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Prenatal iron (Fe) exposure has been associated with learning and cognitive impairments, which may be linked to oxidative stress resulting from elevated Fe levels and harm to the vulnerable brain. Drosophila melanogaster has contributed to our understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in neurological conditions. This study aims to explore Fe toxicity during D. melanogaster development, assessing oxidative stress and investigating behaviors in flies that are related to neurological conditions in humans. To achieve this goal, flies were exposed to Fe during the developmental period, and biochemical and behavioral analyses were conducted. The results indicated that 20 mM Fe decreased fly hatching by 50 %. At 15 mM, Fe exposure increased lipid peroxidation, and GSH levels decreased starting from 5 mM of Fe. Superoxide Dismutase activity was enhanced at 15 mM, while Glutathione S-Transferase activity was inhibited from 5 mM. Although chronic Fe exposure did not alter acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, flies exhibited reduced locomotion, increased grooming, and antisocial behavior from 5 mM of Fe. This research highlights potential Fe toxicity risks during development and underscores the utility of D. melanogaster in unraveling neurological disorders, emphasizing its relevance for future research.

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Copper (Cu) is a naturally occurring metal with essential micronutrient properties. However, this metal might also pose increased adverse environmental and health risks due to industrial and agricultural activities. In Brazil, the maximum allowable concentration of Cu in drinking water is 2 mg/L. Despite this standard, the impact of such concentrations on aquatic organisms remains unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of CuSO4 using larval zebrafish at environmentally relevant concentrations. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae at 72 hr post-fertilization (hpf) were exposed to nominal CuSO4 concentrations ranging from 0.16 to 48 mg/L to determine the median lethal concentration (LC50), established at 8.4 mg/L. Subsequently, non-lethal concentrations of 0.16, 0.32, or 1.6 mg/L were selected for assessing CuSO4 -induced toxicity. Morphological parameters, including body length, yolk sac area, and swim bladder area, were adversely affected by CuSO4 exposure, particularly at 1.6 mg/L (3.31 mm ±0.1, 0.192 mm2 ±0.01, and 0.01 mm2 ±0.05, respectively). In contrast, the control group exhibited values of 3.62 mm ±0.09, 0.136 mm2 ±0.013, and 0.3 mm2 ±0.06, respectively. Behavioral assays demonstrated impairments in escape response and swimming capacity, accompanied by increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. In addition, decreased levels of non-protein thiols and reduced cellular viability were noted. Data demonstrated that exposure to CuSO4 at similar concentrations as those permitted in Brazil for Cu adversely altered morphological, biochemical, and behavioral endpoints in zebrafish larvae. This study suggests that the permissible Cu concentrations in Brazil need to be reevaluated, given the potential enhanced adverse health risks of exposure to environmental metal contamination.

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Mancozeb (MZ) is widely used as a fungicide in Brazil due to its effectiveness in combating fungal infections in plantations. However, its toxicity to non-target organisms, including aquatic organisms, has been reported in the literature. Recently, Brazilian legislation was updated to allow a concentration of 8 µg/L of MZ in drinking water (Ordinance GM/MS nº 888, of May 4, 2021). However, the safety of this concentration for aquatic organisms has not yet been put to the test. To address this gap, we conducted a study using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos at 4 hpf exposed to MZ at the concentration allowed by law, as well as slightly higher sublethal concentrations (24, 72, and 180 µg/L), alongside a control group. We evaluated various morphophysiological markers of toxicity, including survival, spontaneous movements, heart rate, hatching rate, body axis distortion, total body length, total yolk sac area, and total eye area. Additionally, we measured biochemical biomarkers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, lipid peroxidation, non-protein thiols (NPSH), and mitochondrial bioenergetic parameters. Our results showed that the concentration of 8 µg/L, currently permitted in drinking water according to Brazilian legislation, increased ROS production levels and caused alterations in mitochondrial physiology. Among the markers assessed, mitochondrial bioenergetic function appeared to be the most sensitive indicator of MZ embryotoxicity, as a decrease in complex I activity was observed at concentrations of 8 and 180 µg/L. Furthermore, concentrations higher than 8 µg/L impaired morphophysiological markers. Based on these findings, we can infer that the concentration of MZ allowed in drinking water by Brazilian environmental legislation is not safe for aquatic organisms. Our study provides evidence that this fungicide is a potent embryotoxic agent, highlighting the potential risks associated with its exposure.

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Aging is characterized by a functional decline in the physiological functions and organic systems, causing frailty, illness, and death. Ferroptosis is an iron- (Fe-) dependent regulated cell death, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several disorders, such as cardiovascular and neurological diseases. The present study investigated behavioral and oxidative stress parameters over the aging of Drosophila melanogaster that, together with augmented Fe levels, indicate the occurrence of ferroptosis. Our work demonstrated that older flies (30-day-old) of both sexes presented impaired locomotion and balance when compared with younger flies (5-day-old). Older flies also produced higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, decreased glutathione levels (GSH), and increased lipid peroxidation. In parallel, Fe levels were augmented in the fly's hemolymph. The GSH depletion with diethyl maleate potentiated the behavioral damage associated with age. Our data demonstrated biochemical effects that characterize the occurrence of ferroptosis over the age of D. melanogaster and reports the involvement of GSH in the age-associated damages, which could be in part attributed to the augmented levels of Fe.

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Mancozeb (MZ), a manganese/zinc containing ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate, is a broad-spectrum fungicide. Chronic exposure to MZ has been related to several organisms' neurological, hormonal, and developmental disorders. However, little is known about the post-natal effects of developmental exposure to MZ. In this study, Drosophila melanogaster was subjected to a pre-imaginal (eggs-larvae-pupae stage) model of exposure to MZ at 0.1 and 0.5 mg/mL. The emergence rate, body size, locomotor performance, sleep patterns, and molecular and biochemical parameters were evaluated in post-emerged flies. Results demonstrate that pre-imaginal exposure to MZ significantly impacted early emerged flies. Additionally, reduced progeny viability, smaller body size and delaying in emergence period, locomotor impairment, and prolonged sleep time were observed. Content of glucose, proteins, and triglycerides were altered, and the bioenergetics efficiency and oxidative phosphorylation at complex I were inhibited. mRNA stade state levels of genes responsive to stress, metabolism, and regulation of circadian cycle (Nrf2, p38, Hsp83, Akt1, GPDH, tor, per, tim, dILP2, and dILP6) were augmented, pointing out to stimulation of antioxidant defenses, insulin-dependent signaling pathway activation, and disruption of sleep regulation. These data were followed by increased lipid peroxidation and lower glutathione levels. In addition, the activity of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase were induced, whereas superoxide dismutase was inhibited. Together, these results demonstrate that developmental exposure to MZ formulation led to phenotype and behavioral alterations in young flies, possibly related to disruption of energetic metabolism, oxidative stress, and deregulation of genes implied in growth, sleep, and metabolism.

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Fungal pollution of indoor environments contributes to several allergic symptoms and represents a public health problem. It is well-established that 1-octen-3-ol, also known as mushroom alcohol, is a fungal volatile organic compound (VOC) commonly found in damp indoor spaces and responsible for the typical musty odor. Previously it was reported that exposure to 1-octen-3-ol induced inflammations and disrupted mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetic rate in Drosophila melanogaster. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of 1-octen-3-ol on dehydrogenase activity, apoptotic biomarkers, levels of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as antioxidant enzymes activities. D. melanogaster flies were exposed to an atmosphere containing 1-octen-3-ol (2.5 or ∞l/L) for 24 hr. Data demonstrated that 1-octen-3-ol decreased dehydrogenases activity and NO levels but increased ROS levels accompanied by stimulation of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities without altering caspase 3/7 activation. These findings indicate that adverse mitochondrial activity effects following exposure of D. melanogaster to 1-octen-3-ol, a fungal VOC, may be attributed to oxidant stress. The underlying mechanisms involved in adverse consequences of indoor fungal exposure appear to be related to necrotic but not apoptotic mechanisms. The adverse consequences were sex-dependent with males displaying higher sensitivity to 1-octen-3-ol. Based upon on the fact that the fly genome shares nearly 75% of disease-related genes to human exposure to this fungus may explain the adverse human responses to mold especially for males.

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Molecular-typing can help in unraveling epidemiological scenarios and improvement for disease control strategies. A literature review of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission in Brazil through genotyping on 56 studies published from 1996-2019 was performed. The clustering rate for mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units - variable tandem repeats (MIRU-VNTR) of 1,613 isolates were: 73%, 33% and 28% based on 12, 15 and 24-loci, respectively; while for RFLP-IS6110 were: 84% among prison population in Rio de Janeiro, 69% among multidrug-resistant isolates in Rio Grande do Sul, and 56.2% in general population in São Paulo. These findings could improve tuberculosis (TB) surveillance and set up a solid basis to build a database of Mycobacterium genomes.

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Mancozeb (MZ) is a broad-spectrum fungicide used worldwide in several crops. Neurological disorders in humans and animals have been associated with exposure to this compound by mechanisms still not fully understood. Drosophila melanogaster represents a reliable model in toxicological studies, presenting genetic and biochemical similarities with mammals. In this study, D. melanogaster flies were exposed for 15 days to MZ through the food (5 and 10 mg/mL). After that period, the efficiency of mitochondrial respiration complexes and metabolic markers were analyzed and evaluated. Flies presented weight loss, lower glucose, trehalose, and glycogen levels, and augmented levels of triglycerides concerning control (non-treated group). Acetyl-CoA Synthetase (ACeCS-1) and Acyl-Coenzyme Synthetase (ACSL1) contents were unchanged by MZ treatment. Mitochondrial respiration of flies was targeted by MZ treatment, evidenced by a decrease in oxygen consumption and bioenergetics rate and inhibition in mitochondrial complexes I/II. These results suppose that an impairment in mitochondrial respiration jointly with reduced levels of energetic substrates might be a mechanism involved in MZ deleterious effects, possibly by the limitation of ATP's availability, necessary for essential cellular processes.

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Croton campestris A. St-Hill popularly known as "velame do campo" is a native species of the savannah from northeastern Brazil, being used in folk medicine due to its beneficial effects in the treatment of many diseases, inflammation, detoxification, gastritis, and syphilis; however, its potential use as an antidote against organophosphorus compound poisoning has not yet been shown. Here, the protective effect of the methanolic fraction of C. campestris A. St.-Hill (MFCC) in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to chlorpyrifos (CP) was investigated. Flies were exposed to CP and MFCC during 48 h through the diet. Following the treatments, parameters such as mortality, locomotor behavior, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Exposure of flies to CP induced significant impairments in survival and locomotor performance. In parallel, increased reactive oxygen species and lipoperoxidation occurred. In addition, the activity of acetylcholinesterase was inhibited by CP, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase activity was induced. Treatment with MFCC resulted in a blockage of all CP-induced effects, with the exception of glutathione S-transferase. Among the major compounds found in MFCC, only gallic acid (GA) showed a protective role against CP while quercetin and caffeic acid alone were ineffective. When in combination, these compounds avoided the toxicity of CP at the same level as GA. As far as we know, this is the first study reporting the protective effect of MFCC against organophosphate toxicity in vivo and highlights the biotechnological potential of this fraction attributing a major role in mediating the observed effects to GA. Therefore, MFCC may be considered a promising source for the development of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of organophosphate intoxications.

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The aim of this study was to verify the effects of swimming-learning program of mental health parameters, cognition and motor coordination in students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Thirty-three children of both sexes between 11 and 14 years were randomized into trained group (n = 18) and untrained group (n = 15). The training was performed for 8 weeks. Then, before and after 48 h of training period of both groups were submitted to find the mental health, cognition, motor coordination test, and physical fitness. Our results demonstrate that the aquatic exercise program significantly improved the depression parameters (p = 0.048), stress (p = 0.039), cognitive flexibility (p = 0.042) and selective attention (p = 0.047). In relation to motor coordination and physical fitness, the results showed significant improvements in the coordination of lower limbs laterality (p = 0.05), flexibility (p = 0.049), and abdominal resistance (p = 0.037). Taken together, the results suggest that swimming-learning program significantly improved the mental health, cognition, and motor coordination in children with ADHD.

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BACKGROUND: New drugs and strategies to treat tuberculosis (TB) are urgently needed. In this context, thiourea derivatives have a wide range of biological activities, including anti-TB. This fact can be illustrated with the structure of isoxyl, an old anti-TB drug, which has a thiourea as a pharmacophore group. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the synthesis and the antimycobacterial activity of fifty-nine benzoylthioureas derivatives. METHODS: Benzoylthiourea derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for their activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using the MABA assay. After that, a structure-activity relationship study of this series of compounds has been performed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Nineteen compounds exhibited antimycobacterial activity between 423.1 and 9.6 µM. In general, we observed that the presence of bromine, chlorine and t-Bu group at the para-position in benzene ring plays an important role in the antitubercular activity of Series A. These substituents were fixed at this position in benzene ring and other groups such as Cl, Br, NO2 and OMe were introduced in the benzoyl ring, leading to the derivatives of Series B. In general, Series B was less cytotoxic than Series A, which indicates that the presence of a substituent at benzoyl ring contributes to an improvement in both antimycobacterial activity and toxicity profiles. CONCLUSION: Compound 4c could be considered a good prototype to be submitted to further structural modifications in the search for new anti-TB drugs, since it is 1.8 times more active than the first line anti-TB drug ethambutol and 0.65 times less active than isoxyl.

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Infections related to non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have recently increased worldwide. The transmission of these microorganisms from the environment has been suggested as the main source for human infections. To elucidate the epidemiological aspects and distribution of these pathogens, many studies have evaluated several decontamination methods and protocols to properly isolate NTM from environmental samples, mainly from water. However, no satisfactory strategy has been found for isolation of most of the NTM species harboring different phenotypic characteristics. Here, we evaluated the susceptibility of 23 NTM strains presenting variable growth rate and pigmentation patterns to eight different methods: oxalic acid (2.5% and 5%), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (0.0025% and 0.005%), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (2% and 4%), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) plus NaOH (SDS 1.5%-NaOH 0.5% and SDS 3%-NaOH 1%). It was found that the viability of NTM exposed to different decontamination methods varies according to their phenotypic characteristics and two methods (SDS 1.5% plus NaOH 0.5% and CPC 0.0025%) were necessary for effective isolation of all of the species tested. These findings supply important insights for future studies on the environmental occurrence of mycobacteria and improving the sensibility of traditional strategies.

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Objetivos: Identificar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes acometidos por queimadura internados em um hospital infantil da Serra Catarinense. Método: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e transversal realizado por meio de análise prontuários de crianças (0 a 15 anos, 11 meses e 29 dias) internadas por queimadura em um hospital infantil da Serra Catarinense, no período de janeiro de 2013 a dezembro de 2018. Variáveis analisadas foram idade, sexo, tempo médio de internação, necessidade de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), desfecho final, agente causal, região do corpo acometida e superfície corporal queimada (SCQ). Resultados: Foram analisados 78 prontuários, com média de idade de 4,2 anos, sendo maior a prevalência do sexo masculino (n=47; 60,3%). O tempo médio de internação foi 11 dias (62,8%), sendo que 4 pacientes (5%) necessitaram de internação em UTI e, destes, um foi a óbito. O principal agente causal foi líquido aquecido (n=61; 78%). Em relação às áreas acometidas 41% (n=32) apresentaram envolvimento da cabeça e a maior parte do casos computados apresentaram SCQ maior que 20% (n=18; 23,1%). Conclusão: A fase mais suscetível à queimadura é a pré-escolar, com predominância no sexo masculino, sendo que o acidente é por escaldadura e que acomete várias regiões do corpo, principalmente parte superior do mesmo. Assim, programas preventivos devem chamar a atenção dos pais e cuidadores quanto à avaliação dos riscos, de modo a antecipá-los, afastando ou tornando-os indisponíveis às crianças.

Objective: To identify the epidemiological profile of burn patients admitted to a children hospital of Serra Catarinense. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study carried out through the analysis of medical records of children (0 to 15 years, 11 months and 29 days) hospitalized by burns in a children hospital of Serra Catarinense, from January 2013 to December 2018. Variables assessed were age, gender, average length of stay, need for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), final outcome, causative agent, affected body region and burned body surface (SCQ). Results: 78 medical records were analyzed, with a mean age of 4.2 years, most of the sample was male (n=47; 60.3%). The average length of stay was 11 days (62.8%), with 4 patients (5%) requiring ICU admission and one patient dying. The main causative agent was heated fluid (n=61; 78%) and in relation to the affected areas, 41% (n=32) of the cases presented head involvement and most of the computed cases presented SQ greater than 20% (n=18; 23.1%). Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that the most susceptible phase to burn is the preschool, with predominance in males, and the accident is by scalding and affecting various regions of the body, especially the upper part of it. Thus, preventive programs should draw the attention of parents and caregivers to risk assessment in order to anticipate them, driving them away or unavailable to children.

Objetivo: identificar el perfil epidemiológico de pacientes con quemaduras ingresados en un hospital de niños de la sierra catarinense. Método: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal realizado a través del análisis de historias clínicas de niños (0 a 15 años, 11 meses y 29 días) hospitalizados por quemaduras en un hospital de niños de la sierra catarinense, de enero de 2013 a diciembre de 2018. Las variables evaluadas fueron la edad, el sexo, la duración promedio de la estadía, la necesidad de ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI), el resultado final, el agente causal, la región corporal afectada y la superficie corporal quemada (SCQ). Resultados: Fueron analisadas 78 histórias clínicas de pacientes com edad de 4,2 años, con mayor prevalencia de varones (n=47; 60,3%). El tiempo promedio de estadía fue de 11 días (62,8%), con 4 pacientes (5%) que requirieron ingreso a la UCI y de estos, uno falleció. El principal agente causal fue los liquidos calientes (n=61; 78%). Con respecto a las áreas afectadas, el 41% (n=32) la cabeza y la mayoría de los casos presentaron un SCQ superior al 20% (n=18; 23,1%). Conclusión: Los resultados del estudio indican que la fase más susceptible a las quemaduras es la preescolar, con predominio en los hombres, y el agente causador los líquidos calientes, afectando varias regiones del cuerpo. Por lo tanto, los programas preventivos deben llamar la atención de los padres y cuidadores sobre la evaluación de riesgos para anticiparlos, alejándolos o no disponibles para los niños.

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PTZ is a convulsive agent that acts via selective blockage of GABAA receptor channels, whereas 4-AP leads to a convulsive episode via blockage of K+ channels. However, the mechanism(s) by which pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) cause toxicity to Drosophila melanogaster needs to be properly explored, once it will help in establishing an alternative model for development of proper therapeutic strategies and also to counteract the changes associated with exposure to both epileptic drugs. For the purpose, we investigated the effects of exposure (48 h) to PTZ (60 mM) and/or 4-AP (20 mM) on survival, locomotor performance, and biochemical markers in the body and/or head of flies. 4-AP-fed flies presented a higher incidence of mortality and a worse performance in the open field test as compared to non-treated flies. 4-AP also caused a significant increase in the reactive species (RS) and protein carbonyl (PC) content in the body and head. Also a significant increase in catalase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities was observed in the body. In the same vein, PTZ exposure resulted in a significant increase in RS, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), PC content, and catalase activity in the body. PTZ exposure also caused a significant increase in AChE activity both in body and head. It is important to note that PTZ-treated flies also down-regulated the NRF2 expression. Moreover, both 4AP- and PTZ-fed flies presented a significant decrease in MTT reduction, down-regulation, and inhibition of SOD in body. However, SOD was significantly more active in the head of both 4-AP and PTZ-treated flies. Our findings provide evidence regarding the toxicological potential of both PTZ and/or 4-AP to flies. This model will help in decoding the underlying toxicological mechanisms of the stated drugs. It will also help to properly investigate the therapeutic strategies and to counteract the drastic changes associated with both epileptogenic drugs.

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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in human and veterinary medicine because of their analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties, however, they are drugs frequently involved in small animal intoxications. Although its use is safe in dogs, there is a risk of promoting renal and gastrointestinal toxicity, and some authors have observed in this species digestive lesions with clinical manifestations that are noteworthy after the use of non-selective COX-2 NSAIDs, such as ketoprofen. Thus, the objective of this work is to report a case of ketoprofen intoxication in dogs.

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Gastrointestinal problems in dogs are commonly associated with bacterial and parasitic etiological origins, however, gastrointestinal pathologies of fungal origin such as Cyniclomyces guttulatus infection, which is characteristic of rabbits and rodents, but which should be better studied in dogs, are rarely diagnosed. Thus, the present study aimed to report a case of C. guttulatus infection in a dog attended at a private veterinary clinic located in the city of Fortaleza-CE.

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Ophthalmic neoplasms are not common pathologies in birds, and this is a factor that makes their treatment difficult, since there is little literature and research on this aspect, but the current market has valued the inclusion of birds as non-conventional pets, which causes veterinary problems. medicine needs to specialize more and more in the care of these patients. Thus, the objective of the present study was to report an undifferentiated malignant neoplasm in cockatiel eye.

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The use of ovariossalpingo-hysterectomy for elective sterilization of bitches and cats has been commonly performed in the surgical routine of hospitals and veterinary clinics. However, the incorporation of the modern surgical arsenal has been gaining ground due to the advantages related to the reduction of surgical trauma. However, some techniques require greater qualification and improvement of the professional involved, considering situations result in greater technical difficulty. In this context, the use of titanium clips in the ovaries-hysterectomy reduces the traction performed by ovarian exposure and the risks of bleeding, optimizing the procedure as a whole.

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The use of ovariossalpingo-hysterectomy for elective sterilization of bitches and cats has been commonly performed in the surgical routine of hospitals and veterinary clinics. However, the incorporation of the modern surgical arsenal has been gaining ground due to the advantages related to the reduction of surgical trauma. However, some techniques require greater qualification and improvement of the professional involved, considering situations result in greater technical difficulty. In this context, the use of titanium clips in the ovaries-hysterectomy reduces the traction performed by ovarian exposure and the risks of bleeding, optimizing the procedure as a whole.(AU)

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Ophthalmic neoplasms are not common pathologies in birds, and this is a factor that makes their treatment difficult, since there is little literature and research on this aspect, but the current market has valued the inclusion of birds as non-conventional pets, which causes veterinary problems. medicine needs to specialize more and more in the care of these patients. Thus, the objective of the present study was to report an undifferentiated malignant neoplasm in cockatiel eye.(AU)

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