Maurício Garcia

Productive and reproductive performance in cattle infected with bovine leukosis virus

Economic losses caused by enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) have been of interest since World War II, when the neoplastic form of EBL increased dramatically in Europe. Olson (1974) and House et al . (1975) showed that animals with lymphosarcoma caused by the bovine leukosis virus (BLV) had reduced milk yields, a less efficient reproductive performance and high veterinary costs and mortality rates, while many carcasses were rejected at slaughter. However, the actual impact of BLV infection in cattle without lymphosarcoma is not clear. The purpose of the study reported here was to compare some productive and reproductive responses of cattle that were antibody-positive (BLV+) or negative (BLV−) for BLV. Holstein dairy cows in commercial dairy farms were used in this study. Blood samples were collected and subjected to BLV serological examination by the agar gel immunodiffusion test of Miller & van der Maaten (1976). Animals were then grouped as BLV+ or BLV− according to their serological response to the BLV antigen. Productive and reproductive histories were obtained from individual animal records and the following factors were considered: milk production, calving interval and birth rate. For milk production, we had the daily milk yields of 547 animals, and for calving interval the time between two successive parturitions for 444 cows. These values were examined by ANOVA and when this was significant a Students t test was carried out for each age group. Birth rates, the percentage of animals that calved in 1 year, were available for 557 animals and were examined with the Z-two proportion test. For all analyses, P <0·05 was considered significant.

Epidemiological study of enzootic bovine leukosis in Brazil.

Enzootic bovine leukosis has been known in Brazil since 1943 when it was described by Rangel and Machado and is widely distributed in Brazilian farms, especially in dairy cattle. In many Brazilian states serological surveys showed high bovine leukosis virus (BLV) infection rates: 36% in Goiäs (Andrade and Almeida, 1991), 27% in Minas Gerais (Modena et al., 1984), 21% in Paranä (Kantec et al., 1983), 53% in Rio de Janeiro (Romero and Rowe, 1981), 21% in Rio Grande do Sul (Flores et al., 1990) and 45% in Sa¬ o Paulo (Birgel et al., 1988). Similar results were found in other Latin American countries: 50% in Argentina (Brunel et al., 1981), 14% in Colombia (Pena et al., 1985), 28% in Costa Rica (Ducreux et al., 1987), 36% in Mexico (Suzan et al., 1983) and 24% in Peru (Chung, 1983). The purpose of this work was to study some epidemiological aspects of BLV infection in dairy cattle raised in Sa¬ o Paulo state, Brazil. From 1980 to 1989, blood samples were collected from 978 Holstein cows kept on a dairy farm in Sa¬ o Paulo State. Animals were grouped according to their age and origin Tropical AnimalHealth and Production, 30 (1998) 13^15 # 1998 Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the Netherlands

Variations of the articular mobility of elbows, knees and ankles in patients with severe haemophilia submitted to free active movimentation in a pool with warm water

Dear Editor, Activities performed in immersion at temperatures between 32 and 35 C have been traditionally used in rehabilitation institutes for the treatment of different pathologies [1]. The literature presents a growing number of studies proving the efficiency of therapeutic approaches within the pools with warm water [1]. Each part of the immersed surface of the body receives equal pressure with variable intensity according to the depth and the liquid density, which results from the Hydrostatic Pressure which increases about 1 mmHg for every 1.36 cm deep. Therefore, at 1.22 m deep, the pressure will be 88.9 mmHg, just slightly higher than the diastolic blood pressure [2]. This force is used to reduce oedema efficiently, because the treated area is kept deeper in the water [2]. As for the circulatory system, the venous and lymphatic return is sensitive to external changes in the pressure, including the compression performed by the adjacent muscles and the external pressure created by the water [2]. During the immersion, the hydrostatic pressure compresses the superficial veins and dislocates the blood up through the unidirectional system: first towards the thighs, then abdomen, thorax, and the heart [2]. The volume changes are not significant during the immersion up to the iliac crest. The central venous pressure begins to alter with the immersion up to the xiphoid process and increases until the complete immersion [2]. Arborelius et al. demonstrated that during the immersion up to the neck there is an increase of central blood volume in 700 ml, which represents an extension of up to 60% in the central volume. The force acting over immersed objects in opposite direction to the gravitational force is called Buoyancy. This principle, discovered by Archimedes, explains the floatation and can be used in therapies that require the absence of load [2]. As the human body is gradually immersed, the water displaced creating the floatability force and progressively removing the weight performed by the gravity of the submerged articulations [3]. The immersion up to the xiphoid process decreases the body weight on the articulations in up to 60% [2]. From the point of view of rehabilitation, the aims of the treatment in patients with haemophilia are the prevention of deformities and contractures, the maintenance of articular mobility and function, as well as muscular strength [4]. However, it is common to find articulations so badly damaged by haemophilic arthropathy that any approach is impossible to be performed [4]. In the water, the body experiences an environment with rules that are different from the ones we are used to on the land. Immersion effects are fundamentally related to the principles of hydrostatics, hydrodynamics and thermodynamics [3]. Patients with haemophilia are particularly benefited because of the articular mobility in water, the decrease of intra-articular pressure, an increase of cardiovascular and respiratory activities, and the opportunity to perform self-expression, socialization and recreation. The objective of this study was to analyse and demonstrate the improvement of articular range of motion in patients with haemophilia when submitting to a free active movement in a pool with warm water and to investigate how it occurs looking on the physiology of immersion, specifically the hydrostatic pressure and to compare the results with a control group. Correspondence: M. K. Garcia, Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hospital das Clı́nicas, School of Medicine and LIM01HCFMUSP, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Tel.: +55 (11) 5549-0111 Ext. 266; fax: +55 (11) 5549-0556; e-mail: edmassad@usp.br

Caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE). Occurence of positive sera in goats raised in Brazil

Caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is a retroviral disease of goats characterised by arthritis in adult animals and encephalomyelitis in young animals (Perring et al., 1988). Serological surveys performed in many parts of the world indicate a high and widespread prevalence of infection (Crawford and Adams, 1981). In Brazil, serological surveys have been made only in the States of Rio Grande do SUl (Moojen et al., 1986) and Bahia (Fiterman, 1988). For this study, animals of a Saanen goat herd bred in the state of Silo Paulo were separated in two,groups: adult animals (more than one ycar-old) and young animals (less than one year-old). Blood serum was obtained and an agar-gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test was performed to detect antibodies against CAE virus. The antigen, control serum and agar-gel used were the components of a commercial kit for the serological diagnosis of Maedi-Visna virus infection (Institut Pourquier, Montpellier, France). In the AGID-test, 49% of the animals were positive. Young animals showed a higher prevalence (63%) when compared with adult animals (38%) (Table I).

The Halliwick Concept, inclusion and participation through aquatic functional activities

This paper presents the qualitative and quantitative data derived from studying the impact on the lives of 674 disabled individuals after they had followed the Halliwick method for one year at the Institute of Medicine and Rehabilitation - Hospital das Clinicas - University of Sao Paulo. The Halliwick Concept was developed in 1949 by James McMillan in England and is based on the principles of hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, and body mechanics in water. Objective: Halliwick’s 10-Point Program forms the practical application of its concept. It helps to structure the processes of teaching and learning, logically, progressively, and safely. Method: The method involves working in groups that help motivate and encourage social interaction, whilst optimizing learning. Halliwick’s Concept introduces water as an environment in which to work movement and motor control exercises in an innovative way. The physical properties of water promote the well being of the body’s physical structures and functions, independence of movement, the understanding of new concepts of motor skills, sensory processing, cognitive learning, organization of movement patterns, and control of a diverse range of activities. The physiology of immersion is responsible for activating organ systems and improving their capacity and performance. Results: This pioneering project, which received support from the International Halliwick’s Association and its branch, the Brazilian Halliwick Association, made the initiative accessible to thousands of disabled users in Brazil who benefited from its non-discriminatory approach. Traditional techniques for teaching swimming have been influenced greatly by the holistic characteristics of the Halliwick method, which also introduced significant refinements to hydrotherapy techniques. Conclusion: The method developed new ways of exercising and showed that rehabilitation programs that offer combined therapeutic and recreational activities provide consistent rehabilitation to the disabled as well as the able-bodied person. Furthermore, it allows for the individual to achieve their maximum potential and enjoy physical, psychological and social benefits.

Uso da ciclofosfamida em modelo de imunodepressão experimental em ovinos

Cyclophosphamide (CY) was used to evaluate the effect on the immune system of sheep. Castred adult rams were divided into 3 groups, with 6 animals each one. Group I (day 0) and Group II (day 1) were treated with CY (40 mg/kg, single dose, IV), and Group III was not treated and remained as control. All groups were immunized on day 0 with B19 brucellosis vaccine. On day 6, all animals were bled and serum agglutination test for brucellosis antibodies detection was performed. During 7 days blood lymphocyte counts and electrophoresis gammaglobulin dosage were daily performed. The results showed statistical decrease of immune response. Low serum titers of brucellosis antibodies were found in Groups I and II, and lymphopenia and hypogammaglobulinemia were also found in these groups. A high mortality rate (40%) occurred in the treated animals.

Cardiorespiratory performance of coronary artery disease patients on land versus underwater treadmill tests: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE: To compare responses to a cardiopulmonary exercise test on land versus on an underwater treadmill, to assess the cardiorespiratory performance of coronary artery disease patients while immersed in warm water and to compare with the performance of healthy individuals. METHODS: The sample population consisted of 40 subjects, which included 20 coronary artery disease patients aged 63.7±8.89 years old, functional class I and II, according to the New York Hearth Association, and 20 healthy subjects aged 64.7±7.09 years old. The statistical significances were calculated through an ANOVA test with a (1 - β) power of 0.861. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00989248 (22). RESULTS: Significant differences were uncovered in coronary artery disease group regarding the variables heart beats (HB), (p>0.01), oxygen consumption (VO2), (p>0.01) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) (p<0.01). Also, for the same group, in relation to the environment, water versus on land for HB, VO2, VCO2 and oxygen for each heart beat (VO2/HB) all of than (p<0.01). The stages for data collected featured the subject’s performance throughout the experiment, and within the given context, variables rating of perceived exertion (RPE), HB, VO2, VCO2 and VO2/HB (p<0.01) showed significant interactions between test stages and environment. Additionally, there was a significant interaction between the etiology and the test stages for the variables HB, VO2 and VCO2 (p<0.01). Electrocardiographic changes compatible with myocardial ischemia or arrhythmia were not observed. The subjects exhibited lower scores on Borg’s perceived exertion scale in the water than at every one of the test stages on land (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This study show that a cardiopulmonary exercise test can be safely conducted in subjects in immersion and that the procedures, resources and equipment used yielded replicable and reliable data. Significant differences observed in water versus on land allow us to conclude that coronary artery disease patients are able to do physical exercise in water and that the physiological effects of immersion do not present any risk for such patients, as exercise was well tolerated by all subjects.

Associação de imunoestimulante com anti-helmíntico no tratamento da verminose em ovinos

This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of the immunostimulant combined with anthelmintic on the helminthiasis treatment in sheep. The animals of group I (n=29) received the anthelmintic albendazole (11mg kg-1) in a single administration and the immunostimulant composed with Propionibacterium granulosum (16ug kg-1) and lypopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia coli (1,2ug kg-1) into two doses every 48 hours and the animals from group II (n=29) received anthelmintic albendazole (11mg g-1). Samples were collected weekly during 28 days, to carry out the total and differential count of leukocytes, hematocrit and the eggs count per gram of feces (EPG). The animals that received immunostimulant combined with anthelmintic showed significantly increases of eosinophils and lymphocytes (P 0.05). Based on these results it was concluded that immunostimulants can be used when combined with anthelminthic as an alternative therapy for the treatment of helminthiasis in sheep, since they promote the activation of immune response with participation of cells and mediators important for the removal of helminths in sheep.