Relationship between superovulation and embryo production with ovarian follicular population before superovulatory treatment in Brazilian Bergamasca sheep / [Relação da resposta superovulatória e produção embrionária com a população folicular ovariana antes do tratamento superovulatório de ovelhas da raça Bergamácia Brasileira]

The objective of this study was to quantify the superovulatory response and embryo production of Brazilian Bergamasca sheep and to evaluate the link to the follicular condition before superovulatory treatment, as a reference for selection of donors with potential for superovulation. Follicular population of twenty-three sheep was evaluated by ultrasound during metestrus phase of the estrous cycle and divided into groups of low, medium and high follicular population. Subsequently, they were synchronized, superovulated with 133mg of pFSH, mated and subjected to embryo collection. The superovulatory response (9.0±3.3 vs 10.7±6.2 vs 13.8±7.1) and embryo production (4.0±3.8 vs 2.6±2.0 vs 1,8±4.0) were similar between groups (P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between the number of follicles during the metestrus phase and the number of corpus luteum with premature regression (PLR) (0.52) and a negative correlation between the recovery rate and PLR (-0.44) (P<0.05). The sheep that presented PLR had more follicles during metestrus (16.9±7.8 vs 12.7±3.2) and lower embryo recovery rate (38.8±29.3 vs 72.2±29.9) than those with functional CLs (P<0.05). Follicular quantification during metestrus phases was unable to identify donors with high embryo production. Animals with PLR had a larger follicular population during metestrus and lower embryo recovery rate.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a resposta superovulatória e a produção embrionária de ovelhas Bergamácia Brasileira e relacioná-las com a condição folicular antes do tratamento superovulatório, como referência para seleção de doadoras com potencial para superovulação. Vinte e três ovelhas foram avaliadas quanto à população folicular por ultrassonografia na fase de metaestro do ciclo estral e divididas em grupos com baixa, média e alta população folicular. Posteriormente foram sincronizadas, superovuladas com 133mg de pFSH, acasaladas e submetidas à coleta de embriões. A resposta superovulatória (9,0±3,3 vs. 10,7±6,2 vs. 13,8±7,1) e a produção embrionária (4,0±3,8 vs. 2,6±2,0 vs. 1,8±4,0) foram semelhantes entre os grupos (P>0,05). Houve correlação positiva entre o número de folículos no metaestro e o número de corpos lúteos com regressão prematura (RPCL) (0,52) e correlação negativa entre a taxa de recuperação e RPCL (-0,44) (P <0,05). As ovelhas que apresentaram RPCL tiveram mais folículos no metaestro (16,9±7,8 vs. 12,7±3,2) e menor taxa de recuperação embrionária (38,8±29,3 vs. 72,2±29,9) do que as que apresentaram CLs funcionais (P<0,05). A quantificação folicular nas fases de metaestro não foi capaz de identificar doadoras com alto potencial de produção embrionária. Animais com RPCL tiveram maior população folicular no metaestro e menor recuperação de embriões.(AU)

Depression and anxiety disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis: association with neurodegeneration and neurofilaments

There is increasing evidence that neurofilament light chain (NF-L) can be considered as a biomarker for neuro-axonal damage. This polypeptide can be released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the blood, where it can be quantified. The concentration of NF-L is elevated in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and psychiatric disorders. We aimed to investigate the NF-L levels in the CSF from treated MS patients and the relationship with depression or anxiety. The study involved three groups: control group (individuals without inflammation), the relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)-untreated group, and the RRMS-Fingo group (RRMS patients who were treated with fingolimod). MS disability was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, and depression and anxiety were evaluated by a neuropsychologist, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Individual CSF samples were collected to measure NF-L levels. The results of the statistical analysis on levels of NF-L in the CSF of control subjects, RRMS-untreated patients, and RRMS-Fingo patients were significant. The relationship between depression and anxiety in RRMS-Fingo patients and NF-L levels was not statistically significant. In conclusion, MS events such as anxiety and depression appear to contribute to the onset of clinical relapses, subclinical cases, and neurodegeneration.

Bloqueio do plexo braquial em um tamanduá-mirim (Tamandua tetradactyla) utilizando estimulador de nervos periféricos: relato de caso / Brachial plexus block in a tamanduá-mirim (Tamandua tetradactyla) using a peripheral nerve stimulator: Case report

Objetivou-se relatar a utilização do neurolocalizador para bloqueio do plexo braquial bilateral em tamanduá-mirim (Tamandua tetradactyla). O animal, pesando 5kg, atendido pelo Centro de Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres, foi encaminhado ao Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul para realização de exames complementares, sendo, posteriormente, encaminhado para cirurgia de osteossíntese de úmero e rádio/ulna esquerdo e colocação de fio de cerclagem em olécrano direito. O paciente foi pré-medicado com cetamina S (5mg/kg) + midazolam (0,15mg/kg), indução anestésica com propofol (5mg/kg) e manutenção anestésica com isoflurano, com o auxílio de máscara. Os parâmetros cardiovasculares e respiratórios foram monitorados durante todo o procedimento. Realizou-se o bloqueio do plexo braquial em ambos os membros utilizando-se estimulador de nervos periféricos. Os anestésicos locais empregados foram lidocaína 2% sem vasoconstritor (3mg/kg) + ropivacaína 0,75% sem vasoconstritor (1mg/kg). O bloqueio foi realizado primeiramente no membro torácico direito, e, após realização do procedimento cirúrgico, o mesmo bloqueio foi realizado no membro contralateral. O paciente teve recuperação tranquila ausente de vocalização e expressão álgica, e a soltura ocorreu após 120 dias.(AU)

The aim of this study was to report the use of the neurolocalizer for blocking the bilateral brachial plexus in tamanduá-mirin. The subject weighing 5kg was attended by the Center for the Rehabilitation of Wild Animals and referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul for complementary tests. Through the examinations, the need to perform humerus and left radius/ulna osteosynthesis and cerclagem placement on right olecranon was established. For surgery performance, the patient was pre-medicated with ketamine S (5mg/kg-1) associated to midazolam (0.15mg/kg-1) via intramuscular and intravenous propofol (5mg/kg-1) was used for induction. The anesthetic maintenance was performed with isoflurane, provided by an oxygen mask. Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were monitored throughout the procedure. Brachial plexus block was performed in both limbs using peripheral nerve stimulator. The local anesthetics used were lidocaine without vasoconstrictor (3mg/kg-1) plus 0.75% ropivacaine without vasoconstrictor (1mg/kg-1). Blocking was first performed on the right thoracic limb followed by the surgical procedure. The same blockage was performed on the contralateral limb. The patient had a smooth recovery, without vocalization and pain. The release to its natural habitat occurred after 120 days.(AU)

Identification of SNP c. -22G>A in the melanophilin gene from a dog with color dilution alopecia: case report / Identificação do SNP c. -22G>A no gene da melanophilina em um cão com alopecia por diluição da cor: relato de caso

Mutant color alopecia is an ectodermical defection of color dilution, characterized by partial alopecia, dry, shine-less hair, and peeling and papule. Melanization damages also occur on the cortical structure of the affected hair. The animals affected have big melanin grains with irregular shape on the basal keratinocytes, also on the hair matrix cells and rod. Therefore, there is not a specific treatment that makes any difference on the syndrome evolution. Although in some animals, it is possible to use weekly showers with benzyl peroxide to reduce seborrhea formation and secondary infections. There is evidence that the condition in dogs is caused by a single nucleotide polymorphism in the gene encoding the melanophilin protein. In the present study the identification of the SNP c.-22G>A in the melanophilin gene of a Dachshund breed dog with clinical and histopathologic evidence of color dilution alopecia is reported.(AU)

Alopecia por diluição da cor é um defeito ectodérmico caracterizado por alopecia parcial, pelagem seca e sem brilho, escamação e pápulas em áreas com defeitos na melanização e na estrutura cortical dos pelos. Os animais acometidos têm grânulos de melanina grandes e com formato irregular nos ceratinócitos basais, nas células da matriz dos pelos e nas hastes pilosas. Não existe tratamento específico que altere a evolução da síndrome, mas, em alguns animais, podem ser benéficos banhos semanais com xampu de peróxido de benzoíla, para reduzir a formação de seborreia e infecções secundárias. Há evidências de que a condição em cães é causada por uma mutação de ponto no gene que codifica a proteína melanophilina. No presente estudo, é relatada a identificação da mutação SNP c.-22G>A no gene da melanophilina em um cão da raça Dachshund com evidências clínicas e histopatológicas de alopecia por diluição da cor.(AU)

Parasitism of gallus gallus (linnaeus, 1758) by species of phthiraptera on free-range chickens in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Parasitismo de Gallus Gallus (Linnaeus, 1758) por espécies de Phthiraptera em criações coloniais na região sul do Rio Grande Do Sul, Brasil

This study was conducted in order to identify the species of biting lice (order Phthiraptera: Amblycera suborders and Ischnocera) that infest free-range chickens in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Fifty adult females from 10 farms located in 5 different municipalities were examined for ectoparasites. The chickens were euthanized and then washed with water and detergent for the collection of ectoparasites by filtration using a 150-µm mesh sieve, then separated into pellet and supernatant, which were preserved in ethanol 70% for the screening procedures and identification. A total of 19,437 lice were examined, presenting the following breakdown by species: Menopon gallinae (85.9%), Goniodes dissimilis (6.1%), Lipeurus caponis (3.0%), Goniocotes gallinae (2.5%), Menacanthus pallidus (2.1%) and Menacanthhus stramineus (0.1%). It was found that all the chickens examined were parasitized by one or more species of Phthiraptera, the multiple and moderate level of infestation (101 to 1,000 lice/chicken) being the most frequent. M. gallinae was the most frequent and abundant species (100% of the chickens parasitized and an average of 334.1 lice/chicken). The degree of infestation of chickens varied among the farms, averaging 41.2 to 680 lice/chicken.

Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de conhecer os piolhos (ordem Phthiraptera: Subordens Amblycera e Ischnocera) infestantes de galinhas de criações coloniais no Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Cinquenta fêmeas adultas foram examinadas, de 10 propriedades rurais localizadas em 5 diferentes municípios. As aves foram eutanasiadas e posteriormente lavadas com água e detergente para coleta dos ectoparasitos através de filtragem por passagem em tamis com malha de 150 µm, separando-se em sedimento e sobrenadante, os quais foram preservados em etanol 70% até os processos de triagem e identificação. Cerca de 19.437 piolhos foram examinados e apresentaram a seguinte composição específica: os resultados indicam que a fauna de Phthiraptera em galinhas caipiras na região é composta por: Menopon gallinae (85,9%), Goniodes dissimilis (6,1%), Lipeurus caponis (3,0%), Goniocotes gallinae (2,5%), Menacanthus pallidus (2,1%) e Menacanthus stramineus (0,1%). Constatou-se que todas as aves examinadas estavam parasitadas por uma ou mais espécies de Phthiraptera, com predomínio de infestações múltiplas e moderadas (101 a 1.000 piolhos/ave). M. gallinae é a espécie mais prevalente e abundante (100% das aves parasitadas e média de 334,1 espécimes/ave). O grau de infestação das aves variou entre as propriedades, com médias de 41,2 a 680 piolhos/ave.

Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 induces type 1 cytokine production by mouse cells in vitro and in vivo

Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 has been shown to increase clearance of bacteria injected into the blood of germ-free mice. Moreover, it induces the production of type 1 cytokines by human peripheral mononuclear cells. The objective of the present study was to investigate the production of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-12 (IL-12 p40), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)] triggered in vitro by live, heat-killed or lysozyme-treated L. delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 and in vivo by a live preparation. Germ-free, L. delbrueckii-monoassociated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-resistant C3H/HeJ mice were used as experimental models. UFV-H2b20 induced the production of IL-12 p40 and TNF-α by peritoneal cells and IFN-γ by spleen cells from germ-free or monoassociated Swiss/NIH mice and LPS-hyporesponsive mice (around 40 ng/mL for IL-12 p40, 200 pg/mL for TNF-α and 10 ng/mL for IFN-γ). Heat treatment of L. delbrueckii did not affect the production of these cytokines. Lysozyme treatment decreased IL-12 p40 production by peritoneal cells from C3H/HeJ mice, but did not affect TNF-α production by these cells or IFN-γ production by spleen cells from the same mouse strain. TNF-α production by peritoneal cells from Swiss/NIH L. delbrueckii-monoassociated mice was inhibited by lysozyme treatment. When testing IL-12 p40 and IFN-γ levels in sera from germ-free or monoassociated Swiss/NIH mice systemically challenged with Escherichia coli we observed that IL-12 p40 was produced at marginally higher levels by monoassociated mice than by germ-free mice (40 vs 60 ng/mL), but IFN-γ was produced earlier and at higher levels by monoassociated mice (monoassociated 4 and 14 ng/mL 4 and 8 h after infection, germfree 0 and 7.5 ng/mL at the same times). These results show that L. delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 stimulates the production of type 1 cytokines in vitro and in vivo, therefore suggesting...

The immunomodulator glatiramer acetate influences spinal motoneuron plasticity during the course of multiple sclerosis in an animal model

The immunomodulador glatiramer acetate (GA) has been shown to significantly reduce the severity of symptoms during the course of multiple sclerosis and in its animal model - experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Since GA may influence the response of non-neuronal cells in the spinal cord, it is possible that, to some extent, this drug affects the synaptic changes induced during the exacerbation of EAE. In the present study, we investigated whether GA has a positive influence on the loss of inputs to the motoneurons during the course of EAE in rats. Lewis rats were subjected to EAE associated with GA or placebo treatment. The animals were sacrificed after 15 days of treatment and the spinal cords processed for immunohistochemical analysis and transmission electron microscopy. A correlation between the synaptic changes and glial activation was obtained by performing labeling of synaptophysin and glial fibrillary acidic protein using immunohistochemical analysis. Ultrastructural analysis of the terminals apposed to alpha motoneurons was also performed by electron transmission microscopy. Interestingly, although the GA treatment preserved synaptophysin labeling, it did not significantly reduce the glial reaction, indicating that inflammatory activity was still present. Also, ultrastructural analysis showed that GA treatment significantly prevented retraction of both F and S type terminals compared to placebo. The present results indicate that the immunomodulator GA has an influence on the stability of nerve terminals in the spinal cord, which in turn may contribute to its neuroprotective effects during the course of multiple sclerosis.

Evaluation of genetic diversity in a natural rosewood population (Dalbergia nigra Vell. Allemão ex Benth.) using RAPD markers

Dalbergia nigra (rosewood) is a long-lived leguminous species, which is endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic forest. Because of the high economic value of its wood, this species has been over-explored in recent years. Currently, rosewood is included in the IUCN Red List as vulnerable. We examined the genetic diversity of 87 specimens of D. nigra sampled from a continuous forest in the Veracel Reserve and Brazilwood Ecological Station, Porto Seguro, Bahia state, with random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. Grouping analyses were done using unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages. Using the 16 most informative primers, 112 markers were obtained; 39% (44 bands) were polymorphic. A genetic similarity matrix was made based on the polymorphic bands. The dispersion graph and dendrogram analyses showed three distinct sub-populations. The degree of polymorphism was high, near that of other populations of similar species; however, it was considered low for the conservation of this species.

Detection of multiple mycoplasma infection in cell cultures by PCR

A total of 301 cell cultures from 15 laboratories were monitored for mycoplasma (Mollicutes) using PCR and culture methodology. The infection was detected in the cell culture collection of 12 laboratories. PCR for Mollicutes detected these bacteria in 93 (30.9 percent) samples. Although the infection was confirmed by culture for 69 (22.9 percent) samples, PCR with generic primers did not detect the infection in five (5.4 percent). Mycoplasma species were identified with specific primers in 91 (30.2 percent) of the 98 samples (32.6 percent) considered to be infected. Mycoplasma hyorhinis was detected in 63.3 percent of the infected samples, M. arginini in 59.2 percent, Acholeplasma laidlawii in 20.4 percent, M. fermentans in 14.3 percent, M. orale in 11.2 percent, and M. salivarium in 8.2 percent. Sixty (61.2 percent) samples were co-infected with more than one mycoplasma species. M. hyorhinis and M. arginini were the microorganisms most frequently found in combination, having been detected in 30 (30.6 percent) samples and other associations including up to four species were detected in 30 other samples. Failure of the treatments used to eliminate mycoplasmas from cell cultures might be explained by the occurrence of these multiple infections. The present results indicate that the sharing of non-certified cells among laboratories may disseminate mycoplasma in cell cultures.

Larval and pupal stage of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in sweet and field corn genotypes

Spodoptera frugiperda, the fall armyworm, is a very significant polyphagous pest due to the damages it causes, and control difficulties. Lack of information about its impact on sweet corn motivated a comparison of its biology, with respect to the larval and pupal stages, among the genotypes ELISA, BR 400 (sweet corns), and BR PAMPA (field corn). In laboratory conditions (25 ± 1ºC; 70 ± 10 percent RH; photophase 12 hours), 35 caterpillars were individualized and fed daily with 3.14 cm² sections of corn leaves from the referred-to genotypes, cultivated in plots in the experimental area of the Departament of Fitossanidade, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS from October to November 2000. The caterpillars were weighed daily; after each molt, the cephalic capsules were collected and measured (in width), to establish growth rate; pupae were weighed and sexed when 24 hours old. The duration of the larval instars, the pupal sex ratio, and the mortality of larvae and pupae were evaluated. In the first three instars there were no differences registered in capsule width. In the fourth and fifth instars, capsules of caterpillars kept in BR 400 were smaller. The weight of caterpillars and pupae, instar duration and sex ratio did not differ among the genotypes. Pupal phase duration was less in females kept in BR 400. Mortality was greater in the larval phase in ELISA and in the pupal phase in BR PAMPA.

Effect of surgical treatment on the cellular immune response of gastric cancer patients

Patients with gastric cancer have a variety of immunological abnormalities. In the present study the lymphocytes and their subsets were determined in the peripheral blood of patients with gastric cancer (N = 41) both before and after surgical treatment. The percent of helper/inducer CD4 T cells (43.6 ± 8.9) was not different after tumor resection (43.6 ± 8.2). The percent of the cytotoxic CD8+ T cell population decreased significantly, whether patients were treated surgically (27.2 ± 5.8 percent, N = 20) or not (27.3 ± 7.3 percent, N = 20) compared to individuals with inflammatory disease (30.9 ± 7.5 percent) or to healthy individuals (33.2 ± 7.6 percent). The CD4/CD8 ratio consequently increased in the group of cancer patients. The peripheral blood lymphocytes of gastric cancer patients showed reduced responsiveness to mitogens. The defective blastogenic response of the lymphocytes was not associated with the production of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-á) since the patients with cancer had reduced production of TGF-á1 (269 ± 239 pg/ml, N = 20) in comparison to the normal individuals (884 ± 175 pg/ml, N = 20). These results indicate that the immune response of gastric cancer patients was not significantly modified by surgical treatment when evaluated four weeks after surgery and that the immunosuppression observed was not due to an increase in TGF-á1 production by peripheral leukocytes

Comportamento dos linfocitos T, T auxiliador e T supressor na esclerose multipla.Estudo preliminar. / Behavior of T-lymphocytes, T helper and T supressor in multiple sclerosis. Preliminary report

Foram selecionados 18 pacientes portadores de esclerose multipla por meio de criterios clinicos e laboratoriais. Os pacientes foram distrubuidos em 3 grupos, cada um constituido por 6 pacientes; assim, no grupo I foram reunidos pacientes portadores de esclerose multipla em pleno surto e sem uso de corticoide; no grupo II, pacientes portadores de esclerose multipla tambem em surto, porem em uso de medicacao remissiva; e, no grupo III, pacientes portadores da doenca em periodo de remissao clinica. Em todos os pacientes foram obtidas amostras de sangue periferico para contagem de linfocitos T, T auxiliares e T supressores. Notou-se tendencia a alteracoes quantitativas em todas as subpopulacoes linfocitarias estudadas; entretanto,a subpopulacao linfocitaria supressora mostrou comportamento mais definido, ou seja, ha uma queda dos niveis normais em pacientes portadores de esclerose multipla em suto da doenca