An outbreak of systemic intoxication with irritant contact dermatitis due cypermethrin in dairy cows: case report / Surto de intoxicação sistêmica com dermatite de contato irritante devido à cipermetrina em vacas leiteiras: relato de caso

Pyrethroids are ectoparasiticides safe for mammals and widely used in farm animals. An outbreak of systemic intoxication with irritant contact dermatitis resulting from the use of cypermethrin pour on in dairy cows is reported in the state of Pernambuco. Eight adult animals were affected, three died on the property and five were referred to the Clínica de Bovinos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Campus Garanhuns. These received 100 mL of pour on Cypermethrin (Ectonil ®, Cipermetrina, Labgard, Brasil). Apathy, hyperexcitability, muscle tremors, sialorrhea, bradycardia and crusted lesions were observed on the dorsum of the neck, scapula, ears and ulcerations in the oral and vaginal mucosa. There was hyperfibrinogenemia and leukocytosis due to neutrophilia with a regenerative left shift. Histopathology showed areas of erosion and ulceration of the epidermis and perivascular lymphohistiocytic and neutrophilic infiltrate in the superficial dermis. Supportive treatment was done with improvement of systemic signs and skin lesions, however, in one animal (with 19 days hospitalized), there was no complete regression of neurological alterations of bradycardia and muscle tremors, even so, it was possible to return to productive activity. High doses of pour on cypermethrin may cause systemic intoxication in cattle and result in bradycardia, hyperexcitability, muscle tremors and sialorrhea with irritant contact dermatitis, and death in severe cases.

Os piretroides são ectoparasiticidas com grande segurança para mamíferos, utilizados amplamente em animais de produção. Relata-se um surto de intoxicação sistêmica com dermatite irritante por contato, resultante do uso de Cipermetrina Pour-On em bovinos, no estado de Pernambuco. Oito animais adultos foram acometidos: três deles morreram na propriedade e cinco foram recebidos na Clínica de Bovinos da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Campus Garanhuns. Todos haviam recebido 100mL de Cipermetrina Pour-On (Ectonil®, Cipermetrina, Labgard, Brasil). Observou-se apatia, hiperexcitabilidade, tremores musculares, sialorreia, bradicardia e lesões crostosas no dorso da região de pescoço, na escápula, mas orelhas, bem como ulcerações em mucosa oral e vaginal. No hemograma, verificou-se hiperfibrinogenemia e leucocitose por neutrofilia com desvio à esquerda regenerativo. Na histopatologia, foram constatadas áreas de erosão e ulceração da epiderme e infiltrado linfo-histiocitário e neutrofílico perivascular na derme superficial. O tratamento de suporte gerou melhora dos sinais sistêmicos e das lesões cutâneas, porém, em um dos animais (que esteve internado por 19 dias), não houve regressão completa das alterações neurológicas de bradicardia e de tremores musculares; mesmo assim, foi possível o retorno à atividade produtiva. Doses elevadas de Cipermetrina Pour-On podem causar intoxicação sistêmica em bovinos e resultarem em bradicardia, hiperexcitabilidade, tremores musculares e sialorreia com dermatite irritante por contato, bem como morte em casos severos.

Anaphylactic shock with pulmonary eosinophilic infiltration due to honeybee attack in a donkey: case report / [Choque anafilático com infiltração eosinófila pulmonar devido a ataque de abelhas em um burro: relato de caso]

A case of a donkey attacked by Africanized honeybee is reported here with clinical signs of agitation, dehydration, congestion of the ocular mucous membranes, tongue edema, tachycardia and inspiratory dyspnea, and progression to death. At necropsy, diffuse, severe subcutaneous edema at face and cervical regions and severe diffuse pulmonary hyperemia with abundant edema without parenchymal collapse were observed. Microscopically, marked, diffuse deep dermis and panniculus carnosus edema and marked diffuse alveolar edema, with moderate population of eosinophils predominantly around larger caliber vessels were noted. The final diagnosis of anaphylactic shock was supported by history, clinical signs, and anatomic pathology findings. This is the first report of a honeybee attack with pulmonary eosinophilic infiltration in a mammal.(AU)

Descreve-se um caso de ataque de abelha africanizada em um burro, com sinais clínicos de agitação, desidratação, mucosas oculares congestas, edema de língua, taquicardia e dispneia inspiratória, com progressão e morte. Na necropsia, foram verificados edema subcutâneo difuso grave nas regiões de face e cervical, hiperemia pulmonar difusa grave com edema abundante e sem colapso do parênquima. Microscopicamente, foram observados edema marcado difuso na derme profunda e panículo carnoso e edema alveolar difuso acentuado, com população moderada de eosinófilos predominantemente em torno de vasos de maior calibre. O diagnóstico de choque anafilático foi baseado no histórico, em sinais clínicos e em achados anatomopatológicos. Este é o primeiro relato de ataque de abelhas com infiltração eosinofílica pulmonar em um mamífero.(AU)

Metastatic melanoma in a Saanen goat: clinical, ultrasonographic and anatomopathological aspects - case report / [Melanoma metastático em cabra Saanen: aspectos clínicos, ultrassonográficos e Anatomopatológicos - relato de caso]

This report describes clinical, ultrasonographic and anatomopathological findings in a case of metastatic melanoma in an adult Saanen goat. Clinically, the goat had apathy, an intra-abdominal palpable firm structure, and exophytic keratinized areas on the skin of the udder. Ultrasound revealed non-encapsulated oval structures, with heterogeneous echogenicity and marked central and peripheral vascularization, and hypoechoic hepatic multifocal to coalescent areas. In the udder, there were non-encapsulated oval structures with heterogeneous echogenicity and hyperechoic center surrounded by hypoechogenic tissue. Grossly, there were black multifocal to coalescent areas in the liver, as well as black nodules in mammary and mesenteric lymph nodes, uterus, spleen, and myocardium. Microscopically, multifocal melanocytic neoplastic proliferation was observed in the dermis and junction of the udder epidermis. Most of the neoplastic cells had cytoplasmic granules of melanin. In the liver there were areas of neoplastic tissue compressing the adjacent parenchyma, with central foci of necrosis, mild desmoplasia, and multifocal infiltration of malignant cells into the adjacent tissues. Similar findings were observed in the mammary and mesenteric lymph nodes, uterus, spleen, and myocardium, which characterized metastatic melanoma. Ultrasonography played a key role for establishing the diagnosis of a metastatic melanoma and helped establish a proper clinical management protocol.(AU)

Este relato descreve os achados clínicos, ultrassonográficos e anatomopatológicos em um caso de melanoma metastático em uma cabra Saanen adulta. Clinicamente, a cabra apresentava apatia, estrutura firme palpável intra-abdominal e áreas exofíticas queratinizadas na pele do úbere. A ultrassonografia revelou estruturas ovais não encapsuladas, com ecogenicidade heterogênea e marcada vascularização central e periférica, além de áreas hepáticas multifocais a coalescentes hipoecoicas. No úbere, havia estruturas ovais não encapsuladas, com ecogenicidade heterogênea e centro hiperecogênico circundado por tecido hipoecogênico. Macroscopicamente, havia áreas pretas multifocais a coalescentes no fígado, bem como nódulos pretos nos linfonodos mamários e mesentéricos, no útero, no baço e no miocárdio; microscopicamente, proliferação neoplásica melanocítica multifocal foi observada na derme e na junção da epiderme do úbere. A maioria das células neoplásicas apresentava grânulos citoplasmáticos de melanina. No fígado, havia áreas de tecido neoplásico comprimindo o parênquima adjacente, com focos centrais de necrose, desmoplasia leve e infiltração multifocal de células malignas nos tecidos adjacentes. Achados semelhantes foram observados nos nódulos linfáticos mamários e mesentéricos, no útero, no baço e no miocárdio, que caracterizaram o melanoma metastático. A ultrassonografia desempenhou um papel fundamental para estipular o diagnóstico de um melanoma metastático e ajudou a estabelecer um protocolo de manejo clínico adequado.(AU)

Mannose-binding lectin 2 (Mbl2) gene polymorphisms are related to protein plasma levels, but not to heart disease and infection by Chlamydia.

The presence of the single nucleotide polymorphisms in exon 1 of the mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) gene was evaluated in a sample of 159 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (71 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery and 300 control subjects) to investigate a possible association between polymorphisms and heart disease with Chlamydia infection. The identification of the alleles B and D was performed using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and of the allele C was accomplished through PCR assays followed by digestion with the restriction enzyme. The comparative analysis of allelic and genotypic frequencies between the three groups did not reveal any significant difference, even when related to previous Chlamydia infection. Variations in the MBL plasma levels were influenced by the presence of polymorphisms, being significantly higher in the group of cardiac patients, but without representing a risk for the disease. The results showed that despite MBL2 gene polymorphisms being associated with the protein plasma levels, the polymorphisms were not enough to predict the development of heart disease, regardless of infection with both species of Chlamydia.

Mannose-binding lectin 2 (Mbl2) gene polymorphisms are related to protein plasma levels, but not to heart disease and infection by Chlamydia

The presence of the single nucleotide polymorphisms in exon 1 of the mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) gene was evaluated in a sample of 159 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (71 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery and 300 control subjects) to investigate a possible association between polymorphisms and heart disease with Chlamydia infection. The identification of the alleles B and D was performed using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and of the allele C was accomplished through PCR assays followed by digestion with the restriction enzyme. The comparative analysis of allelic and genotypic frequencies between the three groups did not reveal any significant difference, even when related to previous Chlamydia infection. Variations in the MBL plasma levels were influenced by the presence of polymorphisms, being significantly higher in the group of cardiac patients, but without representing a risk for the disease. The results showed that despite MBL2 gene polymorphisms being associated with the protein plasma levels, the polymorphisms were not enough to predict the development of heart disease, regardless of infection with both species of Chlamydia.

Coenzyme Q10 and α-Tocopherol Prevent the Lipid Peroxidation of Cooled Equine Semen.

Biotechnology applied for equine semen increases the levels of reactive oxygen species and reduces the natural antioxidant defence, by both dilution and removal of seminal plasma. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of adding coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and α-tocopherol (α-TOH) to the cooling extender, singly or in combination, on sperm parameters, and their effectiveness in preventing lipid peroxidation (LPO) of equine semen during cooling at 5°C for 72 h. Ten adult stallions of proven fertility were used, using two ejaculates each, subjecting them to the treatments with the following concentrations: α-TOH: 2 mm; CoQ10: 40 µg/ml; and CoQ10 + α-TOH: 40 µg/ml + 2 mm for control (C) without the addition of antioxidants and for vehicle control (EtOH) with 100 µl ethanol. The CoQ10 group had a higher percentage of total motility (69.1 ± 16.2%) compared to control (62.1 ± 16.2%) and EtOH (58.1 ± 18.6%). CoQ10 + α-TOH and α-TOH groups were most effective in preventing LPO compared to controls (1765.9 ± 695.9, 1890.8 ± 749.5, 2506.2 ± 769.4 ng malondialdehyde/10(8) sptz, respectively). In conclusion, CoQ10 and α-TOH were effective during the cooling process of equine semen at 5°C for 72 h, providing increased levels of total motility, as well as lower LPO.

Indução e sincronização de estro em ovelhas: desafios e potencial / Estrous induction and synchronization in ewes: challenge and potential

O conhecimento da dinâmica endócrina do ciclo estral permitiu o desenvolvimento de protocolos hormonais, isolados ou associados às técnicas de manejo, para controlar a apresentação do estro e da ovulação. Os protocolos convencionais envolvem dispositivos intravaginais impregnados com progesterona ou progestágenos e prostaglandinas ou seus análogos, em conjunto com gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG), visando à produção de folículos saudáveis em um ambiente de baixas concentrações de gonadotrofinas e estrógenos ou luteólise com uma subsequente fase folicular culminando em ovulação. Na indução ou sincronização do momento da ovulação, com os mesmos regimes aplicados em bovinos, são usadas gonadotrofinas (eCG; gonadotrofina coriônica humana; hCG; hormônio folículo estimulante; FSH), GnRH (fator liberador de gonadotrofinas) ou estrógenos. Contudo, mais estudos são necessários para a produção de ovinos em larga escala, do tipo “verde, ético e limpo”, a ativação da reprodução por meio de métodos nutricionais, de manejo ou do uso de menos hormônios exógenos. Esta revisão aborda os métodos que vêm sendo utilizados para sincronização de estro em ovelhas, bem como as alternativas que existem à hormonioterapia.

The knowledge of estrous cycle endocrine dynamics allowed the development of hormonal protocols, isolated or associated with management techniques to control the onset of estrous and ovulation. Conventional protocols involve intravaginal devices impregnated with progestagens or progestin and prostaglandins or their analogues, in conjunction with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG), yielding healthy follicles in environment of low concentrations of gonadotrophins and oestrogens or a luteolisis with a subsequent follicular phase culminating in ovulation. Synchronization of time or induction of ovulation using the same regimens as applied in cattle, using various gonadotrophins (equine chorionic gonadotrophin - eCG; human chorionic gonadotrophin – hCG; stimulate follicle hormone - FSH), GnRH (gonadotrophin releasing factor)or oestrogens. However, more studies are needed for ovine industry on a large scale, such as “green, clean and ethical”, enabling playback through nutritional methods, management or use of exogenous hormones less that it should becomes object of investigation. This review covers the methods that have been used for estrous synchronization in ewes, as well as the alternatives that exist to hormonetherapy.

Indução e sincronização de estro em ovelhas: desafios e potencial / Estrous induction and synchronization in ewes: challenge and potential

O conhecimento da dinâmica endócrina do ciclo estral permitiu o desenvolvimento de protocolos hormonais, isolados ou associados às técnicas de manejo, para controlar a apresentação do estro e da ovulação. Os protocolos convencionais envolvem dispositivos intravaginais impregnados com progesterona ou progestágenos e prostaglandinas ou seus análogos, em conjunto com gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG), visando à produção de folículos saudáveis em um ambiente de baixas concentrações de gonadotrofinas e estrógenos ou luteólise com uma subsequente fase folicular culminando em ovulação. Na indução ou sincronização do momento da ovulação, com os mesmos regimes aplicados em bovinos, são usadas gonadotrofinas (eCG; gonadotrofina coriônica humana; hCG; hormônio folículo estimulante; FSH), GnRH (fator liberador de gonadotrofinas) ou estrógenos. Contudo, mais estudos são necessários para a produção de ovinos em larga escala, do tipo “verde, ético e limpo”, a ativação da reprodução por meio de métodos nutricionais, de manejo ou do uso de menos hormônios exógenos. Esta revisão aborda os métodos que vêm sendo utilizados para sincronização de estro em ovelhas, bem como as alternativas que existem à hormonioterapia.(AU)

The knowledge of estrous cycle endocrine dynamics allowed the development of hormonal protocols, isolated or associated with management techniques to control the onset of estrous and ovulation. Conventional protocols involve intravaginal devices impregnated with progestagens or progestin and prostaglandins or their analogues, in conjunction with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG), yielding healthy follicles in environment of low concentrations of gonadotrophins and oestrogens or a luteolisis with a subsequent follicular phase culminating in ovulation. Synchronization of time or induction of ovulation using the same regimens as applied in cattle, using various gonadotrophins (equine chorionic gonadotrophin - eCG; human chorionic gonadotrophin hCG; stimulate follicle hormone - FSH), GnRH (gonadotrophin releasing factor)or oestrogens. However, more studies are needed for ovine industry on a large scale, such as “green, clean and ethical”, enabling playback through nutritional methods, management or use of exogenous hormones less that it should becomes object of investigation. This review covers the methods that have been used for estrous synchronization in ewes, as well as the alternatives that exist to hormonetherapy.(AU)

Diagnostic assessment to estimate and minimize neutron dose rates received by occupationally exposed individuals at cyclotron facilities.

Since 2003, radiopharmaceuticals for medical diagnostic purposes have been produced at the Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear, in Brazil, using two cyclotron accelerators - CV-28 and RDS111. As a result of the ever increasing production, a diagnostic assessment to reduce neutron dose rates received by occupationally exposed individuals during irradiation processes has been developed. The purpose of this work is to present this assessment, which is currently being applied to both the Fluorine and Iodine targets of CV-28 and RDS111 cyclotron accelerators.

Effects of flunixin meglumine on reproductive parameters in beef cattle

Flunixin meglumine (FM) has been used as an attempt to inhibit luteolysis in ruminants. The effects of FM on seric concentration of progesterone, pregnancy rate and ovarian status of cows were assessed in this study. Fifty-seven cows were divided into Control Group (CG; n = 30) and Treated Group (TG; n = 27) on an estrus synchronization program involving intramuscular(IM) estradiol benzoate (EB) and intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert. After seven days the intravaginal insert was removed, prostaglandin-F2alpha (PGF2α) IM was given, and then EB was administered 24 h later. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was conducted 30 h after EB administration. Animals from the TG received 1.1 mg/kg of FM IM daily between the days 11 and 16 of the estrous cycle (day 0 = FTAI), whereas the animals from the CG received physiological solution. Blood from all animals wascollected on days 0, 6, 9, 11 through 18, and 21. Thirty animals from the Nellore breed were selected for the measurement of serum concentrations of progesterone by radioimmunoassay. Animals which returned to estrus were inseminated again (artificial insemination; AI) and allocated back to their groups. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted by transrectal ultrasound in either FTAI or AI cows after30 days. The ovarian condition of the nin-pregnant animals was reevalunted 4 days later. Progesterone concentration among the animals from the experimental groups was similar until the day 18 of the estrous cycle (P > 0.05). On day 21, pregnant animals presented higher progesterone concentrations (P 0.05). However, non-pregnant animals from the TG presented higher (P > 0.05) follicular persistence than that observed for the animals in the CG, 78.6% (11/14) vs. 33.3% (5/15), respectively (P = 0.025). Results indicate that FM administered during the luteolysis period of beef cattle does not influence progesterone concentration and pregnancy rate, although it influences the occurrence of follicular persistence.

Effects of flunixin meglumine on reproductive parameters in beef cattle

Flunixin meglumine (FM) has been used as an attempt to inhibit luteolysis in ruminants. The effects of FM on seric concentration of progesterone, pregnancy rate and ovarian status of cows were assessed in this study. Fifty-seven cows were divided into Control Group (CG; n = 30) and Treated Group (TG; n = 27) on an estrus synchronization program involving intramuscular(IM) estradiol benzoate (EB) and intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert. After seven days the intravaginal insert was removed, prostaglandin-F2alpha (PGF2α) IM was given, and then EB was administered 24 h later. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was conducted 30 h after EB administration. Animals from the TG received 1.1 mg/kg of FM IM daily between the days 11 and 16 of the estrous cycle (day 0 = FTAI), whereas the animals from the CG received physiological solution. Blood from all animals wascollected on days 0, 6, 9, 11 through 18, and 21. Thirty animals from the Nellore breed were selected for the measurement of serum concentrations of progesterone by radioimmunoassay. Animals which returned to estrus were inseminated again (artificial insemination; AI) and allocated back to their groups. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted by transrectal ultrasound in either FTAI or AI cows after30 days. The ovarian condition of the nin-pregnant animals was reevalunted 4 days later. Progesterone concentration among the animals from the experimental groups was similar until the day 18 of the estrous cycle (P > 0.05). On day 21, pregnant animals presented higher progesterone concentrations (P < 0.05) than non-pregnant animals from the TG and TN Pregnancy rate was similar among the groups (P > 0.05). However, non-pregnant animals from the TG presented higher (P > 0.05) follicular persistence than that observed for the animals in the CG, 78.6% (11/14) vs. 33.3% (5/15), respectively (P = 0.025). Results indicate that FM administered during the luteolysis period of beef cattle does not influence progesterone concentration and pregnancy rate, although it influences the occurrence of follicular persistence.(AU)

Efeitos da progesterona exógena sobre o desenvolvimento folicular em ovelhas / Effects of exogen progesterone on follicular development in sheep

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da progesterona (P4) sobre o crescimento folicular e na endocrinologia reprodutiva em ovelhas Bergamácia. Quatorze ovelhas sincronizadas com prostaglandinas (PGF2alfa ) foram distribuídas em dois grupos (n=7/grupo): grupo-controle e grupo tratado com progesterona (CIDR) depois da ovulação (dia zero). Desde o dia anterior à aplicação de PG até o dia 10, realizaram-se monitoramentos ultra-sonográficos para estabelecer o crescimento folicular. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas para a determinação de P4 desde o dia anterior à aplicação de PG até o dia 10 depois da ovulação. Para o perfil dos pulsos de hormônio luteinizante (LH), as colheitas de sangue ocorreram em intervalos de 30 minutos por um período de oito horas, nos dias um e seis. As taxas de crescimento diferiram (P<0,001) entre os grupos, 0,91±0,15 e 0,70±0,16mm/dia para os grupos controle e tratado, respectivamente. Os dias do platô dos animais controle e tratados foram de 1,9±0,72 e 2,9±0,45 (P<0,05), respectivamente. As concentrações médias de progesterona (P<0,001) foram diferentes entre os tratamentos. A freqüência dos pulsos diferiu no primeiro dia do ciclo (P<0,01), com valores de 2,55±0,09 pulsos/8 horas no grupo-controle e de 1,49±0,11 pulsos/8 horas no grupo tratado. No sexto dia, o grupo-controle 2,20±0,09 pulsos/8 horas apresentou maior número de pulsos (P<0,05) que o grupo tratado, 1,22±0,11 pulsos/8 horas. Os efeitos inibitórios da progesterona exógena no diâmetro do folículo dominante foram mediados pela redução na freqüência dos pulsos de LH.(AU)

The effects of progesterone (P4) on ovarian follicular growth and reproductive endocrinology were studied. Fourteen ewes, synchronized using prostaglandin (PGF2alpha ), were randomly divided in two groups (n=7/group); control group and progesterone-treated group (CIDR) after ovulation (day zero). From one day before PG injection until day 10, daily ultrasonic examinations were done to establish follicular growth. Blood samples for P4 plasma concentration determinations were collected from one day before PG until day 10 post-ovulation. For profile of LH pulses, blood samples were collected at 30-min intervals for a period of 8h on days one and six. The growth rate was different between groups (P<0.001), being 0.91±0.15 and 0.70±0.16mm/d for control and treated-group, respectively. The lengthened of the static phase for control and treated group were 1.9±0.72 and 2.9±0.45d (P<0.05), respectively. Mean concentrations of P4 (P<0.001) were different between treatments. Differences in LH pulse frequency on day one (P<0.01) were observed with values of 2.55±0.09 pulses/8 h in control group and 1.49±0.11 pulses/8h in treated-group. On day six, control group showed higher values for LH pulse frequency (2.20±0.09 pulses/8h) than treated-group (P<0.05), (1.22±0.11 pulses/8h). In conclusion, the inhibitory effects of exogen P4 on the diameter of dominant follicle was mediated by reduced LH pulse frequency.(AU)

Efeitos da progesterona exógena sobre o desenvolvimento folicular em ovelhas / Effects of exogen progesterone on follicular development in sheep

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da progesterona (P4) sobre o crescimento folicular e na endocrinologia reprodutiva em ovelhas Bergamácia. Quatorze ovelhas sincronizadas com prostaglandinas (PGF2alfa ) foram distribuídas em dois grupos (n=7/grupo): grupo-controle e grupo tratado com progesterona (CIDR) depois da ovulação (dia zero). Desde o dia anterior à aplicação de PG até o dia 10, realizaram-se monitoramentos ultra-sonográficos para estabelecer o crescimento folicular. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas para a determinação de P4 desde o dia anterior à aplicação de PG até o dia 10 depois da ovulação. Para o perfil dos pulsos de hormônio luteinizante (LH), as colheitas de sangue ocorreram em intervalos de 30 minutos por um período de oito horas, nos dias um e seis. As taxas de crescimento diferiram (P<0,001) entre os grupos, 0,91±0,15 e 0,70±0,16mm/dia para os grupos controle e tratado, respectivamente. Os dias do platô dos animais controle e tratados foram de 1,9±0,72 e 2,9±0,45 (P<0,05), respectivamente. As concentrações médias de progesterona (P<0,001) foram diferentes entre os tratamentos. A freqüência dos pulsos diferiu no primeiro dia do ciclo (P<0,01), com valores de 2,55±0,09 pulsos/8 horas no grupo-controle e de 1,49±0,11 pulsos/8 horas no grupo tratado. No sexto dia, o grupo-controle 2,20±0,09 pulsos/8 horas apresentou maior número de pulsos (P<0,05) que o grupo tratado, 1,22±0,11 pulsos/8 horas. Os efeitos inibitórios da progesterona exógena no diâmetro do folículo dominante foram mediados pela redução na freqüência dos pulsos de LH.

The effects of progesterone (P4) on ovarian follicular growth and reproductive endocrinology were studied. Fourteen ewes, synchronized using prostaglandin (PGF2alpha ), were randomly divided in two groups (n=7/group); control group and progesterone-treated group (CIDR) after ovulation (day zero). From one day before PG injection until day 10, daily ultrasonic examinations were done to establish follicular growth. Blood samples for P4 plasma concentration determinations were collected from one day before PG until day 10 post-ovulation. For profile of LH pulses, blood samples were collected at 30-min intervals for a period of 8h on days one and six. The growth rate was different between groups (P<0.001), being 0.91±0.15 and 0.70±0.16mm/d for control and treated-group, respectively. The lengthened of the static phase for control and treated group were 1.9±0.72 and 2.9±0.45d (P<0.05), respectively. Mean concentrations of P4 (P<0.001) were different between treatments. Differences in LH pulse frequency on day one (P<0.01) were observed with values of 2.55±0.09 pulses/8 h in control group and 1.49±0.11 pulses/8h in treated-group. On day six, control group showed higher values for LH pulse frequency (2.20±0.09 pulses/8h) than treated-group (P<0.05), (1.22±0.11 pulses/8h). In conclusion, the inhibitory effects of exogen P4 on the diameter of dominant follicle was mediated by reduced LH pulse frequency.

Determinação dos ritmos circadianos e circanuais nas concentrações plasmáticas de testosterona e androstenediona em machos ovinos / Circadian and circannual rhythms determination in testosterone and androstenedione plasma concentrations in ovine males / Determinación de los ritmos circadianos y circanuales en las consentraciones plasmáticas de testotesrona y androstenediona en machos ovinos

Estudou-se a estacionalidade reprodutiva de machos ovinos no Estado de São Paulo para estabelecer os ritmos endócrinos circadianos e circanuais, de cinco carneiros Ideal-Polwarth. O sangue foi colhido por venopunção jugular, em um período de 24 horas, sendo as colheitas realizadas de duas em duas horas, a cada dois meses (seis momentos de colheita em um ano), para a obtenção do plasma e avaliação dos níveis de testosterona e androstenediona por radioimunoensaio. As concentrações plasmáticas de androstenediona e testosterona não permitiram a definição de um ritmo circadiano em suas respectivas secreções, porém, demonstraram ritmos circanuais, com níveis mais baixos de junho a outubro e mais elevados de dezembro a abril.

The reproductive seasonality of ovine males in Sao Paulo State was studied to establish the circadian and circannual endocrine rhythms of 5 Ideal-Polwarth rams. Blood was collected by puncturing the jugular vein for 24 hours with 2-hour intervals every 2 months (6 collections throughout the year) in order to obtain plasma and evaluate testosterone and the androstenedione levels by radioimmunoassay. The Testosterone and androstenedione plasma concentrations did not demonstrate a circadian rhythm in their respective secretions; however, they showed lower levels of circannual rhythms from June to October and higher from December to April.

Se estudió la estacionalidad reproductiva en machos ovinos en el Estado de São Paulo para determinar los ritmos endocrinos circadianos y circanuales, de cinco moruecos Ideal-Polwarth. La sangre se recogió por venopunción yugular, en un período de 24 horas, con las colectas de dos en dos horas, a cada dos meses (seis colectas en un año), para la obtención del plasma y evaluación de los niveles de la testosterona y androstenediona por el radioimunoensayo. Las concentraciones de la testosterona y androstenediona no permitieron la definición de un ritmo circadiano en sus secreciones, pero demostraron ritmos circanuales, con niveles más bajos de junio hasta octubre y más elevados de diciembre hasta abril.

Determinação dos ritmos circadianos e circanuais nas concentrações plasmáticas de testosterona e androstenediona em machos ovinos / Circadian and circannual rhythms determination in testosterone and androstenedione plasma concentrations in ovine males / Determinación de los ritmos circadianos y circanuales en las concentraciones plasmáticas de testosterona y androstenediona en machos ovinos

Estudou-se a estacionalidade reprodutiva de machos ovinos no Estado de São Paulo para estabelecer os ritmos endócrinos circadianos e circanuais, de cinco carneiros Ideal-Polwarth. O sangue foi colhido por venopunção jugular, em um período de 24 horas, sendo as colheitas realizadas de duas em duas horas, a cada dois meses (seis momentos de colheita em um ano), para a obtenção do plasma e avaliação dos níveis de testosterona e androstenediona por radioimunoensaio. As concentrações plasmáticas de androstenediona e testosterona não permitiram a definição de um ritmo circadiano em suas respectivas secreções, porém, demonstraram ritmos circanuais, com níveis mais baixos de junho a outubro e mais elevados de dezembro a abril.(AU)

The reproductive seasonality of ovine males in Sao Paulo State was studied to establish the circadian and circannual endocrine rhythms of 5 Ideal-Polwarth rams. Blood was collected by puncturing the jugular vein for 24 hours with 2-hour intervals every 2 months (6 collections throughout the year) in order to obtain plasma and evaluate testosterone and the androstenedione levels by radioimmunoassay. The Testosterone and androstenedione plasma concentrations did not demonstrate a circadian rhythm in their respective secretions; however, they showed lower levels of circannual rhythms from June to October and higher from December to April.(AU)

Se estudió la estacionalidad reproductiva en machos ovinos en el Estado de São Paulo para determinar los ritmos endocrinos circadianos y circanuales, de cinco moruecos Ideal-Polwarth. La sangre se recogió por venopunción yugular, en un período de 24 horas, con las colectas de dos en dos horas, a cada dos meses (seis colectas en un año), para la obtención del plasma y evaluación de los niveles de la testosterona y androstenediona por el radioimunoensayo. Las concentraciones de la testosterona y androstenediona no permitieron la definición de un ritmo circadiano en sus secreciones, pero demostraron ritmos circanuales, con niveles más bajos de junio hasta octubre y más elevados de diciembre hasta abril.(AU)

Seroprevalence of bovine leptospirosis in Garanhuns Municipal District, Pernambuco State, Brazil.

The prevalence of Leptospira interrogans serovars in dairy cattle was determined by analyzing 464 serum samples from cows on 15 properties in Garanhuns municipal district, Pernambuco State, Brazil. A microscopic seroagglutination test including 12 serovars of Leptospira interrogans as antigens was used. Samples with titres 100 were considered positive. Two hundred and twenty-one (47.63%) of the samples were positive to one or more serovars. The prevalence of the serovars was hardjo (21.98%), bratislava (15.73%), castellonis (11.64%), tarassovi (10.56%), pyrogenes (1.72%), icterohaemorrhagiae (1.08%), pomona (0.86%), wolffi (0.86%), grippotyphosa (0.86%), djasiman (0.43%), canicola (0.21 %), and copenhageni (0.21%).

[Recreational activities for parents of risk babies: experience at the Clinics Hospital of Ribeirao Preto]. / Lazer para pais de bebês de risco: a experiência junto ao Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto.

The nursing team at the University of São Paulo Hospital has implemented actions directed to parents, such as support groups, training for hospital discharge and their involvement in the progressive care to their children. Aiming at expanding such care, the authors have implemented a support program involving ludic and recreational activities with the parents of hospitalized preterm babies under risk. The account of this experience is the object of this work. The interventions were performed by a group of nursing students who gather with the parents weekly for a period of two hours and develop group-dynamics techniques; leisure activities; creativity workshops involving manual work and discussions on themes concerning personal and environmental hygiene. Through these new care strategies directed to parents, the authors expect to contribute to the process of construction of more integral and humanized care in the area of neonatology by focusing on the family.

[Measuring cyclosporine levels in whole blood in kidney transplantation]. / Monitoramento dos níveis de ciclosporina em sangue total em transplantes renais.

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporin A is a potent immunosuppressive drug effective in combatting rejection following organ transplantation. In na effort to replace a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for whole blood determination of cyclosporine (Cya) we compared RIA with fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIAm). METHOD: 65 blood samples were analysed from kidney transplanted patients. The samples were collected into tubes containing EDTA as anticoagulant and analysed by RIA and FPIAm. RESULTS: The statistical analysis revealed a difference between both methods (p < 0.05). The linear-regression comparison of Cya concentration measured by RIA and FPIAm showed the following relationship: Cya(FPIAm) = 1.06 x Cya(RIA) + 5.8 (r = 0.9817). CONCLUSION: We conclude that FPIAm provides na alternative method for measuring cyclosporine in whole blood with the added advantages of being reasonably rapid, precise and easy to perform.

Monitoramento dos níveis de ciclosporina em sangue total en transplantes renais / Measuring cyclosporine in whole blood in kidney transplantation176-8

Introduçao e Objetivos. Ciclosporina A é uma droga imunossupressora potente e efetiva no combate à rejeiçao de órgaos transplantados. No presente estudo, os autores avaliaram o emprego de um imunoensaio monoclonal com fluorescência polarizada (FPIAm), como um método alternativo ao radioimunoensaio (RIA) para determinaçao dos níveis de ciclosporina em sangue total. Material e Métodos. Amostras de sangue de 65 pacientes submetidos a transplante renal foram colhidas em frascos com EDTA 12 horas após a última dose de ciclosporina, via oral. Os níveis de cilcosporina foram avaliados por meio de radioimunoensaio com anticorpo monoclonal e imunoensaio monoclonal com fluorescência polarizada. Resultados e Conclusao. A análise estatística revelou um coeficiente de correlaçao entre os métodos de r = 0,9817 e o teste t de Student pareado mostrou haver diferença estatisticamente significante entre eles (p<0,05). A análise da regressao revelou que os métodos poderiam ser comparáveis por meio da equaçao Cya(FPIAm) = 1,06xCya(RIA) + 5,8, mostrando que FPIAm é um excelente método alternativo ao RIA, com as vantagens de ser rápido, de fácil execuçao, reprodutível e com resultados comparavéis aos obtidos por RIA.