Resumen: El uso de técnicas predictivas basadas en la toma de imágenes de campo es propuesto como un método de auxilio en la cría animal, en donde el productor podría planificar el manejo de la nutrición del rodeo. La condición corporal (CC) medida en vacas de cría mediante apreciación visual ha sido propuesta como un buen estimador del estado nutricional del rodeo. Estudios previos demuestran que en vacas con mayores CC al parto la preñez al siguiente servicio se incrementa de 10 a 15%, teniendo este resultado gran impacto en la producción de los sistemas. Aunque se reconocen los beneficios de la escala de CC, el porcentaje de criadores que utilizan esta herramienta sigue siendo bajo, siendo la razón principal la falta de calificadores formados para registrarla. El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar un método práctico, repetitivo y no invasivo para evaluar la CC mediante un proceso de calificación guiada, utilizando imágenes tomadas en el campo. Los resultados muestran que el método de determinación de la CC propuesto se comporta como una herramienta sencilla y económica para evaluar el estado nutricional, por lo que puede ser aceptado por el criador dada su sencillez y los beneficios obtenidos. Adicionalmente, esta herramienta también puede constituir un tutorial para la generación de experiencia en la calificación de la CC en vacas de cría.

Abstract: The use of predictive techniques based on image acquisition at field level is presented to improve livestock production. With this, the farmer can plan the management of the herd and the need for supplemental feeding. The use of the Body Condition Score (BCS) measured by visual assessment has been proposed as a method of subjective evaluation of the nutritional status of cattle. Studies show that a good BCS at calving allows increases in the order of 10 to 15% in the following pregnancy rate of the herd. This increase has a significant impact on farm productivity. Although the benefits of the visual assessment scale are recognized, the percentage of breeders using this tool is still low, the main reason being the lack of trained raters to record the BCS. The objective of this study was to develop a practical, repetitive, and non-invasive method to evaluate BCS through a guided grading process using images taken in the field. The results show that the BCS determination method proposed in this paper is presented as a simple and economical tool to evaluate BCS, so that it can be accepted by the breeder for its simplicity and benefits. Additionally, it can serve as a tutorial for the acquisition of experience in calibrating BCS in breeding cows.

Resumo: O uso de técnicas preditivas baseadas em imagens de campo é proposto como um auxílio na criação de animais, onde o produtor poderia planejar o manejo nutricional do rebanho. A condição corporal (CC) medida em vacas mediante avaliação visual foi proposta como um bom estimador do estado nutricional do rebanho. Estudos prévios mostram que em vacas com maiores CC ao momento do parto, a gravidez no próximo serviço é aumentada de 10 a 15%, tendo um grande impacto na produtividade dos sistemas. Embora os benefícios da escala CC sejam reconhecidos, a percentagem de criadores que adotam esta ferramenta ainda é baixa, sendo a principal razão a falta de avaliadores treinados para registrá-la. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um método prático, repetível e não-invasivo para avaliar a CC através de um processo guiado, utilizando imagens tomadas no campo. Os resultados mostram que o método de determinação proposto comporta-se como uma ferramenta simples e barata para avaliar o estado nutricional, podendo ser aceito pelo criador dada à sua simplicidade assim como aos benefícios obtidos. Além disso, esta ferramenta também pode constituir um tutorial para a geração de experiência na qualificação de CC em vacas reprodutoras.

Abstract This study aimed to search parasites in 333 ornamental fish from five Brazilian states (Ceará, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina). Fish were sent from eight farms located in the municipalities of Fortaleza, Patrocínio do Muriaé, São Francisco do Glória, Cascavel, Timbó, Iguape, Jacareí and Mairinque. All fish received anesthesia earlier to euthanasia procedures. After the search for parasites, it was verified that 70.6% (235/333) of fishes were infected by at least one type of parasite, being 12 types of parasites identified: monogeneans, digenean metacercariae, cestodes, nematodes, Lernaea cyprinacea, trichodinids, Piscinoodinium pillulare, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, diplomonad flagellates, Ichthyobodo sp., Chilodonella sp., and Tetrahymena sp. The proportion of infected fishes among the farms is compared through statistical tests, besides, animal handling adopted in each farm is also discussed. The importance of ensuring fish health in order to make the ornamental freshwater fish industry economically viable and reduce losses in production is highlighted.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi pesquisar parasitas presentes em 333 peixes ornamentais de cinco estados brasileiros (Ceará, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná e Santa Catarina). Os peixes eram oriundos de oito pisciculturas localizadas nos municípios de Fortaleza, Patrocínio do Muriaé, São Francisco do Glória, Cascavel, Timbó, Iguape, Jacareí e Mairinque. Todos os peixes foram anestesiados e eutanasiados para a pesquisa de parasitas. Após análise microscópica, foi verificado que 70.6% (235/333) dos peixes estavam infectados por ao menos uma espécie de parasita, sendo identificados 12 tipos: monogenoides, metacercárias, cestoides, nematoides, Lernaea cyprinacea, tricodinídeos, Piscinoodinium pillulare, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, flagelados diplomonados, Ichthyobodo sp., Chilodonella sp., e Tetrahymena sp. A proporção de peixes infectados entre cada piscicultura é comparada através de testes estatísticos, além disso, o manejo adotado pelas diferentes pisciculturas também é discutido. A importância de assegurar a sanidade de peixes ornamentais, de forma a tornar a atividade economicamente viável e reduzir perdas na produção é enfatizada.

Abstract Background: Elderly patients are more susceptible to Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and are more likely to develop it in severe forms, (e.g., Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome [ARDS]). Prone positioning is a treatment strategy for severe ARDS; however, its response in the elderly population remains poorly understood. The main objective was to evaluate the predictive response and mortality of elderly patients exposed to prone positioning due to ARDS-COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective multicenter cohort study involved 223 patients aged ≥ 65 years, who received prone position sessions for severe ARDS due to COVID-19, using invasive mechanical ventilation. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was used to assess the oxygenation response. The 20-point improvement in PaO2/FiO2 after the first prone session was considered for good response. Data were collected from electronic medical records, including demographic data, laboratory/image exams, complications, comorbidities, SAPS III and SOFA scores, use of anticoagulants and vasopressors, ventilator settings, and respiratory system mechanics. Mortality was defined as deaths that occurred until hospital discharge. Results: Most patients were male, with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus as the most prevalent comorbidities. The non-responders group had higher SAPS III and SOFA scores, and a higher incidence of complications. There was no difference in mortality rate. A lower SAPS III score was a predictor of oxygenation response, and the male sex was a risk predictor of mortality. Conclusion: The present study suggests the oxygenation response to prone positioning in elderly patients with severe COVID-19-ARDS correlates with the SAPS III score. Furthermore, the male sex is a risk predictor of mortality.

Abstract Parkia platycephala is the only species of the genus Parkia that is endemic to the brazilian Cerrado and the tree symbol of the state of Tocantins, but there are still few studies regarding its bioprospecting. In this study, we aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, toxicity and bioactivities of the bark and flower of Parkia platycephala. Hot sequential extractions (Soxhlet) were performed using methanol and hydroethanolic solution (70%), after degreasing the sample (hexane). The presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids and alkaloids was detected in the preliminary screening. Trilinolein, (Z)-9-octadecenamide, 3-O-methyl-d-glucose were detected by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In the Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detector (LC-PDA) analysis, it was detected exclusively ferulic acid (bark) and ellagic acid (flower). The ethanolic extract of the bark (IC50=10.69 ± 0.35 µgmL-1) has an antioxidant potential (DPPH• radical) higher than that of the rutin standard (IC50=15.85 ± 0.08 µgmL-1). All extracts showed excellent anticholinesterase potential (Ellman), with emphasis on the ethanol extract of the flower (IC50 =5.34 ± 0.12 µgmL-1). Regarding toxicity (Artemia salina), the methanolic extract of the bark and the ethanolic extract of the flower presented high and moderate levels, respectively. Such results limit the concentrations of biological activities in this study, however, the antioxidant and anticholinesterase indices fall short of toxicity. The results demonstrated promising antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of both the bark and the flower of Parkia platycephala.

Resumo A Parkia platycephala é a única espécie do gênero Parkia, endêmica do Cerrado brasileiro e a árvore símbolo do estado do Tocantins, porém ainda com pouco estudos com relação a sua bioprospecção. Neste estudo, objetivamos realizar a caracterização fitoquímica, avaliar a toxicidade e as atividades antioxidante e anticolinesterásica dos extratos da casca e da flor da Parkia platycephala. Foram realizadas extrações sequenciais a quente (Soxhlet), utilizando hexano, metanol e solução hidroetanólica (70%). A presença de flavonoides, taninos, esteroides e alcaloides foi detectada na triagem preliminar. A análise por Cromatografia Gasosa acoplada a Espectrometria de Massa (GC-MS) indicou a presença de variados compostos, tais como trilinoleina, (Z)-9-octadecenamida, 3-O-methyl-d-glucose e methylsulfinyl(methylthio)-methane. Na análise por Cromatografia Líquida com Detector de Arranjo de Diodo (LC-PDA), destacam-se o ácido elágico, presente apenas nos extratos da flor, e o ácido ferúlico, presente apenas nos extratos da casca. Os extratos da casca predominaram quanto ao potencial antioxidante (radical DPPH•), sendo que o extrato etanólico (IC50=10,69 ± 0,35 µgmL-1) superou o padrão rutina (IC50=15,85 ± 0,08 µgmL-1). Todos os extratos apresentaram excelentes potenciais anticolinesterásicos (teste de Ellman), com ênfase no extrato etanólico da flor (IC50=5,34 ± 0,12 µgmL-1). Em relação à toxicidade (Artemia salina), o extrato metanólico da casca e o extrato etanólico da flor, apresentaram níveis elevado e moderado, respectivamente. Tais resultados limitam as concentrações das atividades biológicas deste estudo, entretanto, os índices antioxidante e anticolinesterásico ficam aquém da toxicidade. Os resultados mostraram as promissoras atividades antioxidante e anticolinesterásica da casca e flor da Parkia platycephala.

Abstract Low density sugarcane plantation (LDSP) has been implemented by some sugarcane producers in Brazil, aiming to save seeds and operational costs. The study was carried out in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, Brazil. Five planting densities were used, varying from 5 to 25 m-2 of buds arranged in randomized blocks, with four replications. Data were measured annually over three cultivation cycles (2017 to 2020), during which the field was fertilized with NPK and the harvests were carried out manually without prior burning. The lower planting density presents higher productivity only in the cane plant (101.03 t ha-1) due to the higher plant height (2.37 m) and the higher number of stalks (11 stalks m-2), suggesting that these variables are due to the greater availability of light, water and photosynthate. However, there is a drastic reduction in sugarcane yield for this lower population in the 2nd ratoon by up to 65.62%, which is correlated with number of stalks per meter. We demonstrate the agronomic viability of LDSP in the population of 10 buds m-2 in relation to conventional planting of sugarcane until the 2nd ratoon. Data are important for future studies to present additional considerations for other production factors, such as the effects of mechanized harvesting and the management of nutrients and water, assessing the sustainability of this large-scale planting system.

Resumo O método de plantio de cana-de-açúcar de baixa densidade (LDSP) vem sendo implementado por alguns produtores de cana-de-açúcar no Brasil, visando economia de sementes e custos operacionais. O estudo foi realizado no município de Areia, Paraíba, Brasil. Utilizou-se cinco densidades de plantio, variando de 5 a 25 m-2 de gemas dispostas em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os dados foram medidos anualmente ao longo de três ciclos de cultivo (2017 a 2020). Menor densidade de plantio mostrou maior produtividade (101,03 t ha-1) devido à maior altura de planta (2,37 m) e ao maior número de hastes (NS) (11 hastes m-2), sugerindo que essas variáveis são devido à maior disponibilidade de luz, água e fotoassimilados. No entanto, houve redução drástica na produtividade da cana-de-açúcar para esta população menor na 2ª soca em 65,62%, estando correlacionado com o número de colmos por metro. Demonstramos a viabilidade agronômica do LDSP em uma população de 10 gemas m-2 em relação ao plantio convencional de cana-de-açúcar até a 2ª soca. Os dados são importantes para que estudos futuros apresentem considerações adicionais sobre outros fatores de produção, como os efeitos da colheita mecanizada e do manejo de nutrientes e água, avaliando a sustentabilidade desse sistema de plantio em larga escala.

Abstract Zoonotic spillover is a phenomenon characterized by the transfer of pathogens between different animal species. Most human emerging infectious diseases originate from non-human animals, and human-related environmental disturbances are the driving forces of the emergence of new human pathogens. Synthesizing the sequence of basic events involved in the emergence of new human pathogens is important for guiding the understanding, identification, and description of key aspects of human activities that can be changed to prevent new outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. This review synthesizes the connections between environmental disturbances and increased risk of spillover events based on the One Health perspective. Anthropogenic disturbances in the environment (e.g., deforestation, habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, wildlife exploitation) lead to changes in ecological niches, reduction of the dilution effect, increased contact between humans and other animals, changes in the incidence and load of pathogens in animal populations, and alterations in the abiotic factors of landscapes. These phenomena can increase the risk of spillover events and, potentially, facilitate new infectious disease outbreaks. Using Brazil as a study model, this review brings a discussion concerning anthropogenic activities in the Amazon region and their potential impacts on spillover risk and spread of emerging diseases in this region.

Abstract The objective of this work was to produce brushite cement for orthopedic applications, based on the system wollastonite/phosphoric acid with the incorporation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a setting and processing additive. Brushite/PEG cement was obtained by the dissolution-precipitation method and its physicochemical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, compressive strength, porosimetry, and biological behavior (cell adhesion and bioactivity tests). The results indicated the formation of brushite cement with 21.4 MPa of compressive strength and 30% porosity, similar to human trabecular bone. The surface was shown to be adequate for cell adhesion and growth and bioactive with the formation of apatite layers. The incorporation of PEG improved working conditions without causing undesirable changes in the physicochemical properties and biological behavior of developed cement, thus promising for the repair of bone tissue injuries.

ABSTRACT A multiobjective impulsive control scheme is proposed to answer how optimal vaccination campaigns should be implemented, regarding two conflicting targets: making the total number of infecteds small and the vaccination campaign as handy as possible. In this paper, a stochastic SIR model is used to better depict the characteristics of a disease in practical terms, where little influences may lead to sudden and unpredictable changes in the behavior of transmissions. This model is extended to analyze the effects of impulsive vaccinations in two phases: the transient regime control, taking into account the necessity to reduce the number of infected individuals to an acceptable level in a finite time, and the permanent regime control, that will act with fixed vaccinations to avoid another outbreak. A parallel version of NSGA-II is used as the multiobjective optimization machinery, considering both the probability of eradication and the vaccination campaign costs. The final result using the proposed framework shows nondominated policies that can guide public managers to decide which is the best procedure to be taken depending on the present situation.

Resumo A doença renal policística autossômica dominante (DRPAD) é a doença genética mais comum em gatos. No entanto, poucos dados sobre sua prevalência estão disponíveis no Brasil. Gatos Persas e de raças relacionadas foram avaliados por genotipagem molecular para a transversão C→A no exon 29 do gene PKD1 felino para determinar a prevalência de DRPAD. DNA genômico extraído de sangue total periférico ou amostras de swabs orais foram utilizados para amplificar o exon 29 do gene PKD1 pela técnica de PCR-RFLP. De um total de 616 gatos, 27/537 Persas e 1/17 Himalaia mostraram a variante de nucleotídeo único (C→A) na posição 3284 no exon 29 do gene PKD1. Esta variante patogênica foi identificada apenas em heterozigose. A prevalência de DRPAD em gatos Persas e raças relacionadas foram de 5,03% e 1,6%, respectivamente. Não houve associações significativas entre raça, gênero ou idade dos felinos e incidência de DRPAD. A prevalência de DRPAD em gatos Persas e raças relacionadas no Brasil foi menor do que em outras partes do mundo, o que pode estar relacionado ao aconselhamento genético e consequente seleção de gatos sem ADPKD para reprodução.

Abstract Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common genetic disease in cats. However, scarce data on its prevalence are available in Brazil. Persian cats and Persian-related breeds were assessed by molecular genotyping for a C to A transversion in exon 29 of PKD1 gene to determine ADPKD prevalence in a Brazilian population. Genomic DNA extracted from peripheral whole blood or oral swabs samples was used to amplify exon 29 of PKD1 gene employing a PCR-RFLP methodology. From a total of 616 animals, 27/537 Persian and 1/17 Himalayan cats showed the single-nucleotide variant (C to A) at position 3284 in exon 29 of feline PKD1. This pathogenic variation has been identified only in heterozygous state. The prevalence of ADPKD in Persian cats and Persian-related breeds was 5.03% and 1.6%, respectively. There was no significant association between feline breed, gender or age with ADPKD prevalence. Of note, the observed ADPKD prevalence in Persian cats and Persian-related breeds in Brazil was lower than the ones reported in other parts of the world. This finding may be related to genetic counseling and consequent selection of ADPKD-free cats for reproduction.

RESUMO Os padrões de atividade diária são elementos importantes do comportamento das espécies que refletem como elas interagem com seu ambiente e com outras espécies relacionadas. Investigar esses padrões é crucial para entender como as mudanças ambientais ou na comunidade podem afetar esse comportamento em cada espécie em particular. Dentro da família Felidae, os felinos silvestres de menor porte sofrem com uma grande lacuna de estudos nesse sentido, e pesquisas se tornam fundamentais para avaliar como eles respondem às condições e pressões locais. Leopardus guttulus (Hensel, 1872) é uma espécie ameaçada de extinção classificada como Vulnerável (VU) em nível regional e mundial, sendo ameaçada principalmente pela perda e fragmentação de seus habitats. O objetivo deste estudo é documentar o padrão de atividade diária de L. guttulus na Reserva Biológica do Lami e verificar a influência da sazonalidade e da temperatura nestes padrões. Nós também tentamos identificar o número de indivíduos usando a reserva biológica durante o período monitorado e avaliar o tempo de permanência destes na área. Obtivemos 25 registros independentes para L. guttulus, sendo a única espécie de felídeo silvestre registrada no local durante o período amostrado. No geral a espécie apresentou um hábito catemeral com atividade ao longo das 24 horas do dia, mas com uma maior atividade crepuscular/noturna nas estações da primavera e verão. A relação entre a atividade da espécie e a temperatura mostrou que mais de 70% dos registros foram obtidos em uma estreita faixa de temperatura de 10-17°C. Nós identificamos pelo menos dois indivíduos que permaneceram no local durante quatro a seis meses no ano, com maior frequência de detecção nos meses entre agosto e novembro. Nossos resultados demonstram algumas tendências interessantes sobre a atividade temporal de L. guttulus, sugerindo uma flexibilidade sazonal, e demonstram também a importância da reserva biológica para a preservação desta espécie no limite sul de sua distribuição.

ABSTRACT Daily activity patterns are important elements of species behavior that reflect how they interact with their environment and with other related species. To investigate these patterns is crucial to understand how environmental or community changes may affect this behavior in each particular species. Within the Felidae family, research becomes fundamental to assess how small wild cats respond to local conditions and pressures, once there is a large gap in studies addressing such issues. Leopardus guttulus (Hensel, 1872) is an endangered species classified as Vulnerable (VU) at a regional and global level, being threatened mainly by the loss and fragmentation of its habitats. The aim of this study is to document the daily activity patterns of L. guttulus at the Lami Biological Reserve, and the influence of seasonality and temperature on those patterns. We also aimed to quantify how many individuals were using the Biological Reserve during the study period and evaluate their permanence in the area. We obtained 25 independent records for L. guttulus, which was the only cat species recorded at the site during the study period. In general, the species presented a cathemeral habit, being active throughout the 24 hours of the day, but with a more crepuscular/nocturnal activity in the spring and summer. The relationship between the species’ activity and temperature showed that more than 70% of the records were obtained in a narrow range of 10-17°C. We identified at least two individuals that remained at the site from four to six months of the year, with a higher detection frequency between August and November. Our results showed some interesting trends for the temporal activity of L. guttulus, suggesting flexibility related to seasonality, and the importance of the biological reserve to the preservation of this cat species in the southern limit of its distribution.

RESUMO: Mineralização patológica é a deposição anormal de minerais em tecidos previamente lesados ou não. Nessas lesões, além do cálcio, outros minerais podem ser encontrados em concentrações inferiores. Classicamente, as mineralizações são divididas em dois tipos: distrófica e metastática. Contudo, atualmente, ainda não há consenso entre os pesquisadores sobre o tipo de mineralização que ocorre em cães urêmicos. Objetivou-se com esse estudo elucidar o tipo de mineralização patológica que ocorre em cães com síndrome urêmica através da correlação de exames bioquímicos com alterações macroscópicas e histopatológicas, visto a existência de informações controversas na literatura especializada. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste de Shapiro-Wilk e teste de D’Agostino e Pearson para avaliação da normalidade da distribuição e para comparação de dados em mais de dois grupos foi utilizado o teste ANOVA. Adicionalmente, o teste de comparações múltiplas de Dunnett permitiu a comparação entre o grupo controle (GC) com os demais grupos (G1, G2 e G3). Foram avaliados os níveis séricos de ureia, creatinina, cálcio total e ionizado, fósforo, produto cálcio-fósforo (PCF), PTH e albumina de 40 cães azotêmicos com doença renal crônica (DRC). Os cães foram classificados quanto ao grau de azotemia (leve, moderada e severa). Verificou-se hipocalcemia ionizada em 97,5% (39/40) dos cães e, em nenhum animal houve hipercalcemia ionizada. Hiperfosfatemia foi frequente (62,5%), principalmente em cães com azotemia severa. A concentração do PTH aumentou conforme a progressão da azotemia, encontrando-se elevada em 100% dos cães com azotemia severa. Em 75% (30/40) dos cães o PCF foi superior a 60mg2/dl2. Durante o estudo, 29 cães morreram, sendo 16 desses necropsiados. Em 93,7% (15/16) desses cães observou-se mineralização de tecidos moles, durante a avaliação macroscópica e histopatológica (HE e Von Kossa), independentemente do grau de azotemia, em nove órgãos/tecidos: rins (75%), pulmões (50%), estômago (31,2%), coração (25%), laringe (25%), músculos intercostais (25%), aorta (6,2%), intestino (6,2%) e língua (6,2%). Adicionalmente, em um animal verificou-se na serosa de todos os segmentos do intestino delgado placas multifocais brancacentas, rugosas, irregulares de tamanhos variados, cuja histopatologia confirmou tratar-se de mineralização distrófica da camada longitudinal muscular externa que apresentava necrose de coagulação e da serosa intestinal. Essa lesão intestinal nunca havia sido descrita em cães com síndrome urêmica. Em suma, os dados laboratoriais e histopatológicos aqui descritos, sobretudo, no que se refere à mineralização tecidual e vascular, que ocorrem relacionadas a lesões degenerativo-necróticas prévias, na ausência de hipercalcemia, em cães com DRC, ajudam a esclarecer as incongruências existentes na literatura. Por conseguinte, conceitualmente, as mineralizações que ocorrem em cães urêmicos devem ser consideradas distróficas.

ABSTRACT: Pathological mineralization is the abnormal deposition of minerals in body tissues, previously injured or not. In these lesions, in addition to calcium, other minerals can be found at lower concentrations. Classically, mineralization is divided into two types: dystrophic and metastatic. However, currently, there is no consensus among researchers on the type of mineralization that occurs in uremic dogs. The objective of this study was to elucidate the type of pathological mineralization that occurs in dogs with uremic syndrome through the correlation of biochemical examinations with gross and histopathological changes, given the existence of controversial information on this theme in the specialized literature. The Shapiro-Wilk, D’Agostino and Pearson tests were used to evaluate data normality distribution, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to compare the data between more than two groups. Additionally, the Dunnett’s multiple comparison test was used in the comparison between the Control Group (CG) and the Experimental Groups (G1, G2, and G3). Serum levels of urea, creatinine, total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus product (CPP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and albumin of 40 azotemic dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were evaluated. Dogs were categorized by degree of azotemia (mild, moderate, and severe). Ionized hypocalcemia was observed in 97.5% (39/40) of the dogs, and no animals presented ionized hypercalcemia. Hyperphosphatemia was frequent (62.5%), especially in dogs with severe azotemia. PTH concentration increased with progression of azotemia, and high PTH levels were verified in 100% of the dogs with severe azotemia. CPP >60mg2/dl2 was observed in 75% (30/40) of the dogs. Of the 29 dogs that died during the study period, 16 were necropsied. Soft tissue mineralization was observed in 93.7% (15/16) of these dogs at gross and histopathological evaluation (HE and Von Kossa), regardless of the degree of azotemia, in nine organs/tissues: kidneys (75%), lungs (50%), stomach (31.2%), heart (25%), larynx (25%), intercostal muscles (25%), aorta (6.2%), intestines (6.2%), and tongue (6.2%). In one animal, the serosa of all segments of the small intestine showed whitish, rough, irregular, multifocal plaques of varying sizes, confirmed by histopathology as dystrophic mineralization of the longitudinal outer muscular layer, which presented necrosis of coagulation and of the intestinal serosa. This intestinal lesion has not been described in dogs with uremic syndrome to date. In conclusion, the laboratory and histopathologic data previously described, especially regarding tissue and vascular mineralization, which occur in association with previous degenerative/necrotic lesions in the absence of hypercalcemia in dogs with CKD, assist with clarifying inconsistencies found in the existing literature. Therefore, conceptually, mineralization that occurs in uremic dogs should be considered dystrophic.

RESUMO: Rotineiramente, frente à detecção de uma lesão proliferativa esplênica, médicos veterinários costumam optar pela esplenectomia antes de se obter o diagnóstico definitivo da lesão esplênica, o que pode trazer consequências deletérias ao cão. O mais apropriado seria, contudo, a sua adoção, como medida terapêutica, apenas nos casos com comprovada indicação cirúrgica, o que pode ser estabelecido após o diagnóstico microscópico e prognóstico definidos. Os objetivos desse estudo foram: determinar a frequência dos diferentes tipos de lesão em baços de cães esplenectomizados no período de 12 anos (2006-2017); determinar a representatividade das lesões neoplásicas (benignas e malignas) e não neoplásicas; avaliar e comparar a segurança e a eficiência da punção aspirativa por agulha fina (PAAF) e da biópsia por agulha Tru-cut guiadas por ultrassom para o diagnóstico citológico e histopatológico, respectivamente, de lesões nodulares esplênicas. No período estudado foram encontrados 224 casos de lesões em baços esplenectomizados. A frequência de lesões não neoplásicas (50,45%, 113/224) e neoplásicas (49,55%, 111/224) esplênicas foi muito semelhante. Entre as neoplásicas, as de caráter maligno foram mais frequentes (79,27%, 88/111) e o hemangiossarcoma o mais comum (52,25%, 58/111). A possibilidade de ocorrência de uma neoplasia maligna foi cerca de 74% maior do que uma benigna. Em suma, verificou-se que em 60,71% (136/224) dos casos estudados, tratava-se de lesões benignas que não teriam indicação de esplenectomia. As técnicas de PAAF e a biópsia por agulha Tru-cut demonstraram ter baixo risco de complicações. Quanto à eficácia diagnóstica, pela PAAF obteve-se 71,43% (15/21) de diagnósticos conclusivos, sendo 60% (9/15) desses compatíveis com o resultado final realizado pela avaliação histopatológica, após a esplenectomia (padrão ouro). Já a biópsia por Tru-cut obteve 71,43% (5/7) de diagnósticos conclusivos e 28,57% (2/7) de inconclusivos. Dentre os conclusivos, em 100% dos casos o diagnóstico foi compatível com o padrão ouro. Desta maneira, visto a possibilidade de ocorrência de lesões esplênicas benignas em cães serem 1,52 vezes maior do que as malignas deve ser recomentado a adoção de esplenectomia, como medida terapêutica, apenas nos casos com comprovada indicação cirúrgica, o que pode ser estabelecido após o diagnóstico microscópico e prognóstico definidos. O uso da PAAF e da biópsia por Tru-cut deve ser recomentado, sobretudo, para lesões esplênicas pequenas e focais, uma vez que tais técnicas representam boas alternativas para o estabelecimento do diagnóstico prévio a esplenectomia, o que pode reduzir o número de esplenectomias desnecessárias. Enfatiza-se a importância da recomendação de tais técnicas, sobretudo para cães com lesões esplênicas focais menores do que três centímetros.

ABSTRACT: When detecting a proliferative splenic lesion, veterinarians usually choose splenectomy before a conclusive diagnosis, which can provide a deleterious effect to the dog. The most appropriate would be to perform splenectomy as a therapeutic procedure only in cases with real surgical indication, which can be established after defining microscopic diagnosis and prognosis. The objectives of this study were: to determine the frequency of different types of lesions in spleens of splenectomized dogs in the period of 12 years (2006-2017); determine the representativity of neoplastic lesions (benign and malignant) and non-neoplastic lesions; to evaluate and compare the safety and efficiency of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) and ultrasound-guided Tru-cut needle biopsy for cytological and histopathological diagnosis, respectively, of splenic nodular lesions. In the studied period 224 cases of lesions were found in splenectomized spleens. The frequency of non-neoplastic lesions (50,45%, 113/224) and neoplastic lesions (49,55%, 111/224) was very similar. Among the neoplastic lesions, the malignant ones were more frequent (79,27%, 88/111), and the hemangiosarcoma was the most common (52,25%, 58/111). The possibility of malignant neoplasm was about 74% greater than a benign one. In summary, it was verified that 60.71% (136/224) of the cases corresponded to benign lesions without indication to splenectomy. FNA techniques and Tru-cut biopsy showed a low risk of complications. Regarding the diagnostic efficacy, the FNA obtained 71.43% (15/21) of conclusive diagnoses, 60% (9/15) of which were compatible with the final result of the histopathological evaluation, after splenectomy (gold standard). The Tru-cut biopsy obtained 71.43% (5/7) of conclusive diagnoses and 28.57% (2/7) of inconclusive diagnoses. Among the conclusive one, in 100% of the cases the diagnosis was compatible with the gold standard. Thus, since the possibility of benign splenic lesions in dogs is 1.52 times greater than malignancies, splenectomy should be recommended as a therapeutic procedure only in cases with proven surgical indication, which can be established after definition of microscopic diagnosis and prognosis. The use of FNA and Tru-cut biopsy should be recommended, especially for small and focal splenic lesions, since such techniques are good alternatives for establishing diagnosis previously to splenectomy, which may reduce the number of unnecessary splenectomies. The importance of recommending such techniques is emphasized, especially for dogs with focal splenic lesions smaller than three centimeters.

The methodology developed in this study through the acquisition of fingerprint chromatograms by liquid chromatography-diode array detector (LC-DAD), aided by principal component analysis, made it possible to assess, in a rational way, the chemical differences between six accessions of Lippia alba and to verify the influence of the method of extraction, the seasonality and the individuality of each accession on chemical composition of its extracts. Among all extracts analyzed against cancer cell lines, eight of them showed to be more promising against a human leukemia cell line (HL-60), displaying cell growth inhibition percentage ranging between 40.0 and 52.0%. In the inhibitory activity assays against acetylcholinesterase enzyme, all extracts showed weak inhibitory effect, with highlight only for six of them, which displayed inhibition ranging between 27.0 and 32.0%.

ABSTRACT Croton zehntneri Pax & K. Hoffm., Euphorbiaceae, or “canela-de-cunhé” is used in the Northeast Brazil to treat several diseases. Leaves and aerial parts of C. zehntneri are rich in volatile oil of high potential therapeutic. This study aimed to investigate volatile oil systemic toxicity after per oral treatment in rats. Volatile oil characterization (gas chromatography and mass spectrometry) showed 85.7% anethole and 4.8% estragole. Male Wistar rats (116–149 g) were treated with volatile oil (250 mg/kg p.o.) during ten weeks and evaluated for the following parameters: survival; food and water intake; body mass; absolute/relative organs weight; hemogram; plasma biochemical dosage; organs morphology. Volatile oil did not alter animal water and food consumption or the relative/absolute weight of most organs, but animals gained less weight. Volatile oil did not alter function biomarkers of pancreas, kidney, heart or liver, but increased plasma gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (liver biomarker) and decreased uric acid (kidney biomarker). Although volatile oil had caused discrete morphological alterations in some organs, it did not induce architectural changes in these organs. In conclusion, the sub-acute per oral treatment with volatile oil no longer than ten weeks in rats offers small toxicity at doses below 250 mg/kg.

Fifty-two samples of street cocaine seized in the state of Rio de Janeiro, from May 2016 to April 2017, were evaluated according to their purity, presence of inorganic and sugar diluents and concentration of pharmacologically active adulterants. Cocaine contents, as well as the adulterants caffeine, lidocaine and phenacetin, were evaluated by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The samples were screened by Raman spectroscopy for the presence of inorganic diluents and carbohydrates. The main diluents were calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, which were found in 93% and 71% of the cocaine hydrochloride samples, respectively. Caffeine was found in 91% of the cocaine hydrochloride samples, while phenacetin was found in all freebase cocaine samples. Freebase cocaine samples were majorly composed of pharmacological active compounds (adulterants), unlike cocaine hydrochloride samples, which were majorly composed of inorganic compounds (diluents). It could be observed, by Raman Spectroscopy associated to multivariate analysis, similarities on cocaine hydrochloride composition according to certain criminal gangs. The percentage of pharmacological active compounds varied significantly on the analyzed samples, showing that these adulterants are indiscriminately added to street cocaine, what may increase consumers’ health risks.