RESUMO

The aim of this study was to provide information on the levels of toxic (Cd and Pb) and essential (Cu, Fe, and Zn) elements in cow's milk produced in the State of Pernambuco (Brazil). A total of 142 samples of raw milk were collected, and the concentrations of essential and toxic elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. In almost 30% of the samples analyzed, the Pb content exceeded the maximum level established in the Brazilian legislation (0.05 mg/L). By contrast, in all the samples, the Cd content was below the maximum allowable level (0.02 mg/L). The essential trace elements Cu, Fe, and Zn were generally present at lower concentrations than reported in other studies and can be considered within the deficient range for cow's milk. Statistical and chemometric procedures were used to evaluate the main factors influencing the metal concentrations (proximity to major roads, presence of effluents, and milking method). The study findings demonstrate that the proximity of the farms to major roads influences the concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cu and that this is the main factor explaining the Pb content of milk. In addition, the presence of effluents influenced the concentrations of Cu, while no relationship between the metal content and the milking method was observed. Thus, in accordance with the study findings, the consumption of cow's milk produced in the region can be considered a risk to public health due to the high concentrations of Pb and the low concentrations of other essential minerals such as Cu, Zn, and Fe in some of the milk samples.

RESUMO

A endometrite é a principal causa de infertilidade em éguas, além de gerar grandes transtornos econômicos e produtivos. Objetivou-se caracterizar a citologia, cultura bacteriana e fúngica, além da identificação da formação de biofilme em éguas com endometrite. Amostras de 70 éguas foram coletadas para citologia uterina e exame microbiológico. A determinação da formação de biofilme foi realizada através da técnica de cristal violeta. Das 70 éguas diagnosticadas com endometrite 43 (61,4%) apresentaram infecção bacteriana e/ou fúngica. Das 43 éguas, 30,2% (13/43) apresentaram infecção fúngica, os mais evidenciados foram Aspergillus spp. e Candida albicans, Curvalaria spp., Cladosporium spp. e Zygomices spp. Dos fungos identificados, 9/13 (69,2%) formaram biofilme. Esses resultados revelam números de infecção fúngica acima da média em comparação com a literatura. Várias causas são reportadas ao aumento dos casos de endometrite fúngica, dentre elas o aumento no uso das biotecnologias reprodutivas provocando um excesso de manipulação uterina. É de suma importância a identificação do agente, o conhecimento da suscetibilidade farmacológica e a comprovação da produção de biofilme em casos de endometrite. Estas ferramentas podem fornecer subsídios ainda mais importantes para melhorar a eficiência reprodutiva e sanitária dos rebanhos equinos.

Endometritis is the main cause of infertility in mares, besides generating major economic and productive disorders. The objective was to characterize the cytology, microbiological and fungal culture, as well as the identification of biofilm formation in mares with endometritis. Samples of seventy mares were collected for uterine cytology and microbiological examination. The determination of biofilm formation was performed using violet crystal technique. Of the seventy mares diagnosed with endometritis 43 (61.4%) presented bacterial and/or fungal infection. From the 43 mares, 30.2% (13/43) presented fungal infection, the most evidenced were Aspergillus spp. and Candida albicans, Curvalaria spp., Cladosporium spp. and Zygomices spp. Of the identified fungi, 9/13 (69.2%) formed biofilm. These results reveal above average numbers of fungal infection compared to the literature. Several causes are related to the increase in cases of fungal endometritis, among them the increase in the use of reproductive biotechnologies, causing an excessive uterine manipulation. Identification of the agent, knowledge of pharmacological susceptibility and evidence of biofilm production in endometritis cases are extremely important. These tools can provide even more important subsidies to improve the reproductive and sanitary efficiency of equine herds.

Assuntos

RESUMO

A endometrite é a principal causa de infertilidade em éguas, além de gerar grandes transtornos econômicos e produtivos. Objetivou-se caracterizar a citologia, cultura bacteriana e fúngica, além da identificação da formação de biofilme em éguas com endometrite. Amostras de 70 éguas foram coletadas para citologia uterina e exame microbiológico. A determinação da formação de biofilme foi realizada através da técnica de cristal violeta. Das 70 éguas diagnosticadas com endometrite 43 (61,4%) apresentaram infecção bacteriana e/ou fúngica. Das 43 éguas, 30,2% (13/43) apresentaram infecção fúngica, os mais evidenciados foram Aspergillus spp. e Candida albicans, Curvalaria spp., Cladosporium spp. e Zygomices spp. Dos fungos identificados, 9/13 (69,2%) formaram biofilme. Esses resultados revelam números de infecção fúngica acima da média em comparação com a literatura. Várias causas são reportadas ao aumento dos casos de endometrite fúngica, dentre elas o aumento no uso das biotecnologias reprodutivas provocando um excesso de manipulação uterina. É de suma importância a identificação do agente, o conhecimento da suscetibilidade farmacológica e a comprovação da produção de biofilme em casos de endometrite. Estas ferramentas podem fornecer subsídios ainda mais importantes para melhorar a eficiência reprodutiva e sanitária dos rebanhos equinos.(AU)

Endometritis is the main cause of infertility in mares, besides generating major economic and productive disorders. The objective was to characterize the cytology, microbiological and fungal culture, as well as the identification of biofilm formation in mares with endometritis. Samples of seventy mares were collected for uterine cytology and microbiological examination. The determination of biofilm formation was performed using violet crystal technique. Of the seventy mares diagnosed with endometritis 43 (61.4%) presented bacterial and/or fungal infection. From the 43 mares, 30.2% (13/43) presented fungal infection, the most evidenced were Aspergillus spp. and Candida albicans, Curvalaria spp., Cladosporium spp. and Zygomices spp. Of the identified fungi, 9/13 (69.2%) formed biofilm. These results reveal above average numbers of fungal infection compared to the literature. Several causes are related to the increase in cases of fungal endometritis, among them the increase in the use of reproductive biotechnologies, causing an excessive uterine manipulation. Identification of the agent, knowledge of pharmacological susceptibility and evidence of biofilm production in endometritis cases are extremely important. These tools can provide even more important subsidies to improve the reproductive and sanitary efficiency of equine herds.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Background: With the continuously increasing release of heavy metals in the environment, mostly from anthropogenic sources, there is a need to find ways of evaluating and managing the issuance of these contaminants and correct its damages. The birds being at the top of some food chains reflect the presence of metals in the environment, keeping this in perspective, raptors have been successfully used for heavy metals biomonitoring studies in the past. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in the feathers and livers of free-living southern caracaras, live and dead, from Recife, Pernambuco state, Northeast of Brazil. Material, Methods & Results: Sixty-two feathers from live and dead southern caracaras and 21 livers from dead southern caracaras were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for Hg and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu. Concentrations of Cr and Cu elements were detected in all feather and liver samples analyzed from live and dead caracaras. There was no difference in the concentration of metals between feathers of dead and live caracaras: Pb (P = 0.3576), Cd (P = 0.0792), Cr (P = 0.5475), and Cu (P = 0.3603), but significant variation was observed for Hg (P = 0.0459). The highest concentrations of Pb (P < 0.0001) and Cr (P < 0.0001) were found in the feathers than in the liver. On the other hand, the highest concentrations of Cu were found in liver samples (P = 0.0011). No significant variation in the concentrations of Cd (P = 0.7770) and Hg (P = 0.3669) was found between feathers and liver samples. Discussion: Chromium, as well as Hg, and Cu have a high affinity for keratin, which may explain the higher concentrations of Cr in caracaras feathers in this research. Lead was detected in all liver samples analyzed. Elevated levels were also found in the feathers of dead (95.2%) and live (75.6%) caracaras.[...](AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Background: With the continuously increasing release of heavy metals in the environment, mostly from anthropogenic sources, there is a need to find ways of evaluating and managing the issuance of these contaminants and correct its damages. The birds being at the top of some food chains reflect the presence of metals in the environment, keeping this in perspective, raptors have been successfully used for heavy metals biomonitoring studies in the past. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in the feathers and livers of free-living southern caracaras, live and dead, from Recife, Pernambuco state, Northeast of Brazil. Material, Methods & Results: Sixty-two feathers from live and dead southern caracaras and 21 livers from dead southern caracaras were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry for Hg and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Cu. Concentrations of Cr and Cu elements were detected in all feather and liver samples analyzed from live and dead caracaras. There was no difference in the concentration of metals between feathers of dead and live caracaras: Pb (P = 0.3576), Cd (P = 0.0792), Cr (P = 0.5475), and Cu (P = 0.3603), but significant variation was observed for Hg (P = 0.0459). The highest concentrations of Pb (P < 0.0001) and Cr (P < 0.0001) were found in the feathers than in the liver. On the other hand, the highest concentrations of Cu were found in liver samples (P = 0.0011). No significant variation in the concentrations of Cd (P = 0.7770) and Hg (P = 0.3669) was found between feathers and liver samples. Discussion: Chromium, as well as Hg, and Cu have a high affinity for keratin, which may explain the higher concentrations of Cr in caracaras feathers in this research. Lead was detected in all liver samples analyzed. Elevated levels were also found in the feathers of dead (95.2%) and live (75.6%) caracaras.[...]

Assuntos

RESUMO

Biochemical parameters related to energy, protein, mineral profile and enzymatic blood activity in Morada Nova sheep during periods of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum were evaluated. Ten sheep, adult, raised in intensive system were used. The sheep were synchronized and covered with the same race player. From the 90 days of gestation, began the biological material collected for laboratory testing, and these were held in times: - 60 - 30 - 15 - 7 before delivery, the day of delivery, 7 and 15 postpartum days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical determinations. Significant variations were observed in all blood constituent during pregnancy: total protein (p<0.0001), albumin (p<0.0001), globulin (p<0.0001) urea (p=0.0049), creatinine (p=0.0005), plasma glucose (p<0.0001), cholesterol (p<0.0001), triglycerides (p=0.0011), fructosamine (p<0.0001), Ca (p<0.0001) P (p<0.0001) Ca:P (p=0.0088), Mg (p<0.0004), AST (p=0.0035), GGT (p=0.0197) and AF (p=0.0336). The gestational period significantly influences the biochemical profile of sheep in the transition period; these values can be used as reference for the Morada Nova, besides being used as diagnostic nutritional and metabolic disorders tools.

Avaliaram-se parâmetros bioquímicos relacionados ao perfil energético, proteico, mineral e atividade enzimática do sangue em ovelhas Morada Nova nos períodos de gestação, parto e pós-parto. Foram utilizadas dez ovelhas, adultas, criados em sistema intensivo. As ovelhas foram sincronizadas e cobertas com reprodutor da mesma raça. A partir do 90 dias de gestação, iniciaram-se as coletas de material biológico para análises laboratoriais, e estas foram efetivadas nos tempos: 60, 30, 15, 7 antes do parto, no dia do parto, 7 e 15 dias pós-parto. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para determinações bioquímicas. Variações significativas foram observadas em todos os constituintes sanguíneos no período de gestação: proteína total (p<0.0001),albumina (p<0.0001), globulina (p<0.0001), ureia (p=0.0049), creatinina (p=0.0005), glicose plasmática (p<0.0001), colesterol (p<0.0001), triglicerídeos (p=0.0011), frutosamina (p<0.0001), Ca (p<0.0001), P (p<0.0001), Ca:P (p=0.0088), Mg (p<0.0004), AST (p=0.0035), GGT (p=0.0197) e FA (p=0.0336). O período gestacional influencia significativamente no perfil bioquímico de ovelhas no período de transição; podendo esses valores ser utilizados como referência para a raça Morada Nova, além de serem utilizadas como ferramentas de diagnóstico de transtornos nutricionais e metabólicos.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Biochemical parameters related to energy, protein, mineral profile and enzymatic blood activity in Morada Nova sheep during periods of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum were evaluated. Ten sheep, adult, raised in intensive system were used. The sheep were synchronized and covered with the same race player. From the 90 days of gestation, began the biological material collected for laboratory testing, and these were held in times: - 60 - 30 - 15 - 7 before delivery, the day of delivery, 7 and 15 postpartum days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical determinations. Significant variations were observed in all blood constituent during pregnancy: total protein (p<0.0001), albumin (p<0.0001), globulin (p<0.0001) urea (p=0.0049), creatinine (p=0.0005), plasma glucose (p<0.0001), cholesterol (p<0.0001), triglycerides (p=0.0011), fructosamine (p<0.0001), Ca (p<0.0001) P (p<0.0001) Ca:P (p=0.0088), Mg (p<0.0004), AST (p=0.0035), GGT (p=0.0197) and AF (p=0.0336). The gestational period significantly influences the biochemical profile of sheep in the transition period; these values can be used as reference for the Morada Nova, besides being used as diagnostic nutritional and metabolic disorders tools.

Avaliaram-se parâmetros bioquímicos relacionados ao perfil energético, proteico, mineral e atividade enzimática do sangue em ovelhas Morada Nova nos períodos de gestação, parto e pós-parto. Foram utilizadas dez ovelhas, adultas, criados em sistema intensivo. As ovelhas foram sincronizadas e cobertas com reprodutor da mesma raça. A partir do 90 dias de gestação, iniciaram-se as coletas de material biológico para análises laboratoriais, e estas foram efetivadas nos tempos: 60, 30, 15, 7 antes do parto, no dia do parto, 7 e 15 dias pós-parto. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para determinações bioquímicas. Variações significativas foram observadas em todos os constituintes sanguíneos no período de gestação: proteína total (p<0.0001),albumina (p<0.0001), globulina (p<0.0001), ureia (p=0.0049), creatinina (p=0.0005), glicose plasmática (p<0.0001), colesterol (p<0.0001), triglicerídeos (p=0.0011), frutosamina (p<0.0001), Ca (p<0.0001), P (p<0.0001), Ca:P (p=0.0088), Mg (p<0.0004), AST (p=0.0035), GGT (p=0.0197) e FA (p=0.0336). O período gestacional influencia significativamente no perfil bioquímico de ovelhas no período de transição; podendo esses valores ser utilizados como referência para a raça Morada Nova, além de serem utilizadas como ferramentas de diagnóstico de transtornos nutricionais e metabólicos.

Assuntos