Macroscopic Evaluation Research Articles

Evaluation of Automatic Lane-Change Model Based on Vehicle Cluster Generalized Dynamic System

The lane-change transportation research usually focuses on the efficiency and stability of the macro traffic flow while ignoring the driving comfort of individual vehicles. And many studies of lane-change models are often limited to the performance of a single vehicle, which leads to a lack of macroscopic evaluation. To solve the above limitations, an automatic lane-change generalized dynamic model is adopted. In this model, the lane-change behavior of an individual vehicle is considered as the generalized excitation and the restraining force between vehicles is described with the car-following model. Macro and micro evaluation indexes are also adopted to evaluate the automatic lane-change behavior in traffic flow. Furthermore, this paper proposes a modified intelligent driver model (IDM) to describe the state change process during lane change. The hyperbolic tangent transition function is used to eliminate the vehicle state mutation. The simulation results show that the proposed automatic lane-change generalized dynamic model can reflect the macro and micro parameters of the traffic flow. And compared with the traditional IDM model, the proposed HC-IDM model achieves higher comfort performance and lower fluctuation of traffic flow.

The Gingiva of Horses With Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction: A Macroscopic Anatomical Evaluation.

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a common neurodegenerative disease mainly in horses older than 15 years. The domestic equine population is following the same demographic change as that seen in humans; it is aging and veterinarians are asked to attend to geriatric horses more frequently. Common problems seen regularly in older equines are dental disorders and especially periodontal disease. As a systemic and endocrine disease, associated with delayed wound healing and impaired immune function, PPID should be considered before major dental treatment in aged equines is started. Possible negative effects of PPID on epithelial tissues could also affect the periodontium. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify gross changes in the gingiva associated with PPID. Fourteen horses with clinical signs of PPID and adenoma in the pituitary pars intermedia and 13 controls showing neither clinical signs nor PPID-associated histological changes in the pituitary gland were included. PPID-affected horses (26.9 ± 0.73 years) were significantly older than controls (20.0 ± 1.24 years). In the PPID-affected group, significantly more often an irregular and bulky appearance of the gingival texture was observed, as well as an irregular shape of the gingival margin. Furthermore, the sulcus gingivalis of cheek teeth frequently was deeper than 1 mm. These findings indicate a possible association between age, soft tissue alterations, and PPID and suggest a potential predisposition of PPID-affected horses for periodontal diseases.

Insights into the diagnostic efficacy and macroscopic appearance of endocranial bony changes indicative of tuberculous meningitis: Three example cases from the Robert J. Terry Anatomical Skeletal Collection

AbstractRecently, the combined macroscopic and statistical evaluation of 427 identified pre‐antibiotic era skeletons from the Terry Collection (Washington, DC, USA) revealed that there is a positive association between tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and four endocranial alteration types, namely, granular impressions (GIs), abnormal blood vessel impressions (ABVIs), periosteal appositions (PAs), and abnormally pronounced digital impressions (APDIs). Although all the four lesion types can be used as diagnostic criteria for TBM in the paleopathological practice, they do not have the same diagnostic value. The first aim of the current paper is to further highlight the diagnostic value of GIs, ABVIs, PAs, and APDIs by calculating and discussing their diagnostic sensitivity and specificity estimate values, as well as their association with each other from the 427 identified pre‐antibiotic era skeletons of the Terry Collection. The second aim is to demonstrate three example cases from the Terry Collection, who exhibit bony changes on the inner skull surface that are representative of the macromorphological appearance and co‐occurrence of GIs, ABVIs, PAs, and APDIs (in different combinations). Based on the generated sensitivity and specificity estimate values, GIs are sufficient enough on their own to make a definitive diagnosis of TBM, whereas ABVIs, PAs, and APDIs are not specific to the disease but can be of tuberculous origin. The χ2 test results regarding the association of ABVIs, PAs, and APDIs revealed that their co‐occurrence with each other (in any possible combination) is significantly more common in individuals who died of TB than in those who died of non‐TB causes—it implies that the chance of them being tuberculous in origin is higher when they simultaneously occur with each other. The three cases demonstrated in detail in the paper provide paleopathologists with a stronger basis for identifying TBM in ancient human remains that reveal endocranial alterations resembling that of the presented cases.

Usefulness of Macroscopic On-Site Evaluation Using a Stereomicroscope during EUS-FNB for Diagnosing Solid Pancreatic Lesions.

Methods We reviewed a total of 60 consecutive patients who underwent both S-MOSE and rapid on-site cytopathological evaluation (ROSE) during EUS-FNB between July 2019 and October 2020, and the usefulness of S-MOSE in comparison with histology was evaluated. A 22-gauge Franseen needle was used to perform EUS-FNB in all patients, and only the specimens obtained by the first pass were evaluated. The final diagnosis was based on the surgical specimen or the clinical course consistent with the EUS-FNB results. Results The final diagnoses of the 60 patients included 45 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, 6 with autoimmune pancreatitis, 4 with mass-forming pancreatitis, 1 with pancreatic metastasis, 2 with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, and 2 with intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma. The histological diagnostic accuracy of the first pass of EUS-FNB was 83.3% (50/60). The agreement between the S-MOSE and the histological diagnosis was 90% (54/60). The positive predictive value of S-MOSE for histological diagnosis was 90.7%, which can be an indicator of when to stop the EUS-FNB procedure. There were no immediate or delayed adverse events reported after the FNB based on the chart and medical visit history review. Conclusion In the EUS-FNB of SPLs, S-MOSE can be an alternative to ROSE for specimen evaluation and has the potential to shorten the procedure time.

Combined Mesenchymal Stem Cellsand Cartilage Acellular Matrix InjectionTherapy for Osteoarthritis in Goats.

Human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) have been studied in osteoarthritis (OA) and cartilage regeneration. Our previous study demonstrated that hUCB-MSCs combined with cartilage acellular matrix injection (CAM Inj.) represent potential therapeutic agents for structural improvement and anti-inflammatory effects in a rabbit model of OA. Based on a previous study, this study has evaluated the safety and efficacy of hUCB-MSCs combined with CAM Inj. in an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) with medial meniscectomy (MMx) in a goat model. In this study, 27 goats were divided into 5 groups: normal (n = 3), OA (n = 6), OA + CAM Inj. (n = 6), OA + hUCB-MSCs (n = 6), and OA + hUCB-MSCs + CAM Inj. (n = 6). Lameness and radiographic parameters were assessed 6months after administration, and macroscopic and histological evaluations of the goat articular cartilage were performed 6months after intervention. The results showed significant improvement in lameness score only in the OA + hUCB-MSCs group at 5months after treatment (*p < 0.05), whereas the K&L score showed significant improvement only in the OA + hUCB-MSCs + CAM Inj. group 6months after intervention (*p < 0.05). In addition, the gross findings showed significance in OA + CAM Inj. and OA + hUCB-MSCs + CAM Inj. groups 6months after treatment (*p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01). In conclusion, treatment with a combination of hUCB-MSCs and CAM Inj. reduced OA symptoms and induced effective cartilage tissue repair in a goat model. We suggest the combination of hUCB-MSCs and CAM Inj. as an alternative therapy for OA.

Novel surgical approach to neoplastic lesions in the distal part of the urethra: A pilot cadaver study comparing open and hybrid techniques.

Tumours of the distal urethra in female dogs are often difficult to treat, and the surgical methods described thus far have technical limitations. This study aimed to present a novel approach to the surgical treatment of distal urethral tumours. This study used dog cadavers to evaluate the technical feasibility of surgically removing neoplastic lesions in the distal urethra and compared surgical outcomes of open surgery with those of hybrid surgery (combination of laparoscopy and open surgery). Open intact, open spayed, hybrid intact, and hybrid spayed dog cadaver groups underwent surgery (n = 6 per group). The novel surgical method was based on vulvovaginectomy (ovariohysterectomy in intact dogs), resection of the distal part of the urethra, and pre‐pubic urethrostomy. Outcomes of interest included technical feasibility of each procedure, using both surgical techniques, wound length, time required to complete the procedure, and the incidence of intraoperative ureter and rectum injuries. Surgical technique and reproductive status affected operating time. Technique choice affected wound length; the surgical wound was longer in the open group than in the hybrid group. Macroscopic evaluation of the rectum did not reveal any damage to the wall. There was no evidence of ureter leakage or obstruction in any case. The present findings suggest that both open and hybrid surgery can be used to treat distal urethral tumours.

Evaluation of ACP Derma Barrier Cream in the Healing Process of Induced Wounds in Dogs

The treatment of skin lesions comes up against the difficulty of the treatment due to the animal's temperament, causing stress and reluctance to administer medication, which may lead the tutor to interrupt the treatment. Knowing that coconut water has therapeutic properties that benefit tissue regeneration, we aimed to evaluate the healing activity of ACP Derma barrier cream, a coconut water-based product, to measure the degree of repair of the wound and to compare the evolution of the healing process, through macroscopic evaluations of the wounds. Five dogs were used in which 3 circular incisions were made on their backs. Wounds were treated with the 3 ointments (ACP, CMR® and Vetaglós®) and were macroscopically evaluated in the periods of 4, 7, 10 and 14 days of treatment. There were significant reductions in the wound area up to the 14th day, resulting in a satisfactory healing of the ointments used. ACP Derma was shown to be superior in terms of adherence to the lesion and showed effective potential for wound healing in dogs, equivalent to treatment with commercial ointments, making it a more cost-effective therapeutic option.

Closure of defects in a geometric figure pattern associated with tumescent anesthesia with lidocaine in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract The use of tumescent anesthesia with lidocaine can provide better intra- and postoperative analgesia that would benefit extensive reconstructive surgery. However, lidocaine can interfere with the healing process. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the local interference of the healing of induced and closed skin defects in a geometric pattern associated with the use of tumescent anesthesia with lidocaine in rabbits. Furthermore, we assessed its influence on cardiorespiratory parameters and postoperative analgesia. This study included 27 rabbits divided into three groups: GC (without the use of tumescence), GS (use of tumescence with 0.9% NaCl solution), and GL (use of tumescent anesthesia with lidocaine). There was no statistically significant intergroup difference in any stage of the wound healing process on macroscopic evaluations, in the angiogenesis process, or in the process of collagenization and fibroblast deposition. There were significant differences in heart rate (lower in GL), respiratory rate (higher in GC), mean arterial pressure (higher in GL), and expired concentration of isoflurane (lower in GL). There was no significant intergroup difference in the von Frey filament test or the visual analog scale score used to evaluate postoperative analgesia. We concluded that tumescent anesthesia with lidocaine does not impair postoperative tissue repair. Its use features benefits such as reducing the volume of inhaled anesthetic, maintaining the anesthesia plan, stable heart and respiratory rates, and lower hypotension during the surgical procedure.

Archaeological evidence of independent iron production from the 9th-century rural settlement of Bořitov (Blansko District, Czechia)

The study attempts to show the potential of iron slags to answer questions about the organization of iron production in 9th-century Moravia. As a case study, it evaluates a small archaeological assemblage from the contemporary rural settlement of Bořitov, where basic contextual and macroscopic evaluation in combination with various archaeometric analyses (pXRF, ED-XRF, XRD, SEM/EDS) of iron slags made it possible to recognize the smelting of iron ore, as well as its further processing in a reheating hearth and smithy. Taking into account some other finds connected with iron production as well as the specific geographic position of Bořitov, these results also indicate that the community in Bořitov could have been beyond the reach of regional elites and might thus have acted as independent producers with the main purpose to saturate their own demand and/or exchange the surplus.

Effects of photobiomodulation (660 nm laser) on anthracycline extravasation: An experimental study.

Objective: to investigate the effect of using different agents (topical hyaluronidase, photobiomodulation, and the association of photobiomodulation with topical hyaluronidase) in preventing the formation of lesions caused by doxorubicin extravasation, as well as in the reduction of lesions formed by extravasation of this drug. Method: a quasi-experimental study conducted with 60 Wistar rats, randomized into four groups with 15 animals each. Group 1 (Control); Group 2 (Hyaluronidase); Group 3 (Photobiomodulation); and Group 4 (Hyaluronidase + Photobiomodulation). A wound was induced by applying 1 mg of doxorubicin to the subcutaneous tissue of the back of the animals. The concentration of topical hyaluronidase was 65 turbidity units/g and the energy employed was 1 joule of 100 mW red laser per square centimeter. With macroscopic evaluation every two days for 28 days, the following variables were observed: skin integrity, presence of blisters, hyperemia, exudate, bleeding, edema, crust, peeling and granulation tissue. Results: the animals from the groups subjected to photobiomodulation obtained better results in the assessment of the following variables: bleeding, hyperemia, exudate, intact skin and edema. Conclusion: it was evidenced that the association of photobiomodulation with topical hyaluronidase was effective in reducing the local effects and assisted in the wound healing process, and that PBM alone was able to prevent appearance of lesions.

Daphnetin Ameliorates the Expansion of Chemically Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Reduction of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 5th most common cancer disease and the 3rd cause of cancer related disease. Oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions are increases due to the expansion of hepatic cancer. Daphnetin is a well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug. The current experimental study was exploring the chemoprotective effect of daphnetin against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced HCC in rats and scrutinizing the possible mechanism. In this experimental study, Swiss Wistar rats were used for the current protocol and intraperitoneal injection of DEN (200 mg/kg) and phenobarbital (8 mg/kg) were used for the induction and progression of HCC and after induction the HCC, the rats were received the oral administration of different doses of daphnetin. Body weight was estimated at regular time intervals. Macroscopical evaluation was done at the end of the experimental study for the confirmation of hepatic nodules. Hepatic markers, antioxidant and inflammatory mediators were estimated in the serum of experimental rats. Daphnetin treatment successfully attenuated the hepatic injury induced by DEN/Pb as shown by the suppressed the levels of biochemical parameters including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (T-Bil) and total protein (TP). Daphnetin significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced the level of glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and decreased the malonaldehyde (MDA) level. Daphnetin treatment significantly altered the level of phase I and phase II enzymes and also significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the level of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); inflammatory mediators include cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear kappa B factor (NF-κB) and prostaglandin (PGE2). Collectively, we can say that daphnetin suggestively suppressed the hepatic cancer via suppression of antioxidant and inflammatory reactions.

Presence of Color Transition in Biopsy Specimens Predicts Outcome of Liver Lesion Biopsies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the presence of tissue transition in liver lesion biopsies to predict a successful outcome, as observed by modified macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE). This is a retrospective analysis of 264 ultrasound-guided liver lesion biopsies, examining the influence the presence of tissue transition (visible color changes in biopsy specimens as evaluated visually) has on two endpoints (1) material retrieval, (2) attaining a definitive diagnosis) representing successful liver lesion biopsies, compared to previously evaluated variables in this context. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed using SPSS 21.0. Material retrieval and a definitive diagnosis occurred in 224/264 (84.8%) and 217/264 (82.2%) cases, the latter occurring more often when visual inspection revealed macroscopic tissue transition (92/96 [95.8%]) than when not (124/165 [75.2%]), P < 0.001. Tissue transition in biopsies was more common in secondary (74/162 [45.7%]) than (18/54 [33.3%]) primary liver lesions, though this was not significant (P = 0.112). On multivariate analysis, tissue transition in biopsies was an independent predictor of a definitive diagnosis and material retrieval. In liver lesion biopsies, MOSE of color transition in biopsies can indicate success. This is easily incorporated into clinical practice and can help overcome the lack of an on-site pathologist.

Effect of taxifolin on methotrexate-induced oxidative and inflammatory oral mucositis in rats: biochemical and histopathological evaluation.

The role of oxidative stress, as well as inflammation in the pathogenesis of methotrexate (MTX)-induced oral mucositis, is a known fact. The anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of taxifolin—the effect we tested against MTX-induced oral mucosal damage—are well known. Objective Evaluating biochemically and histopathologically the effects of taxifolin on methotrexate-induced oral mucosal damage in rats.Methodology In the taxifolin+MTX (TMTX) group, 50 mg/kg taxifolin was orally administered to rats by gavage. In the MTX and healthy (HG) groups, normal saline was applied to rats as solvent by the same method. One hour after administration of taxifolin and solvent, 5 mg/kg MTX was orally administered to rats in the MTX and TMTX groups. Taxifolin and methotrexate were administered once a day for 30 days. Macroscopic, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations were performed on the inner cheek and tongue tissues of rats. These parts were removed after rats were killed with a high-dose anesthesia.Results Taxifolin with MTX prevented the increase in oxidant and pro-inflammatory parameters, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), on the inner cheek and tongue tissues of rats. Moreover, taxifolin antagonized the decrease in total glutathione (tGSH). Taxifolin decreased MTX-induced histopathological damage.Conclusion These findings suggest that taxifolin may be useful to treat MTX-associated oral mucositis.

Hydrogel-based dressings in the treatment of partial thickness experimentally induced burn wounds in rats.

ABSTRACTPurpose:To compare four commercially available hydrogel formulations in the healing of partial thickness burns experimentally induced in rats.Methods:Wistar rats were used, and after the burn wound induction they were divided into the following treatment groups: G1) NaCl 0.9%; G2) 1% silver sulfadiazine; G3) Debrigel™; G4) Safgel™; G5) Dersani™; G6) Solosite™. The animals were followed during seven, 14 and 30 days after the injury induction. Morphometric, macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were performed.Results:The treatment with Dersani™ induced better results during the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process (p<0.05). The animals treated with Safgel™ presented better scaring in the remodeling phase (p<0.05), and the treatment with Dersani™ and Solosite™ induced greater wound closure (p<0.05).Conclusions:The hydrogel-based dressings presented beneficial outcomes in the healing of burn wounds experimentally induced in rats due to their ability in maintain the humidity of the wound, in removing the exudate, in promoting cell migration and collagen production during the different phases of the healing process.

Curcuma longa extract protects against 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis in hamsters

Curcumin, contained at Turmeric (Curcumalonga), can exert many beneficial pleiotropic activities in the gastrointestinal tract. This study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of C. longa on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced oral mucositis (OM) in hamsters. Phytochemical analysis of crude C. longa extract (CLE) was performed to detect the presence of curcumin by TLC and HPLC. Golden Syrian hamsters were orally pre-treated with CLE (5, 50, or 100mg/kg). Cheek pouch samples were subjected to macroscopic and histopathological evaluation. ELISA was performed to quantify the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy analysis. Behavior analysis was conducted by the open field test. Curcumin content in the CLE was 0.55%m/m ± 0.0161 (2.84%). The group treated with 5mg/kg CLE showed healing evidence with macroscopic absence of ulceration (p<0.05) and microscopic aspect of re-epithelialization, discrete inflammatory infiltrate and absence of edema. Treatment with 5mg/kg CLE significantly increased GSH levels, and reduced MDA levels and SOD activity (p˂0.05), and decreased IL-1β (p˂0.05) and TNF-α (p˂0.01) levels. A significant reduction in walking distance, ambulation, speed, and rearing was observed for motor activity. Curcumin reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and motor activity in hamsters with 5-FU-induced OM.

Intra-Articular Injection of Rebamipide-Loaded Nanoparticles Attenuate Disease Progression and Joint Destruction in Osteoarthritis Rat Model: A Pilot Study.

ObjectiveRebamipide has antioxidant effects and is a drug with a local rather than systemic mechanism of action. Oxidative stress and inflammation in chondrocytes are the major factors contributing to the development and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Since OA is mainly developed in weight bearing or overused joints, the locally sustained therapy is effective for targeting inflammatory component of OA. We investigated the effects of intra-articular injection of rebamipide loaded nanoparticles (NPs) in OA rat model.DesignWe fabricated rebamipide-loaded methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(D,L-lactide) (mPEG-PDLLA) and poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) NPs that allow the sustained release of rebamipide. In vitro, chondrocytes from rat were used to investigate the cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effect of rebamipide-loaded NPs. In vivo, monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rats were divided into 7 groups, consisting of healthy control rats and rats injected with MIA alone or in combination with NPs, rebamipide (1 mg)/NPs, rebamipide (10 mg)/NPs, rebamipide (10 mg) solution, or oral administration.ResultsIn vitro, rebamipide/NPs dose-dependently suppressed the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-13, and cyclo-oxygenase-2. In vivo, the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory components most markedly decreased in the intra-articularly injected rebamipide (10 mg)/NP group compared to other groups. Macroscopic, radiographic, and histological evaluations showed that the intra-articular injection of rebamipide/NPs inhibited cartilage degeneration more than rebamipide solution or rebamipide administration.ConclusionsUsing a chemically induced rat model of OA, intra-articular delivery of rebamipide was associated with decreased local and systemic inflammatory response decreased joint degradation and arthritic progression.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Prishniparni-Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC.

Prishniparni –Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. is a well-known drug extensively discussed in the Ayurvedic classics. The plant and the therapeutical potential of its root is highly emphasized in the literature.Pharmacognosy is the study of crude drugs ofplant and animal origin based on macroscopic and microscopic examination for the authentication and quality control. In present study, macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of root, was performed. Powder macroscopy as well as microscopy of powderof the drug was conducted. Assessment of colour, texture, odour and taste of powder were done in powder macroscopy. The macroscopic features of root, such as size, shape, external characters, type of fracture, colour, odour and taste were analysed. In microscopicevaluation of root, the different types of cells, their arrangement and cell contents were observed. The presence of cell constituents like prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, starch grain, stone cells, cork cells and fibres etc in the powder was observedusing powder microscopy.

Bioarchaeological Notes on the Commingled Human Remains Held in the Church of Saint Francis of Paola, Sant'Angelo di Brolo, Sicily, Italy.

:In this study, we examine human skeletal remains from the church of Saint Francis of Paola located in the small town of Sant’Angelo di Brolo, in the Italian region of Sicily. The preserved skeletal remains were temporarily transferred from their permanent resting place in the crypt for a macroscopic examination and evaluation. Various established methods were used to estimate age at death, sex, stature, any evidence of disease(s) as well as the fact that there was a minimum of 15 individuals. The findings were then subdivided into different groups of pathologies and recorded as individual cases. Amongst which, dental issues and cases of trauma were most prevalent. Additional conditions such as joint disease, congenital, metabolic and multifactorial disorders were also identified. The prevalence of dental decay indicates that the group’s diet consisted largely of carbohydrates, and that their oral hygiene was poor. Furthermore, evidence of trauma and poor healing suggested that the town was isolated from the main medical centres of the island. Severe complications of traumas linked with a loss of movement and overall independence, as well as physical pain, must have had a significant impact on the lives of those affected.

Impacto econômico de lesões pleurais crônicas e consequente desqualificação de carcaças para exportação durante inspeção em frigoríficos de suínos

ABSTRACT: Chronic pleuritis is the main reason for sending pig carcasses to the Department of Final Inspection (DIF), condemnation and led to economic losses to industries and producers. Most pleura lesions detected after slaughter are sequelae from bacterial infections by agents that do not pose risks to pork consumers. The objective of the present study was to generate science-based information for decision making in the evaluation and destination of chronic pleuritis by the Federal Inspection Service (SIF). Therefore, 200 carcasses, with and without pleurisy, from a swine slaughterhouse with SIF were assessed following the visual classification of the inspection agent. The study was carried out in two stages. In stage 1, 50 carcasses with pneumonic lesions adjacent to chronic pleuritis and 50 carcasses with only chronic pleuritis lesions were evaluated, through macroscopy, histopathology, and bacterial culture. In stage 2, 50 swine carcasses with chronic pleuritis and 50 without this lesion were sampled in the parietal pleura region to bacterial culture and PCR. The economic impact of not exporting these carcasses with chronic pleuritis was also assessed. Considering the stages of evolution of the lesions, the macroscopic examination showed high correlation with the histological examination. There was no bacterial isolation through pleural swabs, regardless of the presence or not of adjacent pulmonary lesions. Isolation was restricted to the adjacent pulmonary lesions of 70% samples, with Pasteurella multocida type A found in 48% of them, followed by P. multocida type D and Streptococcus suis in 12%, and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in 3%. Only Streptococcus suis DNA was detected in 5/100 samples, with no correspondence to the isolation of viable bacteria. The reliability demonstrated in the macroscopic evaluation carried out during inspection, the absence of viable bacteria in the chronic pleural lesions, and the negative economic impact suggest that carcasses with chronic pleuritis can be submitted to pleura removal, with no need of sending to DIF.

Comparison of macroscopy, histopathology and PCR for diagnosing Eimeria spp. in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT: Coccidiosis is a disease of great importance in industrial poultry. The correct diagnosis directs the poultry industry to its best treatment and control. Thus, a survey of Eimeria spp. was carried out in intestines of 64 broiler flocks, with an average age of 29 days. Eight broilers from each flock were randomly removed from the slaughter line, in a total of 512 samples. Macroscopic and histopathological lesions in the intestine were classified into Scores 0 to 4. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to research the oocysts from the seven species of Eimeria spp. in the intestinal content. The macroscopic evaluations showed that 59.4% (38/64) of the flocks were positive for E. acervulina, 32.8% (21/64) for E. maxima, 29.7% (19/64) for E. tenella, and 34.4% (22/64) for E. brunetti. The histopathological evaluation showed that 87.5% (56/64) of the flocks had at least one broiler with parasitic structures compatible with Eimeria spp. in the duodenum, 70.3% (45/64) in the jejunum, 18.8% (12/64) in the ileum, 46.9% (30/64) in the cecum, and 4.7% (3/64) in the colon. In PCR, 21.9% (14/64) of the flocks were positive for E. acervulina, 12.5% (8/64) for E. maxima, 3.1% (2/64) for E. mitis, and 32.8% (21/64) for E. tenella. The Kappa Cohen test between macroscopy, histopathology, and PCR demonstrated concordance ranging from weak to moderate with the exception of histopathology and PCR of the cecum, which was strong. In the comparison between macroscopy and histopathology, there were significative differences between Scores 0 and 1 (apart from the cecum). For Score 3, there were significative differences in duodenum, jejunum and cecum (p&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the macroscopic diagnosis and PCR can generate false-negative results, and the histopathological exam proved to be effective, making it essential to associate different techniques for the correct diagnosis of Eimeria spp. in broiler chickens.