Intravaginal progesterone device (1. 9g) and estradiol benzoate for follicular control in the mare during spring and summer / [Implante intravaginal de progesterona (1, 9g) e benzoato de estradiol no controle folicular de éguas durante a primavera e o verão]

The objective of this study was to evaluate follicular growth and ovulatory rates in mares treated with an intravaginal progesterone device (P4) during the 10-day period, associated with the use of estradiol benzoate (EB). The results were compared during the transition period (ET) in the spring and the breeding season in the summer (ER). The variables were submitted to ANOVA (Tukey's test), considering P<0.05. No ovulation occurred during the permanence of the P4 implant in both experimental periods. The ovulatory rate in the ER was 100% (n = 8) and in the ET 62.5% (n = 5; P = 0.0547). Significant differences were observed (<0.001), in both periods, comparing follicular growth rates during the permanence of P4 device (ER: 1.33 ± 0.89mm/d; ET: 1.00 ± 0.81mm/d) to the period without P4 (ER: 3.63 ± 1.33 mm/d; ET: 3.31 ± 1.66 mm/d). The present study demonstrated applicability and efficiency of a hormonal protocol using P4 intravaginal device and EB for follicular control in mares, both during ET and ER.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a taxa de crescimento folicular e a taxa ovulatória em éguas tratadas com dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona (P4) durante o período de 10 dias, associado à utilização de benzoato de estradiol (BE). Os resultados foram comparados durante o período de transição (ET) da primavera com a época de reprodução no verão (ER). As variáveis foram submetidas à ANOVA (teste de Tukey), considerando-se P<0,05. Nenhuma ovulação ocorreu durante a permanência do dispositivo de P4 em ambos os períodos experimentais. A taxa ovulatória na ER foi de 100% (n = 8) e na ET, de 62,5% (n=5; P=0,0547). Diferença significativas (<0,001) foram observadas, em ambos os períodos experimentais, comparando as taxas de crescimento folicular durante a permanência da P4 (ER: 1,33 ± 0,89mm/d; ET: 1,00 ± 0,81mm/d) com o período sem P4 (ER: 3,63 ± 1,33mm/d; ET: 3,31 ± 1,66mm/d). O presente estudo demonstrou aplicabilidade e eficiência do protocolo hormonal utilizando dispositivo intravaginal de P4 e BE para controle folicular de éguas, tanto na ET quanto na ER.

Seleção para a produção de ovos em períodos parciais e acumulados em linhagem de frango de corte comercial / Egg production selection in partial and accumulated periods in a commercial broiler line

Objetivou-se com este estudo estimar parâmetros genéticos para produções parciais e acumuladas de ovos em uma linha fêmea de frangos de corte comercial. Foram considerados 10 períodos mensais entre 25 e 64 semanas, três períodos parciais de 25 a 32, 33 a 48 e 49 a 64 semanas, e três períodos acumulados de 25 até 30, 40 e 50 semanas de idade. Os componentes de covariância e parâmetros genéticos foram obtidos pelo método da máxima verossimilhança restrita, sob o modelo animal considerando o efeito fixo de incubação e os efeitos aleatórios genético aditivo e residual. As estimativas de herdabilidade variaram de 0,12 a 0,41. Evidenciou-se que os períodos anteriores e posteriores ao maior nível de produção apresentam maior variabilidade genética. As correlações genéticas entre os períodos de produção de ovos estudados variaram de -0,12 a 0,98. De modo geral, o padrão de variação foi semelhante entre as estratégias avaliadas, e todas foram geneticamente associadas com a produção total. Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que a melhoria da produção total é viável por meio de seleção de registros parciais. No entanto, caso se considere a eficiência relativa de seleção, o segundo mês e os períodos a partir da quadragésima semana de produção seriam os mais indicados.

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for partial and cumulative egg production in a commercial broiler female line. Ten monthly periods between 25 and 64 weeks, three partial periods of 25 to 32, 33 to 48 and 49 to 64 cumulative weeks and three periods of 25 to 30, 40 and 50 weeks of age and total egg production were considered. The restricted maximum likelihood method under the animal model was used to estimate the covariance components and genetic parameters. The fixed effect of incubation and the additive genetic and residual random effects were considered. The estimated heritability ranged from 0.12 to 0.41. These estimates showed that the anterior and posterior periods of the higher production have greater genetic variability. The genetic correlations between periods of the egg production studied ranged from -0.12 to 0.98. In general, the pattern of variation was similar between the strategies evaluated and all were genetically associated with the total egg production. The results of this study showed that the improvement of the total egg production is feasible by selection of partial records. However, considering the relative efficiency of selection, the second month and the periods from the fortieth week of production would be the most suitable.

Crescimento de genótipos de frangos tipo caipira / Growth of genotypes of an alternative strain of broiler chickens

Objetivou-se com este trabalho comparar o padrão de crescimento, mediante ajustes das respectivas curvas de crescimento por modelos não lineares, bem como estudar o desenvolvimento de cortes de carcaça em relação ao peso da carcaça em diferentes genótipos de frangos tipo caipira. Foram utilizados 840 pintos de um dia, machos, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, dos seguintes genótipos da linhagem Redbro: Caboclo, Carijó, Colorpak, Gigante Negro, Pesadão Vermelho, Pescoço Pelado e Tricolor. As aves foram alojadas em 28 boxes, sendo 30 aves/boxe, em galpão de alvenaria com acesso a um piquete de 45m², com quatro repetições. O peso corporal individual dos frangos foi medido ao nascer, aos 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 e 84 dias de idade. Para a determinação das curvas de crescimento do peso corporal das aves, os dados coletados foram avaliados por meio dos modelos não lineares: Brody, Gompertz, Logístico, Richards e von Bertalanffy. Foi empregado o PROC NLIN do SAS, utilizando-se o método interativo de Gauss-Newton. Os critérios usados para escolha do modelo de melhor ajuste da curva de crescimento foram o coeficiente de determinação, o desvio padrão assintótico, o desvio médio absoluto dos resíduos e o índice assintótico. As análises para obtenção dos coeficientes alométricos foram realizadas por meio do PROC GLM do SAS para os genótipos Carijó, Colorpak, Pesadão Vermelho, Pescoço Pelado e Tricolor. Foram avaliados os pesos da carcaça, do peito, das coxas, das sobrecoxas, das pernas e das asas das aves abatidas aos 85 dias de idade. Apenas as equações propostas por Gompertz, von Bertalanffy e Logístico atingiram a convergência, e o modelo proposto por von Bertalanffy foi o mais adequado para descrever o crescimento dos genótipos de frangos caipiras. Todos os cortes avaliados apresentaram crescimento tardio em relação ao peso da carcaça em genótipos de frangos tipo caipira.

The aim of this work was to compare the growth pattern, adjusting the growth curves by nonlinear models and studying the development of housing sections in relation to the weight of the chicken carcass in different genotypes of an alternative strain of broiler chickens. We used 840 one day old male chicks distributed in a completely randomized design, with the following genotype strains: Redbro: Caboclo, Carijó, Colorpak, Gigante Negro, Pesadão Vermelho, Pescoço Pelado and Tricolor. The birds were housed in 28 boxes, 30 birds / box in a masonry shed with access to a 45 square meter paddock, with four replications. Body weight was measured in chickens up to 84 days of age. To determine the growth curves of the body weight of birds, collected data were evaluated from the nonlinear models: Brody, Gompertz, Logistic, Richards and von Bertalanffy. Was used "proc nlin" of SAS, using the iterative method of Gauss-Newton. The criteria used to choose the best model for the growth curve were the coefficient of determination, the asymptotic standard deviation, the mean absolute deviation of the waste and the asymptotic index. The analysis to obtain the allometric coefficients were performed using the "proc glm" SAS for genotypes Carijó, Colorpak, Pesadão Vermelho, Pescoço Pelado and Tricolor. We assessed the weights of carcass, breast, thighs, drumsticks, legs and wings. Only the equations proposed by Gompertz, Logistic and von Bertalanfy reached convergence, and the model proposed by von Bertalanffy was the most appropriate. All sections were evaluated in relation to the late growth of carcass weight in alternative lines of broiler chickens.

Sorafenib prevents liver fibrosis in a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rodent model

Liver fibrosis occurring as an outcome of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can precede the development of cirrhosis. We investigated the effects of sorafenib in preventing liver fibrosis in a rodent model of NASH. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a choline-deficient high-fat diet and exposed to diethylnitrosamine for 6 weeks. The NASH group (n=10) received vehicle and the sorafenib group (n=10) received 2.5 mg·kg-1·day-1 by gavage. A control group (n=4) received only standard diet and vehicle. Following treatment, animals were sacrificed and liver tissue was collected for histologic examination, mRNA isolation, and analysis of mitochondrial function. Genes related to fibrosis (MMP9, TIMP1, TIMP2), oxidative stress (HSP60, HSP90, GST), and mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC1α) were evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Liver mitochondrial oxidation activity was measured by a polarographic method, and cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sorafenib treatment restored mitochondrial function and reduced collagen deposition by nearly 63% compared to the NASH group. Sorafenib upregulated PGC1α and MMP9 and reduced TIMP1 and TIMP2 mRNA and IL-6 and IL-10 protein expression. There were no differences in HSP60, HSP90 and GST expression. Sorafenib modulated PGC1α expression, improved mitochondrial respiration and prevented collagen deposition. It may, therefore, be useful in the treatment of liver fibrosis in NASH.

Desempenho de codornas de corte em cruzamentos dialélicos / Performance of meat type quails in diallel cross

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o desempenho de quatro linhagens (L1, L2, L3 e L4) de codornas de corte em cruzamentos dialélicos. O presente estudo foi realizado nas instalações do Programa de Melhoramento de Codornas do Departamento de Zootecnia da UFVJM, no período de 16 de dezembro de 2011 a 26 de janeiro de 2012. Foram avaliados o peso corporal médio ao nascimento, aos 35 e aos 42 dias de idade; o consumo médio de dieta e a conversão alimentar do nascimento aos 35 dias e do nascimento aos 42 dias de idade. As análises dialélicas foram desenvolvidas de forma univariada, considerando-se a metodologia de dialelos completos, a partir das médias das combinações genotípicas resultantes de um experimento inteiramente ao acaso com três repetições. A capacidade geral de combinação foi significativa para todas as características avaliadas, com exceção do consumo médio de dieta e da conversão alimentar do nascimento aos 35 dias de idade. Houve efeito significativo da capacidade específica de combinação sobre o peso corporal ao nascimento (L2xL3; L2xL4; L1xL4); conversão alimentar do nascimento aos 35 dias (L1xL3; L2xL4) e do nascimento aos 42 dias (L1xL3; L2xL3; L2xL4); consumo médio de dieta do nascimento aos 35 dias de idade (L1xL3; L2xL3), o que permitiu a identificação de combinações híbridas mais favoráveis. O efeito recíproco foi significativo apenas sobre o peso ao nascimento. Com base na capacidade geral de combinação, as linhagens mais favoráveis para peso corporal foram a L1 e a L2. Para a conversão alimentar, pela capacidade específica de combinação, os cruzamentos L1xL3 e L2xL4 apresentaram o melhor resultado, enquanto para o consumo de dieta do nascimento aos 35 dias de idade, os cruzamentos L1xL3 e L2xL3 são os mais indicados.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of four strains of meat type quails, designated L1, L2, L3 and L4 in diallel crosses. This study was carried out at the premises of the Genetic Improvement Program for Quails of UFVJM, from December 2011 to May 2012. The average body weight at hatch, at 35 and at 42 days old, the average daily feed intake at 35 and at 42 days old, and feed conversion at 35 and 42 days old were evaluated. Diallel analyzes were developed using univariate analyses, considering the methodology of complete diallel, from the average of the genotype combinations resulting in a complete randomized design with three replications. The combining ability analysis revealed significance for general combining ability for all traits, except for average feed intake and feed conversion at 35 days old. There was significant effect of specific combining ability for hatch weight (L2xL3; L2xL4; L1xL4); feed conversion from hatch to 35 days of age (L1xL3; L2xL4), and from hatch to 42 days (L1xL3; L2xL3; L2xL4); and average feed intake from hatch to 35 days of age (L1xL3; L2xL3), thus allowing the identification of more favorable hybrid combinations. The reciprocal effect showed significance only for hatch weight. Based on general combining ability, the strains which are more favorable for increased body weight were L1 and L2. For feed conversion, for the specific combining ability, the crosses L1xL3 and L2xL4 showed the best results, while for feed intake from hatch to 35 days old, the crosses L1xL3 and L2xL3 would be the most suitable.

Effects of bromopride on expression of metalloproteinases and interleukins in left colonic anastomoses: an experimental study

Anastomotic dehiscence is the most severe complication of colorectal surgery. Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and interleukins (ILs) can be used to analyze the healing process of anastomosis. To evaluate the effects of bromopride on MMP and cytokine gene expression in left colonic anastomoses in rats with or without induced abdominal sepsis, 80 rats were divided into two groups for euthanasia on the third or seventh postoperative day (POD). They were then divided into subgroups of 20 rats for sepsis induction or not, and then into subgroups of 10 rats for administration of bromopride or saline. Left colonic anastomosis was performed and abdominal sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture. A colonic segment containing the anastomosis was removed for analysis of gene expression of MMP-1α, MMP-8, MMP-13, IL-β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). On the third POD, bromopride was associated with increased MMP-1α, MMP-13, IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-10 gene expression. On the seventh POD, all MMP transcripts became negatively modulated and all IL transcripts became positively modulated. In the presence of sepsis, bromopride administration increased MMP-8 and IFN-γ gene expression and decreased MMP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 gene expression on the third POD. On the seventh POD, we observed increased expression of MMP-13 and all cytokines, except for TNF-α. In conclusion, bromopride interferes with MMP and IL gene expression during anastomotic healing. Further studies are needed to correlate these changes with the healing process.

Avaliação genética de caprinos da raça Saanen nascidos no Brasil de 1979 a 2009 / Genetic evaluation of Saanen goats born in Brazil from 1979 to 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar herdabilidades, correlações genéticas e fenotípicas e tendências genéticas das características morfológicas e de tipo de caprinos da raça Saanen nascidos no Brasil de 1979 a 2009. Dados de 1243 caprinos, 197 machos e 1046 fêmeas, foram utilizados para estimar parâmetros genéticos e tendência das características: perímetro torácico, comprimento corporal, altura na cernelha, altura, largura e comprimento da garupa, bem como as principais características que definem o padrão racial e a aptidão do animal (paleta e linha superior, membros e pés, tipo leiteiro, capacidade de corpo, úbere, ligamento traseiro e dianteiro, textura do úbere, tetos e nota). Os componentes de variância foram estimados pelo método da máxima verossimilhança restrita em análise multicaracterística. A tendência genética foi obtida por meio da regressão dos valores genéticos médios por ano de nascimento. As estimativas de herdabilidade das características morfofuncionais variaram de 0,08 a 0,45, as correlações genéticas de -0,58 a 0,89 e fenotípicas de -0,11 a 0,87. A tendência foi de um leve declínio ao longo dos anos para a maior parte das características avaliadas, o que evidencia a existência de variabilidade genética aditiva entre os animais, mas demonstra que a seleção praticada tem sido pouco efetiva...

The aim of this study was to estimate heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations and genetic trends of morphological characteristics and type of Saanen goats born in Brazil from 1979 to 2009. Data from 1243 goats, 197 males and 1046 females were used to estimate genetic parameters and trends for the following traits: girth, body length, wither height, height, width and rump length, and the main traits that define the breed standard and ability of the animal (shoulder and topline, limbs and feet, dairy type, body capacity, mammary gland, linking front and rear, texture of the udder, teats and note). Variance components were estimated by Restricted Maximum Likelihood multi-trait analysis. Genetic trends were obtained by regression of mean breeding values by year of birth. The heritability estimates of morphological and functional traits ranged from 0.08 to 0.45, the genetic correlations from -0.58 to 0.89 and phenotypes from -0.11 to 0.87. The trend was a slight decline over the years for most traits, which shows the existence of additive genetic variability among animals, but it demonstrates that the selection practiced has been ineffective...

Seleção de características morfofuncionais de cavalos da raça Mangalarga Marchador por meio da análise de componentes principais / Identification of morphofunctional traits in Mangalarga Marchador horse using principal component analysis

Dados de 14.288 animais da raça Mangalarga Marchador, nascidos de 1990 a 2005, foram utilizados para avaliar a redução da dimensionalidade do espaço multivariado para características morfofuncionais, por meio da análise de componentes principais. Foram consideradas as características: altura na cernelha, altura na garupa, comprimento da cabeça, comprimento do pescoço, comprimento do dorso, comprimento da garupa, comprimento da espádua, comprimento do corpo, largura da cabeça, largura das ancas, perímetro do tórax, perímetro da canela e a pontuação da marcha. Para tais características, obtiveram-se sete componentes principais, a partir da matriz de correlação, que apresentaram variância inferior a 0,7 (autovalor inferior a 0,7). Isso sugere sete variáveis para descarte, por apresentarem maiores coeficientes de ponderação, em valor absoluto, a partir do último componente principal. A razão para isso é que variáveis altamente correlacionadas com os componentes de menor variância representam variação praticamente insignificante. Com base nesses resultados, recomendam-se as seguintes características para serem mantidas em trabalhos futuros com esta base de dados: pontuação da marcha, altura na garupa, comprimento do dorso, comprimento da garupa, largura da cabeça e perímetro da canela.

Records from 14,288 animals of the Mangalarga Marchador breed, born from 1990 to 2005, were used to discard morphofunctional traits in a principal component analysis. The following traits were used: height at withers, height at croup, lengths of head, neck, back, croup, hip length and body, widths of head, hip width, thorax perimeter, cannon bone circumference and gait score. For the traits considered it was observed that 7 principal components showed variation lower than 0.7; suggesting that seven variables could be discarded. The reason is that when variable are highly correlated with the principal components of smaller variance, their variation is practically insignificant. Based on those results the recommendation is to maintain the following traits for future research with this database: gait score, height at croup, length of back, length of croup, width of head and cannon bone circumference.

Modelos lineares generalizados mistos na avaliação genética da prenhez precoce na raça Nelore / Generalized linear mixed models on genetic evaluation of early pregnancy in Nellore breed

Utilizaram-se os modelos lineares generalizados com as funções de ligação probit e logit na avaliação da prenhez precoce, e observaram-se os efeitos na variabilidade genética e na seleção de reprodutores quando diferentes idades são adotadas na definição dessa característica. A prenhez precoce foi estudada aos 15 (PP15) e 21 meses (PP21). Correlações entre os valores genéticos preditos e a porcentagem de touros em comum, considerando 10% dos touros com maiores valores genéticos (TOP10), entre a classificação dos modelos com função de ligação logit e probit e em cada modelo entre PP15 e PP21, foram calculadas. As herdabilidades para PP15 e PP21 foram próximas entre os modelos, exceto para PP15 utilizando a função de ligação probit. Aquelas entre os modelos e a TOP/10 foram altas. Os critérios de Akaike e Bayesiano apresentaram-se semelhantes entre os modelos. As correlações entre PP15 e PP21 e a TOP10, considerando o mesmo modelo, foram de média magnitude.

This study aimed to use the generalized linear models with probit and logit link function to evaluate early pregnancy, and to observe the effects on genetic variability and on sire selection when different ages are adopted in the definition of this trait. Early pregnancy was studied at 15 (EP15), and 21 (EP21) months. The analysis was done in R software. Pearson correlations (PC), between genetic predicted values and percentage of bulls in common considering only 10% of bulls with higher genetic values (TOP 10), between classification by logit and probit models and in each model among EP15 and EP21, were calculated. The heritability for EP15 and EP21 were close between models, except for EP15 using probit link function. PC and TOP10 among models were high. The Akaike and Bayesian criteria reported was similar between models. TOP10, considering the same model, among EP15-EP21 were moderated between EP15-EP21.

Resistência bacteriana e ação das bacteriocinas de Lactobacillus spp em Staphylococcus aureus isolados de mastite bovina / Bacterial resistance and bacteriocins action in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis

Staphylococcus aureus is the major pathogen causing intramammary infections in dairy cattle worldwide. Among the factors that contribute to its spread and infectious potential is the ability to overcome the mechanisms of antimicrobials activity. The present work investigated the antimicrobial resistance pattern and sensibility to bacteriocins produced by strains of Lactobacillus spp of 30 isolates of S. aureus from mastitis. From this, 29 are beta-lactamase producers. Eight isolates (26.6 percent) showed resistance to at least four antibiotics being considered multiresistent. All of them were mecA-positive. Otherwise, all isolates tested showed sensibility to at least one of the four bacteriocin producer strains. Due to the significant depletion of the efficacy of antimicrobials, pathogen growth inhibition by bacteriocins seems an alternative of biological control in infectious processes.

Avaliação genética para peso corporal em um rebanho Nelore / Genetic evaluation for body weight in a Nellore herd

Estimaram-se as herdabilidades para os efeitos genéticos direto e materno e as correlações genéticas entre essas variáveis para os pesos ao desmame (P205), ao ano (P365) e ao sobreano (P550) em um rebanho Nelore do norte de Minas Gerais. O modelo estatístico incluiu os efeitos aditivos direto e materno, os efeitos fixos de grupo de contemporâneos (fazenda, sexo, regime alimentar, estação (seca e água) e ano de nascimento do animal) e o efeito da covariável idade da vaca ao parto (linear e quadrático). Os componentes de variância e os valores genéticos foram estimados utilizando-se o método REML. A tendência genética foi obtida utilizando-se a regressão do valor genético médio anual em relação ao ano de nascimento dos animais. As estimativas de herdabilidade do efeito aditivo direto () para P205, P365 e P550 foram 0,60, 0,69 e 0,75, respectivamente. Estes coeficientes de são de alta magnitude, indicando que o rebanho apresenta variabilidade genética aditiva relativa e, portanto, espera-se progresso genético considerável utilizando a seleção. Pela análise da tendência genética, verificou-se que houve evolução nos valores genéticos dos animais ao longo dos anos estudados.

The heritabilities for direct and maternal genetic effects and genetic correlations between these effects were estimated for weight at 205 (P205), 365 (P365), and 550 days (P550) in a Nelore herd in northern Minas Gerais. The statistical model included direct and maternal additive effects, in addition to the fixed effects of contemporary group (farm, gender, diet, season - dry and water -, and year of birth) and the covariate age of cow at calving (linear and quadratic effects). The variance components and genetic values were estimated by REML method. The genetic trend was obtained using the regression of the annual mean genetic value in relation to the year birth. The heritability estimates for the direct additive effect () for P205, P365, and P550 were equal to 0.60, 0.69, and 0.75, respectively. These coefficients showed high magnitude, indicating that the herd in question presents a great additive genetic variability and therefore it is expected a great progress using genetic selection. By the analysis of genetic trend, it was verified a development in animals genetic values over the years studied.

Suscetibilidade à azitromicina de agentes bacterianos isolados de processos infecciosos em diferentes sítios de animais de companhia / Azithromycin susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolated from different sites of infections in pet animals

Avaliou-se o perfil de suscetibilidade bacteriana de diferentes sítios infecciosos frente aos antimicrobianos de eleição e determinaram-se o perfil de atividade in vitro e a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) da azitromicina. Diferentes testes fenotípicos detectaram resistência à azitromicina em 45 por cento de Staphylococcus spp. e 65 por cento dos bastonetes Gram-negativo. A CIM50 para S. aureus foi 4,0μg/mL para S. intermedius 1,0μg/mL, Staphylococcus spp. coagulase-negativo >512μg/mL e bastonetes Gram-negativo 256μg/mL. Investigou-se, também, uma possível resistência cruzada entre oxacilina e azitromicina por meio da detecção do gene mecA em Staphylococcus spp. Foi possível detectar resistência à azitromicina em nove (15 por cento) isolados de Staphylococcus spp. mecA positivo.

Antimicrobials susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolated from different sites of infection, in vitro azithromycin activity pattern, and its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were evaluated. Different phenotypic tests detected azithromycin resistance in 45 percent of Staphylococcus spp. and 65 percent of resistant Gram-negative rods. MIC50 was 4.0μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, 1.0μg/mL for S. intermedius, >512.0μg/mL for coagulase negative Staphylococcus, and 256.0μg/mL for Gram-negative rods. In addition, it was investigated the possible cross-resistance between oxacillin and azithromycin, by detection of mecA gen in Staphylococcus spp. Nine (15 percent) mecA-positive Staphylococcus spp. were also phenotypically resistant to azithromycin.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Blutaparon portulacoides ethanolic extract against the inflammatory reaction induced by Bothrops jararacussu venom and isolated myotoxins BthTX-I and II

This article reports the anti-inflammatory effect of Blutaparon portulacoides (B. portulacoides), specifically the ethanolic extract of its aerial parts, on the edema formation and leukocyte influx caused by Bothrops jararacussu (B. jararacussu) snake venom and Bothropstoxin-I and II (BthTX-I and II) isolated from this venom as an alternative treatment for Bothrops snakebites. The anti-inflammatory effect of B. portulacoides ethanolic extract was compared with an animal group pretreated with dexamethasone. B. portulacoides ethanolic extract significantly inhibited paw edema induced by B. jararacussu venom and by BthTX-I and II. Also, results demonstrated that the extract caused a reduction of the leukocyte influx induced by BthTX-I. However, the extract was not capable of inhibiting the leukocyte influx induced by the venom and by BthTX-II. In conclusion, these results suggest that the ethanolic extract of this plant possess components able to inhibit or inactivate toxins present in B. jararacussu venom, including its myotoxins, responsible for the edema formation. However, the leukocyte migration caused by the venom and BthTX-II was not inhibited by the plant, probably due to the different mechanisms involved in the edema formation and leukocyte influx. This is the first report of B. portulacoides extract as anti-inflammatory against snake venoms and isolated toxins.(AU)

Produção e composição do leite de vacas alimentadas com dietas com diferentes proporções de forragem e teores de lipídeos / Milk production and composition of cows fed diets with different contents of concentrate and lipids

Avaliaram-se a produção e a composição do leite de vacas da raça Holandesa alimentadas com diferentes proporções de forragem e teores de lipídeos na dieta. Foram utilizadas oito vacas com 58±9 dias em lactação, com produção média de 28±4kg/dia de leite, distribuídas em delineamento quadrado latino 4 x 4 duplo, em arranjo fatorial 2 x 2. Os tratamentos foram dietas com alta forragem e baixo nível de lipídeos, alta forragem e alto nível de lipídeos, baixa forragem e baixo nível de lipídeos e baixa forragem e alto nível de lipídeos. As produções de leite e leite corrigido para 3,5 por cento de gordura não diferiu entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). A redução na proporção de forragem reduziu a produção e a concentração de gordura no leite (P<0,05). O aumento no teor de lipídeos nas dietas reduziu a concentração de sólidos totais e o teor de nitrogênio uréico no leite (P<0,05).

Milk yield and composition of Holstein dairy cows fed different forage to concentrate ratio as well as different lipid contents in the diets were studied. Eight cows with 58±9 days in milk and average production of 28±4 kg/day were assigned in a double Latin square design 4 x 4, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments were diets with high forage and low lipid levels, high forage and high lipid levels, low forage and low lipid levels and low forage and high lipid levels. Milk yield and fat corrected milk yield (3.5 percent) were not affected by treatments (P>0.05). The reduction on forage ratio in the diet decreased milk fat percentage and production (P<0.05). The increase in lipid levels in the diets reduced total milk solids as well as milk urea nitrogen concentrations (P<0.05).

Paquimeningite hipertrófica idiopática craniana associada a pseudotumor orbitário: relato de caso / Cranial idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis associated with orbital pseudotumor: case report

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a rare disorder characterized by meningeal thickness, that can be caused by infection, tumoral infiltration, inflammatory disorders or idiopathic. We report the case of a 40 year-old man that presented with longstanding headache and progressive bilateral visual loss and proptosis. Cranial and orbital magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse dural thickness and bilateral extraconal orbital lesion. Extensive investigation did not reveal any systemic condition. Histopathological study after meningeal and orbital biopsy disclosed a chronic inflammatory process compatible respectively with idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP) and orbital pseudotumor. This case emphasizes that orbital involvement can occur in IHP and that its early identification is of great importance in order to improve the visual prognosis of this condition.

Paquimeningite hipertrófica se caracteriza por espessamento das meninges, podendo ser decorrente de infecção, infiltração tumoral, doença inflamatória ou idiopática. Relatamos sobre um homem de, 40 anos, com queixa de cefaléia de longa data e perda progressiva da visão em ambos os olhos acompanhadas de proptose bilateral. A imagem por ressonância magnética de crânio e órbitas revelou espessamento dural difuso e lesão orbitária bilateral. Extensa investigação não revelou qualquer afecção sistêmica. Estudo anatomopatológico realizado após biópsias de meninges e da massa orbitária evidenciou processo inflamatório crônico compatível com paquimeningite hipertrófica idiopática (PHI) e com pseudotumor orbitário respectivamente. Este caso evidencia que o acometimento orbitário pode ocorrer na PHI e que a sua identificação precoce é de fundamental importância para o prognóstico visual.

Virulence insights from the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis transcriptome

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the etiologic agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, is a dimorphic fungus, which is found as mycelia at 22-26 degrees C and as yeasts at 37 degrees C. A remarkable feature common to several pathogenic fungi is their ability to differentiate from mycelium to yeast morphologies, or vice-versa. Although P. brasiliensis is a recognized pathogen for humans, little is known about its virulence genes. In this sense, we performed a search for putative virulence genes in the P. brasiliensis transcriptome. BLAST comparative analyses were done among P. brasilienses assembled expressed sequence tags (PbAESTs) and the sequences deposited in GenBank. As a result, the putative virulence PbAESTs were grouped into five classes, metabolism-, cell wall-, detoxification-related, secreted factors, and other determinants. Among these, we have identified orthologs of the glyoxylate cycle enzymes, a metabolic pathway involved in the virulence of bacteria and fungi. Besides the previously described alpha- and beta-glucan synthases, orthologs to chitin synthase and mannosyl transferases, also important in cell wall synthesis and stabilization, were identified. With respect to the enzymes involved in the intracellular survival of P. brasiliensis, orthologs to superoxide dismutase, thiol peroxidase and an alternative oxidase were also found. Among the secreted factors, we were able to find phospholipase and urease orthologs in P. brasiliensis transcriptome. Collectively, our results suggest that this organism may possess a vast arsenal of putative virulence genes, allowing the survival in the different host environments.

Molecular chaperones in the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis transcriptome

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a thermally dimorphic and a human pathogenic fungus. Our group has partially sequenced its transcriptome and generated a database of mycelial and yeast PbAESTs (P. brasiliensis assembled expressed sequence tags). In the present review we describe the identification of PbAESTs encoding molecular chaperones. These proteins, involved in protein folding and renaturation, are also implicated in several other biological processes, where the dimorphic transition is of particular interest. Another important issue concerning these proteins refers to their participation in the immunopathogenicity of infectious diseases. We have found 438 ESTs (184 in mycelium and 253 in yeast) encoding P. brasiliensis molecular chaperones and their co-chaperones, which were clustered in 48 genes. These genes were classified in families, corresponding to three small chaperones, nine HSP40s, 10 HSP60s, seven HSP70s, five HSP90s, four HSP100s, and 10 other chaperones. These results greatly increase the knowledge on P. brasiliensis molecular chaperones, since only eight of such proteins had been previously characterized.

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis RNA biogenesis apparatus revealed by functional genome analysis

The RNA biogenesis machinery of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was assessed by comparative analyses of PbAESTs (P. brasiliensis assembled expressed sequence tags (ESTs)) with sequences from Saccharomyces cerevisiae MIPS database. PbAESTs related to almost all categories of S. cerevisiae RNA biogenesis were found. Two of the 12 S. cerevisiae RNA Pol II core subunits, Rpb3 and Rpb7, were found, probably reflecting the growth phase from which the cDNA libraries used in ESTs generation were constructed, as well as the low abundance of some of these transcripts. We have also found orthologs to TATA-box-binding protein (TBP), and at least one subunit of each TBP-associated factors (TFII) in P. brasiliensis transcriptome, except TFIIB. Genes associated to the chromatin remodeling complex, as well as transcription factors probably involved in the control of genes associated to a sexual cycle and virulence, were also identified. With respect to the pre-mRNA processing, 65 PbAEST orthologs to S. cerevisiae basal splicing machinery and 21 orthologs of 5'- and 3'-end formation processes were found. Components involved in RNA interference were detected, suggesting that this gene expression regulation mechanism is probably used by P. brasiliensis. Twelve PbAESTs related to Pol I and Pol III machineries were assigned as S. cerevisiae orthologs. Finally, 25 and 10 PbAESTs associated to rRNA and tRNA processing, respectively, were detected. Taken together, our results enable us to depict, for the first time, a global view of transcription and RNA processing in P. brasiliensis.

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis translation and protein fate machineries revealed by functional genome analysis

The translational and post-translational modification machineries of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis were assessed by means of comparative analyses of PbAESTs (P. brasiliensis assembled expressed sequence tags) with sequences deposited on different databases. Of the 79 sequences corresponding to cytosolic ribosomal proteins, we were able to find 78 in the P. brasiliensis transcriptome. Nineteen of the 27 Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes related to translation initiation were also found. All eukaryotic elongation factors were detected in P. brasiliensis transcriptome, with eEF1A as one of the most expressed genes. Translation termination is performed, in eukaryotes, by factors 1 and 3 (eRF1, eRF3). In P. brasiliensis transcriptome it was possible to identify eRF3, but not eRF1. Sixteen PbAESTs showing aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase-predicted activities were found in our analyses, but no cysteinyl-, leucyl-, asparagyl- and arginyl-tRNA synthetases were detected. Among the mitochondrial ribosomal proteins, we have found 20 and 18 orthologs to S. cerevisiae large and small ribosomal subunit proteins, respectively. We have also found three PbAESTs similar to Neurospora crassa mitochondrial ribosomal genes, with no similarity with S. cerevisiae genes. Although orthologs to S. cerevisiae mitochondrial EF-Tu, EF-G and RF1 have been found in P. brasiliensis transcriptome, no sequences corresponding to functional EF-Ts were detected. In addition, 64 and 28 PbAESTs associated to protein modification and degradation, respectively, were found. These results suggest that these machineries are well conserved in P. brasiliensis, when compared to other organisms.