ABSTRACT
Este estudo objetivou descrever o aspecto hematológico de seis onças-pardas (Puma concolor) infectadas pelo Cytauxzoon felis. Os seis casos de infecção foram identificados durante o manejo sanitário de 11 animais de um centro de reabilitação de animais silvestres. Estruturas compatíveis com piroplasmídeos foram observadas durante a avaliação do esfregaço sanguíneo e confirmadas como Cytauxzoon felis pela técnica de PCR. A análise estatística demonstrou diferença significativa (P<0,05) no número absoluto dos linfócitos entre os grupos dos animais infectados e não infectados. Assim, expressivas alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas entre os grupos investigados alertam para a dificuldade de identificação de onças-pardas infectadas por C. felis, apoiada apenas em exames de rotina, bem como para o risco, sobretudo, da reintrodução desses animais na natureza.(AU)
This Cytauxzoon felis by the PCR technique. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference is study aimed to describe the hematological appearance of six puma (puma concolor) infected with cytauxzoon felis. The six cases of infection were identified during the sanitary management of 11 animals from a wild animal rehabilitation center. Piroplasmid compatible structures were observed during the blood smear evaluation and confirmed as (P<0.05) in the absolute number of lymphocytes between the groups of infected and uninfected animals. Thus expressive hematological and biochemical alterations between the groups investigated alert to the difficulty of identifying infected brown jaguars by C. felis, supported only by routine examinations, and the risk especially when aiming at the reintroduction of these animals in the wild.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Plasmids , Lymphocytes/chemistry , Puma/blood , Hematologic Tests/veterinary , Brazil , Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary , Animals, Wild/bloodABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) have been increasingly performed in recent years. Most of the available evidence, however, comes from specialized centers in Asia, Europe and USA. Data from South America are limited and based on single-center experiences. To date, no multicenter studies evaluated the results of LLR in South America. The aim of this study was to evaluate the experience and results with LLR in South American centers. METHODS: From February to November 2019, a survey about LLR was conducted in 61 hepatobiliary centers in South America, composed by 20 questions concerning demographic characteristics, surgical data, and perioperative results. RESULTS: Fifty-one (83.6%) centers from seven different countries answered the survey. A total of 2887 LLR were performed, as follows: Argentina (928), Brazil (1326), Chile (322), Colombia (210), Paraguay (9), Peru (75), and Uruguay (8). The first program began in 1997; however, the majority (60.7%) started after 2010. The percentage of LLR over open resections was 28.4% (4.4-84%). Of the total, 76.5% were minor hepatectomies and 23.5% major, including 266 right hepatectomies and 343 left hepatectomies. The conversion rate was 9.7%, overall morbidity 13%, and mortality 0.7%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study assessing the dissemination and results of LLR in South America. It showed an increasing number of centers performing LLR with the promising perioperative results, aligned with other worldwide excellence centers.
Subject(s)
Laparoscopy , Liver Neoplasms , Argentina , Asia , Brazil , Chile , Colombia , Europe , Hepatectomy , Humans , Liver , Liver Neoplasms/surgery , PeruABSTRACT
The target cp1002_RS01850 from Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was used to construct a DNA and recombinant subunit vaccine against caseous lymphadenitis. Recombinant protein rCP01850 was expressed in Escherichia coli using pAE vector, and DNA vaccine was engineered with pTARGET vector. BALB/c mice were divided in five groups containing eight animals each, inoculated with: pTARGET/cp01850 as DNA vaccine (G1); rCP01850 plus Al (OH)3 as recombinant subunit vaccine (G2); pTARGET/cp01850 and a boost with rCP01850 plus Al (OH)3 (G3); pTARGET (G4); or Al (OH)3 (G5). Mice were inoculated and blood samples were collected on days 0, 21, and 42 for the analysis of total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a by ELISA. In each group, five animals were challenged with Mic-6 C. pseudotuberculosis strain, and three were used for cytokine quantification by qPCR. Although no group has been protected by vaccines against lethal challenge, G2 showed an increase in the survival rate after challenge. Significantly higher levels of IL-4, IL-12, IFN-γ, total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a were also detected for G2, evidencing a mixed Th1/Th2 immunological profile. In conclusion, despite no protection level provided by different vaccinal strategies using cp1002_RS01850 from C. pseudotuberculosis, G2 developed a Th1/Th2 immune response with an increase in survival rate.(AU)
O alvo cp1002_RS01850 de Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis foi utilizado para construir uma vacina recombinante de subunidade e de DNA contra a linfadenite caseosa. A proteína recombinante rCP01850 foi expressa em Escherichia coli usando o vetor pAE, e a vacina de DNA foi construída com o vetor pTARGET. Camundongos BALB/c foram divididos em grupos de oito animais, inoculados com: pTARGET/cp01850 como vacina de DNA (G1); rCP01850 e Al (OH)3 como vacina recombinante de subunidade (G2); pTARGET/cp01850 e um boost com rCP01850 e Al (OH)3 (G3); pTARGET (G4); ou Al (OH)3 (G5). Os animais foram inoculados e amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias 0, 21, e 42 do experimento para a análise de IgG total, IgG1 e IgG2a por ELISA. De cada grupo, cinco animais foram desafiados com a cepa Mic-6 de C. pseudotuberculosis, e três foram usados para a quantificação de citocinas por qPCR. Apesar de nenhum grupo ter sido protegido pelas vacinas testadas contra o desafio letal, G2 apresentou taxa de sobrevida e níveis de IL-4, IL-12, IFN-γ, IgG total, IgG1 e IgG2a significativamente mais altos, evidenciando um perfil imunológico misto Th1/Th2. Conclui-se que apesar das diferentes estratégias vacinais utilizando cp1002_RS01850 de C. pseudotuberculosis não terem sido capazes de gerar proteção, G2 desenvolveu uma resposta Th1/Th2 e elevou a taxa de sobrevida.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Acid Phosphatase , Immunization, Secondary/veterinary , Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis , Lymphadenitis/immunology , Recombinant Proteins , Aluminum HydroxideABSTRACT
O NANOLIPE® é o indicador de digestibilidade LIPE® com incorporação de nano partículas que se misturam de forma mais homogênea e rápida na digesta, permitindo redução do período de adaptação e maiores taxas de recuperação daquele quando comparado com outros indicadores usados em equinos. Objetivou-se neste trabalho comparar a digestibilidade dos nutrientes de dieta em equinos obtida pelo método padrão (coleta total de fezes - CTF), estimada por dois indicadores internos (fibra em detergente ácido indigestível - FDAi; lignina Klason - LK) e por indicador externo NANOLIPE®, visando à validação deste último para uso na nutrição equina. Em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, oito éguas Mangalarga Marchador adultas (média de 380kg PV) foram usadas para avaliação dos tratamentos (CTF, FDAi, LK, NANOLIPE®). A dieta foi composta por 1,5% PV de feno de coast cross, 1,0% PV de concentrado comercial com 13% PB, dividido em dois tratos diários fornecidos às oito e às 17h, além de água e sal mineral à vontade. O experimento teve duração de 13 dias, sendo os oito iniciais para adaptação à dieta e ao manejo e os cinco finais para coleta de fezes. O NANOLIPE® foi fornecido no terceiro e quarto dias da coleta de fezes, sendo administrado uma vez por dia, por meio de cápsulas de 0,25g/animal/dia via oral. Houve diferença (P<0,05) entre os valores de produção fecal estimados pela FDAi (0,86kg MS) e LK (0,60kg MS) em comparação aos observados na CTF (2,16kg MS) e NANOLIPE® (2,17kg MS), com sub ou superestimação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade da MS, FDN, FDA, HEM, ED, MO e PB estimados pelos indicadores internos. O NANOLIPE® obteve alta taxa de recuperação (100,46%) e os coeficientes de digestibilidade de todos nutrientes foram semelhantes aos obtidos pela CTF. O indicador NANOLIPE® foi eficiente para estimativa da produção fecal e digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes da dieta em equinos, quando fornecido por dois dias, sendo uma aplicação diária e com início da coleta de fezes, 24 horas após sua administração.(AU)
NANOLIPE® is the LIPE®digestibility indicator incorporating nano particles that blend more smoothly and quickly in digesta, allowing reduction of the induction period, and higher recovery rates that compared with other indicators used in horses. The objective of this work was to compare the digestibility of the diet of nutrients in horses obtained by standard method (total collection of feces - TCF) and estimated by two internal indicators ( Klason Lignin - KL and indigestible Acid Detergent Fiber.- iADF) ) and external indicator NANOLIPE®, aiming to validate the latter for use in equine nutrition. In a randomized block design, eight Mangalarga Marchador adult mares were used to evaluate treatments (CBC, iADF, LK, NANOLIPE®). The diet was composed of 1.5% PV hay Coast Cross, 1.0% PV of commercial concentrate, divided into two daily treatment.. The trial lasted 13 days, with 8 adaptation to the diet and the handling and 5 for the experimental procedures. In the first five days of the experimental period total feces was collected and in the 3th and 4th day the animals received NANOLIPE® administered once a day through capsules of 0.25 g / animal / day orally. Using the method of TFC as standart, the Klason Lignin and iADF proved inadequate (P<0,05) and NANOLIPE® was considered efficient (P>0,05) for estimating the digestibility of nutrients in the equine species. There were differences (P <0.05) between fecal production values estimated by iADF (0.86 kg DM) and LK (0.60 kg DM) compared to those observed in CTF (2.16 kg DM) and NANOLIPE® (2.17 kg DM) with under- or overestimation of the digestibility of DM, NDF, ADF, HEM, ED, OM and CP estimated by internal indicators. The NANOLIPE® got high recovery rate (100.46%) and the digestibility coefficients of all nutrients were similar to those obtained by the CTF. The NANOLIPE® indicator was efficient to estimate fecal output and apparent digestibility of dietary nutrients in horses when provided for two days, with a daily application and start collecting feces 24 hours after administration.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Diet/veterinary , Food , Horses , Lignin , NanotechnologyABSTRACT
RESUMO O capim Tifton-85 (Cynodon spp.) vem sendo utilizado na alimentação de equinos na forma de pré-secado (haylage) e feno, todavia não existem estudos conclusivos a respeito da influência da haylage sobre o estado de saúde dessa espécie. Portanto, esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar o perfil sanguíneo como indicador de higidez de éguas Quarto de Milha alimentadas com haylage e feno de Tifton-85. A gramínea utilizada foi cortada com 30 dias de crescimento. Para produção da haylage, a planta cortada permaneceu no campo até atingir 70% de matéria seca, quando foi colhida. Foram utilizadas 12 éguas Quarto de Milha, com idade entre oito e 12 anos e com peso vivo médio inicial de 451,6kg. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos (n=6), sendo o grupo 1 alimentado com feno e o grupo 2 alimentado com haylage, por um período de 28 dias. Foram realizadas cinco coletas de sangue em intervalos de uma semana, para a determinação do perfil hematológico. Em relação ao eritrograma, observou-se discreta diminuição da concentração de hemoglobina, do hematócrito e do volume globular médio (VGM) em ambos os grupos. No leucograma, houve aumento dos leucócitos totais nas coletas iniciais em ambos os grupos, mas sem significado clínico. Conclui-se que éguas adultas Quarto de Milha, após a ingestão de feno e haylage de Tifton-85, não apresentaram alterações no perfil hematológico que indicassem prejuízos à saúde.(AU)
ABSTRACT Tifton-85 grass (Cynodon spp) has been used in equine nutrition in the form of pre-dried (haylage) and hay, however, there are no conclusive studies about the influence of haylage on blood profile of this species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the blood profile as health indicators of Quarter Horse mares were fed haylage and Tifton-85 hay. The used grass was cut at 30 days of growth. For the production of haylage, this plant remained cut in the field until it had 70% of dry matter, when it was collected. Twelve Quarter Horse mares, aged 8-12 years, with average weight of 451.58kg were used. The animals were distributed randomly into two groups (n= 6), group 1 fed hay and group 2 fed haylage, both for 28 days. Blood samples were collected at one week intervals each for determining the hematological parameters. In the erythrogram, a decrease in the hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and mean cell volume after the administration in both groups were detected. The white blood count increased in both groups, but the values remained within normal limits without clinical significance. In conclusion, adult Quarter Horse mares fed Tifton-85 hay and haylage showed no alterations in hematology.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Adult , Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Horses/blood , Pasture , Blood Cell Count/veterinary , Food PreservationABSTRACT
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a multifactorial disease that has a strong genetic component. The HLA-G is a nonclassical HLA class I locus that is associated with immunomodulatory functions, including downregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses and induction of immune tolerance. However, there is currently limited information about the involvement of HLA-G in T1D susceptibility. This case-control study aims to investigate the T1D susceptibility association of alleles and genotypes of a widely investigated 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the HLA-G and to provide further evidence of the frequency distribution of class II HLA-DR-DQ-risk genotypes in T1D children and adolescents in the Brazilian population. The deletion allele and the homozygous deletion genotype are associated with susceptibility to T1D and the insertion allele and the heterozygous deletion/insertion genotype are associated with protection from T1D. We also confirm that genetic susceptibility to T1D is associated with the DRB1*03:01-DQA1*05:01-DQB1*02:01 and DRB1*04-DQA1*03:01-DQB1*03:02 haplotypes in Brazilian northeast region. The DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 genotype conferred the highest detected risk for T1D. Our results identify a novel association of the 14-bp deletion allele and the homozygous deletion genotype with T1D development and provide additional evidence of the importance of HLA class II heterozygous DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 genotype in T1D susceptibility.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/genetics , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/immunology , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , HLA-G Antigens/genetics , Adolescent , Brazil , Case-Control Studies , Child , Female , HLA-D Antigens/genetics , HLA-D Antigens/immunology , HLA-G Antigens/immunology , Haplotypes , Humans , Male , Polymorphism, GeneticABSTRACT
Even though several in vitro studies have focused on bacterial biology, the extent of such knowledge is not complete when considering an actual infection. As culture-independent microbiology methods such as high-throughput sequencing became available, important aspects of host-bacterium interactions will be elucidated. Based on microbiological relevance, we considered Bacteroides fragilis in a murine experimental infection as a model system to evaluate the in vivo bacterial transcriptome in host exudates. A disproportionate number of reads belonging to the host genome were retrieved in the first round of pyrosequencing, even after depletion of ribosomal RNA; the average number of reads related to the eukaryotic genome was 71.924-67.7%, whereas prokaryotic reads represented 34.338-32.3% in host exudates. Thus, different treatments were used to improve the prokaryotic RNA yield: i) centrifugation; ii) ultrasonic treatment; and iii) ultrasonic treatment followed by centrifugation. The latter treatment was found to be the most efficient in generating bacterial yields, as it resulted in a higher number of Bacteroides cells. However, the RNA extracted after this treatment was not of sufficient quality to be used in cDNA synthesis. Our results suggest that the methodology routinely used for RNA extraction in transcriptional analysis is not appropriate for in vivo studies in complex samples. Furthermore, the most efficient treatment for generating good bacterial cell yields was not suitable to retrieve high-quality RNA. Therefore, as an alternative methodological approach to enable in vivo studies on host-bacterium interactions, we advise increasing the sequencing depth despite the high costs.
Subject(s)
Bacteroides fragilis/genetics , Gene Expression Profiling/methods , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Transcriptome/genetics , Animals , Bacteroides fragilis/pathogenicity , Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/genetics , Gene Library , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Mice , RNA, Messenger/isolation & purification , Sequence Analysis, RNAABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between non-syndromic cleft lip/palate (NSCLP) and polymorphisms in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), methionine synthase (MTR), methionine synthase reductase (MTRR), and RFC1, as well as the corresponding interactions with environmental factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty NSCLP patients and their mothers, as well as 175 control individuals and their mothers, were recruited. Information regarding smoking and alcohol consumption was recorded. Blood samples were obtained in order to measure serum folate and cobalamin, as well as, plasma total homocysteine concentrations and to extract DNA. Polymorphisms in MTHFR(677C>T and 1298A>C), MTR(2756A>G), MTR(66A>G), and RFC1(80A>G) were analyzed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: Among the patients, 59.5% had cleft lip and palate, 22.0% had cleft palate, and 18.5% had cleft lip only. Maternal alcohol consumption and reduced folic acid concentrations in both children and mothers (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively) were risk factors for NSCLP. Patients and their mothers carrying the MTHFR 667T allele showed lower serum folate than CC (P = 0.011 and P = 0.030, respectively). Mothers who carried the MTHFR 1298C allele exhibited increased risk of having a child with NSCLP, after adjusting for alcohol consumption (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.03-2.99, P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced folic acid levels, alcohol consumption, and the MTHFR 677T and 1298C alleles may have contributed to NSCLP development in this sample population from Rio Grande do Norte.
Subject(s)
Alcohol Drinking , Brain/abnormalities , Cleft Lip/genetics , Cleft Palate/genetics , Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)/genetics , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/genetics , 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Child , Female , Ferredoxin-NADP Reductase/genetics , Folic Acid/blood , Gene-Environment Interaction , Homocysteine/blood , Humans , Male , Polymorphism, Genetic , Pregnancy , Replication Protein C/genetics , Young AdultABSTRACT
Recently, horse breeding has achieved greater prominence in the Brazilian society and now it started to appear as a part of the Brazilian agribusiness. The state of Minas Gerais stands out as the main producer of equidae in Brazil. The aim of this work was to characterize the breeding of equidae in this State in order to support future researches in this sector. By the evaluation of records from 1990 to 2009 provided by the "Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics" (IBGE) and also 967 interviews with breeders of equidae, it was possible to characterize some important points. It was observed that equidae breeding in this State moves over R$1,500,000,000 per year and employs 86,000 people. The main investments of the properties are made in purchasing saddles, accessories and commercial feeds. The main goal of equidae breeders in Minas Gerais has been the work in rural properties (49.49%) complementing many farming activities, especially the work with cows. Although Minas Gerais holds the main herd of equidae in the country, the number of animals has decreased. On the one hand, the equidae breeding sector has demonstrated its social and economic importance in agribusiness; on the other, hand further researches are needed to develop public policies to improve the breeding of equidae in Minas Gerais.
Subject(s)
Animals , Horses/anatomy & histology , Horses/growth & developmentABSTRACT
The present study aimed to compare the morphometric measurements of Mangalarga Marchador horses of batida and picada marcha. Twenty-two linear and eight angular measurements of 222 males (130 of batida marcha and 92 of picada marcha) and 266 females (168 of batida marcha and 98 picada marcha) were compared in a completely randomized design, consisting of two treatments: horses of batida and picada marcha. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by Fisher test (P<0.05). It was concluded that most of the measures of Mangalarga Marchador horses of batida and picada marcha have similar values, however, there are differences between some angles of members...
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Female , Biomechanical Phenomena , Biometry , Horses/anatomy & histology , Gait/physiology , Range of Motion, Articular/physiology , Movement/physiologyABSTRACT
Avaliaram-se o consumo e o desempenho de ovinos alimentados com silagens de cana-de-açúcar tratadas com óxido de cálcio (CaO) e cloreto de sódio (NaCl). Utilizaram-se sete tratamentos: controle (silagem sem aditivo), silagens com 0,5; 1,0 e 1,5% de CaO e silagens com 0,5; 1,0 e 2,0% de NaCl, com quatro repetições. Os animais consumiram maior quantidade de matéria seca e de nutrientes digestíveis totais quando se adicionou 0,5% de NaCl ou ainda 1,0 e 1,5% de CaO. Quanto à fibra em detergente neutro e à proteína bruta, observou-se maior consumo quando se adicionou 0,5% de NaCl ou 1,0% de CaO. Não foi observado efeito da dieta sobre o ganho médio diário de peso. A adição de 0,5% de cloreto de sódio e 1,0% de óxido de cálcio à silagem de cana-de-açúcar resultou em aumento no consumo e melhora no desempenho de ovinos.
The intake and performance of lambs fed with sugarcane silages treated with whitewash and chloride sodium were evaluated. Seven treatments were used: untreated silage (control); silages treated with 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5% of CaO (whitewash); and silages treated with 0.5; 1.0 and 2.0% of NaCl, with four replicates per treatment. The animals were fed a higher amount of dry matter and total digestible nutrients when the sugarcane silages were treated with 0.5% of NaCl, 1.0 and 1.5% of CaO. The intake of neutral detergent fiber and crude protein increased when the lambs were fed silages treated with 0.5% of NaCl and 1.0% of CaO. The average daily gain did not differ among treatments. The inclusion of 0.5% of sodium chloride and 1.0% of whitewash in sugarcane silages increased the intake and improved the performance of lambs.
Subject(s)
Animals , Calcium Oxide/analysis , Animal Feed , Saccharum , Sodium Chloride , Animal Nutrition Sciences , Sheep/classificationABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of 6 polymorphic variants of the MSX1 gene in non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P). METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-eight individuals (158 NSCL/P cases and 200 controls) were genotyped by TaqMan allelic discrimination using predesigned SNP assays. Statistical analyses were conducted using the software spss 15.0 and the r statistical suite. Haplotype block structure and haplotype frequencies were determined using the Haploview. A P-value of 0.05 and confidence interval of 95% were used for all of statistical tests. RESULTS: The patients with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate were characterized by similar distribution of MSX1 genotypes and allele in comparison to subjects without oral clefts (P > 0.05). Two haplotype blocks were constructed with polymorphisms of MSX1 gene and haplotypes formed showed a similar frequency in patients with and without oral clefts. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides no evidence that MSX1 polymorphisms (rs3775261, rs1042484, rs12532, rs6446693, rs4464513 and rs1907998) play a major role in NSCL/P.
Subject(s)
Cleft Lip/genetics , Cleft Palate/genetics , MSX1 Transcription Factor/genetics , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Case-Control Studies , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Estimou-se o coeficiente de endogamia e avaliou-se seu efeito sobre características morfométricas dos animais em um criatório no norte de Minas Gerais. As características estudadas foram alturas da cernelha e da garupa, comprimentos da cabeça, do pescoço, do dorso-lombo, da garupa e do corpo, larguras do peito e da garupa. O arquivo continha 2186 informações de parentesco de animais do arquivo zootécnico da fazenda, desde o início da formação da raça, 1951, até o ano de 2006. Calculou-se o coeficiente de endogamia (F) e avaliou-se seu efeito por meio de regressão linear simples sobre as medidas morfométricas. Do total de animais, 27,6% mostraram-se endogâmicos, sendo o F médio da população igual a 1,4%. Considerando-se apenas os animais endogâmicos, a consanguinidade média atingiu 5,3%, mínimo de 0,1 e máximo de 28,1%. Não se verificaram efeitos negativos da endogamia sobre as características morfométricas, exceto para largura da garupa, em que se observou que para cada 10% de acréscimo de F houve aumento de 0,576cm na largura da garupa. Possivelmente, devido ao baixo valor encontrado, a endogamia não influenciou as demais características avaliadas.
The coefficient of inbreeding was estimate and its effect on linear traits of the Mangalarga Marchador horses reared in a ranch in the North of Minas Gerais was evaluated. The characteristics studied were morphometric traits such as wither and hip height, length of head, neck, back-loin, hip and body, as well as chest and hip width. The archive had 2186 data on the genealogy of animals from the herd register of the Catuni Farm. The coefficient of inbreeding (F) was calculated and its effect was evaluated by means of simple linear regression on the linear traits. Of all animals, 27.6% showed inbreeding, with an F average of 1.4% in the population. Considering only the inbred animals, the average consanguinity reached 5.3% minimum of 0.1 and maximum of 28.1%. Negative effects of inbreeding on the morphometric traits were not seen, except for hip width, where for each 10% increase in F there was increase of 0.576cm. Possibly due to the low value found, inbreeding did not influence the other evaluated characteristics.
ABSTRACT
The effect of phosphine on Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis inoculated in culture medium and in black pepper grains (Piper nigrum), as well as on the reduction of the microbial load of the dried and moisturized product, was verified. The postfumigation effect was verified in inoculated samples with 0.92 and 0.97 water activity (a(w)) exposed to 6 g/m(3) phosphine for 72 h, dried to 0.67 a(w), and stored for 24, 48, and 72 h. No decreases were observed in Salmonella Enteritidis populations in culture medium when fumigant concentrations up to 6 g/m(3) were applied for 48 h at 35°C. However, the colonies showed reductions in size and atypical coloration as the phosphine concentration increased. No reduction in Salmonella counts occurred on the inoculated dried samples after fumigation. On the other hand, when phosphine at concentrations of 6 g/m(3) was applied on moisturized black pepper for 72 h, decreases in Salmonella counts of around 80% were observed. The counts of total aerobic mesophilic bacterium populations of the dried and moisturized black pepper were not affected by the fumigant treatment. The results of the postfumigation studies indicated that Salmonella Enteritidis was absent in the fumigated grains after drying and storage for 72 h, indicating a promising application for this technique. It was concluded that for Salmonella Enteritidis control, phosphine fumigation could be applied to black pepper grains before drying and the producers should rigidly follow good agricultural practices, mainly during the drying process, in order to avoid product recontamination. Additional work is needed to confirm the findings with more Salmonella serotypes and strains.
Subject(s)
Culture Media/chemistry , Food Preservation/methods , Fumigation/methods , Phosphines/pharmacology , Piper nigrum/microbiology , Salmonella enteritidis/drug effects , Colony Count, Microbial , Microbial Viability , Salmonella enteritidis/growth & development , Time Factors , Water/metabolismABSTRACT
The dibenzylbutyrolactolic lignan (-)-cubebin was isolated from dry seeds of Piper cubeba L. (Piperaceae). (-)-Cubebin possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial activities. Doxorubicin (DXR) is a topoisomerase-interactive agent that may induce single- and double-strand breaks, intercalate into the DNA and generate oxygen free radicals. Here, we examine the mutagenicity and recombinogenicity of different concentrations of (-)-cubebin alone or in combination with DXR using standard (ST) and high bioactivation (HB) crosses of the wing Somatic Mutation And Recombination Test in Drosophila melanogaster. The results from both crosses were rather similar. (-)-Cubebin alone did not induce mutation or recombination. At lower concentrations, (-)-cubebin statistically reduced the frequencies of DXR-induced mutant spots. At higher concentrations, however, (-)-cubebin was found to potentiate the effects of DXR, leading to either an increase in the production of mutant spots or a reduction, due to toxicity. These results suggest that depending on the concentration, (-)-cubebin may interact with the enzymatic system that catalyzes the metabolic detoxification of DXR, inhibiting the activity of mitochondrial complex I and thereby scavenging free radicals. Recombination was found to be the major effect of the treatments with DXR alone. The combined treatments reduced DXR mutagenicity but did not affect DXR recombinogenicity.
Subject(s)
Antimutagenic Agents/pharmacology , Doxorubicin/toxicity , Furans/pharmacology , Lignans/pharmacology , Mutagens/toxicity , Recombination, Genetic/drug effects , Wings, Animal/drug effects , Animals , Drosophila melanogaster/genetics , Drug Interactions , Female , Larva/drug effects , Male , Mutagenicity Tests , Piper/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Wings, Animal/cytologyABSTRACT
Splenectomized mice control Listeria monocytogenes infection better than non-splenectomized mice. Here, BALB/c mice subjected to splenectomy and autogenous grafting of spleen were evaluated after 3 and 7 days of intravenous L. monocytogenes infection. The group of splenectomized animals (SP) presented a lower number of bacteria in the liver in comparison with both the sham-operated control group (CT) and the group that received splenic autotransplantation (AT) in the retroperitoneal site. The AT group presented bacterial counts in the liver similar to the CT group. SP animals showed larger production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and nitric oxide (NO) in the liver in comparison with CT and AT, this being associated with greater accumulation of mononuclear cells. IFN-γ production by spleen cells after stimulation with heat-killed Listeria was similar between the AT and CT groups, suggesting that the implanted fragments behaved like the original organ. The autogenous grafting of spleen fragments reverses the resistance to L. monocytogenes infection found in splenectomized mice, associated with a reduced IFN-γ and NO production in the liver. The present study shows that splenic autotransplantation restores the function of the spleen in splenectomized mice, even though in this case it does favor the susceptibility to L. monocytogenes infection.
Subject(s)
Interferon-gamma/metabolism , Listeria monocytogenes , Listeriosis/immunology , Nitric Oxide/metabolism , Spleen/transplantation , Splenectomy , Animals , Interferon-gamma/genetics , Listeriosis/microbiology , Listeriosis/pathology , Liver/metabolism , Liver/pathology , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB CABSTRACT
The use of treated pulp mill effluent on eucalyptus plantation appears to be an attractive option for plant nutrition and water supply. It also constitutes a supplementary treatment process and a final disposal option for the mill effluent. This study aimed at the investigation and evaluation of the effects of bleached kraft pulp mill treated effluent on three typical Brazilian soils used for eucalyptus plantation. The effluent was characterized and five different application rates, defined according to the load of sodium, were tested in controlled environment experiments (greenhouse). After effluent application over a six month period an increase in the salinity of the studied soils was observed, although no soil dispersion was detected. The low content of some nutrients in the treated effluent indicated the need for fertilizer complementation. In general, the best biomass productivity and plant growth results were obtained in fine textured soil at a loading rate of 6.49 t Na ha(-1). The good response of the soil-plant system under different effluent application rates showed the feasibility for the eucalyptus irrigation if adequate management practices and monitoring are carried out.
Subject(s)
Agricultural Irrigation , Eucalyptus , Industrial Waste/analysis , Paper , Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods , Water/chemistry , Soil/chemistry , Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry , Water PurificationABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To describe the genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax isolates from different areas in the Brazilian Amazon using 11 polymorphic microsatellites and to evaluate the correlation between microsatellite variation and repeat array length. METHODS: Microsatellites with variable repeat units and array lengths were selected using in silico search of the P. vivax genome. We designed primers and amplified the selected loci in DNA obtained from patients with P. vivax acute infections. RESULTS: Positive correlation between repeat array length and microsatellite variation was detected independently of the size of repeat unit (di, tri, or tetranucleotide). We used these markers to describe the genetic variability of P. vivax isolates from four geographic regions of the Brazilian Amazon. Substantial variability was observed among P. vivax isolates within populations, concurrent with high levels of multiple-clone infections and high linkage disequilibrium. Overall, structured populations were observed with moderate to high genetic differentiation. CONCLUSION: The markers studied are useful tools for assessing population structure of P. vivax, as demonstrated for Brazilian populations and for searching for evidence of recent selection events associated with different phenotypes, such as drug resistance.
Subject(s)
DNA, Protozoan/genetics , Genetic Variation , Malaria, Vivax/parasitology , Microsatellite Repeats/genetics , Plasmodium vivax/genetics , Animals , Brazil/epidemiology , DNA Primers/genetics , Linkage Disequilibrium , Malaria, Vivax/epidemiology , Polymorphism, Genetic , Sequence Analysis, DNAABSTRACT
The high incidence of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae can be reduced by splenic autotransplantation. In this study the effect of splenectomy and splenic autotransplantation on the immune response to S. pneumoniae infection was investigated. Balb/c mice were divided into three groups: splenectomized (SP), splenectomized and autotransplanted (AT), and sham operated control (CT). Five days post-infection the serum antibody levels were measured and the number of S. pneumoniae CFU, neutrophil accumulation and IL-17 production in the liver and lungs were investigated. SP mice showed greater number of bacteria in both organs and lower serum levels of S. pneumoniae-specific IgM, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies. IL-17 production and neutrophil recruitment to the liver and lungs were lower in SP mice, in comparison with both the CT and the AT groups. Levels of S. pneumoniae-specific IgM, CFU counts, neutrophil accumulation and IL-17 production did not differ significantly between the CT and AT groups. These results suggest that splenic autotransplantation restores the capacity of splenectomized mice to fight S. pneumoniae infection.
Subject(s)
Liver/immunology , Lung/immunology , Pneumococcal Infections/immunology , Streptococcus pneumoniae/immunology , Animals , Antibodies, Bacterial/blood , Cell Movement , Colony Count, Microbial , Immunity , Interleukin-17/immunology , Interleukin-17/metabolism , Liver/metabolism , Liver/microbiology , Liver/pathology , Lung/metabolism , Lung/microbiology , Lung/pathology , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Neutrophils/pathology , Pneumococcal Infections/blood , Pneumococcal Infections/surgery , Pneumococcal Infections/therapy , Splenectomy/adverse effects , Streptococcus pneumoniae/growth & development , Streptococcus pneumoniae/pathogenicity , Transplantation, Autologous , VirulenceABSTRACT
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a cytokine that plays a neuroprotective role in relation to axotomized motoneurons. We determined the effect of daily subcutaneous doses of CNTF (1.2 microg/g for 5 days; N = 13) or PBS (N = 13) on the levels of mRNA for Bcl-2 and Bax, as well as the expression and inter-association of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins, and the survival of motoneurons in the spinal cord lumbar enlargement of 2-day-old Wistar rats after sciatic nerve transection. Five days after transection, the effects were evaluated on histological and molecular levels using Nissl staining, immunoprecipitation, Western blot analysis, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The motoneuron survival ratio, defined as the ratio between the number of motoneurons counted on the lesioned side vs those on the unlesioned side, was calculated. This ratio was 0.77 +/- 0.02 for CNTF-treated rats vs 0.53 +/- 0.02 for the PBS-treated controls (P < 0.001). Treatment with CNTF modified the level of mRNA, with the expression of Bax RNA decreasing 18% (with a consequent decrease in the level of Bax protein), while the expression of Bcl-2 RNA was increased 87%, although the level of Bcl-2 protein was unchanged. The amount of Bcl-2/Bax heterodimer increased 91% over that found in the PBS-treated controls. These data show, for the first time, that the neuroprotective effect of CNTF on neonatal rat axotomized motoneurons is associated with a reduction in free Bax, due to the inhibition of Bax expression, as well as increased Bcl-2/Bax heterodimerization. Thus, the neuroprotective action of the CNTF on axotomized motoneurons can be related to the inhibition of this apoptotic pathway.
