This study seeks to synthesize, by the sol-gel method, an organic-inorganic hybrid coating of polyurethane, siloxane and silver nanoparticles to cover titanium prostheses, aiming to act as an anticorrosive protection barrier, inhibiting the release of metallic ions in the human body. In this context, a hybrid based on the TEOS (tetraethyl orthosilicate) alkoxide precursor was used to carry out the acid hydrolysis/condensation process. Then, silver nanoparticles were added, and the mixture was done with the incorporation of polycaprolactone diol, followed by the addition of hexamethylene diisocyanate, to form polyurethane. The hybrid coatings were applied on titanium plates, and morphological, physical-chemical and electrochemical characterizations were carried out, as well as the evaluation of bactericidal and antifungal activity, in order to evaluate the performance of the coatings and the influence of diferente concentrations of silver nanoparticles (10 mL, 20 mL and 40 mL). The results showed that although Híbrido 10 (lowest concentration of silver nanoparticles, 10 mL) presented the best morphological characteristic without cracks and with satisfactory roughness to obtain the best bacterial behavior, the Híbrido 20 sample presented the best electrochemical performance.

Abstract Syzygium cumini L. Skeels belongs to Myrtaceae family. This species has been recognized by its antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Despite ever-increasing scientific interest for this species there is no pharmacopeia method for characterization and standardization of S. cumini yet. So, toward this aim, the objective of this work was to develop an efficient analytical methodology able to determine polyphenols and tannins content from leaves hydroethanolic extract of S. cumini using Folin-Ciocalteu method by ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry (UV-Vis). The analytical methodology was developed for the first time in the literature for leaves of this specie shown to be fast and low-cost with results expressed through tannic acid equivalent (TAE). Moreover, the methodology presented selectivity with maximum absorption at 706 nm wavelength, linearity with R2>0.99; limit of detection 0.275 µg TAE mL-1 and 0.102 µg TAE mL-1; limit of quantification 1.046 µg TAE mL-1 and 0.912 µg TAE mL-1 for total polyphenols and total tannins, respectively. Furthermore, the methodology was accurate with recover value greater than 98%, as well as exact, reproductive, and robust with coefficient of variation values less than 15% for both compounds. All the results are found within the fixed limits according to RDC 166/2017.

Abstract The objective was to study the spatial distribution of the mite population in the pequi trees (Caryocar brasiliense). A completely randomized design was used and evaluated the spatial distribution of mites according to the orientation of the branches; part of the canopy; part of the leaf and foliar surface. The part of canopy of the tree and the orientation of the branches did not influence the mite population in leaves and fruits. The largest amount of Histiostoma sp. was observed in the proximal part of the leaf. The surface of the leaf determined the presence of mites and a greater number of Agistemus sp., Eutetranychus sp., Tetranychus sp.1 and 2, Histiostoma sp. and Proctolaelaps sp. was observed on the abaxial surface. It is recommended as a preliminary plan for the sampling of mites in plantations of C. brasiliense to use the leaves of all parts of the tree.

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar la distribución espacial de la población de ácaros en los árboles de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense). Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar y se evaluó la distribución espacial de los ácaros de acuerdo con la orientación de las ramas, parte de la copa de los árboles, parte de la hoja y superficie foliar. La parte de la copa del árbol y la orientación de las ramas no influyeron en la población de ácaros en las hojas y los frutos. La mayor cantidad de Histiostoma sp. se observó en la parte proximal de la hoja. La superficie de la hoja determinó la presencia de ácaros y un mayor número de Agistemus sp., Eutetranychus sp., Tetranychus sp. 1 y 2, Histiostoma sp. y Proctolaelaps sp. se observó en la superficie abaxial. Se recomienda como plan preliminar para el muestreo de ácaros en plantaciones de C. brasiliense para utilizar las hojas de todas las partes del árbol.

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

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

Resumo Introdução: O ingresso nas universidades representa uma mudança no modo de vida social, econômico, pessoal e mental dos estudantes. Às vezes, o processo de habituação representa um estressor que pode culminar em sintomas de ansiedade e depressão e, desse modo, representar um fator de risco para saúde mental. Objetivo: Analisar a percepção dos discentes sobre a experiência de vivenciar discussões sobre temática de suicídio. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo-exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado em uma Universidade Federal do Nordeste do Brasil. Participaram da pesquisa 15 estudantes do curso Bacharelado em Enfermagem que integravam o Projeto de Intervenção Ser, Saber, Ouvir, Viver, no qual eram desenvolvidas ações de prevenção ao suicídio e valorização da vida direcionado aos estudantes universitários da instituição. Resultados: Os resultados foram analisados a partir a nuvemn da palavra e da representação gráfica de análise de similaridade, observou-se que a concepção dos alunos foi resumida às palavras Projeto e Saúde. A palavra projeto estava relacionada à motivação e as experiências dos alunos e a palavra saúde com suicídio como um problema de saúde público. Conclusão: Portanto, o projeto em questão além de favorecer um ambiente de liberdade de diálogo no âmbito acadêmico, proporciona também alívio mental que, com o passar das reuniões, pode minimizar os sintomas depressivos e ansiosos que os discentes podem apresentar, em consequência, reduzindo os índices de suicídio na instituição.

Abstract Introduction: Entering the university entails changes in the students' lifestyles regarding the social, economic, personal, and metal areas. Sometimes, the related habituation process can produce stress, which is externalized as anxiety and depression, and which can become a risk to the students' mental health. Objective: To analyze the conception which students from a course of nursing have on experiencing discussions around suicide. Methods: This is a descriptive-exploratory qualitative study carried out in a Federal University of Northeastern Brazil. Fifteen students from a course of nursing, who integrated a project to develop actions on suicide prevention and life valorization, participated in this study. The resulting information was produced using a data processing software. Results: The conceptions were analyzed through a word-cloud and graphical representation of similarities methodology. The resulting combined conception was summarized by the words Project and Health, representing the students' motivation and experiences, and suicide as a health problem, respectively. Conclusion: The corresponding free-dialog discussion on the issue provided mental relief among the students by minimizing their symptoms of anxiety and depression. This approach can contribute to reduce the suicide rates in the institution.

Resumen Introducción: El ingreso en las Universidades representa un cambio en el estilo de vida social, económico, personal y mental en los discentes (estudiantes). A veces el proceso de habituación representa un factor estresante que puede culminar en síntomas de ansiedad y depresión, y representa un factor de riesgo para la salud mental. Objetivo: Analizar la concepción de los discentes del Curso de Bachillerato en Enfermería, sobre la experiencia de vivenciar discusiones sobre la temática de suicidio. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo-exploratorio de abordaje cualitativo realizado en una Universidad Federal del Nordeste de Brasil, cuyo manejo de la información se realizó con un software de procesamiento de datos. En la investigación participaron quince estudiantes del curso Bachillerato en Enfermería que integraban el Proyecto de Intervención Ser, Saber, Escuchar, Vivir, en el cual se desarrollan acciones para los universitarios sobre prevención al suicidio y valorización de la vida. Resultados: Los resultados fueron analizados a partir de la nube de palabras y la representación gráfica del análisis de similitud, se observó que la concepción de los discentes se resumió a las palabras Proyecto y Salud. La palabra proyecto se relacionó con la motivación y las experiencias de los discentes, y la palabra salud con el suicidio como problema de salud pública. Conclusión: La discusión sobre el tema se muestra positiva en la Academia por favorecer un espacio de escucha y libertad de diálogo que proporciona alivio mental, contribuye a minimizar síntomas de ansiedad y depresión entre los discentes, y puede contribuir a reducir los índices de suicidio en la institución.

Abstract Averrhoa bilimbi L. and A. carambola L., Oxalidaceae, are the only two species of the genus Averrhoa L. Their leaves are widely used in folk medicine as an adjuvant in the treatment of diabetes. Some species may contain, for example, calcium oxalate crystals, which may lead to risk in its use when there is predisposition of individuals with reduced renal activity. Therefore, there are still few studies on the content of oxalic acid present in them, highlighting the importance of this investigation. The objective of this work was to conduct a comparative anatomical and histochemical study between the species and determining its content of oxalic acid. Semipermanent histological slides were prepared, following common plant anatomy procedures, for analysis of the leaflets in optical microscopy, polarization and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. To determine the total, soluble and insoluble oxalate content was used titration with potassium permanganate. The anatomical characterization allowed identifying the characters useful in the differentiation of the species. The histochemistry revealed the location of the metabolites. Chemical microanalyses demonstrated that the crystals are of calcium oxalate. A. carambola presented the highest levels of total oxalate and soluble oxalate. The study assists in the identification and quality control of A. bilimbi and A. carambola and brings new data on its oxalic acid content, which are important, in view of the medicinal use of the species.

ABSTRACT Eugenia uniflora L., Myrtaceae, popularly known as “pitanga”, is used in traditional medicine due the properties attributed to its chemical content, these being mainly hydrolysable tannins and flavonoids. This study provides a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of chemical profile from leaves of E. uniflora. The HPLC analysis was carried out on a C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 µm) by gradient elution with methanol and water (acidified with trifluoracetic acid); and silica gel Plates 60-F 254 with 10–12 µm and 5–6 µm particles, respectively for TLC and High HPTLC analysis. The chromatographic data obtained from HPLC, TLC and HPTLC presented bands and peaks related to flavonoids (myricitrin and derivatives) and tannins (gallic and ellagic acids), which were observed from different samples. The chromatographic similarities enabled the building of a typical fingerprint for the herbal material. The similarity analysis of the sample data by Pearson correlation showed R values >0.9 among peaks (HPLC) and bands (HPTLC). In addition, the analytical methodology developed by HPLC enabled the satisfactory quantification of marker substances [ellagic acid = 0.22% and 0.20% (m/m); gallic acid = 0.20% and 0.43%; myricitrin = 0.42 and 1.74% (m/m) in herbal drug and crude extract, respectively]. The procedure was also validated in accordance with the assays required by Brazilian legislation. Thus, the HPTLC and HPLC methods developed in this study provide helpful and simple tools for the quality evaluation both qualitatively and quantitatively of raw materials and extractives from leaves of E. uniflora.

RESUMO A adição de óleos na dieta de frangos de corte proporciona muitas vantagens, visto que, dependendo do perfil de ácidos graxos, pode melhorar o desempenho e atuar como estimulante do sistema imune. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as características produtivas, o rendimento de carcaça, os cortes e a resposta imune humoral de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes fontes de óleos e vitamina E. Foram utilizados 312 pintainhos de corte machos da linhagem Cobb com um dia de idade, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com oito repetições compostas de 13 aves por parcela experimental. Os tratamentos experimentais consistiram em óleo de soja, óleo de canola e óleo de canola mais adição de vitamina E. As variáveis analisadas foram ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça, cortes comerciais e resposta imune humoral. Os resultados obtidos mostram que houve diferença significativa no desempenho somente na fase pré-inicial, quando as aves que receberam o tratamento com óleo de canola e vitamina E apresentaram piores ganhos de peso. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas para as outras variáveis analisadas. Conclui-se que a utilização de diferentes fontes lipídicas associadas ou não à vitamina E não afeta as características produtivas de carcaça, cortes e resposta imune humoral em frangos de corte em relação ao uso de óleo de soja.

ABSTRACT Oil inclusion in poultry diets provides many advantages and according to the fatty acid profile it is possible to achieve performance improvement as well as immune system stimulation. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate productive performance, carcass and cuts yields and also the humoral immune response of broilers consuming diets formulated with different oil sources and vitamin E. A total of 312 one-day old male Cobb was distributed, in a completely randomized design, in three treatments with eight replications of 13 birds. The experimental treatments were the diets that had different oil source as follows: soybean oil, canola oil and canola oils with vitamin E. The analyzed parameters were weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass and cut yields and humoral immune response. For the treatment with canola oil and vitamin E a reduction on weight gain during the pre-starter stage was observed. For the other evaluated parameters, no significant differences were observed. In conclusion, the use of canola oil or canola oil with added vitamin E does not affect the productive performance, carcass and cut yields and humoral immune response in broiler chicken in relation soybean oil use.

ABSTRACT Ageratum conyzoides L., belonging to the family Asteraceae, is a tropical plant found in some regions of Africa, Asia and South America. This species is popularly known as billy goat weed, “mentrasto” and “catinga-de-bode” and has a large variety of secondary metabolites and biological activities mentioned in the literature. The objective of this work was to contribute the pharmacobotanical standardization of A. conyzoides. Cross-sections were obtained, by hand, for microscopic characterization of root, stem, petiole and leaf blade; to the leaf blade were still made paradermal and longitudinal sections, scanning electron microscopy analysis and maceration. The analysis showed that secretory structures ducts are evidenced only in the petiole and the leaf blade. The root has parenchymatous medullar region; stem, petiole and leaf blade exhibit striated cuticle. Non-glandular trichomes are present in stem, petiole and leaf blade, while capitate glandular trichomes are present only in the leaf blade and are restricted to the abaxial face. These anatomical features are useful for diagnosis of the species and provide support to their quality control.

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influences of variables of preparation on total flavonoids content from extractive solution of Lippia sidoides Cham., Verbenaceae. Thus a 23 factorial design was used to study the importance of plant proportion, the extraction method and solvent on the extraction of flavonoid. The methodology of determination of chemicals in factorial design was validated according to the parameters required by Brazilian Health Agency. The extraction solution was selected through a full factorial design where the best conditions to achieve the highest content of flavonoids were: 7.5% (w/v) of plant with ethanol 50% (v/v) as solvent. The polyphenols content was determined by LC method and its relationship with the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities was evaluated. The free radical scavenging activities and antioxidant potentials were determined for different concentrations using various in vitro models. Our results indicate that extracts exhibited a significant dose-dependent antioxidant effect as evaluated by TRAP/TAR assays. Besides, we observed an antioxidant activity against hydroxyl radicals and nitric oxide, and protection against lipid peroxidation in vitro. Our results suggest that the extract presents significant in vitro antioxidant potential indicating promising perspectives for its use as pharmaceutical/or food additive.

The roots from Operculina macrocarpa (L.) Urb., Convolvulaceae, are widely used in Brazilian traditional medicine as a laxative and purgative. The biological properties of this drug material have been attributed to its polysaccharides content. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the polysaccharide content in drug material from O. macrocarpa by spectrophotometric quantitative analysis. The root was used as plant material and the botanical identification was performed by macro and microscopic analysis. The plant material was used to validate the spectrophotometric procedures at 490 nm for the quantification of the reaction product from drug polysaccharides and phenol-sulfuric acid solution. The analytical procedure was evaluated in order to comply with the necessary legal requirements by the determination of the following parameters: specificity, linearity, selectivity, precision, accuracy and robustness. This study provides with a simple and valid analytical procedure (linear, precise, accurate and reproducible), which can be satisfactorily used for quality control and standardization of herbal drug from O. macrocarpa.

The Simaroubaceae family includes 32 genera and more than 170 species of trees and brushes of pantropical distribution. The main distribution hot spots are located at tropical areas of America, extending to Africa, Madagascar and regions of Australia bathed by the Pacific. This family is characterized by the presence of quassinoids, secondary metabolites responsible of a wide spectrum of biological activities such as antitumor, antimalarial, antiviral, insecticide, feeding deterrent, amebicide, antiparasitic and herbicidal. Although the chemical and pharmacological potential of Simaroubaceae family as well as its participation in official compendia; such as British, German, French and Brazilian pharmacopoeias, and patent registration, many of its species have not been studied yet. In order to direct further investigation to approach detailed botanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects of the Simaroubaceae, the present work reviews the information regarding the main genera of the family up to 2013.

Avaliou-se o desempenho de tilápias-do-nilo alimentadas com farelo da casca de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense). Foram utilizados 200 alevinos, com idade de 37 dias e peso corporal médio de 0,63±0,25g, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos zero, 20, 40 e 60% de substituição de ração comercial por farelo da casca de pequi e cinco repetições representadas por caixas de cloreto de polivinila com capacidade para 130L, contendo 10 peixes cada, totalizando 20 unidades experimentais. As características de desempenho avaliadas foram consumo de ração, peso corporal, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, comprimento total e viabilidade criatória. A conversão alimentar 1,96µ; 2,21µ; 2,63µ; 3,12µ - piorou linearmente com a inclusão do farelo de casca da pequi, enquanto as demais variáveis de desempenho não foram influenciadas pelos tratamentos. Conclui-se que a inclusão do farelo da casca de pequi na ração piora a conversão alimentar, sem alterar as demais variáveis de desempenho.

The performance of Nile tilapia fed with bran made of pequi peel was evaluated. Two hundred fingerlings, at 37 days of age and with mean body weight of 0.63±0.25 g, were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments 0, 20, 40 and 60% of replacement of commercial diet with bran made of pequi peel with five repetitions represented by boxes of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with capacity for 130 L, with 10 fish each, totalizing 20 experimental units. The performance characteristics evaluated were feed intake, body weight, weight gain, feed conversion, total length, and live viability. Feed conversion 1.96µ; 2.21µ; 2.63µ; 3.12µ increased linearly with the inclusion of bran made of pequi peel, while the other performance variables were not influenced by treatments. The conclusion is that the inclusion of bran peel in the pequi diet worsened feed conversion, without changing other performance variables.

Administration of medicines is an ally in the health recovery process, especially in the emergency and casualty sector. Since the nurse is the person with most responsibility in this practice and considering that any failing in this activity could have irreversible consequences for the patient, the study seeks to describe the knowledge of the nurses about this issue and to verify aspects of their training in a search for continuous updating and education in the health service. The study is descriptive and exploratory and of a quantitative approach. It was carried out in casualty and emergency units of the Distrito Sanitario Leste de Goiânia, Goiás. 37 nurses participated in the study, answering a self-administered questionnaire. A statistical and descriptive analysis was carried out, taking a confidence interval of 95% and factors with significance p < 0,05. The study shows the training of nurses in terms of medicine administration in casualty and emergency units and highlights gaps that need to be remedied by ongoing training.

A intervenção medicamentosa é uma aliada no processo de recuperação da saúde, principalmente no setor de urgência e emergência. Tendo o enfermeiro como o principal responsável por essa prática e considerando que qualquer falha durante esta atividade pode trazer conseqüências irreversíveis ao paciente, o estudo objetiva descrever o conhecimento dos enfermeiros acerca desta temética e verificar os aspectos da formação, busca de atualização e educação continuada no serviço de saúde. Estudo descritivo, exploratório, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado em unidades de urgência e emergência do Distrito Sanitário Leste de Goiânia, Goiás. Participaram do estudo 37 enfermeiros que responderam um questionário auto-aplicável. Realizou-se análise estatística e descritiva, considerando intervalo de 95% de confiança e fatores com p < 0,05 significantes. Pelo estudo, constata-se o preparo dos enfermeiros quanto à administração de medicamentos em urgência e emergência e aponta lacunas que devem ser sanadas por meio da educação continuada.

La intervención medicamentosa es una aliada en el proceso de recuperación de la salud, principalmente en el sector de urgencia y emergencia. Al ser el enfermero el principal responsable de esa práctica y considerando que cualquier fallo durante esta actividad puede tener consecuencias irreversibles para el paciente, el estudio objetiva describir el conocimiento de los enfermeros acerca de esta temática y verificar los aspectos de la formación, en busca de actualización y educación continuada en el servicio de salud. Estudio descriptivo, exploratorio, de abordaje cuantitativo, realizado en unidades de urgencia y emergencia del Distrito Sanitario Leste de Goiânia, Goiás. Participaron del estudio 37 enfermeros que respondieron a un cuestionario auto-aplicable. Se realizó análisis estadístico y descriptivo, considerando intervalo de 95% de confianza y factores con p < 0,05 significantes. En el estudio, se constata la preparación de los enfermeros en cuanto a la administración de medicamentos en urgencia y emergencia y apunta lagunas que deben ser subsanadas por medio de la educación continuada.

Descrevem-se dois surtos de intoxicação por Senecio spp. em ovinos a campo no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. A enfermidade ocorreu no ano 2006 em duas propriedades que estavam severamente invadidas pela planta e com acentuada escassez de forragem. A morbidade nos dois surtos variou de 10% a 9,5% nas duas propriedades, respectivamente. Na primeira propriedade os animais eram nascidos e criados na área e na outra os ovinos haviam sido adquiridos alguns meses antes do surto. Os sinais clínicos caracterizaram-se por emagrecimento progressivo, apatia, fraqueza, icterícia e fotossensibilização. Macroscopicamente, o fígado dos ovinos necropsiados estava aumentado de tamanho, amarelado, com superfície capsular irregular e vesícula biliar aumentada de tamanho e com edema da parede. Ao corte no fígado havia nódulos bem delimitados, esbranquiçados com 1-3mm de diâmetro. Havia, ainda, ascite e discreto edema de mesentério. Microscopicamente, as lesões hepáticas eram semelhantes em todos os fígados e caracterizadas por megalocitose, fibrose periportal, presença de hepatócitos tumefeitos, vacuolizados e de hepatócitos necróticos distribuídos aleatoriamente pelo parênquima hepático, hiperplasia das células dos ductos biliares e presença de pseudo-inclusões nos núcleos de hepatócitos. Encefalopatia hepática (status spongiosus) foi observada em todos os ovinos necropsiados. O diagnóstico foi baseado na epidemiologia, sinais clínicos, lesões macroscópicas e histológicas observadas. Concluiu-se que, apesar de a intoxicação por Senecio spp. ser pouco frequente em ovinos e essa espécie animal controlar eficientemente a planta, isso, aparentemente, depende da lotação utilizada e surtos da intoxicação podem ocorrer quando esta lotação é menor que 0,2 ovinos por hectare e há carência de forragem acentuada.

Two outbreaks of Senecio spp. poisoning in grazing sheep in southern Rio Grande do Sul are described. The disease occurred in 2006 on two farms that were heavily infested with Senecio spp. and had shortage of forage. The morbidity in both outbreaks was 10% and 9.5%, respectively. In one case the sheep were born and had grown up on the farm. On the other, the sheep flock was introduced into the farm some months before the outbreak. Clinical signs included progressive emaciation, apathy, weakness, jaundice and photodermatitis. At necropsy, the sheep had an augmented yellowish and firm liver with irregular capsular surface, and an extended and edematous gallbladder. There was distension and edema of the gallbladder. The cut surface the liver showed well-circumscribed whitish nodules measuring 1-3mm in diameter, which were randomly scattered throughout the hepatic parenchyma. There was also edema of mesentery and ascitis. Histopathological findings of the liver included hepatomegalocytosis, bile duct hyperplasia and periportal fibrosis. There were also swollen hepatocytes, randomly scattered necrotic hepatocytes and nuclear pseudo inclusions. Hepatic encephalopathy (status spongiosus) was observed in the brain in all necropsied sheep. The diagnosis of Senecio poisoning was based on epidemiological data, clinical signs, necropsy findings and histological lesions. It was concluded that despite infrequent, Senecio spp. poisoning in sheep may occur when animals are placed in areas heavily invaded by the plants. Although sheep can efficiently control Senecio spp. in paddocks, this apparently depends on the stocking rate, and outbreaks may occur when stocking rate is less than 0.2 sheep per hectare and when there is severe shortage of forage.