Use of the cryostat to prepare slides for trichological analysis / [Uso do aparelho criostato para preparação de lâminas para a análise tricológica]

A análise dos padrões morfológicos e morfométricos das microestruturas capilares é uma técnica não invasiva que pode ser utilizada para identificar espécies de mamíferos. Esta técnica pode ser aplicada em diversas áreas da ciência animal, tais como controle de qualidade de alimentos e análises forenses. Dada a dificuldade de obter seções transversais de pelos de guarda para expor o córtex, a maioria dos estudos analisou apenas os componentes medulares e cuticulares do pelo. A inclusão do córtex capilar de guarda em uma análise tricológica pode proporcionar uma descrição mais precisa das raças ou espécies de mamíferos. O presente estudo propõe um novo método para a execução de cortes transversais que expõem o córtex do pelo guarda de mamíferos utilizando um criostato.(AU)

Histological classification and expression of markers of canine mast cell tumors.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are malignant neoplasms that are common in dogs. Their biological behavior is variable and unpredictable. The aim of the present study was to analyze the histological classification and expression of markers of canine MCTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty samples of canine MCTs were graded according to the histological classification methods of Patnaik and those of Kiupel. The expression of phosphoprotein 53 (p53) and c-kit proteins was quantified by immunohistochemistry using image processing software, ImageJ - a public domain computer program, developed at the National Institutes of Health. RESULTS: It was possible to determine the grade of 100% of the samples. According to Patnaik's classification, 20.00% of the samples were Grade 1, 43.30% were Grade 2, and 36.70% were Grade 3. According to Kiupel's classification, 56.67% of the samples were of high intensity and 43.33% were of low intensity. Grade 1 tumors had the highest expression of p53 and c-kit, and Grade 2 had the lowest expression. The results showed that it is necessary to perform both histological grading methods. The classification into high and low intensity may provide more consistent results than the three-level grading system. However, a smaller number of categories, although it facilitates the classification, may not be sufficient for the prognosis. CONCLUSION: Quantitative evaluation of p-53 and c-kit expression is a useful tool to increase the accuracy of the analysis and to aid in choosing the treatment method for canine MCTs. Histological grading should be combined with other diagnostic methods.

Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) cultivated in Brazil on acute liver disease in dogs / [Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) cultivada no Brasil na doença hepática aguda em cães]

Bidens pilosa L. is a medicinal plant popularly used for treatment of liver diseases. In this study, the dry extract of aerial parts of Bidens pilosa and Silymarin, a phytocomplex obtained from the Silybum marianum fruits and marketed as hepatoprotective, were tested in dogs experimentally acutely intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride. The liver activity was evaluated by hematological and biochemical profiles, and histological and ultrasound analyzes. It was observed that the lowest serum activities of ALT and serum concentrations of total bilirubin occurred in the groups treated with the dry extract of Bidens pilosa, while only decreased serum concentrations of total bilirubin occurred in the group treated with Silymarin. Best liver recovery was also observed for the dry extract of B. pilosa at a 400mg/Kg dose by ultrasonography. This study showed that the dry extract of Bidens pilosa acted more efficiently in the treatment of acute toxic hepatitis induced in dogs than Silymarin.(AU)

Bidens pilosa L. é uma planta medicinal utilizada popularmente para tratamento de doenças hepáticas. Neste trabalho, o extrato seco das partes aéreas da Bidens pilosa e a silimarina, um fitocomplexo obtido dos frutos da Silybum marianum e comercializado como hepatoprotetor, foram testados em cães intoxicados experimentalmente de forma aguda com tetracloreto de carbono. A atividade hepática foi avaliada por meio dos perfis hematológico e bioquímico, análises histológica e ultrassonográfica. Observou-se que, nos grupos tratados com o extrato seco da Bidens pilosa, ocorreram as menores atividades séricas da ALT e de concentrações séricas de bilirrubina total, enquanto no grupo tratado com silimarina, ocorreu apenas diminuição de concentrações séricas de bilirrubina total. Melhor recuperação hepática também foi verificada para o extrato seco de B. pilosa na dose de 400mg/kg por ultrassonografia. Este estudo evidenciou que o extrato seco da Bidens pilosa atuou de forma mais eficiente no tratamento da hepatite aguda tóxica induzida em cães do que a silimarina.(AU)

Identification of a historic horse ecotype analyzing speech content in central Brazil / Resgate de um ecótipo equino histórico mediante análise de conteúdo de discurso no Brasil central

This study represents a first attempt to rescue germplasm of a traditional domestic equine cited in early Iberian and South American literature as Curraleiro horse. As an effort to identify and possibly characterize this type of horse we accessed traditional knowledge in strategic rural areas. Most areas were configured by hinterland settlements founded by runaway slave communities from the sixteenth century. Twenty interviews were conducted and analyzed using classical Speech Content Analysis. As a result, five response categories were recognized: 1) Identification and location of Curraleiro horses; 2) Characterization of Curraleiro horses; 3) Historical aspects; 4) Curraleiro horse conservation prospects and 5) Sanitary and productive aspects of Curraleiro horse breeding. We concluded that although scarce, the Curraleiro horse, cited in literature, still exists and showed phenotypical features which allow fine discrimination from any officially recognized breed in Brazil. Our findings may open the door for the recognition of a genuine animal resource which could play a role in rural development for specific regions and traditional communities. Speech Content Analysis was effective for in loco identification and characterization of rare traditional livestock. Thus, we encourage the usage of this tool as an alternative to subsidize identification and genetic conservation programs worldwide.(AU)

Esse estudo representa uma primeira tentativa de resgate de germoplasma em um equino doméstico tradicional citado em literatura precoce Iberiana e Sul Americana como um cavalo Curraleiro. Num esforço de identificar e possivelmente caracterizar esse tipo de cavalo, acessamos conhecimento tradicional em diversas áreas rurais estratégicas. A maioria consistia em assentamentos rurais fundados por comunidades escravas foragidas no século dezesseis. Vinte entrevistas foram conduzidas e analisadas utilizando análise de conteúdo de discurso clássico. Como resultado, cinco categorias de resposta foram reconhecidas: 1) Identificação e localização de cavalos Curraleiros; 2) Caracterização de cavalos curraleiros; 3) Aspectos históricos, 4) Perspectivas de conservação, e 5) Aspectos sanitários e produtivos da criação de cavalos Curraleiros. Concluímos que, apesar de escasso, o cavalo Curraleiro, citado na literatura, ainda existe e apresenta características fenotípicas que permitem discriminação de raças oficialmente reconhecidas no Brasil. Nossos achados podem abrir alas para o reconhecimento de um recurso animal genuíno que pode ter um papel no desenvolvimento rural em regiões específicas e comunidades tradicionais. Análise de conteúdo de discurso foi eficaz para identificação e caracterização in loco de criação tradicional rara. Desta forma, encorajamos o uso dessa ferramenta como alternativa para subsídio de identificação e programas de conservação genética ao redor do mundo.(AU)

Work Related Violence As A Predictor Of Stress And Correlated Disorders In Emergency Department Healthcare Professionals.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency, type, causes and consequences of violence and aggression experienced by Emergency Department workers during their interactions with patient, their relatives or companions and whether the phenomenon of violence at work is a specific risk factor predicting stress and possible stress related pathologies in emergency health workers. The study proposes a model of effective intervention for the prevention and management of violence and stress. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed with a sample of 323 healthcare workers at Department of Emergency and Acceptance of Level II and the Psychiatric Services of Diagnosis and Care of the University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, in Rome, Italy, between June 2016 and February 2017. Data collection was conducted by a psychiatrist by means of a questionnaire method administered to each participant and by carrying out individual interviews. The two questionnaires used, both the Health Violence Questionnaire (QVS) and the Workers' Stress Perception Questionnaire (SPQR) were designed ad hoc, after some test sessions intended for the creation of their content. RESULTS: Eighty-seven percent of emergency healthcare workers experienced workplace violence by patients or their relatives. More than half of healthcare workers reported multiple consequences on their emotional sphere, in particular female healthcare professionals and all those who have suffered frequent incidents of violence. Regarding the effects on lifestyle, one third reported an increase in consumption of tobacco, food and sleep disorders and changes from social relationships to social isolation and avoidance of some places. More than one third of healthcare workers reported consequences on their well-being and health, especially the female workers. Distress was associated with frequent workplace violence. Healthcare workers who experienced frequent violence indicated lack of support from hospital administration and ED management as barriers to reporting workplace violence. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the diffusion of the workplace violence by patients and/or their relatives against the emergency healthcare professionals, related to the gender, the professional qualification, the role in the organization and the workplace. Almost all male and female healthcare workers reported they had suffered the effects on lifestyle, working habits and wellbeing and health following the workplace violence. Precipitating factors to violent incidents identified by healthcare professionals are consistent with the research literature. Commitment from hospital administrators, ED managers and hospital security is necessary to facilitate improvement and ensure a safer workplace for ED healthcare workers. Our study emphasizes the importance of analyzing, in addition to general job demands, the specific job demands such as the phenomenon of violence, considered a key risk factor, predictor of stress and possible mental disorders in healthcare workers operating in high-risk environments. This study confirms the importance of application of the modified model by Brough and Biggs of integrated multidimensional intervention on the prevention and management of workplace violence and work stress and shall be implemented on all three levels: individual, organizational and situational. The study also highlights the need to implement support strategies for the victims of violence.

Stress at work: development of the Stress Perception Questionnaire of Rome (SPQR), an ad hoc questionnaire for multidimensional assessment of work related stress.

Stress is an emotional condition, mostly experienced as negative, initially identified and defined by Selye in the mid-thirties of the last Century. Since the first definition, stress concerns the adaptation pro- cess mostly related to environmental changes. An application of stress focuses on the evaluation of its interference on work conditions, and the scientific evidence on work related stress is very ample and rich. We are proposing a new ad hoc questionnaire for the multidimensional assessment of work related stress, called Stress Perception Question- naire of Rome (SPQR) composed of 50 items. The development of this questionnaire is based on a multi-step process: a) Identification of all the relevant topics to work related stress and areas in the scientific evidence and their transformation on specific contents of 60 tentative items; b) Exploratory factor analysis aimed to identify the best items (50) which could guarantee the maximum convergence on single scales (8), and the minimum redundancy between scales; c) Validation of the 8 scales' structure by a confirmatory factor analysis (fully achieved); d) Factor analysis for a second level factor resulting in a single factor identified as the questionnaire total score (Stress Score); d) Reliability analysis of the questionnaire total score and the single scale scores (at optimum level); e) Validation by external criteria of work related stress identified in the presence of personal violence episodes experienced by a group of health workers with different professional profiles and from two different hospitals in Rome. Our results show that the SPQR is a useful and sensitive tool for assessing the presence of emotional stress related problems identifiable in a work environment. The advantage of this questionnaire is that it allows for a multidimensional description of the different components of this problematic area besides its ability to quantify the overall stress level of those who have been administered the SPQR.

Amputation versus conservative treatment in severe open lower-limb fracture: A functional and quality-of-life study.

INTRODUCTION: Severe lower-limb trauma is a major event in a patient's life, and treatment is a challenge that has not been sufficiently studied. The main objective of the present study was to assess the difference in disability between amputees and patients who kept their leg after severe open lower-limb fracture. HYPOTHESIS: The study hypothesis was that amputation allows better functional recovery and quality of life, in the same time-frame. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All male and female patients aged over 18 years admitted to one of the trauma centers of Marseille (France) for major lower-limb trauma with Gustilo IIIb or IIIc fracture were included. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Two groups were distinguished according to primary treatment: lower-limb salvage, or amputation. Rates of infection and of surgical revision, hospital stay, functional parameters (walking distance, standing, use of canes, running, jumping, driving, and physical and occupational activity) and quality of life (MOS SF-36 score) were compared between groups. RESULTS: The conservative treatment group comprised 27 patients, and the amputation group 24. Rates of infection and of surgical revision and hospital stay were significantly lower in the amputation group (P<0.02). All functional parameters (except return to work) and overall quality of life were significantly better in the amputation group. There was no significant inter-group difference in MOS mental score. CONCLUSION: In severe lower-limb trauma, amputation seems to give better functional and quality-of-life results. It did not, however, improve return to work, and was not better accepted psychologically than long and complex conservative management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Hematimetria manual e automática em jaguatiricas (Leopardus pardalis - Linnaeus, 1758) / Manual and automated blood cells count in ocelots (Leopardus pardalis - Linnaeus, 1758)

Aparelhos de automação, cujo uso está estabelecido na hematologia dos animais domésticos, ainda não são empregados rotineiramente em felídeos selvagens. Esse estudo objetivou avaliar a técnica automatizada na contagem de células sanguíneas de jaguatiricas (Leopardus pardalis), comparando-a com a técnica manual. Foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas de oito jaguatiricas, que se submeteram à contagem de eritrócitos, leucócitos, plaquetas e à determinação do volume globular pelo método manual padrão e por meio do aparelho BC - 2800 VET® com a configuração para gatos domésticos. Os resultados foram avaliados por meio do teste t para dados pareados, e as técnicas submetidas à análise de correlação de Pearson. A técnica automatizada demonstrou resultados estatisticamente semelhantes para eritrócitos e leucócitos. Apenas para volume globular houve diferença significativa entre as técnicas manual e automatizada, mas a correlação foi alta. Apesar de não haver diferença significativa entre as técnicas para plaquetas, a correlação foi baixa. Conclui-se que o aparelho BC - 2800 VET® com a configuração para gatos domésticos é uma técnica confiável na realização do eritrograma e do leucograma para jaguatiricas. Para a determinação do parâmetro volume globular, o aparelho pode ser utilizado, desde que se faça a correção. Para a contagem de plaquetas, a técnica manual é recomendada.(AU)

Automated equipment, whose use is established in hematology of domestic animals, is not yet routinely used in blood cells count of wildlife, due to lack of studies that validate its use. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the automated technique for blood cells count of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), comparing it with the manual technique. Blood samples were collected from eight ocelots, which were submitted to counting of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets and packed cell volume by the standard manual method and by the device VET ® 2800 BC with the configuration for domestic cats. The results were evaluated using the t test for paired data and the techniques submitted to Pearson correlation. The automated technique showed statistically similar results to erythrocytes and leukocytes. Significant difference was found only for packed cell volume between the manual and automated techniques, but the correlation was high. Although there was no significant difference between the techniques for platelets, the correlation was low. We concluded that the 2800 BC VET ® device with the configuration for domestic cats is a reliable technique in performing the erythrocyte and leukocyte counts for ocelots. The device may be used to determine packed cell volume, provided the correction is made. The manual technique is recommended for the platelet count.(AU)

Histological evaluation and E-cadherin and ß-catenin expression in kidney of dogs submitted to renal ischemia and reperfusion after chlorpromazine administration / Avaliação histológica e imunomarcação de E-caderina e ß-catenina em rins de cães submetidos a isquemia e referfusão renal após administração de clorpromazina

Renal ischemia can be associated with some urological procedures, such as renovascular surgery or kidney transplantation, that are often followed by acute renal failure. The aim of this study was to verify the E-cadherin and ß-catenin localization in canine kidney in different times of renal ischemia and reperfusion after chlorpromazine application. Twelve dogs were randomly distributed equally into two groups. GroupA with ischemia and reperfusion without chlorpromazine and groupB with ischemia and reperfusion treated by chlorpromazine. GroupB received intravenous chlorpromazine, 15 min before the artery obstruction, which lasted 1 hour. After this period, the clamps in the renal arteries were released and the organ remained in reperfusion for 2 hours. In each group, anti-E-cadherin and anti-ß-catenin antibodies were made in six tissue samples from renal parenchyma. E-cadherin and ß-catenin are differentially expressed in segments from cortex and medulla in dog's kidneys and the use of chlorpromazine did not alter the expression of both proteins. Occlusion of the left renal artery in dogs causes morphological alterations mainly in proximal convoluted tubules, beginning 30min after the start of ischemia and being aggravated after two hours of reperfusion. These results reveal that chlorpromazine did not change kidneys' histological aspect nor E-cadherin and ß-catenin expression.(AU)

A lesão renal isquêmica pode estar associada a procedimentos urológicos, tais como cirurgia renovascular, cirurgia renal extracorpórea ou transplante renal. Essa injúria, muitas vezes, é seguida de insuficiência renal aguda. O objetivo deste trabalho foi observar a localização da E-caderina e da ß-catenina em rim de cães, além de relacionar a expressão dessas proteínas das junções de aderência em diferentes tempos de isquemia e reperfusão com ou sem a aplicação de clorpromazina. Para tanto, foram utilizados 12 cães, distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de seis indivíduos: grupo A, com isquemia e reperfusão sem tratamento por clorpromazina, e o grupo B, com isquemia e reperfusão tratado por clorpromazina. No procedimento cirúrgico, foi realizada uma incisão paracostal esquerda para identificação e isolamento do rim esquerdo e da artéria renal esquerda. Após o isolamento da artéria, os animais de todos os grupos tiveram o vaso ocluído. Os animais do grupo B receberam clorpromazina via endovenosa, na dose de 5mg/kg, 15min antes da clampagem do vaso, que durou uma hora. Após este período, as artérias renais foram desobstruídas e os órgãos permaneceram em reperfusão por duas horas. Em cada grupo, foram extraídas seis amostras de parênquima renal, com utilização de agulha tru-cut, para marcação com anticorpos anti-E-caderina e anti-ß-catenina por meio de imunoistoquímica. E-caderina e ß-catenina são diferencialmente expressas em segmentos do córtex e da medula em rim de cães e o uso da clorpromazina não alterou a expressão das duas proteínas.(AU)

Does curettage-cement packing for treating giant cell tumors at the knee lead to osteoarthritis?

INTRODUCTION: Giant cell tumors (GCTs) make up 15 to 20% of bone-related tumors in adults. They are often found around the knee in the metaphysis and epiphysis area, contacting the joint cartilage. The aims of our study were to evaluate the presence of early knee osteoarthritis (OA) in patients with GCTs in the knee area treated by curettage-cement packing, and to evaluate whether replacing subchondral bone with acrylic cement has an effect on the functional outcomes and quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all patients operated between 2000 and 2010 by the same specialized surgical team. Functional outcomes and quality of life were evaluated in each patient using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS), the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). The presence of OA was evaluated in a full radiological work-up comparing the operated knee with the healthy contralateral knee. Knee OA was defined as grade 3 or grade 4 radiographic findings based on the Kellgren and Lawrence classification, and a significant difference between the operated and contralateral knee. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included in this study. The average follow-up was 120 months (range 60-180). Four patients (21%) had radiographic KL-3 and one patient (5%) had KL-4. Eight patients (42%) had recurrence of the GCT. The distance between the tumor and cartilage, and the area of the subchondral bone invaded by the tumor appeared to contribute to OA progression. DISCUSSION: Resection of GCTs around the knee by curettage-cement packing did not have an effect on development of OA. In the four patients who developed knee OA, the tumor was located less than 3mm from the joint cartilage and took up more than 90% of the epiphysis. Based on these observations, there seems to be a strong correlation between the development of knee OA and the small quantity of subchondral bone left after curettage. The functional outcomes and quality of life were similar no matter the knee OA grade in patients. Replacing subchondral bone by cement had no effect on quality of life in this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (retrospective study).

Sistema de grupos sanguíneos AB em felídeos neotropicais e compatibilidade com gatos domésticos / AB blood group system in neotropical felids and compatibility with domestic cats

O principal sistema de grupos sanguíneos reconhecido para gatos é o AB. Os felinos apresentam anticorpos naturais contra o antígeno do tipo sanguíneo a que não pertencem, o que torna os testes de compatibilidade e as tipagens sanguíneas importantes na prevenção de reações transfusionais. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a tipagem sanguínea de oito gatos-mouriscos (Puma yagouaroundi), oito jaguatiricas (Leopardus pardalis), sete gatos-palheiros (Leopardus colocolo), sete gatos domésticos (Felis catus) da raça Persa e oito gatos domésticos sem raça definida (SRD), bem como realizar testes de compatibilidade entre os tipos sanguíneos iguais das diferentes espécies, para avaliar a possibilidade de transfusões interespecíficas. A técnica empregada para a tipagem foi a hemaglutinação em tubos de ensaio. A ocorrência do tipo sanguíneo tipo A foi de 100% entre as jaguatiricas, os gatos-palheiros e os gatos Persas e de 85,72% entre os gatos SRD. A ocorrência do tipo B foi de 100% nos gatos-mouriscos e de 14,28% nos gatos SRD. Considerando os testes de compatibilidade sanguínea, 87,5% (n=4) das jaguatiricas foram incompatíveis com os gatos domésticos, 100% (n= 6) dos gatos-palheiros foram compatíveis com os gatos domésticos e 100% (n= 4) dos gatos-mouriscos foram incompatíveis com os gatos domésticos do tipo B.(AU)

The blood group system recognized for cats is AB. Antibodies against other blood types occur naturally in cats, which makes the compatibility tests and blood typing important for preventing transfusion reactions. Wild felids need blood transfusions in cases of diseases and when run over on highways. The aim of this study was to perform blood typing of eight jaguarundies (Puma yagouaroundi), eight ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), seven pampas cats (Leopardus colocolo), seven domestic cats (Felis catus) of Persian breed and eight non-pedigree domestic cats (Felis catus), and test compatibility among the different species with the same blood types, to evaluate the possibility of performing interspecific blood transfusions. We conducted the study from August to December. We used haemagglutination in test tubes for typing. The occurrence of blood type A was 100% among ocelots, pampas cats and domestic cats of Persian breed, while non-pedigree domestic cats showed 85.72%. The occurrence of type B was 100% for jaguarundis and 14.28% for non-pedigree domestic cats. Regarding blood compatibility tests, 87.5% (n= 4) of the ocelots were incompatible with domestic cats; 100% (n=6) of the pampas cats were compatible with domestic cats, while 100% (n=4) of the jaguarundis were incompatible with type B domestic cats.(AU)

[Violence on health care workers].

OBJECTIVES: The Emergency Department (ED) is vulnerable for workplace violence, but little is known about this and its consequences. Objectives of this study were presence, characteristics and effects of violence from patients and visitors on health care workers in an Emergency Department (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was about the Accident and Emergency Department, S. Pertini Hospital, (ASL RMB, Rome, Italy). Data were collected from November 2014 to January 2015 on frequency and type of violent behavior in the past five years experienced by staff members and their level of stress by an ad hoc questionnaire for the evaluation of violent events in health activities (QVS) and a questionnaire on perceived work-related stress (QES). RESULTS: Of the 58 eligible workers, 51 completed the interview. Health care workers were regularly exposed to violence with a consequent severe underreporting to work authorities and only a minor reporting to the police. A diffuse belief that workplace violence is a normal part of the work was also identified. Aggressors were usually patients or their relatives and were mainly males. Health care workers may suffer physical and emotional harm. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency Department health care workers are at risk of experiencing workplace violence and should have specific training and support in the management of violent situations focused on early identification, communication strategies, and de-escalation techniques.

Diferentes fontes de ferro na prevenção da anemia ferropriva e no desempenho de leitões lactentes / Different sources of iron for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia and performance of suckling piglets

Com o objetivo de avaliar o uso de diferentes fontes de ferro na prevenção da anemia ferropriva e no desempenho em leitões lactentes, dividiram-se 202 leitões em cinco tratamentos: FD - aplicação intramuscular de 200mg de ferro dextrano no terceiro dia de idade; T24 - terra à vontade fornecida aos leitões a cada 24 horas do terceiro ao 19º dia; T48 - terra à vontade fornecida aos leitões a cada 24 horas do terceiro ao 10º dia e do 11º ao 19º dia, com intervalo de 48 horas; T72 - terra à vontade fornecida aos leitões a cada 24 horas do terceiro ao 10º dia e do 11º ao 19º dia, com intervalo de 72 horas; SA - suplemento alimentar ultraprecoce rico em ferro quelatado em pó (SAUP) fornecido do terceiro ao 11º dia, com intervalo de 48 horas. O ferro dextrano aplicado no terceiro dia de vida e a suplementação com terra e SAUP foram eficientes para garantir o desempenho de leitões no período de aleitamento e não influenciaram no consumo de ração nem na taxa de viabilidade. As diferentes fontes de ferro estudadas não influenciaram o leucograma e foram eficientes na prevenção da anemia ferropriva e no desempenho dos leitões lactentes. Com relação às concentrações de hemoglobina e hematócrito, os animais suplementados com ferro dextrano apresentaram valores superiores quando comparados aos que recebem terra e SAUP.(AU)

In order to evaluate the use of different sources of iron to prevent iron deficiency anemia and to appraise the performance of suckling piglets, we sorted 202 piglets in five treatments. ID - intramuscular injection of 200mg of iron dextran on the third day of age; T24 - free daily access to land provided to piglets every 24 hours from the third to the nineteenth day; T48 - free daily access to land provided to piglets every 24 hours from the third to the tenth day and from day 11 to day 19 with an interval of 48 hours; T72 - free daily access to land provided to piglets every 24 hours from the third to the tenth day and from day 11 to day 19 with an interval of 72 hours; FS - Food supplement rich in iron-chelating powder (SAUP) available from the third to the eleventh day with an interval of 48 hours. The iron dextran applied on the third day of life as well as the supplementation with land and SAUP were effective to ensure the performance of piglets during the lactation period and did not affect feed intake or the viability rate. The different sources of iron studied did not influence the WBC (White Blood Cell) and succeded in preventing iron deficiency anemia and performance of suckling piglets. Regarding the concentrations of hemoglobin and hematocrit, the animals supplemented with iron dextran showed higher values when compared to those who receive land and SAUP.(AU)

Ostreid herpesvirus type 1 genomic diversity in wild populations of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas from Italian coasts.

Ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1) is a significant pathogen affecting the young Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, worldwide. A new variant, OsHV-1 µVar, has been associated with recurrent mortality events in Europe since 2008. Epidemiological data collection is key for global risk assessment; however little is known about health status and genotypes present in European wild oyster beds. Most studies to date have involved only cultivated individuals during mortality events, and reported low genotype diversity. With this study, conducted along the Italian coasts, we investigated for the first time the presence of OsHV-1 in European natural oyster beds. Analysis of three genomic regions revealed the presence of at least nine different genotypes, including two variants close to the OsHV-1 reference, known since the early 1990s but with no European record reported since 2010, and highlights relevant genotype diversity in natural environment. Phylogenetic analysis distinguished two distinct clusters and geographical distribution of genotypes, with the exception of a variant very closely related to the µVar, which appeared the single genotype present in all the Adriatic sites. Interestingly, these wild symptom free populations could represent, in Europe, an accessible alternative to the import of OsHV-1-resistant oyster strains from the East Pacific, the native area of C. gigas, avoiding the high-risk of non-native marine species and new pathogen introductions.

Cryptosporidium parvum: From foal to veterinary students.

This paper describes the transmission of a zoonotic subtype of Cryptosporidium parvum between two foals hospitalized in an Equine Perinatology Unit (EPU) linked to an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in veterinary students. Fecal specimens of 36 mares (105 samples) and 28 foals (122 samples) were subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen staining, nested PCR of 18S rDNA. Two foals tested positive for Cryptosporidium; PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis and subtyping by nested PCR of the 60kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene revealed C. parvum subtype IIdA23G1. The introduction of Cryptosporidium into the EPU is suspected to be in a foal showing no initial clinical signs that tested positive for C. parvum during an asymptomatic phase. A second foal, hospitalized afterwards for perinatal asphyxia syndrome complicated with failure of passive transfer and sepsis, showed severe watery diarrhea after 4 days of hospitalization and was positive for the same subtype. During this period, six students attending the EPU complained of abdominal pain and diarrhea and were positive for the same subtype of C. parvum. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of this subtype in foals and the first report of evidence of zoonotic transmission of cryptosporidiosis from foals to human.

Epidemiological survey on Cryptosporidium in an Equine Perinatology Unit.

The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence, pattern of spread and risk factors for the transmission of cryptosporidiosis in foals and mares hospitalized in a University Equine Perinatology Unit, where a new subtype family of Cryptosporidium horse genotype was described by Caffara et al. (2013). Mares (36) and foals (37) hospitalized during the 2012 foaling season were included. Multiple sampling from each animal was performed (a total of 305 stool samples were collected). One hundred and eleven environmental samples (gauze swabs) were also collected before and after the breeding season. Fourteen foals were found positive for Cryptosporidium spp. by PCR in at least one sample; a total of 35 foal stool specimens were confirmed for the presence of the protozoa. Instead none of the stool specimens from mares were found positive. PCR-RFLP analysis shows Cryptosporidium parvum in 5 stool samples and Cryptosporidium horse genotype in 21. In 9 specimens, from 4 different foals, the profile was suggestive for a mixed infection. The subtyping at gp60 locus showed 2 strains as members of the subtype family IId and six of the subfamily IIa of C. parvum. Twenty isolates were identified as Cryptosporidium horse genotype subtype VIaA15G4. Five gauze swabs collected from the walls of the boxes where the animals were hosted out of 111 environmental samples examined were PCR positive for Cryptosporidium spp. Cryptosporidium parvum was detected in one sample collected before the foaling season, while Cryptosporidium horse genotype profile was observed in 4 wall samples collected at the end of the 2012 foaling season. The prevalence observed in foals (37.8%) was higher than that reported in other studies. These features and the diffusion of the same genotype point out as the EPU, where critically ill foals are hospitalized, can support the spread of cryptosporidiosis. Therefore, the manual tasks and the activities carried out in these facilities are of great importance, as they might favor the diffusion of the infection.

Experimental and molecular study of cercariae of Clinostomum sp. (Trematoda: Clinostomidae) from Biomphalaria spp. (Mollusca: Planorbidae) in Brazil.

Despite the large number of reports of species of Clinostomum from vertebrate hosts in South America, studies evaluating the molluscan transmitters of these parasites are scarce. In the present study, clinostomatoid cercariae shed from 0.02% (4/17,485) specimens of Biomphalaria spp., collected at the Pampulha reservoir, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, were used for experimental infection of Poecilia reticulata . Samples of cercariae from molluscs and metacercariae experimentally obtained from fish were subjected to morphological and molecular analyses and compared with species of Clinostomum reported in the Americas. The cercariae and metacercariae, here identified as Clinostomum sp., present general morphology similar to that reported for Clinostomum marginatum , however, from molecular point of view, differ significantly from North American C. marginatum and other species of Clinostomum reported in South America. These results suggest that the diversity of Clinostomum found in Brazil may be underestimated. Additional studies aimed at molecular characterization of South American species of Clinostomum, including the finding of specimens with sequences similar to that reported for C. marginatum in North America are required.