Comparação da qualidade seminal de caprinos das raças Canindé e Alpina Britânica no Nordeste brasileiro / Comparison of the seminal quality of Canindé and British Alpine goats in the Brazilian Northeast

O estudo objetivou avaliar a qualidade seminal de caprinos das raças Canindé (autóctone) e Alpina Britânica (exótica) no Nordeste brasileiro. O experimento foi realizado nos períodos de julho a setembro dos anos de 2015 e 2016. As coletas seminais foram realizadas com auxílio de vagina artificial, de machos das raças Canindé (n = 4) e Alpina Britânica (n = 7). Após a coleta, o sêmen foi avaliado quanto a: volume (ml), concentração (sptz/ml), motilidade (%) e vigor (1-5). Em seguida, diluído em ACP-101c e criopreservado em máquina TK3000TM. Posteriormente, foram analisados os parâmetros cinéticos, através do software SCA®, e a atividade mitocondrial. No sêmen fresco, as duas raças apresentaram valores de motilidade e concentração dentro do preconizado para a espécie. Entretanto, os valores de volume e circunferência escrotal foram superiores na raça Alpina Britânica (0,73 ml ± 0,32; 27,35 cm ± 2,09) do que na raça Canindé (0,36 ml ± 0,07; 23,25 cm ± 0,95) (p < 0,05). Já no sêmen descongelado, os parâmetros motilidade total - MT (36,96% ± 11,16 vs. 20,50% ± 14,15), motilidade progressiva - MP (26,67% ± 11,13 vs. 11,29% ± 9,42), vigor (2,91 ± 0,90 vs. 1,88 ± 0,67), velocidade curvilinear - VCL (78,12 µm/s ± 12,41 vs. 59,28 µm/s ± 15,57), velocidade linear - VSL (49,23 µm/s ± 9,87 vs. 29,9 µm/s ± 9,48), velocidade média da trajetória - VAP (66,08 µm/s ± 12,77 vs. 45,70 µm/s ± 12,20), linearidade - LIN (62,97% ± 6,96 vs. 49,54%±9,50), retilinearidade - STR (74,63% ± 6,44 vs. 65,77% ± 8,92), e oscilação - WOB (84,32% ± 5,94 vs. 74,42% ± 7,31) foram superiores para a raça Canindé em detrimento à Alpina Britânica (p < 0,05). Portanto, o sêmen fresco das duas raças podem ser utilizados em biotécnicas reprodutivas. Já o sêmen pós-descongelação da raça Canindé apresentou melhor qualidade, provavelmente pelos animais estarem mais adaptados às condições adversas da região Nordeste, sendo recomendado para programas de inseminação artificial.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sperm quality of Canindé (native) and British Alpine (exotic) goats in the Northeast of Brazil. The experiment was carried out from July to September of the years 2015 and 2016. Sperm collections of Canindé (n = 4) and British Alpine (n = 7) males were performed using artificial vagina. After collection, the sperm was evaluated for volume (ml), concentration (sptz/ml), motility (%), and vigor (1-5). Then diluted in ACP-101c and cryopreserved in TK3000TM machine. Subsequently, kinetic parameters were analyzed through SCA TM software and mitochondrial activity. In fresh sperm, the two races presented values of motility and concentration within the recommended for the specie. However, volume and scrotal circumference values were higher in the British Alpine breed (0.73 mL ± 0.32; 27.35 cm ± 2.09) than in the Canindé breed (0.36 mL ± 0.07; 23 , 25 cm ± 0.95) (p <0.05). In the thawed sperm, the parameters total motility - TM (36.96% ± 11.16 vs. 20.50% ± 14.15), progressive motility - PM (26.67% ± 11.13 vs. 11.29 % ± 9.42), vigor (2.91 ± 0.90 vs. 1.88 ± 0.67), curvilinear velocity - VCL (78.12 µm/s ± 12.41 vs. 59.28 µm/s ± 15.57), linear velocity - VSL (49.23 µm/s ± 9.87 vs. 29.9 µm/s ± 9.48), mean velocity of the trajectory - VAP (66.08 µm/s ± 12.77 vs. 45.70 µm/s ± 12.20), linearity - LIN (62.97% ± 6.96 vs. 49.54% ± 9.50), rectilinearity - STR (74.63% ± 6.44 vs. 65.77% ± 8.92), and oscillation -WOB (84.32% ± 5.94 vs. 74.42% ± 7.31) were higher for Canindé breed than for British Alpine ( p < 0.05). Therefore, fresh sperm from both breeds can be used in reproductive biotechniques. On the other hand, the post-thawed sperm of the Canindé breed showed better quality, probably because the animals were more adapted to the adverse conditions of the Northeast region and are recommended for artificial insemination programs.(AU)

Toxicidade aguda e risco ambiental do antibiótico oxitetraciclina para tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus), Daphnia magna e Lemna minor / Acute toxicity and environmental risk of oxytetracycline antibiotc for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Daphnia magna, and Lemna minor

O objetivo deste estudo foi classificar o antibiótico Terramicina(r) de acordo com a toxicidade aguda e o risco de intoxicação ambiental para Oreochromis niloticus, Daphnia magna e Lemna minor, com base no seu ingrediente ativo oxitetraciclina (OTC). Além disso, observou-se a ocorrência de sinais de intoxicação aguda em peixes e o efeito da diluição do antibiótico sobre as variáveis de qualidade de água. Alevinos, neonatos e frondes foram expostos a concentrações de OTC. De acordo com os resultados dos testes de toxicidade aguda, a Terramicina(r) foi classificada pela toxicidade aguda e pelo risco de intoxicação ambiental. Para O. niloticus, a CL(I)50; 48h calculada foi de 6,92 mg L-1, para D. magna a CE(I)50; 48h foi de 0,17mg.L-1, enquanto para L. minor a CI(I)50;7d foi de 0,68 mg L-1. A Terramicina(r) foi classificada como muito tóxica para O. niloticus e extremamente tóxica para D. magna e L. minor e causa risco de intoxicação ambiental para os três organismos testados. Concentrações de 7,5 e 8,0 mg L-1 de OTC reduziram a concentração de oxigênio dissolvido na água. De acordo com este estudo, a Terramicina(r) não deve ser utilizada na aquicultura, pois é altamente tóxica e causa risco de intoxicação ambiental aos organismos teste.(AU)

The aim of this study was to classify the antibiotic Terramycin(r) according to acute toxicity and the environmental risk that it poses for Oreochromis niloticus, Daphnia magna, and Lemna minor based on its active ingredient oxytetracycline (OTC). In addition, the occurrence of acute poisoning signs in fish and antibiotic dilution effect in the water quality variables were observed. For this purpose, fingerlings, neonates, and while were exposed to the concentrations of OTC. According to OTC acute toxicity test results, the Terramycin(r) was classified by acute toxicity and environmental poisoning risk classes. To O. niloticus, the calculated LC(I)50;48h was 6.92 mg L-1, for D. magna the EC(I)50;48h was 0.17 mg L-1, while for L. minor, IC(I)50;7d was 0.68 mg L-1. Terramycin(r) was classified as very toxic to O. niloticus, and highly toxic to D. magna and L. minor and cause risk of environmental poisoning for the three organismis tested. Concentrations of 7.5 and 8.0 mg L-1 OTC reduce the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water. According to this study, Terramycin(r) should not be used in aquaculture, as it is highly toxic and causes risk of environmental toxicity test organisms.(AU)

Assessment of indicators of vitamin A status in non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C patients

Subjects with chronic liver disease are susceptible to hypovitaminosis A due to several factors. Therefore, identifying patients with vitamin deficiency and a requirement for vitamin supplementation is important. Most studies assessing vitamin A in the context of hepatic disorders are conducted using cirrhotic patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 43 non-cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C to evaluate markers of vitamin A status represented by serum retinol, liver retinol, and serum retinol-binding protein levels. We also performed the relative dose-response test, which provides an indirect estimate of hepatic vitamin A reserves. These vitamin A indicators were assessed according to the stage of liver fibrosis using the METAVIR score and the body mass index. The sample study was predominantly composed of male subjects (63%) with mild liver fibrosis (F1). The relative dose-response test was <20% in all subjects, indicating vitamin A sufficiency. Overweight or obese patients had higher serum retinol levels than those with a normal body mass index (2.6 and 1.9 µmol/L, respectively; P<0.01). Subjects with moderate liver fibrosis (F2) showed lower levels of serum retinol (1.9 vs 2.5 µmol/L, P=0.01) and retinol-binding protein levels compared with those with mild fibrosis (F1) (46.3 vs 67.7 µg/mL, P<0.01). These results suggested an effect of being overweight on serum retinol levels. Furthermore, more advanced stages of liver fibrosis were related to a decrease in serum vitamin A levels.

Pseudomicetoma dermatofítico: relato de um caso devido a Trichophyton tonsurans / Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma: report of a case caused by Trichophyton tonsurans

A case of dermatophytic pseudomycetoma, in a patient with a history of recurrent lesions in the scalp, for over two years, is reported. Histopathological examination of the affected tissues revealed the mycelial aggregates or pseudogranules characteristic of the disease. Cultures of fresh tissues samples detected a fungus identified as Trichophyton tonsurans. Additional examinations failed to demonstrate lesions of tinea capitis, a probable source of the deep infection. Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma is an extremely rare form of dermatophytosis, and the rarity of such cases is the motive for the present communication.

É descrito um caso de pseudomicetoma dermatofítico, recidivante, em paciente com lesões no couro cabeludo. O exame histopatológico de uma das lesões mostrou, nos tecidos, os agregados micelianos ou pseudogrânulos, característicos da enfermidade. Dos tecidos frescos de outras lesões foi isolado o dermatófito Trichophyton tonsurans. Exames micológicos adicionais falharam em demonstrar a existência de tinea capitis, possível fonte do pseudomicetoma. A raridade dessa forma de dermatofitose profunda justifica a presente publicação.

Frequency of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum infections in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and Mycoplasma hominis (MH) have been detected in the urine of women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We evaluated the presence of these mycoplasma in the endocervix of women presenting SLE. A total of 40 SLE patients (mean age 40.2 years), and 51 healthy women (mean age 30.9 years), were studied. Endocervical swabs were cultured in specific liquid media for MH or UU, detected by a quantitative color assay, and considered positive at >10(3) dilutions. Statistical analysis was performed using the two-tailed Fisher test. UU was detected in 52.5 % of patients and in 11.8% of controls (p= 0.000059). MH was detected in 20% of patients and 2% controls (p=0.003905). Both mycoplasmas were detected in 7.3% patients and 0% controls (p<0.000001). The results reported here corroborate the association of the mycoplasma infection and SLE. Thus, these agents may stimulate the production of autoreactive clones.

Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) e Mycoplasma hominis (MH) têm sido detectados em urina de mulheres com lupus eritematoso sistêmico (LES). Avaliamos a presença destes mycoplasmas no endocervix de mulheres apresentando LES. Um total de 40 pacientes com LES (idade média de 40,2 anos), e 51 mulheres sadias (idade média de 30.9 anos), foram estudadas. Swabs do endocervix foram cultivados em meio líquido específico para MH e UU, detectados por teste colorimétrico quantitativo, considerando positivo diluições > 103 . Análise estatística foi feita usando teste de Fisher. UU foi detectado em 52,5% das pacientes e em 11,8% dos controles (p= 0.000059). MH foi detectado em 20% das pacientes e 2% dos controles (p=0.003905). Ambos mycoplasmas foram detectados em 7,3 % das pacientes e 0% dos controles (p<0.000001). Os resultados aqui reportados corroboram com a associação de infecção por mycoplasma e LES. Estes agentes podem estimular a produção de clones autoreativos.

Reduced anti-mycobacterium tuberculosis antibody response in tuberculosis p0atients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

When the sera of patients with tuberculosis were tested for anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis IgG using an indirect ELISA, the test was positive for 94.1% of the samples from patients not having AIDS (N=51), but for only 37,5% of the samples from patients with AIDS (N=16). False-positive results were obtained for 7,3% of patients not infected with HIV (N=96) and for 4,7% of patients infected with HIV (N=64). In most serum samples obtained from patients with tuberculosis and AIDS after the beginning of specific treatment there was a reduction of the ELISA absorbance at 490 nm with time. These results indicate that serological tests for the detection of anti-M. tuberculosis IgG in patients with AIDS are of limited value for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, most likely as a consequence of the underlying immune defect of the patients