Search

Vascular mineralization is a hallmark of enzootic calcinosis. Histopathological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical investigations were performed on the external carotid arteries of seven sheep naturally poisoned by Nierembergia veitchii . Histologically, moderate to marked hyperplasia of the tunica intima was observed without mineralization. The tunica media exhibited mild to severe mineralization and osteochondroid metaplasia. Sheep with enzootic calcinosis showed arterial overexpression of osteopontin and tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase and immunolabeling for osteonectin and osteocalcin in both intima and media layers of the tested arteries. The main ultrastructural finding in the tunica media was a marked phenotypic change of vascular smooth muscle cells from a contractile phenotype (VSMC-C) into a synthetic phenotype (VSMC-S). In the tunica media, VSMC-S produced matrix and extracellular vesicles, forming mineralizable granules associated with arterial mineralization. VSMC-S were also present in the tunica intima, but matrix and extracellular vesicles and mineralization were not observed. The absence of matrix and extracellular vesicles in the intimal hyperplasia, even in the presence of noncollagenous bone proteins, tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase, and vitamin D receptors, reinforces the hypothesis that the presence of matrix and extracellular vesicles are crucial for the development of vascular mineralization in enzootic calcinosis. It is proposed that the two different VSMC-S phenotypes in calcinosis are due to the expression of at least two genetically different types of these cells induced by the action of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 .

An outbreak of Ricinus communis poisoning in goats with neurological and digestive changes was related to the ingestion of different vegetative parts of the plant. Two poisoned animals died within 5 h of the plant intake showing necrotic gastroenteritis and hepatocytes degeneration and necrosis. Toxicological analysis by HPLC-DAD assay demonstrated 21.1-25.1 μg/g of ricinine in samples of ruminal fluids and 10.1-10.9 μg/g in the liver of poisoned goats., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Nierembergia rivularis causes enzootic calcinosis (EC) in sheep. In this work, we describe EC caused by N. rivularis in cattle. For 3 years cattle grazing in 7 paddocks were evaluated. Cows with clinical signs compatible with EC were detected in only one paddock with a morbidity of 9.4%, 24.5%, and 34.5% during the summer of 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. Affected cows weighed 55 kg less (p < 0.01) than cows without signs of the same paddock, and 19.6% of these cows had hypercalcemia and/or hyperphosphatemia. Typical soft tissue calcification was observed in 3 autopsied cows. Additionally to the arterial calcification, 2 cows had multiple mineralized foci in several veins. In the Paddock A where EC occurred, the pasture contained 7-12% N. rivularis. In the other 6 paddocks (Paddocks B-G) where EC had not occurred, the pasture had 0.2-3.5% N. rivularis. Cows grazing in Paddock A had ∼30% lower pregnancy rates than cows from Paddocks B-G. At the slaughterhouse, the carcasses of 45 cows from Paddock A weighed 17.6% (p < 0.01) less than 93 carcasses of cows from Paddocks B-G. Furthermore, the carcasses of cows from Paddock A were classified as low quality. Eight cows with EC signs from Paddock A and 10 cows without EC signs from Paddocks B-G were removed to a Lolium multiflorum pasture. After 120 days of grazing, the cows from Paddock A gained 45.2% less (p < 0.01) live weight than cows from Paddocks B-G. Poisoning with N. rivularis may cause significant economic losses in Uruguay due to low fertility rates and weight gain of affected cattle., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this paper, we describe poisoning outbreaks of Xanthium strumarium in cattle on the borders of the Araguari River, Southeastern Brazil. In this region, several hydroelectric plants promote transient flooding, which creates a favorable environment for the invasion of X. strumarium in extensive areas, often as the predominant species in those areas. The outbreaks occurred between July and September (dry season). Bovines of all ages were affected, including suckling animals. Mortality varied from 2% to 5.5%. The animals exhibited ataxia, weakness, loss of balance, recumbency, and the majority were found dead. Laboratory results showed a marked increase in the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. Histological and ultrastructural changes in the liver consisted of centrilobular necrosis and hemorrhage. On toxicological evaluation, the dicotyledons contained 0.30 μg/mg of atractyloside and 0.37 μg/mg of carboxyatractyloside. Considerable economic loss has occurred in this region due to the lack of knowledge regarding X. strumarium as a toxic plant and its adaptation to the environmental and climatic conditions of the region, which have made the condition endemic., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Copper molybdate nanoplates were synthesized by a sonochemical process at room temperature, which we report as a simple and cost-effective route. Structural analysis of the material by the Rietveld method of X-ray diffraction (XRD) data revealed lindgrenite Cu 3 (MoO 4 ) 2 (OH) 2 in a single-phase structure. All the vibrational modes characteristic of the space group were identified by Raman vibrational and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopies. The profile obtained for N 2 adsorption/desorption was type III hysteresis, characteristic of mesoporous materials, with a surface area of 70.77(1) m 2 g -1 . The micrographs of the material obtained by scanning electron microscopy showed nanoplates with nanometric sizes and an anisotropic growth aspect. The catalytic activity of lindgrenite was evaluated by esterifying oleic acid with methanol, showing high conversion rate to methyl oleate and good catalyst stability after seven recycling cycles. Above all, the best catalytic performance was reached when we optimized parameters such as oleic acid:methanol molar ratio of 1:5, 5% of catalyst dosage, and reaction time of 5 h, resulting in 98.38% of conversion at 413 K. Therefore, sonochemically synthesized lindgrenite proved to be a high potential material for biofuel production by oleic acid esterification., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Enzootic calcinosis (EC), is a chronic disease, caused by toxic plants, which has mainly affected ruminants for more than 100 years. It is characterized by a soft tissue calcification, hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypoparathiroidism, hypercalcitoninism, osteonecrosis, and osteopetrosis. The toxic compound reported in some of these plants are 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 glycosides. Characterization of calcinogenic principles were performed with Solanum glaucophyllum, Trisetum flavescens, Cestrum diurnum, and Stenotaphrum secundatum. Other plant species involved in EC are: Nierembergia rivularis, Nierembergia veitchii, Solanum torvum, and Solanum stuckertii. Clinical and pathological findings are well characterized. We present different aspects of the pathogenic mechanism of EC, including genetic modulation, expression of bone proteins, cellular de-differentiation of arterial smooth muscle cells, phenotypic changes, production of a calcifiable matrix, and modulation of the calcium and phosphorus balance. The use of comparative pathology can bring significant advances in the understanding of the pathogenic mechanism. In this review we present a broad approach to the different aspects of intoxication: history of EC on different continents; plant species, distribution and morphology; toxic principle; pathogenesis; epidemiology; clinical signs; diagnosis; and control and prophylaxis., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Snake bite envenomations in farm animals are generally overestimated as the cause of mortality in rural areas in Latin America. However, most cases are based only on anecdotal information and assumptions, and lack diagnostic evidence. There are few proven reports of envenomation and death in horses caused by snakebites from members of the Bothrops genus (lancehead pit vipers). This study presents epidemiological and clinical-pathological findings of fatal bothropic envenomation in horses from Central Western Brazil in order to contribute to the correct diagnosis of this condition. A survey of the records of equine necropsies from the Veterinary Pathology Laboratories of the University of Brasilia, Federal University of Mato Grosso and Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, from January 2010 to February 2018, was performed. Five fatal cases of bothropic snakebite were identified in 755 necropsies of horses, corresponding to 0.66% of these cases, ranging annually from 0.33% to 0.89%. The main necropsy findings were marked swelling and diffuse subcutaneous hemorrhage, and identification of the fang marks in 2 out of five horses. Hemorrhage in most organs and tissues was the pathological hallmark of systemic envenomation. Myonecrosis, dermonecrosis, and moderate to severe kidney degeneration and necrosis were also observed. Fatal Bothrops snakebites in horses have a low occurrence in Central Western Brazil and most cases occur in the rainy season. The diagnosis of this condition may be substantiated by clinical signs and pathological findings. Local hemorrhage and necrosis, systemic hemorrhagic disorders and injuries related to acute kidney injury are the predominant clinical signs. These findings should be considered in the diagnosis and therapeutic management of these envenomations., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study aims to evaluate the use of assistive devices as a strategy in non-pharmacological treatment for hand osteoarthritis (HOA). This is a randomized, prospective, parallel, assessor-blinded clinical trial, in which patients with a diagnosis of HOA were randomly allocated to an intervention group (IG), where they received assistive devices for daily life activities, or to a control group (CG), where they received a guideline leaflet with information on joint protection and disease features. The primary outcomes considered were occupational performance, measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and hand function was evaluated through the Score for the Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands (SACRAH). The secondary outcomes were pain, measured by the visual analog scale (VAS), and quality of life, measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF). We compared both outcomes before and after interventions and outcomes between groups. Participants from the two groups were assessed at the time of inclusion in the study, 30, and 90 days after initial evaluation. Out of the 39 patients included, 19 were allocated to the IG and 20 to the CG. Only two patients from the CG did not complete the follow-up period. The patients' hand function and occupational performance improved after intervention (30 days-SACRAH-p < 0.05; COPM-p < 0.05; VAS-p < 0.05). When comparing results between the groups, there was a statistical difference in COPM (performance-p < 0.001; and satisfaction-p < 0.001), in the first reevaluation carried out. The use of assistive devices has proved to be an effective alternative in non-pharmacological treatment for HOA., Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02667145.

We report the detection of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) in the Madeira archipelago, Portugal. Viral circulation was confirmed by RT-qPCR and vp60 sequencing. Epidemiological data revealed the outbreak initiated in October 2016 in Porto Santo affecting wild and domestic rabbits. It was then detected three months later on the island of Madeira. Five haplotypes were identified and a genetic overall similarity of 99.54 to 99.89% was observed between the two viral populations. Unique single nucleotide polymorphisms were recognised in the Madeira archipelago strains, two of which resulting in amino acid substitutions at positions 480 and 570 in the VP60 protein. Phylogenetic investigation by Maximum Likelihood showed all the vp60 sequences from the Madeira archipelago group together with high bootstraps. The analysis also showed that the Madeira archipelago strains are closely related to the strains detected in the south of mainland Portugal in 2016, suggesting a possible introduction from the mainland. The epidemiological data and high genetic similarity indicate a common source for the Porto Santo and Madeira RHDV2 outbreaks. Human activity related to hunting was most probably at the origin of the Madeira outbreak.

Molecular methods are fundamental tools for the diagnosis of viral infections. While interpretation of results is straightforward for unvaccinated animals, where positivity represents ongoing or past infections, the presence of vaccine virus in the tissues of recently vaccinated animals may mislead diagnosis. In this study, we investigated the interference of RHDV2 vaccination in the results of a RT-qPCR for RHDV2 detection, and possible associations between mean Cq values of five animal groups differing in age, vaccination status and origin (domestic/wild). Viral sequences from vaccinated rabbits that died of RHDV2 infection (n=14) were compared with the sequences from the commercial vaccines used in those animals. Group Cq means were compared through Independent t-test and One-way ANOVA. We proved that RHDV2 vaccine-RNA is not detected by the RT-qPCR as early as 15days post-vaccination, an important fact in assisting results interpretation for diagnosis. Cq values of vaccinated and non-vaccinated infected domestic adults showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05), demonstrating that vaccination-induced immunity reduces viral loads and delays disease progression. Contrarily, in vaccinated young rabbits higher viral loads were registered compared to non-vaccinated kittens. No significant variation (p=0.3824) was observed between viral loads of non-vaccinated domestic and wild RHDV2-victimised rabbits. Although the reduced number of vaccinated young animals analysed hampered a robust statistical analysis, this occurrence suggests that passively acquired maternal antibodies may inhibit the active immune response to vaccination, delaying protection and favouring disease progression. Our finding emphasises the importance of adapting kitten RHDV2 vaccination schedules to circumvent this interference phenomenon., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To analyze the association between physical activity, participation in Physical Education classes, and indicators of social isolation among adolescents., Methods: This was an epidemiological study based on secondary analysis of data from a representative sample of students (14-19 years) from public high schools (n=4,207). Data were collected through the questionnaire Global School-based Student Health Survey. The independent variables were the level of physical activity and enrollment in Physical Education classes, while the dependent variables were two indicators of social isolation (feeling of loneliness and having few friends). Descriptive and inferential procedures were used in the statistical analysis., Results: Most of the adolescents were classified as insufficiently active (65.1%) and reported not attending Physical Education classes (64.9%). Approximately two in each ten participants reported feeling of loneliness (15.8%) and, in addition, about one in each five adolescents reported have only one friend (19.5%). In the bivariate analysis, a significantly lower proportion of individuals reporting social isolation was observed among adolescents who referred higher enrollment in Physical Education classes. After adjustment for confounding variables, binary logistic regression showed that attending Physical Education classes was identified as a protective factor in relation to the indicator of social isolation 'having few friends,' but only for girls., Conclusions: It was concluded that participation in Physical Education classes is associated with reduced social isolation among female adolescents., (Copyright © 2015 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Background: Viral hepatitis B (VHB) is an occupational risk for dentists. It is necessary that dental students start clinical practice immunized with the vaccine, response monitored and informed about the means of transmission of the disease. Rarely, there are studies, which evaluate concomitantly knowledge of these academics and their vaccine situation., Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge about Hepatitis B, the vaccine situation and the immunization status of dental students and to investigate the probable correlation between the status of immunization, vaccination membership and adherence to the test of seroconversion and associated factors., Patients and Methods: 189 students from the dentistry course at the Federal University of Piaui (UFPI) who attended from the 3rd to 9th period were invited to participate in the research. Their knowledge about HBV, attitude regarding protection and their vaccine situation were assessed through a self-administered form. Antibodies against surface antigens of Hepatitis B virus (Anti-HBs) and against the antigens of the virus nucleous of Hepatitis B (Anti-HBc total) were measured qualitatively using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)., Results: Of the 179 students surveyed, 58.1% knew about the degree of virulence of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). As to the means of transmission, 98.3% considered blood transmission, 82.6% plates and cutlery, 15.6% cough and 12.3% vertical transmission. Most students (87.4%) knew that they should take 3 doses of the vaccine and 62.2% completed the immunization schedule. A minority of students (48.6%) knew the about the Anti-HBs test and 5.6% took the test. Among the students who reported having taken three doses of the vaccine, 12.5% were not seroconverted. There was no significant correlation between the variables., Conclusions: Dental academics were unsure about the means of infection and prevention against HBV. Many of them had not completed the immunization scheme and did not have the test of seroconversion. The serological analysis revealed unprotection, even after students completed the vaccination schedule.

The effects and susceptibility of donkeys to Crotalaria juncea and Crotalaria retusa poisoning were determined at high and low doses. Seeds of C. juncea containing 0.074% of dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids (DHPAs) (isohemijunceines 0.05%, trichodesmine 0.016%, and junceine 0.008%) were administered to three donkeys at 0.3, 0.6 and 1 g/kg body weight (g/kg) daily for 365 days. No clinical signs were observed and, on liver and lung biopsies, the only lesion was a mild liver megalocytosis in the donkeys ingesting 0.6 and 1 g/kg/day. Two other donkeys that received daily doses of 3 and 5 g seed/kg showed initial respiratory signs 70 and 40 days after the start of the administration, respectively. The donkeys were euthanized following severe respiratory signs and the main lung lesions were proliferation of Clara cells and interstitial fibrosis. Three donkeys ingested seeds of C. retusa containing 5.99% of monocrotaline at daily doses of 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 g/kg for 365 days. No clinical signs were observed and, on liver and lung biopsies, the only lesion was moderate liver megalocytosis in each of the three donkeys. One donkey that received a single dose of 5 g/kg of C. retusa seeds and another that received 1 g/kg daily for 7 days both showed severe clinical signs and died with diffuse centrilobular liver necrosis. No lung lesions were observed. Another donkey that received a single dose of 2.5 g/kg of C. retusa seeds showed no clinical signs. The hepatic and pneumotoxic effects observed are consistent with an etiology involving DHPAs. Furthermore, the occurrence of lung or liver lesions correlates with the type of DHPAs contained in the seeds. Similarly as has been reported for horses, the data herein suggest that in donkeys some DHPAs are metabolized in the liver causing liver disease, whereas others are metabolized in the lung by Clara cells causing lung disease., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Tephrosia cinerea has been associated with ascites and liver fibrosis in sheep in Brazil. The dried plant was fed ad libitum to three sheep for 55-80 days. Three additional sheep were used as controls. All the treated sheep presented with hypoalbuminemia and increased γ-glutamyltransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. Anorexia, apathy, rough coat, ascites, and emaciation were observed after 45-60 days of feeding with T. cinerea. At necropsy 55-80 days after feeding of the plant commenced, the treated sheep had ascites, hydrothorax and hydropericardium, and their livers were firm and whitish, with a nodular surface. Histologically, the main hepatic lesions were periacinar fibrosis associated with hemorrhages and necrosis. On electron microscopy, a severe swelling of sinusoidal endothelial cells, frequently obstructing the lumen of the sinusoid was observed. The space of Disse was compressed by the swollen endothelial cells and microvilli usually present on the surface of hepatocytes adjacent to the space of Disse were not apparent. Dense bundles of collagen fibers were present in the spaces of Disse and within the sinusoids between profiles of swollen endothelial cells. It is concluded that T. cinerea causes periacinar fibrosis, similar to poisoning by Galenia africana in sheep and goats and veno-occlusive disease in different species., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural findings of caprine dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) with autosomal recessive inheritance are reported. The goats presented with exungulation, erosions, crusts and scars on the skin and ulcers in the oral cavity. Microscopically, the skin showed subepidermal separation with clefts filled occasionally with clear eosinophilic fluid, cellular debris or neutrophils. Ultrastructurally, the site of blister formation was the sublamina densa in the epidermal basement membrane zone. In skin with blister formation and in clinically uninvolved skin, the basal lamina was preserved, but the anchoring fibrils were sparse and rudimentary. A twin brother of an affected kid was mated over 5 years with his mother; three out of the 10 kids born presented with epidermolysis bullosa, indicating that the disease has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. It is suggested that the disease is similar to human severe generalized recessive DEB., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Studies show that both low physical activity (PA) and adiposity are associated with a higher risk of hypertension. However, the relationship between PA and blood pressure in adolescents is controversial and other studies have reported that no association was observed. Of particular interest is the evaluation of whether the association between PA and high blood pressure is independent of adiposity. A sample of 3764 Brazilian adolescents who attend high schools was selected using random cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Global School-based Student Health Survey, anthropometry, and blood pressure readings. The prevalence of high blood pressure was 14.6% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 13.5-15.7), higher amongst males (20.0%; 95%CI 18.0-22.1) compared with females (10.9%; 95%CI 9.7-12.3). Sixty-six per cent of the adolescents were reported to be insufficiently active. The prevalence of high blood pressure was 12.8% (95%CI 11.0-14.7) amongst active compared with 15.4% (95%CI 14.0-16.9) amongst insufficiently active adolescents. The association between PA and high blood pressure was observed only amongst females after adjusting for waist circumference (odds ratio (OR) 1.67; 95%CI 1.21-2.31) and body mass index (OR 1.71; 95%CI 1.23-2.37). Notwithstanding levels of adiposity, higher PA levels are associated with a lower prevalence of high blood pressure amongst females, although not amongst males.

Poisoning by Indigofera lespedezioides is reported in horses in the state of Roraima, northern Brazil. The main clinical signs are anorexia, sleepiness, unsteady gait, severe ataxia, weakness, stumbling, and progressive weight loss. To induce the disease experimentally, a 7-year-old horse was introduced in a small paddock invaded by the plant. The first nervous signs were observed 44 days from the start of grazing. The animal was euthanized on day 59. No significant gross lesions were observed upon necropsies of the experimental horse as well as one spontaneously affected horse. Upon histologic examination neuronal lipofuscinosis was observed in the brain, cerebellum, and spinal cord. Wallerian-type degeneration was observed on some mesencephalic tracts. Neuronal and axonal degeneration and lipofuscinosis were observed on electron microscopy examination. Indospicine was detected in four samples of I. lespedezioides with concentrations ranging from 63 to 1178 μg/g whereas nitro toxins could be detected in only one of the samples at a concentration of 2.5 mg/g. In conclusion, poisoning by I. lespedezioides is very similar to those poisonings by Indigofera linnaei and Indigofera hendecaphylla. Based on the preponderance of indospince and lack of nitro toxins in the samples it is proposed that indospicine is the toxic compound responsible for the poisoning., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The use of nutraceuticals has become frequent in the cutaneous approach to photoaging., Objectives: To assess the clinical efficacy of a nutraceutical product composed of lycopene, acerola extract, grape seed extract and Biomarine ComplexT in photoaged human skin., Methods: 50 women, from 35 to 60 years of age, phototypes I to III, were assessed. For 120 days, they associated the nutraceutical product with the use of a sunscreen FPS15. On days 0 (D0), 30 (D30), 60 (D60), 90 (D90) and 120 (D120) they were evaluated and underwent Medical Assessments and Self-Assessment and cutaneous biometric analyses (corneometry, sebumetry and pH-metry) in the skin of the left zygomatic region and the upper medial side region of the left arm; on days 0 (D0), 30 (D30) and 120 (D120) the skin of the same regions was analyzed by ultrasound. On days 0 (D0) and 120 (D120) skin biopsies were performed in the areas where instrumental evaluation was performed (to evaluate collagen and elastic fibers)., Results: There was an improvement of the general status of the skin of all volunteers by the Medical and Volunteer Self- Assessments; increased parameters of cutaneous hydration, reduction of pH, increasing of ultrasound density and a histological increment of collagen and elastic fibers (both on the face and arm); there was a reduction of seborrhea (only on the face), Conclusions: The daily use of a nutraceutical product containing lycopene, acerola extract, grape seed extract and Biomarine ComplexT showed an important adjuvant effect to counteract skin photoaging.

Objective: To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-1, -2, -7, -9 and -26 in oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) according to tumour site and histological grade of malignancy., Study Design: Fifteen cases of SCC of the lower lip and 15 cases of tongue SCC were selected and divided into low grade malignancy (n = 17) and high grade malignancy (n = 13)., Results: Higher immunohistochemical expression of MMPs by neoplastic cells was observed in tongue SCCs, with a statistically significant difference for MMP-9 (P < 0.05). High-grade SCCs showed a higher expression of MMPs, except for MMP-2, with a statistically significant difference for MMP-7 (P < 0.05) and MMP-26 (P < 0.05). In addition, a direct association was observed between morphological scores of malignancy and MMP immunoreactivity, with the association being significant for MMP-7 and MMP-26., Conclusion: The present results demonstrate the important role of MMPs in the development of SCCs of the lower lip and tongue., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of physical inactivity and associated factors among adolescents commuting to school. This was an epidemiological study based on secondary data from a sample of 4,207 adolescents (14-19 years). Data were collected through a previously validated questionnaire (GSHS-WHO). Adolescents were classified as "inactive in commuting" when they reported not commuting to school actively (e.g., walking or bicycling) and/or spent less than 20 minutes getting to and from school. 43% (95%CI: 41.5-44.5) of adolescents were physically inactive in commuting. Place of residence and maternal schooling were statistically associated with outcome (inactivity in commuting to school) (p<0.01). Among male adolescents, physical inactivity in commuting was significantly associated with age (p=0.02) and skin color (p=0.04). Inactivity in commuting was relatively common when compared to other studies.

Objective: To analyze the association between religiousness and exposure to alcohol consumption and smoking in adolescence., Methods: The sample included 4 210 high-school students from state schools in Pernambuco, Brazil, selected through two-stage cluster sampling. Information was collected using the Global school-based student health survey (GSHS). Exposure to alcohol consumption and smoking was defined as consumption of either substance at least 1 day in the past 30 days, regardless of intensity. Religious affiliation and practice were analyzed as religiousness-related variables., Results: The prevalence of exposure to alcohol consumption was 30.3% (95%CI: 28.9-31.7). Alcohol consumption was significantly higher in males (38.6%) than females (24.8%). The prevalence of exposure to smoking was 7.8% (IC 95%: 7.0-8.7), higher in males (9.8%) than females (6.2%). Crude analyses revealed that regardless of sex, exposure to alcohol consumption and smoking was inversely proportional to religious affiliation or practice. Logistic regression adjustment revealed that the likelihood of reporting exposure to alcohol consumption (OR = 0.71; 95%CI: 0.60-0.83) and smoking (OR = 0.61; 95%CI: 0,46-0,79) was lower in adolescents who reported religious practice, independently of affiliation., Conclusions: The present results suggest that religiousness may act as a modulator for the exposure to alcohol consumption and smoking in adolescence. Further studies should be carried out to analyze how the protective effect of religiousness can be enhanced through health interventions and campaigns.

Tetrapterys spp. have been reported as a cause of cardiac fibrosis, status spongiosus of the nervous system, and abortion. To study the intoxication by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa, 24 sheep were divided into 4 experimental groups of 4 sheep each and 1 control group. Groups 1 to 3, respectively, received 1, 1.5, and 3 g/kg body weight of the dry plant daily, starting on the 90th day of pregnancy. Group 4 received 1.5 g/kg from the 120th day of pregnancy to the end of gestation. All sheep from groups 2 and 3, except 1 that was submitted to cesarean delivery, aborted between 110 and 134 days of pregnancy. Seven fetuses had anasarca. Seven lambs from groups 1 and 4 were weak and died or were euthanatized. The other 2 were born weak with mild nervous signs but recovered. Cardiac fibrosis and status spongiosus of the nervous system were observed in newborn lambs and fetuses.

Nervous system disease is reported in sheep from 2 farms in southern Brazil and in 33 farms in Uruguay. The illness was seasonal, occurring from May to November, during the growing season of Halimium brasiliense, and primarily affected sheep older than 3 years of age. Clinical signs included transient seizures that occurred mainly when sheep were disturbed or frightened. Most affected sheep recovered when removed to other pastures. Feeding trials produced clinical signs in 1 sheep after the ingestion of 2,117 g/kg of body weight of H. brasiliense over 142 days. Two sheep that had previously recovered from spontaneous toxicosis developed clinical signs after the ingestion of 263 g and 565 g of H. brasiliense per kg body weight given over 36 and 31 days, respectively. The main histologic lesion was vacuolation of the brain and spinal cord, with rare axonal spheroid formation. Transmission electron microscopy revealed segmental axonal swelling with degeneration and disappearance of the axonal organelles and vacuolation of the axoplasm. A pigment identified as ceroid was also present in neurons, astrocytes, and macrophages. These lesions suggested a novel morphologic manifestation of a toxic axonopathy.

Background: We evaluated the effectiveness of a school-based intervention on the promotion of physical activity among high school students in Brazil: the Saude na Boa project., Methods: A school-based, randomized trial was carried out in 2 Brazilian cities: Recife (northeast) and Florianopolis (south). Ten schools in each city were matched by size and location, and randomized into intervention or control groups. The intervention included environmental/organizational changes, physical activity education, and personnel training and engagement. Students age 15 to 24 years were evaluated at baseline and 9 months later (end of school year)., Results: Although similar at baseline, after the intervention, the control group reported significantly fewer d/wk accumulating 60 minutes+ moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in comparison with the intervention group (2.6 versus 3.3, P<.001). The prevalence of inactivity (0 days per week) rose in the control and decreased in the intervention group. The odds ratio for engaging at least once per week in physical activity associated with the intervention was 1.83 (95% CI=1.24-2.71) in the unadjusted analysis and 1.88 (95% CI=1.27-2.79) after controlling for gender., Conclusion: The Saude na Boa intervention was effective at reducing the prevalence of physical inactivity. The possibility of expanding the intervention to other locations should be considered.

Clinical and pathologic findings for the spontaneous poisoning by Sida carpinifolia in cattle are described in this study. A survey on field cases of S. carpinifolia in cattle was carried out on farms of Alto Vale do Itajaí, State of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Sixteen affected animals were clinically evaluated and 9 were subjected to postmortem examination. The main clinical signs consisted of marching gait, alert gaze, head tremors, and poor growth. Histologic and ultrastructural lesions consisted of vacuolization and distension of neuronal perikarya, mainly from Purkinje cells, and of the cytoplasm of acinar pancreatic and thyroid follicular cells. Clinical signs and lesions varied from mild to severe. Improvement of the clinical signs was observed in cattle after a period of up to 90 days without consuming the plant; however, residual lesions, mainly characterized by axonal spheroids and absence of Purkinje neurons in some areas of the cerebellum, were observed in these cases. It is concluded that the natural chronic consumption of S. carpinifolia was the etiologic cause of storage disease in cattle in this study.

Burkitt's lymphoma is a poorly differentiated rare and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This article reports the case of a male child aged seven years, who was examined at the Odontopediatric Clinic of the UFRN Dentistry Department. The patient presented a tumor in the premolar region of the mandible; teeth were mobile in this region. Radiology revealed a diffuse radioluscent area which was diagnosed histopathologically as Burkitt's lymphoma. The patient was treated with polychemotherapy; complete remission of the disease was attained.

A disease known as water belly (barriga d'água), characterized by chronic progressive ascites, affects sheep in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. The objectives of this investigation were to study the disease and to determine its cause. Only sheep grazing for long periods in pastures where Tephrosia cinerea represents 80% to 100% of the available forage are affected. Most animals die after a clinical manifestation period of some weeks or months, but others recover when they are withdrawn from the pastures or after the first rains. At necropsy, large amounts of liquid were found in the abdominal cavity, and the liver was hard, with an irregular surface. On histology examination, the main liver lesion was chronic periportal and subcapsular fibrosis with bridging. The disease was produced experimentally in 1 sheep by the administration of large amounts of T. cinerea for 232 days. Another sheep, recovered from the spontaneous disease, had clinical signs after the ingestion of large amounts of the plant for 40 days. Seeds and leaves of the plant were examined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids with negative results. It is concluded that the disease is caused by the ingestion of T. cinerea.

Fatal cytauxzoonosis is described in a captive reared lioness (Panthera leo) and its 6-month-old cub. Clinical signs in the lioness included loss of weight, depression, anaemia, loss of hair, dark discolored urine, tachypnoea, nystagmus, deaphness and staggering gait. The cub died after a short period of depression. In the lioness, laboratory examination revealed normochromic normocytic anaemia, neutrophilia, lymphopenia, monocytosis, eosinopenia, thrombocytopenia, proteinuria, pyuria, haematuria and increased. At necropsy the lioness showed marked pulmonary edema and slight gelatinous translucent edema in the mediastinum, petechiae and echymosis disseminated in the serosae, and the intestinal content was red and semiliquid. The cub presented hemothorax, endocardial and pulmonary edema, petechiae in the cardiac serosae, hepatic and splenic congestion and segments of the small intestine with blood stained fluid contents and reddish mesenteric lymph nodes. Histopathological examination of liver, spleen, heart, lungs, intestines, pancreas, mesenteric lymph nodes, kidneys, skeletal muscle, brain and skin revealed large number of intravascular macrophages with their cytoplasm filled with various schizogonic stages of a Theileriidae. Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of schizonts in endothelial-associated macrophages. The diagnosis was established by the finding of the pathognomonic schizonts in macrophages within blood vessels in several organs and tissues from both lions. This is the first report of feline cytauxzoonosis in P. leo and of a confirmed infection by Cytauxzoon felis in felidae in South America.

A disease of the central nervous system in goats was observed in the municipalities of Juazeiro, Casa Nova and Curaça, state of Bahia, and Petrolina, state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. The disease was produced experimentally in two goats by the administration of dry Turbina cordata mixed with grain. Clinical signs were observed after the ingestion of 62 and 106 g/kg body weight in 28 and 54 days, respectively. The concentration of swainsonine in the plant varied from less than 0.001% to 0.14% (dry weight). Clinical signs of natural and experimental cases included difficulties in standing, ataxia, hypermetria, wide-based stance, intention tremors, spastic paresis mainly in the hind legs, nystagmus, abnormal postural reactions, head tilting, and falling. Diffuse vacuolation of neurons, epithelial cells of pancreas, thyroids, and renal tubules were observed on the histology. From the electron microscopy of Purkinje cells the vacuoles represented dilated lysosomes. These findings demonstrated that T. cordata causes an acquired glycoprotein lysosomal storage disease. The intoxication occurs at least in an area of 27,000 km2 causing severe losses in goats, and some farmers report the disease also in cattle.

Intoxication by pods of Prosopis juliflora (mesquite beans) causes an impairment of cranial nerve function in cattle and goats. In goats, vacuolation of neurons in the trigeminal motor nuclei has been reported. To study the lesions in cattle caused by consumption of P. juliflora pods and dry ground pods, eight 6- to 12-month-old male cattle were divided into 4 groups: group 1 was fed a ration containing 50% of pods; groups 2 and 3 received a ration containing 50 and 75% of dry ground pods, respectively; group 4 was the control. After 200 days, all cattle were killed and sampled for histologic evaluation. Samples of the trigeminal motor nucleus were examined by electron microscopy. All cattle from groups 1, 2, and 3 showed clinical signs resulting from impaired function of cranial nerves V, IX, X, and XII, starting 45-75 days after consumption of the plant. The main histologic lesions were vacuolation and loss of neurons in trigeminal motor nuclei and other motor cranial nerve nuclei with Wallerian-like degeneration in the cranial nerves. Mild denervation atrophy was observed in the masseter and other masticatory muscles. On electron microscopy, neurons of the trigeminal nuclei had markedly swollen mitochondria, with the mitochondrial cristae displaced peripherally, disoriented and disintegrating. Intoxication by P. juliflora seems to have a novel pathogenesis, characterized by a selective, primary, chronic, and progressive injury to mitochondria of neurons of the trigeminal and other cranial nerve nuclei. Cranial nerve degeneration and denervation atrophy of the muscles occurs as a consequence of the neuronal lesion.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the relationship between the expression of cytokeratins (CKs) and histologic grading in MEC. Eleven cases of MEC were selected and graded as low, intermediate and high-grade tumors. The expression of CKs 7, 8, 10, 13 and 14 was assessed immunohistochemically using streptavidin-biotin complex method. The results showed that the studied CKs were expressed in most cases of MEC, independently of histologic grading. Nonetheless, low-grade tumors demonstrated intense staining of CK 7 and 8; additionally, CK 10 and 13 were more pronounced in this grade. The immunoexpression was variable according to cellular type and organization pattern of the tumor. Mucous cells were positive for CK 7 and 8; epidermoid cells were stained for CK 10, 13 and 14; CK 7, 8, 10 and 14 were observed in intermediate cells, and CK 7 was occasionally seen in clear cells. Cystic structures and duct-like elements in MEC were positive for CK 7 and 8, whereas solid nests showed positivity for all CKs. These results suggest that expression profile of these proteins does not reflect the biological behavior of MCE, however, it guides the detection of cellular types and differential diagnosis from other salivary gland tumors.

A histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study of the trachea and the bronchi of 6 rabbits experimentally intoxicated with the calcinogenic plant Solanum glaucophyllum was performed. Histologically, infiltration of the mucosa and the submucosa of the trachea and the bronchi by macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, a few lymphocytes and mast cells, and calcium deposits in the basal lamina of the epithelium and in elastic fibers were observed. Expression of osteocalcin, osteonectin, and osteopontin was detected in the mucosa, lamina propria, and epithelium. Electron microscopic study of the corresponding areas showed numerous macrophages in the process of fusion to form multinucleated giant cells, activated mesenchymal cells, and calcium precipitation in the basal lamina of epithelium and in elastic fibers. It is suggested that the high levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) in the plant induces macrophage proliferation, multinucleated giant-cell formation, mesenchymal cell activation, bone-protein synthesis, and calcification. In addition, the synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 by local macrophages may have contributed to the calcification.

Ten out of 47 calves that were born in a small Brahman herd from southern Brazil developed progressive muscular weakness and tremors, lethargy and poor body condition. Necropsy was performed on three affected animals. The only gross lesion detected was paleness of the muscles of the trunk and limbs. Multiple cytoplasm vacuoles located in different tissues were the principal microscopic lesions. Vacuoles were particularly evident in skeletal muscles and myocardium. PAS-positive granules were numerous in skeletal muscle fibres and Purkinje fibres of the myocardium, but were also observed in the neurons of the brain and spinal cord, and in the vascular smooth muscle fibres from all the examined tissues. Pretreatment with diastase completely abolished the PAS reactivity. The vacuoles reacted strongly to Griffonia simplicifolia II and Concanavalia ensiformes lectins, whose biding pattern has been reported as useful for demonstration of glycogen. Examination of the electron micrographs revealed that glycogen was free within the cytoplasm or accumulated in membrane-bound granules of several tissues, especially in striated muscle, liver and neurons of the CNS. These findings were consistent with generalized glycogenosis.

A disease of the nervous system was observed in goats from two farms of the semiarid of the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Ipomoea sericophylla was found in one farm and I. riedelii in the other. Both plants were administered experimentally to five goats each. Both plants induced clinical signs similar to those observed in spontaneous cases. Two goats died spontaneously and five were euthanatized. Three goats recovered after the withdrawal of the plants. Histological examination showed that all goats that died spontaneously or were euthanized had diffuse vacuolation of neurons, macrophages of lymphatic tissues, and epithelial cells of pancreas, thyroid, renal tubules and liver. On electron microscopy of Purkinje cells, numerous dilated membrane bordered vacuoles were identified as lysosomes. On lectin-histochemical analysis, cerebellar cells gave positive reactions to Concanavalia ensiformis, Triticum vulgaris, and succinylated-T. vulgaris, which indicate the storage of alpha-D-mannose, alpha-D-glucose, beta-D-N-acetyl-glucosamine, and acetyl-neuraminic acid. The chemical analysis of I. sericophylla and I. riedelii showed 0.11 and 0.14% of swainsonine, respectively. The latter also contained calystegines B1, B2 and C1. It is concluded that I. sericophylla and I. riedelli cause a lysosomal storage disease.

A hemorrhagic disease affecting dogs in Brazil, referred to popularly as "nambiuvú" (bloody ears) and believed to be transmitted by ticks, has been observed in animals infected with an organism described originally in 1910 as a piroplasm, and known locally as Rangelia vitalii. In this series of 10 cases, the disease was characterized by anaemia, jaundice, fever, spleno- and lymphadenomegaly, hemorrhage in the gastrointestinal tract, and persistent bleeding from the nose, oral cavity and tips, margins and outer surface of the pinnae. The ixodid ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Amblyomma aureolatum infested affected dogs from suburban and rural areas, respectively. Laboratory findings included regenerative anaemia, spherocytosis, icteric plasma and bilirubinuria. Those intracellular organisms were found in bone marrow smears but not in blood smears. Microscopically, zoites were seen within the cytoplasm of blood capillary endothelial cells. Parasitized and non-parasitized endothelial cells were positive immunohistochemically for von Willebrand factor (vWF). Langhans-type multinucleate giant cells were observed in the lymph nodes and choroid plexus. There was prominent erythrophagocytosis by macrophages in the lymph node sinuses and infiltration of the medullary cords by numerous plasma cells. Ultrastructurally, this organism had an apical complex that included a polar ring and rhoptries but no conoid. This parasite was contained within a parasitophorous vacuole that had a trilaminar membrane with villar protrusions and was situated in the cytoplasm of capillary endothelial cells. This organism tested positive by immunohistochemistry for Babesia microti. This pathogen was also positive by in situ hybridization for B. microti. Tentative clinical diagnosis in these cases was based on the history, clinical picture, haemogram and favorable response to therapy, and confirmed through microscopic examination of smears from the bone marrow or histological sections of multiple tissues, especially lymph nodes where zoites were most frequently found. The disease was reproduced by intravenous inoculation of blood from a naturally infected dog into an experimental dog. The authors demonstrate in this study that this organism is a protozoa of the phylum Apicomplexa, order Piroplasmorida. This piroplasm seems to be different from Babesia since it has an intraendothelial stage. Molecular phylogenetic analysis is necessary to better characterize this parasite and clarify its taxonomic status.

Green leaves of Ipomoea asarifolia were dosed to 10 goats. Nine goats ingesting 5-37 g/kg bw daily had clinical signs in 4-38 days. One goat ingesting 2.5 g/kg bw daily during 125 days and two control goats had no clinical signs. Clinical signs were characteristic for a tremorgenic syndrome. Five goats recovered in 4-9 days after the withdrawal of the plant. Two goats died spontaneously and three were euthanased for histologic and ultrastructural studies. No significant lesions were observed at necropsies or on the histologic and ultrastructural studies. Samples of the plant analyzed for enzymatic inhibitors were negative for calystegines and contained an almost undetectable amount of swainsonine (less than 0.001%). It is concluded that I. asarifolia causes a tremorgenic syndrome due to an unknown tremorgenic phytotoxins or mycotoxins.

A vestibulocerebellar disorder was observed in 2- to 4-month-old swine after consumption of broken rice contaminated with 13% Aeschynomene indica seeds. Affected animals recovered in 2-14 days after removal of the contaminated food. To reproduce the syndrome, 10 pigs were fed 13% A. indica seeds in commercial pig ration or rice. They showed clinical signs similar to those observed in the spontaneous cases, 1 hour to 6 days after ingestion. Three pigs recovered after the withdrawal of the contaminated food. The others were killed. Two pigs that were fed for 25 days with food containing 3% and 6% seeds and two control pigs did not show clinical signs. Histologic lesions were characterized by symmetric focal degeneration in the cerebellar and vestibular nuclei. The initial lesion, observed 24 hours after the first ingestion, was characterized by vacuolation of the neuropil. Subsequently, there was progressive loss of parenchyma, vascular reaction, a few small spheroids, astrocytosis, and accumulation of gitter cells. The brains from four pigs were perfused with a buffered solution of glutaraldehyde-paraformaldehyde 12-48 hours after they started to ingest the seeds. No ultrastructural lesions were observed in the cerebellar nuclei after 12 hours of seed consumption. At 24 hours, endothelial cells and pericytes were separated by empty spaces from astrocyte foot processes, suggesting perivascular edema. The astrocytes were enlarged, consistent with intracellular fluid accumulation. These results suggest that A. indica seeds are toxic, causing functional derangement of the vestibulocerebellar system, followed by alterations in the microvasculature in the cerebellar and vestibular nuclei.

A histologic and ultrastructural study of the alterations found in the lymph nodes and livers of nine sheep with experimental cholangiohepatopathy by grazing on Brachiaria decumbens has been performed. Sheep were euthanized in three groups, on the 77th, 89th, and 150th days of the experimental feeding. The main gross lesions were whitish spots of multifocal distribution scattered throughout the hepatic parenchyma from all B. decumbens-grazed animals and whitish foci surrounded by reddened halos in the mesenteric and hepatic lymph nodes of sheep necropsied on the 150th. The principal histologic findings included hepatocellular cloudy swelling, marked multifocal cholangitis in the portal triads with bile duct proliferation and infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes. Crystals were observed within bile ducts and surrounded by macrophages. Ultrastructurally, there were criytaloid structures within the macrophages and hepatocytes, which also presented hyperplasia of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. These findings suggest that hepatocytes were the initial target of the toxic effects, which depending on the degree of severity developed would cause both, subsequent cholangiopathy or occasional photosensitization. Additionally, the developmental stages of the hepatic lesions observed in this study have been presented.

The lungs of three sheep with spontaneous enzootic calcinosis induced by the calcinogenic plant Nierembergia veitchii (Nv) were examined electron microscopically and immunohistochemically. The main ultrastructural changes were activation of fibroblasts and modified smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the pulmonary interstitium, with an increase in extracellular matrix and precipitation of calcium, either in a laminated pattern or as amorphous aggregates. Macrophages and multinucleated giant cells, some with calcium crystals in the cytoplasm, were found in areas of increased extracellular matrix. Thickening and replication of the basal lamina of capillaries were prominent. The bone proteins osteocalcin, osteopontin and osteonectin were detected immunohistochemically in the cytoplasm of activated fibroblasts, in modified SMCs and in the extracellular matrix. It is suggested that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)in Nv induces cellular differentiation and the synthesis of a calcifiable matrix., (Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.)

A neurologic disease characterized by ataxia, hypermetria, hyperesthesia, and muscle tremors of the head and neck was observed for 2 years in a flock of 28 Anglo-Nubian and Saanen goats on a farm with 5 ha of pasture. Six newborns died during the first week of life, and five abortions were recorded. The predominant plant in the pasture was Sida carpinifolia. The disease was reproduced experimentally in two goats by administration of this plant. Three goats with spontaneous disease and the two experimental animals were euthanatized and necropsied. No significant gross lesions were observed. Fragments of several organs, including the central nervous system, were processed for histopathology. Small fragments of the cerebellar cortex, liver, and pancreas of two spontaneously poisoned goats and two experimentally poisoned goats were processed for electron microscopy. Multiple cytoplasm vacuoles in hepatocytes, acinar pancreatic cells, and neurons, especially Purkinje cells, were the most striking microscopic lesions in the five animals. Ultrastructural changes included membrane-bound vacuoles in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, acinar pancreatic cells, Purkinje cells, and the small neurons of the granular cell layer of the cerebellum. Paraffin-embedded sections of the cerebellum and pancreas were submitted for lectin histochemical analysis. The vacuoles in different cerebellar and acinar pancreatic cells reacted strongly to the following lectins: Concanavalia ensiformis, Triticum vulgaris, and succinylated Triticum vulgaris. The pattern of staining, analyzed in Purkinje cells and acinar pancreatic cells coincides with results reported for both swainsonine toxicosis and inherited mannosidosis.

Outbreaks of narasin poisoning in rabbits from several commercial rabbit-raising farms in the state of Parana, Brazil, are reported. Approximately 5,000/35,000 rabbits died after having consumed a pelleted ration to which poultry ration premix had been added. Clinical signs included apathy, anorexia, muscle weakness, impaired walking, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and opistothonus. Gross findings were not remarkable, but varying degrees of degeneration, necrosis and regeneration of skeletal muscles were consistent histopathological features in affected rabbits. Myocardial changes were mild or absent. Thirty ppm of narasin were detected in the ration fed the rabbits. The disease was experimentally reproduced by feeding the suspected ration and by administering narasin po to rabbits.

A skin disease characterized by trauma-induced sloughing of haired skin, hooves, and horns is described in four calves from a herd of Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Brazil. Affected calves were detected shortly after birth by the presence of lesions affecting the distal extremities, the scapular and gluteal regions, and the tip of the tail. On histologic evaluation of affected skin, the lesions were characterized by suprabasilar vesicles and acantholysis affecting the epidermis and outer root sheath of the hair follicle infundibulum. The basal cell layer was intact and appeared as a single layer of cuboidal cells attached to the dermis. Ultrastructurally, the region between the stratum basale and the lower stratum spinosum had widened intercellular spaces with loss of desmosomal attachments, which led to the suprabasilar separation. The disease appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.

Epidemiological, clinical, necropsy and histopathological data were accumulated during the study of 15 outbreaks of Senecio spp poisoning in cattle occurring during the last 3 y in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Morbidity averaged 17% and mortality was virtually 100%. The peak mortality occurred during spring and early summer. The most constant clinical signs included anorexia, depression, tenesmus often followed by rectal prolapse, and rough hair coat. Affected animals remained apart from the rest of the herd, lost weight, presented ascites, and had signs of digestive and neurological disturbances. Icterus, photodermatitis, polydipsia, and dependent subcutaneous edema were occasionally noticed. Two main clinical courses could be distinguished. In the protracted form, progressive weight loss terminated with death within many weeks or months. Alternatively, an acute or subacute course led to death in a few days. In both forms, necropsy and histopathological findings included diffuse fibrosis of the liver, hepatomegalocytosis, and biliary hyperplasia. Extrahepatic lesions included gastrointestinal and mesenteric edema, distension, edema and adenomatoid hyperplasia of the gallbladder, and spongy degeneration of the cerebral white matter. S brasiliensis and S oxyphyllus were the species involved in the field outbreaks.

Young rabbits on high (0.57%) or low (0.24%) calcium were given an aqueous extract of Solanum malacoxylon (S.m.) leaves (20 g dried leaves/200 ml distilled water) intragastrically at 0, 12 and 36 hours. On bothe diets S.m. induced progressive hypophosphatasemia but serum calcium and phosphorus underwent only minor changes. In rabbits necropsied at 0, 12, 36, 60, 84 and 108 hours, S.m. was shown to have a negative effect on the resorbing osteocytes. With retarded osteocytic osteolysis, osteopetrosis resulted. Further regressive changes in the osteocytes resulted in osteonecrosis which was observed within 12 hours after administration of S.m. extract. The osteonecrosis, combined with retarded apposition, later resulted in osteopenia. It was concluded that the recommended dietary calcium for growing rabbits--about 0.6%--is too high. Whereas the histologic appearance of bone in rabbits fed low calcium was normal, bones from rabbits on high calcium showed retarded resorption and the rabbits had a relative hypophosphatasemia.

The fine structure of the fibroblastic cells of the normal bovine endometrial caruncle was described. These cells appeared different when compared with the classical fibroblasts encountered throughout the rest of the stromal endometrium. They possess some features similar to those of myofibroblasts reported in various pathological states, to those of epithelioid fibroblasts and to those of cultured fibroblasts. However, they appeared distinct by a few other aspects. We described here the ultrastructure of these particular fibroblastic cells, as they appeared in the caruncle in vivo and under physiological conditions.

Excessive iodine supply of at least 700 mg inorganic iodine in foals and of more than 350 mg iodine in pregnant and lactating mares cause a high incidence of goitres in the newborn and disorders in the long leg bones of foals. Elevated phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase content in the blood may indicate a severe disturbance in the bone metabolism. Of 39 pregnant mares 17 aborted and some of the mares also showed goitres. After withdrawal of the iodine supply normalization took place. Foals born more than 6 weeks later showed normal conditions. The goitres in the mares and the high blood levels of iodine decreased.