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There are several methods of laboratory diagnosis of filarids, the most used are the thick smear and the Knott method. Both are quick to perform, have a low cost and allow observing the presence, quantifying and analyzing the morphological characteristics of microfilariae. Knowing the morphological viability of fixed microfilariae is of practical importance, as it allows the transport of samples to a laboratory, facilitates epidemiological studies , and allows the storage of samples for didactic. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological viability of microfilariae fixed in the refrigerated modified knott test using 2% formalin. To perform the modified Knott technique, 10 samples of microfilaremic dogs aged over 6 months were used. To evaluate the morphological viability time of the microfilariae in the modified Knott concentrate, the evaluations were repeated after intervals of 0, 1, 7, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 304 days. In the present study, we did not verify any difference in the morphology of the microfilariae in any of the analyzed intervals from day 0 to 304 days, and it is possible to conclude that the use of 2% formalin in the modified Knott technique allows the microfilariae to be identified in a period of 304 days. days after processing the sample without changes in its morphology., Existem diversos métodos de diagnóstico laboratorial de filarídeos, os mais utilizados são a gota espessa e o método do Knott. Ambos são de rápida execução, possui baixo custo e permitem observar a presença, quantificar e analisar as características morfológicas das microfilárias. Conhecer a viabilidade morfológica das microfilárias fixadas tem importância prática, pois permite o transporte de amostras para um laboratório, facilita estudos epidemiológicos, e permite o armazenamento de amostras para fins didáticos. Desta maneira, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade morfológica das microfilárias fixadas em teste do knott modificado refrigerado utilizando formalina a 2%. Para realização da técnica de knott modificado foram utilizadas 10 amostras de cães microfilarêmicos, com idade superior a 6 meses. Para avaliar o tempo de viabilidade morfológica das microfilárias no concentrado de Knott modificado, foram repedidas as avaliações após intervalos de 0,1,7, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240 e 304 dias. No presente estudo não verificamos diferença na morfologia das microfilárias em nenhum dos intervalos analisados deste do dia 0 até 304 dias, sendo possível concluir que a utilização da formalina a 2% na técnica de Knott modificada permite que as microfilárias possam ser identificadas em período de 304 dias após o processamento da amostra sem que ocorram alterações na sua morfologia.

Alternative protocols for the treatment of skin lesions have been developed with the use of techniques such as photobiomodulation and phytotherapy, aiming to optimize this process. To evaluate the effectiveness of copaiba (Copaiferalangsdorffii) oil-resin and low-level laser therapy for treating cutaneous wounds, 15 Wistar rats (Rattusnorvergicus) were used, in whom five 8-mm lesions were produced. The following protocols were applied: negative control group (T1); positive control group (T2); laser therapy with AsGa (904 nm), continuous, focal mode for 10 s, dosage of 4 J/cm² (T3); copaiba oil-resin (T4); and association group (copaiba and low-level laser) (T5). The efficacy of each technique was evaluated based on macroscopic aspects of the lesion, wound healing rate, and histopathological analysis (inflammatory infiltrate and collagen expression). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for statistical analyses (P> 0.05). Copaiba treatment showed an advantage in type III collagen expression, whereas laser therapy demonstrated an enhanced capacity for tissue regeneration. The significant advantage obtained from the association treatment is the improvement of the macroscopic aspect of the wound, with a reduction in crust formation.

This study’s objective was to evaluate the efficacy of treating cutaneous wounds in Wistar rats using a therapeutic laser alone or in combination with topical application of andiroba oil. Twenty-four Wistar rats were distributed into three groups (T4, T7, and T14) of eight animals. To prepare the wounds, a total of four skin fragments per animal were removed using an 8-mm cutaneous biopsy punch. Each animal was inflicted with four surgical wounds, and each wound was subjected to one treatment. The treatments were as follows: saline solution (control, Cn); laser therapy (L), using a 660-nm laser wavelength and 10-J/cm² energy density; fresh andiroba oil (An); laser therapy followed by topical andiroba oil administration (LAn). All treatments in all animals were conducted for 4- (T4), 7- (T7), and 14- (T14) day periods. Edema and purulent secretion were observed in three animals in the An group, and the appearance of an exuberant crust was also observed in one animal from the same group. The LAn group presented the worst wound healing rate and contraction velocity (p < 0.05). Microscopically, there was no difference between groups regarding the presence of inflammation, necrosis, formation of granulation tissue, fibroplasia, and the presence of types 1 and 3 collagen at different treatment times. It was concluded that laser treatment of cutaneous wounds in conjunction with andiroba oil application did not present benefits in reference to the 0.9% NaCl.

Aelurostrongylosis, caused by the metastrongylid nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is an underestimated feline respiratory disease. Cats infected by A. abstrusus may show subclinical to severe clinical signs. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus has a worldwide distribution. Nevertheless, studies on this parasite in Brazil are scarce, and most have been conducted in the southern regions. This study investigated the occurrence of A. abstrusus in cats in Vilhena, Rondônia, Brazil, from April 2020 to February 2021. Three consecutive individual fecal samples from 101 cats were examined using Baermann and Hoffman tests. Two cats (1.98%) scored positive for A. abstrusus, one with the Baermann examination, and one with the Hoffman technique. No other lungworms were retrieved. The clinicopathological and epizootiological implications are described and discussed.

The application of hydrotherapy is growing in the field of animal rehabilitation to improve strength, endurance, fitness, and range of motion, in addition to reducing pain. In the same way, land-based activity is recommended for various conditions, including hypertension, muscle atrophy, and obesity. There is a lack of studies that evaluate the safety of incremental exercise in American Pit Bull Terriers. This study assessed the influence of activity on underwater and dry land treadmills on the physiological parameters of dogs. In this regard, 12 adult, male, healthy, and untrained American Pit Bull Terriers were subjected to an incremental exercise test (IET) on the underwater treadmill (Group I) and the dry land treadmill (Group II). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and electrocardiographic evaluation, were evaluated before activity (T0), immediately after (T1), 30 min after (T2), and 90 min after the end of exercise (T3), and plasmatic lactate concentrations were measured at T0, T1, and T2 time points. Results obtained were submitted to the Shapiro-Wilk test, ANOVA and Tukey’s test, considering P

Trypanosoma evansi (Kinetoplastea Trypanosomatidae) is the Trypanosoma species that infects the greatest variety of mammals worldwide. In 2014, a dog from Rio Branco/AC, in the Brazilian Amazon region, presented flagellates without evident kinetoplasts in blood and symptoms of T. evansi infection. Our aim was to investigate the occurrence of T. evansi in dogs, bats and capybaras from Rio Branco. Blood was collected from 78 dogs from residential areas near the Zoobotanical Park (PZ). The serological diagnosis by IFAT detected the presence of anti-T. evansi antibodies in 21.9% of the evaluated dogs. T. evansi DNA was detected in one dog using a higly specific target of a repeated monomer of the satellite DNA of Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) sp. Molecular diagnosis was also performed on 182 bat spleen samples collected inside PZ, and one Carollia perspicillata was positive. The DNA sequences obtained from these two samples showed similarities with T. brucei satellite DNA. Anti-T. evansi IFAT was carried out in 46 capybaras from rural and urban areas and the infection detected in 17.4% of them. We confirmed for the first time the presence of T. evansi in Acre State and describe three putative host species involved in the parasite transmission in that Amazon region. Moreover, this is the first study that confirms the infection by T. evansi through DNA sequence analysis in the Brazilian Amazon Region.

Background : Canine reactive cutaneous histiocytosis (RCH) is an immuneproliferative disease of skin histiocytes and is uncommon in occurrence. Its description in the literature is scarce and clinical studies are limited by the insufficient characterization of the patients' pathological findings. The objective of this report is to describe the clinical, histological and immunohistochemical findings of a case of canine reactive cutaneous histiocytosis in the state of Acre, Amazonia, Brazil. Case : It was attended at the Federal University of Acre, a 7-year-old male American pit bull terrier dog with nodular, allopecic and ulcerated lesions in the dorsal region of the ear, with purulent discharge and exacerbated painful tenderness. The animal was domiciled on the bank of the river Acre, municipality of Rio Branco, state of Acre, and suffered frequent parasitism by sandflies, especially in the head region. In the histopathological evaluation, hyperplastic cells were found, a large ulcerated area with the presence of fibrin and neutrophilic infiltrate in the epidermis. In the dermal layer, an inflammatory reaction pattern was identified, with the presence of fibrous connective tissue, dilated blood vessels and edema, however little defined. There was an intense presence of histiocytes with anisocytosis, in addition to neutrophils, plasma cells and lymphocytes in the perivascular and perianexal region. In immunohistochemistry, lysozyme and cell markers CD1a and Thy1 were detected, but negative result for E-cadherin and CD11d. The immunosuppressive therapy indicated with prednisolone, plus cephalexin for secondary infections and topical treatment, with clinical remission within two years. Discussion : Although the etiopathogenesis of RCH is poorly understood, it is believed that, in addition to the genetic factor, the disease is triggered by an antigenic trigger on the skin, such as dogs susceptible to ticks and sandflies. The accumulation of defense cells in the skin tissue, against the antigenic stimulus, generates primarily an inflammatory process too. Immune maladjustment of dendritic cells and leukocytes occurs in the walls of dermal vessels, as well as exacerbated recruitment of histiocytes, characteristics seen in cell morphology analyzes. In RCH, the proliferation of histiocytes between collagen fibers and the infiltration of round cells in the dermis are indicative of the disease, as evidenced in this report. The immunohistochemistry is the method of choice, which allows establishing the cellular origin that triggered the disease, although the characterization of a differentiation cluster is underused in veterinary medicine. In this context, we seek to identify histiocytes, which comprise the group of cells derived from CD34 +, macrophage precursors, dendritic and Langerhans cells of the epithelial tissue, which act as antigen presenters. It can be concluded that canine RCH is an uncommon disease resulting from an inflammatory process of the dermis with difficult to identify immune dysregulation. Differential diagnosis with systemic histiocytosis, cutaneous histiocytoma, histiocytic sarcoma, as well as leishmaniasis and mycobacteriosis, are fundamental through histopathological, serological and immunohistochemical evaluations, to establish the definitive diagnosis of the disease, as well as the prognosis, and to better direct the therapeutic approach of the case.

Trypanosoma cruzi is a widespread protozoan in Latin America causing Chagas disease in humans and able to infect several other mammal species. The objective of this study was to investigate the T. cruzi infection in triatomine fauna as well as in dogs from distinct areas of Acre, western Brazilian Amazonia, which recently reported acute cases of human CD as well as an area that have not notify this disease recently. Triatomines were collected and the intestinal contents were evaluated for the presence of trypanosomatids by optical microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the mini-exon gene. Blood smear, hemoculture, PCR and serology were performed in the studied mammals. Fecal content of four triatomines were positive (11.6%) in the fresh examination. Molecular analysis identified Trypanosoma cruzi TCI in two specimens. Blood samples from 90 dogs were obtained. Trypanosoma sp. was observed in six blood smears (6/83, 7.22%). Seropositivity for T. cruzi was 8/89 (8.98). One dog's hemoculture was obtained and characterized as T. rangeli. PCR reactions in blood clots resulted in one positive dog (1/75, 1.3%) infected by T. janseni, providing a new mammalian host for a recently described Trypanosoma species. The results demonstrate the low exposition and prevalence for T. cruzi suggesting that dogs are not important to T. cruzi transmission cycle in the studied áreas.

A interação entre homens e animais tem consequências para a saúde pública, como o aumento dos casos de raiva, uma zoonose letal. Neste estudo, foram analisadas 1047 fichas do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Os dados foram representativos do tratamento preventivo anti-raiva humano no município de Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, de 2007 a 2015. O maior número de casos foi registrado em 2013 (17,95%) e a maior incidência de ataques ocorreu nas regiões urbanas (86,1%). As feridas resultantes de mordida de cão corresponderam a 98,66% dos ataques. Os animais foram classificados como suspeitos da raiva em 65,42% dos casos, no entanto, apenas 1% foram clinicamente diagnosticados como positivos. Apenas 4% das vítimas humanas foram submetidas a exame para pós-exposição de titulação. Os resultados indicam que os programas de Saúde Pública devem considerar como prioritários os ataques de cães na área urbana na cidade de Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre.

RESUMO Criadores de animais silvestres sempre buscam métodos eficientes de manter sua criação. Parasitos intestinais afetam os animais em cativeiro, diminuindo sua sobrevivência e reprodução. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia do uso de cal virgem na desinfecção do solo e na prevenção da reinfestação de endoparasitos em pacas (Cuniculus paca) em cativeiro. Amostras de solo das baias de criação foram analisadas usando-se o método de Rugai modificado. Duas etapas foram avaliadas: a primeira aos cinco, 45 e 105 minutos após os tratamentos, e a segunda aos sete dias e aos 14 dias após os tratamentos. Os valores de pH das amostras foram verificados após a aplicação de quatro tratamentos. Foram aplicados 400g/m2 de cal virgem a lanço ou 500mL/m2 de três soluções de cal virgem (10%, 20% ou 40% p/v). Na primeira etapa, a cal a lanço foi ineficaz na modificação do pH do solo e no controle de parasitos. A solução a 10% proporcionou o melhor controle dos parasitos. Na segunda etapa, as soluções foram eficazes na elevação do pH, porém não houve diferença significativa nos achados larvais. Concluiu-se que, nas condições do estudo, a solução a 10% aumentou o pH do solo e teve boa capacidade de inativação dos ovos de Strongyloides sp., o que economicamente é interessante. Porém, para o controle eficiente de Strongyloides sp. em cativeiros de pacas, deve-se considerar a frequência da aplicação de soluções com até 20% de cal, juntamente com a adoção de um programa de vermifugação. ABSTRACT Wild animal breeders are always looking for effective ways to care for their livestock. Intestinal parasites affect animals in captivity, reducing their survival and reproduction. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of quicklime for use in soil disinfection and prevention of reinfection of endoparasites in paca (Cuniculus paca) kept in captivity. Soil samples of pacas’ stalls were analyzed using the modified Rugai method. Two experimental stages were evaluated; the first at 5, 45 and 105 minutes after treatment and the second at 7 days and 14 days after treatment. The pH values of the samples were checked after the application of four treatments. An application of 400g/m2 of quicklime spread out on ground or 500mL/m2 of three lime solutions (10%, 20% or 40%, w / v) applied on ground. In the first stage, the lime spread out on soil was ineffective in parasites control, while the 10% solution provided the best control of parasites. In the second stage, the solutions were effective in raising the pH, but there was no significant difference in larval findings. In conclusion, under the conditions of the study, 10% solution increased the soil pH and had good ability to inactivate the eggs of Strongyloides sp.; that is economically interesting. However, for effective control of Strongyloides sp. in pacas kept captive, both the frequency of application of solutions up to 20% of lime and the adoption of a good worming schedule should be taken into consideration.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-07-14T10:22:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-12. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-14T11:28:51Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0102-09352012000600007.pdf: 628261 bytes, checksum: 398adb11bef658ca80dd146d8607778b (MD5) Com o objetivo de avaliar a concentração plasmática de diclofenaco sódico (DS) emulgel em cães com ou sem o uso de fonoforese e de verificar se a fonoforese induz à maior absorção desse fármaco, foram utilizados cinco cães, e todos eles passaram por oito grupos distintos. Um grupo recebeu, via oral, um comprimido de DS, 40mg, por animal, e sete grupos receberam aplicação transdérmica de diclofenaco sódico emulgel por ultrassom. Pela via transdérmica, a área de aplicação era de 20cm². A frequência do ultrassom foi de 1MHz, modo contínuo, com intensidade de 0,4Wcm-2. Colheram-se amostras de sangue antes de se executarem os protocolos - tempo zero -, após uma hora - tempo 1 - e após quatro horas da aplicação - tempo 2 - em todos os grupos, e realizou-se análise das amostras por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Houve diferença (P

Na presente pesquisa, foram utilizados implantes teno-ósseos homólogos conservados em glicerina a 98%, na reparação do ligamento cruzado cranial, em 24 cães adultos pesando entre 15 e 30kg. Os implantes foram passados por um leito receptor preparado no fêmur e outro na tíbia e ancorados por meio de fios de poliéster em parafusos fixados respectivamente nas extremidades distal e proximal desses ossos. A articulação do joelho foi imobilizada por um período de 30 dias. Os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos para as avaliações radiográfica, macroscópica e histológica do implante aos 60 dias (grupo B) e aos 90 dias (grupo A) de evolução pós-operatória. Em nenhum dos cães, houve evidência de fragilização do implante ou evidência radiográfica ou macroscópica de degeneração articular até os 90 dias de pós-operatório.

Com o objetivo de avaliar um protocolo de reabilitação em cães submetidos a homoimplante ortotópico tenopatelar conservado em glicerina a 98%, seguido de imobilização rígida temporária da articulação do joelho, oito cães foram distribuídos em dois grupos de igual número, denominados I ou tratados e II ou controle. Após a remoção do aparelho de fixação externa biplanar, os cães do grupo I foram submetidos a terapia física durante 15 dias, que consistiu de hidroterapia, massageamento, movimentação passiva da articulação do joelho, alongamento passivo e exercícios de caminhada. Na avaliação clínica da articulação do joelho e dos tecidos adjacentes, foi observado que os cães do grupo I apresentaram menores rigidez articular e contratura da musculatura da coxa em relação ao grupo II. Decorridos 90 dias de pós-operatório, foi observado que a amplitude de movimento foi maior em extensão no grupo tratado (P

A case of suprasellar germ cell tumor is described in a 6-year -old Airedale Terrier bitch that presented behavioral changes and abrupt onset of blindness. The neoplasm compressed the ventral surface of the cerebrum from the level of basal ganglia to the mesencephalon. Histologically the neoplasm consisted of nests and trabeculae of round to polygonal cells that occasionally surround tubules and cysts formed by columnar cells. Neoplastic cells are immunopositive for cytokeratin and alpha-fetoprotein. The diagnosis was based on location, histological appearance and on the immunohistochemical staining.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T19:00:20Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S0103-84782011000700024.pdf: 203560 bytes, checksum: cbc7f5cea43212c14e009f21cfd060fd (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T19:00:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S0103-84782011000700024.pdf: 203560 bytes, checksum: cbc7f5cea43212c14e009f21cfd060fd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-07-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T19:58:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S0103-84782011000700024.pdf: 203560 bytes, checksum: cbc7f5cea43212c14e009f21cfd060fd (MD5) S0103-84782011000700024.pdf.txt: 28207 bytes, checksum: 2994ca7dfb736da96cf4fa52fcc7e1ff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-07-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:14:10Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S0103-84782011000700024.pdf: 203560 bytes, checksum: cbc7f5cea43212c14e009f21cfd060fd (MD5) S0103-84782011000700024.pdf.txt: 28207 bytes, checksum: 2994ca7dfb736da96cf4fa52fcc7e1ff (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:14:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S0103-84782011000700024.pdf: 203560 bytes, checksum: cbc7f5cea43212c14e009f21cfd060fd (MD5) S0103-84782011000700024.pdf.txt: 28207 bytes, checksum: 2994ca7dfb736da96cf4fa52fcc7e1ff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-07-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Avaliou-se a resposta de diferentes protocolos fisioterapêuticos em cães após a indução de atrofia muscular por meio da imobilização do joelho por 30 dias. Os grupos foram denominados grupo C ou controle, grupo E (massagem, movimentação passiva e eletroterapia), grupo H (massagem, movimentação passiva e hidroterapia em esteira aquática) e grupo EH (massagem, movimentação passiva, eletroterapia e hidroterapia em esteira aquática). Foram mensurados os graus de claudicação, arco do movimento, circunferência da coxa e a variação sérica das enzimas creatina-quinase e lactato-desidrogenase. de acordo com os resultados encontrados, foi possível concluir que as modalidades terapêuticas de massagem, movimentação passiva da articulação, estimulação elétrica neuromuscular e hidroterapia por caminhada em esteira aquática aceleram a recuperação clínica em cães com atrofia muscular induzida. The response of different physiotherapeutic treatment protocols was evaluated in dogs after muscle atrophy induced by joint immobilization for 30 days. Groups were named C group or control, E group (massage, passive range of motion and neuromuscular electrical stimulation), H group (massage, passive range of motion and aquatic therapy in underwater treadmill) and EH group (massage, passive range of motion, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and aquatic therapy in underwater treadmill). It was measured the degree of lameness, range motion, thigh circumference and range of serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). According to the results, it was possible to conclude that associated therapeutics modalities such as massage, passive range of motion of the joint, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and aquatic therapy by walking on underwater treadmill accelerate clinical recovery in dogs with induced muscle atrophy. Universidade Federal do Acre Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Natureza Universidade Estadual Paulista Departamento de Clínica de Pequenos Animais Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC) Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia de Garça Universidade Estadual Paulista Departamento de Clínica de Pequenos Animais

Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular (EENM) de baixa freqüência sobre o músculo vasto lateral, foram utilizados 11 cães, agrupados aleatoriamente em três grupos, denominados de I ou controle, de II (EENM após imobilização) e de III (EENM durante e após imobilização). A articulação fêmoro-tíbio-patelar direita foi imobilizada por 30 dias pelo método de transfixação percutânea tipo II. Os cães do grupo III iniciaram as sessões de eletroterapia, três vezes por semana, durante (30 dias) e após a imobilização (60 dias); e os cães dos grupos II após a remoção da imobilização rígida temporária. Foram avaliadas a mensuração da circunferência da coxa, a goniometria do joelho, os graus de claudicação, as enzimas creatina-quinase (CK) e a aspartato-amino-transferase (AST) e a morfometria das fibras musculares longitudinais do vasto lateral. A análise clínica dos graus de claudicação foi realizada diariamente. A medida da circunferência de coxa, a goniometria e a biópsia do músculo vasto lateral foram realizadas nos tempos zero, 30, 60 e 90 dias após imobilização. As amostras de sangue para avaliação da CK e da AST foram coletadas antes, imediatamente depois, em 6, 24 e 48 horas após a EENM, nos dias zero, 1, 7, 30, 45, 60, 75 e 90. A EENM foi empregada no músculo quadríceps femoral numa freqüência de 50Hz, com duração de pulso de 300 milisegundos e relação "on time/off time" de 1:2. Não houve diferença significativa nos graus de claudicação, nos valores de circunferência da coxa, na goniometria e no comportamento das enzimas CK e AST entre os grupos. Foi observada maior hipertrofia das fibras musculares longitudinais nos cães do grupo II (P=0,0005), seguidos pelos cães do grupo III. Pode-se concluir que a EENM de baixa freqüência ocasiona hipertrofia do músculo vasto lateral em cães após a imobilização rígida temporária da articulação do joelho, recomendando-se o seu uso em animais com atrofia muscular. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of low frequency on the vastus lateralis muscle. Eleven dogs were randomly placed in 3 groups: I (control), II (NMES post immobilization), and III (NMES during and post immobilization). The right femoral-tibial-patellar joint was immobilized for 30 days by the percutaneous transfixation type II method. The dogs from group III were placed on electrotherapy 3 times a week during (30 days) and post-immobilization (60 days) and the dogs from group II post-removal of the temporary rigid immobilization. The parameters evaluated consisted of: measurement of thigh circumference, joint motion using a goniometer, gait analysis, creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and morphometry of the longitudinal muscle fibers of vastus lateralis muscle. The gait analysis was performed daily and the circumference of the thigh, joint motion, and muscle biopsy were performed on days 0, 30, 60 and 90 post-immobilization. The blood samples for CK and AST were collected before and immediately after 6, 24 and 48 hours post-NMES on days 0, 1, 7, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90. The NMES was employed on the femoral quadriceps muscle group with a frequency of 50Hz post-duration of 300msec on an on-time/off-time ratio of 1:2. There was no significant difference on the gait analysis, thigh circumference, joint motion, and CK and AST values. The greatest hypertrophy change was observed on longitudinal fibers of the dogs from group II (P=0.0005), followed by the dogs from group III. NMES of low frequency causes hypertrophy of the vastus lateralis muscle in dogs post-temporary immobilization of the stifle joint, recommending its use in animals with muscular atrophy.

Coelhos têm sido utilizados como modelo para o estudo da neuropatogenia da infecção pelo herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 (BHV-5), um importante agente de doença neurológica em bovinos. O sistema olfatório tem sido apontado como a principal via de acesso do vírus ao cérebro após replicação na cavidade nasal. Para investigar a importância da via olfatória na patogenia da infecção neurológica pelo BHV-5, foi elaborada e avaliada uma técnica operatória de craniotomia transfrontal para remoção dos bulbos olfatórios (BOs), definindo-se as órbitas como referência anatômica. Foram utilizados 45 coelhos com 30 dias de idade, sendo 23 submetidos à ablação cirúrgica dos BOs e posteriormente inoculados pela via intranasal (IN) ou no saco conjuntival (IC) com o BHV-5. Após incisões de pele, tecido subcutâneo e periósteo, a craniotomia foi realizada em um ponto eqüidistante entre os cantos mediais dos olhos, com uma broca sulcada de 3mm acoplada a uma perfuratriz elétrica de baixa rotação. A remoção dos BOs foi realizada com uma sonda uretral n°6 acoplada a um aspirador. O estudo macroscópico de três animais após a cirurgia comprovou que o procedimento foi eficiente na remoção total dos BOs. Isso também foi comprovado pela interrupção do acesso do vírus ao córtex cerebral: apenas um animal (1/11 ou 9,1%) no grupo submetido à ablação dos BOs com inoculação IN desenvolveu enfermidade neurológica, contra 100% (10/10) dos coelhos controle. Conclui-se que a técnica de craniotomia transfrontal utilizando a órbita como referência anatômica permite o acesso adequado para localização e remoção dos BOs e pode ser utilizada em estudos de patogenia de infecções por vírus neurotrópicos que exijam a interrupção completa da via olfatória. Rabbits have been used as animal models to study the pathogenesis of neurological infection by bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BHV-5), an important agent of meningoencephalitis in cattle. The olfactory system has been implicated as the main pathway for the virus to reach the brain after replication in the nasal mucosa. To investigate the role of the olfactory route in the pathogenesis of neurological infection, a technique of transfrontal craniotomy for ablation of the main olfactory bulbs (MOBs), using the eyes as the anatomic reference was developed and evaluated. Using this technique, twenty three 30 days-old rabbits were submitted to surgical ablation of the MOBs and subsequently inoculated with BHV-5. After skin, subcutaneous tissue and periosteum incisions, the craniotomy was performed in a point equidistant to the medial corner of the eyes, with a 3 mm drill coupled to a low intensity elyptic drilling machine. The removal of the MOB's tissue was performed by using a number 6 uretral probe coupled to a surgical vaccum pump. The anatomic references used were appropriate in allowing an adequate and easy access to the MOBs. Necropsy performed in three animals after the surgery demonstrated that the surgical procedure was efficient in completely removing the MOB tissue. This was also demonstrated by the interruption of the access of the virus to the brain after intranasal inoculation: only one animal (1/11) in the bulbectomized group developed neurological infection and disease, against 100% (10/10) of the control group. The transfrontal craniotomy using the eyes as the anatomical reference allowed for an adequate access for localization and removal of the MOBs in rabbits. This techique may be used in studies of viral pathogenesis requiring the complete interruption of the olfactory connection to the brain.

O herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 (BoHV-5) é um agente importante de meningoencefalite em bovinos. Após replicação na mucosa nasal, acredita-se que o vírus invada o cérebro principalmente pela via olfatória. Para investigar a importância dessa via na patogenia da infecção neurológica em um modelo animal, coelhos recém-desmamados (30 dias) foram submetidos à ablação cirúrgica dos bulbos olfatórios (BOs) e posteriormente inoculados pela via intranasal (IN) ou no saco conjuntival (IC) com uma cepa altamente neurovirulenta do BoHV-5 (SV-507). Após inoculação IN, 10/10 coelhos no Grupo Controle (com BOs) desenvolveram enfermidade neurológica, com início dos sinais clínicos entre os dias 5 e 10 pós-inoculação (pi) (média de 7,5 dias); em contraste, no grupo submetido à ablação dos BOs (n=11), apenas um animal (9,1%) desenvolveu doença neurológica (início no dia 17pi). Administração de dexametasona aos animais sobreviventes (n=10) no dia 50 pi resultou em excreção viral em secreções nasais e/ou oculares por oito destes, demonstrando que o vírus foi capaz de atingir o gânglio trigêmeo (TG) durante a infecção aguda. Esses resultados demonstram que a rota olfatória representa a via principal, mas não única, de acesso ao cérebro de coelhos após inoculação IN. Para investigar o papel de uma segunda possível via de acesso, grupos de coelhos controle (n=12) ou submetidos à ablação dos BOs (n=12) foram inoculados no saco conjuntival (IC), após o qual o vírus poderia utilizar o ramo oftálmico do nervo trigêmeo para invadir o cérebro. Dez coelhos controle (83,3 %) desenvolveram doença neurológica após inoculação IC, com início dos sinais entre os dias 11 e 20 (média 15,3 dias). A ablação prévia dos BOs não afetou a freqüência ou o curso da doença neurológica nesse grupo: 10/12 coelhos (83,3 %) sem os BOs desenvolveram a doença neurológica, com os sinais iniciando entre os dias 9 e 15pi (média 12,7 dias). Esses resultados demonstram que tanto a via olfatória como a trigeminal podem servir de acesso para o BoHV-5 invadir o cérebro de coelhos inoculados experimentalmente, dependendo da via de inoculação. Inoculação IN resulta em um transporte rápido e eficiente pela via olfatória; com a via trigeminal servindo de acesso mais lento e menos eficiente. Inoculação IC resulta em transporte e invasão eficientes, porém mais tardios, provavelmente pela via trigeminal. Bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) is a major etiological agent of meningoencephalitis in cattle. Following replication in the nasal mucosa, viral invasion of the brain is thought to occur mainly by the olfactory pathway. To address the role of this pathway in the pathogenesis of neurological infection in a laboratory model, 30 days old rabbits had the main olfactory bulbs (MOBs) surgically removed and were subsequently inoculated intranasally (IN) or conjunctivally (IC) with a highly neurovirulent BoHV-5 strain (SV-507). Following IN inoculation, 10 out of 10 (100 %) control rabbits developed neurological disease. The clinical onset ranged from day 5 to 10 post-inoculation (pi, average 7.5 days); nine being euthanized in extremis and one recovering after a mild clinical course. In contrast, only one rabbit (9.1 %) of the group lacking the MOBs (n=11) developed neurological disease (onset at day 17 pi). Dexamethasone administration to the survivors (n=10) at day 50pi was followed by virus shedding in nasal and/or ocular secretions by 8 animals, demonstrating that the virus was able to reach the trigeminal ganglia (TG) during acute infection. These results demonstrate that the olfactory route provides the main, yet not the sole access to the brain of rabbits following IN inoculation. To address the role of a second pathway, groups of control (n=12) or MOB-lacking rabbits (n=12) were inoculated into the conjunctival sac (IC), following which the virus would be expected to use the ophtalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve to reach the brain. Ten control rabbits (83.3 %) developed neurological disease upon IC inoculation (onset 15.3 days 11 to 20). Previous ablation of the MOBs did not affect the frequency and course of neurological disease: ten out of 12 rabbits (83.3 %) lacking the MOBs developed neurological disease (onset 9 to 15 dpi, average: 12.7 days) upon IC inoculation. These results demonstrate that both IN and IC routes may operate in the transport of BoHV-5 to the brain of experimentally infected rabbits, depending on the route of inoculation. IN inoculation results in a fast and efficient transport by the olfactory pathway, the trigeminal route providing an alternative, much slower and less efficient transport; IC inoculation results in efficient viral transport by the trigeminal route, yet with a delayed kinetics comparing to the transport provided by the olfactory pathway.

In this essay, we quantify the concentration of collagen fibers in broiler chickens exposed to increasing concentrations of cupuacu seed by-product. Collection of material was carried out in five chickens per treatment at 70 days old in the groups: control, 5% and 10% inclusion of cupuacu seed by-product. Fragments of Thoracic Pectoralis (PT) and Iliotibial lateralis (ITL) muscles were prepared for light and electronic microscopy. The amount of collagen fibers in the muscle groups was 1.08±0.61% in the PTC group; 6.24±2.58% in PT5% and 7.30±2.75% in PT10%. In the Iliotibial Lateralis groups, the results were 6.96±3.14% in the ITLC; 7.43±4.22% in the ITL5% and 8.66±2.35% in ITL10%. The amount of collagen fibers in the ITL5% and ITL10% groups showed no significant statistical difference. However, when compared to the ILTC group, there was a significant statistical difference. The PT muscle responds to standard nutritional changes, unlike the ILT muscle, which requires a high-nutrient formulation. The use of 5% cupuacu seed by-product has proven to be a viable alternative source of animal feed, as it promotes an increase in the concentrations of collagen fibers in the musculature of broiler chickens and is possibly the determining factor in meat texture. RESUMO Neste estudo, foram quantificadas as concentrações de fibras colágenas de frangos expostos a crescentes concentrações de farinha de cupuaçu. A coleta de material foi realizada em cinco animais por tratamento, aos 70 dias de idade, nos grupos: controle, inclusão de 5% e de 10% de farinha de cupuaçu. Fragmentos dos músculos peitoral torácico (PT) e iliotibial lateral (ITL) foram preparados para microscopia de luz e eletrônica. A quantidade de fibras colágenas nos grupos foi: 1,08±0,61% no grupo PTC; 6,24±2,58% em PT5% e 7,30±2,75% em PT10%. Nos grupos iliotibial lateral, os resultados foram: 6,96±3,14% no ITLC; 7,43±4,22% no ITL5% e 8,66±2,35% em ITL10%. A quantidade de fibras colágenas nos grupos ITL5% e ITL10% não apresentou diferença estatística significativa. No entanto, quando comparados ao grupo ILTC, houve diferença estatística significativa. O músculo PT responde a mudanças nutricionais padrão, ao contrário do músculo ILT, que requer alta formulação nutricional. O uso de 5% de farinha de cupuaçu provou ser uma fonte alternativa viável de alimentação animal, pois promove um aumento nas concentrações de fibras de colágeno na musculatura de frangos de corte e é possivelmente um fator determinante na textura da carne.