Objective: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is a significant risk factor for the development and severity of bipolar disorder (BD) with increased risk of suicide attempts (SA). This study evaluated whether a machine learning algorithm could be trained to predict if a patient with BD has a history of CM or previous SA based on brain metabolism measured by positron emission tomography. Methods: Thirty-six euthymic patients diagnosed with BD type I, with and without a history of CM were assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Suicide attempts were assessed through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-Plus) and a semi-structured interview. Resting-state positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose was conducted, electing only grey matter voxels through the Statistical Parametric Mapping toolbox. Imaging analysis was performed using a supervised machine learning approach following Gaussian Process Classification. Results: Patients were divided into 18 participants with a history of CM and 18 participants without it, along with 18 individuals with previous SA and 18 individuals without such history. The predictions for CM and SA were not significant (accuracy = 41.67%; p = 0.879). Conclusion: Further investigation is needed to improve the accuracy of machine learning, as its predictive qualities could potentially be highly useful in determining histories and possible outcomes of high-risk psychiatric patients.

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the diabetic patient is mainly a consequence of long-term diabetes mellitus itself. In Mexico approximately 50% of patients on dialysis are diabetics and this will could increase in the coming years. New therapeutic options available, combined with lifestyle changes, have improved glycemic control and may contribute to delay the onset as well as the progression of CKD. International scientific societies have developed clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of CKD in diabetics, although in some points, these recommendations are not adapted to the Mexican reality. We hereby present the conclusions of the consensus reached by Mexican specialists on diabetic nephropathy.

Resumen La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) del paciente diabético es frecuentemente una consecuencia directa de la diabetes mellitus (DM) de larga evolución y se la conoce como nefropatía diabética. En México cerca del 50% de los pacientes en terapia sustitutiva de la función renal tienen ERC por DM, y este porcentaje podría aumentar en los próximos años. Nuevas opciones terapéuticas, combinadas con cambios en el estilo de vida, han mejorado el control de la glucemia y pueden contribuir sustancialmente a retrasar la aparición o la progresión a estadios avanzados de la ERC. Las sociedades científicas internacionales han elaborado guías clínicas para el diagnóstico y manejo de la nefropatía diabética, sin embargo, en algunos puntos estas recomendaciones no se adaptan a la realidad mexicana. Se presentan las conclusiones de un consenso realizado por especialistas mexicanos sobre diabetes y ERC, con especial énfasis en el uso de los inhibidores del cotransportador de sodio-glucosa.

ABSTRACT In Chile, the manipulation for scientific purposes of terrestrial vertebrates from natural populations is conducted previous authorization of the Agricultural and Livestock Service and various Bioethics Committees. Obtaining such authorizations is becoming increasingly complex. The procedures do not fit the reality of scientific work, and they seem to be based on unjustified assessments of the effects of animal handling on natural populations. The aim of this commentary is to initiate a discussion in order to establish a norm of scientific manipulation of terrestrial vertebrates adjusted to biological reality and that does not interfere with scientific research.

RESUMEN La manipulación con fines científicos de vertebrados terrestres en poblaciones naturales chilenas se debe realizar previa autorización del SAG y de Comités de Bioética institucionales. Obtener dichas autorizaciones es cada vez más complejo; los trámites no se adecúan al quehacer científico ni al conocimiento sobre el efecto de la manipulación en las poblaciones naturales. El objetivo de este comentario es contribuir a una discusión en pos del establecimiento de una normativa de manipulación científica de vertebrados terrestres ajustada a la realidad biológica y que no entorpezca la investigación científica.

Resumo: Paisagens antropicamente modificadas (HMLs) são compostas por fragmentos florestais pequenos, isolados e defaunados, imersos em áreas agrícolas e/ou urbanas. Informações sobre as espécies que habitam essas paisagens são importantes para o direcionamento de estratégias de conservação em escalas local e regional. Uma vez que as HMLs são as paisagens dominantes na Mata Atlântica, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a diversidade de mamíferos em uma HML do sudeste do Brasil e propor estratégias para sua conservação. Foram coletados dados de mamíferos terrestres (pequenos, médios e grandes) e voadores em três fragmentos florestais (10, 14 e 26 ha) e áreas adjacentes, entre 2003 e 2016, usando métodos complementares: busca ativa, armadilhamento fotográfico, armadilhas de captura e redes de neblina. Adicionalmente, foram utilizados dados de literatura para complementar a lista de espécies. Foram registradas 35 espécies de mamíferos nativos (6 de pequenos, 16 de médios e grandes e 13 de morcegos) e sete espécies exóticas. A assembleia de mamíferos registrada (terrestres e voadores), embora composta por espécies generalistas, apresentou três espécies de médio e grande porte ameaçadas de extinção nacionalmente (Leopardus guttulus, Puma concolor and Puma yagouaroundi) e duas deficientes em dados (Galictis cuja and Histiotus velatus), destacando a importância dessa HML para conservação e manutenção das populações de mamíferos. Embora inserida em uma paisagem extremamente modificada, a área de estudo abriga uma riqueza significativa de mamíferos de médio e grande porte, sendo um importante refúgio para a biodiversidade na região. Entretanto, essa biodiversidade está ameaçada pela baixa qualidade dos habitats, por atropelamentos e por abundantes populações de cães e gatos domésticos. Portanto, enfatizamos a necessidade de estratégias de conservação focadas nos mamíferos de médio e grande porte como grupo "guarda-chuva", o que pode beneficiar as demais espécies na paisagem. Recomendamos ações de conservação visando a restauração biológica, para melhorar a composição estrutural e conectividade dos fragmentos florestais, reduzir o número de atropelamentos e controlar as populações de cães e gatos domésticos, afim de manter e aumentar a diversidade local de mamíferos em longo prazo.

Abstract: Human-modified landscapes (HMLs) are composed by small, isolated and defaunated forest fragments, which are surrounded by agricultural and urban areas. Information on species that thrives in these HMLs is essential to direct conservation strategies in local and regional scales. Since HMLs are dominant in the Atlantic Forest, we aimed to assess the mammalian diversity in a HML in southeastern Brazil and to propose conservation strategies. We collected data of terrestrial (small-, medium- and large-sized) and volant mammals in three small forest fragments (10, 14 and 26 ha) and adjacent areas, between 2003 and 2016, using complementary methods: active search, camera trapping, live-traps, mist nets and occasional records (i.e., roadkills). In addition, we used secondary data to complement our species list. We recorded 35 native mammal species (6 small-sized, 16 medium- and large-sized, and 13 bats) and seven exotic species in the HML. The recorded mammal assemblage (non-volant and volant), although mainly composed of common and generalist species, includes three medium- and large-sized species nationally threatened (Leopardus guttulus, Puma concolor and Puma yagouaroundi) and two data deficient species (Galictis cuja and Histiotus velatus), highlighting the importance of this HML for the maintenance and conservation of mammal populations. Despite highly impacted by anthropogenic disturbances, the study area harbors a significant richness of medium- and large-sized mammals, being an important biodiversity refuge in the region. However, this biodiversity is threatened by the low quality of the habitats, roadkills and abundant populations of domestic cats and dogs. Therefore, we stress the need of conservation strategies focusing on the medium- and large-sized mammals as an umbrella group, which could benefit all biodiversity in the landscape. We recommend actions that promotes biological restoration, aiming to increase structural composition and connectivity of the forest fragments, reducing roadkills and controlling the domestic cats and dogs' populations, in order to maintain and improve the diversity of mammals in long-term.

Résumé Les différences observées sur la perception et les pratiques culturelles des populations mayas de Ich Ek, Campeche, à propos du Wahil kol, une cérémonie agricole, mettent en lumière que le patrimoine culturel pourrait être un processus de résistance grâce à une dynamique sociale de tension s’exprimant soit par l’indifférence, soit par le rejet, mais aussi par l’intérêt, le plaisir et le souci de sa réinterprétation. La diversité des points de vue peut signifier un processus de sauvetage et pas seulement la mise en évidence de menaces sur le patrimoine. Il est proposé de reconnaitre ce patrimoine intangible comme « une expression culturelle engagée dans un processus d’activation patrimoniale » ; ce processus découle de l’analyse des contradictions et de la diversité des opinions des personnes, de la dimension personnelle de leurs pratiques culturelles, mais aussi du contexte socioéconomique et politique qui accompagne les éléments traditionnels de la culture, tout ceci contribuant à stimuler ou renforcer des dynamiques d’interaction sociale prenant une dimension rituelle.

Abstract Differences in the perception and cultural practice among Mayan inhabitants of Ich Ek, Campeche, about the Wahil kol, an agricultural ceremony, shows that cultural heritage might be in a process of resistance. This is due to a social dynamic of tension, which goes from indifference or rejection, to interest, enthusiasm and concern for its reinterpretation. The diversity of points of view, rather than being evidence of a threat to heritage, could help to protect it. We suggest that the intangible heritage should be recognised as the “cultural expression in the process of patrimonial activation”. This would be explained through the analysis of contradictions and diversity of opinions, the personalized induction of cultural practices and the political, social and economic context which accompanies traditional elements of culture, thus incentivising or reactivating social interaction dynamics within ritual activities.

Resumen Las diferencias en la percepción y la práctica cultural de los pobladores mayas de Ich Ek, Campeche, en torno a una ceremonia agrícola, evidencian que el patrimonio cultural podría estar en un proceso de resistencia gracias a una dinámica social de tensión que va de la indiferencia o el rechazo, hasta el interés, el gusto y la preocupación por su reinterpretación. La diversidad de enfoques puede ser la salvaguarda y no sólo la evidencia de amenazas al patrimonio. Se propone reconocer a ese patrimonio intangible como la “expresión cultural en proceso de activación patrimonial” que se explicaría a partir del análisis de las contradicciones y la diversidad de opiniones de las personas, la inducción personalizada de sus prácticas culturales, y el contexto socioeconómico y político que acompaña a los elementos tradicionales de la cultura, incentivando o reactivando dinámicas de interacción social en actividades de índole ritual.

The role of the "tape tea" as a low cost abuse drug is evaluated, by searching for possible inorganic and organic compounds after its preparation. Two energy sources are evaluated (conventional and microwave heating) for preparing the "tape tea" using new or used cassette (K7) or video home system (VHS) tapes. After optimizing all the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) conditions, the remarkable presence of Mn and Co, as well as Cr and Ni, at concentrations higher than 5 times those allowed for drinking water, makes the use of the "tape tea" plausible as a non-cost abuse drug due to some possible neurotoxic effects. Regarding the Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) analysis, no evidence of any organic compound related to neurological effects was found.

RESUMO A aplicação de dejeto suíno pode ter influência diferente na dinâmica do cobre (Cu) e zinco (Zn) no solo em relação à adubação mineral. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, determinar as formas de Cu e Zn no solo e sua absorção pelas plantas de feijão em resposta à aplicação de fertilizante mineral e dejeto suíno, cujos tratamentos foram: fertilizante mineral (óxido de Cu/Zn) e dejeto suíno (DS) em doses crescentes (0/0, 1,7/6,0, 3,4/12,0 e 6,8/24,0 kg ha-1 de Cu/Zn, respectivamente) aplicados em Nitossolo Vermelho. O DS aumentou o teor de Cu no solo nas frações disponível, trocável, óxidos de Fe e residual enquanto o fertilizante mineral aumentou na fração associada a matéria orgânica do solo (MOS). O teor de Zn no solo nas frações disponível, trocável e MOS foi maior na aplicação de fertilizante mineral enquanto na fração solúvel foi maior com o DS. Os fertilizantes não interferiram no teor de Cu nem no Zn ligados aos óxidos de Al sendo a maior parte associada aos óxidos de Fe no solo. O DS proporcionou maior produção de biomassa de parte aérea e raízes nas plantas de feijão refletindo no maior acúmulo de Cu e Zn.

ABSTRACT The application of pig slurry may have different influence on copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) dynamics in the soil compared with mineral fertilization. The aim of this research was to determine the different forms of Cu and Zn in soil and their uptake by bean plants in response to the application of mineral fertilizer and pig slurry (PS). The treatments were: mineral fertilizer (Cu and Zn oxides) and liquid pig slurry, at increasing rates (0/0, 1.7/6.0, 3.4/12.0 and 6.8/24.0 kg ha-1 Cu/Zn, respectively) applied in a Rhodic Kandiudox. PS increased the Cu content in soil in the exchangeable form, Fe oxides and residual, while the mineral fertilizer increased Cu contents in the fraction associated with soil organic matter. Soil Zn contents in the fractions available, exchangeable and SOM were highest under mineral fertilization, while in the soluble fraction the contents were highest under PS. The fertilizers had not impact on Cu and Zn contents associated with Al oxides, and these elements were mostly associated with Fe oxides in the soil. PS promoted the highest biomass production in shoots and roots of the bean plants, reflecting in the highest accumulation of Cu and Zn.

La reflexión política de Platón, así como la teoría de la justicia que de ella se desprende, escapan de las categorías convencionales que definen las tendencias políticas de la Atenas del siglo V a. C. La imposibilidad de circunscribirlas en el marco de dichas categorías nos enfrenta a una dificultad mayor en relación con la comprensión de la aserción según la cual la justicia es una realidad natural. Al afirmar lo anterior, el filósofo pone en relación de complementariedad dos realidades que, de acuerdo con la mentalidad política de la Grecia antigua, representan los polos opuestos de la antinomia entre la ley positiva y el llamado derecho natural o nόμoV katὰ fύsin. Por muy paradσjico que parezca, el hecho de considerar que la justicia es una realidad natural confiere su orientación y su lógica propia al proyecto político desarrollado en la República platónica. Conforme a dicha orientación, Platón logra instalar un mito fenicio como base de su proyecto político y materializar las lecciones que se desprenden del mismo bajo la forma de una serie de prescripciones destinadas a encaminar la existencia de los miembros de la ciudad ideal en la dirección fijada por la justicia natural.

Plato's political conception, as well as the theory of justice that emerges from it, forgo conventional categories which define the dominant political theories in fifth century Athens. The impossibility to circumscribe them within these theories impedes the comprehension of Plato's assertion according to which justice is a natural reality. By asserting it, the philosopher draws a parallel between two realities which, according to ancient Greek thinking, constitute two opposite poles in the antinomy between positive law and what is known natural law or nόmoV katὰ fύsin. As paradoxical as it may seem, considering justice as a natural reality confers to the political project developed in the Republic its own logic and orientation. According to this orientation, Plato is able to use a Phoenician myth as a foundation to his political project and to materialize the lessons that emerge from it under the form of a series of prescriptions, whose objective is to lead the existence of the City members on the path set by natural justice.

As doenças periodontais apresentam-se entre as dez doenças crônicas mais prevalentes mundialmente, sendo consideradas um relevante problema de saúde pública. Sua etiologia tem sido associada com fatores locais e com fatores sistêmicos que poderiam influenciar na resposta imune do hospedeiro. A obesidade, de forma semelhante à doença periodontal, emergiu como uma doença crônica altamente prevalente, tanto em países de alta renda, como em países de média e de baixa renda, sendo considerada um conhecido fator de risco às doenças cardiovasculares e ao câncer. Há uma possível relação entre as doenças periodontais e a obesidade, mas os mecanismos envolvidos nesta associação permanecem desconhecidos. A epidemiologia do ciclo vital pode ser considerada um eficiente instrumento para investigar associações causais entre exposições precoces e desfechos tardios, sendo apropriada para a compreensão do estabelecimento de doenças crônicas. Esta abordagem abrange diferentes teorias, considerando o tempo, a duração e a intensidade da exposição, e o seu impacto no desenvolvimento de doenças crônicas em fases tardias da vida. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é fazer hipóteses sobre as diferentes teorias da epidemiologia do ciclo vital para explicar a possível associação entre a saúde periodontal e o estado nutricional na vida adulta.

Periodontal disease is ranked among the 10 most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, and is considered a major public health problem. Its etiology has been associated with local and general conditions that could interfere in the host immune response. Obesity, like periodontal disease, has emerged as a prevalent chronic disease in high-, low- and medium-income countries, recognized as risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cancer. A relationship between periodontal health and obesity may exist, but the mechanism that would explain this association remains unclear. Life-course epidemiology could be a useful instrument to investigate a casual association between early exposures and later outcomes, being appropriate for understanding the establishment of chronic conditions. This approach comprehends different theories, considering the time, the duration and the intensity of early exposition, and its impact on the development of chronic diseases in later life. Thus, the aim of this study is to hypothesize the different life-course epidemiology theories to explain the possible association between periodontal health and nutritional status in adulthood.

Objective Analyzing the 20th century Colombian legal framework from the point of view of labor law, social security and public health for identifying concepts regarding occupational health and professional risk and trying to establish convergence and differences between such foci and whether they fulfilled a complementary view. Method This work involved documentary research by means of thematic categorical analysis of the laws and statutes promulgated in 20th century Colombia, considering the main element or entity which should have regulated that related to professional risk or occupational health. Results The development of the 20th century Colombian legal framework regarding health at work was periodized, revealing the predominance of a view of social law focused on protecting dependent workers' work-related risks, as part of a tendency extending to the Colombian Sistema General de Riesgos Laborales. Conclusions The proposed stages used for organizing the legal framework concerning social security regarding professional risk and occupational health facilitated some important elements being recognized concerning the social, legal and institutional context from which workers' health laws emerged. Tension was noted concerning statutes orientated towards redress and compensation regarding accidents at work and legislation emphasizing prevention.

Objetivo Analizar la normativa emitida en Colombia desde la perspectiva del derecho del trabajo, la seguridad social y la salud pública en el siglo XX, para identificar las concepciones en torno a la salud ocupacional y los riesgos profesionales, estableciendo las convergencias y diferencias que existen entre cada una de estas líneas y si responden o no a una visión complementaria. Método Investigación documental, mediante un análisis categorial temático de las reglamentaciones y estatutos promulgados en el siglo XX en Colombia, considerando el elemento o materia principal que se encarguen de regular relacionado con los riesgos profesionales o la salud ocupacional. Resultados Se construyó una periodización del desarrollo normativo en salud laboral en el país en el siglo XX, permitiendo evidenciar el predominio histórico de la visión del derecho social, que se concentra en la protección de los riesgos profesionales de los trabajadores dependientes, como una tendencia que se extiende hasta el Sistema General de Riesgos Laborales. Conclusiones Las etapas propuestas como eje ordenador de la normativa en riesgos profesionales y salud ocupacional posibilitan reconocer elementos trascendentales del contexto social, legal e institucional en el que emergieron tales reglamentaciones preocupadas por la salud de los trabajadores, advirtiéndose una tensión histórica entre las preceptivas dirigidas a la reparación y compensación de las contingencias relacionadas con el trabajo y aquellas directrices con una orientación preventiva.

Objetivo Analizar la normativa emitida en Colombia desde la perspectiva del derecho del trabajo, la seguridad social y la salud pública en el siglo XX, para identificar las concepciones en torno a la salud ocupacional y los riesgos profesionales, estableciendo las convergencias y diferencias que existen entre cada una de estas líneas y si responden o no a una visión complementaria. Método Investigación documental, mediante un análisis categorial temático de las reglamentaciones y estatutos promulgados en el siglo XX en Colombia, considerando el elemento o materia principal que se encarguen de regular relacionado con los riesgos profesionales o la salud ocupacional. Resultados Se construyó una periodización del desarrollo normativo en salud laboral en el país en el siglo XX, permitiendo evidenciar el predominio histórico de la visión del derecho social, que se concentra en la protección de los riesgos profesionales de los trabajadores dependientes, como una tendencia que se extiende hasta el Sistema General de Riesgos Laborales. Conclusiones Las etapas propuestas como eje ordenador de la normativa en riesgos profesionales y salud ocupacional posibilitan reconocer elementos trascendentales del contexto social, legal e institucional en el que emergieron tales reglamentaciones preocupadas por la salud de los trabajadores, advirtiéndose una tensión histórica entre las preceptivas dirigidas a la reparación y compensación de las contingencias relacionadas con el trabajo y aquellas directrices con una orientación preventiva.

Objective Analyzing the 20th century Colombian legal framework from the point of view of labor law, social security and public health for identifying concepts regarding occupational health and professional risk and trying to establish convergence and differences between such foci and whether they fulfilled a complementary view. Method This work involved documentary research by means of thematic categorical analysis of the laws and statutes promulgated in 20th century Colombia, considering the main element or entity which should have regulated that related to professional risk or occupational health. Results The development of the 20th century Colombian legal framework regarding health at work was periodized, revealing the predominance of a view of social law focused on protecting dependent workers' work-related risks, as part of a tendency extending to the Colombian Sistema General de Riesgos Laborales. Conclusions The proposed stages used for organizing the legal framework concerning social security regarding professional risk and occupational health facilitated some important elements being recognized concerning the social, legal and institutional context from which workers' health laws emerged. Tension was noted concerning statutes orientated towards redress and compensation regarding accidents at work and legislation emphasizing prevention.

The presence of Alsodespehuenche in Chile was reported in the year 2010, based on the observation of larvae near the Chilean-Argentinean border, about 3 km east of the northeast corner of the Laguna del Maule (Región del Maule, Chile). The taxonomic history of this species dates from 1965, with the re-discovery of Telmatobius montanus (which was later transferred to the genus Alsodes) in two localities, near the Laguna del Maule and Valle Pehuenche, located in Chile and Argentina, respectively. The literature review shows that the locality of Argentina described in 1965 became the type locality of A. pehuenche, while the Chilean locality was ignored; thus this latter locality continues to be a valid record for A. montanus. In this study we provide morphological, chromosomal and molecular evidence, which confirms the presence of A. pehuenche in Chile, in two new localities located near the site recorded in 2010 and the Laguna del Maule. We also include some field observations, which are discussed in the context of the information available for this species.

La presencia de Alsodes pehuenche en Chile fue reportada en el año 2010, a partir de la observación de larvas en las cercanías del límite entre Chile y Argentina, aproximadamente a 3 km al este del extremo noreste de la Laguna del Maule (Región del Maule, Chile). La historia taxonómica de esta especie se remonta a 1965, cuando se redescubrió a Telmatobius montanus (especie que luego fue transferida al género Alsodes) en dos localidades, cerca de la Laguna del Maule y Valle Pehuenche, ubicadas en Chile y Argentina, respectivamente. La revisión bibliográfica muestra que la localidad de Argentina descrita en 1965 pasó a ser la localidad tipo de A. pehuenche, mientras que la de Chile fue ignorada posteriormente, por lo que esta última continúa siendo un registro válido de A. montanus. En este trabajo se provee evidencia morfológica, cromosómica y molecular que confirma la presencia de a A.pehuenche en Chile, en dos localidades ubicadas cerca del sitio reportado en 2010 y de la Laguna del Maule. Además, se incluyen algunas observaciones de terreno que son discutidas en el contexto de la información disponible de la especie.

Enquanto a mieloradiculite pelo CMV é complicação conhecida em pacientes com SIDA e imunossupressão grave, a mieloradiculite necrosante por HSV-2 é rara e muitas vezes associada a sequelas ou desfecho fatal. Descrevemos um paciente de 46 anos de idade, infectado pelo HIV com imunossupressão profunda e sustentada que apresentou paraparesia aguda ascendente e retenção urinária. A RM de coluna lombar mostrou o realce de contraste no cone medular e cauda equina e ambos PCR para CMV e HSV-2 no LCR foram positivos. Apesar do tratamento, o paciente morreu 20 dias depois. Revisamos os principais aspectos diagnósticos e terapêuticos da mieloradiculite associada aos herpesvírus e discutimos a abordagem em casos semelhantes.

While CMV myeloradiculitis is a known complication in AIDS patients with severe immunosuppression, HSV-2 necrotizing myeloradiculitis is rare and often associated with disabling a fatal outcome. We hereby describe a 46 year-old HIV infected patient with profound and sustained immunosuppression who presented with an acute ascending paraparesis and urinary retention. Lumbar spine MRI showed contrast enhancement at the conus medullaris and cauda equine, and both CMV and HSV-2 CSF PCR were positive. Despite treatment, the patient died 20 days later. We review the main diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of herpes virus associated myeloradiculitis and discuss the approach in similar cases.

Mediante a revisão dos arquivos das fichas de necropsia do Laboratório de Patologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, foram estudados a epidemiologia, o quadro clínico e a patologia de 29 surtos de intoxicação por Brachiaria spp., ocorridos em bovinos de corte, no Mato Grosso do Sul, de março de 1996 a novembro de 2009. Os surtos ocorreram em todas as épocas do ano, tanto na seca quanto na chuva. Em 24 dos 29 surtos o principal sinal clínico foi a fotossensibilização e em cinco o principal sinal foi o emagrecimento progressivo. Dos 24 surtos de fotossensibilização, 11 ocorreram em pastagens de B. decumbens, dois em pastagens mistas de B. decumbens e B. brizantha, um em B. brizantha e em 10 surtos não foi informada a espécie de Brachiaria envolvida. A morbidade variou de 0,2% a 50% e a letalidade de 44,4% a 100%. Nos casos de fotossensibilização o edema de barbela foi o sinal clínico mais encontrado em bovinos, seguido de dermatite com pele espessada no flanco e períneo, retração cicatricial auricular, icterícia, corrimento ocular. crostas auriculares e oculares, e ulcerações na parte ventral da língua. Em dois surtos foram observados sinais nervosos e em um, diarréia. Nas necropsias o fígado estava aumentado de tamanho, amarelado, com padrão lobular aumentado e, ocasionalmente, com áreas esbranquiçadas e deprimidas. Os rins estavam acastanhados e a urina escura. No exame histológico do fígado encontrou-se tumefação e vacuolização de hepatócitos, proliferação de células epiteliais dos ductos biliares, retenção biliar, fibroplasia periportal discreta ou moderada e infiltrado mononuclear periportal. Todos os casos de fotossensibilização apresentaram macrófagos espumosos no parênquima hepático e em 21 foram observados cristais birrefringentes nos ductos biliares. Cinco surtos com emagrecimento progressivo dos bovinos afetados foram diagnosticados em pastagens de B. decumbens. A principal lesão macroscópica foi o fígado aumentado de volume e amarelado. No estudo histológico, as lesões foram semelhantes às observadas nos casos de fotossensibilização, sendo que cristais refringentes nos ductos biliares foram observados em três animais. Conclui-se que B. decumbens é mais tóxica que B. brizantha e que a intoxicação ocorre, principalmente, em bovinos jovens nas diferentes épocas do ano. No entanto, pesquisas são necessárias para determinar as variações no conteúdo de saponinas litogênicas em Brachiaria spp. e as diferenças de resistência/susceptibilidade à intoxicação de bovinos de diferentes idades e raças em diferentes regiões.

The epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of 29 outbreaks of spontaneous poisoning by Brachiaria spp. in beef cattle, which occurred from March 1996 to November 2009, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, were retrospectively studied. For this, the files of the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul were reviewed. Outbreaks occurred at different times of the year, including dry and rainy seasons. While photosensitization was the main clinical sign in cattle from 24 out of 29 outbreaks, in five of them the main clinical sign was progressive wasting, without photosensitization. Eleven outbreaks of photosensitization occurred in pastures of Brachiaria decumbens, two in mixed pastures of B. decumbens and B. brizantha, and one in B. brizantha. In 10 outbreaks the species of Brachiaria was not informed. Morbidity ranged from 0.2% to 50%, and fatality rates were between 44.4% and 100%. In cases of photosensitization brisket edema was the most frequent clinical sign observed. Dermatitis with thickened skin of the flank and perineal region, scar retraction of the ears, jaundice, ocular discharge, crusts in the eyes and ears, and ulceration of the ventral surface of the tongue were also observed. Nervous signs were observed in two cases and diarrhea in one. At necropsy the liver was enlarged, yellowish, with increased lobular pattern, and occasionally with depressed whitish areas. The kidneys were brownish and the urine dark. Upon histological examination of the liver the hepatocytes were swollen and vacuolized. Individual necrosis of hepatocytes, bile duct cell proliferation, biliary retention, and mild to moderate periportal fibrosis were also observed. In all cases foamy macrophages, most in groups, were observed mainly in the centrilobular region. In 21 cattle birefringent crystals were observed within the bile ducts. Five outbreaks of progressive wasting were observed in cattle grazing B. decumbens pastures. The main lesion was an enlarged yellowish liver. Histologic lesions were similar to those observed in cases of photosensitization. Birefringent crystals were observed in the liver of three cases, but foamy macrophages were found in all animals. It is concluded that B. decumbens is more toxic than B. brizantha and that the poisoning occurs at any time of the year. Nevertheless, research is still necessary to determine variations in the saponin content of Brachiaria species and the probable differences on susceptibility/resistance to the poisoning of cattle of different ages, breeds and from different regions.