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Considered the largest wild bird in South America, the Greater Rhea is a ratite endowed with great zootechnical value and scientific importance. Understanding the pathologies that may affect these animals is necessary since they are kept in captivity. Thus, seeking effective measures to prevent diseases in livestock is important. The present report aims to describe the first diagnosis of unilateral renal agenesis in Greater Rhea. A male Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) approximately five years old, was euthanized, aiming at the anatomical characterization of the structures that make up the lumbosacral region. Analysis of the coelomic cavity showed the absence of the left kidney and an increase in the volume of the left ureter. The right kidney had normal topography and anatomical structures. Fragments of the right kidney and left ureter were collected, fixed in formaldehyde, and submitted to the inclusion process to obtain histological slides stained by hematoxylin and eosin. The microscopic findings showed no compensatory changes even without the contralateral kidney. The left ureter did not present preserved histological organization. The mucosa was thin due to a large amount of mucoid content in the lumen. In conclusion, unilateral renal agenesis in Greater Rhea is compatible with life. The contralateral kidney is fully functional and can meet the body's demands. In addition, it is important to conduct anatomopathological studies in Greater Rheas under captivity, aiming to expand the understanding of the aspects involved in maintaining this species and the pathologies that affect them.

Gastrointestinal perforation in sea turtles may be associated with the ingestion of solid waste; however, other factors, including the ingestion of marine organisms, may cause intestinal perforation. Herein, we report, presumably, the first case of a death of a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) from ingesting a live goldspotted eel (Myrichthys ocellatus) and describe the necropsy findings. The adult female loggerhead sea turtle was registered alive by a team of the Cetáceos da Costa Branca Project of Rio Grande do Norte State University (PCCB-UERN). The animal died in captivity after 8 days of an attempted rehabilitation process, and the carcass was immediately sent for necropsy. After incision, an encapsulated structure in the cranial region of the left lung was identified as a specimen of the ingested eel. The histopathological examination of the lung showed fibrin and numerous leukocytes, mainly macrophages, in the alveolus and bronchioles. The necropsy revealed that the ingestion of a live goldspotted eel (M. ocellatus) caused a gastric perforation in the turtle; this resulted in the displacement of the eel to the celomatic cavity with its cranial portion in the left lung, leading to sepsis and the consequent death of the turtle.

Dirofilariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a nematode found mainly in the pulmonary artery and right chambers of the heart, lungs, and large vessels of dogs. This parasitism also occasionally occurs in cats, causing an amicrofilaremic and asymptomatic infection, resulting in severe illness and rapid death. In this case report, it was described acute clinical signs and histopathological alterations in a domestic cat with heartworm disease from the city of Mossoró, the Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The nematode species, D. immitis, was confirmed by morphological and molecular analyses. This is the first documented and full report of feline heartworm disease in northeastern Brazil.

The present study aimed to describe epidemiological, clinical, laboratorial, and pathological findings of polioencephalomalacia (PEM) in ruminants from the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. A total of seven ruminants (five sheep, one cattle, and one goat) with pathological diagnosis of PEM were included. Four cases were associated with thiamine deficiency, on account of chronic ruminal acidosis caused by diets rich in carbohydrate, with mainly concentrates, ground soybean hulls, and melon. Three ruminants from an outbreak of petroleum poisoning presented macro and microscopic lesions consistent with changes of malacia and edema in deep structures of the brain, as described in ruminants with PEM associated with sulfur intoxication. Major macroscopic changes included congestion of cerebral vessels, edema, and herniation of the cerebellum. The most observed microscopic lesions, among all assessed cases, were laminar and segmental neuronal necrosis at different regions of the brain, spongiosis, nuclear pyknosis, and red nucleus neurons. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed nonspecific alterations, requiring its association with epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings, as the results described here are similar to those reported in toxic diseases with neurological manifestations, such as botulism.

The present study was aimed to assess the clinical changes and reproductive indices of dairy cows naturally infected with Trypanosoma vivax in a herd located in the Central Sertão of Ceará, Brazil. For the study, 40 animals were selected from a herd consisting of 210 dairy cows, and subdivided into two groups: group I, consisting of 20 cows naturally infected with T. vivax, and group II, consisting of 20 uninfected cows. Data on the parameters of reproductive efficiency were evaluated using a farm database (Propad Profissional GP®), in which the individual reproductive characteristics of the animals were stored. Data collected both before and after the outbreak were compared. The cows from group I showed a sudden drop in milk production, mucosal pallor, depression, anorexia, and a significant increase in rectal temperature and decreased hematocrit during the parasitemia outbreak. These clinical signs of the disease disappeared over time. However, T. vivax was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in animals with a negative parasitological test one year after the occurrence. Comparison of the reproductive index data for cows from groups I and II before and after the outbreak showed significant differences in first postpartum estrus, service period, and intervals between deliveries. In addition, repetition of estrus and abortion were significantly associated with T. vivax infection. Analysis of the reproductive indices of cows in groups I and II suggests that T. vivax infection decreased the reproductive efficiency of the study cows.

Trypanosoma vivax is a protozoan originating from the African continent, which, although it has not yet been able to complete its biological cycle in South America, due to the absence of the tsetse fly, can still cause death in ruminants. The objective of this study was to verify the effects of T. vivax on the measurements and indices in sheep that characterize animal performance, as well as on economic losses in meat animals. Twenty intact adult male sheep were used for this study, all of approximately the same ages and weights, reared in confinement, and subjected to the same management and diet, which was balanced and supplemented with adequate minerals. The animals were divided into two groups: the control group (CG) and the infected group (IG), which was inoculated intravenously with 1.3 x 105 trypomastigotes of T. vivax. Feed intake was verified daily, whereas the feed conversion (FC), feed efficiency index (FEI), and weight gain were obtained weekly. Total weight gain (TWG) was determined after 70 days post-infection. The economic loss was calculated by subtracting the value obtained (IG) from the expected value (CG), and the difference was expressed as a percentage. A randomized block design was used to isolate the effect of the initial weight. The means were compared by the Student “t” test at 5%. Of the 10 infected animals, one died from the parasitism, yielding a rate much lower than that observed in natural outbreaks. The groups presented similar feed intakes throughout the experimental period; however, the TWG of the infected group was significantly lower (50.7%) than that of the CG. Similarly, the daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion (FC), and feed efficiency index (FEI) of the IG were significantly lower than those of the CG. In addition, the worst rates of FC and FEI coincided with parasitemia peaks and recurrences, probably due to immunological demand and tissue repair. The abdominal circumference of the infected animals was statistically lower than that of the CG, which may be directly related to fat mobilization, in addition to the possible negative effect on the digestive capacity. The economic losses due to weight alone were 24.07% and could reach 31.66% of the herd value due to animal death. Infection with T. vivax negatively affected animal performance indices, even when the animals were well nourished. Trypanosoma vivax in sheep destined for slaughter caused economic losses of 31.66% due to the decrease in performance and the death rate in the infected group.

ABSTRACT: Considering that neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) causes deleterious effects on fertility, the objective was to evaluate the effect of feeding quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica Linnaeus, 1758) of 90 days old with neem seeds on seminal quality, biometric parameters, and testicular morphometrics, as an experimental model. After the 30 day adaptation period to the experimental conditions, birds were randomly distributed in five treatments of neem seeds incorporated into feed, with 10 replicates: T1 (0%), T2 (5%), T3 (10%), T4 (20%) and T5 (40%). After 60 days of receiving experimental rations, their semen was collected to evaluate the sperm quality, the birds were euthanized, and testes were submitted to biometric, histological, and histomorphometric evaluation. The data were evaluated by analysis of variance and later by Tukey test with a significance level of 5%. The mean values of testicle weight, length, and width significantly decreased in T4 and T5, due degeneration of germinal epithelial cells. In these treatments, it occurred a significant increase (P>0.05) in the average values of the tunica albuginea thickness and a significant reduction in the values of the seminiferous tubule diameter and the height of the germinal epithelium. In addition, the mean values of seminal volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, vigor, and sperm viability were significantly reduced. Thus, the use of neem in bird feeding, as well as the use for therapeutic purposes, is questionable, considering its negative impact on reproduction.

O mollissima de Jatropha(Pohl) O Baill é um arbusto autóctone nativo da vegetação da Caatinga, encontrado em grande parte da região semi-árida do Nordeste brasileiro, utilizado na cultura popular para fins terapêuticos. O látex de Jatropha e seus extratos foram avaliados quanto à composição química, identificando os principais metabólitos secundários e suas atividades farmacológicas utilizando métodos qualitativos e quantitativos. Sua toxicidade foi investigada através da dose tóxica aguda em ratos Wistar, sua ação antioxidante foi investigada de acordo com o método fotocolorimétrico do radical livre DPPH, e sua ação antibacteriana foi investigada através de concentração inibitória mínima e concentração bactericida mínima. Fenóis, taninos, flavonóides e saponinas foram detectados em látex e em outros extratos, exceto o extrato aquoso.Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus mutans e Enterococcus faecalis) e cepas Gram-negativas ( Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium e Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) em várias diluições juntamente com o extrato hidroalcoólico. O látex de J. mollissima também apresentou baixa toxicidade aguda em ratos. Portanto, os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa corroboram o uso popular de J. mollissima e seu potencial terapêutico.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti Trypanosoma vivax antibodies and the possible risk factors associated with the infection in cattle in Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, through a cross-sectional epidemiological study, with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. A total of 467 cattle’s serum samples were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence. Forty-two samples tested positive for Trypanosoma vivax IgG antibodies, corresponding to the prevalence of 9%. Risk factors influencing the occurrence of trypanosomiasis were milk exploration, raising of European breeds, productivity category: lactation cow, purchase of new cattle, foraging habits near ponds and rivers, and the presence of mechanical vectors. So, high prevalence in beef animals (59.5%), females (95.2%), European breed (88.1%), lactating cows (85.7%), pasture at banks of dams and rivers (95.2%), in addition to the presence of mechanical vectors (81%) and acquisition of animals (88.1%), indicates the expansion of trypanosomiasis in Northeastern semi-arid region, and the information obtained may explain the epidemiological factors that determine the occurrence of trypanosomiasis by T. vivax in this region.

Este trabalho foi realizado com o intuito de avaliar a produção de geleia real de abelhas africanizadas com a utilização de diferentes concentrações de água de coco no substrato-base das larvas. O experimento foi realizado durante o mês de agosto de 2010 na Fazenda Experimental da UFERSA, Mossoró-RN. Para produção da geleia real foi utilizado o método Doolittle, utilizando-se cúpulas de acrílico de cor laranja. Cada cúpula recebeu 300 µl de solução com geleia real (GR). Foram utilizadas 03 colmeias mini-recria modelo Ribeirão Preto. Os tratamentos testados constaram de solução de GR diluída em água de coco nas seguintes concentrações: 25% de GR; 50% de GR; e 75% de GR. Cada parcela foi composta de 20 cúpulas, sendo contabilizadas apenas as cúpulas com larvas aceitas pelas operárias para o cálculo das variáveis: PA - Percentual de aceitação de larvas; PL - Peso das larvas; PGR - Produção por cúpula de GR; GRT - Produção de Geleia Real total. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se ANOVA em blocos casualizados com 03 repetições, e os tratamentos também foram comparadas por analise de regressão linear com o auxilio do software R versão 2.13.0. Verificou-se efeito significativo para a aceitação das larvas (P>0,01) e a variável produção de geleia real por tratamento (P>0,05), o peso das larvas, submetidos aos tratamentos, não mostrou efeito significativo. Houve influencia da concentração de substrato ofertado às larvas transferidas na aceitação das mesmas pelas operárias e na produção de geleia real. Conclui-se que o uso do substrato com geleia real influencia no índice de aceitação e sobrevivência das larvas e que o uso da água de coco na diluição da geleia real apresentou resultados satisfatórios.

O presente estudo teve como objetivos avaliar as alterações clínicas e os índices reprodutivos de vacas leiteiras infectadas naturalmente por Trypanosoma vivax em um rebanho localizado no sertão central do Ceará, Brasil. No rebanho, constituído por 210 vacas leiteiras, foram selecionados 40 animais, subdivididos em dois grupos: Grupo I, composto por 20 vacas infectadas naturalmente por T. vivax e o grupo II, composto por 20 vacas não infectadas. Os dados relativos aos parâmetros, que indicam eficiência reprodutiva dos dois grupos de animais, foram avaliados através de um banco de dados disponível na propriedade, por meio dos quais as características reprodutivas individuais dos animais eram armazenadas em software Propad Profissional GP®, sendo as informações obtidas, comparadas tanto no período em que antecedeu o surto, quanto no que ocorreu após ele. As vacas do grupo I apresentaram durante o surto alta parasitemia, queda brusca da produção de leite, palidez de mucosas, depressão, anorexia, aumento significativo da temperatura retal e redução do hematócrito. Observou-se o desaparecimento dos sinais clínicos da enfermidade ao longo do tempo, no entanto, houve a confirmação do diagnóstico de T. vivax, através da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) em animais com exame parasitológico negativo um ano após a ocorrência. Quando comparados os dados dos índices reprodutivos das vacas do grupo I e do grupo II, no período em que antecedeu o surto, e no que ocorreu após o surto, verificou-se diferenças significativas para as variáveis: primeiro estro pós-parto (PCPP/dias), período de serviço (PS-dias) e intervalo entre parto/dias (IEP). Houve associação significativa das variáveis, repetições de estro e abortamento com a infecção por T. vivax. A análise dos dados dos índices reprodutivos das vacas dos grupos I e II sugere que T. vivax diminuiu a eficiência reprodutiva dos animais avaliados.

In addition to listeriosis which is relatively common in ruminants, there are three other uncommon suppurative intracranial processes (SIP) identifiable in adult ungulates as brain abscess, basilar empyema and suppurative meningitis. The present paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, laboratorial, pathological and microbiological findings of 15 domestic ruminants with SIP. A total of 15 animals were selected (eight sheep, four cattle and three goats); with the definitive diagnoses of basilar empyema (n=3), brain abscess (n=1), listeriosis (n=5) and suppurative meningitis (n=6). Hematology revealed leukocytosis with inversion of the lymphocyte/ neutrophil ratio in 4 cases. In the majority of animals, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) presented light yellow coloration and cloudy aspect due to neutrophilic pleocytosis (15 - 997 leukocytes/µL). Microbiological culture of CSF or central nervous system (CNS) fragments resulted on isolation of Trueperella (Arcanobacterium) pyogenes,Listeria monocytogenes,Escherichia coli and Stenotrophomonas sp. In a goat with thalamic abscess, microbiological assay was not performed, but Gram positive bacilli type bacteria were observed in histology. The diagnosis of these outbreaks was based on the association of epidemiological, clinical, pathological and bacteriological findings; reiterating that the infectious component remains an important cause of CNS disease in domestic ruminants and also shows the need for dissemination of information about the most effective preventive measures for the ranchers.

Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) é uma das principais causas da doença do complexo respiratório dos bovinos (DCRB) que causa grandes perdas econômicas. Até os dias atuais, não há relato de aves acometidas por tal bactéria. Relata-se um surto atípico de mannheimiose em emas em cativeiro (Rhea americana).

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antibacteriana in vitro e cicatrizante do óleo de buriti (M. flexuosa) em feridas realizadas em ratos (Rattus norvegicus albinus). Para a avaliação antibacteriana in vitro, foram utilizados cinco patógenos bacterianos incluindo espécies gram-positivas e espécies gram-negativas mediante o uso do método de difusão em ágar. Para a avaliação da atividade cicatrizante, foram utilizados 40 ratos da linhagem Wistar, divididos em dois grupos: o grupo I, composto por 20 ratos com feridas cutâneas, tratados com aplicação tópica do creme base com 10% de óleo de buriti, e o grupo II, controle, com o mesmo número de animais que receberam a aplicação tópica do creme base. A aplicação do produto foi realizada em feridas padronizadas, circulares de 1cm de diâmetro na região dorsolombar. As avaliações clínica, morfométrica e histopatológica das feridas foram realizadas no 3°, 7°, 14° e 21° dias. Em relação à avaliação da atividade antibacteriana, os resultados mostraram que houve inibição do crescimento bacteriano em quatro dos cinco patógenos testados. Em relação à área da ferida, foi observada redução significativa da área no 14o dia e maior percentual de contração das feridas do grupo tratado em relação ao controle. No décimo quarto dia, as feridas tratadas com o óleo do buriti apresentavam aumento significativo na contagem de fibroblastos e fibras colágenas, além de completo processo de reepitelização, enquanto o grupo controle necessitava de mais tempo para resolução do processo cicatricial.The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity and wound healing effect of buriti oil (M. flexuosa) in rats. To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity, five species of bacteria, including both gram-negative and gram-positive, were tested by the agar diffusion method. To assess the wound healing effect, 40 rats of Wistar lineage were clustered into two groups: G1, composed by 20 rats with cutaneous wounds and treated using topic administration of basic cream containing 10% of buriti oil; and G2 or control group, composed by 20 rats with cutaneous wounds and treated using topic administration of basic cream without any buriti oil. The cream administration was performed on circular wounds of 1 cm area in the lumbodorsal region. Clinical, histopathologic and morphometric evaluations of the wounds were done in 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21th days. Four from five bacteria species tested had growing inhibition, which demonstrates the antimicrobial potential of buriti oil. A significant reduction on the wound area with contraction of the edges was found for G1 in the 14th day. On this same day, the wounds treated using buriti oil showed an increase in the fibroblasts and collagen fibers countings and complete reephitelialization, characteristics not demonstrated by G2.

The present study aimed to report the occurrence as well as the clinical, laboratorial, pathological and mycological findings of three outbreaks of rhinocerebral and rhinopharyngeal conidiobolomycosis in sheep from Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. A total of six sheep with clinical signs of conidiobolomycosis were evaluated, and information on history was obtained from ranchers. Clinical signs included depression, progressive emaciation, sero-sanguinolent nasal discharge, tachycardia, dyspnea, miosis and unilateral exophthalmia with increased ocular globe volume, corneal ulceration and nervous system signs. The main hematological alteration was neutrophilia. Serum biochemical evaluation revealed increased values for AST, GGT, creatinine, urea, and glucose, and decreased total proteins and albumin levels. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed the presence of fibrin reticules and pleocytosis. Upon necropsy, longitudinal sections of the head revealed the presence of a nodular mass with a friable consistency and a white-yellowish coloration. Microscopic findings included meningitis, cortex necrosis and encephalitis with the presence of eosinophilic Splendore-Hoeppli substance. Histopathology of the lungs revealed a Splendore-Hoeppli-like material and hyperplasia of alveolar and bronchiolar epithelium. Renal lesions were suggestive of amyloidosis.O presente estudo objetivou relatar a ocorrência e os achados clínicos, laboratoriais, patológicos e micológicos de três surtos de conidiobolomicose rinocerebral e rinofaríngea em ovinos do estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Um total de seis ovinos com sinais clínicos de conidiobolomicose foi avaliado, e informações sobre o histórico foram obtidas dos proprietários. Os sinais clínicos incluíram depressão, emaciação progressiva, descarga nasal serossanguinolenta, taquicardia, dispneia, miosite e exoftalmia unilateral com aumento do volume do globo ocular, ulceração da córnea e sinais nervosos. A principal alteração hematológica foi neutrofilia. A avaliação bioquímica sérica revelou aumento nos valores de AST, GGT, creatinina, ureia e glicose, e redução nos níveis de proteínas totais e albumina. A análise do fluido cerebrospinal revelou presença de retículos de fibrina e pleocitose. À necropsia, secções longitudinais da cabeça revelaram presença de uma massa nodular com consistência friável e coloração branco-amarelada. Os achados microscópicos incluíram meningite, necrose do córtex e encefalite com presença da substância eosinofílica de Splendore-Hoeppli. A histopatologia dos pulmões revelou uma substância similar à de Splendore-Hoeppli e hiperplasia do epitélio alveolar e bronquiolar. As lesões renais foram sugestivas de amiloidose.

Bacterial skin diseases represent a significant ratio ofrodents’ pathologies. However, in agoutis (Dasyprocta sp.), amiddle-sized rodent with geographic distribution from Central toSouth America, reports on isolated bacterial agents of cutaneousinflammatory processes are not observed. The present studyaimed to describe a case of deep pyoderma by Corynebacteriumpseudotuberculosis in an agouti (Dasyprocta sp.). The agouti(Dasyprocta sp.) presented the description of cutaneous injury andit was submitted to physical examination. After that, antibiotic andanti-inflammatory were prescribed. The animal died when the treatmentwas interrupted, and it was directed to necropsy. Over there,samples for bacterial culture and histopathological examinationwere obtained. The findings of necropsy were: alopecia, erythema,cellulitis, crusts and ulcers, on the ventral side of the head. Thetegument’s cut surface disclosed purulent and caseous secretion. Thebacterial culture isolated the C. pseudotuberculosis. The cutaneoushistopathology diagnosid deep pyoderma. Because of the reducedknowledge about agoutis pyoderma (Dasyprocta sp.), further investigations on the disease’s etiopathogeny are necessary.

The present study aimed to evaluate some stress parameters of horses submitted to competitions of “vaquejada” and inherent to ambient conditions of these places of competition. The experiment was carried out in the city of Mossoró-RN, using ten crossbred Quarter Horses, six females and four castrated males, aging from six to eleven years, body weight from 358 to 450 kg and height of 135 to 150 cm. Blood samples were collected at two moments: in the bay, in the morning with animals at rest (M1), the second immediately after race “vaquejada” (M2). The heart rate, the respiratory frequency and the retal temperature were evaluated immediately before the blood collections. All the clinical and biochemical parameters presented significant difference (P KEY WORDS: Animal welfare, horses, sports. O presente estudo procurou avaliar alguns dos parâmetros indicadores de estresse dos equinos submetidos às competições de vaquejada e às condições ambientais inerentes dos locais das competições. O experimento foi desenvolvido no município de Mossoró, RN, utilizando dez equinos mestiços da raça quarto de milha, sendo seis fêmeas e quatro machos castrados, com idade entre seis a onze anos, peso vivo de 368 a 450 Kg e altura de 135 a 150 cm. Realizaram-se coletas de sangue em dois momentos: a primeira, na baia, pela manhã, com animais em repouso (M1); a segunda imediatamente após a corrida no parque de vaquejada (M2). A frequência cardíaca, a frequência respiratória e a temperatura retal foram avaliadas imediatamente antes das coletas de sangue. Verificou-se que todos os parâmetros das avaliações clínica e bioquímica, exceto proteínas totais e creatinaquinase, tiveram diferença significativa (PPALAVRAS- CHAVES: Bem-estar animal, cavalo, esporte.

Four goats were infected intravenously with 1.0 mL of cattle blood containing about 1.25 x 105 Trypanosoma vivax derived from spontaneous outbreak in cattle at Catolé do Rocha city, Paraíba, Brazil. Other four goats were used as controls. Parasitemia and body temperature were determined daily for 40 days. Animals were weighted each 7 days, and blood samples for blood cells counts were collected each 5 days. It was obtained a sample of liquor from each animal before death; cerebrospinal fluid samples were submitted to biochemical and cytological evaluations, density determination and parasite detection. A positive correlation was found between body temperature and parasitemia in infected animals. These animals presented anemia, leukopenia, hypoglycemia, decreased serum levels of total proteins and cholesterol, and nervous symptoms. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid resulted in decrease of glucose levels and increase in lactate dehydrogenase, cell counts and presence of the parasite. At necropsy it was found pale carcass, generalized infartation of lymphonodes, pulmonary edema, and liquid accumulation of pericardium. Histological changes were characterized by interstitial pneumonia, miocarditis, cardiac fibrosis, meningitis, and encephalitis. All observed changes confirm patogenicity of T. vivax.KEY WORDS: Experimental infection, trypanosomiasis, patogenicity. Quatro caprinos foram infectados experimentalmente por via intravenosa com 1,0 ml de sangue contendo aproximadamente 1,25 x 105 tripanossomas/ml, utilizando-se um isolado de Trypanosoma vivax de bovinos infectados naturalmente no município de Catolé do Rocha, Paraíba. A parasitemia e a temperatura foram determinadas diariamente durante quarenta dias. A cada cinco dias realizaram-se coletas de sangue para hemograma e análise bioquímica sérica. Antes do óbito de cada animal procedeu-se à coleta de líquido cefalorraquidiano para avaliação bioquímica e pesquisa da presença do parasita. Nos animais do grupo infectado registrou-se correlação positiva entre a temperatura retal e a parasitemia. Os animais apresentaram anemia, leucopenia, hipoglicemia, redução das proteínas totais e colesterol, além de sintomatologia nervosa. A avaliação do líquor revelou diminuição dos níveis de glicose, aumento da enzima lactato desidrogenase, aumento da celularidade e presença do tripanossomo. As lesões macroscópicas encontradas à necropsia foram palidez da carcaça, aumento generalizado dos linfonodos, edema pulmonar e acúmulo de líquido no saco pericárdico. As lesões histológicas foram pneumonia intersticial, edema pulmonar, miocardite e fibrose cardíaca, meningite e encefalite. As alterações clínicas, hematológicas, bioquímicas e anátomo-patológicas confirmaram a patogenicidade da cepa de T. vivax.PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Infecção experimental, tripanosomose, patogenicidade.

The use of leaves of Prunifera Copernicia (Arecaceae) as exclusive food of bovines was associated by the death of 40 of the 146 animals during a period of 2 months of consumption. The leaves of this plant had been supplied experimentally for two goats that died with 31 and 56 days the beginning of the ingestion. Clinical manifestations consisted in increased feces consistence, weakness, recumbence and death. The main pathological findings had been epithelial tubular degeneration and necrosis in the kidneys and hepatic centrolobular coagulative necrosis associated with congestion and hemorrhage. This work relates the mortality of bovines to the leaf consumption of Copernicia prunifera and characterizes it the experimental poisoning for this plant in goat. KEY WORDS: Cattle, Copernicia prunifera, goats, poisonous plants. Apontou-se a utilização das folhas de Copernicia prunifera (Arecaceae) como alimento exclusivo para bovinos como responsável pela morte de 40 dos 146 animais durante um período de dois meses de consumo. Administraram-se as folhas dessa planta experimentalmente para dois caprinos que morreram com 31 e 56 dias após o início da ingestão. Clinicamente a doença foi caracterizada por aumento de consistência das fezes, fraqueza, decúbito e morte. As principais alterações patológicas foram degeneração e necrose do epitélio tubular renal e necrose hepatocelular centrolobular associada com congestão e hemorragia. Este trabalho relaciona a mortalidade de bovinos ao consumo de folhas de Copernicia prunifera e caracteriza a intoxicação experimental por esta planta em caprinos. PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Bovinos, Copernicia prunifera, carnaúba, caprinos, plantas tóxicas

During the collared peccaries’ (Tayassu tajacu) management, raised in captivity at Rio Grande do Norte’s Semi-arid, is common, in the hottest hours of the day, the animals’ death after clinical manifestations of myophaty by capture. The objective of this work was to study the stress syndrome in collared peccary, submitted to capture and containment in different hours of the morning. Thirty-five collared peccaries were used and divided in seven groups with five animals, they were evaluated to each one hour, to 6 a.m up to 1 p.m, generating seven intervals (treatments). For 35 days, in week intervals, clinical, hematologic, anatomopathologic exams, and physico-chemical of the meat were realized. There was significant increase (P

The aim of this work is to approach the prevalence of pathological alterations of the genital system of anestrous females of collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu). The genital systems of 14 matrices proceeding from the Centro de Multiplicação de Animais Silvestres - CEMAS, of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA , that were without activity breeding for a period above of one year had been studied. After it abates of the animals had been collected the agencies that compose the genital system and lead to the Laboratory of Animal Pathology of the Institution for pathological alterations evaluation. The joined pathologys had been hydrosalpinges and ovarian hypoplasia with four cases each (28.6%),one (6.7%) case of persistent corpus luteum associate to mucometra and 2 (14.3%) cases of ovarian cysts. The pathologys of the genital system of collares peccaries can, in changeable way, to compromise temporary or the fertility permanently, diminishing the reproductive effectiveness, with consequent reduction of the breeding, generating economic losses .

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar as alterações clínicas, hematológicas e patológicas em ovinos infectados experimentalmente com Trypanosoma vivax, utilizando-se um isolado proveniente de bovinos infectados naturalmente no município de Catolé do Rocha, Paraíba. Quatro ovinos da raça Santa Inês foram infectados por via intravenosa com 1ml de sangue contendo 1,85x10(5) tripomastigotas de T. vivax e outros quatro ovinos foram destinados ao grupo controle. A parasitemia e a temperatura foram determinadas diariamente durante 30 dias após a infecção (dpi) e quinzenalmente dos 31 aos 90 dias. A cada 15 dias os animais foram pesados e realizados coletas de sangue para hemograma. Um ovino morreu aos 75 dpi, os demais animais do grupo infectado e do grupo controle foram sacrificados 90 dias após o início do experimento. T. vivax foi evidenciado a partir do 4º dpi em todos os ovinos infectados. A parasitemia foi constante até os 15 dias e irregular entre os 16 e 30 dias. Após o 30º dia não foram observados parasitas no sangue. Foi observada correlação linear positiva entre temperatura retal e parasitemia [Y=0,027x + 38,515; R²=0,9444 (P

Esta pesquisa foi realizada para avaliar a composição químico-bromatológica do feno de cipó-de-escada (Bauhinia glabra Jacq.) aos 42, 56, 70, 84 e 98 dias de crescimento, após o corte de uniformização. Delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições foi usado. O feno foi obtido em uma área de pastagem nativa rebaixada/raleada de 7200 m², subdividida em parcelas de 360 m². Não houve diferenças para os teores de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), hemicelulose e fósforo (P). Os teores de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), celulose, lignina e cálcio (Ca) apresentaram diferenças entre os tratamentos. Os teores médios para a composição químico-bromatológica foram: 88,90% MS, 94,17% MO, 5,51% MM, 17,97% PB, 58,12% FDN, 40,88% FDA, 17,11% hemicelulose, 27,33% celulose, 12,77% lignina, 0,29% Ca e 0,15% P. Os fenos avaliados são recomendáveis para suplementação protéica em dietas para ruminantes. Com o avançar do estádio vegetativo, aumentaram linearmente os constituintes da parede celular e o Ca.This research was carried out to evaluate the chemical composition of cipó-de-escada (Bauhinia glabra Jacq) hay at 42, 56, 70, 84 and 98 days of growth after uniformity cut. A completely randomized experimental design, with five treatments and four replicates, was used. The hay was obtained from an area of native pasture lowed and cleaned of 7200 m², which were subdivided in plots of 360 m². There were no differences for the content of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), hemicellulose and phosphorus (P). However, differences were observed for the neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, lignin and calcium (Ca) contents among the treatments. The average contents for the chemical composition were: 88.90% DM, 94.17% OM, 5.51% ash, 17.97% CP, 58.12% NDF, 40.88% ADF, 17.11% hemicellulose, 27.33% CEL, 12.77% LIG, 0.29% Ca and 0.15% P. The evaluated hays can be used as protein supplement in the diet for ruminants. The cell wall and Ca constituents linearly increased as vegetative stage developed.

This study aimed to evaluate the pathological changes that occur after administering different doses of R. jimi (Stevaux, 2002) parotoid glands secretion to Gallus gallus domesticus chicks. Twenty-three animals were used in this study and were divided into 5 groups that received a toad venom dose of 0, 3.0 mg/kg, 6.0 mg/kg, 10.0 mg/kg, and 25.0 mg/kg. After 48 h, the necropsy and pathological examinations were performed. No clinical signs of toxicity were observed in any group. Macroscopically, hepatomegaly, areas of liver necrosis, splenomegaly, necrotic and hemorrhagic cardiac regions, hydropericardium, dark necrotic lesions of Meckel’s diverticulum, and hemorrhages in the lungs and kidneys were detected. Histopathological changes included diffuse vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes, severe sinusoidal congestion, focal areas of hemorrhage in the parenchyma, swollen cardiac fibers, necrotic myocardial fibers, moderate to acute diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, vacuolar degeneration of the renal tubular epithelium, necrosis of renal tubules, and extensive hemorrhagic areas below the brain and cerebellar meninges. In conclusion, pathological changes of the R. jimi toxins in chicks were noted in the heart, spleen, liver, Meckel’s diverticulum, lungs, and kidneys. Most of the changes were similar to those observed in humans and animals exposed to toxins from other toad species.

O presente estudo procurou avaliar alguns dos parâmetros indicadores de estresse dos equinos submetidos às competições de vaquejada e às condições ambientais inerentes dos locais das competições. O experimento foi desenvolvido no município de Mossoró, RN, utilizando dez equinos mestiços da raça quarto de milha, sendo seis fêmeas e quatro machos castrados, com idade entre seis a onze anos, peso vivo de 368 a 450 Kg e altura de 135 a 150 cm. Realizaram-se coletas de sangue em dois momentos: a primeira, na baia, pela manhã, com animais em repouso (M1); a segunda imediatamente após a corrida no parque de vaquejada (M2). A frequência cardíaca, a frequência respiratória e a temperatura retal foram avaliadas imediatamente antes das coletas de sangue. Verificou-se que todos os parâmetros das avaliações clínica e bioquímica, exceto proteínas totais e creatinaquinase, tiveram diferença significativa (P

Quatro caprinos foram infectados experimentalmente por via intravenosa com 1,0 ml de sangue contendo aproximadamente 1,25 x 105 tripanossomas/ml, utilizando-se um isolado de Trypanosoma vivax de bovinos infectados naturalmente no município de Catolé do Rocha, Paraíba. A parasitemia e a temperatura foram determinadas diariamente durante quarenta dias. A cada cinco dias realizaram-se coletas de sangue para hemograma e análise bioquímica sérica. Antes do óbito de cada animal procedeu-se à coleta de líquido cefalorraquidiano para avaliação bioquímica e pesquisa da presença do parasita. Nos animais do grupo infectado registrou-se correlação positiva entre a temperatura retal e a parasitemia. Os animais apresentaram anemia, leucopenia, hipoglicemia, redução das proteínas totais e colesterol, além de sintomatologia nervosa. A avaliação do líquor revelou diminuição dos níveis de glicose, aumento da enzima lactato desidrogenase, aumento da celularidade e presença do tripanossomo. As lesões macroscópicas encontradas à necropsia foram palidez da carcaça, aumento generalizado dos linfonodos, edema pulmonar e acúmulo de líquido no saco pericárdico. As lesões histológicas foram pneumonia intersticial, edema pulmonar, miocardite e fibrose cardíaca, meningite e encefalite. As alterações clínicas, hematológicas, bioquímicas e anátomo-patológicas confirmaram a patogenicidade da cepa de T. vivax. PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Infecção experimental, tripanosomose, patogenicidade.

Apontou-se a utilização das folhas de Copernicia prunifera (Arecaceae) como alimento exclusivo para bovinos como responsável pela morte de 40 dos 146 animais durante um período de dois meses de consumo. Administraram-se as folhas dessa planta experimentalmente para dois caprinos que morreram com 31 e 56 dias após o início da ingestão. Clinicamente a doença foi caracterizada por aumento de consistência das fezes, fraqueza, decúbito e morte. As principais alterações patológicas foram degeneração e necrose do epitélio tubular renal e necrose hepatocelular centrolobular associada com congestão e hemorragia. Este trabalho relaciona a mortalidade de bovinos ao consumo de folhas de Copernicia prunifera e caracteriza a intoxicação experimental por esta planta em caprinos. PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Bovinos, Copernicia prunifera, carnaúba, caprinos, plantas tóxicas

Durante prática de manejo de catetos (Tayassu tajacu), criados em cativeiro no semi-árido do Rio Grande do Norte, é comum, principalmente quando realizada nas horas mais quentes do dia, a ocorrência de óbito após manifestações clínicas de miopatia de captura. Este trabalho objetiva estudar a síndrome do estresse em catetos submetidos à captura e contenção em diferentes horários da manhã. Foram utilizados 35 catetos, separados em sete grupos de cinco indivíduos, que foram avaliados a cada intervalo de uma hora, das seis até as treze horas, gerando sete intervalos (tratamentos). Durante 35 dias em intervalos semanais foram realizados exames clínicos, hematológicos, anatomopatológicos e físico-químicos da carne. Houve aumento significativo (P

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de analisar as características sociais, econômicas e culturais de pessoas portadoras de doença de chagas em zonas rurais endêmicas no município de Mossoró. Para tanto foi realizado 48 questionários no mês de agosto de 2000. Os resultados mostram que os enfermos residem principalmente em condições precárias de saúde, educação, lazer e as residências são em sua maioria de taipa. Não há regularidade na notificação obrigatória pelo sistema de saúde, que aliás é insuficiente. Os portadores da doença de Chagas em sua maioria não recebem tratamento medicamentoso e não são visitados freqüentemente por médicos. Concluímos então que há um descaso do poder público no tratamento e na prevenção da doença de Chagas e que novos estudos precisam ser realizados para comparar a situação atual com a pregressa.

O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido visando contribuir com informações a respeito de aspectos biométricos e patológicos em testículos de catetos (Tayassu tajacu). Utilizaram-se doze animais, com idades superior a dez anos, provenientes do Centro de Multiplicação de Animais Silvestres CEMAS/ESAM. Após a coleta, os testículos foram submetidos a biometria e em seguida fixados em solução de Bouin. Posteriormente, conservou-se a amostra em álcool a 70% e submeteu-se ao processamento histológico de rotina. A leitura das lâminas foi realizada em microscópio óptico e os resultados obtidos analisados estatisticamente através dos testes "t" e "Z". Os valores médios de comprimento, circunferência e peso, entre o testículo direito e esquerdo, não revelam diferença estatística, ao se aplicar o teste "t". Porém, o mesmo teste demonstrou correlação com significância a 1% de probabilidade entre a gônada direita e esquerda, ao se comparar cada variável biométrica. Dos 12 animais utilizados, oito (67%) apresentaram alterações testiculares, as quais corresponderam a degeneração (63%), rarefação do epitélio (25%) e orquite (12%). Através do teste "Z" houve significância, a 2,5%, ao se compararem às freqüências entre degeneração e rarefação, assim como degeneração e orquite. Verificou-se que, à medida que uma das variáveis biométricas de um testículo apresenta modificação, há uma correspondência com o órgão contralateral. A patologia mais frequente foi à degeneração testicular, a qual demonstrou correlação com as demais alterações.

Background: Geopropolis produced by bees of the subfamily Meliponinae (Hymenoptera, Apidae) is used in Brazilian popular medicine for the treatment of different diseases. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of the hydroethanolic extract from geopropolis (HPE) produced by Melipona subnitida Ducke. Additionally, the chemical composition of HPE and antioxidant activity were also evaluated. Methods: The hepatoprotective potential of HPE was evaluated by serum biochemical profile and macroscopic and histological examination of the liver of 24 Wistar rats ( Rattus norvegicus), distributed in four experimental groups: G1 (negative control), G2 (HPE), G3 (HPE plus acetaminophen), G4 (acetaminophen - positive control). The HPLC-DADESI-MS/MS method was used to evaluate the chemical composition of HPE and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was used to measure the antioxidant activity of geopropolis. Results: While HPE alone (G2) caused no liver injury, the livers of G4 exhibited color and histological alterations, extensive hemorrhagic suffusions, friable consistence, yellowish-white multifocal areas, degeneration and diffuse hepatocyte necrosis, in addition to altered levels of urea and enzymes TGO (glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase) and TGP (glutamic pyruvic transaminase). HPE was shown to exert hepatoprotective effect in G3 animals, only mild hemorrhage and focal areas of vacuolar degeneration and hepatocyte necrosis having been observed. The geopropolis analyzed contains a high diversity of phenolic compounds, including chalcones, flavones and flavonols. high antioxidant activity was determined (IC 50=48 μg/mL). Conclusions: The hydroethanolic extract of the geopropolis produced by M. subnitida has a high diversity of phenolic compounds and a high antioxidant activity. It has hepatoprotective action, as evidenced by a reduction in the levels of enzymaraes and the severity of the macroscopic and histological changes in livers of Wistar rats subjected to acetaminophen induced liver changes.

Descreve-se um caso de infecção por Alcaligenes faecalis em peixe ornamental Betta splendens, incluindo avaliação clínica, patológica e bacteriológica. Um peixe fêmea, com peso de 16 g, inicialmente demonstrou discreta lesão escoriativa no tegumento, inapetência, emagrecimento progressivo, letargia, dispneia e aumento de volume na região lateral esquerda. Constataram-se em necropsia a presença de exoftalmia bilateral, opacidade de córnea, ascite e abscesso no subcutâneo provocando distensão da cavidade celomática. As alterações histológicas da pele se caracterizaram por abscesso, necrose, hemorragia e infiltrado inflamatório constituído principalmente de heterófilos. No exame microbiológico com exsudato e sangue venoso isolou-se exclusivamente A. faecalis.

ABSTRACT: The objective was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, genotoxic, antigenotoxic, and antineoplastic activities of apitoxin produced by the bee Apis mellifera. The antioxidant activity of the apitoxin solution was evaluated using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhydrazyl) method. Genotoxic potential of apitoxin was analyzed by comparing the mean DNA damage indices (idDNA) of L929 strain fibroblasts exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 - genotoxic substance), distilled water, or apitoxin. The antigenotoxic effect of apitoxin was analyzed by assessing the percentage decrease in H2O2-induced genotoxicity in L929 fibroblasts co-treated with three concentrations of the aqueous apitoxin solution and subjected to comet assay. In vitro antineoplastic activity in human tumor cell lines of prostate adenocarcinoma (PC3), hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPGE2), melanoma (MAD-MB435), and astrocytoma (SNB19), were verified by MTT [3- (4) bromide colorimetric method, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium]. Apitoxin had no genotoxic effect on L929 cells at concentrations of 30, 10, and 5 µg/mL after 24 hours of exposure. This effect was only evident at 50 µg/mL. Apitoxin promoted a significant reduction in DNA damage index (idDNA) at all concentrations tested. At 30 µg/mL, apitoxin attenuated the genotoxic effects induced by H2O2. Apitoxin also demonstrated in vitro antineoplastic potential, since the cytotoxic effect was observed at concentrations of 50 µg/mL and 25 µg/mL, with significant reduction in viability percentage of PC3 tumor cell lines, HEPGE2, MAD-MB435, and SNB19. The high antioxidant activity associated with the absence of genotoxic effect and the genoprotective and antineoplastic effect demonstrated by apitoxin here provide indications of apitoxin’s therapeutic potential.