Comparação dos parâmetros bioquímicos entre gestação única e gemelar de ovelhas da raça Dorper durante gestação, parto e pós-parto / Comparison of biochemical parameters between single and twin pregnancies of Dorper breed ewes during gestation, lambing and postpartum

Nas ovelhas, a demanda de nutrientes aumenta durante a gestação, especialmente nas últimas seis semanas, quando ocorre maior desenvolvimento do feto. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estudar o perfil bioquímico de ovelhas durante a gestação e no periparto imediato, comparando-se gestação única com gemelar. Foram utilizadas 60 ovelhas, Dorper, divididas em dois grupos experimentais com base no diagnóstico de gestação ultrassonográfico: grupo 1: 30 ovelhas com feto único; grupo 2: 30 ovelhas com gestação gemelar. Em nove momentos de coleta, foram mensurados no soro sanguíneo: ureia, creatinina, proteína total (PT), albumina, globulina, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), gamaglutamiltransferase, fosfatase alcalina, colesterol e triglicérides. O peso vivo das ovelhas do G2 foi maior que do G1 em todos os momentos, inclusive quando estavam vazias. Houve diferença entre as ovelhas do G1 e do G2 nos valores de PT, albumina, AST e triglicérides. A partir de 120 dias de gestação, o perfil proteico se modificou, com menores níveis de ureia, PT, albumina e globulina, mostrando que a demanda metabólica se intensificou no último mês da gestação. Os níveis de colesterol e triglicérides diminuíram de 140 dias de gestação para o parto. Este trabalho mostrou que a gestação proporcionou mudanças significativas no metabolismo da ovelha, principalmente no terço final da gestação, quando há maior necessidade de acompanhamento para evitar a incidência de doenças metabólicas.(AU)

In sheep, nutrient demand increases during gestation, particularly in the last six weeks, when the fetuses develop. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the biochemical profile of ewes during pregnancy and in the immediate peripartum comparing single with twin pregnancies. Sixty ewes of Dorper breed were divided into two groups by pregnancy ultrasonographic diagnosis: 1 - 30 ewes with single fetus gestation; 2 - 30 ewes with twin pregnancy. In nine collection moments the following parameters were measured: urea, creatinine, total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and triglycerides. The weight of G2 sheep was higher than G1 since they were empty. There were differences in G1 and G2 sheep metabolism in TP, Albumin, AST and Triglycerides. From 120 days of pregnancy, the protein profile changed, with lower levels of urea, TP, albumin and globulin, showing that the metabolic demand intensified in the last month of pregnancy. The levels of cholesterol and triglycerides decreased from 140 days of pregnancy to lambing day. This study showed that gestation provided significant changes in the ewe's metabolism, especially in the final third of gestation, when there is a greater need to follow the animals to avoid the incidence of metabolic diseases.(AU)

Insecticide toxicity to the borer Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): developmental and egg-laying effects.

Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is one of the major pests of solanaceous plants in South America. It is considered a great threat by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization due to the serious economic damage that it causes on tomato farms; therefore, controlling this pest is a challenging task in South America. Controlling N. elegantalis at the egg stage is the best way to prevent it from damaging crops; however, thorough studies about the effectiveness of chemicals on the different life stages of this insect pest are lacking. In this study, the effects of different chemical classes were evaluated on N. elegantalis adults, female oviposition behavior, larvae, eggs, and embryonic development. None of the tested insecticides demonstrated toxicity to the adults; however, the results showed that cartap hydrochloride affects oviposition behavior. Moreover, methomyl and cartap hydrochloride exhibited high toxicity against the eggs and larvae, with higher than 80% of mortality. These insecticides interrupted larval hatching and caused alterations in the chorion layer. Flubendiamide and deltamethrin demonstrated toxicity on N. elegantalis larvae; however, lufenuron, indoxacarb, methoxyfenozide, and chlorantraniliprole demonstrated low toxicity on both eggs and larvae, with lower than 70% of mortality. Fruit treated with cartap hydrochloride had a deterrent effect. The ovicidal activity revealed by methomyl and cartap hydrochloride might provide new approaches regarding insecticide effects on eggs. Methomyl, cartap hydrochloride, flubendiamide, and deltamethrin demonstrated toxicity on larvae. The evaluation of the chorion of the eggshell in this study has clarified the toxic effect of methomyl and cartap hydrochloride on eggs.

Comparison of The Endoparasite Fauna of Hoplias Malabaricus and Hoplerythrinus Unitaeniatus (Erythrinidae), Sympatric Hosts in the Eastern Amazon Region (Brazil).

Hoplias malabaricus and Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus are Erythrinidae family widely distributed in the Amazon River system of great value to both commercial and subsistence fishing for riverine populations. As such, the objective of the present study was to investigate the endoparasite communities of H. malabaricus and H. unitaeniatus of a tributary of the Amazon River in the north of Brazil. The endoparasite communities of H. unitaeniatus and H. malabaricus were taxonomically similar (85%) and consisted of Clinostomum marginatum, Contracaecum sp., Guyanema seriei seriei, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Pseudoproleptus sp. and Gorytocephalus spectabilis, although the dominant endoparasite was C. marginatum, which was the most prevalent and abundant. All the specimens of both H. malabaricus and H. unitaeniatus were parasitized, with a total of 1237 helminths collected in the former host and 1151 helminths collected in the latter. Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus possessed greater parasite species richness. Both hosts had an aggregate dispersion of parasites, and the abundance of C. marginatum, Contracaecum sp. and G. spectabilis correlated positively with the weight and length of the hosts. The condition factor was not affected by parasitism, but the abundance of C. marginatum and Contracaecum sp. increased when the condition factor of the hosts decreased. This is the first report of G. seriei seriei for H. malabaricus and Pseudoproleptus sp. for H. unitaeniatus.

Wax Removal and Diamondback Moth Performance in Collards Cultivars.

The diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is an herbivorous specialist on Brassicaceae species. Brassicas spp. plants developed a range of defenses (chemical, physical, and morphological) to prevent herbivores attack. In this study, we reported the antixenotic and antibiotic effects of outermost layer of two species of epicuticular wax of Brassicaceae, Brassica oleracea L. var. "Santo Antônio," and Hybrid Kope F1 100MX, on larvae and adult of P. xylostella. In the choice experiment, P. xylostella adults showed an oviposition preference for collard cultivars Santo Antônio (control) and Hybrid Kope F1 100MX with wax removal. In the no-choice experiment, oviposition was 6.4 times higher in the Hybrid Kope F1 100MX with wax removal than without wax removal. There were significant differences among larvae feeding on leaf disks of Hybrid Kope F1 100MX in the treatments with (65.3 mg) and without wax removal (23.5 mg). The net reproduction rate (R 0 ), and intrinsic (rm) and finite rates of increase (λ) of P. xylostella in the cv. Santo Antônio were bigger in the treatment without wax removal (R 0  = 50.4, rm = 0.23 and λ = 1.26) than treatment with wax removal (R 0  = 28.5, rm = 0.20 and λ = 1.22). However, only the R 0 value was affected by mechanical wax removal in the Hybrid Kope F1 100MX (with wax removal R 0  = 43.3 and without wax removal R 0  = 30.8). In conclusion, the results indicate that collard's wax is important to accessibility and development of P. xylostella, and its removal changes the resistance of collard's varieties to P. xylostella.

Estudo anatomorfológico, radiográfico e tomográfico de Schistosomus reflexus em ovino da raça Dorper: relato de caso / Anatomorphological, radiographic and tomographic studies of Schistosomus reflexus in Dorper breed sheep: case report

O Schistosomus reflexus (SR) é uma anomalia congênita fatal e rara, primariamente observada em ruminantes, a qual apresenta feto com dorsoflexão da coluna vertebral, exposição das vísceras abdominais e torácicas e escoliose. Foi realizada uma cesariana de ovelha da raça Dorper, em propriedade da região de Botucatu-SP. Pelas características gerais e achados de necropsia, tratava-se de um caso de SR. A radiografia revelou acentuado desvio ventrodorsal do segmento da coluna vertebral toracolombar e deformidades das costelas. Na tomografia computadorizada, observou-se presença da integridade dos ossos e órgãos, exceto ausência de uma vértebra lombar. Não havia dados na literatura de diagnóstico por imagem de SR em ovinos, portanto procedeu-se, de forma inédita, a exames radiográfico e tomográfico do feto.

Schistosomus reflexus (SR) is a rare and fatal congenital anomaly, primarily observed in ruminants, presenting fetus with dorsiflexion of the vertebral column, exposure of thoracic and visceral organs, and scoliosis. A caesarian was performed on a Dorper sheep on a farm in Botucatu-SP and according to the general characteristics and findings observed in the necropsy of the fetus it was an SR case. The radiography indicated a marked ventro-dorsal deviation of the thoracolumbar column segment and deformity of the ribs. On the computed tomography the integrity of the bones and organs were detected, except for the absence of a lumbar vertebra. No data were available in the literature for SR diagnosis in sheep by image, so radiographic and tomographic exams of the fetus were done.

Antimicrobial efficacy of alcohol-based hand gels with a 30-s application.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of alcohol-based hand gels according to European Norm 1500 (EN 1500). METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of 12 alcohol-based hand gels produced in Brazil, containing 70% w/w or v/v ethyl alcohol as the active ingredient, according to EN 1500, with a 30-s application. In addition, 70% w/w ethyl alcohol and three alcohol-based hand rubs commonly used in Europe and effective according to EN 1500 were also tested. Eight of 12 (67%) alcohol-based hand gels produced in Brazil failed by EN 1500. In contrast, 70% w/w ethyl alcohol and European alcohol-based hand rubs were approved by EN 1500. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the majority of Brazilian alcohol-based hand gels showed limited efficacy on hand hygiene within 30 s. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The findings of this study may be used as an important argument to motivate Brazilian manufacturers to improve the antimicrobial efficacy of alcohol-based hand gels, because it is prudent to suppose that alcohol-based hand gels can be recommended for use in healthcare settings only if they show antimicrobial activity at least similar to that of alcohol-based liquid preparations, including the traditional 70% w/w ethyl alcohol.

Lavado traqueobrônquico por via nasotraqueal como metodologia de colheita de células do trato respiratório de ovinos sadios e portadores de afecções pulmonares / Tracheobronchial lavage by nasotracheal via to collect cells of respiratory tract of health and broncopneumonic ovines

Os estudos das secreções traqueobrônquicas são amplamente utilizados nas pesquisas de doenças pulmonares nas diversas espécies animais, inclusive no homem. Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram a viabilização da técnica de colheita de lavado traqueobrônquico na espécie ovina e o estudo da relação clínico-citológica do lavado de ovinos portadores de broncopneumonia e sadios. Foram utilizados 33 ovinos, 18 sadios e 15 portadores de enfermidade respiratória com sinais clínicos de envolvimento das vias aéreas, divididos nos respectivos grupos, GS e GD. Após o exame físico foi realizado o lavado traqueobrônquico por via nasotraqueal. A colheita do lavado foi feita com a inoculação e aspiração de solução fisiológica estéril. As amostras foram processadas citologicamente através de citocentrifugação e coradas pelos métodos Wright-Giemsa e Shorr. Tanto a contagem total de células epiteliais quanto o número de hemácias por mililitro foi maior no grupo de animais com broncopneumonia. Nos animais sadios notou-se predomínio de macrófagos, seguido por células epiteliais cilíndricas, neutrófilos e linfócitos. No grupo de animais doentes havia menor número de macrófagos, e predomínio da população de neutrófilos. Por ser de fácil realização, pouco dispendiosa e pela obtenção representativa de material, a técnica estudada mostrou-se eficaz na obtenção de fluidos traqueobrônquicos e, portanto um bom método de colheita de células para uso nas pesquisas de vias aéreas.

Exams of tracheobronchial secretions are widely used in research of lung diseases in several animal species, including men. The objective of this paper was to investigate feasibility of the technique for harvesting trachea-bronchial lavage in sheep and to verify its clinic-cytological relationship in healthy sheep and others suffering from pneumonia. In this study 33 sheep were used, 18 healthy and 15 sheep with clinical signs of respiratory disease, divided into groups GS and GD. Clinic examination was performed by obtaining tracheobronchial lavage through the nasal route. The crop was washed with the addition and aspiration of sterile saline. The samples were processed by cytospin and staining with Wright-Giemsa and Shorr. The total cell count and the number of red blood cells per milliliter was higher in the group of sheep with bronchopneumonia. In healthy animals predominance of macrophages was noted, followed by the number of epithelial cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes. In the group of sick animals fewer macrophages and predominance of the neutrophil population were noted. Because of its easy performance to obtain representative material, the technique studied was considered effective to obtain tracheobronchial fluid and therefore is a good method to harvest cells for research of the airways.

Aplicação da impedância elétrica na determinação de alterações da pele provocadas por produtos químicos / Application of electrical impedance in determining changes in the skin caused by chemicals

Electrical impedance is one of the methods that have recently been applied to study the response of skin to an irritant stimulus...

[Endocarditis caused by Streptococcus bovis and colorectal neoplasms]. / Endocardite por Streptococcus bovis e neoplasias do cólon e reto.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of Streptococcus bovis endocarditis with large bowel neoplasms. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Twenty episodes (19 patients) of Streptococcus bovis endocarditis (5.05%) selected from 396 episodes of endocarditis followed up from 1978 to 1990. The mean age was 57.68 years, 16 (84.21%) were males. Previous heart disease was not known in nine (45%). Previous manipulation that might induce bacteremia was identified in three patients. Symptoms related to neoplasia of the digestive system were not informed. The mean time of follow up (17 cases) was 33.76 months, standard deviation 27.37 months. Sixteen patients were submitted to colonic evaluation (barium enema in 11, colonoscopy in 5 patients, and both were performed in 5 patients). RESULTS: Bowel neoplasias were diagnosed in 12 (75%) of 16 patients submitted to colonic evaluation, one colonic adenocarcinoma in one (8.33%), patient, histologic benign polyps in eight (66.6%). Two patients are waiting for colonoscopic resection. In one patient the polyp was lost after colonoscopic resection. CONCLUSION: The high incidence of large bowel neoplasia in patients with Streptococcus bovis endocarditis indicates that evaluation of the large bowel must be performed on in patients with S. bovis endocarditis in order to diagnose neoplasias, even in the absence of symptoms of bowel disease.