Prevalence, under-reporting, and epidemiological surveillance of COVID-19 in the Araguaína City of Brazil.

Asymptomatic and underreported individuals remain a source of coronafig disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission to others. Data on the prevalence and epidemiological factors influencing transmission are fundamental for establishing control measures, especially in vulnerable regions such as the Amazon. This study aimed to determine the point prevalence and active infection of COVID-19 among the population in Araguaína, a Brazilian city located in the Amazon region, analyzed the socioeconomic and behavioral variables of a statistically representative sample of this population using an epidemiological survey, and identify the viral genomic diversity in the region. During the sixth epidemiological week of 2021 (February 8 to 12), samples of 497 inhabitants of the municipality asymptomatic for respiratory syndromes underwent reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and serological tests (immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G). A questionnaire collated data on socioeconomic factors, prevention measures, and health status history. The active infection rate was 6.2%, and the prevalence was 13.5% of the study population. Active infection cases were under-reported; each reported positive case represented 14-28 under-reported cases. Lineages P.2, P.1, and B.1.1 were detected. Working from home was a protective factor against the infection, and clinical signs of fever, dry cough, and loss of taste or smell were associated with testing positive (p <0.05). A descriptive analysis of the indicators revealed that the entire population was susceptible to the disease. Intensified vaccination strategies are required regardless of socioeconomic factors, health conditions, and preventive measures. Implementation of objective, comprehensive, and efficient management tools to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in this municipality can serve as a model for other regions of Brazil.

Prevalence of brucellosis in beef cattle in the northern region of Tocantins, Brazil, and implications of anatomopathological changes discovered during post mortem inspection of the carcass / Prevalência de brucelose em rebanhos bovinos de corte da região norte do Tocantins e implicações em alterações anatomopatológicas identificadas durante a inspeção post mortem da carcaça

Brucellosis is a infectious zoonosis with important health and economic impacts, both for animal production and public health. We aimed to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in beef cattle in the microregions of Araguaína and Bico do Papagaio in northern Tocantins and to verify whether there are post-mortem changes suggestive of brucellosis in the carcasses. A total of 2,871 serum samples (2,203 males and 668 females) were collected in the municipality of Araguaína between October and November 2019, from 76 beef cattle herds in 25 municipalities in the north of Tocantins. The screening for buffered acidified plate antigen test (BAPA) and confirmation test for 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) were conducted as recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA). Of the samples, 37.31% were reactive in the BAPA test, and of these, 26.24% were confirmed for 2-ME. Thus, 9.79% (281) of the total evaluated samples tested positive for the presence of brucellosis. The prevalence in males and females was 6.45% (142) and 20.81% (139), respectively. Among the herds evaluated, 77.6% (59) had at least one individual test positive for brucellosis, and at least one herd tested positive in each of the 25 municipalities sampled. As this study evaluated animals in a slaughterhouse, the higher prevalence of positive females may have been related to the disposal of animals with reproductive problems. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of brucellosis in slaughter cattle between the microregions evaluated (p > 0.05). No animals were reagent for brucellosis in ante-mortem documentation, and no anatomopathological changes suggestive of brucellosis were observed during post-mortem inspection. The most frequent post-mortem findings were contamination (43.91%), blood aspiration (17.36%), and pulmonary emphysema (15.98%). Considering the official results of the monitoring programs of the state of Tocantins and previous studies, post-mortem macroscopic inspection of carcasses may not be enough to detect animals with this zoonosis, and it may be necessary to take measures to promote animal and public health.(AU)

A brucelose é uma doença infectocontagiosa tendo impacto sanitário e econômico, tanto na produção animal quanto na saúde pública por ser uma zoonose. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de brucelose em bovinos de corte nas microrregiões de Araguaína e Bico do Papagaio no norte do Tocantins e verificar se havia ocorrência de alterações post mortem sugestivas de brucelose nas carcaças. Foram coletadas 2.871 amostras de soro, 2.203 de machos e 668 de fêmeas, durante a sangria em frigoríficos do município de Araguaína, entre outubro e novembro de 2019. Os animais foram oriundos de 76 rebanhos de corte de 25 municípios do norte do Tocantins. Foi realizada a prova de triagem do Antígeno Acidificado Tamponado (AAT) e a prova confirmatória do 2-mercaptoetanol (2-ME) conforme preconizado pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). Das 2.871 amostras avaliadas, 37,31% foram reativas na prova do AAT, destas 26,24% foram confirmadas no 2-ME, o que representa 9,79% (281) do total avaliado. A prevalência em machos foi de 6,45% (142) e em fêmeas foi de 20,81% (139). Entre os rebanhos avaliados foi observada prevalência de brucelose em 77,6% (59), com pelo menos um rebanho com animais positivos em cada um dos 25 municípios amostrados. Como este estudo avaliou animais em frigorífico, a maior prevalência de fêmeas positivas pode estar relacionada com o descarte de animais com problemas reprodutivos. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre a prevalência de brucelose nos bovinos abatidos entre as microrregiões do estado de Tocantins avaliadas (p > 0,05). Durante o período de coleta de amostras nenhum animal foi notificado como positivo na documentação ante mortem e nenhuma alteração anatomopatológica sugestiva de brucelose foi observada durante a inspeção post mortem das carcaças de animais amostrados no presente estudo. Os achados post mortem mais frequentes foram contaminação (43,91%), aspiração de sangue (17,36%) e enfisema pulmonar (15,98%). Considerando os resultados oficiais dos programas de monitoramento do estado do Tocantins e estudos anteriores, foi possível observar que é preciso aprimorar e intensificar as ações para promoção de sanidade animal e, nesse caso, de saúde pública, uma vez que o processo de inspeção macroscópico post mortem das carcaças pode não ser suficiente para detectar animais com essa zoonose.(AU)

Influence of dry and wet beef maturation on the microbiological quality and safety / Influência da maturação a seco e a vácuo na qualidade e segurança microbiológica da carne

The most used methods for the maturation process are vacuum (wet-aged) and dry (dry-aged), which can influence the microbiological quality and safety of meat for consumption. In this study, we aimed to verify the differences in microbiological quality between beef (Longissimus dorsi) that was wet-aged and dry-aged for 30 days, by quantification of indicator microorganism groups and molecular identification of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli. This study verified that the meat matured by the dry-aged method showed significantly lower counts of total coliforms, aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophs, and molds and yeasts as compared to wet-aged meat. While the Salmonella spp. was not isolated in any beef sample, L. monocytogenes and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), and shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) were isolated only from wet-aged beef. Thus, it was concluded that the superficial dehydration of the meat during dry-aged maturation, if carried out correctly and hygienically, confers higher microbiological quality and can reduce the occurrence of microbiological hazards.

A maturação da carne agrega características sensoriais desejáveis ao consumidor. Os métodos mais utilizados são a vácuo (wet-aged) e à seco (dry-aged), que podem influenciar na qualidade e segurança microbiológica da carne para o consumo. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar as diferenças de qualidade microbiológica entre cortes de contra-filé (Longissimus dorsi) maturados a vácuo e a seco por 30 dias, através da quantificação de grupos de micro-organismos indicadores e identificação molecular de Samonella, Listeria monocytogenes e Escherichia coli diarreiogênica. A carne maturada a seco apresentou contagens significativamente menores de coliformes totais, aeróbios mesófilos, psicrotróficos e bolores e leveduras em relação à carne maturada a vácuo. Salmonella spp. não foi isolada de nenhuma das amostras de carne analisadas. L. monocytogenes e E. coli enteropatogênica (EPEC), E. coli produtora de toxina shiga (STEC) e E. coli enterohemorrágica (EHEC) foram identificadas somente das carnes maturadas a vácuo. A desidratação superficial das peças durante a maturação a seco, desde que realizada de forma correta e higiênica, pode conferir maior qualidade e menor risco microbiológico para o consumo.(AU)

Influence of dry and wet beef maturation on the microbiological quality and safety / Influência da maturação a seco e a vácuo na qualidade e segurança microbiológica da carne

The most used methods for the maturation process are vacuum (wet-aged) and dry (dry-aged), which can influence the microbiological quality and safety of meat for consumption. In this study, we aimed to verify the differences in microbiological quality between beef (Longissimus dorsi) that was wet-aged and dry-aged for 30 days, by quantification of indicator microorganism groups and molecular identification of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli. This study verified that the meat matured by the dry-aged method showed significantly lower counts of total coliforms, aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophs, and molds and yeasts as compared to wet-aged meat. While the Salmonella spp. was not isolated in any beef sample, L. monocytogenes and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), and shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) were isolated only from wet-aged beef. Thus, it was concluded that the superficial dehydration of the meat during dry-aged maturation, if carried out correctly and hygienically, confers higher microbiological quality and can reduce the occurrence of microbiological hazards.

A maturação da carne agrega características sensoriais desejáveis ao consumidor. Os métodos mais utilizados são a vácuo (wet-aged) e à seco (dry-aged), que podem influenciar na qualidade e segurança microbiológica da carne para o consumo. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar as diferenças de qualidade microbiológica entre cortes de contra-filé (Longissimus dorsi) maturados a vácuo e a seco por 30 dias, através da quantificação de grupos de micro-organismos indicadores e identificação molecular de Samonella, Listeria monocytogenes e Escherichia coli diarreiogênica. A carne maturada a seco apresentou contagens significativamente menores de coliformes totais, aeróbios mesófilos, psicrotróficos e bolores e leveduras em relação à carne maturada a vácuo. Salmonella spp. não foi isolada de nenhuma das amostras de carne analisadas. L. monocytogenes e E. coli enteropatogênica (EPEC), E. coli produtora de toxina shiga (STEC) e E. coli enterohemorrágica (EHEC) foram identificadas somente das carnes maturadas a vácuo. A desidratação superficial das peças durante a maturação a seco, desde que realizada de forma correta e higiênica, pode conferir maior qualidade e menor risco microbiológico para o consumo.

Effect of racial crossing on the seminal parameters of rams submitted to heat stress / Efeito do cruzamento racial nos parâmetros seminais de carneiros submetidos ao estresse de calor

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of racial crossing on seminal parameters of eight Santa Inês and crossbred (Santa Inês x Dorper) rams submitted to heat stress, and to monitor the return of these parameters to previously reported. Before to place the insulation bags, two collects of semen through electroejaculation were performed. The insulation pouches were made with double-layer plastic, internally lined with cotton, and fixed around the spermatic funiculus and scrotum with adhesive tape and bandage remaining on the testes of the animals for seven days. The first collect was performed on the day that the pouches were taken (day 0) and thereafter, every seven days, totalizing 15 measurements. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The analyzed variables were subjected to Dunnett test at 5% probability to compare the values obtained before treatment with those obtained in the following days. In this study it was found that the animals restored normal seminal parameter after the insulation effects, however, the return rate differed slightly among the studied breeds. The crossbred animals restored the seminal patterns, on average, a week before Santa Inês. It is concluded that the racial crossing influences the semen parameters of rams submitted to heat stress.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do cruzamento racial sobre parâmetros seminais de oito carneiros Santa Inês e mestiços, submetidos ao estresse térmico e monitorar o retorno desses parâmetros aos relatos anteriormente. Antes de colocar as bolsas de insulação, foram realizadas duas coletas de sêmen por meio de eletroejaculação. As bolsas de insulação foram confeccionadas com plástico de camada dupla, revestidas internamente com algodão, fixadas ao redor do funículo espermático e escroto com fita adesiva e bandagem, permanecendo nos testículos dos animais por sete dias. A primeira coleta foi realizada no dia em que as bolsas foram retiradas (dia 0) e a partir daí, a cada sete dias, totalizando 15 coletas. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA). As variáveis analisadas foram submetidas ao teste de Dunnett a 5% de probabilidade para comparar os valores obtidos antes do tratamento com aqueles obtidos nos dias seguintes. Neste estudo verificou-se que os animais restauraram os parâmetros seminais normais após os efeitos da insulação, porém, a taxa de retorno diferiu ligeiramente entre as raças estudadas. Os animais mestiços restauraram os padrões seminais, em média, uma semana antes da Santa Inês. Conclui-se que o cruzamento racial influencia os parâmetros seminais de carneiros submetidos ao estresse térmico.

Influence of racial crossing on testicular structure and spermatogenesis in sheep Santa Inês and crossbred Santa Inês and Dorper

The study aimed at evaluating the testicular structure and spermatogenesis of Santa Inês and Santa Inês and Dorper crossbred sheep. Sixteen testicles of the animals under study were used, in order to evaluate the volumetric proportion, the diameter of the tubules, the height of seminiferous epithelium, the frequency of stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle and the spermatogenic yield. The data were submitted to Student-Newman-Keulstestat 5% significance. The tubular diameter was 173.12 ± 29.09 μm and 185.71 ± 29.7 μm, and the height of the seminiferous epithelium was 52.29 ± 9.98μm and 56.68 ± 11.25 μ m, for the crossbred and the Santa Inês, respectively. There was no difference between the testicular compartments and the frequency of the stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle between the groups. Santa Inês sheep presented a number of 15.36 ± 4.49 spermatocytes in the pre-leptotene/leptotene stage and 27.42 ± 6.65 spermatocytes in the pachytene, whereas the crossbred presented 13.18 ± 5.19 and 23.48 ± 7.80, respectively. The crossbred showed higher meiotic yield (3.98 ± 1.28) and spermatogenesis yield (3.71 ± 1.02). It is concluded there are differences in testicular morphology and spermatogenesis between Santa Inês sheep and crossbred Dorper/Santa Inês, indicating that the crossbreeding between the Santa Inês and Dorper animals allows a gain in the reproductive potential.

Influence of racial crossing on testicular structure and spermatogenesis in sheep Santa Inês and crossbred Santa Inês and Dorper

The study aimed at evaluating the testicular structure and spermatogenesis of Santa Inês and Santa Inês and Dorper crossbred sheep. Sixteen testicles of the animals under study were used, in order to evaluate the volumetric proportion, the diameter of the tubules, the height of seminiferous epithelium, the frequency of stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle and the spermatogenic yield. The data were submitted to Student-Newman-Keulstestat 5% significance. The tubular diameter was 173.12 ± 29.09 μm and 185.71 ± 29.7 μm, and the height of the seminiferous epithelium was 52.29 ± 9.98μm and 56.68 ± 11.25 μ m, for the crossbred and the Santa Inês, respectively. There was no difference between the testicular compartments and the frequency of the stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle between the groups. Santa Inês sheep presented a number of 15.36 ± 4.49 spermatocytes in the pre-leptotene/leptotene stage and 27.42 ± 6.65 spermatocytes in the pachytene, whereas the crossbred presented 13.18 ± 5.19 and 23.48 ± 7.80, respectively. The crossbred showed higher meiotic yield (3.98 ± 1.28) and spermatogenesis yield (3.71 ± 1.02). It is concluded there are differences in testicular morphology and spermatogenesis between Santa Inês sheep and crossbred Dorper/Santa Inês, indicating that the crossbreeding between the Santa Inês and Dorper animals allows a gain in the reproductive potential.(AU)

Biometria escroto-testicular de carneiros da raça Santa Inês e mestiços (Dorper + Santa Inês) criados sob sistema intensivo / Biometry scrotal-testicular of rams race Santa Inês and mestizos (Dorper + Santa Inês) crated under intensive system

The objective of this study was to evaluate comparatively the scrotum, scrotal circumference of thebreed rams Santa Ines and mestizos (Dorper + Santa Inês) created under intensive system. Used four rams eachrace healthy, aged between 18 and 24 months and scores ranging from 3 to 3.5. There were two collections ofscrotum-testis to determine the characteristics for each group, seven days apart. The data were submitted toanalysis of variance (ANOVA) for a randomized block design. The variables analyzed were submitted to Tukeytest at 5% probability, to compare the scrotum-testicular parameters between the races. Based on the resultsobtained, it is concluded that the scrotum-testicular parameters animal Santa Inês and mestizos (Dorper + SantaInês) created under confinement do not differ significantly (P <0.05).

Contagem celular e rendimento da espermatogênese em ovinos Santa Inês e mestiços Santa Inês e Dorper / Cell count and efficiency of spermatogenesis in ovine Santa Ines and mongrel Santa Inês and Dorper

With the objective to evaluate the efficiency spermatogenesis between sheep breeds, sixteen testicles,eight sheep, four belonging to the race Santa Ines and four of mongrel of Santa Inês and Dorper. After thecastration of animals, we obtained the gonadosomatic index. Generally the average diameter, relative frequencyof the stages in the life cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, yield of spermatogenesis, yield, meioticspermatogenic yield and efficiency of Sertoli cells. There were no significant differences between the races onthe phases of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, number of spermatids rounded, Sertoli cells, mitotic rateand effectiveness of Sertoli cells. However, the animals mongrel were higher as the population ofspermatogonia, primary spermatocytes in paquíteno and in pre-leptóteno/leptóteno, yield and meioticspermatogenic yield line. The study showed that animals mongrel of sheep breeds Santa Inês and Dorperpresented higher reproductive potential when compared with pure lambs of Santa Ines.

Histometria dos túbulos seminíferos em testículos de ovinos Santa Inês e mestiços Santa Inês e Dorper / Histometry of seminiferous tubules in testes of ovine Santa Ines and mongrel Santa Inês and Dorper

The morphometric measurements of the testicles is intended to measure the dimensions of constituenttestis parenchyma quantitatively evaluating spermatogenesis. This study aimed to analyze the spermatogenesisof sheep Santa Ines and crossbred Santa Ines and Dorper watching the racial crossing alter testis function. Weused eight sheep, four Santa Ines and four crossbreed of Santa Ines/Dorper. After castration the animals gavethe Gonadosomatic index. Gauged to volume ratio of testis compartments using a reticle. The constituents of thetubular casing were evaluated: Lamina propria, seminiferous epithelium of the lumen and interstitialcompartment constituents: Leydig cells, blood vessels and connective tissue. Only the tubular diameter andheight of the seminiferous epithelium showed significant differences, being higher for sheep Santa Ines. It wasconcluded that there was little difference in testicular morphometry of animals studied and it was found that theracial cross does not induce significant changes in parameters between groups.

Histometria dos túbulos seminíferos em testículos de ovinos Santa Inês e mestiços Santa Inês e Dorper / Histometry of seminiferous tubules in testes of ovine Santa Ines and mongrel Santa Inês and Dorper

The morphometric measurements of the testicles is intended to measure the dimensions of constituenttestis parenchyma quantitatively evaluating spermatogenesis. This study aimed to analyze the spermatogenesisof sheep Santa Ines and crossbred Santa Ines and Dorper watching the racial crossing alter testis function. Weused eight sheep, four Santa Ines and four crossbreed of Santa Ines/Dorper. After castration the animals gavethe Gonadosomatic index. Gauged to volume ratio of testis compartments using a reticle. The constituents of thetubular casing were evaluated: Lamina propria, seminiferous epithelium of the lumen and interstitialcompartment constituents: Leydig cells, blood vessels and connective tissue. Only the tubular diameter andheight of the seminiferous epithelium showed significant differences, being higher for sheep Santa Ines. It wasconcluded that there was little difference in testicular morphometry of animals studied and it was found that theracial cross does not induce significant changes in parameters between groups. (AU)

Contagem celular e rendimento da espermatogênese em ovinos Santa Inês e mestiços Santa Inês e Dorper / Cell count and efficiency of spermatogenesis in ovine Santa Ines and mongrel Santa Inês and Dorper

With the objective to evaluate the efficiency spermatogenesis between sheep breeds, sixteen testicles,eight sheep, four belonging to the race Santa Ines and four of mongrel of Santa Inês and Dorper. After thecastration of animals, we obtained the gonadosomatic index. Generally the average diameter, relative frequencyof the stages in the life cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, yield of spermatogenesis, yield, meioticspermatogenic yield and efficiency of Sertoli cells. There were no significant differences between the races onthe phases of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, number of spermatids rounded, Sertoli cells, mitotic rateand effectiveness of Sertoli cells. However, the animals mongrel were higher as the population ofspermatogonia, primary spermatocytes in paquíteno and in pre-leptóteno/leptóteno, yield and meioticspermatogenic yield line. The study showed that animals mongrel of sheep breeds Santa Inês and Dorperpresented higher reproductive potential when compared with pure lambs of Santa Ines.(AU)

Biometria escroto-testicular de carneiros da raça Santa Inês e mestiços (Dorper + Santa Inês) criados sob sistema intensivo / Biometry scrotal-testicular of rams race Santa Inês and mestizos (Dorper + Santa Inês) crated under intensive system

The objective of this study was to evaluate comparatively the scrotum, scrotal circumference of thebreed rams Santa Ines and mestizos (Dorper + Santa Inês) created under intensive system. Used four rams eachrace healthy, aged between 18 and 24 months and scores ranging from 3 to 3.5. There were two collections ofscrotum-testis to determine the characteristics for each group, seven days apart. The data were submitted toanalysis of variance (ANOVA) for a randomized block design. The variables analyzed were submitted to Tukeytest at 5% probability, to compare the scrotum-testicular parameters between the races. Based on the resultsobtained, it is concluded that the scrotum-testicular parameters animal Santa Inês and mestizos (Dorper + SantaInês) created under confinement do not differ significantly (P <0.05).(AU)