ABSTRACT Parasitic otitis in cattle is normally caused by nematodes of the genus Rhabditis spp. and is a common problem in Gir breed. Parasitic otitis can cause premature culling and even death of animals. Despite its importance, there is no effective standardized treatment protocol for this condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate two treatments for parasitic otitis caused by Rhabditis spp. in Gir cattle. The external left ear of the animals was washed with 2% boricated alcohol, while the right ear received topical application of Triclorfon, allantoin and zinc oxide paste. The treatments were performed weekly in the first month and monthly over the next two months. Monthly, the ears of all animals were washed under pressure with a physiological solution before treatment. The recovered solution was analyzed, and the number of nematodes counted. Neither treatment was effective in reducing the number of nematodes recovered or the otitis score, but weekly treatment seemed more promising, independent of the drug used. spp breed importance condition 2 alcohol Triclorfon paste months Monthly analyzed counted score promising used

RESUMO A otite parasitária em bovinos é provocada normalmente por nematoides do gênero Rhabditis spp. e é um problema comum na raça Gir. A otite parasitária pode causar o descarte prematuro e até a morte de animais. Apesar de sua importância, não existe um protocolo de tratamento eficaz padronizado para essa condição. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar dois tratamentos para otite parasitária causada por Rhabditis spp. em gado Gir. Animais afetados tiveram a orelha externa esquerda lavada com álcool boricado a 2%, enquanto a orelha direita recebeu aplicação tópica de triclorfon, alantoína e pasta de óxido de zinco. Os tratamentos foram realizados semanalmente no primeiro mês e mensalmente nos dois meses seguintes. Mensalmente, as orelhas de todos os animais foram lavadas sob pressão com solução fisiológica antes do tratamento. A solução recuperada foi analisada, e o número de nematódeos contado. Nenhum dos tratamentos foi eficaz na redução do número de nematoides recuperados ou do escore de otite, mas o tratamento semanal parece ser mais promissor, independentemente da droga utilizada. spp Gir importância condição 2 2% triclorfon zinco seguintes Mensalmente analisada contado promissor utilizada

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-heart failure (HF) coexistence on linear and nonlinear dynamics of heart rate variability (HRV). Forty-one patients (14 with COPD-HF and 27 HF) were enrolled and underwent pulmonary function and echocardiography evaluation to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Heart rate (HR) and R-R intervals (iRR) were collected during active postural maneuver (APM) [supine (10 min) to orthostasis (10 min)], respiratory sinus arrhythmia maneuver (RSA-M) (4 min), and analysis of frequency domain, time domain, and nonlinear HRV. We found expected autonomic response during orthostatic changes with reduction of mean iRR, root mean square of successive differences between heart beats (RMSSD), RR tri index, and high-frequency [HF (nu)] and an increased mean HR, low-frequency [LF (nu)], and LF/HF (nu) compared with supine only in HF patients (P<0.05). Patients with COPD-HF coexistence did not respond to postural change. In addition, in the orthostatic position, higher HF nu and lower LF nu and LF/HF (nu) were observed in COPD-HF compared with HF patients. HF patients showed an opposite response during RSA-M, with increased sympathetic modulation (LF nu) and reduced parasympathetic modulation (HF nu) (P<0.05) compared with COPD-HF patients. COPD-HF directly influenced cardiac autonomic modulation during active postural change and controlled breathing, demonstrating an autonomic imbalance during sympathetic and parasympathetic maneuvers compared with isolated HF.

Exercise intolerance is the hallmark consequence of advanced chronic heart failure (HF). The six-minute step test (6MST) has been considered an option for the six-minute walk test because it is safe, inexpensive, and can be applied in small places. However, its reliability and concurrent validity has still not been investigated in participants with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Clinically stable HFrEF participants were included. Reliability and error measurement were calculated by comparing the first with the second 6MST result. Forty-eight hours after participants underwent the 6MST, they were invited to perform a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a cycle ergometer. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlation between number of steps and peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2 peak) at CPET. Twenty-seven participants with HFrEF (60±8 years old and left ventricle ejection fraction of 41±6%) undertook a mean of 94±30 steps in the 6MST. Intra-rater reliability was excellent for 6MST (ICC=0.9), with mean error of 4.85 steps and superior and inferior limits of agreement of 30.6 and -20.9 steps, respectively. In addition, strong correlations between number of steps and CPET workload (r=0.76, P<0.01) and peak V̇O2 (r=0.71, P<0.01) were observed. From simple linear regression the following predictive equations were obtained with 6MST results: V̇O2 peak (mL/min) = 350.22 + (7.333 × number of steps), with R2=0.51, and peak workload (W) = 4.044 + (0.772 × number of steps), with R2=0.58. The 6MST was a reliable and valid tool to assess functional capacity in HFrEF participants and may moderately predict peak workload and oxygen uptake of a CPET.

ABSTRACT In semi-arid zones, feedlots are considered a tool to minimize the impacts of seasonal forage on the production of sheep meat in the tropics. However, the use of alternative tropical ingredients as substitutes for corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) meal in formulations of confined sheep diets is recurrent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets containing corn and soybean meal (CS), corn (CU), cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) root (CRU) or spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica [L.] Mill., SCU) associated with urea on the performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of confined lambs. Forty non-castrated Santa Inês sheep with average age of 150 d and average initial weight of 22.6 ± 2.3 kg were confined in individual pens for 76 d and slaughtered. The diets effects were contrasted by Tukey test. Empty body weight was different among the treatments (P < 0.05) and was 27.3, 25.3, 23.0 and 21.1 kg for the animals fed CS, CU, CRU and SCU, respectively. CS diet presented higher cold carcass weights while SCU diet presented lower cold carcass weights (P < 0.05) (11.37 kg) and higher cooling losses. Luminosity, yellow color intensity and meat moisture content were higher (P < 0.05) in SCU than CS. Liver, skin and internal fat weights were similar (P > 0.05) in CU and CRU, but higher (P < 0.05) than SCU. The replacement of corn and soybean meal for different carbohydrate sources associated with urea reduces the body weight components in confined sheep.

ABSTRACT It was determined by the total collection of excreta method, with broilers from 22 to 32 days of age, the coefficients of apparent metabolism of dry matter, crude protein and crude energy and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for zero nitrogen balance (AMEn) of the ethanol co-products of corn: acid oil and dried distillery grains with soluble (DDGS). The DDGS and corn acid oil presented nutritional metabolization coefficients ranging from 43 to 83% and AMEn equal 2393.5 and 7859.2kcal/kg respectively, and may be food alternatives to soybean meal and soybean oil.

RESUMO A presente pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de avaliar os níveis de colesterol, extrato etéreo, perfil de ácidos graxos e o índice aterogênico e trombogênico da gordura intramuscular de suínos machos imunocastrados em relação às fêmeas e aos machos castrados cirurgicamente. Utilizaram-se 45 animais, com peso inicial de 25,2±2,8kg, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos (machos castrados, machos e fêmeas imunocastrados) e três repetições de cinco animais cada. Os animais foram abatidos a 90,3±2,7kg. As amostras de Longissimus dorsi foram coletadas, liofilizadas e analisadas quanto ao perfil de ácidos gordos, colesterol e extrato etéreo. Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) para nenhuma das variáveis analisadas entre a gordura intramuscular de machos castrados cirurgicamente, machos imunocastrados e fêmeas. A imunocastração não alterou os níveis intramusculares de extrato etéreo, colesterol, composição de ácidos graxos ou o índice aterogênico e trombogênico do Longissimus dorsi.

Essential oils (EO) are volatile liquids responsible for the aroma of plants. Pterodon polygalaeflorus seeds have received widespread use in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. For this reason and because Pterodon polygalaeflorus seeds have great EO content, which is frequently pharmacologically active, the present study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of EO from Pterodon polygalaeflorus (EOPPgfl) and its acute toxic effects. The EEOPPgfl sample, which was extracted by steam distillation of the seeds, had a yield of 2.4% of the seeds weight and had, as major constituents, beta-elemene (48.19%), trans-caryophyllene (19.51%), and epi-bicyclosesquiphellandrene (12.24%). The EOPPgfl sample showed mild acute toxicity and its calculated median lethal dose (LD50) was 3.38 g/kg. EOPPgfl (20–60 mg/kg) showed antinociceptive activity as evidenced by several tests and inhibited writhing induced by acetic acid. The maximum effect was obtained with the 30 mg/kg dose and at 60 min after its administration. EOPPgfl also decreased formalin-induced nociception, as verified by the inhibition of the first and second phase of the formalin test. At 30 mg/kg, EOPPgfl also decreased thermally stimulated nociception. Nociception may be related to inflammatory and antiedematogenic activity and at doses ranging 10–100 mg/kg, EOPPgfl blocked dextran- and carrageenan-induced edema. The results demonstrated that EOPPgfl presented, at doses approximately 100 times smaller than LD50, an antinociceptive effect that probably was due to anti-inflammatory activities.

Resumo Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de hipotireoidismo congênito em crianças com TSH em papel filtro (TSH-f) entre 5 e 10 µUI/mL na triagem neonatal. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que incluiu crianças triadas de 2003 a 2010, com TSH-f entre 5 e 10 µUI/mL, acompanhadas nos dois primeiros anos de vida quando não houve normalização do TSH sérico. O diagnóstico de hipotireoidismo congênito foi definido como TSH sérico igual ou superior a 10 µUI/mL e início de tratamento com levotiroxina até os dois anos. Resultados: Dos 380.741 nascidos vivos triados, 3.713 (1,04%) apresentaram TSH-f entre 5 e 10 µUI/mL e, desses, 339 (9,13%) tinham hipotireoidismo congênito. Desses, 76,11% dos casos foram diagnosticados nos primeiros três meses de vida e 7,96% entre um e dois anos. Conclusão: O estudo mostra que 9,13% das crianças com TSH-f entre 5 e 10 µUI/mL desenvolveram hipotireoidismo e que em cerca de um quarto delas o diagnóstico só se confirmou após o terceiro mês de vida. Com base nesses achados, sugere-se, para descartar o hipotireoidismo congênito, o uso do ponto de corte de TSH-f de 5 µUI/mL e o acompanhamento em longo prazo dos lactentes cujo TSH sérico não tenha se normalizado.

Abstract Objectives: To determine the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism in children with filter-paper blood-spot TSH (b-TSH) between 5 and 10 µIU/mL in the neonatal screening. Methods: This was a retrospective study including children screened from 2003 to 2010, with b-TSH levels between 5 and 10 µIU/mL, who were followed-up during the first two years of life when there was no serum TSH normalization. The diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism was defined as serum TSH ≥10 µIU/mL and start of levothyroxine treatment up to 2 years of age. Results: Of the 380,741 live births, 3713 (1.04%) had filter paper TSH levels between 5 and 10 µIU/mL and, of these, 339 (9.13%) had congenital hypothyroidism. Of these, 76.11% of the cases were diagnosed in the first three months of life and 7.96% between 1 and 2 years of age. Conclusion: The study showed that 9.13% of the children with b-TSH levels between 5 and 10 µIU/mL developed hypothyroidism and that in approximately one-quarter of them, the diagnosis was confirmed only after the third month of life. Based on these findings, the authors suggest the use of a 5 µIU/mL cutoff for b-TSH levels and long-term follow-up of infants whose serum TSH has not normalized to rule out congenital hypothyroidism.

Resumo No presente trabalho desenvolveram-se ensaios experimentais e modelos numéricos capazes de representar o comportamento mecânico de prismas confeccionados com blocos de concreto comuns e de alta resistência. Foram realizados ensaios experimentais de prismas e, para a análise numérica, adotou-se como estratégia de modelagem, a micromodelagem detalhada, onde cada material (bloco e argamassa) foi representado por suas propriedades mecânicas. A validação dos modelos numéricos foi realizada com base em resultados experimentais realizados. Verificou-se que os valores obtidos numericamente de resistência à compressão e módulo de elasticidade diferem 5% em relação aos valores observados experimentalmente. Ainda foram avaliados quais os mecanismos responsáveis pela ruptura dos prismas, comparando-se tanto com o comportamento verificado nos ensaios, quanto com os descritos na literatura. Por meio dos resultados experimentais conclui-se que os modelos numéricos foram capazes de representar tanto as propriedades mecânicas quanto os mecanismos responsáveis pela ruptura.

Abstract This work developed experimental tests and numerical models able to represent the mechanical behavior of prisms made of ordinary and high strength concrete blocks. Experimental tests of prisms were performed and a detailed micro-modeling strategy was adopted for numerical analysis. In this modeling technique, each material (block and mortar) was represented by its own mechanical properties. The validation of numerical models was based on experimental results. It was found that the obtained numerical values of compressive strength and modulus of elasticity differ by 5% from the experimentally observed values. Moreover, mechanisms responsible for the rupture of the prisms were evaluated and compared to the behaviors observed in the tests and those described in the literature. Through experimental results it is possible to conclude that the numerical models have been able to represent both the mechanical properties and the mechanisms responsible for failure.

RESUMO A adição de óleos na dieta de frangos de corte proporciona muitas vantagens, visto que, dependendo do perfil de ácidos graxos, pode melhorar o desempenho e atuar como estimulante do sistema imune. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as características produtivas, o rendimento de carcaça, os cortes e a resposta imune humoral de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes fontes de óleos e vitamina E. Foram utilizados 312 pintainhos de corte machos da linhagem Cobb com um dia de idade, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com oito repetições compostas de 13 aves por parcela experimental. Os tratamentos experimentais consistiram em óleo de soja, óleo de canola e óleo de canola mais adição de vitamina E. As variáveis analisadas foram ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça, cortes comerciais e resposta imune humoral. Os resultados obtidos mostram que houve diferença significativa no desempenho somente na fase pré-inicial, quando as aves que receberam o tratamento com óleo de canola e vitamina E apresentaram piores ganhos de peso. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas para as outras variáveis analisadas. Conclui-se que a utilização de diferentes fontes lipídicas associadas ou não à vitamina E não afeta as características produtivas de carcaça, cortes e resposta imune humoral em frangos de corte em relação ao uso de óleo de soja.

ABSTRACT Oil inclusion in poultry diets provides many advantages and according to the fatty acid profile it is possible to achieve performance improvement as well as immune system stimulation. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate productive performance, carcass and cuts yields and also the humoral immune response of broilers consuming diets formulated with different oil sources and vitamin E. A total of 312 one-day old male Cobb was distributed, in a completely randomized design, in three treatments with eight replications of 13 birds. The experimental treatments were the diets that had different oil source as follows: soybean oil, canola oil and canola oils with vitamin E. The analyzed parameters were weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass and cut yields and humoral immune response. For the treatment with canola oil and vitamin E a reduction on weight gain during the pre-starter stage was observed. For the other evaluated parameters, no significant differences were observed. In conclusion, the use of canola oil or canola oil with added vitamin E does not affect the productive performance, carcass and cut yields and humoral immune response in broiler chicken in relation soybean oil use.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do meloxicam associado ou não ao tramadol, no controle da dor após ovário-histerectomia (OVH) laparoscópica com dois portais. Foram selecionadas 14 cadelas hígidas. Os animais foram separados de forma aleatória, em dois grupos. O grupo M (GM) recebeu meloxicam (0,2mg kg-1, s.i.d.), enquanto os animais do grupo MT (GMT) receberam a associação de meloxicam (0,2mg kg-1, s.i.d.) e tramadol (4mg kg-1, t.i.d.), ambos durante dois dias de pós-operatório. Para avaliação da dor pós-cirúrgica, foram utilizadas as escalas de Melbourne e escala visual analógica (EVA), além de mensurações de glicemia e cortisol sérico. Não houve diferença ao se avaliarem os grupos GM e GMT pela escala de Melbourne nem pela EVA. As mensurações de cortisol não atingiram valores superiores aos de referência para a espécie, enquanto os valores de glicemia não apresentaram variação significativa ao longo do tempo de avaliação nem entre grupos. Com os resultados deste estudo, foi possível concluir que a utilização de meloxicam associado ou não ao tramadol, nas doses e posologias propostas, é eficaz para controlar a dor pós-operatória de cadelas submetidas à OVH laparoscópica com dois portais.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of meloxicam with or without tramadol for pain control after laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy (OVH) by two-portal access. Were selected 14 healthy dogs to perform video-assisted OVHs. The animals were divided randomly into two groups (GM and GMT). The GM group received meloxicam (0.2mg kg-1, s.i.d), whereas the GMT group received the combination of meloxicam (0.2mg kg-1, s.i.d) and tramadol (4mg kg-1, tid), both for two days after surgery. To evaluate the post-surgical pain Melbourne and EVA scales were used, and blood glucose and serum cortisol were measured. There was no statistical difference when evaluating GM and GMT groups and the Melbourne scale or the visual analogue scale VAS. Cortisol measurements did not reach values higher than the reference for the species, while blood glucose levels did not present significant statistical variation throughout the evaluation time or between groups. With these results, we concluded that the use of meloxicam with or without the tramadol at the doses and dosage schedules proposed, is effective to control postoperative pain in bitches that had undergone video-assisted OVH with two-portal access.

No presente experimento, foram comparados dois diferentes equipamentos, um com emprego de energia ultrassônica, e outro utilizando sistema de selamento vascular, como única forma de hemostasia em ovário-histerectomias laparoscópicas com três portais em cadelas. Ademais, a necessidade de ampliação da incisão do portal de 5mm ou de 10mm para a remoção dos espécimes ressecados, dificuldades técnicas e complicações foram avaliadas. Quinze cadelas aleatoriamente distribuídas em três grupos (GI, GII, GIII) foram submetidas à ovário-histerectomia com hemostasia a partir da utilização de bisturi ultrassônico ou equipamento de selamento vascular. Nos GI e GII foi utilizado um sistema de selamento vascular eletrotérmico bipolar (LigaSure(r)), diferindo-se no tamanho dos portais utilizados; em GIII foi utilizado bisturi ultrassônico (Autosonix(r)). A análise estatística não demonstrou diferença significativa entre os dados analisados nos três grupos. Conclui-se que ambos os métodos de hemostasia utilizados mostraram-se adequados e viabilizaram a realização de ovário-histerectomia laparoscópica em cadelas. Todavia, o trocarte de 5mm não foi adequado para remoção do útero e ovários sem necessidade de ampliação da incisão de acesso.

In the current experimental study, two different instruments were compared for prophylactic hemostasis during a 3-port technique of laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in bitches. Moreover, the need for port enlargement for specimen retrieval using 5mm or 10mm trocartes, technical difficulties and complications were assessed. Ultrasonic energy and a vascular sealing system were tested. Duration of surgery, patient weight and diameter of the uterine arteries and veins were compared among the groups. Fifteen dogs randomly divided into three groups (GI, GII, GIII) were submitted to ovariohysterectomy with hemostasis from the use of ultrasonic scalpel or vascular sealing equipment. In GI and GII the LigaSure(tm)impedance-controlled bipolar vessel-sealing device was used, differing in the size of trocartes used between groups, and in GIII Autosonix(tm) was used. Patients' weight, duration of surgery, technical difficulties and complications were compared among the groups. Statistical analysis showed no difference between the data analyzed among the groups. In conclusion, both methods of hemostasis were effective for 3-port total laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in bitches. However, 5mm trocartes were not adequate for retrieval of the uterus and ovaries without need for enlargement of the port incision.

Com este trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da formulação de rações para frangos de corte de crescimento lento, com a utilização de valores de energia metabolizável (EMAn) dos alimentos determinados por linhagens de crescimento rápido e lento, sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça, biometria de órgãos digestórios e valores energéticos das rações experimentais. Utilizaram-se 72 pintos de um dia, machos, da linhagem Isa Label, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com dois tratamentos (energia dos alimentos) e seis repetições de seis animais cada. As médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Os tratamentos consistiram na formulação de rações baseadas na energia do milho e no farelo de soja determinados com frangos Cobb (EMAn Cobb) e Isa Label (EMAn Isa Label). O experimento foi conduzido na fase inicial, e as aves consumiram as dietas por 28 dias. A formulação da dieta baseada na EMAn Cobb e Isa Label não afetou o desempenho, a biometria de órgãos digestórios e as características de carcaça de aves de crescimento lento. Porém, a dieta formulada com a EMAn Isa Label resultou em melhor conversão calórica e menor deposição de gordura abdominal na carcaça das aves. EMAn da ração semelhante ao nível calculado foi determinada com a formulação baseada na EMAn do milho e do farelo de soja determinada com a linhagem Isa Label (2.750 x 2.728 kcal/kg). Os valores de EMAn do milho e do farelo de soja determinados com aves Isa Label não afetam o desempenho dos frangos de crescimento lento, porém resultam em menor gordura abdominal, atendendo aos anseios dos consumidores de aves alternativas.

We conducted this work aiming to evaluate the effect of using the metabolizable energy of food, determined by different strains (AMEn Cobb and AMEn Isa Label), on diet formulation for slow growing broilers on the performance, carcass characteristics, biometrical morphometry measures of digestive organs and energetic values of the experimental diets. A total of 72 male broiler chickens, Isa Label, were used and the experiment followed a randomized blocks design with two treatments (feedstuff energy), and six replicates of six birds each. The averages were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. The treatments consisted in formulating diets using the energy of corn and soybean meal determined by Cobb and Isa Label strains. The experiment was conducted in the starter phase and the birds consumed the diets for 28 days. The diet formulated based on AMEn Cobb or Isa Label did not affect the performance, biometrical and morphometry measures of digestive organs and carcass characteristics. However, the diet formulated according to AMEn Isa Label resulted in better caloric conversion, bioeconomic energetic conversion and lower deposition of abdominal fat. AMEn of the diets similar to those calculated levels were determined with the formulation based on AMEn of corn and soybean meal determined for the line Isa Label (2.750 x 2.728 kcal/kg). Values of AMEn of corn and soybean meal determined with Isa Label strains not affect the performance of slow growing broilers, but resulted in lower abdominal fat according to the desires of consumers for alternative poultry.

A adenite equina é uma enfermidade economicamente importante de equinos, causada por Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. Seu diagnóstico pode ser confirmado de forma direta, por meio de isolamento bacteriano e de PCR, ou de forma indireta, por meio de ELISA, método baseado na detecção de anticorpos séricos. O objetivo deste estudo foi clonar, expressar e caracterizar a proteína SeM de Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, avaliar sua utilização como antígeno em um ELISA indireto e determinar a capacidade do teste de distinguir soros de animais negativos, vacinados e positivos. Para tal, foi inicialmente realizada a clonagem do gene que codifica para a proteína SeM e sua expressão em Escherichia coli. Posteriormente, a proteína produzida foi caracterizada e utilizada como antígeno em um teste de ELISA indireto. Para avaliação do teste, foram utilizadas amostras de soro de 40 potros negativos, de 46 equinos vacinados com uma vacina comercial contra adenite equina e de 46 equinos com diagnóstico da doença. O teste demonstrou alta sensibilidade e especificidade, permitindo discriminar entre soros negativos e positivos, positivos e de animais vacinados, e negativos e de animais vacinados. Assim, conclui-se que a proteína rSeM produzida pode ser usada como antígeno para o diagnóstico da enfermidade e que o ELISA descrito pode ser útil para avaliar o estado imunológico do rebanho.

Strangles is an economically important horse disease caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. The diagnosis can be confirmed either directly by bacterial isolation and PCR or by ELISA, which is an indirect method based on the detection of serum antibodies. The aim of this study was to clone, express and characterize the SeM protein of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, evaluate its use as antigen in indirect ELISA and determine its performance to distinguish sera of negative, vaccinated and positive animals. This was initially performed by cloning the gene encoding the SeM protein and its expression in Escherichia coli. Subsequently, the protein produced was characterized and used as antigen in ELISA. Serum samples for evaluation were taken from 40 negative foals, 46 horses vaccinated with a commercial vaccine against strangles and 46 horses diagnosed with the disease. The test showed high specificity and sensitivity, allowing discrimination between negative and positive, positive and vaccinated animals, and vaccinated animals and negative sera. Thus, it was concluded that the protein produced rSeM, which can be used as antigen for disease diagnosis, and the described ELISA might be helpful to evaluate the immune status of the herd.

Essential oils are known for their insect control potential, which is mainly attributed to the presence of terpenes that interfere with hormonal and physiological processes of arthropods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of essential oil from the leaves of Eugenia sulcata Spring ex Mart., Myrtaceae, on the development of two species of agricultural pest insects, Dysdercus peruvianus and Oncopeltus fasciatus.Results showed that the essential oil induced mortality, and reduced numbers of adults. Topical treatment of Oncopeltus fasciatus using pure essential oil caused significant mortality rates (96.67%), while Dysdercus peruvianus had a higher tolerance, with 80% mortality at the end of the experiments. Results suggest that essential oil from the leaves of Eugenia sulcata may be used in agriculture for insect pest control.