ABSTRACT Lymphoma is the most common lymphoproliferative disorder in cats. However, cutaneous lymphomas are uncommon in this species and can be classified as epitheliotropic or non-epitheliotropic. Epitheliotropic lymphomas are typically of T-cells and have tropism for epidermis and/or adnexal epithelium. Non-epitheliotropic lymphomas can be of either T-cell or B-cell and involve predominantly the dermis. The present study describes a case of multifocal cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma. The skin nodules were multiple and variable in size, alopecic and erythematous in appearance and randomly distributed. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for the CD3 antigen, consistent with T-lymphocytes. This neoplasm should be remembered whenever multiple cutaneous nodules are observed in cats.

RESUMO Linfoma é o distúrbio linfoproliferativo mais comumente observado em gatos. Contudo, linfomas cutâneos são incomuns nessa espécie e podem ser classificados como epiteliotrópico ou não epiteliotrópico. Linfomas epiteliotrópicos são tipicamente originários de células T e têm tropismo pela epiderme e/ou pelo epitélio anexial. Linfomas não epiteliotrópicos podem ser originários de células T ou B e envolvem predominantemente a derme. No presente trabalho, descreve-se um caso de linfoma cutâneo multifocal anaplásico de grandes células T em um gato. Os nódulos cutâneos eram múltiplos, de dimensões variáveis, alopécicos, eritematosos e aleatoriamente distribuídos. A imuno-histoquímica revelou positividade para CD3, sendo consistente com origem em linfócitos T. Essa neoplasia deve ser lembrada sempre que forem observados nódulos cutâneos múltiplos em gatos.

Abstract Background: Elderly patients are more susceptible to Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and are more likely to develop it in severe forms, (e.g., Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome [ARDS]). Prone positioning is a treatment strategy for severe ARDS; however, its response in the elderly population remains poorly understood. The main objective was to evaluate the predictive response and mortality of elderly patients exposed to prone positioning due to ARDS-COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective multicenter cohort study involved 223 patients aged ≥ 65 years, who received prone position sessions for severe ARDS due to COVID-19, using invasive mechanical ventilation. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was used to assess the oxygenation response. The 20-point improvement in PaO2/FiO2 after the first prone session was considered for good response. Data were collected from electronic medical records, including demographic data, laboratory/image exams, complications, comorbidities, SAPS III and SOFA scores, use of anticoagulants and vasopressors, ventilator settings, and respiratory system mechanics. Mortality was defined as deaths that occurred until hospital discharge. Results: Most patients were male, with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus as the most prevalent comorbidities. The non-responders group had higher SAPS III and SOFA scores, and a higher incidence of complications. There was no difference in mortality rate. A lower SAPS III score was a predictor of oxygenation response, and the male sex was a risk predictor of mortality. Conclusion: The present study suggests the oxygenation response to prone positioning in elderly patients with severe COVID-19-ARDS correlates with the SAPS III score. Furthermore, the male sex is a risk predictor of mortality.

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the acute supplementation effects of capsaicin, caffeine, and the combined capsaicin plus caffeine on total volume (total repetitions x weight lifted), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and side-effects on resistance training. Methods: Eleven men (21.5 ± 2.1 years, 1.75 ± 0.08 m, 79.64 ± 10.1 kg), trained in resistance training (experience of 4.5 ± 2.6 years, weekly frequency 5 ± 0.8 days) were recruited. This was a crossover, randomized, double-blind study. Each volunteer went through four experimental conditions: supplemented with capsaicin (12 mg), caffeine (400 mg), capsaicin plus caffeine (12 mg and 400 mg, respectively), or placebo. After supplementation, the volunteers completed four sets of back squats until failure, at 70% of one-repetition maximum, with 90 s of rest interval between sets. RPE was registered at the end of each set. Volunteers were asked about the occurrence of side effects, right after exercise and 24 h after supplementation. Results: No significant differences were found (p > 0.05) in total volume between placebo (5505.2 ± 810.7 kg), capsaicin (6010.0 ± 1067.0 kg), capsaicin plus caffeine (5885.1 ± 1219.3 kg), and Caffeine (5628.6 ± 894.4 kg). No significant differences were found in RPE (p > 0.05) between the experimental conditions. The effect size of the total volume was small in capsaicin and capsaicin plus caffeine (d = 0.62 e d = 0.47, respectively), and trivial in the caffeine condition (d = 0.15). Conclusion: The supplementation failed to influence resistance training performance as well as had no effects on increasing the total volume or reducing RPE.

Abstract Aim: This study aims to compare the sleep parameters in Paralympic powerlifting athletes during days with and without training, and to analyze the relationship between the training load and sleep on the same day and the relationship between the previous night's sleep and the training load of the following day. Methods: Actigraphy was used to analyze the sleep parameters of 11 Paralympic powerlifting athletes for 14 days (7 days without and with training), whereas Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) analysis was used to assess training load. In addition, the Horne and östberg chronotype questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were applied. Results: Athletes show morning and indifferent chronotype and low daytime sleepiness. We found that on training days, sleep onset latency (SOL) was lower (average 5.3 min faster), whereas total sleep time (TST) and sleep efficiency (SE) were higher (TST averaged 169 min and SE 7% higher) compared to non-training days. In addition, the TST of the night before the training days correlated positively with the RPE of the following day, and the training volume correlated negatively with the SE of the same day. Conclusion: Our findings show that Paralympic powerlifting training had positive effects in increasing TST and SE and decreasing SOL on training days. These results show the positive effects of this type of training in improving sleep in athletes with physical disabilities. In addition, a good night's sleep the day before training can make it possible to put more effort into the next day's training. Therefore, guiding athletes to sleep more before training with more intense loads is recommended.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with increasing levels (0%, 33%, 67%, and 100%) of sugarcane yeast and urea on the intake, performance, and feeding behaviour of buffalo heifers. Twenty Murrah female buffalos with an initial average weight of 157 ± 1.9 kg at 7 months old were distributed in a completely randomized design. The experimental period was 84 days, and was preceded with 30 days of adaptation. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression, using the GLM and REG procedures of SAS software at 5% probability level. The replacement of SBM with sugarcane yeast did not have a significant effect on the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter and crude protein (CP). Non-fibrous carbohydrate intake increased linearly, whereas the intake of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and ether extract (EE) decreased linearly. There was no treatment effect on average daily gain or feed conversion (FCR). Rumination efficiency on nondetergent fibre (NDF) decreased linearly. The times spent ruminating, remaining idle, and feeding were not influenced by the treatments, and neither were the parameters of feeding efficiency as a function of DM and NDF intakes and rumination efficiency as a function of DM intake. Dry sugarcane yeast and urea could replace SBM fully in the diet of buffalo heifers with a roughage to concentrate ratio of 50 : 50, because animal performance would not be affected.

This study evaluated histological changes in the digestive organs and kidneys of sheep fed sugarcane silage augmented with detoxified castor bean meal (CBM). Forty Santa Inês sheep (initial weight 20 ± 0.3 kg) were adapted to the experimental regime for 14 days, after which data were collected for 60 days. The treatments consisted of S0: sugarcane silage (SC); S5: SC augmented with 5% CBM; S10: SC augmented with 10% CBM; S15: SC augmented with 15% CBM; and S20: SC augmented with 20% CBM. After 74 days of confinement, the animals were slaughtered, and then fragments of the liver, rumen, intestine, and kidney were collected for histomorphometric analyses. The intake of dry matter and the average weight gain increased linearly with the level of CBM (P <0.05), as did the rumen absorption area, the height of the papillae and the width of the papillae. The thickness of the keratinized portion of the epithelium was not influenced, Thus, no effect was detected of the anti-nutritional factor of CBM on this organ. In the intestine, CBM increased the height of the villi and the number of goblet cells. However, S20 caused some kidney damage and decreased hepatic glycogen stock, but not sufficiently to reduce performance. Thus, augmentation of sugarcane with CBM, up to 20%, is viable in feeding sheep.

Resumo Introdução: O suicídio assistido considera-se uma ação em que um paciente, deseja acabar com a sua vida devido à dor e sofrimento causado por uma doença e solicita a ajuda necessária dos profissionais de saúde especializados. O direito a decidir sobre o fim da própria vida e o impacto atribuído ao sofrimento experimentado, são as principais questões relativas ao suicídio assistido. Objetivo: Caracterizar as percepções dos estudantes de enfermagem sobre a atuação profissional frente ao suicídio assistido. Metodologia: A pesquisa incluiu uma análise descritiva com enfoque qualitativo, baseada na aplicação de entrevistas semiestruturadas a estudantes de enfermagem matriculados no nono período curricular, durante 2014, na cidade de Recife-PE, Brasil. A amostra esteve composta por 19 estudantes de enfermagem. Os dados foram analisados e categorizados com o método de Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Resultados e Discussão: Os dados obtidos sugerem que os estudantes consideram o suicídio assistido como uma forma de preservar a dignidade frente a procedimentos e cuidados que tornarão a morte um processo inevitavelmente doloroso. Eles indicam que a eutanásia e o suicídio assistido devem seguir sendo ilegais e que não participariam profissionalmente. Outros afirmaram que participariam porque estariam satisfazendo os desejos do paciente; porém, para sua legalização é necessário a criação de princípios que norteiem a execução destes procedimentos. Conclusão: Os estudantes de enfermagem consideram que o profissional pode eliminar as reais possibilidades de tratamento e recuperação do paciente ao aceitar seu pedido de suicídio. Porém, alguns estudantes são a favor desse procedimento argumentando que o paciente é livre para dirigir sua própria vida.

Abstract Introduction: Assisted suicide is considered an action in which a patient, wishes to terminate his/her life due to the pain and suffering caused by a disease and requests the necessary help from the healthcare professionals. The right to decide about ending one’s own life and the impact attributed to the experienced suffering are the main questions regarding assisted suicide. Objective: Characterize the perceptions of nursing students about professional performance in the face of assisted suicide. Methods: The research comprised a descriptive analysis with a qualitative approach, based on the application of semi-structured interviews on nursing students enrolled in the curricular 9th period, during 2014, in the city of Recife-PE, Brazil. The sample consisted of 19 students. The data, were analyzed and categorized using the Collective Subject Discourse (CSD) method. Results and Discussion: The obtained data suggest that students consider assisted suicide as a way of preserving dignity in the face of procedures that will make the death an inevitably painful process. Indicate that euthanasia and assisted suicide should remain illegal, and they would not get involved professionally. But others assured their willingness to participate because they would be satisfying the patient's wishes, however, for its legalization it is necessary to create principles that would guide the execution of these procedures. Conclusion: The students consider, that the professional can eliminate real possibilities of treatment and recovery of the patient by accepting his request for suicide. However, some students are in favor of this procedure, arguing that the patient is free to conduct his own life.

Resumen Introducción: El suicidio asistido se considera una acción en la que un paciente, desea poner fin a su vida debido al dolor y sufrimiento causado por una enfermedad y solicita la ayuda necesaria de los profesionales sanitarios. El derecho a decidir sobre el fin de la propia vida y el impacto atribuido al sufrimiento experimentado, son las principales cuestiones relativas al suicidio asistido. Objetivo: Caracterizar las percepciones de los estudiantes de enfermería sobre la actuación profesional ante el suicidio asistido. Métodos: La investigación comprendió un análisis descriptivo con enfoque cualitativo, basado en la aplicación de entrevistas semiestructuradas a estudiantes de enfermería matriculados en el noveno periodo curricular, durante 2014, en la ciudad de Recife-PE, Brasil. La muestra estuvo constituida por 19 estudiantes. Los datos fueron analizados y categorizados con el método de Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo. Resultados y Discusión: Los datos obtenidos sugieren que los estudiantes consideran el suicidio asistido como una forma de preservar la dignidad ante procedimientos que harán de la muerte un proceso inevitablemente doloroso. Indican que la eutanasia y el suicidio asistido deben seguir siendo ilegales y no participarían profesionalmente. Otros afirmaron que participarían porque estarían satisfaciendo los deseos del paciente; sin embargo, para su legalización es necesario la creación de principios que guíen la ejecución de estos procedimientos. Conclusión: Los estudiantes consideran que el profesional puede eliminar las posibilidades reales de tratamiento y recuperación del paciente al aceptar su solicitud de suicidio. Sin embargo, algunos estudiantes están a favor de este procedimiento argumentando que el paciente es libre de conducir su propia vida.

RESUMO A fim de avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses da rbST sobre a dinâmica folicular, a produção e a maturação in vitro de oócitos, 20 vacas Sindi, divididas em três grupos, receberam um dispositivo de progesterona intravaginal, estradiol e PGF2α, além de 2mL de solução salina (grupo controle), 250 (grupo rbST 250) ou 500mg de rbST (grupo rbST 500). Cinco dias depois, realizou-se a ovum pick up, e os complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCOs) recuperados foram selecionados, classificados e maturados in vitro. Os dados de contagem foram comparados pelo procedimento glht (General Linear Hypothesis Test), e os dados em porcentagem foram submetidos ao qui-quadrado, no programa estatístico R, onde as diferenças foram consideradas significativas quando P<0,05. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os grupos quanto à quantidade de folículos e à taxa de maturação. Os grupos rbST 250 e rbST 500 foram significativamente superiores (P<0,05) ao grupo controle em relação ao número de folículos grandes (0,42±0,20 vs. 0). O grupo rbST 500 apresentou maior (P<0,05) porcentagem de oócitos viáveis (91,52%) do que os grupos controle (67,85%) e rbST 250 (53,33%). A rbST aumenta o número de folículos grandes, e 500mg de rbST aumentam a porcentagem de oócitos viáveis em vacas Sindi.

ABSTRACT In order to evaluate the effect of different doses of rbST on the follicular dynamics, production, and in vitro maturation of oocytes, 20 Sindhi cows were divided into three groups, receiving an intravaginal progesterone device, estradiol and PGF2α, and 2mL of solution saline (Control Group), 250 (rbST 250 Group) or 500mg rbST (rbST 500 Group). Five days later, the ovum pick up was performed, and the cumulus-oocyte (CCO) complexes recovered were selected, classified, and matured in vitro. The counting data were compared by the glht (General Linear Hypothesis Test) procedure, and the percentage data were submitted to Qui- square, in the statistical program R, where differences were considered significant when P< 0.05. There was no difference (P> 0.05) between the groups regarding follicle quantity and maturation rate. The rbST 250 and rbST 500 groups were significantly higher (P< 0.05) than the Control group in relation to the number of large follicles (0.42±0.20 versus 0). The rbST 500 group presented higher (P< 0.05) percentage of viable oocytes (91.52%) than the Control (67.85%) and rbST 250 (53.33%) groups. rbST increases the number of large follicles and 500mg rbST increases the percentage of viable oocytes in Sindhi cows.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resposta metabólica de cordeiros nativos alimentados com feno de capim-tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon) ou feno de maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associados à palma forrageira (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Foram utilizados 16 cordeiros Morada Nova, com peso inicial médio de 19,36±1,48kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com dois tratamentos e oito repetições. O consumo de matéria seca foi maior nos cordeiros alimentados com feno de maniçoba em comparação ao feno de tifton, enquanto o peso corporal ao abate não foi influenciado pelas dietas. Em relação aos metabólitos sanguíneos, apenas a concentração sérica de ureia foi influenciada, com maior valor observado nos cordeiros que ingeriram a dieta contendo feno de capim-tifton. Quando foi realizada a análise dos biomarcadores sanguíneos nas diferentes coletas quinzenais, foi observado aumento linear nas concentrações sanguíneas de ureia, glicose, frutosamina, fosfatase alcalina e sódio, e efeito quadrático para o potássio sérico. Os demais metabólitos sanguíneos não foram influenciados em função dos dias de coleta. A substituição do feno de tifton 85 por feno de maniçoba influencia positivamente o metabolismo de cordeiros sem causar alterações na dinâmica dos diferentes biomarcadores e se apresenta como um promissor recurso forrageiro.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic response of native lambs fed Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon dactylon) or Maniçoba hay (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associated with spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Sixteen Morada Nova lambs were used, with a mean initial weight of 19.36±1.48kg, distributed in a randomized block design, with two treatments and eight replications. Dry matter intake was higher for lambs fed Maniçoba hay compared to Tifton hay, while the body weight at slaughter was not influenced by diets. Regarding the blood metabolites, only the serum concentration of urea was influenced, with higher value observed in the lambs that fed the diet containing Tifton hay. When analyzing blood biomarkers, in the different biweekly collections, a linear increase in the blood concentration of urea, glucose, fructosamine, alkaline phosphatase and sodium was observed, as well as a quadratic effect for serum potassium. The other blood metabolites were not influenced in function of the collection days. The replacement of Tifton 85 hay for Maniçoba hay does not cause negative changes in the dynamics of different biomarkers and presents itself as a promising forage resource.

Abstract The development of three-dimensional matrices for microbial cultures is a promising strategy by mimic the natural environments of cells and promoting adhesion, growth and cellular proliferation. In the current study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foams were produced by the combination of gas foaming and freeze-drying for applied as microorganism 3D matrix. The spectra FTIR indicated consume of hydroxyl groups that evidences the crosslinking reaction and promoted increases in thermal stability. Morphological analysis by SEM revealed an interconnected porous structure in the PVA foams. Besides, the crosslinking reaction did not affect pore size and morphology. Meanwhile, cross-linked PVA foam (G-PVAFL) exhibited an increase of compressive modulus and compressive strength. The swelling ratio reached 85% and degradation kinetics of G-PVAFL showed a suitable profile to support microorganism in the biofilm formation. Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria), Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria) and Candida albicans (yeast) were efficiently immobilized in G-PVAFL. In addition, cells morphology were preserved for all species investigated. Besides, Sugar Fermentation Test with Escherichia coli immobilized indicates the preservation of proliferative and metabolic activity. These results indicate that G-PVAFL is suitable as a matrix for 3D microbiological culture.

RESUMO Infecções por Ehrlichia em bovinos são frequentes na África, mas também foram relatadas no Brasil e na América do Norte. Este artigo relata uma infecção natural por Ehrlichia sp. associado a Babesia bigemina e Anaplasma marginale em um bezerro, no município de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, o qual apresentava polioencefalomalácia. A evidência molecular, baseada em um fragmento do gene dsb, indica uma espécie de Ehrlichia geneticamente relacionada a Ehrlichia canis e outras espécies do gênero encontradas no carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus e em um bezerro do Brasil (99 a 100% de identidade). Não foi possível associar os sinais clínicos à infecção por Ehrlichia devido a coinfecções e evidências histológicas de outra doença. No entanto, a circulação da bactéria em bovinos no Cerrado brasileiro foi confirmada, e mais atenção deve ser dada à suspeita clínica de patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos em bovinos para esclarecer o potencial patogênico de Ehrlichia sp.

ABSTRACT Ehrlichia infections in cattle are frequent in Africa but have also been reported in Brazil and North America. This paper reports natural infection by Ehrlichia sp. associated with Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale in a calf in the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, presenting polioencephalomalacia. The molecular evidence, based on a fragment of the dsb gene, indicates a species of Ehrlichia genetically related to Ehrlichia canis and other species of the genus found in the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and a calf from Brazil (99 to 100% identity). It was not possible to associate the clinical signs with Ehrlichia infection due to co-infections and histological evidence of another disease. However, the circulation of the bacteria in bovines in Brazilian Cerrado was confirmed and more attention should be given to clinical suspicion of tick-borne pathogens in cattle to clarify the pathogenic potential of Ehrlichia sp.

Objective: To identify the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psychiatric disorders in young adults in southern Brazil. Methods: This population based cross-sectional study involved a total of 1,023 young adults between the ages of 21 and 32 years. Current episodes of psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview – Plus version. MetS was evaluated using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III). Results: Of the 1,023 participants, 24.3% were identified with MetS, 13.5% were diagnosed with anxiety disorders, 7.5% with current depression, 3.9% with bipolar disorders and 10.1% were at risk of suicide. MetS was associated with ethnicity (p = 0.022), excess weight (p < 0.001), current anxiety disorders (p < 0.001), current mood disorders (bipolar disorder in mood episode and current depression) (p < 0.001), and suicide risk (p < 0.001). Conclusions: MetS was associated with psychiatric disorders. Awareness of factors associated with MetS can help identify high-risk individuals and stimulate disease prevention and control programs, as well as lifestyle changes.

São necessários estudos que definam um “padrão de qualidade” de um determinado produto. Nesse sentido, as avaliações ligadas aos variados aspectos dos alimentos, sejam eles de indicações nutricionais, físico-químicos ou sensoriais, apresentam-se como importantes ferramentas na definição da qualidade do produto. O trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a qualidade de quinze marcas de açúcar mascavado. Quanto à humidade, todas as marcas estavam dentro do relatado pela literatura apresentando duas delas um valor de Aw maior que 0,60. Quatro marcas apresentaram-se fora do limite estabelecido do padrão internacional para bactérias mesófilas e duas marcas não conformes para bolores e leveduras. Quanto a analise sensorial, os açúcares apresentaram diferenças na cor, aparência húmida, gosto doce e textura granulosa, porém estas diferenças não afetaram a preferência para este grupo de consumidores.

Studies which lead to a pointing that aims at defining a qualitative positioning of a certain product are necessary. In this sense, the evaluations related to the various aspects of the foods, being them of nutritional indications, physicochemical or sensory, are important tools in pointing the quality of the product. This work aimed at analyzing the quality of fifteen brands of brown sugars. Regarding moisture, all brands were inside what is reported by the literature and two brands presented Aw higher than 0.60. Four brands stayed outside the limit established by the international standard for mesophilic bacteria and two brands were not in accordance for molds and yeasts. The sugars presented sensory difference for color, humid appearance, sweet taste and grainy texture; however, for this group of consumers, these differences did not affect preference.

RESUMO: O peixe-boi marinho (Trichechus manatus) é um dos mamíferos aquáticos mais ameaçados do Brasil e, atualmente é classificado como “em perigo” (MMA). O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar histologicamente o trato reprodutor e os anexos fetais de peixes-bois marinhos encalhados no Nordeste do Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de tecidos do trato reprodutor de 23 peixes-bois marinhos (T. manatus), que foram fixadas em formol tamponado a 10%, processados usando protocolos histológicos padrão e corados com hematoxilina eosina. Foi realizada a descrição qualitativa das características histológicas e histomorfométricas de cada estrutura. Foram analisados seis ovários. Em quatro ovários, foi encontrado um grande número de folículos primordiais e primários. Dois ovários eram diferentes dos outros: um tinha infiltração inflamatória e o outro tinha um espessamento no córtex e ausência de folículos. Também foram analisadas sete amostras uterinas (das quais quatro estavam na fase proliferativa, duas na fase secretória e uma na fase de recuperação), quatro placentas, uma vagina, seis testículos (quatro na fase imatura, um na fase puberal e um na fase madura), dois epidídimos, dois pênis e um cordão umbilical. Os achados histológicos e morfométricos em nosso trabalho apoiarão futuras análises do trato reprodutivo de T. manatus do Brasil.

ABSTRACT: The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is one of the most threatened aquatic mammals in Brazil, and is currently classified as “endangered” (MMA). The objective of this study was to characterize histologically the reproductive tract and fetal annexes of stranded manatees in northeastern Brazil. Tissue samples were collected from the reproductive tract of 23 manatees, which were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, processed using standard histological protocols and stained with hematoxylin eosin. We qualitatively described the histological and histomorphometric characteristics of each structure. Six ovaries were analyzed. In four ovaries, we found a large number of primordial and primary follicles. Two ovaries were different from the others: one had inflammatory infiltration and the other had a thickening in the cortex and absence of follicles. We also analyzed seven uteri (of which four were in the proliferative phase, two in the secretory phase, and one in the recovery phase), four placentas, one vagina, six testes (four were in the immature phase, one in the pubertal phase, and one in the mature phase), two epididymides, two penises, and one umbilical cord. The histological and morphometric findings in our work will support future analyses of the reproductive tract of T. manatus from Brazil.

RESUMO Foi avaliado o comportamento de índices Doppler e a expressão de genes relacionados à neovascularização tumoral, visando caracterizar a vascularização das massas neoplásicas. Foram utilizadas 27 cadelas, com diagnóstico histopatológico de neoplasia mamária, sendo submetidas à avaliação Dopplerfluxométrica tumoral e à coleta de fragmentos neoplásicos para análise de expressão gênica de VEGF, FLT-1, FLK-1 e ATR1. Foram encontrados 22 tumores de origem epitelial (carcinomas) e cinco de origem mesenquimal (sarcomas). Observou-se correlação positiva entre o FLT-1 e as variáveis PS, PI e RI. O FLK-1 apresentou correlação igualmente positiva com os parâmetros PS e PI e uma tendência para RI, enquanto o VEGF retratou correlação positiva apenas com IP. O VEGF também mostrou correlação positiva com seus receptores, porém não apresentou correlação com o ATR1. O FLT-1 e o FLK-1 apresentaram ainda correlação positiva entre si e com o ATR1. Houve maior expressão média do VEGF nos tumores epiteliais do que nos mesenquimais. As variáveis PS, PI e RI, associadas com a expressão do VEGF e seus receptores, mostraram-se relevantes para caracterizar a neovascularização de tumores malignos, e a expressão diferenciada do VEGF entre os tipos tumorais pode ser um indicador auxiliar na caracterização de neoplasias mamárias malignas em cadelas.

ABSTRACT The behavior of the tumor Doppler indexes and gene expression related to neovascularization was evaluated aiming to improve the characterization of neoplastic masses vascularization. Twenty-seven bitches with histopathological diagnosis of mammary neoplasia were submitted to tumor Dopplerfluxometric evaluation and collection of neoplastic fragments to analyze the gene expression of VEGF, FLT-1, FLK-1 and ATR1. Were found 22 epithelial (carcinomas) and five mesenchymal (sarcomas) tumors. Positive correlation was observed between FLT-1 and PS, PI and RI. FLK-1 presented a similar positive correlation with the PS and PI parameters, and a tendency for RI (r= 0.45, P= 0.07), whereas VEGF showed a positive correlation just with PI. VEGF also showed a positive correlation with its receptors, but did not present a correlation with ATR1. FLT-1 and FLK-1 also showed positive correlation with each other, and with ATR1. There was higher mean expression of VEGF in epithelial tumors than in mesenchymal ones. The PS, PI and RI associated with the expression of VEGF and its receptors have been shown to be relevant to characterize neovascularization of malignant tumors, and the differentiated expression of VEGF between the types of mammary tumors, may be an auxiliary indicator in the characterization of malignant breast cancers in bitches.