Influence of proportion of Brahman genetics on productivity of Brahman-Angus cows at weaning.

This study evaluated the association between the proportion of Brahman genetics and productivity of Brahman-Angus cows at weaning using a 31-yr dataset containing 6,312 cows and 5,405 pregnancies. Cows were contemporaneously reared and enrolled in yearly breeding seasons under subtropical conditions of North-Central Florida. They were evenly distributed in six-breed groups (G) according to the proportion of Brahman genetics: G0% to 19%, G21% to 34%, G38% (Brangus), G41% to 59%, G63% to 78%, and G81% to 100%. The proportion of cows calving (84.9%) did not differ across the six-breed groups. However, cows in the G81% to 100% weaned fewer calves (90.8%) than cows in the G0% to 19% and G21% to 34% (95.7%, each). The weaning rate of cows in the G38% (94.3%), G41% to 59% (94.2%), and G63% to 78% (93.0%) was intermediate between these three breed groups. The preweaning calf mortality was greater for cows in the G81% to 100% (9.2%) than cows in the G0% to 19% and G21% to 34% (4.3%, each), but intermediate for cows in the G38% (5.7%), G41% to 59% (5.8%), and G63% to 78% (7.0%). Cows in the G81% to 100% also weaned lighter calves (220.6 kg) than cows in the G0% to 19% (245.2 kg), G21% to 34% (250.2 kg), G38% (247.9 kg), G41% to 59% (252.5 kg), and G63% to 78% (245.2 kg). Cows in the G0% to 19% weaned lighter calves than cows with 21% to 78% of Brahman genetics. The 205-d adjusted weaning weight evidenced the less productive results of cows in G0% to 19% and G81% to 100% compared with other genetic groups, as they calved at the fastest and slowest rate, respectively. Thus, the 205-d adjusted weaning weight eliminated this bias. Additionally, younger cows weaned lighter calves; and male calves were heavier at weaning than female calves. Both parity order of cow and calf sex altered the magnitude of the described association between breed group of cows and calf weaning weights. Overall, after adjusting for weaning rate and age of calves at weaning, the number of kilograms produced per cow submitted to reproduction was less for cows in the G0% to 19% (191.1 kg) and G81% to 100 (181.8 kg) compared with cows in the G21% to 34 (197.0 kg), G38 (195.9 kg), G41% to 59 (199.7), and G63% to 78 (196.2). Cows in the G81% to 100% were the least productive. Thus, a proportion of Brahman genetics between 21% and 78% ensured superior productivity of Brahman-Angus cows subjected to subtropical conditions.

Evaluating the circulation of Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia spp. in domestic dogs from a semiarid region in Brazil.

Tick-borne diseases are important for animal and human health, because they can cause death if not diagnosed and treated early. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) can cause high morbidity in dog populations. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is among the most virulent infectious in humans; dogs are also susceptible to infection. The aims of this study were to evaluate the presence of Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia spp. infections in domestic dogs, and to identify tick species parasitizing dogs among urban areas of two municipalities (Sobral and Alcântaras) in the Ceará State, Northeastern Brazil. A total of 208 domiciled dogs was sampled. After clinical evaluation, blood samples and ticks were collected and submitted to Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) targeting E. canis DNA. Serum samples were screened by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assays (IFA) for antibodies against different strains of Rickettsia spp. previously recognized in Brazil. The results of this study indicate the molecular detection of E. canis in the state of Ceará, Brazil, where the proportion of canine infection in Sobral (9.9%) was higher than in Alcântaras (5.6%). Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was the prevalent tick species infesting the dogs in both municipalities (43.5 and 53.3%, respectively). Our serological results indicate that dogs of the study area were at low risk of exposure to these tick-borne Rickettsia spp. of the spotted fever group. Our study offers epidemiological data of these diseases to better understanding Rickettsiales epidemic and enzootic cycles in the Brazilian semiarid region, improving prevention and control measures.

Effects of a moderate exercise regimen on development and puberty attainment of beef heifers reared in drylots at a high stocking density.

This experiment evaluated growth, physiological responses, and puberty attainment in beef heifers reared in drylots with a high stocking density, and provided or not with a moderate exercise regimen. A total of 180 heifers (75% Angus × 25% Brahman) were used in this experiment replicated over 2 yr. Each year, 90 heifers were ranked by age (264 ±â€…1 d) and body weight (BW on day -3; 200 ±â€…2 kg) on day 0, and assigned to a) one of six drylot pens (10 × 14 m pens; 10 heifers per pen) with a stocking density of 14 m2/heifer (DENS), or b) one of three pastures (2-ha pastures; 10 heifers per pasture) with a stocking density of 2,000 m2/heifer (CON). Beginning on day 15, three DENS pens were given access to an exercise area (DENS-EX) 3 times/wk (1 h). Negligible forage was available for CON, whereas heifers from all treatments received the same limit-fed diet (~13 kg/heifer daily). Shrunk BW was recorded after 16 h of feed and water withdrawal on days -3 and 225 to calculate BW gain. Temperament was evaluated on days 0, 128, and 224. Heifers were fitted with a pedometer behind their shoulder on day 0 to record physical activity. Pedometer results and blood samples were collected weekly for progesterone analysis. Hair samples from the tail switch were collected every 28 d. Data were analyzed with pen or pasture as an experimental unit, via ANOVA using the MIXED or GLIMMIX procedures of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Heifers from CON had more (P < 0.01) steps per week compared with DENS and DENS-EX (23,973, 6,706, and 12,354 steps/wk, respectively; SEM = 1,247), and DENS-EX heifers had more (P < 0.01) steps per week compared with DENS. No treatment effects (P ≥ 0.91) were detected for heifer BW gain (~0.820 kg/d). Hair cortisol concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in DENS and DENS-EX compared with CON beginning on day 56. Exit velocity and temperament score were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in DENS compared with DENS-EX and CON on day 224. Puberty attainment was delayed (treatment × day; P < 0.01) in DENS compared with DENS-EX and CON. A greater (P ≤ 0.05) proportion of CON were pubertal by day 105 compared with DENS and DENS-EX (30.0%, 11.6%, and 15.0%, respectively; SEM = 6.5), while a greater (P < 0.05) proportion of CON and DENS-EX were pubertal by day 154 compared to DENS (61.7%, 66.7%, and 43.3%, respectively; SEM = 6.5). Rearing replacement heifers in drylots with high stocking density has detrimental effects on their puberty attainment, and the moderate exercise regimen partially alleviated this negative outcome.

Replacement beef heifers are often reared in drylots with high stocking density to facilitate feeding and management, or to intensify beef production as availability of grazing areas becomes limited. Studies from our group, however, demonstrated that drylot heifers experience delayed puberty attainment compared with heifers reared on pastures. This negative outcome was associated with chronic stress caused by confinement and restricted physical activity; the latter being a key animal welfare factor with direct effects on reproductive development. Based on this rationale, this experiment evaluated growth, stress-related physiological responses, and puberty attainment heifers reared in drylots and exposed or not to a moderate exercise regimen. Moreover, drylot heifers were compared to contemporary cohorts being reared on pasture. As expected, heifers reared in drylots experienced heightened stress-related physiological responses and delayed puberty attainment compared to pasture heifers. Exposing drylot heifers to the moderate exercise regimen did not alleviate the physiological consequences of chronic stress, but lessened the delay in puberty attainment compared with non-exercised drylot cohorts. Therefore, stocking density and exercise opportunities should be considered to improve heifer welfare and reproductive development in intensive drylot systems, as lack of exercise directly contributes to delayed reproductive development of drylot heifers.

Exotic ticks removed from German travelers.

We report the finding of five nymphs and three adult ticks attached to German tourists while traveling the American continents. All eight specimens were morphologically identified and confirmed genetically using the 16S rRNA gene and screened for Rickettsia spp. infections. Five tick species were identified: one Amblyomma mixtum nymph from Ecuador, one Amblyomma varium nymph from Colombia, three Amblyomma coelebs nymphs from Costa Rica, one Amblyomma americanum male from the USA, one Dermacentor andersoni female and one D. andersoni male from Canada. Tick-borne microorganisms screening using the pan-Rickettsia-PCR resulted in two positive and six negative ticks. The A. mixtum nymph was positive for Rickettsia amblyommatis, while the D. andersoni female was positive for Rickettsia peacockii.

A long-term study on free-ranging jaguar-tick interactions, featuring a novel report of Amblyomma incisum adult infestation.

Over nearly 12 years, we collected ticks from free-ranging jaguars (Panthera onca) and performed statistical analyses to comprehend the vector-host relationship throughout the seasons. We evaluated the presence and number of ticks, as well as their association with weight, age, and gender of captured jaguars in the Pantanal and Amazon biomes. Out of 100 captured jaguars (comprising 72 initial captures and 28 recaptures, with 41 females and 31 males), 77 were found to be infested by different tick species. We gathered a total of 1,002 ticks, categorized by the following species in descending order of abundance: Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma ovale, Rhipicephalus microplus, Amblyomma triste, Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto, Amblyomma incisum, and Amblyomma spp. larvae. Apart from weight, statistical analysis indicated that age, gender and seasonality does not significantly affect the presence of different tick species in free ranging jaguars. Notably, A. sculptum adults were more abundant in the first semester, while A. sculptum nymphs and Amblyomma spp. larvae were mainly found during dry months, aligning with their expected life cycle stages. This is the first long-term study in jaguars to correlate seasonality and host factors and also the first time an adult of A. incisum is reported infesting a jaguar.

New tick records with notes on rickettsial infection from the wildlife of the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil.

This work aimed to report ticks infesting the wildlife among 15 municipalities of the state of Espírito Santo between 2016 and 2021, within the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern Brazil. A total of 576 tick specimens (187 males, 56 females, 149 nymphs, and 184 larvae) was collected from 41 species of wild vertebrates (two reptiles, nine mammals, and 30 birds). Ticks were identified by morphological or molecular methods into 18 species, being 12, four, one and one of the genera Amblyomma, Ixodes, Rhipicephalus and Ornithodoros, respectively. Amblyomma rotundatum was the only species collected from reptiles. Ticks collected from mammals were identified as Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma pacae, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma varium and Rhipicephalus microplus. Amblyomma sculptum was the species found on the widest variety of hosts, collected from four mammal orders and five bird orders. Passeriformes birds were infested by Amblyomma fuscum, A. longirostre (also found on non- passerine birds), A. nodosum, Amblyomma parkeri, Amblyomma romarioi, A. varium and Ixodes loricatus. An adult female of Ixodes rio was collected from a Piciformes bird. Seabirds of the order Procellariiformes were infested by Ixodes percavatus sensu lato and Ixodes uriae. The argasid Ornithodoros capensis was collected from an offshore metallic platform that was used by Suliformes seabirds. Rickettsial agents of the spotted fever group, Rickettsia amblyommatis and Rickettsia sp. strain Pampulha, were detected in the ticks A. longirostre [from the Paraguayan hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendou spinosus)] and A. dubitatum [from the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)], respectively. The following nine tick species are reported for the first time in Espírito Santo state: A. calcaratum, A. fuscum, A. pacae, A. parkeri, A. romarioi, I. loricatus, I. rio, I. uriae, and O. capensis. Although it is also the first report of I. uriae in Brazil, we do not consider it established in the country. Multiple new tick-host associations are reported in the present study.

Noteworthy records of the ticks Ornithodoros rostratus and Amblyomma sculptum parasitizing Pteronura brasiliensis in the central-western region of Brazil, with pathogen investigation notes.

A male of Pteronura brasiliensis (Carnivora: Mustelidae) was found dead on the banks of the Rio Negro, in the Pantanal wetlands of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Aquidauana municipality. Two ticks found attached to its skin were morphologically identified as a second-instar nymph of Ornithodoros rostratus (Argasidae) and a male of Amblyomma sculptum (Ixodidae). In order to complement the morphological identification, these tick specimens were subjected to DNA extraction, and tested using PCR assays to confirm the molecular identity the specimens. Also, the tick DNA samples were tested and were negative in the PCR assays for all the pathogens tested. We also examined 30 batches, consisting of 174 individuals of O. rostratus deposited in the Acari Collection of the Butantan Institute, and we found material from four Brazilian states, including one batch containing 2 males and 2 females from Aquidauana, of Mato Grosso do Sul state, collected from the soil. This was therefore the first record of O. rostratus parasitizing P. brasiliensis and the first locality record (Aquidauana). Likewise, A. sculptum is commonly found in the Pantanal and is reported here for the second time parasitizing the giant otter, which is a host little studied regarding the ectoparasites.

First report of Amblyomma sculptum (Amblyomma cajennense complex) in a Brazilian state classified as a silent area for human rickettsiosis.

Background and Aim: Studies on ticks of public health concern in equine husbandry are scarce in the Northeastern region of Brazil. This study aimed to investigate the presence of ticks on horses in the State of Alagoas, which is classified as a silent area for human rickettsiosis. Materials and Methods: Ticks infesting horses were collected using anatomical tweezers or a commercial hook and kept in ethanol-labeled tubes for taxonomic identification. Results: A total of 2,238 ticks were found. Ticks were identified as 2,215 (98.89%, 95% CI: 98.41-99.28) Dermacentor nitens, 19 (0.98%, 95% CI: 0.05-1.38) Amblyomma sculptum, and 4 (0.18%; 95% CI: 0.007-0.46) Rhipicephalus microplus. Conclusion: This is the first study to report A. sculptum and D. nitens in the State of Alagoas. The presence of A. sculptum should draw the attention of public health managers once Alagoas State is considered a silent area for rickettsial diseases, which means the absence of local surveillance programs for these pathogens.

Seasonal dynamics of Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) sensu stricto in a degraded area of the Amazon biome, with notes on Rickettsia amblyommatis infection.

BACKGROUND: The tick Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto (A. cajennense s.s.) frequently parasitizes animals and humans in the Amazon biome, in addition to being a vector of Rickettsia amblyommatis. In the present study, we evaluated both the population dynamics of A. cajennense s.s. in a degraded area of the Amazon biome and the presence of rickettsial organisms in this tick population. METHODS: The study was carried out in a rural area of the Santa Inês municipality (altitude: 24 m a.s.l.), Maranhão state, Brazil. Ticks were collected from the environment for 24 consecutive months, from June 2021 to May 2023. The region is characterized by two warm seasons: a rainy season (November-May) and a dry season (June-October). We characterized the temporal activity of A. cajennense s.s. on the vegetation by examining questing activity for each life stage (larvae, nymphs, adults [males and females]) in relation to the dry and rainy season. Ticks collected in this study were randomly selected and individually tested by a TaqMan real-time PCR assay that targeted a 147-bp fragment of the rickettsial gltA gene. RESULTS: Overall, 1843 (62.4%) adults (52.6% females, 47.4% males), 1110 (37.6%) nymphs and 398 larval clusters were collected. All adult females and nymphs were morphologically identified as A. cajennense s.s. Larval activity was observed from April to December, with a peak from June to September (dry season); nymph abundance peaked from September to November (transition period between dry and rainy seasons); and adult ticks were abundant from October to May (spring/summer/early autumn). The infection rate by R. amblyommatis in A. cajennense s.s. ticks was at least 7% (7/99). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest a 1-year generation pattern for A. cajennense s.s., with a well-defined seasonality of larvae, nymphs and adults in the Amazon biome. Larvae predominate during the dry season, nymphs are most abundant in the dry-rainy season transition and adults are most abundant in the rainy season. The presence of R. amblyommatis in adult ticks suggests that animals and humans in the study region are at risk of infection by this species belonging to the spotted fever group of Rickettsia.

Diversity of rickettsiae in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from wild vertebrates in part of the Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal biomes in Brazil.

Ticks parasitizing 102 wild animals in the states of Mato Grosso and Goiás, Brazil were collected between 2015 and 2018. A total of 2338 ticks (865 males, 541 females, 823 nymphs, and 109 larvae) belonging to four genera (Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, and Rhipicephalus) and at least 21 species were identified. DNA extraction and a molecular survey for rickettsial agents were performed on 650 ticks. The results revealed parasitism by the following species: Rickettsia amblyommatis in Amblyomma cajennense s.s., A. cajennense s.l., Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma humerale, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma scalpturatum, Amblyomma sculptum, and Amblyomma romitii; Rickettsia parkeri in Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma scalpturatum, and Amblyomma triste; Rickettsia rhipicephali in Haemaphysalis juxtakochi; Rickettsia sp. in A. cajennense s.s., A. nodosum, and A. sculptum, and lastly, 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae' in Amblyomma parvum and Rhipicephalus microplus. This study expands the body of knowledge about tick parasitism among wild animals, including new data concerning tick-host associations, and provides information about the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens in the Center-West region of Brazil.

A new volume-stable collagen matrix (VCMX) to treat single gingival recession associated with partially restored non-carious cervical lesions: a case series.

Collagen matrixes have been developed as possible connective tissue graft substitutes to overcome patient discomfort, undesired palatal healing, and the limited amount of donor tissue. The aim of this case series is to assess a coronally advanced flap (CAF) with a new volume-stable collagen matrix (VCMX) to treat single gingival recession (GR) associated with partially restored non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL). Twelve patients diagnosed with single GR RT1 + NCCL (B+) were included in this study and received a restorative - partial resin composite with apical margin 1 mm beyond the estimated cementoenamel junction (CEJ) - and a surgical approach - CAF+VCMX. Clinical and patient-centered assessments were recorded at baseline and 6 months postoperatively from ten patients. Significant recession reduction (RecRed:2.1mm), clinical attachment level gain (CAL:1.34mm), and combined defect coverage (CDC) of 51.67% were observed at 6 months. The estimate root coverage (RC) was 69.48%, obtained using the estimated CEJ. No difference in keratinized-tissue width (KTW) was observed over time. A gain in gingival thickness (GT) of 0.42 mm was observed after 6 months (p=.002) and an improvement in patient satisfaction due to better esthetics (p<.001). Within the present study's limits, CAF plus VCMX provided significant improvement in treating single GR combined with partially restored NCCL (B+).

Parasitism by Amblyomma rotundatum on Teiidae lizards in the eastern part of the state of Acre, Brazil.

The aim of the present study was to report on the occurrence of parasitism by Amblyomma rotundatum ticks on two species of Teiidae lizards and test the presence of rickettsiae in the collected ticks, in the western Brazilian Amazon region. Ticks were collected in July 2019, from a fragment of terra firme forest in the municipality of Senador Guiomard, Acre, Brazil. Two lizards that were infested by immature stages of ticks were caught using mist net and Tomahawk traps. Ectoparasites were collected manually, and the lizard specimens were identified and released at the same location where they had been caught. Three nymphs and 49 larvae were collected from Ameiva ameiva, while 25 nymphs and nine larvae were collected from Tupinambis cuzcoensis, which are both in the family Teiidae. The ticks were identified morphologically as belonging to the genus Amblyomma. Nymphs were identified at species level through molecular analysis, resulting in the tick species Amblyomma rotundatum. This is the first record of parasitism by the tick A. rotundatum on T. cuzcoensis lizard, and the first report of an association between A. rotundatum and the lizard species A. ameiva and T. cuzcoensis in Acre, in the western part of the Amazon region.

Transfer of functions based on equivalence class formation using musical stimuli.

Empirical evidence has supported that musical excerpts written in major and minor modes are responsible for evoking happiness and sadness, respectively. In this study, we evaluated whether the emotional content evoked by musical stimuli would transfer to abstract figures when they became members of the same equivalence class. Participants assigned to the experimental group were submitted to a training procedure to form equivalence classes comprising musical excerpts (A) and meaningless abstract figures (B, C, and D). Afterward, transfer of function was evaluated using a semantic differential. Participants in the control group showed positive semantic differential scores for major mode musical excerpts, negative scores for minor mode musical excerpts, and neutral scores for the B, C, and D stimuli. Participants in the experimental groups showed positive semantic differential scores for visual stimuli equivalent to the major modes and negative semantic differential scores for visual stimuli equivalent to the minor modes. These results indicate transfer of function of emotional content present in musical stimuli through equivalence class formation. These findings could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of using emotional stimuli in equivalence class formation experiments and in transfer of function itself.

Description of Amblyomma monteiroae n. sp. (Acari: Ixodidae), a parasite of the great horned owl (Strigiformes: Strigidae) in southern Brazil.

In 2020, adult hard ticks (males and females) were collected from great horned owls [Bubo virginianus (Gmelin, 1788)] in the coastal region in southern Brazil. The engorged females were allowed to oviposit in the laboratory and hatched larvae could be obtained. Analyses of the external morphology of the adult ticks revealed that they represent a new species, which was named Amblyomma monteiroae n. sp. Partial sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene and the nuclear second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) were generated from a male and a female. Their 16S rRNA haplotypes were identical to each other and closest (96% identity) to corresponding sequences of Amblyomma parvitarsum Neumann, 1901, and 90% identical to Amblyomma neumanni Ribaga, 1902. Their ITS2 haplotypes were 95.8 to 96.0 identical to the single ITS-2 partial sequence of A. parvitarsum available in GenBank. In the phylogenetic trees inferred by both 16S rRNA and ITS2 partial sequences, A. monteiroae n. sp. formed a clade with A. parvitarsum, with A. neumanni branching sister to this clade. Amblyomma monteiroae n. sp. is genetically and morphologically related to A. parvitarsum. Both tick species are unique in combining the following morphological characters: scutum extensively ornate; eyes rounded and bulging; coxa I with two moderate pointed spurs, the external longer than the internal; a single triangular short spur on coxae II-III; presence of two spines on the tibia of legs II-IV; hypostomal dentition 3/3, trochanters without spurs. However, the males of the two species can be separated by specific features in palps and festoons, whereas the females differ in specific features of the coxal spurs. The larva of A. monteiroae n. sp. can be morphologically distinguished from A. parvitarsum only by morphometry, with the former species being slightly smaller. Currently, A. monteiroae n. sp. is restricted to southern Brazil, and the only known host is B. virginianus (Strigiformes: Strigidae). The present study increases the Amblyomma Brazilian fauna to 34 species.

Body yield and quality of fresh and post-freezing filet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) genetic groups.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the body yield and quality of fresh and post-freezing filet of male and female fish of inbred and non-inbred AquaAmérica genetic group and the hybrid between the AquaAmérica and Tilamax varieties. Forty fish (20 males and 20 females) of each genetic group were housed in four 48-m3 hapa net cages, getting 120 fish per cage. The fish were housed at 51 days of age and farmed for 269 days. Pre-slaughter weight was higher (P<0.05) in the AquaAmérica × Tilamax males (0.805±0.204 kg) than in the inbred AquaAmérica male (0.643±0.115 kg). Filet yield percentage was higher (P<0.05) in the AquaAmérica × Tilamax males (32.14±4.72%) than in the inbred AquaAmérica (28.15±2.67%) and non-inbred AquaAmérica (29.06±2.80%) males. Head and viscera yield percentages, pH, color values (L*, a* and b*), shear force, drip loss and cooking loss did not differ significantly between the genetic groups and sexes. Alterations in meat quality were observed after freezing. In conclusion, inbreeding in the AquaAmérica variety resulted in reduced slaughter weight for males; AquaAmérica × Tilamax males have a higher filet yield; and filet quality is not influenced by crossing, inbreeding, or sex, but is changed after freezing.

Tratamento de periodontite estágio III localizado grau C em um indivíduo fumante: um relato de caso / Treatment of periodontitis stage III localized grade C in smoker individual: a case report

Objetivo: A periodontite é uma doença infecto-inflamatória que acomete os tecidos de inserção periodontal, e ser fumante representa um risco modificável significativo para todos os graus da doença. Ainda, indivíduos fumantes apresentam uma resposta inflamatória alterada quando comparados a não fumantes. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi reportar um relato de caso de tratamento periodontal de paciente fumante pesado. Relato de caso: O paciente DRS, sexo masculino, 22 anos, foi encaminhado à Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) com a queixa principal de necessidade de "realização de uma limpeza dentária". Na anamnese, relatou fumar 20 cigarros ao dia, há 7 anos (7 maços-ano). Na consulta inicial, foi encontrado índice de placa visível (IPV) de 100% e índice de sangramento gengival (ISG) de 66,67%. Foi encontrado cálculo supragengival como fator retentivo de placa (FRP) em 46,30% dos sítios. Estabeleceu-se o diagnóstico de periodontite estágio III localizado grau C. Os exames periodontais foram realizados por um único pesquisador calibrado e optou-se pelo tratamento periodontal não cirúrgico. Ao exame de 12 meses, o paciente apresentou IPV de 23,45% e ISG de 22,83%. Houve ausência de FRP. De uma forma geral, foi possível constatar a diminuição significativa das bolsas periodontais, bem como o ganho significativo de inserção clínica periodontal. Considerações finais: Dessa forma, é possível concluir a efetividade da terapia periodontal não cirúrgica, aliada à manutenção periodontal e instruções de higiene para o tratamento de periodontite estágio III, grau C, em paciente fumante.(AU)

Objective: Periodontitis is an infect-inflammatory diseases that affects the periodontal attachment tissues, and being smoker represents a significant modifiable risk for all degrees of the disease. Moreover, smokers have an altered inflammatory response when compared to non-smokers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to report a case report of periodontal treatment of a heavy smoker. Case report: A patient DRS, male, 22 years old, was referred to the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) with the main complaint of the need to "perform a dental cleaning". During the anamnesis, he reported smoking 20 cigarettes a day for 7 years (7 pack-years). In the initial appointment, a visible plaque index (VPI) of 100% and a gingival bleeding index (GBI) of 66.67% were found. Supragingival calculus was found as a plaque retentive factor (PRF) in 46.30% of the sites. The diagnosis of periodontitis stage III localized grade C was established. Periodontal examinations were performed by a single calibrated researcher and non-surgical periodontal treatment was chosen. At the 12-month appointment, the patient had an VPI of 23.45% and an GBI of 22.83%. There was absence of PRF. In general, it was possible to observe a significant decrease in periodontal pockets, as well as a significant gain in periodontal clinical attachment. Final considerations: Thus, it is possible to conclude the effectiveness of non-surgical periodontal therapy, combined with periodontal maintenance and hygiene instructions for the treatment of periodontitis stage III localized grade C in a smoker.(AU)

Viperin (RSAD2) gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of pregnant crossbred beef cows is altered by Bos indicus genetics.

The expression of interferon (IFN) stimulated genes (ISGs) in lymphocytes has been used for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle. However, among-cow variability has yielded sub-optimal predictive accuracy. We hypothesized that the expression of ISGs (ISG15, OAS1, RSAD2, CLEC3B, and AKR1B1) in early pregnancy varies according to the proportion of Bos indicus (B. indicus) genetics on females. Multiparous cows were classified in three genetic groups, High Angus (HA; n = 45 [0-33% Brahman influence]), Angus-Brahman (AB; n = 30 [34-67%]), and High Brahman (HB; n = 19 [68-100%]) and submitted to a Select-Synch + CIDR protocol. Cows that displayed estrus (n = 94) were artificially inseminated (Day0; D0). On D19, blood samples were collected to obtain peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and measure progesterone (P4) concentrations. On D30, pregnancy diagnosis was performed. The expression of RSAD2 in PBMC of pregnant cows was positively related to the proportion of B. indicus genetics of the groups, but not the expression of ISG15 and OAS1. In pregnant cows, the proportion of B. indicus genetics was negatively associated to circulating levels of P4 concentrations. The P4 concentrations were related positively with RSAD2 expression. ROC curve results determined that for cattle with B. indicus genetics lower than 67%, the CLEC3B and AKR1B1 combination was the most accurate option to predict the outcome of pregnancy. In cows with more than 68% of B. indicus genetics, RSAD2 provided the best accuracy. In conclusion, there is a relationship between the proportion of B. indicus genetics and the ISGs gene expression in PBMC during pregnancy.