RESUMO Devido à ausência de estudos sobre capivaras na região Nordeste do Brasil, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a sanidade desses roedores de vida livre em três áreas dos biomas Mata Atlântica (2) e Caatinga (1) do estado de Pernambuco, por meio da determinação de parâmetros da hematologia e bioquímica sérica. De novembro de 2016 a dezembro de 2017, foram capturados 21 animais, dos quais foram coletadas amostras de sangue para avaliação hematológica (eritrograma, leucograma e plaquetometria) e bioquímica sérica (atividade enzimática, perfil proteico, energético e mineral). A maioria dos parâmetros esteve dentro dos valores de normalidade para a espécie, embora alguns apresentassem diferenças estatisticamente significativas de acordo com a área de estudo (hemoglobina, hematócrito, VCM, CHCM, eosinófilos, fosfatase alcalina, proteína total, albumina, ácido úrico, creatinina, lactato, sódio e magnésio) e o sexo dos animais (ácido úrico). Os parâmetros obtidos são apresentados como referência e atestam a sanidade e o bom estado nutricional de populações de capivaras nos biomas Mata Atlântica e Caatinga da região Nordeste do Brasil. As informações aportadas neste estudo pioneiro na região Nordeste contribuem para aumentar o conhecimento sobre a ecofisiologia e a conservação in situ de capivaras.

ABSTRACT Due to the lack of studies about capybaras in the northeast region of Brazil, the objective of this study was to evaluate the health status of free-ranging capybaras in three areas of Atlantic Forest (2) and Caatinga (1) biomes in Pernambuco state, through the determination of hematological and serum biochemical parameters. From November 2016 to December 2017, 21 animals were captured and blood samples were collected for the hematological (erythrogram, leukogram and platelet counts) and serum biochemistry (enzymatic activity, protein, energy and mineral profile) evaluation. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters were within the normal range for the species, but some presented statistically significant variations according to the study area (hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCHC, eosinophils count, alkaline phosphatase, total proteins, albumin, uric acid, creatinine, lactate, sodium and magnesium) and sex of the animals (uric acid). The parameters obtained are presented as reference and attest to the health and good nutritional status of populations of capybaras in the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes of northeastern Brazil. The information provided in this pioneering study in the northeast region contributes to increased knowledge about the ecophysiology and in situ conservation of capybaras.

Bredemeyera floribunda roots are popularly used to treat snakebites in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil, and previous studies indicate the anti-ophidian actions of triterpenoid saponins found in its roots. To assess B. floribunda root extract (BFRE) activity against the effects of Bothrops jararacussu venom (BjuV), antiphospholipasic, antiproteolytic, antihemorrhagic, antinecrotic, and anti-edematogenic activities were investigated in mice. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and sugars, with rutin and saccharose being the major constituents of BFRE. Acute toxicity was determined and BFRE was nontoxic to mice. Phospholipase A2 and proteolytic activities induced by BjuV were inhibited in vitro by BFRE at all concentrations tested herein. BFRE (150 mg/kg) inhibited paw edema induced by BjuV (50 µg/animal), reducing total edema calculated by area under the curve, but carrageenan-induced paw edema was unchanged. Hemorrhagic and necrotizing actions of BjuV (50 µg/animal) were considerably decreased by BFRE treatment. Thus, BFRE blocked the toxic actions of B. jararacussu venom despite having no anti-inflammatory activity, which points to a direct inhibition of venom’s toxins, as demonstrated in the in vitro assays. The larger amounts of rutin found in BFRE may play a role in this inhibition, since 3′,4′-OH flavonoids are known inhibitors of phospholipases A2.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar se a fusão de métodos de avaliação on-line é uma metodologia apropriada para a avaliação on-line de desempenho de usuários dentro de simuladores com realidade virtual. Três diferentes formas de métodos Fuzzy Naive Bayes baseados em distribuições estatísticas foram utilizados para avaliar tarefas específicas e a fusão da informação foi realizada com o sistema de Votação por Maioria Ponderada. Dados representando parte do Exame Ginecológico, que é um exame de rotina realizado em mulheres e fundamental para encontrar casos de câncer cervical em estágios iniciais, foram compilados. Matrizes de confusão e coeficientes Kappa foram obtidos utilizando uma simulação Monte Carlo para este método. A parte da análise destes resultados, é possível confirmar que este método teve bom desempenho, com grau de concordância substancial.

ABSTRACT The objective of this paper was to determine if a fusion of online assessment methods is a feasible methodology for online assessment of performance of users inside virtual reality simulators. Three different forms of the Fuzzy Naive Bayes method based on statistical distributions were used to assess specific tasks and the fusion of information was performed by a Weighted Majority Voting system. Data was compiled representing a portion of the Gynecological Examination, which is a checkup examination that is routinely performed for women and is paramount in finding earlier cases of cervical cancer. Confusion matrices and Kappa coefficients were obtained using a Monte Carlo simulation for this method. From the analysis of these results, it is possible to confirm that this method performed well, with a substantial agreement degree.

RESUMO: A avaliação histopatológica hepática de 33 suínos abatidos para consumo humano na região amazônica, previamente testados para infecção pelo vírus da hepatite E (HEV) por sorologia e técnicas moleculares, foi realizada em três grupos: Grupo 1, animais negativos para HEV-RNA e anti-HEV IgG (n=10); Grupo 2, positivos para HEV-RNA (n=13); e Grupo 3, positivos para anti-HEV IgG (n=10). O grupo 2 apresentou diferenças estatísticas significantes entre os grupos em relação à presença de atividade lobular (P=0,007), hepatite periportal de interface (P=0,004), inflamação portal (P= 0.028) e atividade lobular acompanhada por inflamação portal e periportal de interface (P=0,001). A detecção imunohistoquímica do HEV foi realizada e três de seis amostras do Grupo 2 foram positivas. Suínos naturalmente infectados pelo genótipo 3 do HEV apresentam lesões necroinflamatórias no fígado similares a lesão em humanos. A histopatologia hepática demonstrou ser importante no diagnóstico de infecção ativa e assintomática por HEV em suínos abatidos para consumo humano, pois as lesões no fígado apresentaram perfis diferenciados de acordo com o diagnóstico sorológico e molecular da infecção e, neste sentido, a histopatologia e imunohistoquímica podem representar importantes ferramentas complementares de diagnóstico.

ABSTRACT: Histopathological evaluation of liver from 33 pigs slaughtered for human consumption in Amazon region, previously tested by serology and molecular techniques for hepatitis E virus infection (HEV), was analysed in three groups: Group 1, negative for both HEV-RNA and anti-HEV IgG (n=10); Group 2, positive for HEV-RNA (n=13); Group 3, positive for anti-HEV IgG (n=10). Group 2 showed a significant difference among the groups for liver lesions such as lobular activity (P=0.007), periportal interface hepatitis (P=0.004), portal inflammation (P=0.028) hepatitis with lobular, portal and periportal interface activity (P=0.001). HEV detection by immunohistochemistry was performed and 3 of 6 samples of group 2 were positive. Pigs naturally infected by HEV genotype 3 present microscopic necroinflammatory liver lesions similar to HEV in humans. Liver histopathology showed be important in the diagnosis of active asymptomatic HEV infection in pigs slaughtered for human consumption because hepatic liver lesions may present distinct profiles according to molecular and serological diagnosis and in this sense, histopathology and immunohistochemistry may be an important complementary diagnostic tool.

ABSTRACT Studies on belowground roots biomass have increasingly reported the importance of the contribution of this compartment in carbon stock maintenance in mangrove forests. To date, there are no estimates of this contribution in Brazilian mangrove forests, although the country has the second largest area of mangroves worldwide. For this study, trenches dug in fringing forests in Guaratiba State Biological Reserve (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were used to evaluate the contribution of the different classes of roots and the vertical stratification of carbon stock. The total carbon stock average in belowground roots biomass in these forests was 104.41 ± 20.73 tC.ha−1. From that, an average of 84.13 ± 21.34 tC.ha−1 corresponded to the carbon stock only in fine roots, which have diameters smaller than 5 mm and are responsible for over 80% of the total belowground biomass. Most of the belowground carbon stock is concentrated in the first 40 cm below the surface (about 70%). The root:shoot ratio in this study is 1.14. These estimates demonstrate that the belowground roots biomass significantly contributes, more than 50%, to the carbon stock in mangrove forests. And the mangrove root biomass can be greater than that of other Brazilian ecosystems.

Diversas espécies de Senecio estão amplamente difundidas nas pastagens de propriedades rurais do Sul do Brasil. Criadores dessa região relatam quedas nos índices reprodutivos dos rebanhos bovinos, muitas vezes de causas não determinadas. Várias plantas tóxicas são capazes de causar alterações reprodutivas diretas e indiretas em bovinos em diversos países, incluindo o Brasil, no entanto seus mecanismos patogenéticos ainda são pouco compreendidos. O objetivo desse trabalho é descrever lesões ovarianas em vacas com seneciose crônica proveniente de propriedades rurais da mesorregião Sudoeste Rio-grandense. Foram estudados 21 casos positivos de seneciose crônica diagnosticados entre 2011 e 2014. O estudo revelou que a seneciose crônica é a principal causa de morte de bovinos adultos na região. Quatro vacas prenhes apresentaram lesões hepáticas clássicas da intoxicação por Senecio spp. Essas vacas tiveram seus ovários avaliados histologicamente e células luteínicas grandes (CLG) desses ovários apresentavam megalocitose e pseudoinclusões nucleares. Algumas CLG apresentaram núcleos com até 23,69μm de diâmetro e o aumento no tamanho desses núcleos foi significativamente maior que os de vacas controle. Conclui-se que a intoxicação por Senecio spp. causa alterações ovarianas em vacas e é possível que a intoxicação cause perdas reprodutivas nos rebanhos bovinas da região.

Several species of Senecio are widely distributed on pasture lands in Southern Brazil. Farmers from this region are known to complain about declines in reproductive rates in cattl from undetermined causes. Several poisonous plants can cause direct and indirect reproductive disorders in cattle in several countries, including Brazil. However, their pathogenetic mechanisms are still poorly understood. The aim of this study is to describe ovarian lesions in cows with chronic seneciosis, from farms located in the Southwest Mesoregion of Rio Grande do Sul, a southern state in Brazil. Twenty-one cases of bovine chronic seneciosis diagnosed between 2011 and 2014 were analyzed. The study showed that chronic seneciosis is the major cause of death in adult cattle in the region. Four pregnant cows showing classical necropsy large luteal cells (LLG) from the ovaries of these four cows had marked megalocytosis and nuclear pseudo-inclusions. Some LLG showed nuclei with up to 23.69μm in diameter and the increase in size of these nuclei was significantly greater than measured those of control cows. It is concluded that the ingestion Senecio spp. induces ovarian changes in cows and the intoxication should be considered as a possible cause of reproductive failure in cattle herds from this region.

Torch ginger Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Smith is a tropical herb-like, rhizome-like and perennial plant that possesses inflorescences that are both pretty and showy at different colour shades, and have a great visual appeal. Producing seedlings at a high enough level when done conventionally by the division of tussocks, has high costs and phytosanitary problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the induction of somatic embryogenesis and its potential for subsequent plant regeneration in torch ginger. Rhizomes, leaves and roots from the seedlings grown in vitro were used as explant segments. The different explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 30 g L-1 sucrose, and it was solidified with 5.5 g L-1 of agar. The effect of 2.4-D and picloram concentrations of 0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg L-1 was studied. Astructural analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cytochemical analysis were performed to detect nucleeous with carmine acetic, starch with lugol and lipids with Sudan III, and a flow cytometry analysis to verify the stability of ploidy in the callus. Results indicate that the culture medium with 2.4-D yielded the induction of embryogenic callus with the characteristics of the rhizome segments of the explant. Regarding the ultrastructural analysis of embryogenic callus characteristics, the cells showed a similar isodiametric form as somatic embryos in the globular stage and cytochemical analysis. The presence of callus cells in pro-embryogenic explants containing each of the regulators was confirmed. In the cytometry analysis, the average DNA content of callus ranged from 5.43 to 10.15 pg, and the coefficients of variation varied between 0.3 to 2.26. Callus induced with 2.4-D showed 86 % stability, and with picloram was 64 %. The callus formation was more evident after application of 2.4 D. This is the first study of embryogenic potential in cells of the torch ginger, and showed that 2,4-D induced callus with higher starch content and genetically stable.

El jengibre antorcha Etlingera elatior (Jack) R. M. Smith es una planta tropical perenne, similar al rizoma, que tiene inflorescencias que son bellas y llamativas, de diferentes colores y matices y de un gran atractivo visual. La producción de plántulas en un nivel lo suficientemente alto cuando se hace convencionalmente utilizando la división de matas tiene altos costos y problemas fitosanitarios. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la inducción de la embriogénesis somática y su uso potencial para la reproducción posterior de plantas de jengibre antorcha. Los rizomas, hojas y raíces de las plántulas cultivadas in vitro se utilizaron como segmentos de explantes. Los diferentes explantes se cultivaron en un medio MS al que se le agregaron 30 g L-1 de sacarosa y fue solidificado con 5.5 g de agar L-1. Se estudió el efecto del 2.4-D y picloram en concentraciones de 0.0, 1.0, 2.0 y 4.0 mg L-1. El análisis estructural se llevó a cabo por microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM). Se realizaron análisis citoquímicos para detectar núcleos con carmín acético, almidón con lugol y lípidos con Sudán III; y un análisis de citometría de flujo para verificar la estabilidad de la ploidía en el callo. Los resultados indicaron que el medio de cultivo con 2.4-D produjo la inducción de callo embriogénico con las características de los segmentos de rizomas del explante. En el análisis ultraestructural de las características del callo embriogénico, las células mostraron una forma isodiamétrica similar a embriones somáticos en etapa globular y análisis citoquímico. Se confirmó la presencia de células de callo en explantes pro- embriogénicos conteniendo cada uno de los reguladores. En el análisis de citometría, el contenido medio de ADN del callo varió de 5.43 a 10.15 pg, y los coeficientes de variación oscilaron entre 0.3 y 2.26. El 2.4-D indujo callos con estabilidad de 86 %, y con picloram fue 64 %. La formación de callo fue más evidente después de aplicar 2.4-D. Éste es el primer estudio del potencial embriogénico de células del jengibre antorcha, y mostró que el 2.4-D indujo la formación de callo con mayor contenido de almidón y genéticamente estable.

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a associação entre nível de atividade física (nAF), aptidão física (ApF) e desempenho cognitivo (DC) de homens e mulheres idosos. Participaram da coleta de dados 43 homens com média de idade de 64.38 anos (DP = 3.35) e 40 mulheres com média de idade de 64.79 anos (DP = 3.22), todos moradores da cidade de Recife (PE), selecionados por conveniência. O nAF foi medido nos domínios: transporte, trabalho, atividades domésticas e lazer. Para avaliar a ApF foram testados: força muscular (membros superiores/inferiores), flexibilidade (lombar e de ombro) e resistência cardiorrespiratória. Para avaliar o DC foram testados: a memória de trabalho, episódica e semântica, atenção e função executiva/planejamento. Entre os homens, nAF no domínio do transporte associou-se com memória semântica (r = .333; p = .036); entre as mulheres, resistência cardiorrespiratória associou-se com memória episódica (r = .403; p = .007). Os resultados sugeriram que o nAF, ApF e DC de sujeitos idosos podem estar seletivamente associados.

The aim of the study was to analyze the association between physical activity level (PAL), physical fitness (PF) and cognitive performance (CP) of the elderly. Participated in data collection 43 men with a mean age of 64.38 years (SD = 3.35) and 40 women with a mean age of 64.79 years (SD = 3.22), all residents of the city of Recife (PE), which were selected by convenience. The PAL was evaluated on the transport, work, household activities and leisure domains. The PF was evaluated by the upper and lower member muscle strength, flexibility (low back and shoulder) and cardiorespiratory endurance tests. The tests of episodic, work and semantic memory, attention and executive function (planning), evaluate the DC. Among men, PAL in transport domain was associated with semantic memory (r = .333; p = .036); among women cardio respiratory endurance was associated with work memory (r = .403; p = .007). The results suggested that PAL, PF and CP of the elder subjects may be selectively associated.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a influência dos reguladores vegetais BAP e GA3 como tratamentos pré-germinativos no processo de germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de Dendrobium nobile, espécie importante pelas propriedades farmacológicas como anti-oxidante, vasodilatadora e até mesmo anti-cancerígena, além do valor ornamental. Os tratamentos pré-germinativos consistiram de BAP e GA3, separadamente, nas concentrações de 0,0; 1,0; 2,0 e 5,0 mg L-1. Após seis meses da semeadura in vitro e manutenção em câmara de germinação e de crescimento com temperatura e foto-período controlados (12 horas e 23ºC ± 2), foram avaliados os parâmetros número de sementes germinadas, porcentagem de germinação, massa fresca e altura das plântulas, diâmetro e número de pseudobulbos, número de folhas, número de raízes, e o comprimento da maior raiz. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado. Todas as variáveis foram submetidas à análise de variância e de regressão, quando significativas. As sementes de D. nobile germinaram melhor na ausência de reguladores vegetais e os tratamentos com BAP ou GA3 na embebição das sementes pouco beneficiaram o desenvolvimento in vitro de D. nobile.

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of plant growth regulators BAP and GA3 as pre-germinative treatment in the process of germination and initial development of seedlings of Dendrobium nobile, a species important for its pharmacological properties like antioxidant, vasodilator and even anticancer, besides its ornamental value. Pre-germinative treatments consisted of BAP and GA3, separately, at the concentrations of 0.0; 1.0; 2.0 and 5.0 mg L-1. At six months after in vitro sowing and maintenance in a germination and growth chamber with controlled temperature and photoperiod (12 hours and 23ºC ± 2), the following parameters were evaluated: number of germinated seeds, percentage of germination, fresh mass and height of seedlings, number and diameter of pseudo-bulbs, number of leaves, number of roots, and length of the largest root. The experimental design was completely randomized. All variables underwent analysis of variance and regression analysis when significant. D. nobile seeds presented better germination in the absence of plant growth regulators and the treatments with BAP or GA3 in seed imbibition little benefited D. nobile in vitro development.

The aim of this study is to know the concept of health professionals of an obstetric unit in the southern region of Brazil about humanized childbirth of adolescents. It is a descriptive and explanatory study with qualitative approach which is linked to multicentric research called "Childbirth Humanized Care in Adolescents" developed in the obstetric unit of a college hospital in the south of Brazil. The subjects of this study were ten health workers of the obstetric unit of the mentioned institution. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews, from November 01st, 2008 to October 31st, 2009. For this research cut it was used the question 17. Two themes were highlighted as result of analysis and organization of the findings in the subjects interviewed: ambience as care space and light technologies as tools for humanization of attention in parturient adolescent. The investigation has indicated that the humanizing attention to adolescents needs more than problem solving or use of hard technologies, it requires attitudes and behaviors of health workers who contribute for the strengthening of the link among professionals, users, family and community.

Este estudo tem como objetivo conhecer a concepção dos profissionais de saúde de um centro obstétrico do sul do Brasil sobre o parto humanizado de adolescentes. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratório com abordagem qualitativa, estando vinculado à pesquisa multicéntrica intitulada "Atenção Humanizada ao Parto de Adolescentes", desenvolvida no centro obstétrico de um hospital de ensino do sul do Brasil. Os sujeitos do estudo foram dez trabalhadores da saúde efetivos do centro obstétrico da referida instituição. Os dados foram coletados a partir de entrevistas semi-estruturadas, entre 01 de novembro de 2008 a 31 outubro de 2009. Para este recorte da pesquisa utilizou-se especificamente a questão 17. Como resultado da análise e organização dos achados nos depoimentos dos sujeitos foram destacadas duas temáticas: a ambiência como espaço de cuidado e as tecnologias leves como ferramentas para a humanização da atenção à parturiente adolescente. A investigação apontou que a atenção humanizada ao parto de adolescentes necessita mais do que resolução de problemas ou uso de tecnologias duras e leve-duras, exige atitudes e comportamentos dos trabalhadores da saúde que contribuam para o fortalecimento do vínculo entre profissionais, usuárias, família e comunidade.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo conocer la concepción de los profesionales de salud de un centro obstétrico del sur del Brasil sobre el parto humanizado de adolescentes. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo y exploratorio con abordaje cualitativo, estando vinculado a la investigación multicéntrica llamada "Atención Humanizada al Parto de adolescentes" desarrollada en el centro obstétrico de un hospital de enseñanza del sur del Brasil. Los sujetos del estudio fueron diez trabajadores de la salud efectivos del centro obstétrico de la referida institución. Los datos fueron colectados a partir de entrevistas semiestructuradas, entre 01 de noviembre de 2008 a 31 de octubre de 2009. Para este recorte de la investigación se utilizó específicamente la pregunta 17 Como resultado del análisis y organización de las respuestas en las entrevistas de los sujetos se destacaron dos temáticas: el ambiente como espacio de cuidado y las tecnologías leves como herramientas para la humanización de la atención a la parturiente adolescente. La investigación destacó que la atención humanizada al parto de adolescentes necesita más que resolución de problemas o uso de tecnologías duras y leves-duras; exige actitudes y comportamientos de los trabajadores de la salud para que contribuyan al fortalecimiento del vínculo entre profesionales, usuarias, familia y comunidad.

Avaliaram-se os efeitos dos aditivos propilenoglicol e/ou monensina sobre a degradabilidade média e efetiva dos carboidratos totais, pH e produção cumulativa de gases da silagem de milho por meio da técnica in vitro semi-automática de produção de gases. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de silagem de milho (SM); SM associada ao propilenoglicol (SM+PG); SM associada à monensina (SM+MO); SM associada ao propilenoglicol e à monensina (SM+PG+MO) avaliados com duas, quatro, seis, 12, 24, 48 e 96 horas. A adição de monensina ou monensina associada ao propilenoglicol aumentou (P<0,05) a degradabilidade dos carboidratos totais às duas horas. SM+MO apresentou maior degradabilidade efetiva dos carboidratos totais em todas as taxas de passagem. A utilização de monensina reduziu a produção cumulativa de gases das 12 às 96 horas. Entre os tratamentos, SM+MO apresentou o menor potencial de produção de gases (221ml/g carboidratos totais) e o menor tempo de colonização (1,08 horas) em relação aos tratamentos SM e SM+PG (1,58 e 1,49 horas, respectivamente). A produção cumulativa de gases e degradabilidade dos carboidratos totais apresentaram elevada correlação, variando de 94 a 97% (P<0,01). O pH do meio foi inversamente correlacionado à degradabilidade dos carboidratos totais (r= -79%, P<0,01). O uso de monensina pode ser uma boa alternativa para se melhorarem os parâmetros da cinética de degradação da silagem de milho.

The effects of the additives propylene glycol and/or monensin on the degradation of total carbohydrates, pH, and cumulative gas production of corn silage by the semi-automated in vitro gas production technique were evaluated. The treatments were corn silage (CS); CS plus propylene glycol (CS+PG); CS plus monensin (CS+MO), and CS plus propylene glycol and monensin (CS+PG+MO), which were evaluated at two, four, six, 12, 24, 48, and 96 hours. The addition of monensin or monensin plus propylene glycol increased (P<0.05) the degradation of total carbohydrates at 2h. The effective degradations of total carbohydrates for CS+MO treatment (55.2; 42.7; and 36.5%) were the highest in all passage rates. The use of monensin reduced cumulative gas production from 12 to 96h. CS+MO treatment had the lowest potential of gas production (221ml/g total carbohydrates), and the lowest Lag phase (1.08h), as compared to CS and CS+PG treatment (1.58 and 1.49h, respectively). Cumulative gas production and degradation of total carbohydrates were highly correlated (94 to 97%; P<0.01). The pH was inversely correlated to degradability of total carbohydrates (r= -0.79; P<0.01). Thus, monensin may be used for improving the ruminal degradability of corn silage.

Fecal samples from 1755 dogs and 327 cats were examined for the presence of helminths and protozoan forms. From the total samples, 486 (27.7%) dogs and 103 (31.5%) cats presented at least one parasite. The main genus of parasite in dogs were Ancylostoma (12.7%), Giardia (8.5%), Cystoisosopora (4.4%), Toxocara (2.6%), and Cryptosporidium (2.4%). The ocurrence of Ancylostoma was associated to male dogs, older than one year, while Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora and Toxocara were associated to dogs younger than one year (P<0.05). Among cats, the most frequent parasites were Cryptosporidium (11.3%), Giardia (8.3%), Cystoisosopora (8.3%), Toxocara (6.1%), and Ancylostoma (2.1%). Cryptosporidium and Cystoisosopora were more prevalent in cats younger than one year (P < 0.05).

Samples of 114 bovine fetuses and 10 calves, which dead in perinatal period, were examined for detection of DNA. The most common detected agent was Brucella spp. in 17 samples (13.7%) followed by Leptospira spp. in 4 cases (3.2%),bovine herpesvirus (BHV) and bovine viral diarrhea (BVDV) in 3 animals (2.4%) each, and 1 for the association of BVDV and BHV. In 77.4 % (96/124) of the samples it was not possible to detect any agent.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) is a superfamily of enzymes involved in the metabolism of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. CYP2A6 catalyzes the oxidation of nicotine and the activation of carcinogens such as aflatoxin B1 and nitrosamines. CYP2E1 metabolizes ethanol and other low-molecular weight compounds and can also activate nitrosamines. The CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 genes are polymorphic, altering their catalytic activities and susceptibility to cancer and other diseases. A number of polymorphisms described are ethnic-dependent. In the present study, we determined the genotype and allele frequencies of the main CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms in a group of 289 volunteers recruited at the Central Laboratory of Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto. They had been residing in the city of Rio de Janeiro for at least 6 months and were divided into two groups according to skin color (white and non-white). The alleles were determined by allele specific PCR (CYP2A6) or by PCR-RFLP (CYP2E1). The frequencies of the CYP2A6*1B and CYP2A6*2 alleles were 0.29 and 0.02 for white individuals and 0.24 and 0.01 for non-white individuals, respectively. The CYP2A6*5 allele was not found in the population studied. Regarding the CYP2E1*5B allele, we found a frequency of 0.07 in white individuals, which was statistically different (P < 0.05) from that present in non-white individuals (0.03). CYP2E1*6 allele frequency was the same (0.08) in both groups. The frequencies of CYP2A6*1B, CYP2A6*2 and CYP2E1*6 alleles in Brazilians are similar to those found in Caucasians and African-Americans, but the frequency of the CYP2E1*5B allele is higher in Brazilians.