mL) and 120 (group ACTH: 47.96 +/- 9.72 and group placebo: 4.38 +/- 1,14ng/mL) since the cortisol content was higher on the ACTH group. The values returned to the basal level at 300 minutes. Concerning milk production, no differences were found between ACTH and placebo groups. Milk, protein, fat, lactose and SCC did not distinguish one group from another. The results indicated that the physiological stress induced during three days was not harmful to milk production and milk quality of Saanen goats.

Lymphocyte transformation assay for C neoformans antigen is not reliable for detecting cellular impairment in patients with Neurocryptococcosis

Background: Cryptococcus neoformans causes meningitis and disseminated infection in healthy individuals, but more commonly in hosts with defective immune responses. Cell-mediated immunity is an important component of the immune response to a great variety of infections, including yeast infections. We aimed to evaluate a specific lymphocyte transformation assay to Cryptococcus neoformans in order to identify immunodeficiency associated to neurocryptococcosis (NCC) as primary cause of the mycosis. Methods: Healthy volunteers, poultry growers, and HIV-seronegative patients with neurocryptococcosis were tested for cellular immune response. Cryptococcal meningitis was diagnosed by India ink staining of cerebrospinal fluid and cryptococcal antigen test (Immunomycol-Inc, SP, Brazil). Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with C. neoformans antigen, C. albicans antigen, and pokeweed mitogen. The amount of H-3-thymidine incorporated was assessed, and the results were expressed as stimulation index (SI) and log SI, sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off value (receiver operating characteristics curve). We applied unpaired Student t tests to compare data and considered significant differences for p<0.05. Results: The lymphotoxin alpha showed a low capacity with all the stimuli for classifying patients as responders and non-responders. Lymphotoxin alpha stimulated by heated-killed antigen from patients with neurocryptococcosis was not affected by TCD4+ cell count, and the intensity of response did not correlate with the clinical evolution of neurocryptococcosis. Conclusion: Response to lymphocyte transformation assay should be analyzed based on a normal range and using more than one stimulator. The use of a cut-off value to classify patients with neurocryptococcosis is inadequate. Statistical analysis should be based on the log transformation of SI. A more purified antigen for evaluating specific response to C. neoformans is needed.

Hematologic and Plasma Biochemical Values of Hyacinth Macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)

The hyacinth macaw (Anodorhyncus hyacinthinus), considered the largest psittacine bird species in the world, is an endangered species, with a remaining population of approximately 6500 birds in the wild. To establish hematologic and plasma biochemical reference ranges and to verify differences related to sex, samples from 29 hyacinth macaws (14 males. 15 females) were obtained from birds apprehended from illegal wildlife trade and subsequently housed at the Sorocaba Zoo, Brazil. No significant differences in hematologic or plasma biochemical values were found between females and males. Compared with published reference values, differences were found in mean concentrations of total red blood cell count, corpuscular volume, corpuscular hemoglobin level, total white blood cell count, aspartate aminotransferase level, creatine kinase concentration, alkaline phosphatase concentration, and phosphorus level. Baseline hematologic and plasma biochemical ranges were established, which may be useful as reference values for clinicians working with this endangered species in captivity or rehabilitation centers.

Libera����o de per��xido de hidrog��nio por fag��citos de gl��ndulas mam��rias bovinas h��gidas e infectadas

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a capacidade de libera����o de per��xido de hidrog��nio (H2O2) por fag��citos oriundos de gl��ndulas mam��rias bovinas sadias e infectadas. Desse modo, 73 amostras de leite provenientes das gl��ndulas mam��rias foram classificadas em sadias e infectadas de acordo com a cultura bacteriol��gica e a contagem de c��lulas som��ticas (CCS). Ap��s o isolamento das c��lulas do leite, procedeu-se �� contagem diferencial de leuc��citos e determina����o da libera����o de H2O2 pela oxida����o da solu����o de vermelho fenol. Foi observada menor libera����o de H2O2 pelos fag��citos oriundos dos quartos mam��rios infectados, assim como houve correla����o negativa entre a libera����o de H2O2 por fag��citos e a CCS (r=-0,34; P=0,0025), e a porcentagem de neutr��filos (r=-0,24; P=0,04). Al��m disso, houve tend��ncia de menor libera����o de H2O2 pelos fag��citos estimulados por forbol 12-miristato 13-acetato nas gl��ndulas mam��rias infectadas. Entretanto, observou-se maior libera����o de H2O2 pelos fag��citos em 1mL de leite nos quartos mam��rios infectados, ao considerar a CCS mL-1. Pode-se concluir que fag��citos de quartos mam��rios infectados apresentaram menor libera����o de H2O2, o que indica menor capacidade microbicida. Por outro lado, observou-se maior libera����o de H2O2 pelos fag��citos em 1mL de leite nos quartos infectados, fato que pode contribuir com o maior recrutamento de leuc��citos para a gl��ndula mam��ria e/ou a persist��ncia do processo inflamat��rio.

Differential MiRNA expression in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and association with clinical and biological features

The present study aimed to analyze the expression profile of the microRNAs previously described as associated with childhood ALL, miR-92a, miR-100, miR-125a-5p, miR-128a, miR-181b, miR-196b and let-7e, and their association with biological/prognostic features in 128 consecutive samples of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by quantitative real-time PCR. A significant association was observed between higher expression levels of miR-196b and T-ALL, miR-100 and patients with low white blood cell count at diagnosis and t(12;21) positive ALL. These findings suggest a potential activity of these microRNAs in pediatric ALL biology. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Atypical manifestations in Brazilian patients with neuro-Behcet's disease

Type and frequency of systemic and neurologic manifestations of Beh double dagger et's disease (BD) vary with ethnicity. In Brazil, BD occurs as sporadic cases. We describe clinical and radiological features of 36 Brazilian patients of mixed ethnicity with neuro-Beh double dagger et's disease (NBD). Medical records of 178 BD patients were reviewed and 36 (20%) NBD patients were identified. Twenty-one NBD patients (58.3%) were female and 27 (75%) presented with parenchymal manifestations. Brainstem involvement was the most common neurologic syndrome (41.7%). Seizures (27.8%), isolated aseptic meningitis (16.7%), optic neuropathy (ON) (16.7%), cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) (8.3%), peripheral neuropathy (2.8%), and spinal cord involvement (5.6%) were other neurologic manifestations observed among Brazilian NBD patients. Eighteen (50%) had at least one relapse, and isolated aseptic meningitis was the most common relapsing manifestation. No significant differences concerning the number of relapses between parenchymal and non-parenchymal groups were found. A multivariate model including disease duration, cell count in spinal fluid, cyclosporine use, immunosuppressive use at disease onset, age at NBD onset, and ON did not reveal any significant associations with NBD relapse. There was a low frequency of CVT and an unexpected higher number of isolated aseptic meningitis. Brazilian NBD patients present more parenchymal and atypical manifestations, and relapse more often than NBD patients from other populations.

Lactation stage and udder health status of Santa Ines ewes

FAPESP [2003/08582-7]

Correlates of human immunodeficiency virus cervicovaginal shedding among postmenopausal and fertile-aged women

Objective: The aims of this study were to compare the intensity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-RNA genital shedding among postmenopausal (PM) and fertile-aged (F) women and to investigate the association between viral shedding and gynecological features, HIV plasma viral loads, and other markers of HIV disease progression. Methods: We interviewed 146 HIV-infected women (73 PM/73 F) in search of gynecological complaints and signs and symptoms of HIV disease and obtained additional information concerning HIV infection by medical chart review. Cervicovaginal lavages (CVLs) were collected for assessment of HIV shedding. Laboratory analyses included CD4(+) cell counts, HIV-RNA quantitation in plasma and CVL, and screening for concurrent genital infections. Results: HIV-RNA genital shedding was detected in 16.4% of PM and 21.9% of F women (P = 0.400), and the intensity of HIV shedding did not differ between both groups (means-PM: 1.4log/mL; F: 1.4log/mL; P = 0.587). Three women (2 PM/1 F) exhibited viral shedding in the absence of detectable viremia. HIV plasma viral loads correlated with HIV shedding in both groups. In multivariable analysis, HIV plasma viral loads were independently associated with HIV shedding in both groups. Moreover, the intensity of shedding was independently associated with vaginal pH, tumor necrosis factor a concentrations in CVL, and HIV plasma viral loads. Conclusions: Despite significant changes that occur in the vaginal mucosa of PM women, HIV cervicovaginal shedding was not significantly influenced by this state in our cohort. In contrast, increased vaginal pH and genital inflammation, evidenced by increased tumor necrosis factor alpha concentrations in CVL and HIV plasma viral loads, were independently associated with the intensity of HIV shedding in PM and F women.