Internal Macroscopic Anatomy and Electrical Evaluation of the Bradypus variegatus Heart

Background: The Bradypus variegatus species presents peculiar anatomophysiological properties and many aspects of its organic systems still need to be clarified, especially regarding the cardiovascular system, given its participation in vital activities. Disorderly anthropic action has had drastic consequences in sloth populations and the need to treat sick and injured animals is increasingly common. To this end, the importance of knowing its characteristics is emphasized. Therefore, this study proposed to describe the internal macroscopic structures of the sloth's heart, as well as to measure the ventricular walls and indicate the electrical activity of the organ.Materials, Methods and Results: For the dissections, 15 Bradypus variegatus cadavers were used (1 young female, 9 adults females and 5 adult males) belonging to the Área de Anatomia of the Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recide, PE, Brazil. After they were fixed and preserved, the specimens received a midsagittal incision in the chest, followed by soft tissue folding and removal of ribs to access the heart. The organ was derived from the cavity and sectioned sagittal medially to identify its internal anatomy. Ventricular walls and interventricular septum were measured with a steel caliper (150 mm / 0.02 mm). An electrocardiogram was performed to determine the electrical profile on 5 healthy B. variegatus sloths, living under semi-livestock conditions at the Recife Zoo, PE, Brazil. The electrodes were taken from the regions, scapular and glutes of the animals that were called hugging a keeper during the procedure, carried out in the Zoo itself, using a portable device. Based on the data obtained, sloths have cardiac chambers separated by septa, however between atria and ventricles, in both antimeres, there are atrioventricular ostia, where valves are found, consisting of 3 valves on the right and 2 on the left. The atria are practically smooth inside and have their cavity enlarged by the atria, the right being larger than the left, these having a greater amount of pectineal muscles in relation to the atria. The ventricles have trabeculae and papillary muscles, 3 on the right and 2 on the left. These muscles hold the tendinous chords that connect the valves. The existence of trabeculae marginal septum was not evidenced. The thickness of the wall of the left ventricle, as well as that of the interventricular septum, proved to be greater than the thickness of the wall of the right ventricle, regardless of the age or sex of the animals. Based on the electrocardiographic recordings, the sloths presented sinus rhythm, with a heart rate between 67 and 100 bpm. The electrical axis ranged from -60º to -90º. The P wave is smoother than the QRS complex. While the S-T segment was classified as isoelectric. The T wave was shown to be + and predominantly > or = at 25% of the S wave, which characterized an rS type QRS deflection in both females and males.Discussion: The general characteristics of the cardiac chambers in sloths are similar to those observed in other domestic and wild mammals. However, the presence of pectineal muscles associated with the atria and auricles differs from that observed in mammals such as the paca and raccoon and in birds such as the ostrich, which have trabecular structures in these cavities. The number of valves in sloths is equal to the anteater. However, it has a marginal trabeculae septum, not seen in Bradypus variegatus. According to the electrocardiographic findings, the rhythm was sinus, but much lower than that observed in the capuchin monkey, which also maintains arboreal habits. Keywords: Xenarthra, common sloth, internal anatomy, heart, electrocardiogram.Descritores: Xenarthra, preguiça-comum, anatomia interna, coração, eletrocardiograma

Macroscopic Description of Small and Large Intestine of the Sloth Bradypus variegatus

Background: Sloths of the species Bradypus variegatus are mammals with peculiar habits, which feed mostly young leaves of ‘embaúba’ and occur broadly in Central and South America. This specie has the greatest occurrence in Brazilian Northeast, making it a biological model for several researches in the fields as anatomy, physiology, genetics, pathology, histology and ecology, which provide data to literature in order to benefit maintenance and preservation of these animals. This study aimed to describe unpublished data about small and large intestine anatomy of the sloth Bradypus variegatus, in order to collaborate for knowledge of its digestive processes.Materials, Methods & Results: In order to perform this present research, 10 corpses of specie Bradypus variegatus belonged to the acquis of Anatomy Division, Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology (DMFA); Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), with 5 males and 5 females, the study was authorized by Animal Use and Experimentation Ethic Committee license (CEUA-UFRPE), nº 034/2015. All 10 animals used had natural death, were obtained through a donation of CETAS Tangará (Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres - Wildlife Screening Center), and located in the city of Recife. Animals were dissected at abdominal and pelvic portion, from a median sagittal incision, followed by lateral folding of skin, muscle and withdrawal of pubis portion for exposition and description of intestines, with analysis of syntopy and measurement of these organs. A relation was observed among external holes of urinary, reproductive and digestive systems. A relation was still observed among intestines and stomach, liver, kidneys, bladder and abdominal cavity wall. Some animals had absence of sigmoid colon, ventral and dorsal descendent colon. Regarding measurement, small intestine ranged from 147.09 to 163.59 cm for males and 117.44 to 151.28 cm for females, while large intestine varied between 39.68 and 43.35 cm for males, and 33.19 and 44.47 cm for females. Urinary and reproductive systems had a same external hole at perineal portion for both gender. Whereas digestive system ended at anus as occur commonly among mammals.Discussion: Among specimens described, most had the same anatomic profile regarding the intestinal portions and syntopy performed over other abdominal cavity organs. A difference was observed on liver size, increment of 20% for females and males sampled, excluding animals that had absence of structure that were minority, once 40% of females had no ventral descending colon, 20% of males and females had no sigmoid colon, and 20% of males had no dorsal descending colon. However, some animals that had absence demonstrated increase of other adjacent structures, for example, male that had no dorsal descending colon developed the largest sigmoid colon observed among animals measured for portions of duodenum, ventral descending colon, ascending colon and dorsal descending colon. Regarding the measurement of small and large intestine, Bradypus variegatus had differences compared to other herbivores, what suggests that this fact is associated to a restricted diet, in which that animal is submitted. Because of literature shortage about digestive system of specie Bradypus variegatus and other species of wild animals in general, it still difficult to infer or plot more accurate affirmations about this subject

Pre or perioperative period: when is the best time to produce platelet-rich plasma in dogs?

When evaluating published studies on the production of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), it is possible to observe that there is no consensus on when blood should be collected and processed. Some perform blood collection before surgery, prior to the administration of drugs, fluids, or any surgical trauma, while others collect blood during the perioperative period. The present objective was to determine the best moment for PRP production based on the platelet count. Blood samples were collected from 20 healthy female dogs at two distinct moments: before surgery, prior to anesthesia and fluid therapy (M0), and later, in the operation room, after administration of the anesthetics and intravenous fluids (M1). To obtain PRP, blood was centrifuged at 1200 rpm for ten minutes, then at 1600 rpm for ten minutes. Results showed that the blood collected at M1 had a 29% decrease in platelet count compared to M0 (highly significant statistical difference). It is recommended that blood collection, which is an essential step for producing platelet-rich plasma, shall be done during the pre-operative period.Published studies about production of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), demonstrate differences related to the moment in when blood should be collected and processed. Blood collection could be performed before surgery, prior to the administration of drugs, fluids, or any surgical trauma, while others collect blood during the perioperative period. The present objective was to determine if blood collection and processing in the pre or perioperative periods would result in different platelet concentrations, and consequently, what period is recommended to prepare a best PRP. Blood samples were obtained from 20 healthy female dogs at two distinct moments: before surgery, prior to the administration of drugs and fluids (M0), and later, in the operation room, after administration of anesthetics and intravenous fluids (M1). To obtain PRP, blood was centrifuged at 1200 rpm for ten minutes, then at 1600 rpm for ten minutes. Results showed that blood collected at M1 had a 29% decrease in platelet count compared to M0 (highly significant statistical difference), what interferes directly in PRP quality, and therefore, it is concluded that blood collection and PRP processing should be realized at M0

Acompanhamento ultrassonográfico do desenvolvimento embrionário e fetal em caprinos da raça moxotó

Pretendeu-se com o presente trabalho avaliar através da fetometria, o desenvolvimento embrionário/fetal em fêmeas da raça Moxotó, visando maiores informações acerca das mensurações e do padrão racial. Foram realizados exames a cada sete dias até os 60 dias de gestação, para avaliação de vesícula embrionária, FC (frequência cardíaca), diferenciação cabeça/tronco, placentônios, cordão umbilical, botões dos membros, CCC (comprimento crâniocaudal), DBP (diâmetro biparietal), DT (diâmetro torácico), DA (diâmetro abdominal) e, após os 60 dias os exames foram realizados com intervalos de 14 dias, sendo avaliados os parâmetros: placentônios, CCC, DBP, DT, DA e comprimento do fêmur (CF). Neste estudo, pôde-se correlacionar o DT/placentônios (r = 0,94), DA/placentônios (r = 0,91), DBP/CCC (r = 0,97), DT/DBP, DA/DT CCC/placentônios, DBP/placentônios e DT/CCC (r = 0,99). Foram ainda comparadas as médias e erros-padrão de fêmeas nulíparas e pluríparas, bem como fêmeas que tiveram gestações simples e gemelares, porém não houve diferença estatística entre elas. Diante dos achados pode-se afirmar houve alta correlação entre Comprimento craniocaudal (CCC), Placentônios, Diametro biparietal (DBP), Diâmetro torácico (DT) e Diâmetro abdominal (DA) no decorrer da gestação. E ainda assegurar que a alta correlação dos placentônios com a idade gestacional possibilita seu uso como parâmetro para a determinação da idade fetal em cabras da raça Moxotó, principalmente em se tratando de animais com gestação avançada, onde há dificuldade de se obter imagens de estruturas fetais devido ao tamanho deste.This paper aims to evaluate the embryo-fetal development in Moxotó breed animals by using fetal measurement in order to obtain more informations about measures and breed standards. Tests were performed every seven days during the first 60 days of pregnancy to evaluate embryonic vesicle, HR, head/torso differentiation, placentons, umbilical cord, CRL, BPD, TD and AD. After 60 days, the tests were carried out every 14 days, evaluating the following parameters: placentons, crown-rump length (CRL), biparietal diameter (BPD), thoracic diameter (TD), abdominal diameter (AD), vertebral column and femur length. In this study it was possible to correlate TD/placentons (r=0,94), BPD/CRL (r=0,97), TD/BPD, AD/TD, CRL/placentons, BPD/placentons and TD/CRL (r=0,99). The means and standard errors for nulliparous and primiparous females were also compared, as well as for single pregnancy and twin pregnancy animals, but no statistical difference was found. According to the findings, it is possible to state that there was a high correlation between crown-rump length (CRL), placentons, biparietal diameter (BPD), thoracic diameter (TD) and abdominal diameter (AD) during gestation. In addition, it is possible to state that the high correlation between placentons and gestational age allows for its use as a parameter for the determination of the fetal age in Moxoto breed goats, especially when it comes to animals at an advanced gestational age, when it is difficult to obtain images of fetal structures due to its size.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPE

Metastastic Melanoma in a Goat

Background: Melanoma is one of the 5 neoplasia types of that most frequently affect skin and subcutaneous tissue, es-pecially in Northeastern Brazil, where there is a high incidence of solar rays. It is a tumor that affects melanocytes and is characterized by diverse morphologies ranging from round to polygonal cells, including epithelioid cells, spindle cells, star-shaped or with a mesenchymal appearance, and presenting large amounts of melanin in the cytoplasm. The pigment can be found in the cytoplasm of macrophages, indicating the phagocytic activity at the site. The nucleus is basophilic, and mitotic figures are not numerous.Case: A 12-year-old female goat with a history of nodular lesion in the nasal region with progressive increase and recur-rence was submitted to clinical evaluation. The tumor presented suggestive characteristics of melanoma, such as elevated irregular and surface with a central region of black colored skin. After surgical removal of the nodule, recurrence was observed in infra-orbital and parotid regions with infiltration of the mandible. Hence, the malignant behaviour of the tumor indicated euthanasia of the animal. The owner authorized the procedure and the individual was then submitted to necropsy at the Animal Pathology Sector of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Academic Unit of Garanhuns (UAG/UFRPE). At necropsy, findings included a tumor in the parotid region with infiltration to the mandible, multiple tumors of black or grayish-white color in liver, multifocal nodules of grayish color in the right kidney and left kidney also had tumors of the same colorations, in the thoracic cavity, blackened spots were observed in the sternum. The lungs had several black colored nodules distributed throughout the organ. Microscopic examination revealed metastatic cells with intracytoplasmic brown pigments, in addition to granular and pleomorphic aspect. The lymph nodes presented the higher number of metastatic foci. Tumor cells were observed in metastatic nodes surrounded by disorganized tissue in organs, such as liver, right kidney, mandible and lungs.Discussion: The diagnosis was concluded based on the metastatic foci found in the several organs along with macroscopic aspects of the tumors and the histopathological evaluation. In addition, the findings were also confirmed with data found in the scientific literature. The clinical evolution and the appearance of new metastatic foci in only three weeks indicated that it was a tumor with a high degree of invasiveness. The evolution period was shorter than the reports described in the literature. Also in an unusual manner, the numerous metastatic foci in several organs compromised the general status of the animal. The involvement of the liver and lung parenchyma by the tumor, considerably diminishing the functionality of these organs, and the macroscopic characteristics with darkened aspect, microscopically correspond to areas of metastatic foci. The histopathological evaluation of the white or yellow areas revealed necrosis with adjacent tissue disorganization. The alterations described in the kidney, sternum and mandible were also described in the literature as possible sites of metastasis. However, there are few reports describing elevated numbers of metastases in a single animal, and in such rich detail with macroscopic and microscopic records, allowing the conclusion of this case as a malignant melanoma

Metastastic Melanoma in a Goat

Background: Melanoma is one of the 5 neoplasia types of that most frequently affect skin and subcutaneous tissue, es-pecially in Northeastern Brazil, where there is a high incidence of solar rays. It is a tumor that affects melanocytes and is characterized by diverse morphologies ranging from round to polygonal cells, including epithelioid cells, spindle cells, star-shaped or with a mesenchymal appearance, and presenting large amounts of melanin in the cytoplasm. The pigment can be found in the cytoplasm of macrophages, indicating the phagocytic activity at the site. The nucleus is basophilic, and mitotic figures are not numerous.Case: A 12-year-old female goat with a history of nodular lesion in the nasal region with progressive increase and recur-rence was submitted to clinical evaluation. The tumor presented suggestive characteristics of melanoma, such as elevated irregular and surface with a central region of black colored skin. After surgical removal of the nodule, recurrence was observed in infra-orbital and parotid regions with infiltration of the mandible. Hence, the malignant behaviour of the tumor indicated euthanasia of the animal. The owner authorized the procedure and the individual was then submitted to necropsy at the Animal Pathology Sector of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Academic Unit of Garanhuns (UAG/UFRPE). At necropsy, findings included a tumor in the parotid region with infiltration to the mandible, multiple tumors of black or grayish-white color in liver, multifocal nodules of grayish color in the right kidney and left kidney also had tumors of the same colorations, in the thoracic cavity, blackened spots were observed in the sternum. The lungs had several black colored nodules distributed throughout the organ. Microscopic examination revealed metastatic cells with intracytoplasmic brown pigments, in addition to granular and pleomorphic aspect. The lymph nodes presented the higher number of metastatic foci. Tumor cells were observed in metastatic nodes surrounded by disorganized tissue in organs, such as liver, right kidney, mandible and lungs.Discussion: The diagnosis was concluded based on the metastatic foci found in the several organs along with macroscopic aspects of the tumors and the histopathological evaluation. In addition, the findings were also confirmed with data found in the scientific literature. The clinical evolution and the appearance of new metastatic foci in only three weeks indicated that it was a tumor with a high degree of invasiveness. The evolution period was shorter than the reports described in the literature. Also in an unusual manner, the numerous metastatic foci in several organs compromised the general status of the animal. The involvement of the liver and lung parenchyma by the tumor, considerably diminishing the functionality of these organs, and the macroscopic characteristics with darkened aspect, microscopically correspond to areas of metastatic foci. The histopathological evaluation of the white or yellow areas revealed necrosis with adjacent tissue disorganization. The alterations described in the kidney, sternum and mandible were also described in the literature as possible sites of metastasis. However, there are few reports describing elevated numbers of metastases in a single animal, and in such rich detail with macroscopic and microscopic records, allowing the conclusion of this case as a malignant melanoma

Internal Macroscopic Anatomy and Electrical Evaluation of the Bradypus variegatus Heart

Background: The Bradypus variegatus species presents peculiar anatomophysiological properties and many aspects of its organic systems still need to be clarified, especially regarding the cardiovascular system, given its participation in vital activities. Disorderly anthropic action has had drastic consequences in sloth populations and the need to treat sick and injured animals is increasingly common. To this end, the importance of knowing its characteristics is emphasized. Therefore, this study proposed to describe the internal macroscopic structures of the sloth's heart, as well as to measure the ventricular walls and indicate the electrical activity of the organ.Materials, Methods and Results: For the dissections, 15 Bradypus variegatus cadavers were used (1 young female, 9 adults females and 5 adult males) belonging to the Área de Anatomia of the Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recide, PE, Brazil. After they were fixed and preserved, the specimens received a midsagittal incision in the chest, followed by soft tissue folding and removal of ribs to access the heart. The organ was derived from the cavity and sectioned sagittal medially to identify its internal anatomy. Ventricular walls and interventricular septum were measured with a steel caliper (150 mm / 0.02 mm). An electrocardiogram was performed to determine the electrical profile on 5 healthy B. variegatus sloths, living under semi-livestock conditions at the Recife Zoo, PE, Brazil. The electrodes were taken from the regions, scapular and glutes of the animals that were called hugging a keeper during the procedure, carried out in the Zoo itself, using a portable device. Based on the data obtained, sloths have cardiac chambers separated by septa, however between atria and ventricles, in both antimeres, there are atrioventricular ostia, where valves are found, consisting of 3 valves on the right and 2 on the left. The atria are practically smooth inside and have their cavity enlarged by the atria, the right being larger than the left, these having a greater amount of pectineal muscles in relation to the atria. The ventricles have trabeculae and papillary muscles, 3 on the right and 2 on the left. These muscles hold the tendinous chords that connect the valves. The existence of trabeculae marginal septum was not evidenced. The thickness of the wall of the left ventricle, as well as that of the interventricular septum, proved to be greater than the thickness of the wall of the right ventricle, regardless of the age or sex of the animals. Based on the electrocardiographic recordings, the sloths presented sinus rhythm, with a heart rate between 67 and 100 bpm. The electrical axis ranged from -60º to -90º. The P wave is smoother than the QRS complex. While the S-T segment was classified as isoelectric. The T wave was shown to be + and predominantly > or = at 25% of the S wave, which characterized an rS type QRS deflection in both females and males.Discussion: The general characteristics of the cardiac chambers in sloths are similar to those observed in other domestic and wild mammals. However, the presence of pectineal muscles associated with the atria and auricles differs from that observed in mammals such as the paca and raccoon and in birds such as the ostrich, which have trabecular structures in these cavities. The number of valves in sloths is equal to the anteater. However, it has a marginal trabeculae septum, not seen in Bradypus variegatus. According to the electrocardiographic findings, the rhythm was sinus, but much lower than that observed in the capuchin monkey, which also maintains arboreal habits. Keywords: Xenarthra, common sloth, internal anatomy, heart, electrocardiogram.Descritores: Xenarthra, preguiça-comum, anatomia interna, coração, eletrocardiograma

Inovações tecnológicas no processamento do Jerked beef: Revisão

As diversas cadeias produtivas que compõem o sistema agroindustrial da carne passam por constantes inovações tecnológicas. Inovações introduzidas no processamento do charque deram origem ao “Jerked Beef”. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar as mais recentes inovações tecnológicas disponíveis na literatura científica acerca do processamento do Jerked Beef, que vêm contribuindo para garantir qualidade, prolongamento de vida de prateleira e boa aceitação do produto no mercado consumidor interno e externo. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de meta-análise dos dados obtidos em pesquisas bibliográficas e consulta de publicações científicas nas principais bases de dados da área de Ciências Agrárias e Tecnologia dos Alimentos. Neste contexto, a pesquisa apontou que vários avanços importantes têm sido conduzidos por pesquisadores visando o aprimoramento das técnicas utilizadas no processamento do Jerked Beef, que são apresentados no estudo em foco

Avaliação do perfil hidrolítico in vitro e atividade anti proteolítica da fitase produzida por Aspergillus niger em rações de aves e suínos

Ácido fítico é a maior forma de armazenamento de fósforo em sementes de plantas e está presente como grande parte do fósforo orgânico encontrado no solo. Contudo, o fitato não pode ser diretamente usado por vegetais e alguns animais não-ruminantes, tais como suínos, aves e peixes. Fitases formam uma classe de enzimas fosfatases que possui atividade de hidrolizar o fitato e liberar os íons ortofosfatos ligados à estrurtura do fitato. Sistema de duas fases aquosas é um método de extração e purificação, o qual está sendo considerado uma alternativa eficaz na redução de etapas dos processos de purificação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o efeito do extrato enzimático pré-purificado e extrato pós- purificado em SDFA PEG/citrato na hidrólise do ácido fítico em rações comerciais para aves e para suínos, bem como estudar a atividade anti- proteolítica da enzima frente à ação da pepsina e tripsina. Observa-se que a enzima pré-purificada foi inibida em concentrações de fósforo de 6 µmoles de PO4-2, entretanto a fitase pós-purificada em SDFA PEG/citrato foi inibida em concentração de fósforo menor do que a pré-purificada. O tratamento enzimático das rações comerciais de aves e suínos utilizando a fitase de A. niger var. phoenicis URM 4924 foi bastante promissor, pois se mostrou-se eficiente na hidrólise do fitato, liberando aproximadamente 6 µmoles de PO4-2, entretanto com 4 U/mL de enzima em 8 minutos de incubação. A fitase produzida por A. niger var. phoenicis URM 4924 mostrou-se com bom desempenho na resistência proteolítica, bem como na hidrólise do fitato em rações comerciais de aves e suínos, características bioquímicas essenciais para uma enzima com potencial aplicação industrial

Topographic and morphological aspects of the spleen of Bradypus variegatus (SCHINZ, 1825)

Sloths are wild animals with arboreal habits, with slow metabolism, found in tropical forests from South America to Central America. However, the lack of knowledge of their anatomy does not favor the conservation of the species in veterinary care centers, due to its peculiar anatomy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the topography and morphology of the spleen of the species Bradypusvariegatus, in order to collect more information to support and assist in the clinical-surgical processes of the species. Eight corpses of B. variegatus, previously fixed with 20% formaldehyde and preserved in 30% saline solution, were dissected for the macroscopic study of the spleen. A healthy animal, living in semi-captivity, was assigned to perform a tomography of the abdominal region, for observation of the spleen, while two specimens were destined for the microscopic study of the organ immediately after death. Based on the data obtained, the spleen presented a topography and tissue composition similar to other mammals, but its morphology, absence of visceral lienal hilum and anatomical arrangement in the abdominal cavity differed from most domestic and wild animals.