Bilateral Gastrocnemius Muscle Rupture in a Bovine

Background: Locomotor system diseases are quite common in the field practice in dairy cattle and represent an important cause of economics losses. The rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle has been reported in humans, cattle, horses, camels and llamas. It can be complete or partial. The rupture of muscle as well as sacral fractures are infrequent, and consequently not commonly reported in veterinary medicine. The aim of this work was to report a case of bilateral gastrocnemius rupture in a dairy cow related to a sacral (S2) fracture.Case: A 3-year-old Holstein cow with lameness and urinary incontinence was presented for clinical examination. After three days, clinical signs progressed to sternal recumbency and difficulty to keep normal posture. While standing, the cow’s tarsal joint showed a 90o degree angle with tibia, in a manner that the metatarsal bones were completely leant on the ground. Also, a marked enlargement in both gastrocnemius area were observed. The animal was in good body condition and alert,although unable to maintain both hind limbs extended straight, and was not able to raise the tarsal joint off the ground. Physiological parameters presented normal values. Due to the poor prognosis, euthanasia and necropsy were conducted. At necropsy, it was observed that in both hind limbs the gastrocnemius muscle was ruptured, presenting severe diffuse dark red color, severe enlargement, and moderate diffuse edema and emphysema. The rupture was complete and observed at both muscular insertions in the calcaneus bone. Besides the muscular alterations, the animal had a 2 centimeters fracture on the second sacral vertebra, associated with focally extensive hemorrhage in the spinal canal and meninges. Histologically the main findings were degeneration and severe diffuse necrosis of muscle fibers associated with severe hemorrhage, and mild infiltrate of neutrophils.Discussion: Fractures in cattle may occur due to multiples causes, however farm management and facilities play an important role in the incidence of these disorders. Slippery floors along with groups composed of animals of different sizes and ages are a major cause of injury in this species. The consequence of a vertebral fracture vary greatly according to the location and extent of the injury, the degree of spinal cord compression and which spinal anatomical structures are involved. Besides the direct damage caused by the fractures in the bone’s stability, changes can also occur in related structures, such as muscles and tendons, which are extremely important for the animal to maintain its normal stance and move adequately. One example is the trauma of gastrocnemius muscle that is found sporadically due to struggling. In this case it is conjectured that the pain and the spinal cord compression at the fracture’s location, lead to difficulty for the animal to rise, culminating with the ruptured muscles by overexertion. The characteristic position adopted by the animal was useful to establish the diagnosis, although necropsy was necessary to confirm it. Once the occurrence of this condition is infrequent, this report becomes important to aid veterinarians in order to differentiate it from other diseases of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, including toxic conditions as Senna sp. and ionophore poisoning, besides nutritional myopathies such as vitamin E and selenium deficiency. Coxofemoral luxation and infectious diseases such as rabies and botulism should also be considered

Assay of empagliflozin tablets by a stability-indicating micellar electrokinetic chromatography method and cytotoxicity study of degraded samples

The first method by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) for the determination of empagliflozin in tablets was developed and validated following the ICH guidelines. The separation was achieved in a fused silica capillary with 50 µm x 40 cm (inner diameter x effective length) at 28 ºC, +28 kV voltage, hydrodynamic injection 4s (50 mBar), detection at 225 nm and paracetamol was the internal standard. The running electrolyte was a mixture of 20 mM tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (pH 10) and 100 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate (1:1). Specificity was evaluated by the stress testing and the method was specific, with no interference of the degradation product. Linearity was observed in the range of 50 to 150 μg/mL (r=0.9999). The method showed adequate accuracy (recovery value=100.60±0.60%), precision (RSD values <2%) and robustness, which was evaluated by a full factorial design 23. Drug degradation kinetics was evaluated in alkaline andacidic conditions and first-order kinetic was observed in both conditions. The cytotoxicity of sample solutions degraded by UVA and UVC radiation, alkaline and acid media were studied as well. A similar cellular viability profile was observed with a slight decrease only in samples degraded by UVC radiation and basic medium

A fully validated microbiological assay for daptomycin injection and comparison to HPLC method

Daptomycin (DPT) was the first lipopeptide antibiotic available for commercialization. It is active against gram-positive bacteria, including resistant strains. This work aimed to develop and validate a turbidimetric microbiologic assay to determine daptomycin in an injectable form. A 3x3 design was employed, at concentrations of 1, 2 and 4.0 µg/mL. The microorganism test used was Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538p, and Antibiotic Medium 3 was used as the culture medium. Method validation demonstrated that the bioassay was linear (r=0.9995), precise (RSD=2.58%), accurate (recovery 100.48± 2.11%), and robust. Degradation kinetics was also performed in an alkaline medium, indicating that daptomycin degradation follows first order kinetics under these conditions. The analyses of degraded solutions showed that daptomycin degradation products do not possess bactericidal activity. The bioassay was compared to HPLC method that was previously developed and no significant difference was found between them (p>;0.05). The method proved to be appropriate for daptomycin injection quality control.A daptomicina (DPT) é o primeiro lipopeptídeo cíclico disponível para comercialização. Possui atividade frente a bactérias gram-positivas, incluindo cepas resistentes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver e validar um ensaio microbiológico turbidimétrico para quantificar a daptomicina na forma injetável. Empregou-se delineamento 3x3, nas concentrações de 1,0; 2,0 e 4,0 µg/mL. Como micro-organismo teste foi usado Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538p, e Meio para Antibióticos nº 3 foi empregado como meio de cultura. A validação do método demonstrou que o ensaio foi linear (r=0,9995), preciso (RSD=2,55%), exato (recuperação de 100,48 ± 2,11%) e robusto. A cinética de degradação em meio alcalino foi avaliada, indicando que a daptomicina segue cinética de primeira ordem nessa condição. A análise das soluções degradadas mostrou que os produtos de degradação da daptomicina não possuem atividade antimicrobiana. O bioensaio foi comparado com o método por CLAE previamente desenvolvido e não houve diferença significativa entre ambos (

Repellent Effects of Andiroba and Copaiba Oils against Musca domestica (Common House Fly) and Ecotoxicological Effects on the Environment

Background: The main challenge in raising cattle in Brazil is related to ectoparasites, that cause negative effects on milk and meat production, and in severe cases, animal death. Sheds known as crèches attracts large number insects mainly due to milk residues in the environment. The housefly is a major problem due to act as vectors of many other diseases, and so there is the possibility of control of infestations with natural products. Andiroba and copaiba oils may act as natural biocides, there are only a few studies on their effect on biological soil parameters. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the repellent effect of andiroba and copaiba oils against flies and on biological soil parameters.Materials, Methods & Results: The repellency effect of oils of andiroba and copaiba was tested at a concentration of 5% in lambs shed maternity, containing 64 bays (1.8 m2). It was sprayed 30 mL per pen, where they were housed five lambs each. Pre-treatment counts were taken before the treatment (mean 46 per pen after Musca domestica), and post-treatment count was made on 2, 24 and 48 h. The data collected at 2 and 24 h was evaluated and the number of flies was reduced significantly (P 0.05). Ecotoxicological test using increasing concentrations in the soil (0, 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) regarding changes in basal respiration (C-CO2), and survival and reproduction of springtails (Folsomia candida). It was observed an increased amount of mineralized C-CO2 until the day 10 of incubation for both oils without inhibition of the microbial respiratory process in any dose. The copaiba oil showed higher amounts of accumulated C-CO2 compared to andiroba oil in all studied concentrations (P 0.05), the same was observed for the reproduction results, where there was no reduction in the number of juveniles (P > 0.05).Discussion: According literature, andiroba and copaiba oils have repellent effect against domestic fly when sprayed onto infected cow’s horn fly, similar results also were reported in vitro tests against M. domestica larvae using andiroba oil and noted 80% larval mortality. The use of natural products in disease control is growing, but its impacts on the environment are not known, so in addition to suggesting therapies it is important to be concerned with ecotoxicological tests. Researchers showed an effect of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil on F. candida and reported 76% reduction in its survival rate at concentration of 60 mg/kg soil.  Basal soil respiration is a sensitive indicator that quickly reveals changes in the environmental conditions that affect microbial activity, and the data presented herein reveal an increase in the respiration of microorganisms depending on the amount of oil added to the soil.  The essential oils of copaiba and andiroba have repellent effect against Musca domestica, and did not show any toxicity to inhibit microbial activity in the soil. In addition, the presence of the oils in the soil did not affect the survival and reproduction of springtails Folsomia candida

Antimicrobial resistance profiling of Salmonella enterica distinct serotypes isolated from pork in São Paulo

Salmonellosis still is one of the most important worldwide zoonosis due to its high endemicity, mortality, and difficulty in control (Stevens et al., 2009). In the São Paulo city, different realities regarding good production practices and quality control of animal products coexists, especially when considering points of direct consumer sales. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella enterica distinct serotypes isolated from pork in São Paulo

Safety profile, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of a nanostructured lipid carrier containing oil and butter from Astrocaryum vulgare: in vitro studies

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Tucumã (Astrocaryum vulgare)is a fruit native to the Amazon region. Extracts from the peel and pulp are thought of as promising treatments for bacterial infections. The primary constituents of Tucumã oil and butter possess unsaturated carbon chains that are susceptible to oxidation by light or heat. The oils have high volatility and low aqueous solubility that limits their use without a vehicle. Nanotechnology refers to techniques to solve these problems. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), for example, protect fixed oils degradation by heat or light, as well as from oxidation and evaporation, ensuring greater stability and function, thereby prolonging the useful life of the final product. Study objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the hemolytic, cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of an NLC containing Tucumã butter and oil soasto improve the solubility and photosensitivity of the compounds, generating better pharmacological efficacy. Materials and methods: The NLC was assessed for stability for 60 days. The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles in peripheral blood mononucleated cells was determined in culture using assays for cell viability, DNA damage, oxidative metabolism and damage to human erythrocytes. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the broth microdilution technique and antibiofilm activity according to standardized protocols. Results: The Tucumã NLC remained stable throughout the evaluated period, with pH between 5.22–5.35, monodisperse distribution (PDI<0.3) and average particle size of 170.7 ± 3nm. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that the NLC is safe and modulates inflammatory processes, demonstrated by increased cell viability and nitric oxide levels. There was low hemolytic activity of the NLC against human erythrocytes almost concentrations tested. Conclusion: Taken together, the data suggest that NLC containing Tucumã oil and butter showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against organisms that cause morbidity and mortality in humans. They may be alternative solutions to public health problems related to bacterial infections

A survey on gram-negative bacteria in saffron finches (Sicalis flaveola) from illegal wildlife trade in Brazil

Passerines such as canaries or finches are the most unlawfully captured species that are sent to wildlife centers in São Paulo, Brazil. Captured birds may have infection by opportunistic bacteria in stressful situations. This fact becomes relevant when seized passerine are reintroduced. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health state of finches from illegal wildlife trade using microbiological approaches. Microbiological samples were collected by cloacal and tracheal swabs of 100 birds, captured during 2012 and 2013. The results indicate high frequency of gram-negative bacteria in feces and oropharynx, especially from the Enterobacteriaceae family (97.5%). The most frequent genera were Escherichia coli (46.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.4%). Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia spp. Klebsiella oxytoca and Citrobacter freundii were isolated with lower frequency from asymptomatic birds. The presence of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Shiga toxin-producing strain (STEC) confirm the zoonotic risks and public health concern.No Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, os pássaros como os canários-da-terra têm sido uma das espécies mais frequentemente resgatadas do tráfico illegal e enviadas aos centros de vida selvagem. Em situações de estresse estas aves podem ser acometidas por infecções causadas por bactérias oportunistas. Este fato é de grande importância quando é planejada da reintrodução das aves na natureza. O presente trabalho foi delineado para avaliar o estado de saúde de canários-da-terra resgatados do tráfico ilegal. Foram colhidas soabes da traqueia e da cloaca de 100 aves resgatadas durante os anos de 2012 e 2013. Os resultados obtidos revelaram alta frequência de bactérias gram-negativas nas fezes e no orofaringe dos animais, com maior frequência para os membros da família Enterobacteriaceae (97,5%). Os gêneros mais frequentes foram Escherichia coli (46,55) e Klebsiella pneumoniae (10,4%). Outros microorganismos incluindo Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia spp, Klebsiella oxytoca e Citrobacter freundii também foram isolados em menor frequencia de aves assintomáticas. A presença de estirpes de Escherichia coli enteropagênicas (EPEC) e as produtoras da toxina de Shiga confirmam o risco de zoonose e a importância para saúde pública deste tipo de ave.