ABSTRACT The black swan (Cygnus atratus, LATHAM, 1790) is a bird kept as an ornamental in zoos. Because of their long beaks they tend to have a reserved prognosis in musculoskeletal disorders such as beak trauma, secondary to skull bone fractures, presenting irreversible lesions. The aim of this report is present a clinical surgical innovation in the repair of a black swan’s gnathotheca fissure with the application of non-conventional materials used. It was observed that one of the swans kept in a zoo display area had difficulty feeding, with associated weight loss. It was observed tissue loss and a lacerative lesion in the caudal sublingual region of its beak. The lesion was corrected by a separate simple suture in the cranial region of the beak and with a x-clamping using steel surgical wire and the application of dental resin in the distal region to perform a sustentation bridge in the beak end-gap. After 12 days, the animal was able to feed again and remained perfectly adapted to the restoration, reestablishing the anatomical and physiological function of its beak.

RESUMO O cisne-negro (Cygnus atratus, Latham, 1790) é uma ave mantida como ornamental em zoológicos. Por apresentar bicos longos, tende a ter prognóstico reservado em afecções musculoesqueléticas, como traumas de bico secundários e fraturas de ossos do crânio, com lesões irreversíveis. O objetivo deste relato é apresentar uma inovação clínica cirúrgica no reparo de fissura na gnatoteca de um cisne-negro, com a utilização de materiais não convencionais. Observou-se que um dos cisnes mantidos em uma área de exibição de um zoológico apresentava dificuldade para se alimentar, com perda de peso associada. Constatou-se perda tecidual e lesão lacerativa na região sublingual caudal de seu bico. A lesão foi corrigida por meio de sutura simples separada na região cranial do bico e posterior sutura em x com fio cirúrgico de aço, finalizando com aplicação de resina odontológica na região distal para realização de ponte de sustentação do bico. Após 12 dias, o animal conseguiu se alimentar novamente e se manteve perfeitamente adaptado à restauração, restabelecendo a função anatômica e fisiológica de seu bico.

Resumo O conhecimento da morfologia testicular e ovariana de uma determinada espécie de peixe é de suma importância, pois através destas análises é possível o desenvolvimento de estudos e técnicas visando o melhoramento de sua reprodução, manejo e comercialização e até mesmo auxiliar em sua conservação. Este estudo realizou a caracterização ovariana e testicular do peixe Amazônico ornamental Serrapinnus kriegi. Um total de três machos e três fêmeas tiveram suas gônadas analisadas através de microscopia óptica. As fêmeas apresentam ovários preenchidos por oócitos em desenvolvimento assincrônico, indicando desova parcelada da espécie. Além disso, observou-se a formação de micrópila e célula micropilar em oócitos em crescimento primário, representando o desenvolvimento precoce do oócito; a zona radiata nos oócitos vitelogênicos finais é mais espessa em comparação a outras espécies relacionadas, evidenciando o desenvolvimento de uma melhor proteção aos embriões, em função das águas turbulentas que caracterizam seu local de desova nos córregos amazônicos. Os machos apresentam testículos do tipo tubular anastomosado com espermatogônias irrestritas, espalhadas por todo o túbulo seminífero. Os dados apresentados elucidam a dinâmica da espermatogênese e oogênese de uma espécie de peixe ornamental amazônica, por meio da descrição das células germinativas masculinas e femininas.

Abstract The knowledge of the testicular and ovarian morphology of a particular fish species is of paramount importance. Such analyze enables the development of studies and techniques aiming the improvement of their reproduction, management, commercialization and even their conservation. This study performed the ovarian and testicular characterization of the ornamental Amazon fish Serrapinnus kriegi. A total of three males and three females had their gonads analyzed by optical microscopy. Females present ovaries filled with oocytes in asynchronous development, indicating partial spawning in the species. Moreover, the micropyle and micropilar cell formation was observed in primary growing oocytes, representing a precocious oocyte development; and the zona radiata in the final vitellogenic oocytes is thicker than other related species, evidencing the development of a better protection to the embryos in function of the waters’ turbulence that characterize it spawning sites in the Amazonian streams. The male specimens’ present anastomosed tubular testes with unrestricted spermatogonia spread along the entire seminiferous tubules. The present data elucidate the dynamic of spermatogenesis and oogenesis of an ornamental Amazonian species, through the description of the male and female germ cells development.

RESUMO Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência de Chlamydia sp., Morbillivirus sp., Parvovirus sp., Leishmania sp. e Alphacoronavirus sp. em tamanduás-bandeira cativos. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue e fezes de 16 animais em instituições dos estados de Minas Gerais, Bahia e Distrito Federal, que estavam em cativeiro há pelo menos um ano. Um teste comercial rápido de imunoensaio cromatográfico foi usado para detectar antígenos de coronavírus e parvovírus, além de anticorpos contra a leishmaniose, sendo todos os resultados negativos. No caso do teste para anticorpos contra a doença, quatro (4/16; 25%) tamanduás apresentaram titulação média, dois (2/16; 12,5%) uma titulação baixa e dez (10/16; 62,5%) não foram reativos. A partir do método DOT-ELISA (dot blotting) para detecção de imunoglobulina G, apenas um espécime obteve uma titulação de 1: 40. Para os testes de reação em cadeia da polimerase para Leishmania e Chlamydia, todas as amostras foram negativas.

ABSTRACT This research aimed to investigate the occurrence of Chlamydia sp., Morbillivirus sp., Parvovirus sp., Leishmania sp. and Alphacoronavirus sp. in captive giant anteaters. Blood and fecal samples were taken from 16 animals in institutions from the states of Minas Gerais, Bahia and Distrito Federal, which had been in captivity for at least a year. A commercial rapid chromatographic immunoassay test was used for detecting coronavirus and parvovirus antigens, in addition to antibodies against leishmaniasis, all results being negative. In the case of the test for antibodies against distemper, four (4/16; 25%) anteaters had an average titration, two (2/16; 12.5%) a low titration and ten (10/16; 62.5%) were non-reactive. Using the DOT-ELISA (dot blotting) method for detection of immunoglobulin G, only one specimen obtained a 1 : 40 titration. For the polymerase chain reaction tests for Leishmania and Chlamydia, all samples were negative.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a taxa de crescimento folicular e a taxa ovulatória em éguas tratadas com dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona (P4) durante o período de 10 dias, associado à utilização de benzoato de estradiol (BE). Os resultados foram comparados durante o período de transição (ET) da primavera com a época de reprodução no verão (ER). As variáveis foram submetidas à ANOVA (teste de Tukey), considerando-se P<0,05. Nenhuma ovulação ocorreu durante a permanência do dispositivo de P4 em ambos os períodos experimentais. A taxa ovulatória na ER foi de 100% (n = 8) e na ET, de 62,5% (n=5; P=0,0547). Diferença significativas (<0,001) foram observadas, em ambos os períodos experimentais, comparando as taxas de crescimento folicular durante a permanência da P4 (ER: 1,33 ± 0,89mm/d; ET: 1,00 ± 0,81mm/d) com o período sem P4 (ER: 3,63 ± 1,33mm/d; ET: 3,31 ± 1,66mm/d). O presente estudo demonstrou aplicabilidade e eficiência do protocolo hormonal utilizando dispositivo intravaginal de P4 e BE para controle folicular de éguas, tanto na ET quanto na ER.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate follicular growth and ovulatory rates in mares treated with an intravaginal progesterone device (P4) during the 10-day period, associated with the use of estradiol benzoate (EB). The results were compared during the transition period (ET) in the spring and the breeding season in the summer (ER). The variables were submitted to ANOVA (Tukey's test), considering P<0.05. No ovulation occurred during the permanence of the P4 implant in both experimental periods. The ovulatory rate in the ER was 100% (n = 8) and in the ET 62.5% (n = 5; P = 0.0547). Significant differences were observed (<0.001), in both periods, comparing follicular growth rates during the permanence of P4 device (ER: 1.33 ± 0.89mm/d; ET: 1.00 ± 0.81mm/d) to the period without P4 (ER: 3.63 ± 1.33 mm/d; ET: 3.31 ± 1.66 mm/d). The present study demonstrated applicability and efficiency of a hormonal protocol using P4 intravaginal device and EB for follicular control in mares, both during ET and ER.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar em uma amostra de pacientes com distúrbios da diferenciação do sexo (DDS), dados relacionados à idade, ao encaminhamento e sua correlação com as queixas iniciais, ao sexo ao encaminhamento e ao sexo final e diagnóstico etiológico. Métodos: Revisão retrospectiva da idade por ocasião da primeira consulta e motivo dela, sexo social inicial e após definição do diagnóstico, cariótipo e diagnóstico etiológico de todos os casos atendidos em um ambulatório especializado em DDS entre 1989 e 2016. Foram excluídos casos que não compreendiam DDS e diagnósticos de DDS que não cursam comumente com ambiguidade genital, não necessitam de acompanhamento especializado. Resultados: Dos 1.793 casos atendidos, 1.139 foram diagnosticados com algum DDS. Excluíram-se 430 (272 síndrome de Turner, 66 síndrome de Klinefelter e 92 disgenesia gonadal pura), totalizando 709. Desses, 82,9% foram encaminhados por ambiguidade genital, somente um quarto ainda no primeiro mês de vida e 6,6% por atraso puberal, a maioria com 10 anos ou mais; 68,6% tiveram diagnóstico de DDS XY; 22,4% DDS XX e 9% de anomalias dos cromossomos sexuais. Conclusões: Este estudo apresenta a maior casuística na literatura de pacientes com DDS atendidos em um único serviço. O momento de encaminhamento da maioria dos pacientes com ambiguidade genital foi aquém do ideal e casos mais leves de ambiguidade e muitos com manifestações puberais foram encaminhados ainda mais tardiamente. Os resultados reforçam a importância do ensino continuado a profissionais que terão o primeiro contato com esses pacientes, principalmente pediatras e neonatologistas.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate, in a sample of patients with disorders of sex development (DSD), data related to the age at referral and their correlation with the initial complaints, gender at referral, defined gender after diagnosis and etiological diagnosis. Methods: Retrospective review of the age at the first consultation and the reason for it, initial social gender and gender after the diagnosis, karyotype and etiological diagnosis of all cases treated at a DSD outpatient clinic between 1989 and 2016. Cases that did not involve DSD and DSD diagnoses that do not usually involve ambiguous genitalia, thus not requiring specialized monitoring, were excluded. Results: Of the 1793 treated cases, 1139 were diagnosed with some type of DSD. This study excluded 430 cases (272 with Turner's syndrome, 66 with Klinefelter syndrome, and 92 with pure gonadal dysgenesis), thus a total 709 individuals were included. Of these, 82.9% were referred due to ambiguous genitalia; only one-quarter were still in the first month of life, and 6.6% were referred due to pubertal delay, with most of them aged 10 years or older. Of these patients, 68.6% had a diagnosis of XY DSD, 22.4% of XX DSD, and 9% of sex chromosome abnormalities. Conclusions: This study presents the largest series in the literature of patients with DSD treated in a single center. The time of referral of the majority of patients with ambiguous genitalia fell short of the ideal, and milder cases of ambiguous genitalia and many with pubertal manifestations were referred even later. The results reinforce the importance of continuing education for professionals who will have the first contact with these patients, mainly pediatricians and neonatologists.

RESUMO Avaliou-se o efeito da redução do cálcio livre no meio de congelamento, usando-se o quelante de cálcio etilenodiaminotetracético (EDTA) a 0,3% e 0,5%. Três cães machos sem raça definida foram submetidos à coleta de sêmen por manipulação digital (n=16). Cada ejaculado foi diluído em diluidor controle com TRIS-glicose - gema de ovo (TGE, controle), ou em diluidor TGE enriquecido com 0,3% (EDTA 0,3) ou 0,5% de EDTA (EDTA 0,5). A concentração de cálcio reduziu no meio EDTA 0,3, e todos os íons de cálcio foram quelados no meio EDTA 0,5. A adição do EDTA e a consequente quelação do cálcio não afetaram a morfologia espermática ou a integridade da membrana plasmática, no entanto, ao remover todo o cálcio do meio (EDTA 0,5), a motilidade espermática se reduziu (64,7% no TGE e 45% no EDTA 0,5; P<0,05). A integridade do acrossoma e a capacidade de ligação do espermatozoide não melhoraram com a quelação do cálcio. Apesar da influência da concentração de cálcio sobre a motilidade espermática após o descongelamento, a falha em prever a reação acrossomal prematura pode explicar por que a longevidade espermática não foi afetada pela remoção do cálcio no meio. Dessa forma, a remoção parcial ou total do cálcio, por meio da adição de EDTA, não é capaz de prevenir o dano no acrossoma ou a reação acrossomal prematura e, portanto, não aumenta a capacidade do espermatozoide de se ligar ao oócito.

ABSTRACT We evaluated the effect of reducing free calcium in the cryopreservation medium, using the calcium chelator ethylene diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA) at 0.3% and 0.5% concentrations. Three male mixed breed dogs were subjected to semen collection by digital manipulation (n=16). Each ejaculate was divided in three aliquots, and each one was diluted in TRIS-glucose-egg yolk extender with 6% glycerol and 0.5% Equex STM Paste® (TGE, control); and added with 0.3% EDTA (EDTA 0.3) or 0.5% EDTA (EDTA 0.5). Calcium concentration reduced in EDTA 0.3 and all the calcium ions were chelated in EDTA 0.5. The EDTA addition did not affect sperm morphology or plasma membrane integrity; however, by removing all free calcium (EDTA 0.5), the sperm motility reduced (64.7% in TGE and 45% in EDTA 0.5; p<0.05). Acrosome integrity and sperm binding ability were not improved by calcium chelation. The failure to prevent the premature AR may explain why sperm longevity was not affected by calcium removal. Thus, the partial or complete calcium removal, through EDTA addition, is not able to prevent acrosomal damage or premature acrosomal reaction, and therefore does not improve the dog sperm binding ability.

RESUMO Objetivou-se, por meio do presente estudo, avaliar o método de colheita farmacológica de sêmen com sondagem uretral, em machos de onças-pardas (Puma concolor) mantidos em cativeiro. A técnica proposta (Cat; N=3) foi comparada com a eletroejaculação (EE; N=4). Para a colheita farmacológica, utilizou-se medetomidina para induzir a liberação de sêmen na uretra e sonda uretral para gatos, sem janela lateral, para colheita do sêmen por capilaridade. O método foi eficaz em todos os animais usados. Por meio dessa técnica, colheram-se amostras com menor volume (106,7±30,5aµL) e maior concentração (524,1±54,3b x 106 espermatozoides/mL) em relação à EE (450,0±0,1bµL e 205,0±141,8a x 106 espermatozoides/mL). As avaliações de vigor, motilidade e patologia espermática demonstraram que a técnica não afeta a qualidade do sêmen em relação à EE (P>0,05). Dessa forma, o método proposto consiste em uma técnica mais prática e eficiente para a colheita de sêmen com boa qualidade, dispensando o eletroejaculador.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological semen collection method with urethral catheterization (CT) in captive cougar (Puma concolor) males. The pharmacological method (CT; N= 3) was compared to the electroejaculation technique (EE; N= 4). For CT collection, medetomidine was administrated to induce semen release using a tomcat catheter inserted into the urethra to collect by capillarity. The proposed method was efficacious on all animals used. Through the CT method, semen collected yielded smaller volume (106,7±30,5aµL) and higher concentration (524,1±54,3b x 106sperm/mL) compared to EE (450,0±0,1bµL and 205,0±141,8a x 106 sperm /mL). Evaluations of vigor, motility and sperm pathology demonstrated that CT does not affect semen quality when compared to EE (P> 0.05). Thus, the proposed method consists of a more practical and efficient technique for semen collection with good quality, eliminating the need for eletroejaculation.

ABSTRACT The study of some distances provide science a way to separate two entities. It has applications in various fields such as remote sensing, data mining, pattern recognition and multivariate data analysis and others. If the distance is a Hausdorff metric, the guarantee is that all individuals are available. With the use of the distance of Trindade et al, we intend to extend the real topology to an interval topology, since the interval distance preserves the uncertainties and exits noise in the data. The present work proposes an interval circumference using an interval distance of a point to the center (pixel), like a set of pixels obeying certain distances to the center. With the interval circumference we intend to extend the notion of open ball and the concepts of neighborhood for the construction of the interval topology. A circumference separates a space into three regions, inner region, border region and outer region, where we construct our notion of neighborhood. In this work we will explore only the geometric properties of the interval circumference, we will extrapolate the notion from point to pixel by providing a differentiated frontier region for the clustering area.

Shrimp waste meal (SWM) is a by-product from the processing of shrimp for human consumption. The value of SMW in feeding poultry is not well documented. The objective of this study was to determine the energy value and optimal inclusion level of SWM in the diet of growing chickens. A total of 180 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to five treatments with 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g/kg of SWM included in their diet. There were six replicates of six birds for each treatment. Dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by the level of SWM that was fed. Retained dry matter varied from 72.39% in the diet that did not contain SWM to 66.97% in the diet with 200 g/kg of SWM. Nitrogen retention (NR) ranged from 54.70% to 70.10%; N ingested was between 18.71% and 24.03%. Energy intake ranged from 73.57% to 69.33% for the control and the diet with 200 g/kg of SWM, respectively. NR improved with increasing SWM inclusion levels. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and corrected apparent energy metabolizable (AMEn) ranged from 2928 to 2527 kcal/kg and 2774 to 2329 kcal/kg, respectively, relative to the control and 200 g/kg SWM diets. The energy consumption, in kcal/kg, of SWM consumed was AME = 2332-6.971 x SWM and AMEn = 21138.128 x SWM. High levels of SWM reduce the dry matter metabolization coefficient and metabolizable energy values in broilers during the growing phase, so it is recommended that up to 100 g/kg should be included, which would provide an AMEn of 1300.2 kcal/kg for free-range chickens in dry matter.

Abstract Effective microorganisms (EM) are inoculants formed by fungi and bacteria isolated from soil. EM are commonly used by farmers on agronomic crops to stimulate plant growth, but their composition and their benefits has been controverted. This study aimed to analyze the diversity of microorganisms growing in three EM inoculants, as well as to evaluate their efficiency in the germination of palisade grass seeds. The total DNA of the three EM inoculants was extracted, the 16S rRNA and ITS genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Germination tests were conducted with three type of the EM, in three concentration and two times of the immersion. The bacterial group was the most abundant in EM, followed by fungi. Bacterial operational taxonomic units OTUs were shared by all EMs. Pre-treatments of palisade grass seeds with EMs resulted in a higher germination percentage (% G) and germination speed index (IVG) when EM was used at concentration of 1 or 2% in water. Seed immersion for 5 min was more efficient than immersion for 24 h. We can conclude that EM of different origin can share microbial groups and diversity of microorganisms, besides being an alternative to increase palisade grass seeds germination.

RESUMO Este trabalho avaliou a colmatação por Limnoperna fortunei em diferentes materiais para confecção de telas de arame, a dinâmica da colmatação pelo molusco e a relação custo-benefício dos materiais usados em tanques-rede. Utilizaram-se amostras de telas de simples torção de malha 19mm, de cinco tipos diferentes de revestimentos, colocadas na barragem de Salto Caxias, no Rio Iguaçu, estado do Paraná, entre julho de 2012 e julho de 2014. A cada seis meses, foi verificado o ganho de peso das telas em razão da colmatação, além da contagem do número de mexilhões aderidos. Após as coletas dos dados, foi realizado o teste estatístico de Kruskal-Wallis para se avaliar o ganho de peso das telas devido à colmatação. Realizou-se também uma pesquisa com 21 empresas para se obter o preço comercializado de telas para confecção de tanques-rede e se avaliar a expectativa de durabilidade dos materiais. Verificou-se que os diferentes materiais avaliados para as telas influenciam na colmatação e aderência do mexilhão-dourado; além disso, constatou-se que a tela mais eficiente quanto ao custo/ano é a de arame galvanizado plastificado e, para baixa colmatação, a de arame Bezinal.

ABSTRACT This research evaluated degree of clogging by Limnoperna fortunei in different materials for wire mesh fabrication, the dynamics of mollusk sealing and the cost-benefit ratio of these materials used in tank-nets. Samples of single-twist screens of 19 mm mesh were used, from five different types of coatings were placed in the Salto Caxias dam on the Iguaçu River in the Paraná state, between July 2012 and July 2014. Every six months, it was verified the weight gain of the screens due to clogging and counting of the number of mussels adhered. After the data collection was performed Kruskal-Wallis statistical test to evaluate the weight gain of the screens due to clogging. In addition, a survey was carried out with 21 companies to obtain the commercialized price of screens for the production of net tanks and to evaluate the expected durability of the materials. The different materials evaluated for the screens influenced the sealing and adhesion of the golden mussel. In addition, the most cost-per-year screen is that of plastic-coated galvanized wire and for low clogging it is the Bezinal wire.

The heptapeptide Bj-PRO-7a, isolated and identified from Bothrops jararaca (Bj) venom, produces antihypertensive and other cardiovascular effects that are independent on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, possibly relying on cholinergic muscarinic receptors subtype 1 (M1R). However, whether Bj-PRO-7a acts upon the central nervous system and modifies behavior is yet to be determined. Therefore, the aims of this study were: i) to assess the effects of acute administration of Bj-PRO-7a upon behavior; ii) to reveal mechanisms involved in the effects of Bj-PRO-7a upon locomotion/exploration, anxiety, and depression-like behaviors. For this purpose, adult male Wistar (WT, wild type) and spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) received intraperitoneal injections of vehicle (0.9% NaCl), diazepam (2 mg/kg), imipramine (15 mg/kg), Bj-PRO-7a (71, 213 or 426 nmol/kg), pirenzepine (852 nmol/kg), α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (200 mg/kg), or chlorpromazine (2 mg/kg), and underwent elevated plus maze, open field, and forced swimming tests. The heptapeptide promoted anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects and increased locomotion/exploration. These effects of Bj-PRO-7a seem to be dependent on M1R activation and dopaminergic receptors and rely on catecholaminergic pathways.

The influence of Nb content variation on the microstructural and thermal characteristics of NiTiNb alloys was evaluated since these aspects are relevant to the control and adequacy of its shape memory properties for application purposes. The aim of this study was to observe how the Nb content acts in the formation of Nb-rich precipitates and the eutectic structures, which can make this alloys more complex. Microstructural characterization of the alloys was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microanalysis by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), besides the thermal characterization by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the comparison between the Nb alloys and the NiTi binary alloy. The results demonstrated a proportional dependence between the amount of β-Nb phase in the microstructures and the amount of Nb dissolved in the NiTi matrix with the Nb content. Although it was found that the increase in the Nb content causes the decrease of the martensitic (Mi) and reverse (Ai) transformation temperatures, the magnitude of thermal hysteresis was not significantly changed.

RESUMO Com o objetivo de estudar o efeito da condroitinase associada às células-tronco mesenquimais na lesão aguda da medula espinhal, utilizaram-se 50 ratos Lewis, distribuídos igualmente nos grupos: controle negativo (CN), tratamento com placebo (PLA), condroitinase (CDN), células-tronco mesenquimais (CTM) e condroitinase mais células-tronco mesenquimais (CDN+CTM). Todos os animais tiveram a medula espinhal exposta por laminectomia, e os grupos PLA, CDT, CTM e CDT+CTM sofreram também trauma medular compressivo. Após sete dias, procedeu-se à reexposição da medula espinhal, quando os grupos PLA e CTM receberam 4µL de líquido cefalorraquidiano artificial via intralesional, e os grupos CDT e CDT+CTM receberam o mesmo líquido contendo 2,2U de condroitinase. Após 14 dias da cirurgia inicial, todos os animais receberam 0,2mL de PBS via endovenosa, contudo, nos grupos CTM e CDT+CTM, esse líquido continha 1x106 CTM. Avaliou-se a capacidade motora até o 28o dia pós-trauma e, posteriormente, as medulas espinhais foram analisadas por RT-PCR, para quantificação da expressão gênica para BDNF, NT-3, VEGF, KDR e PECAM-1, e por imunoistoquímica, para detecção das células-tronco GFP injetadas (anti-GFP), quantificação dos neurônios (anti-NeuN) e da GFAP e vimentina, para avaliação da cicatriz glial. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com o auxílio do Prism 5 for Windows, com o nível de significância de 5%. Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto à capacidade motora. O grupo CDT+CTM apresentou maior imunoexpressão de neurônios viáveis do que o placebo. No CTM, houve maior expressão dos fatores neurotróficos BDNF e VEGF. E no CDT, houve menor imunoexpressão de vimentina. Concluiu-se que a associação CDT+CTM favorece a viabilidade neuronal após o trauma, que o tratamento com CTM promove aumento na expressão dos fatores tróficos BDNF e VEGF e que o tratamento com condroitinase é efetivo na redução da cicatriz glial.

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to study the effect of chondroitinase associated with mesenchymal stem cells in acute spinal cord injury. Therefore, 50 Lewis rats were distributed in the following groups: negative control (NC), treatment with placebo (PLA), chondroitinase (CDT), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and chondroitinase associated with mesenchymal stem cells (CDT + MSC). All animals had their spinal cord exposed by laminectomy, and the groups named PLA, CDT, MSC and CDT + MSC also suffered compressive spinal cord trauma. After seven days, the spinal cord was re-exposed, when the PLA and MSCs groups received 4uL of artificial cerebrospinal fluid through the lesion, and the CDT group and CDT + MSC received the same fluid containing 2,2U of chondroitinase. 14 days after the first surgery, all animals received 0.2ml of PBS intravenously; however, the MSC and CDT + MSC groups received the same liquid also containing 1x106 MSCs. The motor skills were evaluated up to 28 days post-injury and, subsequently, the spinal cords were analyzed by RT-PCR for BDNF, NT-3, VEGF, PECAM-1 and KDR gene expression quantification, immunohistochemistry to detect injected stem cells GFP (anti-GFP), to quantify neurons (anti-NeuN), GFAP and detect vimentin in order to evaluate the glial scar. Statistical analyzes were performed by Prism 5 for Windows using a 5% level of significance. There was no difference between groups with regarding motor capacity. The CDT + MSC group showed increased immunoreactivity of viable neurons than placebo. In MSC, there was a greater expression of neurotrophic factors BDNF and VEGF. Also, there was less vimentin immunostaining in group CDT. It was concluded that CDT + MSC association promotes neuronal viability after trauma, in which treatment with MSC promotes increased expression of BDNF and VEGF trophic factors, and also that treatment with chondroitinase is effective in reducing the glial scar.

ABSTRACT In order to evaluate the microbiological quality of broiler chickens produced in Minas Gerais State, 240 samples of broiler carcasses from the five regions of the Minas Gerais State were collected, by official inspection services, for one year. The samples were submitted to counts of total and thermotolerant coliforms, coagulase-positive and negative Staphylococcus, besides Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, E.coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. resource. The results showed the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms in 34.2% and 13.5% of broiler carcasses evaluated, respectively. All tested samples were positive for Staphylococcus spp., 9.1% for Salmonella spp., 15.5% for Listeria monocytogenes, and 2.1% for Campylobacter spp. E.coli O157:H7 was not isolated from the samples.