Abstract Living-dead creatures are recurrent in various folk myths and recently became an icon of popular culture. The “zombie-ism” is usually caused by an infectious-like disease that has no cure and ultimately inflicts most of the human population, leading to a Zombie Apocalypse. In this work, we propose an epidemiological model for a zombie outbreak. By introducing an infection parameter, we show that human survival is possible in certain scenarios. Furthermore, our model allows for three distinct dynamical regimes, only one of which accounts for the full blown Zombie Apocalypse. Our results are obtained both for a fully connected time continuous model and for a stochastic individual based approach.

RESUMO: Este estudo avaliou a incidência de infecções naturais pelos agentes da tristeza parasitária bovina (TPB), Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bovis e Babesia bigemina, em bezerros nascidos em cinco fazendas do semiárido paraibano. Em cada fazenda, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 6 a 14 bezerros a cada 14 dias durante os primeiros 12 meses de vida de cada animal. As amostras de sangue foram processadas por microhematócrito e testadas por PCR para detecção de DNA de A. marginale, B. bovis e B. bigemina. Em paralelo, foram quantificadas as infestações por carrapatos nos bovinos nas cinco fazendas, assim como as populações de tabanídeos em três fazendas. De 41 bezerros monitorados durante o primeiro ano de vida, 25 (61,0%) apresentaram PCR positivo para A. marginale, 7 (17,1%) para B. bigemina e 3 (7,3%) para B. bovis. Os valores de incidência da infecção por A. marginale variaram de 83,3% a 100% em quatro fazendas. A infecção por B. bigemina ocorreu em bezerros de apenas duas fazendas (incidências de 12,5% e 85,7%) e a por B. bovis em apenas uma (incidência de 42,8%). Em uma fazenda os 14 bezerros permaneceram negativos para A. marginale, B. bigemina e B. bovis durante os 12 meses de acompanhamento. Os resultados de PCR foram confirmados por sequenciamento de DNA de produtos amplificados. A presença de carrapatos Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus foi verificada somente em duas propriedades, nas quais houve infecção por A. marginale, B. bigemina e B. bovis (este último agente em apenas uma delas). Foram capturados 930 tabanídeos no estudo, a maioria durante os períodos de chuvas na região; 70,7% dos tabanídeos corresponderam a Tabanus claripennis. Houve associação significativa entre PCR positivo para A. marginale ou B. bigemina e menores valores de hematócrito. Este estudo demonstra que, mesmo avaliando apenas cinco propriedades rurais, a incidência dos agentes da TPB ocorreu de forma heterogênea na região, corroborando o status de área de instabilidade enzoótica para TPB previamente relatado para o semiárido paraibano.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the incidence of natural infection by agents of cattle tick fever (CTF), Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in calves born in five farms within the semiarid region of Paraíba state, Brazil. In each farm, blood samples were collected from 6 to 14 calves every 14 days during the first 12 months of life of each animal. Blood samples were processed by microhematocrit and tested by PCR for detection of DNA of A. marginale, B. bovis and B. bigemina. In parallel, the tick infestations on animals were quantified in the five farms, as well as populations in horseflies in three farms. From a total of 41 calves monitored during the first year of life, 25 (61.0%) had positive PCR for A. marginale, 7 (17.1%) for B. bigemina and 3 (7.3%) to B. bovis. Incidence values for A. marginale infection ranged from 83.3% to 100% in four farms. Infection with B. bigemina in calves was detected at only two farms (incidence of 12.5% and 85.7%) and by B. bovis in just one (42.8% incidence). On one farm 14 calves remained negative for A. marginale, B. bigemina and B. bovis during the 12 month follow-up. PCR results were confirmed by DNA sequencing of amplified products. The presence of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus was found only in two farms in which there was infection by A. marginale, B. bigemina and B. bovis (the latter agent in only one of them). A total of 930 horseflies were captured in the study, most during periods of rain in the region; 70.7% of horseflies corresponded to Tabanus claripennis. There was significant association between a positive PCR for A. marginale and B. bigemina and lower hematocrit values. This study demonstrates that even evaluating only five rural properties, the incidence of CTF occurred heterogeneously in the region, confirming the status of enzootic instability area for CTF, previously reported for the semiarid region of Paraiba.

RESUMO: A volatilização de herbicidas pode gerar problemas ambientais e agrícolas e resultar em contaminação visual ou fisiológica de espécies vegetais não alvo. Assim, objetivou-se com esta pesquisa estudar a fluorescência da clorofila a de plantas daninhas e forrageiras sob efeito do clomazone na forma de resíduos atmosféricos. O experimento foi conduzido em campo, delineado em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 6 x 4, sendo seis espécies vegetais: Dolichos lablab, Sorgum bicolor, Urochloa brizantha, Macrotyloma axillare, Portulaca oleracea e Sida rhombifolia, em quatro soluções contendo clomazone: 0, 360, 720 e 1.080 g ha-1 (0, 0,05, 0,10 e 0,15 mg L-1). Foram construídos canteiros, cobertos com filme de polietileno transparente de 150 μm, apresentando volume de 12 m³. As forrageiras foram semeadas em linha, enquanto as plantas daninhas foram selecionadas conforme a incidência no local do experimento. No décimo sexto dia após a emergência, foi inserida a concentração do herbicida diluído em três placas de Petri. Transcorridas 72 horas de exposição, os túneis foram abertos e as placas retiradas, constatando-se evaporação do produto. Procedeu-se às seguintes avaliações: intoxicação das plantas, fluorescência inicial, rendimento quântico máximo do PSII, quenching fotoquímico, quenching não fotoquímico e teor de clorofila. As variáveis fisiológicas, clorofila total, rendimento quântico máximo do PSII e fluorescência inicial da clorofila podem ser usadas de forma eficiente no monitoramento de resíduos do clomazone na atmosfera. Mesmo em concentrações que não promovem efeito visual, o clomazone é capaz de causar danos na atividade fotossintética das espécies.

ABSTRACT: Herbicide volatilization may generate environmental and agricultural problems and result in visual or physiological contamination of non-target plant species. Thus, the goal of this research was to study the fluorescence of chlorophyll a in weeds and fodder plants under the effect of clomazone in the form of atmospheric waste. The experiment was conducted under field conditions designed in randomized blocks with four replications, in a 6 x 4 factor scheme, with six plant species: Dolichos lablab, bicolor Sorgum, Urochloa brizantha, Macrotyloma axillare, Portulaca oleracea and Sida rhombifolia. There were four solutions containing 0, 360, 720 and 1,080 g ha-1 of clomazone (0, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 mg L-1, considered as the volume). Seedbeds were built and covered with transparent polyethylene film of 150 μm, with a volume of 12 m³. Fodder plants were sown in line, while weeds were selected according to the incidence. On the sixteenth day after emergence, concentrations of herbicide diluted on three petri dishes were inserted. After 72 hours of exposure, the tunnels were opened and the dishes were removed, noticing evaporation of the product. The following evaluationswere performed: plant poisoning, initial fluorescence, maximum quantum yield of PSII, photochemical quenching, non-photochemical quenching and chlorophyll content. Even at concentrations that do not promote visual effect, clomazone can cause significant damage in the photosynthetic activity of the species. The physiological variables chlorophyll, maximum quantum yield of PSII and initial chlorophyll fluorescence can be effectively used to monitor clomazone waste in the atmosphere.

Attention and emotion have a positive impact on memory formation, which is related to the activation of the noradrenergic system in the brain. The hippocampus and amygdala are fundamental structures in memory acquisition, which is modulated by noradrenaline through the noradrenergic receptors. Pharmacological studies suggest that memory acquisition depends on the action of both the β3 (β3-AR) and β2 (β2-AR) receptor subtypes. However, the use of animal models with specific knockout for the β3-AR receptor only (β3-ARKO) allows researchers to more accurately assess its role in memory formation processes. In the present study, we evaluated short- and long-term memory acquisition capacity in β3-ARKO mice and wild-type mice at approximately 60 days of age. The animals were submitted to the open field test, the elevated plus maze, object recognition, and social preference. The results showed that the absence of the β3-AR receptor caused no impairment in locomotion and did not cause anxious behavior, but it caused significant impairment of short- and long-term memory compared to wild-type animals. We also evaluated the expression of genes involved in memory consolidation. The mRNA levels for GLUT3, a glucose transporter expressed in the central nervous system, were significantly reduced in the amygdala, but not in the hippocampus of the β3-ARKO animals. Our results showed that β3-AR was involved in the process of acquisition of declarative memory, and its action may be due to the facilitation of glucose absorption in the amygdala.

RESUMO: Este estudo objetivou determinar a soroprevalência da Babesiose e Anaplasmose em bovinos dos municípios de Ouricuri e Petrolina, estado de Pernambuco, Brasil; e definir os possíveis fatores de risco para a ocorrência dessas doenças. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para realização de teste sorológico por Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). Questionários epidemiológicos sanitários foram aplicados aos produtores com o objetivo de identificar possíveis fatores de risco. Carrapatos foram coletados, identificados e testados por Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) para o diagnóstico da infecção por Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina e Babaesia bovis. O estudo foi conduzido com 861 bovinos, sendo 468 de Petrolina e 393 de Ouricuri. A soroprevalência de A. marginale, B. bigemina e B. bovis em Petrolina foi de 35,0% (164/468), 35,9% (168/468) e 32,3% (151/468), respectivamente; e em Ouricuri foi de 45,5% (179/393), 38,6% (152/393) e 54,9% (216/393), respectivamente. A co-infecção por Anaplasma spp. e Babesia spp. foi observada em 31,6% e 32,1% de amostras de Petrolina e Ouricuri, respectivamente. A detecção de DNA de Babesia spp. por PCR foi possível em 5,8% (8/137) carrapatos, dos quais em 62,5 % (5/8) foi detectada posteriormente infecção por B. bovis, e em 23,3% (32/137) por A. marginale. A presença de carrapatos, o uso de acaricidas, idade, raça, e o município de residência dos animais foram identificados como fatores de risco para TPB pela análise univariável e multivariável. Este estudo permitiu caracterizar os municípios estudados como de instabilidade enzoótica para esses hemoparasitos, e consequentemente, alertar para adoção de medidas adequadas de controle e realização de novos estudos.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis in cattle from the municipalities of Ouricuri and Petrolina, state of Pernambuco, Brazil, and to define the risk factors for the occurrence of the diseases. Blood samples were collected for serologic testing by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA). Sanitary epidemiological questionnaires were applied to the producers aiming to identify possible risk factors. Ticks were collected, identified and tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of infection by Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis. The study was conducted with 861 cattle, being 468 in Petrolina and 393 in Ouricuri. The seroprevalence of A. marginale, B. bigemina and B. bovis in Petrolina was of 35.0% (164/468), 35.9% (168/468) and 32.3% (151/468), respectively; and in Ouricuri was 45.5% (179/393), 38.6% (152/393), and 54.9% (216/393), respectively. Co-infection for Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. was observed in 31.6% and 32.1% samples of Petrolina and Ouricuri, respectively. The detection of DNA of Babesia spp. by PCR was possible in 5.8% (8/137) ticks; which 62.5% (5/8) was detected later infection with B. bovis; and 23.3% (32/137) with A. marginale. The presence of ticks, the use of acaricide, age, race, and county of residence of the animals were identified as risk factors for TBD by univariate analysis and multivariate. This study allowed the characterization of the municipalities studied as enzootic instability areas for these hemoparasitic, and consequently alert for adoption of adequate control measures and new studies.

RESUMO A presença de plantas daninhas e de nematoides pode afetar a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar. Nesta pesquisa, foi avaliado se plantas daninhas com elevada frequência nos canaviais podem ser hospedeiras dos nematoides-das-galhas: Meloidogyne incognita ou Meloidogyne javanica. Foram avaliadas, quanto à hospedabilidade dos nematoides, dez espécies de plantas daninhas, além de uma testemunha (tomateiro), inoculadas com M. incognita ou M. javanica. As plantas foram inoculadas com 2.000 ovos e juvenis de segundo estádio (J2), sendo que havia três plantas por unidade experimental (6.000 ovos e J2 por vaso - repetição); 60 dias após a inoculação (DAI), as plantas foram retiradas e avaliadas segundo o fator de reprodução (FR), a população final de nematoides (PF) e o índice de reprodutividade (IR). Com relação à hospedabilidade, verificou-se que Luffa aegyptiaca comportou-se como hospedeira de ambos os nematoides, com FR > 1, sendo superior à testemunha. Digitaria horizontalis foi classificada como hospedeira de M. incognita e não hospedeira de M. javanica. Mucuna aterrima e Crotalaria spectabilis apresentaram os menores FR e PF. Ricinus communis e Ipomoea triloba apresentaram galhas quando inoculadas com M. incognita, mas não foram consideradas hospedeiras por apresentarem FR < 1. Nenhuma das espécies plantas daninhas foi considerada imune, ou seja, com FR = 0. Os menores valores do FR de M. incognita (raça 3) foram relacionados às plantas Crotalaria spectabilis e Euphorbia heterophylla. Isso demonstra a capacidade da crotalária em diminuir a população de nematoides e justifica seu uso em diversas áreas antes do plantio de culturas principais.

ABSTRACT The presence of weeds and nematodes can affect of sugarcane yield. This research evaluated whether weeds that are very frequent in mechanized harvested sugarcane can be hosts for root-knot nematodes: Meloidogyne incognita or Meloidogyne javanica. Regarding nematode hospitability, ten weed species as well as a control sample (tomato) were evaluated; they were inoculated with M. incognita and M. javanica. The plants were inoculated with 2,000 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2), and there were three plants per experimental unit (6,000 eggs and J2 per pot - repeatition); 60 days after inoculation (DAI), the plants were removed and evaluated according to reproduction factor (RF), nematode final population (FP) and reproducibility index (RI). Regarding weed hospitability, it was found that Luffa aegyptiaca acted as a host for both nematodes, with RF > 1, which was higher than the control sample. Digitaria horizontalis was classified as a host for M. incognita and as a non-host for M. javanica. Mucuna aterrima and Crotalaria spectabilis presented the lowest RF and FP. Ricinus communis and Ipomoea triloba presented galls when inoculated with M. incognita, but were not considered host, since they presented RF < 1. None of the weed species was considered immune, i.e., with RF = 0. The lowest RF values of M. incognita (race 3) were related to Crotalaria spectabilis and Euphorbia heterophylla plants. This demonstrates the ability of crotalarias in decreasing nematode population in the field and justifies its use in several areas before planting main crops.

Undernutrition represents a major public health challenge for middle- and low-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate whether a multideficient Northeast Brazil regional basic diet (RBD) induces acute morphological and functional changes in the ileum of mice. Swiss mice (∼25 g) were allocated into two groups: i) control mice were fed a standard diet and II) undernourished mice were fed the RBD. After 7 days, mice were killed and the ileum collected for evaluation of electrophysiological parameters (Ussing chambers), transcription (RT-qPCR) and protein expression (western blotting) of intestinal transporters and tight junctions. Body weight gain was significantly decreased in the undernourished group, which also showed decreased crypt depth but no alterations in villus height. Electrophysiology measurements showed a reduced basal short circuit current (Isc) in the undernourished group, with no differences in transepithelial resistance. Specific substrate-evoked Isc related to affinity and efficacy (glutamine and alanyl-glutamine) were not different between groups, except for the maximum Isc (efficacy) induced by glucose. Transcription of Sglt1 and Pept1 was significantly higher in the undernourished group, while SN-2 transcription was decreased. No changes were found in transcription of CAT-1 and CFTR, while claudin-2 and occludin transcriptions were significantly increased in the undernourished group. Despite mRNA changes, SGLT-1, PEPT-1, claudin-2 and occludin protein expression showed no difference between groups. These results demonstrate early effects of the RBD on mice, which include reduced body weight and crypt depth in the absence of significant alterations to villus morphology, intestinal transporters and tight junction expression.

Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) has been indicated as an efficient medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2. It remains unclear if its effects are due to an improvement of the insulin signaling cascade, especially in obese subjects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of GbE on insulin tolerance, food intake, body adiposity, lipid profile, fasting insulin, and muscle levels of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP-1B), and protein kinase B (Akt), as well as Akt phosphorylation, in diet-induced obese rats. Rats were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) or a normal fat diet (NFD) for 8 weeks. After that, the HFD group was divided into two groups: rats gavaged with a saline vehicle (HFD+V), and rats gavaged with 500 mg/kg of GbE diluted in the saline vehicle (HFD+Gb). NFD rats were gavaged with the saline vehicle only. At the end of the treatment, the rats were anesthetized, insulin was injected into the portal vein, and after 90s, the gastrocnemius muscle was removed. The quantification of IRS-1, Akt, and Akt phosphorylation was performed using Western blotting. Serum levels of fasting insulin and glucose, triacylglycerols and total cholesterol, and LDL and HDL fractions were measured. An insulin tolerance test was also performed. Ingestion of a hyperlipidic diet promoted loss of insulin sensitivity and also resulted in a significant increase in body adiposity, plasma triacylglycerol, and glucose levels. In addition, GbE treatment significantly reduced food intake and body adiposity while it protected against hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in diet-induced obesity rats. It also enhanced insulin sensitivity in comparison to HFD+V rats, while it restored insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation, increased IRS-1, and reduced PTP-1B levels in gastrocnemius muscle. The present findings suggest that G. biloba might be efficient in preventing and treating obesity-induced insulin signaling impairment.

Febrile neutropenia remains a frequent complication in onco-hematological patients, and changes in the circulating level of inflammatory molecules (IM) may precede the occurrence of fever. The present observational prospective study was carried out to evaluate the behavior of plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), soluble TNF-α I and II receptors (sTNFRI and sTNFRII), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1 or chemokine (c-c motif) ligand 2 (CCL2)], macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α or CCL3), eotaxin (CCL11), interleukin-8 (IL-8 or CXCL8), and interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10 or CXCL10) in 32 episodes of neutropenia in 26 onco-hematological patients. IM were tested on enrollment and 24-48 h before the onset of fever and within 24 h of the first occurrence of fever. Eight of 32 episodes of neutropenia did not present fever (control group) and the patients underwent IM tests on three different occasions. sTNFRI levels, measured a median of 11 h (1-15) before the onset of fever, were significantly higher in patients presenting fever during follow-up compared to controls (P = 0.02). Similar results were observed for sTNFRI and CCL2 levels (P = 0.04 for both) in non-transplanted patients. A cut-off of 1514 pg/mL for sTNFRI was able to discriminate between neutropenic patients with or without fever during follow-up, with 65% sensitivity, 87% specificity, and 93% positive predictive value. Measurement of the levels of plasma sTNFRI can be used to predict the occurrence of fever in neutropenic patients.

Os objetivos da presente revisão foram: i) demonstrar a utilização do Teste de Coordenação Corporal para Crianças (Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder - KTK) em variadas populações infantis; ii) descrever estudos que desenvolveram padrões de referência do KTK; e iii) averiguar a existência de padrões de referência do KTK para a coordenação motora de crianças brasileiras. A seleção das publicações realizou-se entre os meses de abril e junho (2010) e foram utilizadas as bases de dados Pubmed, Lilacs e www.google.com/scholar. Os resultados indicaram que o KTK é um instrumento de avaliação do desempenho motor coordenativo adequado para ser aplicado em diferentes populações infantis como portadores de síndrome de Down. A maioria dos estudos que construíram valores de referência para suas populações infantis mostrou valores médios inferiores àqueles estabelecidos a partir do grupo de crianças alemãs de onde se originaram os dados de referência do KTK. Tal fato denota a importância da construção de dados normativos em diferentes países, tendo em vista as variadas características de natureza biológica, social, econômica e cultural a serem consideradas. Por fim, observou-se que não existem dados de referência do KTK para crianças brasileiras, porém, é inegável a importância da aplicação do teste para avaliar a coordenação motora global dessas crianças.

The aims of the present review were: i) to demonstrate the use of the Body Coordination Test for Children (Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder- KTK) in diverse populations of children, ii) to describe studies that developed reference values for KTK, and iii) to ascertain the existence of reference values of KTK for Brazilian children’s motor coordination. The selection of publications was performed between April and June (2010) and the Pubmed, Lilacs and www.google.com/scholar databases were employed. The results indicated that the KTK is an evaluation instrument for motor coordinative performance appropriate to be applied in different childish populations, such as Down syndrome bearers. Most studies that constructed reference values for their childish population showed lower mean values than those established from the group of German children from whom originated the reference data of KTK. This fact demonstrates the importance of the construction of normative data in different countries in view of diverse biological, social, economical and cultural characteristics to be considered. Finally, it was observed the absence of reference data of KTK for Brazilian children, however, it is undeniable the importance of applying the test to evaluate the global motor coordination of these children.

O estudo buscou avaliar as respostas fisiológicas e de desempenho à adição de diferentes níveis de β-glucanos na dieta de leitões recém-desmamados. Foram utilizados 30 machos de linhagem comercial, com 34 dias de idade e peso de 10,9±0,63kg, alojados em gaiolas individuais, durante 14 dias. Os tratamentos variaram somente nos níveis de β-glucanos que foram de 35, 70, 140 e 280g/T. No final desse período, em metade dos animais foram injetados 2,7mg de lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) em 1mL de solução (PBS)/leitão, e nos demais 1mL/leitão de PBS. Foram avaliadas temperatura retal (TR), frequência respiratória (FR), perfil bioquímico sanguíneo e sinais clínicos aos 30, 90, 120 e 390 minutos seguintes à injeção. As respostas de desempenho não foram afetadas pelos níveis de β-glucanos. Foi observado o aumento de TR, tanto em função do LPS como em função da hora em que a temperatura foi medida. No entanto, os animais LPS-injetados, que receberam 280g/T de β-glucanos, tiveram a mesma TR daqueles LPS-não injetados. Os sinais clínicos foram compatíveis com um quadro de inflamação aguda e foram observados, nos animais LPS-injetados, vômito, prostração e diarreia, sendo que a inclusão de β-glucanos não conseguiu reverter esses sintomas. O uso de β-glucanos por 14 dias na dieta de leitões recém-desmamados mostrou um efeito anti-inflamatório em situação de desafio agudo. Para reverter o desafio imunológico utilizado, o nível de 280g/T de β-glucanos mostrou-se o mais recomendado.

This study was done to evaluate immunological responses and performance of weaning piglets receiving diets with different levels of β-glucans. Thirty males from a commercial line with 34 days of age and 10.9±0,6kg initial weight were housed in individual metabolic cages during 14 days. The treatments only differed in β-glucans levels: 35; 70; 140 and 280g/T. On the 14th day, half of the pigs were inoculated with 2.7mg LPS (lipopolysaccharide)/mL of solution (PBS)/pig and the other half received 1mL PBS/pig. Rectal temperature (RT), respiratory frequency (RF), biochemical profile and animal behavior (120 and 390 minutes after LPS inoculation) were evaluated. As the experiment was conducted, performance was not affected by β-glucans. An RT increase was observed due to LPS and time of temperature measurement. LPS-injected animals receiving 280g/T of β-glucans had the same RT as the LPS- non injected group. Clinical signs were near the expectation for acute inflammation. LPS-injected presented prostration, diarrhea and vomit and the β-glucans did not reverse this situation. The use of β-glucans in weaning pigs for fourteen days showed an anti-inflammatory action. To revert the immunologic challenge, the level of 280g/T of β-glucans was the most recommended.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a sensibilidade in vitro de Aeromonas hydrophila frente a extratos etanólicos de própolis (uma verde e duas marrons) obtidos em três estados brasileiros (Minas Gerais, Ceará e Pernambuco). Para verificar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro da própolis, 15 isolados de A. hydrophila foram testados para determinar a Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) dos extratos. Curvas de sobrevivência para o crescimento bacteriano foram determinadas pela incubação dos isolados em extratos etanólicos de própolis a 15% por 24 horas. As médias da CBM dos extratos de própolis foram 1,68% para a própolis verde, 2,31% para a própolis marrom do Ceará e 3,75% para a própolis marrom de Pernambuco. A curva de sobrevivência dos isolados demonstrou uma inibição parcial com até três horas de incubação. Este resultado é compatível com o efeito bacteriostático da própolis, o que pode ser de interesse para a terapia em aquicultura, como alternativa às poucas drogas antimicrobianas disponíveis.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the in-vitro susceptibility of Aeromonas spp. to ethanolic extracts of propolis (one green and two brown) from three Brazilian states (Minas Gerais, Ceará and Pernambuco). In order to verify the antimicrobial activity of the propolis in vitro, 15 Aeromonas spp. isolates were tested to determine the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts. Ethanol at 70% was used as a control. Survival curves for the bacterial growth were determined by incubation of the isolates in ethanolic extracts of propolis at 15% for 24 hours. The averages of the MBC of propolis extracts were 1.68% for the green propolis of Minas Gerais, 2.31% for the brown propolis of Ceará, and 3.75% for the brown propolis of Pernambuco. The survival curve of the isolates showed partial inhibition until three hours of incubation. This result is compatible with the bacteriostatic effect of propolis that may be useful to antibiotic therapy in aquaculture, as an alternative to few available antimicrobial drugs.

Protein profile of twelve healthy adult dogs averaging 14.2±5.4kg was evaluated after the inoculation of yellow scorpion venom (Tityus serrulatus). The animals were randomly divided in two experimental groups (G) (n= 6): GI control, which received 0.5mL of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) subcutaneously in the medial side of the left thigh (MSLT), and GII which received T. serrulatus venom (250μg/kg), diluted in 0.5mL of PBS subcutaneously in the MSLT. Blood samples were collected before the venom inoculation (time zero) and after 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72h to obtain serum for measurement of total proteins. The fractionated protein profile was done by electrophoresis on agarose films using Tris and Amido Black staining and quantification of albumin and globulin fractions by software. The results showed no changes in the levels of total proteins, albumin and α, β and γ globulin or reversal of the albumin:globulin ratio between the groups, concluding that the dose of 250μg/kg of Tityus serrulatus venom did not induce acute phase proteins in dogs.

Blood samples from 1,072 domestic cats of nine administrative regions of Belo Horizonte, MG, were collected and tested using PCR nested for the occurrence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Overall occurrence was 47.5% (507/1072) being North (68.1%) and East (54.4%) the most prevalent areas. Epidemiological data showed that FeLV infection was very common among examined cats and breed neither gender nor were predisposing factors for FeLV. The results suggest that the agglomeration of a large number of cats in the same environment can be an important factor for the increase in the rate of transmission of this retrovirus among domestic cats in the studied city.

Our objective was to determine whether anthropometric measurements of the midarm (MA) could identify subjects with whole body fat-free mass (FFM) depletion. Fifty-five patients (31% females; age: 64.6 ± 9.3 years) with mild/very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 18 smokers without COPD (39% females; age: 49.0 ± 7.3 years) and 23 never smoked controls (57% females; age: 48.2 ± 9.6 years) were evaluated. Spirometry, muscle strength and MA circumference were measured. MA muscle area was estimated by anthropometry and MA cross-sectional area by computerized tomography (CT) scan. Bioelectrical impedance was used as the reference method for FFM. MA circumference and MA muscle area correlated with FFM and biceps and triceps strength. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that MA circumference and MA muscle area cut-off points presented sensitivity and specificity >82% to discriminate FFM-depleted subjects. CT scan measurements did not provide improved sensitivity or specificity. For all groups, there was no significant statistical difference between MA muscle area [35.2 (29.3-45.0) cm²] and MA cross-sectional area values [36.4 (28.5-43.3) cm²] and the linear correlation coefficient between tests was r = 0.77 (P < 0.001). However, Bland-Altman plots revealed wide 95% limits of agreement (-14.7 to 15.0 cm²) between anthropometric and CT scan measurements. Anthropometric MA measurements may provide useful information for identifying subjects with whole body FFM depletion. This is a low-cost technique and can be used in a wider patient population to identify those likely to benefit from a complete body composition evaluation.