EFFECT OF ASCORBIC-ACID DEFICIENCY ON THE GROWTH, GILL FILAMENT LESIONS AND BEHAVIOR OF PACU FRY (PIARACTUS-MESOPOTAMICUS HOLMBERG, 1887)

The effect of ascorbic acid deficiency was determined in Piaractus mesopotamicus Holmberg, 1887, fish (pacu) under laboratory conditions. A total of 120 fish with an average body weight of 8.64 +/- 1.62 g and measuring 6.15 +/- 0.33 cm in length at the beginning of the experiment were fed diets containing 0, 50, 100 or 200 mg palmitate-coated ascorbic acid/kg dry ration for a period of 24 weeks with measurements every 4 weeks. The experiment was conducted in 20 fiber-cement aquaria of 81-liter capacity. Each aquarium was supplied with dechlorinated water at a flow rate of 1 l/min. Water temperature was measured daily and pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity and water conductivity were determined weekly. A fully randomized experimental design was utilized, with 5 replicates of each treatment and 6 fish per aquarium. Ascorbic acid-supplemented fish presented significantly increased growth when compared to unsupplemented fish. Furthermore, unsupplemented fish presented a higher incidence of hyperplasia, hypertrophy and dysplasia of the bone cartilage of gill filaments. The gill lamellae of unsupplemented fish had twisted cartilage and an inflammatory infiltrate at the ends. Anorexia and increased handling stress were also observed in fish fed the unsupplemented diet. The present study suggests that 50 mg ascorbic acid/kg dry ration is sufficient to improve development of pacu fingerlings but the optimum level under aquarium conditions, determined by regression analysis, is 139 mg ascorbic acid/kg dry ration.

Reação metabólica à infecção no hospedeiro.

At the site of local reaction to infection the interleukin-1 (1L-1) is released signaling to distant tissues the presence of infection and attempting to strengthen the host's defenses and inhibit the bacterial growth. This phenomenon is accompanied by anorexia and fever. The muscle-protein breakdown is sustained and the released amino acids are taken up by the liver and other RE structures where they are used as substrates for energy and for synthesis of defense-related proteins. The metabolic adaptations to sepsis include hyperthermia, increased synthesis of hepatic globulins, development of granulopoiesis and neutrophilia and redistribution of serum iron and trace minerals.

Epidemiologia e quadro clínico do botulismo epizoótico dos bovinos no Estado de São Paulo

In order to investigate epidemiological and clinical aspects of beef cattle mortalities caused by botulism, a syndrome popularly known as doença da vaca caída, studies were carried out in 32 naturally affected 4 to 9 year old cows, 27 belonging to the Nellore breed and 5 to crossbred Nellore, all from 27 farms located in municipalities near Botucatu, State of São Paulo. The epidemiological and clinical features were based, respectively, on the farm and herd managements, and on the general physical examination of the cows. Mouse bioassay and complement microfixation tests were performed to detect the presence of botulinum toxins in liver samples. The results showed that the disease occurs in beef cattle of range breeding systems, reared under inadequate mineral nutrition and deficient health management. Pregnant and milking cows represented the group at risk, and the incidence was higher during the rainy season (December to March), with morbidity and mortality rates of 3,2 ± 3,6%. Clinical examination revealed cows with no alterations of vital signs, behavior, visual and auditory acuities and skin sensation; but revealed ruminal hypomotility, anorexia, dehydration, flaccid para or tetraparesis with permanent recumbency, and a paretic or paralytic tongue. The diagnosis of botulism, involving type C and D toxins, was consistent with the epidemiological and clinical findings.

Efficacy, safety and tolerability of terbinafine for Tinea capitis in children: Brazilian multicentric study with daily oral tablets for 1, 2 and 4 weeks

Background: Tinea capitis is a common skin disease seen predominantly in children. The standard therapies for this disease are griseofulvin and ketoconazole. Nevertheless, these drugs have drawbacks in that they are only fungistatic and require treatment for at least 6 weeks. Previous studies with oral terbinafine for the treatment of Tinea capitis have shown that this agent is effective when given for 4 weeks, comparable to an 8-week regimen with griseofulvin. To date there is no data on the use of oral terbinafine in Brazilian children. Objectives: To assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of oral terbinafine in short-term treatments (1-, 2- and 4-week treatment) of Tinea capitis in children. Patients and methods: One hundred and thirty-two children aged 1-14 years were enrolled in this study, but only 107 were considered for the final efficacy analysis. Diagnosis included clinical assessment and examination by Wood's light. Confirmation was obtained by direct microscopy and culture for fungus. Terbinafine dosage (125 or 250 mg/day) was adjusted according to patient weight. Efficacy was evaluated both by clinical and mycological assessment. Safety and tolerability variables included data on adverse reaction and clinical laboratory evaluations. Results: Mycological evaluation in the follow-up visit at week 12 showed negative direct microscopy and culture results in 48.6, 60.5 and 69.7% patients in groups 1-, 2- and 4-week, respectively (n.s.). At week 12, 84.8% patients in group 4-week achieved clinical cure with a significant difference compared to groups 1- and 2-week, 54.3 and 60.5%, respectively (P < 0.01). Adverse reactions were present in 4.8, 6.8 and 10.9% of patients in groups 1-, 2- and 4-week, respectively. Terbinafine was not associated with clinically relevant increases in liver function tests. Conclusions: Terbinafine is an effective, well tolerated and safe antifungal agent for the treatment of Tinea capitis m children. The shorter duration of treatment resulted in lower cure rates. However, it is important to note that depending on the severity of the disease, a 1-week-only treatment can also be effective in this indication.

Liposomal daunorubicin and dexamethasone as a treatment for multiple myeloma - The DD protocol

Context and Objective: Lipasomial daunorubicin has been used to treat hematological malignancies, including multiple myelomo (MM). The goal was to evaluate efficacy, side-effects and toxicity of liposomal daunorubicin and dexamethasone (DD Protocol). Design and Setting: Prospective study of Sírio-Libonês, São Camilo, Brasil and Alemão Oswaldo Cruz hospitals. Methods: Twenty consecutive patients with active MM received four cycles of liposomal daunorubicin intravenously for two hours (25-30 mg/m 2/day) on three consecutive days per month, with oral dexamethasone, (10 mg every six hours) on four consecutive days three times a month. Results: The male/female ratio was 1:1 and median age 60. Nine patients were stage IIA, ten IIIA and one IIIB. The median from diagnosis to starting DD was 13 months. All patients received four cycles, except one. Fifteen had already received chemotherapy before DD. Responses of > 50% reduction in serum monoclonal paraprotein were observed in six patients after first cycle (30%), six after second (30%) and four after third (20%), while four (20%) did not obtain this. Initially, 17 patients (85%) had anemia: 12 (70%) achieved correction. Progressive disease was observed in three patients (15%), while one had minimal response, four (20%) partial and 12 (60%) complete. Hemotologlical toxicity was acceptable: three patients (15%) had neutrophils < 1,000/mm 3; none had thrombocyfopenia. Gastrointestinal toxicity was mild: nausea (10%), anorexio (15%) and no vomiting. Conclusions: This treatment has mild toxicity and good response rate. It may therefore be feasible before autologous bone marraw transplantation.

Sertralina no tratamento de pacientes com depressão maior leve e moderada: Estudo multicêntrico brasileiro

Introduction: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sertraline for the treatment of Brazilian patients with mild to moderate major depression. Patients and methods: Patients were 18 years old or older treated on an out-patient basis. Previous medications were stopped for a 2-week washout period. Afterwards, patients received sertraline, initial dose of 50 mg/day up to the 4 th week. The dose could then be increased up to 200 mg/day according to the efficacy and tolerability. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton scale for depression (HAM-D), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Results: 51 patients (42 women) were evaluated regarding efficacy and safety. Treatment with sertraline significantly decreased scores of MADRS, HAM-D e ICGfrom 15.7 ± 6.1; 12.2 ± 3.9 e 3.5 ± 0.6 to 6.2 ± 6.5; 5.4 ± 4.7 e 2.3 ± 1.0 (P < 0.0001), respectively. Sertraline was well tolerated. Gastro-intestinal upset (N=14; 24.6%), headache (N=7; 12.3%), sleep alterations (H-7; 12.3%), dizziness (N-4; 7.0%), and anorexia (N=4; 7.0%) were the most common adverse events. Six patients discontinued the treatment due to adverse events. Conclusion: Sertraline is efficient and presents a favorable safety and tolerability profile for the treatment of Brazilian patients with mild to moderate major depression. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora.

Feline cholangitis/ chonlangiohepatitis complex secondary to Platynosomum fastosum infection in a cat.

Platynosomiasis has been associated with cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis complex in domestic cats. Despite being typically asymptomatic, some individuals may develop severe disease resulting in hepatic cirrhosis. Definitive diagnosis by means of parasite eggs direct visualization is not always possible and complementary tests should be associated. This paper reports a case of a three-year-old female cat with anorexia and jaundice. Ultrasound and biochemistry laboratory findings as well as liver biopsy were not conclusive. Definitive diagnosis of intense Platynosomum fastosum infestation was only possible through direct examination of biliary fluid at necropsy, stressing the importance of including platynosomiasis, commonly an underdiagnosed disease, among differential diagnoses of feline liver diseases.

Semen variables of sheep (Ovis aries) experimentally infected with Toxoplasma gondii

The influence of Toxoplasma gondii on semen variables and sperm morphology of sheep was evaluated in eight reproductive males distributed into three experimental groups: GI, three sheep inoculated with 2.0 × 105 of P strain oocytes; GII, three sheep infected with 1.0 × 106 of RH strain tachyzoites and; GIII two control sheep. Clinical (rectal temperature, cardiac and respiratory frequencies), parasite and serology exams (IIF) were realized. Sperm variables (volume, motility, vigor and concentration) and semen morphology for each sheep were also evaluated. Thus, semen and blood collections were assessed on post-inoculation days (PIDs)-1,3,5,7,11,14 and weekly thereafter up to PID 70. Clinical alterations were observed (hypothermia and anorexia) in infected sheep from groups GI and GII. Parasitic outbreaks were detected in five sheep. All the infected sheep produced antibodies against T. gondii from PID 5 onwards, reaching a peak of 4096 and 8192 for group GI and GII sheep, respectively. Differences (P < 0.05) were observed regarding the ejaculate volume between the inoculated groups (oocytes and tachyzoites) and control. Even though experimental toxoplasmic infection resulted in clinical symptomology in the inoculated sheep, the minimal alterations in sperm pathologies could not be directly attributed to T. gondii. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Poult intestinal organ culture for propagation of Turkey coronavirus and assessment of host-virus interactions

Infection of young poults with turkey coronavirus (TCoV) produces a syndrome characterized by acute enteritis, diarrhea, anorexia, ruffled feathers, decreased body weight gain and uneven flock growth. The objective of this study was to standardize an intestinal organ culture (IOC) in order to assess host-virus interaction related to apoptosis. For this purpose the Brazilian strain (TCoV/Brazil/2006 with GenBank accession number FJ188401), was used for infection. Infected IOC cells had mitochondrial dysfunction and initial nuclear activation with MTT value of 90.7 (± 2.4) and apoptotic factor 2.21 (± 2.1), considered statistically different from uninfected IOC cells (p > 0.05). The kinetics of TCoV antigens and viral RNA was directly correlated to annexin-V, caspases- 2 and -3, p53, BCl-2 antigens at 24, 72 and 96 h post-infection (p.i.). Morphological and biochemical features of apoptosis, such as in situ nuclear fragmentation (TUNEL and annexin-V) and DNA ladder formation were also detected in infected cells at all assayed p.i. intervals. Moreover, different from other coronaviruses, the expression of both effective caspase-2 and - 3 and p53 antigens were considered lower. However, at all p.i., the BCl-2 antigens were expressed quantitatively and qualitatively as viral antigen measured by immunofluorescence microscopy analysis. Because the diagnosis of TCoV infection is only performed by infecting embryonated poult eggs, the pathological characteri tics related to host-virus interaction remain unclear. This is the first report on apoptosis of TCoV infected IOC, and reveals that it may be useful immunological method to assess virus pathogenesis.

Thiamin Requirement of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, were fed to apparent satiation twice daily with purified diets containing 0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 mg/kg and 0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 16.0, and 32.0 mg/kg of thiamin in separate 14- and 8-wk trials (Experiments 1 and 2, respectively). Fish fed the diet devoid of thiamin developed neurological disorders, anorexia, reduced growth, and feed efficiency and increased mortality (Experiment 2 only) within 4-6 and 8-10 wk for Experiments 2 and 1, respectively. Low red blood cell count (RBC) and hematocrit (Ht) were observed in fish fed the thiamin-deficient diet. Serum pyruvate was elevated in fish fed the thiamin unsupplemented diet. Serum lactate was not affected by dietary thiamin levels. Whole body protein was unaffected by dietary levels of thiamin. Body moisture and ash increased whereas body lipid decreased in fish fed the thiamin unsupplemented diets. None of these abnormalities were observed in fish fed the thiamin-supplemented diets. Using the response curves determined by PROC NLMIXED to estimate dietary thiamin levels required for various response variables, a dietary thiamin level of 3.5 mg/kg diet was adequate for optimum growth, feed intake and efficiency, survival, prevention of neurological symptoms, and maintaining normal levels of RBC, Ht, serum pyruvate, and proximate body composition. © 2011.

Visceral mast cell tumor and mastocythemia in a dog

Mast cell tumor manifests as a localized proliferation of mast cells in the skin, or less frequently as a systemic disorder, which may be accompanied by the presence of neoplastic mast cells in the peripheral blood (mastocythemia). In some cases, the neoplastic circulating mast cells originate in the bone marrow, designated as mast cell leukemia, rarely observed in dogs, or the cells may arise from visceral mast cell tumors, characterizing systemic mastocytosis. The aim of this report was to describe a case of a six-year-old female German shepherd dog presenting with history of anorexia, hematemesis and diarrhea. The blood work revealed intense mastocythemia (43%), with degranulated mast cells, and anisocytosis. At necropsy, white nodular lesions in the thymic region and an infiltrative mass in mesenteric and abdominal lymph nodes were observed. Those lymph nodes were enlarged and off-white. Histopathological examination revealed neoplastic mast cells in the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, kidneys, lungs, gastric and enteric mucosae, and adrenal glands. The clinical, hematological and histopathological findings were compatible with mastocythemia, associated with a moderately differentiated visceral mast cell tumor.

Intensified peginterferon α-2a dosing increases sustained virologic response rates in heavy, high viral load hepatitis c genotype 1 patients with high low-density lipoprotein

BACKGROUND AND GOAL: Patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) with elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels achieve higher sustained virologic response (SVR) rates after peginterferon (PegIFN)/ribavirin treatment versus patients with lower LDL. Our aim was to determine whether SVR rates in patients with low/elevated LDL can be improved by dose intensification. STUDY: In PROGRESS, genotype 1 patients with baseline HCV RNA≥400,000 IU/mL and body weight ≥85 kg were randomized to 48 weeks of 180 μg/wk PegIFN α-2a (40 kDa) plus ribavirin (A: 1200 mg/d; B: 1400/1600 mg/d) or 12 weeks of 360 μg/wk PegIFN α-2a followed by 36 weeks of 180 μg/wk, plus ribavirin (C: 1200 mg/d; D: 1400/1600 mg/d). This retrospective analysis assessed SVR rates among patients with low (<100 mg/dL) or elevated (≥100 mg/dL) LDL. Patients with high LDL (n=256) had higher baseline HCV RNA (5.86×10 IU/mL) versus patients with low LDL (n=262; 4.02×10 IU/mL; P=0.0003). RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis identified a significant interaction between PegIFN α-2a dose and LDL levels on SVR (P=0.0193). The only treatment-related SVR predictor in the nested multiple logistic regression was PegIFN α-2a dose among patients with elevated LDL (P=0.0074); therefore, data from the standard (A+B) and induction (C+D) dose arms were pooled. Among patients with low LDL, SVR rates were 40% and 35% in the standard and induction-dose groups, respectively; SVR rates in patients with high LDL were 44% and 60% (P=0.014), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intensified dosing of PegIFN α-2a increases SVR rates in patients with elevated LDL even with the difficult-to-cure characteristics of genotype 1, high baseline viral load, and high body weight. Copyright © 2013 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Intrascrotal testicular torsion and seminoma in a dog with chronic renal failure

A 10-year-old mongrel dog was presented with signs of vomiting, prostration, anorexia, abdominal pain, dyspnea, dysuria, and enhanced scrotal volume. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological examinations showed intrascrotal testicular pathology and chronic renal failure. Emergency treatment was carried out; however, the patient died. Necropsy diagnosed an intrascrotal testicular torsion and seminoma. The aim of the present report is to describe an intrascrotal testicular torsion associated with chronic renal failure in a dog. © Tübïtak.

Pulmonary and hepatic lesions caused by the dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid-producing plants Crotalaria juncea and Crotalaria retusa in donkeys

The effects and susceptibility of donkeys to Crotalaria juncea and Crotalaria retusa poisoning were determined at high and low doses. Seeds of C. juncea containing 0.074% of dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids (DHPAs) (isohemijunceines 0.05%, trichodesmine 0.016%, and junceine 0.008%) were administered to three donkeys at 0.3, 0.6 and 1g/kg body weight (g/kg) daily for 365 days. No clinical signs were observed and, on liver and lung biopsies, the only lesion was a mild liver megalocytosis in the donkeys ingesting 0.6 and 1g/kg/day. Two other donkeys that received daily doses of 3 and 5g seed/kg showed initial respiratory signs 70 and 40 days after the start of the administration, respectively. The donkeys were euthanized following severe respiratory signs and the main lung lesions were proliferation of Clara cells and interstitial fibrosis. Three donkeys ingested seeds of C. retusa containing 5.99% of monocrotaline at daily doses of 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1g/kg for 365 days. No clinical signs were observed and, on liver and lung biopsies, the only lesion was moderate liver megalocytosis in each of the three donkeys. One donkey that received a single dose of 5g/kg of C. retusa seeds and another that received 1g/kg daily for 7 days both showed severe clinical signs and died with diffuse centrilobular liver necrosis. No lung lesions were observed. Another donkey that received a single dose of 2.5g/kg of C. retusa seeds showed no clinical signs. The hepatic and pneumotoxic effects observed are consistent with an etiology involving DHPAs. Furthermore, the occurrence of lung or liver lesions correlates with the type of DHPAs contained in the seeds. Similarly as has been reported for horses, the data herein suggest that in donkeys some DHPAs are metabolized in the liver causing liver disease, whereas others are metabolized in the lung by Clara cells causing lung disease. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.