SUMMARY: The determination of variables such as age, height, ethnicity and sex are extremely important to the identification of biological findings, especially in accidents with fatal victims. The diagnosis of sex can be 100 % certain for cases in which the skeleton is complete and in a good state of conservation, the individual is an adult and the morphometric variables of the population to which the individual belongs are known.: The aim of the present study was to perform a morphometric evaluation of the proximal femur and compare measurements between males and females. Sixty pairs of femurs were acquired from the Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. The bones were measured with the aid of the ImageJ software program and the following variables were compared between bones from male and female cadavers: DFH - diameter of femoral head on the craniocaudal and sagittal axes; DFN - diameter of femoral neck on the craniocaudal and sagittal axes; FNL - femoral neck length; ILL - intertrochanteric line length. The morphometric variables had the following mean values in the male bones: DFH-craniocaudal axis - 45.10 ± 0.35 mm; DFH-sagittal axis - 48.27 ± 0.35 mm; DFN-craniocaudal axis - 33.21 ± 0.40 mm; DFN-sagittal axis - 29.96 ± 0.05 mm; FNL - 31.71 ± 0.05 mm; ILL - 66.47 ± 0.59 mm. The mean values for the female bones were as follows: DFH-craniocaudal axis - 40.68 ± 0.20 mm; DFH-sagittal axis - 42.61 ± 0.20 mm; DFN-craniocaudal axis - 29.11 ± 0.03 mm; DFN-sagittal axis - 26.05 ± 0.04 mm; FNL - 31.10 ± 0.04 mm; ILL - 60.80 ± 0.41 mm. With the exception of the femur neck length, all variables measurements were significantly larger (p < 0.0001) on the male bones. The present findings demonstrate that the femur bone, particularly the proximal portion, exhibits important sexual dimorphism and has high potential for forensic purposes.

RESUMEN: La determinación de variables como la edad, la altura, el origen étnico y el sexo son extremadamente importantes para la identificación de los hallazgos biológicos, especialmente en accidentes con víctimas fatales. El diagnóstico de sexo puede entregar una coincidencia del 100 % para los casos en los que el esqueleto está completo y en un buen estado de conservación, el individuo es un adulto y se conocen las variables morfométricas de la población a la que pertenece el individuo. El objetivo del presente estudio consistió en realizar una evaluación morfométrica del fémur proximal y comparar las mediciones entre hombres y mujeres. Se adquirieron sesenta pares de fémures del Departamento de Morfología y Fisiología Animal de la Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. Los huesos se midieron con la ayuda del programa de software ImageJ y se compararon las siguientes variables entre los huesos de cadáveres masculinos y femeninos: DCF: diámetro de la cabeza femoral en los ejes craneocaudal y sagital; DCF: diámetro del cuello femoral en los ejes craneocaudal y sagital; LCF - longitud del cuello femoral; LLI - longitud de línea intertrocantérea. Las variables morfométricas tenían los siguientes valores medios en los huesos masculinos: Eje craniocaudal DCF - 45,10 ±0,35 mm; DCF-eje sagital - 48,27±0,35 mm; DCF-eje craneocaudal - 33,21 ± 0,40 mm; DFN-eje sagital - 29,96 ± 0,05 mm; LCF - 31,71 ± 0,05 mm; LLI - 66,47 ± 0,59 mm. Los valores medios para los huesos femeninos fueron los siguientes: DCFeje craneocaudal - 40,68 ± 0,20 mm; DCF-eje sagital - 42,61 ± 0,20 mm; DCF-eje craneocaudal - 29,11 ± 0,03 mm; DCF-eje sagital - 26,05 ± 0,04 mm; LCF - 31,10 ± 0,04 mm; LLI - 60,80 ± 0,41 mm. Con la excepción de la longitud del cuello del fémur, todas las medidas variables fueron significativamente más grandes (p <0,0001) en los huesos masculinos. Los presentes hallazgos demuestran que el hueso del fémur, particularmente la porción proximal, exhibe un importante dimorfismo sexual y tiene un alto potencial para fines forenses.

Resumo Objetivou-se neste estudo determinar a prevalência e os fatores de risco associados à infecção por Sarcocystis neurona em equinos. Foram analisadas 427 amostras de 36 propriedades localizadas em 21 municípios do estado de Alagoas. O diagnóstico de anticorpos anti-S. neurona foi realizado pela técnica de Imunofluorescência Indireta (IFI) e confirmada por immunoblot. O estudo dos fatores de risco foi realizado a partir de questionários investigativos sobre o manejo dos animais nas propriedades. A prevalência de anticorpos anti-S. neurona foi de 2,8% (I.C. 1,5-4,9%) na IFI e de 1,6% (I.C. 0,8-3,34%) no immunoblot com equinos positivos em 16,6% das propriedades estudadas. Nenhuma variável estudada apresentou associação com o status sorológico para S. neurona. Este é o primeiro relato da infecção por S. neurona em equinos criados no Estado de Alagoas, Brasil, confirmando que os animais desta região têm baixa exposição a S. neurona, mas com significativo número de focos.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection by Sarcocystis neurona in horses and identify potential risk factors. Were analyzed 427 samples from 36 farms in 21 municipalities in the Alagoas State, Brazil. Presence of anti-S. neurona antibodies was diagnosed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and was confirmed using the immunoblot test. Risk factors were assessed through investigative questionnaires on animal management on the farms. The prevalence of anti-S.neurona antibodies was 2.8% (confidence interval, CI: 1.5-4.9%) from IFAT and 1.6% (CI:0.8-3.34%) from immunoblot, and there were positive horses on 16.6% of the studied farms. None of the variables studied presented associations with serological status for S. neurona. This is the first report on infection by S. neurona in horses reared in Alagoas, Brazil showing a low exposure to S. neurona in this region, but with significant numbers of foci.

SUMMARY: Anatomic differences are found between human males and females. These characteristics of sexual dimorphism vary across populations and have important implications for the study of human evolution. Researchers have employed anthropological tools for the characterization of human cadavers in different states of decomposition using complete skeletons, isolated bones or even bone fragments. The aim of the present study was to differentiate males and females based on morphometric aspects of human tibias from the Brazilian population. Sixty pairs of adult human tibias were obtained from bone collection of the Anatomy Sector of the Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology of the Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil. Ten measurements were made on the joint face of the tibial plateau: Anteroposterior diameter of the joint surface of the medial condyle (APM), Transverse diameter of the joint surface of the medial condyle (TM), Anteroposterior diameter of the joint surface of the lateral condyle (APL), Transverse diameter of the joint surface of the lateral condyle (TL), Anterior transverse measure of inter-condyle area (ATI), Posterior transverse measure of inter-condyle area (PTI), Middle transverse measure of inter-condyle area (MTI), Anteroposterior measure of inter-condyle area (API), Anterior measure of intercondyle area (AI) and Posterior measure of inter-condyle area (PI). The median morphometric values for the males’ proximal tibia were: APM - 4.707 ± 0.406; TM - 3.024 ± 0.307; APL -4.023 ± 0.414; TL - 3.405 ± 0.323; ATI - 3.365 ± 0.425; PTIc - 1.788 ± 0.307; MTI - 1.167 ± 0.279; API - 5.140 ± 0.377; AI - 2.865 ± 0.249 and PI - 2.297 ± 0.344. The median morphometric numbers for the female’s proximal tibia were: APM - 4.334 ± 0.317; TM - 2.702 ± 0.298; APL - 3.549 ± 0.382; TL - 2.991 ± 0.281; ATI - 2.818 ± 0.307; PTI - 1.555 ± 0.222; MTI - 1.054 ± 0.262; API - 4.596 ± 0.303; AI - 2.565 ± 0.21; PI - 2.031 ± 0.225. All parameters measured showed values significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the male’s proximal tibia. The findings demonstrate sexual dimorphism in this leg bone, which can be used with considerable reliability for scientific and forensic purposes. The results of these studies can be useful in cases where other methods are not applicable, increasing the range of options for forensic investigation.

RESUMEN: Se encuentran diferencias anatómicas entre hombres y mujeres. Estas características del dimorfismo sexual varían entre las poblaciones y tienen implicaciones importantes para el estudio de la evolución humana. Los investigadores han empleado herramientas antropológicas para la caracterización de cadáveres humanos en diferentes estados de descomposición utilizando esqueletos completos, huesos aislados o incluso fragmentos óseos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue diferenciar a hombres y mujeres basándose en aspectos morfométricos de las tibias humanas de la población brasileña. Se obtuvieron sesenta pares de tibias adultas en la recolección ósea del Sector de Anatomía del Departamento de Morfología Animal y Fisiología de la Universidad Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brasil. Se realizaron diez mediciones en la cara articular de la meseta tibial: Diámetro anteroposterior de la superficie articular del cóndilo medial (APM), diámetro transversal de la superficie articular del cóndilo medial (TM), diámetro anteroposterior de la superficie articular del códilo lateral (APL), diámetro transversal de la superficie articular del cóndilo lateral (TL), medida transversa anterior del área intercondílea (ATI), medida transversal posterior del área intercondílea (PTI), medida anteroposterior del área intercondílea (API), medida anterior del área intercondílea (AI) y medida posterior del área intercondílea (PI). Los valores morfométricos medianos para la tibia proximal de los varones fueron: APM - 4.707 ± 0.406; TM - 3,024 ± 0,307; APL 4,023 ± 0,414; TL - 3,405 ± 0,323; ATI - 3.365 ± 0,425; PTI - 1,788 ± 0,307; MTI - 1,167 ± 0,279; API - 5.140 ± 0.377; AI - 2,865 ± 0,249 y PI - 2,297 ± 0,344. Los números morfométricos medianos para la tíbia proximal de la hembra fueron: APM - 4.334 ± 0.317; TM - 2,702 ± 0,298; APL - 3,549 ± 0,382; TL - 2,991 ± 0,281; ATI - 2,818 ± 0,307; PTI - 1.555 ± 0.222; MTI 1,054 ± 0,262; API - 4.596 ± 0.303; AI - 2,565 ± 0,21; PI 2.031 ± 0,225. Todos los parámetros medidos mostraron valores significativamente más altos (p <0,05) para la tibia proximal del varón. Los hallazgos demuestran dimorfismo sexual en este hueso de la pierna, que se puede utilizar con una fiabilidad considerable para fines científicos y forenses. Los resultados de estos estudios pueden ser útiles en casos donde otros métodos no son aplicables, aumentando el rango de opciones para la investigación forense.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical manifestation, treatment and outcome of a case of co- infection by Sarcoptes scabiei and Microsporum gypseum in Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating fox) from Northeastern Brazil.

Abstract The aim of this study was to detect the IS900 region of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in bovine milk samples using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and conventional PCR, and to study the agreement between these tests. A total of 121 bovine milk samples were collected from herds considered positive for MAP, from the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. MAP DNA was detected in 20 samples (16.5%) using conventional PCR and in 34 samples (28.1%) using qPCR. MAP DNA was detected in all of the 6 animal farms studied. Moderate agreement was found between qPCR and conventional PCR results, where the sensitivity and specificity of conventional PCR in relation to qPCR were 50% and 96.6%, respectively. Thus, the IS900 region of MAP was found in bovine milk samples from the State of Pernambuco. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of MAP DNA found in bovine milk in Northeast Brazil. We also demonstrated the qPCR technique is more sensitive than conventional PCR with respect to detection of MAP in milk samples.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e de DNA do parasito em galinhas de criações domésticas, na região metropolitana de Recife, Brasil. No total, 212 amostras de soro foram coletadas de aves de 16 estabelecimentos e de 12 galinhas de criações domésticas nos seis distritos sanitários de Recife. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii foi utilizada a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). A Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) foi utilizada para detectar o DNA de T. gondii em fragmentos de cérebro, coração, fígado e pulmão. Das amostras analisadas por sorologia, 86/212 (40,56%) foram positivas. Das amostras analisadas por PCR, 2/212 (16,7%) foram positivas, em ambos os testes (sorológicos e moleculares). A presença de anticorpos anti-T. gondii e de DNA parasitário nos tecidos desses animais são aspectos preocupantes para saúde pública, porque há o risco de transmissão do parasita para humanos através da ingestão de carne mal cozida ou crua. Com base nos resultados obtidos, a adoção de medidas preventivas que evitem o acesso de gatos às criações de galinhas deve ser incentivada, uma vez que esses animais foram identificados na maioria das propriedades estudadas.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and parasite DNA in backyard chickens bred in the metropolitan area of Recife, Brazil. In total, 212 serum samples were collected from 16 properties, and 12 backyard chickens were collected in the six sanitary districts of Recife. An indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was used to investigate the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect T. gondii DNA in brain, heart, liver and lung specimens. Of the samples analyzed by serology, 86/212 (40.56%) were positive; of the samples analyzed by PCR, 2/12 (16.7%) were positive, with both samples positive by both tests (serological and molecular). The presence of antibody anti-T. gondii and parasite DNA in tissues of these animals are worrying aspects for public health because there is a risk of transmission of the parasite to humans through eating undercooked or raw meat. Based on the results, the adoption of preventive measures to prevent the cats access to the chickens creations should be encouraged, since these animals were identified in most of the studied properties.

Resumo:Descrevem-se os aspectos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos de paratuberculose diagnosticada no sul do Rio Grande do Sul em uma propriedade de bovinos de corte. Dois bovinos criados extensivamente que apresentavam emagrecimento progressivo e diarreia crônica foram necropsiados. Os linfonodos mesentéricos estavam aumentados e edematosos. A mucosa do intestino estava espessada e enrugada com aspecto cerebroide principalmente na porção final do íleo, válvula íleo-cecal e ceco. Fragmentos dos órgãos foram fixados em formalina 10%, incluídos em parafina, cortados e corados pela técnica de hematoxilina e eosina (HE) e Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN). Fezes foram encaminhadas ao Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Área de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco para o cultivo de Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis em meio Lowenstein Jensen com micobactina e para realização da PCR. Histologicamente, havia enterite granulomatosa no jejuno, íleo, ceco e reto, afetando multifocalmente, também, o duodeno e o cólon. Havia, ainda, linfangite e adenite granulomatosa. Pela coloração de ZN foram observados numerosos bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes (BAAR) no interior de macrófagos, células gigantes de Langhans e nos linfonodos mesentéricos no jejuno, íleo ceco e reto. Não houve crescimento bacteriano nas amostras de fezes e cinco amostras amplificaram a sequência genética IS900 específica do Mycobacterium aviumsubesp. paratuberculosis. Pelo presente trabalho pode-se concluir que a paratuberculose apesar dos poucos relatos ocorre também em bovinos de corte criados extensivamente no sul do Rio Grande do Sul e pode ter uma prevalência maior do que se supõe na região. Alerta-se para a necessidade do diagnóstico e da tomada de medidas efetivas de controle para esta doença que, por muitos, ainda é considerada uma doença exótica no Brasil.

Abstract:The epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of paratuberculosis diagnosed in southern Rio Grande do Sul in a beef cattle property are described. Two cattle raised extensively and that presented progressive weight loss and chronic diarrhea were necropsied. The mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged and edematous. The intestinal mucosa was thickened and wrinkled with cerebroid aspect, especially in the final portion of the ileum, ileocecal valve and cecum. Fragments of the organs were fixed in 10% formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN). Feces samples were referred to Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Área de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, for the cultivation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis with Löwenstein Jensen for mycobacterial and PCR analysis. Histologically, granulomatous enteritis was observed in the jejunum, ileum, cecum and rectum, and in multifocal areas the duodenum and colon. Lymphangitis and granulomatous adenitis was also observed. In ZN staining numerous resistant acid-fast bacilli (AFB) within macrophages, giant cells of Langhans and mesenteric lymph nodes in the jejunum, ileum cecum and rectum were observed. There was no bacterial growth in stool samples. Five samples amplified the gene sequence IS900 specific for Mycobacterium aviumsubsp. paratuberculosis. It can be concluded that paratuberculosis, despite the few reports, occurs in beef cattle raised extensively in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Paratuberculosis may have a higher prevalence in the region than it is assumed. There is need for diagnosis of this disease and to assume effective measures for its control, as for many it is still considered an exotic malady in Brazil.

A study was conducted to verify the presence of mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas DNA in sheep semen samples from the State of Pernambuco. The PCR assay was conducted of according with standard protocols with generic primers. Mollicutes DNA was detected in 26.0% and Ureaplasma spp. in 12.0% of semen samples.

Investigou-se a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em cães no Estado de Alagoas, Brasil e os fatores de risco associados à infecção. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos contra N. caninum empregou-se a Reação de Imunofluorescênica Indireta (RIFI). Para identificar os fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo N. caninum foi realizada análise univariada das variáveis de interesse. Foram analisadas 237 amostras de cães de ambos os sexos, diferentes raças e idades e procedentes de áreas urbanas e rurais. Obteve-se 10 (4,2%) animais soropositivos, sendo cinco (4,8%) de áreas rurais e cinco (3,8%) de áreas urbanas. Com relação ao sexo, cinco (4,0%) eram machos e cinco (4,5%) fêmeas. Quanto às raças foram positivos quatro animais de raças indefinidas e seis de raças definidas. As idades dos animais soropositivos variaram de dois meses a 11 anos. Os resultados da análise estatística revelaram não haver associação significativa entre a soropositividade e as variáveis analisadas. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de incluir a neosporose no diagnóstico diferencial das desordens neurológicas caninas.

This study investigated occurrences of antibodies to anti-Neospora caninum in dogs in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, and the risk factors associated with the infection. To investigate antibodies against N. caninum, an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) was used. To identify risk factors associated with infection by N. caninum, univariate analyses on variables of interest were conducted. The study analyzed 237 samples from dogs of both sexes and different breeds and ages, both from rural and from urban areas. Ten animals (4.2%) were seropositive: five (4.8%) from rural areas and five (3.8%) from urban areas. Regarding sex, five (4.0%) were male and five (4.5%) were female. In relation to breed, four animals of undefined breed and six of defined breed were positive. The ages of the seropositive animals ranged from two months to eleven years. Results show there are no significant associations between seropositivity and the variables analyzed. Results indicate neosporosis must be included in differential diagnosis of dog neurological disorders.

INTRODUÇÃO: Caprinos são considerados susceptíveis à infecção por Toxoplasma gondii que quando ocorre durante a gestação pode causar morte fetal com subsequente reabsorção, aborto, mumificação, natimortos ou nascimento de cabritos fracos. Objetivou-se com este estudo determinar a ocorrência e identificar os fatores de risco associados à infecção por T. gondii em caprinos nas diferentes mesorregiões do Estado de Alagoas. MÉTODOS: A pesquisa foi realizada em 10 municípios, sendo analisadas 24 propriedades de produção caprina com aptidão mista. Foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas de 454 animais para realização da pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii através da prova sorológica de imunofluorescência indireta. Para o estudo dos fatores de risco, foram aplicados questionários com questões referentes ao sistema de produção e manejos nutricional, reprodutivo e sanitário. RESULTADOS: A ocorrência encontrada foi de 39% com 95,8% das propriedades apresentando animais positivos. Foi observada associação significativa para as variáveis: mesorregião (OR = 0,23; IC 95% = 0,09 - 0,57), idade (OR = 0,36; IC 95% = 0,20 - 0,64), sistema de criação semi-intensivo (OR = 8,70; IC 95% = 1,87 - 40,43), acesso dos gatos à água fornecida aos animais (OR = 3,38; IC 95% = 1,89 - 6,02) e gatos se alimentando de restos placentários (OR = 2,73; IC 95% = 1,38 - 5,40). CONCLUSÕES: A infecção por T. gondii está disseminada no Estado de Alagoas, sendo necessária a realização de um programa de monitoramento dos focos da infecção no Estado com objetivo de reduzir os fatores de riscos identificados no presente estudo.

INTRODUCTION: Goats are considered very susceptible to infection by Toxoplasma gondii and when this occurs during pregnancy, it may cause fetal death with subsequent fetal resorption, abortion, mummification, stillborn or the birth of weak goats. The objective of this work was to determine the occurrence of and identify risk factors for T. gondii infection in goats in different mesoregions in the State of Alagoas. METHODS: The research was conducted on 24 goat breeding farms in 10 municipalities. A total of 454 blood samples were examined for anti-T. gondii antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. To evaluate the risk factors of toxoplasmosis in goats, questionnaires were applied analyzing the farm's production system and nutritional, reproductive and sanitary management. RESULTS: Disease occurrence was 39% with 95.8% of farms presenting seropositive animals. Significant associations were observed for mesoregion (OR = 0.23; 95%CI = 0.09 - 0.57), age (OR = 0.36; 95%CI = 0.20 - 0.64), semi-intensive herd management (OR = 8.70; 95%CI = 1.87 - 40.43), access of cats to water provided for goats (OR = 3.38; 95%CI = 1.89-6.02) and cats feeding on placental remnants (OR = 2.73; 95%CI = 1.38 - 5.40). CONCLUSIONS: Toxoplasma gondii infection is disseminated in the State of Alagoas and the adoption of a program that monitors infection foci is required to reduce the risk factors identified in the present study.