Caryocar brasiliense peel ethanolic extract has neuroprotective potential and reduces the activation of ERK1/2 in the ischemia and reperfusion brain acute phase in the rat.

Oxidative stress induced by ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury results in cell death by necrosis or apoptosis and triggers the activation of different intracellular pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein activated kinases. Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) peel, residue of a fruit from Brazilian savannah-like vegetation, has phenolic compounds that have been demonstrated to have antioxidant effects in vitro. The present study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of C. brasiliense peel ethanolic extract (CBPE) against transient global I/R injury in the rat brain. Global ischemia for 5, 20, and 45 min followed by 2 h of reperfusion caused a significant time-dependent increase in the number of ischemic neurons (p ≤ 0.05); increased immunoreactivity of cleaved caspase-3 (CASP3); and activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. Pretreatment with CBPE (600 mg/kg, oral) or vitamin E (0.6 mg, oral) for 30 days showed significant protection against acute brain injury induced by 20 and 45 min or 5 min of ischemia, respectively, by reducing the cortical ischemic neuron count (p ≤ 0.05) and p-ERK1/2 immunoreactivity. In addition, active c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) immunoreactivity was reduced in animals not subjected to ischemia. Therefore, we suggest an association between vitamin E and CBPE, which may generate a better neuroprotective response. Interestingly, mainly in the hippocampus and oligodendrocytes, high dose CBPE increase the number of isquemic neurons and of CASP3 immunoreactive cells in animals subjected or not to ischemia, which was not verified in the vitamin E group. Therefore, additional studies are recommended to verify the safety of the continuous use of CBPE.

Intoxicação espontânea por Ricinus communis em ovinos / Spontaneous poisoning by Ricinus communis in sheep

Background: Ricinus communis (castor bean) is an arbustive plant, popularly known in Brazil as “mamona”. This plant is widely distributed both as a weed in pastures and in specific cultures. All parts of the plant are poisonous and contain the toxic substance ricin, especially the seeds, leaves and pericarp. The ingestion of leaves and pericarp may cause neurological signs. Gross findings are unspecific, however the main finding is the presence of leaves and seeds in the ruminal content. This report aims to describe the clinical, epidemiological and pathological features of a spontaneous poisoning by R. communis in two sheep.Cases: During the month of March of 2015, six sheep that were kept in a native pasture with high amounts of capimannoni (Eragrostis plana) and received alfalfa hay, had access in the morning to an area infested by R. communis, which was previously cut. Two of these animals presented in the same day at the afternoon clinical signs of apathy, dyspnea and recumbency, followed by death. The inspection of the area infested by R. communis revealed that large amounts of seeds and leaves of this plant were consumed. The two sheep were submitted to necropsy, where multiple samples were collected and processed routinely for histology. Grossly, there were cyanotic mucosae and alimentary content around the nostrils. The ruminal content was dry and showed large amounts of partially digested leaves and seeds. Microscopically, rumen, reticulum and omasum had mild hydropic degeneration in the mucosa, in addition to a mild inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes and plasma cells.[...](AU)

Intoxicação espontânea por Ricinus communis em ovinos / Spontaneous poisoning by Ricinus communis in sheep

Background: Ricinus communis (castor bean) is an arbustive plant, popularly known in Brazil as “mamona”. This plant is widely distributed both as a weed in pastures and in specific cultures. All parts of the plant are poisonous and contain the toxic substance ricin, especially the seeds, leaves and pericarp. The ingestion of leaves and pericarp may cause neurological signs. Gross findings are unspecific, however the main finding is the presence of leaves and seeds in the ruminal content. This report aims to describe the clinical, epidemiological and pathological features of a spontaneous poisoning by R. communis in two sheep.Cases: During the month of March of 2015, six sheep that were kept in a native pasture with high amounts of capimannoni (Eragrostis plana) and received alfalfa hay, had access in the morning to an area infested by R. communis, which was previously cut. Two of these animals presented in the same day at the afternoon clinical signs of apathy, dyspnea and recumbency, followed by death. The inspection of the area infested by R. communis revealed that large amounts of seeds and leaves of this plant were consumed. The two sheep were submitted to necropsy, where multiple samples were collected and processed routinely for histology. Grossly, there were cyanotic mucosae and alimentary content around the nostrils. The ruminal content was dry and showed large amounts of partially digested leaves and seeds. Microscopically, rumen, reticulum and omasum had mild hydropic degeneration in the mucosa, in addition to a mild inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes and plasma cells.[...]

Identification of bluetongue virus serotypes 1, 4, and 17 co-infections in sheep flocks during outbreaks in Brazil.

Bluetongue (BT) is a vector-borne viral disease caused by the Bluetongue virus (BTV), an Orbivirus from the Reoviridae family, affecting domestic and wild ruminants. BTV circulation in Brazil was first reported in 1978, and several serological surveys indicate that the virus is widespread, although with varied prevalence. In 2014, BT outbreaks affected sheep flocks in Rio Grande do Sul state, causing significant mortality (18.4%; 91/495) in BTV-infected sheep. In total, seven farms were monitored, and one or two sheep from each farm that died due to clinical signs of BT were necropsied. Apathy, pyrexia, anorexia, tachycardia, respiratory, and digestive disorders were noted. Additionally, an abortion was recorded in one of the monitored farms. The main gross lesions observed were pulmonary edema, anterior-ventral pulmonary consolidation, muscular necrosis in the esophagus and in the ventral serratus muscle, and hemorrhagic lesions in the heart. The blood and tissue samples were tested for BTV RNA detection by RT-qPCR targeting the segment 10. Positive samples were used for viral isolation. The isolated BTVs were typed by conventional RT-PCR targeting the segment 2 of the 26 BTV serotypes, followed by sequencing analysis. BTV-1, BTV-4 and BTV-17 were identified in the analyzed samples. Double or triple BTV co-infections with these serotypes were detected. We report the occurrence of BT outbreaks related to BTV-1, BTV-4 and BTV-17 infections and co-infections causing clinical signs in sheep flocks in Southern Brazil, with significant mortality and lethality rates.

Genome Sequence of Bluetongue virus Serotype 17 Isolated in Brazil in 2014.

The complete genome sequence of Bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 17 strain 17/BRA/2014/73, isolated from a sheep in Brazil in 2014, is reported here. All segments clustered with western topotype strains and indicated reassortment events with other BTV from the Americas. The strain 17/BRA/2014/73 represents a novel reference strain for BTV-17 from South America.

Megaesophagus secondary to feline dysautonomia (Key-Gaskell Syndrome) in a cat / Megaesôfago secundário a disautonomia felina (Síndrome de Key-Gaskell) em um gato

Background: Feline dysautonomia is a rare autonomic neuropathy of unknown cause, that has already been reported in Europe, the United States and Brazil. Cats usually show nonspecific clinical signs that are associated with autonomic dysfunction of the nervous system. The diagnosis is based on the clinical signs and imaging tests, and confirmed by necropsy and histopathological findings. The prognosis is poor and there is no definitive treatment. The aim of this report is to describe a case of feline dysautonomia with emphasis in the clinical, diagnostic imaging and histopathological findings. Feline dysautonomia must always be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of megaesophagus in cats.Case: A mixed-breed young male cat was evaluated for anorexia, regurgitation, bilateral nasal discharge and dyspnoea for 24 h. The animal was dehydrated and had pale mucous membranes, abdominal distension and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The neurological examination was normal. Abdominal ultrasound showed a distended bladder and normal intestinal motility. Chest radiography and esophageal contrast study exhibited megaesophagus in the intrathoracic region. Blood work showed mild neutrophilic leukocytosis and the presence of toxic neutrophils. The cat remained hospitalized for supportive care, including fluidtherapy, broad spectrum antibiotics, antiemetic and mucosal protective drugs. [...]

Megaesophagus secondary to feline dysautonomia (Key-Gaskell Syndrome) in a cat / Megaesôfago secundário a disautonomia felina (Síndrome de Key-Gaskell) em um gato

Background: Feline dysautonomia is a rare autonomic neuropathy of unknown cause, that has already been reported in Europe, the United States and Brazil. Cats usually show nonspecific clinical signs that are associated with autonomic dysfunction of the nervous system. The diagnosis is based on the clinical signs and imaging tests, and confirmed by necropsy and histopathological findings. The prognosis is poor and there is no definitive treatment. The aim of this report is to describe a case of feline dysautonomia with emphasis in the clinical, diagnostic imaging and histopathological findings. Feline dysautonomia must always be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of megaesophagus in cats.Case: A mixed-breed young male cat was evaluated for anorexia, regurgitation, bilateral nasal discharge and dyspnoea for 24 h. The animal was dehydrated and had pale mucous membranes, abdominal distension and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The neurological examination was normal. Abdominal ultrasound showed a distended bladder and normal intestinal motility. Chest radiography and esophageal contrast study exhibited megaesophagus in the intrathoracic region. Blood work showed mild neutrophilic leukocytosis and the presence of toxic neutrophils. The cat remained hospitalized for supportive care, including fluidtherapy, broad spectrum antibiotics, antiemetic and mucosal protective drugs. [...](AU)

Chronic copper toxicity in sheep fed grape marc / Intoxicação crônica por cobre em ovinos alimentados com bagaço de uva

Background: Sheep are very sensitive to excess copper, and therefore, cases of poisoning are frequently seen in this species. The chronic form of poisoning is the most often reported in this species, and is characterized by a subclinical stage, in which copper accumulates in the liver for weeks or even months, and an acute phase, which progresses with the release of hepatic copper in the bloodstream, culminating in intravascular hemolysis, anemia, jaundice and hemoglobinuria. The aim of this paper is to describe an outbreak of chronic copper poisoning in Texel sheep, fed grape marc. Case: A visit to a farm located in Westfalia, Rio Grande do Sul was performed in order to investigate the cause of the death of 15 Texel sheep of different ages, out of a flock of 75 animals, in the interval of one month. The sheep were fed on grape marc, native grass and corn bran. Clinical signs of hemoglobinuria and apathy were recorded in the affected sheep. Two sheep were necropsied (Sheep 1 and 2), and fragments of tissues were collected in 10% formalin solution and processed in routine histological techniques. The slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin technique, and additionally, the liver slides were stained with rubeanic acid and Prussian blue. Fragments of the liver of the sheep submitted to necropsy, as well as samples of grape marc that the sheep were consuming were taken to...(AU)

Chronic copper toxicity in sheep fed grape marc / Intoxicação crônica por cobre em ovinos alimentados com bagaço de uva

Background: Sheep are very sensitive to excess copper, and therefore, cases of poisoning are frequently seen in this species. The chronic form of poisoning is the most often reported in this species, and is characterized by a subclinical stage, in which copper accumulates in the liver for weeks or even months, and an acute phase, which progresses with the release of hepatic copper in the bloodstream, culminating in intravascular hemolysis, anemia, jaundice and hemoglobinuria. The aim of this paper is to describe an outbreak of chronic copper poisoning in Texel sheep, fed grape marc. Case: A visit to a farm located in Westfalia, Rio Grande do Sul was performed in order to investigate the cause of the death of 15 Texel sheep of different ages, out of a flock of 75 animals, in the interval of one month. The sheep were fed on grape marc, native grass and corn bran. Clinical signs of hemoglobinuria and apathy were recorded in the affected sheep. Two sheep were necropsied (Sheep 1 and 2), and fragments of tissues were collected in 10% formalin solution and processed in routine histological techniques. The slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin technique, and additionally, the liver slides were stained with rubeanic acid and Prussian blue. Fragments of the liver of the sheep submitted to necropsy, as well as samples of grape marc that the sheep were consuming were taken to...

B cell lymphoma with mott cell differentiation in a dog

Background: B cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation is rarely reported in dogs. This neoplasms has been diagnosed in the gastrointestinal tract and therefore is considered the differential diagnosis of obstruction by foreign body, enteritis and other intestinal neoplasms. The objective of the present study was to describe macroscopic, microscopic and immunohistochemical findings of a B cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation in the gastrointestinal tract of a dog.Case: A 7-year-old male German Shepherd dog was referred to necropsy with a mass 12 cm in diameter in the ileum-cecocolic junction, compromising mesenteric lymph nodes. Cytology showed two types of lymphoid cells. Approximately 80-90% of cells were round, with large cytoplasm containing numerous basophilic inclusion corpuscles, round nuclei, condensed chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, moderate anisokaryosis and marked anisocytosis. The other cells were round, with scarce basophilic cytoplasm, round nuclei, condensed chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. Mild anisokaryosis and anisocytosis and mitotic figures were sometimes identified. Histology revealed the predominance of round cells, with large cytoplasm containing numerous eosinophilic corpuscles (Russel bodies). Neoplastic cells were PAS and PTAH-positive, and toluidine blue-negative. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive immunoreactivity to antibodie...

B cell lymphoma with mott cell differentiation in a dog

Background: B cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation is rarely reported in dogs. This neoplasms has been diagnosed in the gastrointestinal tract and therefore is considered the differential diagnosis of obstruction by foreign body, enteritis and other intestinal neoplasms. The objective of the present study was to describe macroscopic, microscopic and immunohistochemical findings of a B cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation in the gastrointestinal tract of a dog.Case: A 7-year-old male German Shepherd dog was referred to necropsy with a mass 12 cm in diameter in the ileum-cecocolic junction, compromising mesenteric lymph nodes. Cytology showed two types of lymphoid cells. Approximately 80-90% of cells were round, with large cytoplasm containing numerous basophilic inclusion corpuscles, round nuclei, condensed chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, moderate anisokaryosis and marked anisocytosis. The other cells were round, with scarce basophilic cytoplasm, round nuclei, condensed chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. Mild anisokaryosis and anisocytosis and mitotic figures were sometimes identified. Histology revealed the predominance of round cells, with large cytoplasm containing numerous eosinophilic corpuscles (Russel bodies). Neoplastic cells were PAS and PTAH-positive, and toluidine blue-negative. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive immunoreactivity to antibodie...(AU)

Parasitismo pelo ácaro de sistema respiratório Sternostoma tracheacolum em um canário belga (Serinus canaria domestica) / Parasitism by the mite sternostoma tracheacolum in the respiratory system of a belgian canary (Serinus canaria domestica)

Background: The nasal mites of the Rhinonyssidae family include the highest diversity of mandatory hematophagous endoparasites of the respiratory system of birds. In general, these mites cause no significant lesions, except Sternostoma tracheacolum that invades the trachea, lungs and air sacs and may compromise breathing in birds. This study reports the death of a Belgian canary (Serinus canaria domestica) due to the parasitism by S. tracheacolum with an aggravating and concurrent pododermatitis infection. Case: A Belgian canary from a commercial bird flock, in which a high mortality rate had lately been recorded, was submitted to necropsy. Multiple blackened foci (1.0 mm in diameter) present in the trachea and the air sacs were subsequently identified as Sternostoma tracheacolum mites. Microscopically, there were diffuse and moderate infiltrates of lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages and heterophils within the tracheal submucosa and areas of fibrosis and osseous metaplasia of the tracheal cartilage. In the air sacs, there were multiple yellowish-brown foci of caseous necrosis, which were surrounded by inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages and multinucleated giant cells. In the lungs, there were foci of caseous necrosis surrounded by macrophages. In the tracheal lumen, mites sections were observed. Clusters of nucleated erythrocytes and brown granular pigment were seen within the longitudinal section of the mites. Prussian blue (Perls) special staining evidenced no hemosiderin content in the mite's tissues, in which no melanin could be detected, as well. Discussion: The parasitism by S. tracheacolum in canaries was first described in South Africa. In such cases, the mite induced clinical respiratory disease and killed the birds. Subsequently, reports of parasitism by these mites included several additional bird species, of which, Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) has been the most frequently affected and there are only a few reports of the condition in canaries. Clinically, hosts have difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, coughing and sneezing. Depending on the severity, infection can persist for months or lead to death by suffocation or weakness. Clinical signs and death are related to the appearance of the lesions induced by the mites. Mite eggs are deposited in the lungs and the larvae hatch soon after oviposition. After the first meal, the female protonymph migrates to the posterior parabronchia, while the male protonymph remains in the lungs, where it completes the development. The adult mites full of eggs tend to occupy the parabronchia, the syrinx and the trachea. The negative results on Prussian blue and melanin bleach methods indicate that the dark pigment present within the tissues from the mites is neither hemosiderin nor melanin, respectively. In parasitism due to Plasmodium sp. (malaria), hemozoin, an iron-containing pigment associated with erythrocytic changes induced by the protozoan, has not been detectable by the Prussian blue staining. It is suggested that the dark color observed in the mites in this study could be associated with a similar pigment. The clinical respiratory diseases in birds are generally nonspecific. The paper focuses on the importance of the confirmation of the diagnosis by the necropsy and histopathological examinations, as well as on the characterization of this respiratory parasitic disease of birds.