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This research aimed to carry out a literature review about gallbladder affections in dogs, the organ in question plays the role of emulsifying fat from food. Given this, the conditions addressed correspond to gallbladder mucocele, cholelithiasis, and cholecystitis. In this context, these diseases are usually incidental findings of unclear etiologies. Predisposing factors are believed to include middle-aged to elderly dogs, with concomitant endocrinopathies, of the Miniature Schnauzer breeds, Miniature Poodle, Shetland Sheepdogs, Cocker Spaniels. Thus, animals may be asymptomatic or have systemic and nonspecific signs. Regarding laboratory alterations, the results are compatible with the pathologies of the Hepatobiliary system. Regarding the diagnosis, abdominal ultrasound is generally very useful and, in some cases, abdominal radiographs. About treatment, surgical intervention is recommended, with laparoscopic cholecystectomy being a safe and effective technique, in cases where it is not possible to perform the surgical procedure, symptomatic therapy is recommended. Therefore, the prognosis is reserved. In summary, this work provides a clear understanding and relevant information about gallbladder affections in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Ischemia followed by reperfusion is known to negatively affect mitochondrial function by inducing a deleterious condition termed mitochondrial permeability transition. Mitochondrial permeability transition is triggered by oxidative stress, which occurs in mitochondria during ischemia-reperfusion as a result of lower antioxidant defenses and increased oxidant production. Permeability transition causes mitochondrial dysfunction and can ultimately lead to cell death. A drug able to minimize mitochondrial damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion may prove to be clinically effective. We aimed to analyze the effects of nicorandil, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel agonist and vasodilator, on mitochondrial function of rat hearts and cardiac HL-1 cells submitted to ischemia-reperfusion. Nicorandil decreased mitochondrial swelling and calcium uptake. It also decreased reactive oxygen species formation and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels, a lipid peroxidation biomarker. We thus confirm previous reports that nicorandil inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition and demonstrate that nicorandil inhibits this process by preventing oxidative damage and mitochondrial calcium overload induced by ischemia-reperfusion, resulting in improved cardiomyocyte viability. These results may explain the good clinical results obtained when using nicorandil in the treatment of ischemic heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using social disorganization theory, the present study considers the concentration of racial minorities and the degree of ethnic heterogeneity to provide an estimation of homicide rates in the Northeast region of Brazil. Three hypotheses were considered: (1) there is a positive association between homicides and ethnic heterogeneity and black/indigenous populations, (2) the magnitude of ethnic heterogeneity is greater than race/minority groups on homicides, and (3) metropolitan regions will be associated with an increase in homicides. Through spatial modelling techniques, results indicate the plausibility of first and third hypotheses. Implications for homicide prevention and social disorganization theory in global south are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the complexity of ruminant digestion, cannulation of organs of the digestive tract has been carried out in order to advance the understanding of digestive physiology, nutrient degradability, gastrointestinal diseases and biotechnological research. The abomasal cannulation is interesting for nutritional studies, especially in suckling calves, to obtain fluid and abomasal content, evaluation of abomasal flow and function, and infusion of nutrients and drugs when it is intended to reach high concentrations in the organ. Conventionally, access and cannulation of digestive organs of ruminants has been performed by laparotomy, a method often criticized and classified as cruel by some sectors related to ethics and animal welfare. The aim of this present study is to describe and standardize a minimally invasive by laparoscopy assisted abomasal cannulation in bovine fetuses (cadavers), which had been previously slaughtered by accident and would be discarded in local slaughterhouses. Results: The abomasal cannulation technique was feasible, simple and did not present major difficulties. The surgical time for cannulation of the abomasum, from the insertion of the trocars to the completion of the technique with fixation of the organ to the abdominal wall, ranged from 9 to 27 min, with an average of 15.5 ± 6.62 min. Conclusions: The Laproscopic assisted abomasal cannulation in bovine fetuses was feasible and safe with minimal tissue injury to the abdominal wall and with short surgical time. More studies in the clinical routine related to minimally invasive abomasal content collection, abomasopexy and abomasotomy are required in order to demonstrate its impact and importance in bovine clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to generate prediction models to estimate the chemical composition of fresh and dry Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã grass using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Chemical analyses of 249 samples were performed to determine oven-dried sample (ODS), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), cellulose (CEL) and total digestible nutrients (TDN). The samples were scanned in an NIRS spectrometer and different percentages were used to compose and develop the models (100% fresh; 100% dry; 25% fresh:75% dry; 50% fresh:50% dry and 75% fresh:25% dry). The purpose of these mixed models is to know if it is possible to obtain reliable predictions from fresh samples in a database that contains dry samples. The calibration models were developed using modified partial least squares (MPLS) and evaluated by statistical parameters, including coefficient of determination (R²) and residual predictive deviation (RPD). The model with 100% dry samples obtained the best results in R² and RPD validations, for CP (0.94; 3.98), NDF (0.92; 3,49) and TDN (0.90; 3.12). The 100% fresh samples produced the best R² results in ODS (0.83), CP (0.85), ADF (0.84) and ADL (0.83). A screening model was validated to predict the characteristics and components of the fresh samples. The model using 100% dry grass was suitable for predicting all the variables, except ODS, DM and CEL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal wall defects in calves are commonly diagnosed and treated via laparotomy. This technique has witnessed several advancements in the management of these disorders. This study aimed to create a study model and evaluate the feasibility of video-assisted percutaneous correction of abdominal wall defects in bovine fetuses (corpses) compared with the conventional technique. Sixteen bovine fetuses from pregnant cows slaughtered in slaughterhouses were included in this study. The fetuses were categorized into the control group (CG, n = 8), which was subjected to umbilical abdominorrhaphy via laparotomy, and the video-surgical group (VG, n = 8), which received video-assisted percutaneous sutures with two lateral accesses on the right flank. An abdominal wall defect was created in the VG group to generate a study model, which was corrected using the laparoscopic technique. The procedures were performed in two steps. The first step consisted of creating an abdominal wall defect in the umbilical region by laparoscopic approach in an iatrogenic manner (Step 1: E1). The second stage consisted of conventional abdominorrhaphy of the umbilical region wall defect in the CG group and video-assisted percutaneous suturing of the edges of the iatrogenic abdominal wall defect in the VG group, until reversal of the laparoscopic accesses (Step 2: E2). Step 1 showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. However, a significant statistical difference (p < 0.0001) was observed between the two groups in step 2. The surgical time of step 2 was longer in the CG group (33.10 ± 0.43 minutes) than that in the VG group (10.13 ± 0.68 minutes, p < 0.0001), and the total surgical time was also longer in the CG group (38.48 ± 0.35 minutes) than that in the VG group (15.86 ± 0.67 minutes). The proposed laparoscopic technique allowed the creation of a study model for video-assisted percutaneous suturing with two portals and reduced the surgical time compared with the conventional technique. However, this method needs to be studied further in live animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classic fill‐and‐spill model is widely applied to interpret topographic controls on depositional architecture and facies distributions in slope successions with complicated topography. However, this model implies a constant topographic configuration over the lifespan of a turbidite system. In contrast, the impact on patterns of erosion and deposition above dynamic slopes whose topographic configuration varies spatially over time remains poorly investigated. Here, using high‐resolution 3D seismic reflection data and more than 100 wells from a 40 km long stepped slope system (Campos Basin, offshore Brazil), we document the evolution of a sand‐prone turbidite system active during the Oligocene–Miocene transition. This turbidite system was influenced by vertical and lateral deformation, and we propose a new stratigraphic model to explain the resultant depositional architecture. Two depocentres were identified as steps, with channels on the proximal step, and channel–lobe complexes on the distal step, bounded by sediment bypass‐dominated ramps. Lateral stepping of channels on the proximal step, and oblique stacking of the down‐dip lobe complexes, each cut by through‐going channels, indicate multiple fill‐and‐spill cycles. A persistent north‐east‐ward stepping and thickening on the steps are interpreted to reflect lateral tilting of the seafloor driven by salt tectonics. The dynamic substrate prevented the establishment of a single long‐lived conduit across the proximal step, as recorded in systems with fixed topographic configurations. The filling of through‐going channels with mud at the end of each cycle suggests waxing‐to‐waning sediment supply cycles and periods of sand starvation when the lateral tilting dominated and drove avulsion of the feeder channels towards topographic lows. This study demonstrates that subtle dynamic slope deformation punctuated by discrete sediment supply cycles results in complex stratigraphic patterns with multiple phases, and multiple entry and exit points. Repeated cycles of fill‐and‐spill, tilt‐and‐repeat are likely to be present in other stepped slope systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To analyse the spatial distribution of rates of COVID‐19 cases and its association with socio‐economic conditions in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Methods: Autocorrelation (Moran index) and spatial association (Geographically weighted regression) models were used to explain the interrelationships between municipalities and the possible effects of socio‐economic factors on rates. Results: Two isolated clusters were revealed in the inner part of the state in sparsely inhabited municipalities. The spatial model (Geographically Weighted Regression) was able to explain 50% of the variations in COVID‐19 cases. The variables proportion of people with low income, percentage of rented homes, percentage of families in social programs, Gini index and running water had the greatest explanatory power for the increase in infection by COVID‐19. Conclusions: Our results provide important information on socio‐economic factors related to the spread of COVID‐19 and can serve as a basis for decision‐making in similar circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endosurgery is a surgical subspecialty that has been widely used in production animals, because it enables good visualization of abdominal organs and the diagnosis and treatment of several conditions in a minimally invasive manner, while preserving the animal's well-being and causing a lower impact on animal production. Rumenostomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in ruminants. This procedure is used to allow access to the rumen for various purposes, especially nutritional and therapeutic studies, and it can be performed either in a conventional way or in a minimally invasive video-assisted manner. Another possibility of access to ruminants is through the rumenoscopy technique. The objective of this study is to describe a minimally invasive technique for rumenostomy using an endoscope, working on a bovine fetal corpse as an experimental model. Results: The execution of the endoscopy-guided rumenostomy technique was simple and did not present major difficulties. The endoscope, its lighting and air pump, and the decubitus used provided a good anatomical visualization of the rumen, and it was possible to evaluate several regions of the organ. The mean duration of the procedure was 11.15 min. Conclusions: The endoscopic rumenostomy technique using anatomical pieces of calves was shown to be feasible. It was performed in a simple and efficient way, particularly regarding the premise of preserving the animal's well-being, due to its minimally invasive nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researches on the deforestation of the Amazon have gained prominence in the last recent years, mainly with the change in the policy regarding the facing of this phenomenon by the Brazilian government. Therefore, an understanding about the causes that pressure the occurrence of deforestation remains relevant and has a leading role in the world. Therefore, the aim of this study is to perform the analysis of the spatial variability of the reasons for the deforestation in the Amazon Biome, in Brazil, (2010–2019). To achieve this goal, 14 variables were selected, the choice and adjustment of the regression model were determined and a diagnosis was carried out in order to verify the most appropriate model. To achieve this purpose, a geographic database was structured in a geographic information system environment. The main results revealed that the adjusted R2 of the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) was 0.96, that is, the GWR model explains 96% of the variations in deforestation. Therefore, it was observed a significant gain when using this model. In addition, it was also observed that the average variable of the number of oxen was, among those analyzed, the one that showed the highest correlation with deforestation. Thus, it was found that the livestock sector in southern Amazonia is the main economic agent that pressures large areas of deforestation, since stockfarming is practiced extensively. Finally, it was concluded that the municipalities with the largest areas of deforestation formed a cluster in the southern portion of the Amazon, in the arc of deforestation. • The deforestation in Amazon is grouped in the southern of the Biome. • The GWR Regression model explained 96% of the variations in deforestation. • Livestock showed the highest correlation with deforestation in the Amazon. • Unlike other studies, rural credit for livestock contributes to deforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical intervention for umbilical diseases in calves, when indicated, is a complementary and indispensable therapeutic resource for the treatment of umbilical conditions and is commonly performed using celiotomy. However, laparoscopy has demonstrated feasibility in many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of the techniques and the surgical time of laparoscopy and celiotomy used in intra-abdominal resection of the umbilical vein and urachus of bovine fetuses (cadavers). Resection of the umbilical vein and urachus using laparoscopy and celiotomy was performed in 26 anatomical specimens (bovine fetuses obtained from an official slaughterhouse). Resection of umbilical structures was feasible with both techniques, but shorter surgical time and minimal tissue damage were achieved using laparoscopy. Laparoscopy requires specialized training and appropriate instruments and is an important tool for diagnostic and therapeutic exploration of the umbilical structures, liver, bladder, and associated/adjacent structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  This study tests the hypothesis that ischemic preconditioning (IP) changes fatty acid (FA)-dependent uncoupling between mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation. We found that IP does not alter mitochondrial membrane integrity or FA levels, but enhances membrane potential decreases when FA are present, in an ATP-sensitive manner. FA hydroperoxides had equal effects in control and preconditioned mitochondria, and GTP did not abrogate the IP effect, suggesting uncoupling proteins were not involved. Conversely, thiol reductants and atractyloside, which inhibits the adenine nucleotide translocator, eliminated the differences in responses to FA. Together, our results suggest that IP leads to thiol oxidation and activation of the adenine nucleotide translocator, resulting in enhanced FA transport and mild mitochondrial uncoupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes an infectious disease characterized by inflammation and pain of the musculoskeletal tissues accompanied by swelling in the joints and cartilage damage. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines or chemotherapeutic agents to prevent or treat CHIKV infections. In this context, our research aimed to explore the potential in vitro anti-CHIKV activity of acrylamide derivatives. In silico methods were applied to 132 Michael's acceptors toward the six most important biological targets from CHIKV. Subsequently, the ten most promising acrylamides were selected and synthesized. From the cytotoxicity MTT assay, we verified that LQM330, 334, and 336 demonstrate high cell viability at 40 µM. Moreover, these derivatives exhibited anti-CHIKV activities, highlighting the compound LQM334 which exhibited an inhibition value of 81%. Thus, docking simulations were performed to suggest a potential CHIKV-target for LQM334. It was observed that the LQM334 has a high affinity towards the E3-E2-E1 glycoproteins complex. Moreover, LQM334 reduced the percentage of CHIKV-positive cells from 74.07 to 0.88%, 48h post-treatment on intracellular flow cytometry staining. In conclusion, all virtual simulations corroborated with experimental results, and LQM334 could be used as a promising anti-CHIKV scaffold for designing new drugs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]