Abstract Objective: To assess factors associated with emotional changes and Hyperactivity/Inattention (HI) motivated by COVID-19 quarantine in adolescents with immunocompromising diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 343 adolescents with immunocompromising diseases and 108 healthy adolescents. Online questionnaires were answered including socio-demographic data and self-rated healthcare routine during COVID-19 quarantine and validated surveys: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL4.0). Results: The frequencies of abnormal emotional SDQ scores from adolescents with chronic diseases were similar to those of healthy subjects (110/343 [32%] vs. 38/108 [35%], p = 0.548), as well as abnormal hyperactivity/inattention SDQ scores (79/343 [23%] vs. 29/108 [27%], p = 0.417). Logistic regression analysis of independent variables associated with abnormal emotional scores from adolescents with chronic diseases showed: female sex (Odds Ratio [OR = 3.76]; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 2.00–7.05; p < 0.001), poor sleep quality (OR = 2.05; 95% CI 1.08–3.88; p = 0.028) and intrafamilial violence during pandemic (OR = 2.17; 95% CI 1.12–4.19; p = 0.021) as independently associated with abnormal emotional scores, whereas total PedsQL score was inversely associated with abnormal emotional scores (OR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.93–0.96; p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis associated with abnormal HI scores from patients evidenced that total PedsQL score (OR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.95–0.99; p = 0.010], changes in medical appointments during the pandemic (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.19–0.79; p = 0.021), and reliable COVID-19 information (OR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.16–0.77; p = 0.026) remained inversely associated with abnormal HI scores. Conclusion: The present study showed emotional and HI disturbances in adolescents with chronic immunosuppressive diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reinforces the need to promptly implement a longitudinal program to protect the mental health of adolescents with and without chronic illnesses during future pandemics.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze and identify documented infections and possible risk factors for Clostridioides difficile infections in children with cancer. Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study, carried out in a pediatric cancer hospital, covering the years 2016–2019. Matching was performed by age and underlying disease, and for each case, the number of controls varied from 1 to 3. Logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors. Results: We analyzed 63 cases of documented infection by C. difficile and 125 controls. Diarrhea was present in all cases, accompanied by fever higher than 38°C in 52.4% of the patients. Mortality was similar among cases (n=4; 6.3%) and controls (n=6; 4.8%; p=0.7). In all, 71% of patients in the case group and 53% in the control group received broad-spectrum antibiotics prior to the infection. For previous use of vancomycin, the Odds Ratio for C. difficile infection was 5.4 (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 2.3–12.5); for meropenem, 4.41 (95%CI 2.1–9.2); and for cefepime, 2.6 (95%CI 1.3–5.1). For the antineoplastic agents, the Odds Ratio for carboplatin was 2.7 (95%CI 1.2–6.2), melphalan 9.04 (95%CI 1.9–42.3), busulfan 16.7 (95%CI 2.1–134.9), and asparaginase 8.97 (95%CI 1.9–42.9). Conclusions: C. difficile symptomatic infection in children with cancer was associated with previous hospitalization and the use of common antibiotics in cancer patients, such as vancomycin, meropenem, and cefepime, in the last 3 months. Chemotherapy drugs, such as carboplatin, melphalan, busulfan, and asparaginase, were also risk factors.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar e identificar infecções documentadas e possíveis fatores de risco para infecções por Clostridioides difficile em crianças com câncer. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo caso-controle em um hospital pediátrico oncológico, que abrangeu os anos de 2016–2019. O pareamento foi realizado por idade e doença de base e, para cada caso, o número de controles variou de um a três. Modelos de regressão logística foram utilizados para avaliar os fatores de risco. Resultados: Analisamos 63 casos de infecção documentados por C. difficile e 125 controles. A diarreia esteve presente em todos os casos, acompanhada de febre acima de 38°C em 52,4% dos pacientes. A mortalidade foi semelhante entre casos (n=4, 6,3%) e controles (n=6, 4,8%; p=0,7). No grupo caso, 71% dos pacientes e, no grupo controle, 53% deles receberam antibióticos de amplo espectro antes da infecção. Para uso prévio de vancomicina, a Odds Ratio para infecção por C. difficile foi de 5,4 (intervalo de confiança [IC95%] 2,3–12,5); para meropenem, 4,41 (IC95% 2,1–9,2) e, para cefepima, 2,6 (IC95% 1,3–5,1). Para os agentes antineoplásicos, a razão de chances para carboplatina foi de 2,7 (IC95% 1,2–6,2), para melfalano de 9,04 (IC95% 1,9-42,3), para bussulfano de 16,7 (IC95% 2,1–134,9) e, para asparaginase, de 8,97 (IC95% 1,9–42,9). Conclusões: A infecção sintomática por C. difficile em crianças com câncer associou-se à internação prévia e ao uso de antibióticos como vancomicina, meropenem e cefepime nos últimos três meses. Os quimioterápicos carboplatina, melfalano, bussulfano e asparaginase também foram fatores de risco.

Abstract Objectives Evidence suggests that ketamine’s influence on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) might be involved in its mechanism of rapid antidepressant action. We aimed to evaluate the differential impact of ketamine and esketamine on serum BDNF levels and its association with response patterns in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Methods Participants (n = 53) are from a randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing the efficacy of single-dose ketamine (0.5mg/kg, n = 27) and esketamine (0.25mg/kg, n = 26) in TRD. Depression severity was assessed before and 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days after the intervention, using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Blood samples were collected before infusion, 24 hours, and 7 days afterwards. Results There were no significant changes in BDNF levels at post-infusion evaluation points, and no difference in BDNF levels comparing ketamine and esketamine. Both drugs exhibited similar therapeutic effect. There was no association between BDNF levels and response to treatment or severity of depressive symptoms. Conclusion There was no significant treatment impact on BDNF serum levels – neither with ketamine nor esketamine – despite therapeutic response. These results suggest that ketamine or esketamine intervention for TRD has no impact on BDNF levels measured at 24 hours and 7 days after the infusion. This clinical trial is registered on the Japan Primary Registries Network: UMIN000032355.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of concentrate supplementation on carcass characteristics of heifers finished on Tifton 85 pasture. Thirty-two cross-breed heifers (Charolais and Nellore) on average aged 25.51 months and weighing 298 kg were used in a completely randomized experiment. The animals were distributed uniformly to receive four different levels of concentrates based on the body weight: 0.0; 0.4; 0.8 and 1.2%. Animals were slaughtered at 29 months of age. There was increasing linear effect of levels energy supplementation on: slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weights,hot and cold dressing percentage, thigh thickness, carcass compactness, and L* and b* color values. It was observed quadratic effect of levels of energy supplementation on the percentage of fat in the carcass. Different levels of energy supplementation did not modify the accumulation of vital organs and visceral fat or the sensory attributes of the meat. Higher levels of energy supplementation promote increases in carcass traits of heifers when finished on Tifton 85 pasture.

RESUMO Introdução A contagem diferencial de eritroblastos em amostras de sangue por analisadores de hematologia ainda apresenta limitações. Os avanços tecnológicos nos equipamentos de hemograma têm proposto a contagem totalmente automatizada dessas células, porém, não sem sua validação. Objetivo Validar a contagem automatizada de eritroblastos no sangue periférico no analisador hematológico Mindray BC6000 e verificar a existência de correlação dos estágios de maturação dos eritroblastos com os gráficos do equipamento. Material e Métodos Estudo prospectivo com amostras de sangue periférico do Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Dr. Paulo C. Azevedo, independente de idade e sexo, para validação da contagem de eritroblastos no analisador hematológico Mindray BC6000 em comparação ao método manual (padrão ouro), no período de junho de 2019 a dezembro de 2020. Resultados Foram analisadas 17 amostras de sangue periférico de recém-nascidos (17/09 - 52,3%) e de pacientes maiores de 2 anos (17/08 - 47,7%) que apresentavam mais de 18% de eritroblastos após análise morfológica da amostra. A análise estatística das contagens de eritroblastos pelas duas metodologias mostrou que o contador hematológico Mindray BC6000 tem boa reprodutibilidade, precisão e linearidade. Não houve correlação entre os estágios de maturação dos eritroblastos e os gráficos do equipamento. Conclusão A validação proposta mostrou que o contador hematológico Mindray BC6000 apresenta bom desempenho analítico para contagem de eritroblastos em sangue periférico. Porém, não há correlação entre os estágios de maturação dos eritroblastos com os gráficos gerados pelo equipamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction Differential counting of erythroblasts in blood samples by hematology analyzers still has limitations. Technological advances in blood count equipment have proposed the fully automated counting of these cells, however, not without its validation. Objective Validate the automated count of erythroblasts in peripheral blood in the Mindray BC6000 hematology analyzer and verify the existence of correlation of the maturation stages of erythroblasts with the equipment's graphics. Material and Methods Prospective study with peripheral blood samples from the Clinical Pathology Laboratory Dr Paulo C. Azevedo, regardless of age and gender, to validate the erythroblast count in the Mindray BC6000 hematology analyzer compared to the manual method (gold standard), in the period of June 2019 to December 2020. Results Seventeen peripheral blood samples were analyzed from newborns (09/17 - 52.3%) and from patients older than 2 years (08/17 - 47.7%) who had more than 18% of erythroblasts after morphological analysis of the sample. Statistical analysis of erythroblast counts by the two methodologies showed that the Mindray BC6000 hematological counter has good reproducibility, precision and linearity. There was no correlation between the maturation stages of erythroblasts and the equipment graphics. Conclusion The proposed validation showed that the Mindray BC6000 hematological counter has good analytical performance for counting erythroblasts in peripheral blood. However, there is no correlation between the maturation stages of erythroblasts with the graphics generated by the equipment.

Abstract Candida is becoming more resistant to conventional treatments, and causes persistent and severe infections. This study evaluates the antifungal and virulence activities of the hydroalcoholic extract of Phyllanthus niruri (HE-Pn) on Candida. HE-Pn was prepared by maceration technique. Chemical composition of HE-Pn was determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GS-MS). Antifungal screening was done using agar well diffusion. CLSI M27-A3 was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory (MIC) and Fungicidal Concentrations (MFC). Effects of HE-Pn on adhesion and germ tube of C. albicans (ATCC MYA-2876) were determined using XTT assay and germ tube formation assay, respectively. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was performed to visualize the post-exposure cellular changes. HE-Pn cytotoxicity was determined using human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Chlorhexidine digluconate (2 mg/mL) was used as the positive control. Linolenic acid ethyl ester was the most abundant chemical component of HE-Pn. All strains tested were sensitive to HE-Pn. MIC were 0.03 - 8 mg/mL and MFC were 0.5 - 64 mg/mL for all test strains. C. albicans (ATCC MYA-2876) showed 50% of adhesion reduction with > 4 mg/mL of HE-Pn and germ-tube formation was inhibited with 0.25 and 2 mg/mL. TEM exhibited cytoplasmic granulation, intracellular vacuoles, detachment of cell wall and plasma membrane and chromatin condensation of Candida. No toxicity of HE-Pn was noted on HaCaT cells. HE-Pn shows an anti-Candida activity and can be used as an inhibitory agent against adhesion and germ tube formation of Candida albicans (ATCC MYA-2876) without causing any toxicity to human cells.

Abstract Excessive alcohol consumption is considered a risk factor for bone health, as it causes a reduction in mass and increases the risk of fracture. However, the determination of bone mineral density (BMD) has not always been an adequate predictor of bone fragility. Thus, the hypothesis arises that chronic alcohol consumption interferes with collagen synthesis and the quality of bone trabeculae, with consequent bone fragility. Groups: Control (n = 6; water intake only during the entire study period); Ethanol (n = 6; ingestion of ethyl alcohol according to the protocol for inducing chronic alcohol consumption). The chronic alcohol consumption model did not cause a significant change in BMD, but there was a significant reduction of 20% in the thickness of the bone trabeculae and of 1.56% in the collagen located in the neck region of immature rat femurs. Although there was no significant change in the mineral matrix, the changes in the organic matrix were able to provide a significant reduction in bone strength. The results suggest harmful effects of alcohol intake on the bone quality of young adult animals and draw attention to the need to also consider methods for the diagnosis of collagen as an element of bone fragility.

Resumo O uso de tecnologias alternativas que envolvem processos biológicos, com ganhos econômicos e ecológicos, é desejável para a expansão da bananicultura e a renovação de áreas que apresentam baixas produtividades. Os fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) têm a capacidade de estimular o crescimento das plantas, especialmente por meio do incremento na absorção do fósforo (P) e de outros nutrientes. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, verificar a influência dos FMAs sobre o crescimento e a fisiologia de mudas micropropagadas de bananeira submetidas a doses de P. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o de blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial 5 x 5, sendo os fatores inoculação com os FMAs (Glomus clarum, Gigaspora margarita, Gigaspora albida e Clareoideoglomus etunicatum e o controle sem FMAs), e cinco doses de P (0; 50; 100; 200 e 400 mg kg-1), com quatro repetições. A aplicação de doses de P proporcionou maior crescimento das mudas micropropagadas de bananeira, independentemente da inoculação micorrízica. As maiores taxas de colonização micorrízica foram observadas nas menores doses de P, sendo a dose de 50 mg kg-1 de P a que proporcionou melhores condições na formação de micorrizas para todas as espécies de FMAs avaliadas. As simbioses com FMAs e o uso de P proporcionaram aumento da taxa de fotossíntese das plantas, favorecendo o crescimento, o desenvolvimento e a qualidade de mudas de bananeira.

Abstract The use of alternative technologies involving biological processes, with economic and ecological gains, is desirable for both the expansion of Musa spp. farming and the renovation of areas with low yields. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can stimulate plant growth, especially by increasing the absorption of phosphorus (P) and other nutrients. This study analyzes the influence of AMF on the growth and physiology of micropropagated Musaspp. plants submitted to doses of P. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 5 x 5 factorial arrangement, in which the factors were inoculation with AMF (Glomus clarum, Gigaspora margarita, , Gigaspora albida,Clareoideoglomus etunicatum, and the control without AMF) and five doses of P (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg kg-1), with four replicates. The application of P doses increased growth in micropropagated Musaspp. seedlings, regardless of mycorrhizal inoculation. The highest rates of mycorrhizal colonization occurred at the lowest P doses, and the dose of 50 mg kg-1 P provided better conditions for mycorrhizal formation in all AMF species under study. The symbioses with AMF, as well as the use of P, increased photosynthesis rate, thus favoring the growth, development, and quality of Musa spp. seedlings. Species G. clarum, C. etunicatum, and G. margarita were the most promising for plant growth.

RESUMO: Mineralização patológica é a deposição anormal de minerais em tecidos previamente lesados ou não. Nessas lesões, além do cálcio, outros minerais podem ser encontrados em concentrações inferiores. Classicamente, as mineralizações são divididas em dois tipos: distrófica e metastática. Contudo, atualmente, ainda não há consenso entre os pesquisadores sobre o tipo de mineralização que ocorre em cães urêmicos. Objetivou-se com esse estudo elucidar o tipo de mineralização patológica que ocorre em cães com síndrome urêmica através da correlação de exames bioquímicos com alterações macroscópicas e histopatológicas, visto a existência de informações controversas na literatura especializada. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste de Shapiro-Wilk e teste de D’Agostino e Pearson para avaliação da normalidade da distribuição e para comparação de dados em mais de dois grupos foi utilizado o teste ANOVA. Adicionalmente, o teste de comparações múltiplas de Dunnett permitiu a comparação entre o grupo controle (GC) com os demais grupos (G1, G2 e G3). Foram avaliados os níveis séricos de ureia, creatinina, cálcio total e ionizado, fósforo, produto cálcio-fósforo (PCF), PTH e albumina de 40 cães azotêmicos com doença renal crônica (DRC). Os cães foram classificados quanto ao grau de azotemia (leve, moderada e severa). Verificou-se hipocalcemia ionizada em 97,5% (39/40) dos cães e, em nenhum animal houve hipercalcemia ionizada. Hiperfosfatemia foi frequente (62,5%), principalmente em cães com azotemia severa. A concentração do PTH aumentou conforme a progressão da azotemia, encontrando-se elevada em 100% dos cães com azotemia severa. Em 75% (30/40) dos cães o PCF foi superior a 60mg2/dl2. Durante o estudo, 29 cães morreram, sendo 16 desses necropsiados. Em 93,7% (15/16) desses cães observou-se mineralização de tecidos moles, durante a avaliação macroscópica e histopatológica (HE e Von Kossa), independentemente do grau de azotemia, em nove órgãos/tecidos: rins (75%), pulmões (50%), estômago (31,2%), coração (25%), laringe (25%), músculos intercostais (25%), aorta (6,2%), intestino (6,2%) e língua (6,2%). Adicionalmente, em um animal verificou-se na serosa de todos os segmentos do intestino delgado placas multifocais brancacentas, rugosas, irregulares de tamanhos variados, cuja histopatologia confirmou tratar-se de mineralização distrófica da camada longitudinal muscular externa que apresentava necrose de coagulação e da serosa intestinal. Essa lesão intestinal nunca havia sido descrita em cães com síndrome urêmica. Em suma, os dados laboratoriais e histopatológicos aqui descritos, sobretudo, no que se refere à mineralização tecidual e vascular, que ocorrem relacionadas a lesões degenerativo-necróticas prévias, na ausência de hipercalcemia, em cães com DRC, ajudam a esclarecer as incongruências existentes na literatura. Por conseguinte, conceitualmente, as mineralizações que ocorrem em cães urêmicos devem ser consideradas distróficas.

ABSTRACT: Pathological mineralization is the abnormal deposition of minerals in body tissues, previously injured or not. In these lesions, in addition to calcium, other minerals can be found at lower concentrations. Classically, mineralization is divided into two types: dystrophic and metastatic. However, currently, there is no consensus among researchers on the type of mineralization that occurs in uremic dogs. The objective of this study was to elucidate the type of pathological mineralization that occurs in dogs with uremic syndrome through the correlation of biochemical examinations with gross and histopathological changes, given the existence of controversial information on this theme in the specialized literature. The Shapiro-Wilk, D’Agostino and Pearson tests were used to evaluate data normality distribution, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to compare the data between more than two groups. Additionally, the Dunnett’s multiple comparison test was used in the comparison between the Control Group (CG) and the Experimental Groups (G1, G2, and G3). Serum levels of urea, creatinine, total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus product (CPP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and albumin of 40 azotemic dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were evaluated. Dogs were categorized by degree of azotemia (mild, moderate, and severe). Ionized hypocalcemia was observed in 97.5% (39/40) of the dogs, and no animals presented ionized hypercalcemia. Hyperphosphatemia was frequent (62.5%), especially in dogs with severe azotemia. PTH concentration increased with progression of azotemia, and high PTH levels were verified in 100% of the dogs with severe azotemia. CPP >60mg2/dl2 was observed in 75% (30/40) of the dogs. Of the 29 dogs that died during the study period, 16 were necropsied. Soft tissue mineralization was observed in 93.7% (15/16) of these dogs at gross and histopathological evaluation (HE and Von Kossa), regardless of the degree of azotemia, in nine organs/tissues: kidneys (75%), lungs (50%), stomach (31.2%), heart (25%), larynx (25%), intercostal muscles (25%), aorta (6.2%), intestines (6.2%), and tongue (6.2%). In one animal, the serosa of all segments of the small intestine showed whitish, rough, irregular, multifocal plaques of varying sizes, confirmed by histopathology as dystrophic mineralization of the longitudinal outer muscular layer, which presented necrosis of coagulation and of the intestinal serosa. This intestinal lesion has not been described in dogs with uremic syndrome to date. In conclusion, the laboratory and histopathologic data previously described, especially regarding tissue and vascular mineralization, which occur in association with previous degenerative/necrotic lesions in the absence of hypercalcemia in dogs with CKD, assist with clarifying inconsistencies found in the existing literature. Therefore, conceptually, mineralization that occurs in uremic dogs should be considered dystrophic.

Calea uniflora Less known popularly as Arnica in Brazil, is a native plant from Brazil, popular used by coastal populations from south of Santa Catarina. The purpose of this study was to verify the safety profile in of hydroalcoholic extract of C. uniflora in florescences.The hydroalcoholic extract of C. uniflora in florescences was evaluated for its acute and sub-acute toxicity. Acute topical toxicity was performed using the methodology of guideline 402 from OECD. Acute oral toxicity was performed using the methodology of guideline 423 from OECD and sub-acute toxicity was performed using the methodology adapted of guideline 407 from OECD. The single dose for oral or topical administration of C. uniflora showed DL50> 5000 mg/kg b.w. The sub-acute treatment induced animal death in groups, which was administered extract in the doses 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The main signs of toxicity observed were respiratory difficulty, increase in lung weigh, lung damage and muscular relation. The topical or oral administration of C. uniflora extract in short period did not caused toxicological effects in animals, however, when administered for a longer period and in concentrations of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg (oral.) caused lung damage and even the death of the animal.

Calea uniflora Less conocida popularmente como Arnica en Brasil, es una planta nativa de Brasil, popularmente utilizada por poblaciones costeras del sur de Santa Catarina. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar el perfil de seguridad del extracto hidroalcoólico de inflorescencias de C. uniflora. El extracto hidroalcoólico de inflorescencias de C. uniflora fue evaluado en cuanto a su toxicidad aguda y subaguda. La toxicidad tópica aguda se realizó utilizando la metodología de la directriz 402 de la OECD. La toxicidad oral aguda fue realizada usando la metodología de la directriz 423 de la OECD y la toxicidad subaguda fue realizada usando la metodología adaptada de la directriz 407 de la OECD. La dosis única para administración oral o tópica de C. uniflora mostro DL50> 5000 mg/kg. El tratamiento subagudo indujo la muerte de animales en grupos a los que se administró extracto en las dosis de 100, 250, 500 y 1000 mg/kg. Los principales signos de toxicidad observados fueron dificultad respiratoria, aumento del peso del pulmón, daño pulmonar y relación muscular. La administración tópica oral del extracto de C. uniflora a corto plazo no causó efectos toxicológicos en los animales, mientras que, cuando se administró por un período mayor y en las concentraciones de 250, 500 y 1000 mg/kg (oral) causaron danos en los pulmones y hasta la muerte del animal.

RESUMO: Rotineiramente, frente à detecção de uma lesão proliferativa esplênica, médicos veterinários costumam optar pela esplenectomia antes de se obter o diagnóstico definitivo da lesão esplênica, o que pode trazer consequências deletérias ao cão. O mais apropriado seria, contudo, a sua adoção, como medida terapêutica, apenas nos casos com comprovada indicação cirúrgica, o que pode ser estabelecido após o diagnóstico microscópico e prognóstico definidos. Os objetivos desse estudo foram: determinar a frequência dos diferentes tipos de lesão em baços de cães esplenectomizados no período de 12 anos (2006-2017); determinar a representatividade das lesões neoplásicas (benignas e malignas) e não neoplásicas; avaliar e comparar a segurança e a eficiência da punção aspirativa por agulha fina (PAAF) e da biópsia por agulha Tru-cut guiadas por ultrassom para o diagnóstico citológico e histopatológico, respectivamente, de lesões nodulares esplênicas. No período estudado foram encontrados 224 casos de lesões em baços esplenectomizados. A frequência de lesões não neoplásicas (50,45%, 113/224) e neoplásicas (49,55%, 111/224) esplênicas foi muito semelhante. Entre as neoplásicas, as de caráter maligno foram mais frequentes (79,27%, 88/111) e o hemangiossarcoma o mais comum (52,25%, 58/111). A possibilidade de ocorrência de uma neoplasia maligna foi cerca de 74% maior do que uma benigna. Em suma, verificou-se que em 60,71% (136/224) dos casos estudados, tratava-se de lesões benignas que não teriam indicação de esplenectomia. As técnicas de PAAF e a biópsia por agulha Tru-cut demonstraram ter baixo risco de complicações. Quanto à eficácia diagnóstica, pela PAAF obteve-se 71,43% (15/21) de diagnósticos conclusivos, sendo 60% (9/15) desses compatíveis com o resultado final realizado pela avaliação histopatológica, após a esplenectomia (padrão ouro). Já a biópsia por Tru-cut obteve 71,43% (5/7) de diagnósticos conclusivos e 28,57% (2/7) de inconclusivos. Dentre os conclusivos, em 100% dos casos o diagnóstico foi compatível com o padrão ouro. Desta maneira, visto a possibilidade de ocorrência de lesões esplênicas benignas em cães serem 1,52 vezes maior do que as malignas deve ser recomentado a adoção de esplenectomia, como medida terapêutica, apenas nos casos com comprovada indicação cirúrgica, o que pode ser estabelecido após o diagnóstico microscópico e prognóstico definidos. O uso da PAAF e da biópsia por Tru-cut deve ser recomentado, sobretudo, para lesões esplênicas pequenas e focais, uma vez que tais técnicas representam boas alternativas para o estabelecimento do diagnóstico prévio a esplenectomia, o que pode reduzir o número de esplenectomias desnecessárias. Enfatiza-se a importância da recomendação de tais técnicas, sobretudo para cães com lesões esplênicas focais menores do que três centímetros.

ABSTRACT: When detecting a proliferative splenic lesion, veterinarians usually choose splenectomy before a conclusive diagnosis, which can provide a deleterious effect to the dog. The most appropriate would be to perform splenectomy as a therapeutic procedure only in cases with real surgical indication, which can be established after defining microscopic diagnosis and prognosis. The objectives of this study were: to determine the frequency of different types of lesions in spleens of splenectomized dogs in the period of 12 years (2006-2017); determine the representativity of neoplastic lesions (benign and malignant) and non-neoplastic lesions; to evaluate and compare the safety and efficiency of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) and ultrasound-guided Tru-cut needle biopsy for cytological and histopathological diagnosis, respectively, of splenic nodular lesions. In the studied period 224 cases of lesions were found in splenectomized spleens. The frequency of non-neoplastic lesions (50,45%, 113/224) and neoplastic lesions (49,55%, 111/224) was very similar. Among the neoplastic lesions, the malignant ones were more frequent (79,27%, 88/111), and the hemangiosarcoma was the most common (52,25%, 58/111). The possibility of malignant neoplasm was about 74% greater than a benign one. In summary, it was verified that 60.71% (136/224) of the cases corresponded to benign lesions without indication to splenectomy. FNA techniques and Tru-cut biopsy showed a low risk of complications. Regarding the diagnostic efficacy, the FNA obtained 71.43% (15/21) of conclusive diagnoses, 60% (9/15) of which were compatible with the final result of the histopathological evaluation, after splenectomy (gold standard). The Tru-cut biopsy obtained 71.43% (5/7) of conclusive diagnoses and 28.57% (2/7) of inconclusive diagnoses. Among the conclusive one, in 100% of the cases the diagnosis was compatible with the gold standard. Thus, since the possibility of benign splenic lesions in dogs is 1.52 times greater than malignancies, splenectomy should be recommended as a therapeutic procedure only in cases with proven surgical indication, which can be established after definition of microscopic diagnosis and prognosis. The use of FNA and Tru-cut biopsy should be recommended, especially for small and focal splenic lesions, since such techniques are good alternatives for establishing diagnosis previously to splenectomy, which may reduce the number of unnecessary splenectomies. The importance of recommending such techniques is emphasized, especially for dogs with focal splenic lesions smaller than three centimeters.

ABSTRACT Some Amazonian woods are considered highly resistant to the attack of microorganisms; however, which ones present the highest resistance is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the natural resistance of seven woods to xylophagous termite Nasutitermes octopilis through a no-choice feeding assay. The following wood species were assessed: Dinizia excelsa, Manilkara huberi, Dipteryx odorata , Bagassa guianensis, Astronium lecointei, Caryocar villosum, and Hymenolobium petraeum (Ducke). To this end, five timber samples from the middle heart at breast height of each plant with dimensions of 2.54 × 2.54 × 0.64 cm (longitudinal × radial × tangential) were collected from sawmills in the municipality of Altamira, Pará state, Brazil, submitted to termite action under laboratory conditions, and had their mass loss and wear assessed, with five replicates. A. lecointei showed the lowest resistance, whereas C. villosum and D. odorata presented the highest resistance.

Resumo A criação de galinhas no estilo colonial/caipira é baseada em padrões de alimentação de pastagem, o que as torna potenciais contaminantes ambientais de oocistos de Cryptosporidium para humanos e outros animais. Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência molecular de Cryptosporidium spp. em galinhas criadas em sistema colonial/caipira. Um total de 351 amostras de fezes de frangos foram examinadas em 20 fazendas. Para a detecção de Cryptosporidium spp., os fragmentos do gene rRNA 18S foram amplificados utilizando-se a reação de nested-PCR. A prevalência global de Cryposporidium foi de 25,6% (IC 95% = 21,2% - 30,6%). O sequenciamento dos fragmentos amplificados permitiu a identificação de três espécies que infectam aves: C. meleagridis em 57 (62,6%), C. baileyi em 15 (16,4%), C. parvum em 3 (3,2%) amostras, bem como, um novo genótipo de Cryptosporidium (C. genótipo BrPR1) foi identificado em 3 (3,2%) amostras. Cryptosporidium genotipo BrPR1 não foi ainda classificado como uma espécie, e seu espectro de hospedeiros é desconhecido. O presente trabalho permitiu concluir que Cryptosporidium, incluindo espécies zoonóticas, existe com alta prevalência em galinhas criadas em sistema colonial/caipira na região estudada.

Abstract Rearing free-range chicken is based on grazing feeding patterns, and these animals could be potential environmental contaminants of Cryptosporidium oocysts for humans and other animals. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the molecular prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in free-range chickens from Brazil. A total of 351 fecal samples from chickens were examined from 20 farms. For detection of Cryptosporidium spp., 18S rRNA gene fragments were amplified using a nested PCR reaction. Positive samples were sent for sequencing. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 25.6% (95% CI = 21.2% - 30.6%). Sequencing of the amplified fragments allowed for the identification of three species: C. meleagridis in 57 (62.6%), C. baileyi in 15 (16.4%), C. parvum in 3 (3.2%) samples, and a new Cryptosporidium genotype (C. genotype BrPR1) in 3 (3.2%) samples. Cryptosporidium genotype BrPR1 has not yet been classified as a species, and its host spectrum is not known. Cryptosporidium, including zoonotic species, exists at a high prevalence in free-range chickens within the region studied.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the histological features of the endometrium of bitches, as well as the cell proliferation at specific moments of diestrus, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days post ovulation, correlating the endometrial thickness with the uterine cell proliferation and the metabolic state (weight, blood glucose and plasma cholesterol) of the animals. Therefore, the right and left uterine horns of 26 clinically healthy bitches submitted to ovariohysterectomy were histologically analyzed 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days post ovulation. The hematoxylin-eosin and AgNOR staining techniques were performed. All parameters were evaluated by ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test (p<0.05). The correlation between endometrial thickness and uterine cell proliferation, weight, blood glucose and plasma cholesterol of animals was observed using the Pearson method (p<0.05). In the present study, it is concluded that endometrial thickness does not differ at any of the moments analyzed in diestrus. The endometrial thickness is not influenced by hormones, weight, blood glucose or serum cholesterol of bitches in this phase of the estrous cycle. However, there is greater cell proliferation in the endometrium at day 40 compared to day 60 post ovulation under the influence of the endocrine profile.