Nucleotides, β-glucans, ascorbic acid, α-tocoferol, and different concentrations of a vitamin-mineral premix promote growth of Nile tilapia juveniles / [Nucleotídeos, β-glucanos, ácido ascórbico, α-tocoferol e diferentes concentrações de uma pré-mistura de vitaminas e minerais promovem o crescimento de juvenis de tilápia do Nilo]

ABSTRACT Feed additives, such as β-glucans, nucleotides, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) can improve fish immunity and contribute to enhanced zootechnical performance of the fish. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of vitamin- mineral premix with or without the inclusion of an immunostimulant boost (β-glucans, nucleotides and vitamins C and E) on the zootechnical performance, hemato-immunological parameters, histological changes, and survival of Nile tilapia juveniles. To this end, isocaloric and isoproteic diets were prepared with three different concentrations of vitamin-mineral premix (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg ton-1); additionally, the effects of 4% immunostimulant boost in the diet were examined considering six diets (without the immunostimulant boost: 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.2%, and with the immunostimulant boost: 0.1% I, 0.15% I, and 0.2% I). We used 24 experimental units, each including 15 fish. Nile tilapia juveniles (1.88 g±0.25) were fed for 50 d with supplemented diets. Further, zootechnical indexes; histological changes in the liver, spleen, and intestine; intestinal morphology; and hemato-immunological parameters were evaluated. The fish that received supplementation showed higher zootechnical values, compared to those that did not receive the supplementation of immunostimulant reinforcement. Weight gain (30.45g±3.06), daily weight gain (0.60g±0.06), final weight (32.41g±3.15) and feed conversion (0.95±0.06) were higher in tilapia fed with an inclusion concentration of 0.2%. Hematological parameters were not affected by either the pre-mix concentrations or the booster of the immunostimulant. There was an increase in the number of intestinal folds, length of the fold, total area and number of goblet cells in the group supplemented with immunostimulant reinforcement. Supplementation with the immunostimulant promoted growth and improved intestinal morphology and immunological parameters of Nile tilapia juveniles.

RESUMO Os aditivos alimentares, tais como β-glucanos, nucleotídeos, ácido ascórbico (vitamina C) e α-tocoferol (vitamina E), podem melhorar a imunidade dos peixes e contribuir para um melhor desempenho zootécnico. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes concentrações de premix vitamínico mineral com ou sem a inclusão de um imunoestimulante (β-glucanos, nucleotídeos e vitaminas C e E) no desempenho zootécnico, nos parâmetros hematoimunológicos, nas alterações histológicas e na sobrevivência dos juvenis de tilápia-do-Nilo. Para esse fim, foram preparadas dietas isocalóricas e isoproteicas com três concentrações diferentes de premix vitamínico e mineral (1,0, 1,5, e 2,0kg ton-1); além disso, foram examinados os efeitos da inclusão de 4% de imunoestimulante na dieta, considerando-se seis dietas (sem o imunoestimulante: 0,1%, 0,15% e 0,2%, e com a inclusão de imunoestimulante: 0,1% I, 0,15% I e 0,2% I). Foram utilizadas 24 unidades experimentais, cada uma com 15 peixes. Os juvenis de tilápia-do-Nilo (1,88g±0,25) foram alimentados, durante 50 dias, com as dietas suplementadas. Além disso, foram avaliados índices zootécnicos; alterações histológicas no fígado, baço e intestino; morfologia intestinal; e parâmetros hematoimunológicos. Os peixes que receberam suplementação apresentaram valores zootécnicos mais elevados, em comparação aos que não receberam a suplementação de reforço imunoestimulante. O ganho de peso (30,45g±3,06), o ganho de peso diário (0,60g ± 0,06), o peso final (32,41g±3,15) e a conversão alimentar (0,95±0,06) foram maiores nas tilápias alimentadas com uma concentração de inclusão de 0,2%. Os parâmetros hematológicos não foram afetados nem pelas concentrações de premix nem pelo reforço do imunoestimulante. Foi observado o aumento no número de pregas intestinais, no comprimento da prega, na área total e no número de células caliciformes no grupo suplementado com o boost imunoestimulante. A suplementação com o imunoestimulante promoveu o crescimento e melhorou a morfologia intestinal e os parâmetros imunológicos de juvenis de tilápia-do-Nilo.

Anestesia intravenosa contínua com cetamina racêmica ou dextrocetamina e detomidina em cadelas / [Continuous intravenous anesthesia with racemic ketamine or dextroketamine and detomidine in female dogs]

Objetivou-se com este estudo comparar a associação de detomidina e cetamina ou dextrocetamina, por via intravenosa contínua, em oito cadelas submetidas a dois protocolos: GCD - indução anestésica com 5mg/kg e infusão intravenosa contínua de 20mg/kg/h de cetamina; e GDD - indução com 3,5mg/kg e infusão de 14mg/kg/h de dextrocetamina. Associou-se detomidina, 30µg/kg/h, em ambos os grupos. Registraram-se frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial (PA), frequência respiratória (f), temperatura (TC), miorrelaxamento, analgesia, hemogasometria e eletrocardiograma, antes e 15 minutos após a MPA (Mbasal e Mmpa); após o início da infusão (Mic); a cada 10 minutos até 90 minutos (M10, M20, M30, M40, M50, M60, M70, M80 e M90); e 30 minutos após o fim da infusão (M120). Foi observada bradicardia em Mmpa no GCD e de Mmpa a M10 no GDD. Ocorreu hipotensão em Mmpa e hipertensão a partir de Mic. A f diminuiu de M10 a M30. Foram observados: onda T de alta amplitude, bloqueios atrioventriculares e parada sinusal. Ocorreu acidose respiratória. O período de recuperação foi de 219,6±72,3 minutos no GCD e de 234,1±96,8 minutos no GDD. A cetamina e a dextrocetamina, associadas à detomidina por infusão contínua, causam efeitos cardiorrespiratórios e anestésicos similares.(AU)

The combination of detomidine and ketamine or dextrocetamine for continuous intravenous infusion was compared in eight female dogs submitted to two protocols: GCD - 5mg/kg of anesthetic induction and continuous intravenous infusion of ketamine 20mg/kg/h; and GDD - induction with 3.5mg/kg and infusion of 14mg/kg/h of dextrocetamine. Detomidine, 30µg/kg/h was associated in both groups. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature (CT), myorelaxation, analgesia, blood gas analysis and electrocardiogram were recorded before and 15 minutes after MPA (Mbasal and Mmpa); after the start of infusion (Mic); every 10 minutes to 90 minutes (M10, M20, M30, M40, M50, M60, M70, M80 and M90); and 30 minutes after the end of infusion (M120). Bradycardia was observed in Mmpa in GCD and from Mmpa to M10 in GDD. There was hypotension in Mmpa and hypertension from Mic. The RR decreased from M10 to M30. High amplitude T wave, atrioventricular blocks and sinus arrest were observed. Respiratory acidosis occurred. The recovery period was 219.6±72.3 minutes in GCD and 234.1±96.8 minutes in GDD. Ketamine and S+ ketamine associated with detomidine for continuous infusion cause cardiorespiratory and similar anesthetic effects.(AU)

Technical Innovation for Visual Assessment of Preterm Newborns in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Exploratory Study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study is aimed at assessing heart rate variability (HRV) and its correlation with visual acuity (VA) assessment of preterm newborns (PTNB) in neonatal intensive care units. METHOD: Cross-sectional study analyzing HRV during assessment of VA with the aid of a Polar RS800CX heart rate monitor (Polar Electro Oy, Finland). HRV was analyzed according to time and frequency domains and the chaos domain used the autocorrelation coefficient and entropy. The sample consisted of hospitalized PTNB, and static analysis included simple regression diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 14 PTNB were included in the sample. VA varied between 0.23 and 1.60 cpd, and only five PTNB obtained below-expected values for age. Statistical analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between VA and time domain (SDDN and SD2) and a positive correlation between frequency domain (heart rate and hertz), but in simple linear regression analysis, these variables did not influence VA. CONCLUSION: The results of the study demonstrate that visual acuity was inversely correlated with SDNN and SD2 and during stimulation, showing that the higher the visual performance, the lower the autonomic modulation response.

Trends in the molecular epidemiology and population genetics of emerging Sporothrix species.

Sporothrix (Ophiostomatales) comprises species that are pathogenic to humans and other mammals as well as environmental fungi. Developments in molecular phylogeny have changed our perceptions about the epidemiology, host-association, and virulence of Sporothrix. The classical agent of sporotrichosis, Sporothrix schenckii, now comprises several species nested in a clinical clade with S. brasiliensis, S. globosa, and S. luriei. To gain a more precise view of outbreaks dynamics, structure, and origin of genetic variation within and among populations of Sporothrix, we applied three sets of discriminatory AFLP markers (#3 EcoRI-GA/MseI-TT, #5 EcoRI-GA/MseI-AG, and #6 EcoRI-TA/MseI-AA) and mating-type analysis to a large collection of human, animal and environmental isolates spanning the major endemic areas. A total of 451 polymorphic loci were amplified in vitro from 188 samples, and revealed high polymorphism information content (PIC = 0.1765-0.2253), marker index (MI = 0.0001-0.0002), effective multiplex ratio (E = 15.1720-23.5591), resolving power (Rp = 26.1075-40.2795), discriminating power (D = 0.9766-0.9879), expected heterozygosity (H = 0.1957-0.2588), and mean heterozygosity (Havp  = 0.000007-0.000009), demonstrating the effectiveness of AFLP markers to speciate Sporothrix. Analysis using the program structure indicated three genetic clusters matching S. brasiliensis (population 1), S. schenckii (population 2), and S. globosa (population 3), with the presence of patterns of admixture amongst all populations. AMOVA revealed highly structured clusters (PhiPT = 0.458-0.484, P < 0.0001), with roughly equivalent genetic variability within (46-48 %) and between (52-54 %) populations. Heterothallism was the exclusive mating strategy, and the distributions of MAT1-1 or MAT1-2 idiomorphs were not significantly skewed (1:1 ratio) for S. schenckii (χ2 = 2.522; P = 0.1122), supporting random mating. In contrast, skewed distributions were found for S. globosa (χ2 = 9.529; P = 0.0020) with a predominance of MAT1-1 isolates, and regional differences were highlighted for S. brasiliensis with the overwhelming occurrence of MAT1-2 in Rio de Janeiro (χ2 = 14.222; P = 0.0002) and Pernambuco (χ2 = 7.364; P = 0.0067), in comparison to a higher prevalence of MAT1-1 in the Rio Grande do Sul (χ2 = 7.364; P = 0.0067). Epidemiological trends reveal the geographic expansion of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis due to S. brasiliensis via founder effect. These data support Rio de Janeiro as the centre of origin that has led to the spread of this disease to other regions in Brazil. Our ability to reconstruct the source, spread, and evolution of the ongoing outbreaks from molecular data provides high-quality information for decision-making aimed at mitigating the progression of the disease. Other uses include surveillance, rapid diagnosis, case connectivity, and guiding access to appropriate antifungal treatment.

Efeitos do propofol administrado por via intracelomática em cágados-de-barbicha (Phrynops geoffroanus) Schweigger, 1812 / Effects of propofol administered by intracelomatic route in Geoffroy's toadhead turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus) Schweigger, 1812

O presente estudo avaliou a influência do regime hídrico sobre efeitos do propofol em Phrynops geoffroanus, bem como a qualidade da contenção farmacológica produzida. Foram utilizados 10 animais, anestesiados em dois momentos com propofol, na dose de 35mg/kg, por via intracelomática, com intervalo de 15 dias. O grupo 1 fora retirado da água 12 horas antes do procedimento e o grupo 2 permaneceu dentro da água até o momento da indução anestésica. Foram mensuradas frequência cardíaca, pressão arterial sistólica, temperatura, frequência respiratória e saturação de oxi-hemoglobina, e avaliados duração do período de latência, período hábil, período de recuperação e qualidade da contenção farmacológica. Houve diferença significativa entre grupos apenas quanto à frequência cardíaca. No grupo 1, as médias dos períodos de latência, hábil anestésico e de recuperação foram de 16,8±8,4, 86,5±79,4 e 1,5±3,8 minutos, respectivamente. Já no grupo 2, as médias foram de 19,9±9,8, 110,9±104,7 e 28,8±58,2 minutos, respectivamente. Concluiu-se que o regime hídrico de 12 horas não influenciou os parâmetros anestésicos e fisiológicos dos animais e que a qualidade da contenção farmacológica foi considerada boa em ambos os grupos.(AU)

The present study evaluated the influence of the water regime on the effects of propofol on Phrynops geoffroanus, as well as the quality of the pharmacological containment produced. Ten animals, anesthetized at two times with propofol at a dose of 35mg / kg, were used intracelomatically with a 15 day interval. Group 1 was withdrawn from the water 12 hours prior to the procedure and Group 2 remained in the water until the time of anesthetic induction. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate and oxyhemoglobin saturation were measured and the duration of the latency period, skill period, recovery period and quality of pharmacological containment were measured. There was a significant difference between groups only regarding heart rate. In Group 1, the means of the latency, skillful anesthesia and recovery periods were 16.8±8.4, 86.5±79.4 and 1.5±3.8 minutes, respectively. In Group 2, the mean values were 19.9±9.8, 110.9±104.7 and 28.8±58.2 minutes, respectively. It was concluded that the 12-hour water regime did not influence the anesthetic and physiological parameters of the animals, and the quality of the pharmacological restraint was considered good in both groups.(AU)

Efeitos do propofol administrado por via intracelomática em cágados-de-barbicha (Phrynops geoffroanus) Schweigger, 1812 / Effects of propofol administered by intracelomatic route in Geoffroy's toadhead turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus) Schweigger, 1812

O presente estudo avaliou a influência do regime hídrico sobre efeitos do propofol em Phrynops geoffroanus, bem como a qualidade da contenção farmacológica produzida. Foram utilizados 10 animais, anestesiados em dois momentos com propofol, na dose de 35mg/kg, por via intracelomática, com intervalo de 15 dias. O grupo 1 fora retirado da água 12 horas antes do procedimento e o grupo 2 permaneceu dentro da água até o momento da indução anestésica. Foram mensuradas frequência cardíaca, pressão arterial sistólica, temperatura, frequência respiratória e saturação de oxi-hemoglobina, e avaliados duração do período de latência, período hábil, período de recuperação e qualidade da contenção farmacológica. Houve diferença significativa entre grupos apenas quanto à frequência cardíaca. No grupo 1, as médias dos períodos de latência, hábil anestésico e de recuperação foram de 16,8±8,4, 86,5±79,4 e 1,5±3,8 minutos, respectivamente. Já no grupo 2, as médias foram de 19,9±9,8, 110,9±104,7 e 28,8±58,2 minutos, respectivamente. Concluiu-se que o regime hídrico de 12 horas não influenciou os parâmetros anestésicos e fisiológicos dos animais e que a qualidade da contenção farmacológica foi considerada boa em ambos os grupos.(AU)

The present study evaluated the influence of the water regime on the effects of propofol on Phrynops geoffroanus, as well as the quality of the pharmacological containment produced. Ten animals, anesthetized at two times with propofol at a dose of 35mg / kg, were used intracelomatically with a 15 day interval. Group 1 was withdrawn from the water 12 hours prior to the procedure and Group 2 remained in the water until the time of anesthetic induction. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate and oxyhemoglobin saturation were measured and the duration of the latency period, skill period, recovery period and quality of pharmacological containment were measured. There was a significant difference between groups only regarding heart rate. In Group 1, the means of the latency, skillful anesthesia and recovery periods were 16.8±8.4, 86.5±79.4 and 1.5±3.8 minutes, respectively. In Group 2, the mean values were 19.9±9.8, 110.9±104.7 and 28.8±58.2 minutes, respectively. It was concluded that the 12-hour water regime did not influence the anesthetic and physiological parameters of the animals, and the quality of the pharmacological restraint was considered good in both groups.(AU)

Effect of insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS) and l-ascorbic acid (AA) during in vitro maturation on in vitro bovine embryo development.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding a combination of insulin, transferrin and selenium (ITS) and l-ascorbic acid (AA) during in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro culture (IVC) on in vitro embryo production. To verify the effect of the supplements, cleavage and blastocyst rates, embryo size and total cell number were performed. Embryonic development data, embryo size categorization and kinetics of maturation were analyzed by chi-squared test, while the total cell number was analyzed by a Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.05). When ITS was present during IVM, IVC or the entire culture, all treatments had a cleavage and blastocyst rates and embryo quality, similar to those of the control group (P < 0.05). Supplementation of IVM medium with ITS and AA for 12 h or 24 h showed that the last 12 h increased embryo production (51.6%; n = 220) on D7 compared with the control (39.5%; n = 213). However, no improvement was observed in blastocyst rate when less competent oocytes, obtained from 1-3 mm follicles, were exposed to ITS + AA for the last 12 h of IVM, with a blastocyst rate of 14.9% (n = 47) compared with 61.0% (n = 141) in the control group. The results suggest that the addition of ITS alone did not affect embryo production; however, when combined with AA in the last 12 h of maturation, there was improvement in the quantity and quality of embryos produced. Furthermore, the use of ITS and AA during IVM did not improve the competence of oocytes obtained from small follicles.

Adenoviruses and acute respiratory infections in children living in an equatorial area of Brazil.

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are important respiratory pathogens, found in 2-27% of acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases. Few studies have analysed the diversity of species and types of HAdVs associated with ARI in Brazil. The purpose of this study was to determine the circulation patterns of the different HAdV species and respective types associated with ARI in children in the city of Fortaleza, northeastern Brazil. HAdVs were screened by an indirect immunofluorescence assay, and subsequently identified as species and types by PCR and sequencing of the hexon gene (HVR1-HVR6). Between 2001 and 2013, a total of 290 HAdV strains were detected, 190 of which were identified as belonging to the HAdV-B, -C and -E species. Seven types of HAdVs circulated in the studied population during the analysed period, with HAdV-3 being predominant.

The effect of pre-maturation culture using phosphodiesterase type 3 inhibitor and insulin, transferrin and selenium on nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of bovine oocytes.

This study aims to evaluate if a pre-maturation culture (PMC) using cilostamide as a meiotic inhibitor in combination with insulin, transferrin and selenium (ITS) for 8 or 24 h increases in vitro embryo production. To evaluate the effects of PMC on embryo development, cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, embryo size and total cell number were determined. When cilostamide (20 µM) was used in PMC for 8 or 24 h, 98% of oocytes were maintained in germinal vesicles. Although the majority of oocytes resumed meiosis after meiotic arrest, the cleavage and blastocyst rates were lower than the control (P 0.05) to the control. The deleterious effect of 20 µM cilostamide treatment for 24 h on a PMC was confirmed by lower cumulus cell viability, determined by trypan blue staining, in that group compared with the other groups. A lower concentration (10 µM) and shorter exposure time (8 h) minimized that effect but did not improve embryo production. More studies should be performed to determine the best concentration and the arresting period to increase oocyte competence and embryo development.

Periodontal infections and community-acquired pneumonia: a case-control study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate if the presence of periodontal infections (PI) is associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a group of patients admitted to a hospital. A total of 140 patients were enrolled in this case-control study, with 70 patients having CAP (case group) and the other 70 patients diagnosed with other systemic diseases (control group). A periodontal examination was carried out to assess pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and presence of bacterial plaque (BP). CAL and BOP showed higher scores in the case group over the control group. They were, respectively, 3.16 ± 2.43 mm and 0.33 ± 0.24 % for the case group, and 1.99 ± 2.23 mm and 0.25 ± 0.24 % for the control group (p < 0.05). High scores for BP were observed in both groups (case: 97.1 %; control: 98.6 %, p = 1.0000). Chronic periodontitis (CP) was more frequent in patients with CAP (case: 61.4 %; control: 41.4 %). The presence of moderate or severe CP increased the risk for CAP [odds ratio (OR) = 4.4, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.4-13.8], even when adjusted for age, ethnicity, gender, and smoking. Moderate and severe chronic periodontitis were associated with CAP in this study.

Treatment abandonment in feline sporotrichosis - study of 147 cases.

This study describes the epidemiological, clinical and mycological aspects of feline sporotrichosis cases attending the Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonosis in Domestic Animals - Evandro Chagas Clinical Research Institute (LAPCLIN-DERMZOO/IPEC/FIOCRUZ), from 1998 to 2005. It was possible to get in contact with 147 (19.2%) cat owners. One hundred and thirteen (76.9%) cats were male, 117 (79.6%) had no defined race and 87 (59.2%) were sexually intact. The age ranged from 72 to 216 months (median = 108 months). Nineteen cats were reassessed: eleven (57.8%) were male, thirteen (36.8%) were breed and fifteen (47.3%) castrated. Fourteen (52.6%) animals lived at home and did not roamed the streets. Seven (36.8%) had normal clinical findings and negative mycological examination. Twelve (63.1%) cats had skin lesions compatible with sporotrichosis. Thirty-one (21%, n = 147) cats disappeared after abandoning treatment, 36 (24.5%, n = 147) were alive and 80 (54.4%, n = 147) had died. Causes of death informed by the owners were: sporotrichosis in 35 (43.7%, n = 80), accidental death in 27 (33.7%, n = 80) and other diseases in 18 (22.5%, n = 80). Withdrawal of treatment occurred mainly at the time of clinical improvement and may represent a serious obstacle to the control of sporotrichosis.

Comparison of acetate tape impression with squeezing versus skin scraping for the diagnosis of canine demodicosis.

This study compared the sensitivity of acetate tape impression and skin squeezing with that of deep skin scraping for the diagnosis of demodicosis in dogs. Demodex canis was detected in 100% of acetate tape impressions obtained after skin squeezing and in 90% of deep skin scrapings. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between the techniques in the total number of mites detected. Acetate tape impression with skin squeezing was found to be more sensitive than deep skin scraping and is an alternative diagnostic method for canine demodicosis.

Response to azolic antifungal agents for treating feline sporotrichosis.

The effectiveness and safety of treatment with ketoconazole and itraconazole were compared in 773 sporotrichosis-infected cats over a four-year period (2002 to 2005). Five hundred and ninety-eight cats received oral ketoconazole and 175 received oral itraconazole. Treatment was successful in 238 (30.8 per cent) cats, of which 171 (28.6 per cent) of 598 received 13.5 to 27.0 mg/kg/day ketoconazole and 67 (38.3 per cent) of 175 received 8.3 to 27.7 mg/kg/day itraconazole. Adverse effects were reported in 306 (39.6 per cent) of the cats, 105 (13.6 per cent) died and 430 (55.6 per cent) dropped out of treatment or were still under treatment at the time of data analysis.

Activation of peripheral kappa/delta opioid receptors mediates 15-deoxy-(Delta12,14)-prostaglandin J2 induced-antinociception in rat temporomandibular joint.

This study assessed the effect of the agonist 15d-PGJ(2) administered into the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on nociceptive behavioral and the anti-inflammatory potential of this prostaglandin on TMJ. It was observed that 15-deoxy-(Delta12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ(2)) significantly reduced formalin-induced nociceptive behavior in a dose dependent manner, however injection of 15d-PGJ(2) into the contralateral TMJ failed to reduce such effects. This antinociceptive effect is dependent on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-gamma (PPAR-gamma) since pre-treatment with GW9662 (PPAR-gamma receptor antagonist) blocked the antinociceptive effect of 15d-PGJ(2) in the TMJ. In addition, the antinociceptive effect of 15d-PGJ(2) was also blocked by naloxone suggesting the involvement of peripheral opioids in the process. Confirming this hypothesis pre-treatment with kappa, delta, but not mu receptor antagonists significantly reduced the antinociceptive effect of 15d-PGJ(2) in the TMJ. Similarly to opioid agonists, the 15d-PGJ(2) antinociceptive action depends on the nitric oxide (NO)/guanilate cyclase (cGMP)/ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker(K(+)(ATP)) channel pathway since it was prevented by the pre-treatment with the inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS; aminoguanidine), cGMP (ODQ), or the K(+)(ATP) (glibenclamide). In addition, 15d-PGJ(2) (100 ng/TMJ) inhibits 5-HT-induced TMJ hypernociception. Besides, TMJ treated with 15d-PGJ(2) showed lower vascular permeability, assessed by Evan's Blue extravasation, and also lower neutrophil migration induced by carrageenan administration. Taken together, these results demonstrate that 15d-PGJ(2) has a potential peripheral antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect in the TMJ via PPAR-gamma activation. The results also suggest that 15d-PGJ(2) induced-peripheral antinociceptive response in the TMJ is mediated by kappa/delta opioid receptors by the activation of the intracellular l-arginine/NO/cGMP/K(+)(ATP) channel pathway. The pharmacological properties of the peripheral administration of 15d-PGJ(2) highlight the potential use of this PPAR-gamma agonist on TMJ inflammatory pain conditions.

Histopathology of canine sporotrichosis: a morphological study of 86 cases from Rio de Janeiro (2001-2007).

The present study reports the histopathological findings of 86 skin lesions of dogs with sporotrichosis from Rio de Janeiro. Suppurative granulomatous inflammation was the predominant finding and was observed in 76 (88.37%) cases. Plasma cells surrounding the suppurative granulomas were detected in 68 (89.5%) cases and an inflammatory infiltrate at the periphery of these granulomatous lesions was observed in 63 (82.9%). Fungus-specific staining revealed yeast cells compatible with Sporothrix schenckii in 36 cases. These fungal elements were only detected in lesions characterized by suppurative granulomatous inflammation. Thus, specific staining of serial sections is recommended in the case of dogs with skin lesions whose histopathological presentation is consistent with sporotrichosis. However, due to the generally small number of yeast cells in lesions, the hypothesis of sporotrichosis should not be ruled out even if the result is negative, especially in epidemic areas where correlation with epidemiological data is particularly useful.

First report of natural infection of a bush dog (Speothos venaticus) with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi in Brazil.

We report here the first known case of natural infection of a bush dog with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi in Brazil. The specimen was captured in the wild in the State of Mato Grosso and is currently being held in captivity at Fundação Jardim Zoológico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The leishmaniasis was diagnosed by culture of promastigote forms in intact skin fragments and their characterization by isoenzyme electrophoresis. This report calls attention to the parasitological and etiological control of certain zoonoses, such as leishmaniasis, in wild animals kept in captivity, especially when animals are exchanged between zoos in Brazil.

Mycological evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage in cats with respiratory signs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Twenty-three cats with respiratory signs who had domiciliary contact with cats with sporotrichosis were studied. Sneezing was the predominant extracutaneous sign. Twelve cats had no skin lesions and 11 had ulcerated skin lesions. Mycological culture of material obtained from the nasal cavity, oral cavity, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and skin lesions, when present, was performed for all cats. In the case of autopsy, lung fragments were cultured. Sporothrix schenckii was isolated from four of the 12 cats without skin lesions: BAL (one cat) and oral and/or nasal cavity (three cats). The latter three animals developed nasal and distant skin lesions within the following 2-4 weeks. The cat with S. schenckii isolated from BAL did not develop skin lesions or lower respiratory tract symptoms during the 6 months of follow-up. S. schenckii was isolated from one or more biological samples of all 11 cats with skin lesions: oral cavity (five), nasal cavity (eight), BAL fluid (four), skin lesions (eight), and blood culture (one). No yeast-like structures were observed upon BAL cytology in any of the 23 cats. The results suggest that S. schenckii can cause infection of skin contiguous to the natural facial orifices through colonisation of the mucosal surfaces of the upper airways.

Quantitative analysis of fibrosis and mast cells in the tongue of chronic chagasic patients: autopsy study.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, an orally transmitted outbreak of Chagas disease was reported in Santa Catarina, Brazil, after ingestion of sugar cane juice (garapa). This disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite that stimulates the development of chronic inflammatory response, characterized by fibrous connective tissue neoformation (fibrosis). As the density of tissue mast cells (MC) may be an index of fibroblast proliferation and development of local fibrosis, the purpose of this autopsy study was to quantify the fibrosis rate and the number of MC in the tongues of chronic chagasic (CC) patients, compared with a non-chagasic (NC) control group. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four evaluations, with a quantitative assessment of fibrosis percentage and MC density were performed. RESULTS: The percentage of fibrosis in the tongue was higher among CC than in the control group. In the CC group, a positive and significant correlation was found when the fibrosis rate was compared with the MC density. CONCLUSIONS: These morphometric findings suggest that tongue biopsy may be useful to study specific changes associated with Chagas disease. They also suggest that the systematic analysis of oral cavity, including tongue histopathology changes, could be useful in forensic pathology of the orally acquired chronic Chagas disease.