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Machine learning can provide insight and support for a variety of decisions. In some areas of medicine, decision-support models are capable of assisting healthcare practitioners in making accurate diagnoses. In this work we explored the application of these techniques to distinguish between two diseases in veterinary medicine; inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and alimentary lymphoma (ALA). Both disorders are common gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in humans and animals that share very similar clinical and pathological outcomes. Because of these similarities, distinguishing between these two diseases can sometimes be challenging. In order to identify patterns that may help with this differentiation, we retrospectively mined medical records from dogs and cats with histopathologically diagnosed GI diseases. Since the pathology report is the key conveyer of this information in the medical records, our first study focused on its information structure. Other groups have had a similar interest. In 2008, to help insure consistent reporting, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) GI International Standardization Group proposed standards for recording histopathological findings (HF) from GI biopsy samples. In our work, we extend WSAVA efforts and propose an information model (composed of information structure and terminology mapped to the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine - Clinical Terms) to be used when recording histopathological diagnoses (HDX, one or more HF from one or more tissues). Next, our aim was to identify free-text HF not currently expressed in the WSAVA format that may provide evidence for distinguishing between IBD and ALA in cats. As part of this work, we hypothesized that WSAVA-based structured reports would have higher classification accuracy of GI disorders in comparison to use of unstructured free-text format. We trained machine learning models in 60 structured, and independently, 60 unstructured reports. Results show that unstructured information-based models using two machine learning algorithms achieved higher accuracy in predicting the diagnosis when compared to the structured information-based models, and some novel free-text features were identified for possible inclusion in the WSAVA-reports. In our third study, we tested the use of machine learning algorithms to differentiate between IBD and ALA using complete blood count and serum chemistry data. Three models (using naïve Bayes, neural networks, and C4.5 decision trees) were trained and tested on laboratory results for 40 Normal, 40 IBD, and 40 ALA cats. Diagnostic models achieved classification sensitivity ranging between 63% and 71% with naïve Bayes and neural networks being superior. These models can provide another non-invasive diagnostic tool to assist with differentiating between IBD and ALA, and between diseased and non-diseased cats. We believe that relying on our information model for histopathological reporting can lead to a more complete, consistent, and computable knowledgebase in which machine learning algorithms can more efficiently identify these and other disease patterns. / Ph. D.

Automated tissue image analysis aims to develop algorithms for a variety of histological applications. This has important implications in the diagnostic grading of cancer such as in breast and prostate tissue, as well as in the quantification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers that may help assess the risk of recurrence and the responsiveness of tumors to endocrine therapy. In this thesis, we use pattern recognition and image analysis techniques to solve several problems relating to histopathology and immunohistochemistry applications. In particular, we present a new method for the detection and localization of tissue microarray cores in an automated manner and compare it against conventional approaches. We also present an unsupervised method for color decomposition based on modeling the image formation process while taking into account acquisition noise. The method is unsupervised and is able to overcome the limitation of specifying absorption spectra for the stains that require separation. This is done by estimating reference colors through fitting a Gaussian mixture model trained using expectation-maximization. Another important factor in histopathology is the choice of stain, though it often goes unnoticed. Stain color combinations determine the extent of overlap between chromaticity clusters in color space, and this intrinsic overlap sets a main limitation on the performance of classification methods, regardless of their nature or complexity. In this thesis, we present a framework for optimizing the selection of histological stains in a manner that is aligned with the final objective of automation, rather than visual analysis. Immunohistochemistry can facilitate the quantification of biomarkers such as estrogen, progesterone, and the human epidermal growth factor 2 receptors, in addition to Ki-67 proteins that are associated with cell growth and proliferation. As an application, we propose a method for the identification of paired antibodies based on correlating probability maps of immunostaining patterns across adjacent tissue sections. Finally, we present a new feature descriptor for characterizing glandular structure and tissue architecture, which form an important component of Gleason and tubule-based Elston grading. The method is based on defining shape-preserving, neighborhood annuli around lumen regions and gathering quantitative and spatial data concerning the various tissue-types.

M.Sc. / A comprehensive histology-based fish health assessment was implemented at the Roodeplaat Dam (RD), Pretoria, South Africa, to determine the health status of two fresh water fish species, Clarias gariepinus (n = 20) and Oreochromis mossambicus (n = 18), after exposure to pollutants. RD is known to be polluted, being impacted from two sewage treatment plants, industry, housing and agriculture all upstream of the reserve. Excessive nutrient loads, such as orthophosphate, resulted in the dam becoming eutrophic. The quality of water in the RD was a cause for concern, as the fish from the dam are being used as a source of food by the local people. The histology-based fish health assessment included fish necropsy, calculation of gross body indices and histological assessment. Water quality (chemical and physical) analysis was also carried. Furthermore, target chemical analysis of fish tissue (skeletal muscle) was performed to determine the levels of contaminants in the consumable parts of the fish. These results were compared with existing international guidelines to determine whether the harvested fish were safe for human consumption. All the information obtained was integrated in a qualitative and quantitative scenario-based health risk assessment.

Objetivo: Avaliar in vivo a resposta tecidual de dentes de cães após perfuração de furca e recobrimento com Biodentine&trade;, em comparação ao MTA e à guta-percha, por meio de análise histopatológica, histoenzimológica, imunohistoquímica e por imunofluorescência. Métodos: Foram utilizados 30 dentes de 3 cães, divididos em 3 grupos: I - Biodentine; II - MTA; e III - Guta-Percha (controle). Após tratamento endodôntico e limpeza da câmara pulpar, perfurações no centro do assoalho foram realizadas intencionalmente em cada dente, as quais foram preenchidas com os diferentes materiais. Após 120 dias, os animais foram eutanasiados e as peças contendo os dentes e tecidos perirradiculares foram submetidas ao processamento histotécnico. Foram realizadas análises histopatológicas semi-quantitativas para avaliação da neoformação de tecido mineralizado e da reinserção de fibras, além de análise imunohistoquímica das proteínas osteopontina (OPN) e fosfatase alcalina (ALP) e imunofluorescência para proteína morfogenética óssea (BMP-2), proteína de adesão do cemento (CAP), sialoproteína óssea (BSP), osteocalcina (OCN) e proteína do cemento 1 (CEMP1) no tecido mineralizado neoformado e na região adjacente. Paralelamente, foi realizada a histoenzimologia para a atividade da TRAP e contagem dos osteoclastos. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes qui-quadrado e Kruskal-Wallis, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Na avaliação do tecido mineralizado neoformado, o grupo controle foi significantemente diferente dos demais grupos (p<0,0001), sendo que não houve formação de tecido mineralizado em nenhum espécime desse grupo. Nos grupos tratados com MTA e Biodentine houve formação de tecido mineralizado em 88% e 92% dos espécimes, respectivamente, sem diferença entre eles (p>0,05). Ainda, o grupo controle apresentou fibras colágenas paralelas à perfuração. Nos grupos tratados com MTA ou Biodentine também houve fibras colágenas paralelas à perfuração, porém com algumas fibras reinseridas perpendicularmente em diferentes áreas do tecido mineralizado neoformado. Todos os tratamentos induziram a expressão de OPN e ALP, porém em menor intensidade no grupo controle e em maior intensidade no grupo tratado com MTA (p<0,05). Apenas o tecido mineralizado formado após o tratamento com MTA expressou BMP-2, BSP, OCN, CAP e CEMP1. Com relação à avaliação dos osteoclastos, não foi possível encontrar diferença estatística entre os grupos (p=0,97). Conclusão: Com base nos parâmetros analisados, pôde-se concluir que o MTA e a Biodentine apresentaram resposta tecidual satisfatória, com formação de tecido mineralizado e reinserção parcial de fibras, podendo ser indicados para o selamento de perfurações de furca. Além disso, o presente estudo elucidou alguns mecanismos de ação pelo quais o MTA e a Biodentine induzem a formação do tecido mineralizado, com expressão dos marcadores da mineralização ALP e OPN, sem interferência na quantidade de osteoclastos. Apenas o MTA estimulou a expressão de proteínas associadas à formação de tecido mineralizado semelhante ao cemento / Aim: This study evaluated in vivo tissue response in dogs teeth after sealing of furcation perforations with Biodentine&trade;, MTA and gutta-percha, by means of histopathological, histoenzymological, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis. Methods: Thirty teeth of 3 dogs were used, divided in 3 groups: I - Biodentine; II - MTA; and III - Guta-Percha (control). After endodontic treatment, perforations were made on the pulp chamber floor and filled with the different materials. The animals were euthanized after 120 days and the teeth and surrounding tissues were processed for histopathological analysis of new mineralized tissue formation and collagen fiber reinsertion, immunohistochemical analysis of osteopontin (OPN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and immunofluorescence analysis for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2), cementum attachment protein (CAP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN) and cementum protein1 (CEMP1). Histoenzymology was performed for TRAP activity and osteoclast count. Data were submitted to chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests (=0.05). Results: Gutta-percha did not induce mineralized tissue formation. MTA and Biodentine formed mineralized tissue in 88% and 92% of specimens, respectively, with no significant difference (p>0.05). In addition, the control group had collagen fibers parallel to the perforation. In the groups treated with MTA or Biodentine there were also collagen fibers parallel to the perforation, but with some fibers reinserted perpendicularly in different areas of the neoformed mineralized tissue. All materials induced OPN and ALP expression, weakest for gutta-percha and strongest for MTA (p<0.05). Only MTA induced BMP-2, BSP, OCN, CAP and CEMP1 expression. Osteoclast count was similar in the groups (p=0.97). Conclusion: Thus, according to the parameters analyzed in this present study, MTA and Biodentine presented satisfactory tissue response, with formation of mineralized tissue and partial reinsertion of fibers, and could be indicated for sealing furcation perforations. In addition, the present study elucidated some mechanisms of action by which MTA and Biodentine induce the formation of mineralized tissue, with expression of ALP and OPN mineralization markers, without interference in number of osteoclasts. Only MTA stimulated the expression of proteins associated with the formation of a cement-like mineralized tissue

As dermatofitoses dos carnívoros domésticos são infecções fúngicas superficiais, causadas habitualmente por dois gêneros fúngicos: Microsporum sp e Trichophyton sp. Trata-se de uma antropozoonose, com importância na saúde pública Objetivou-se: caracterizar a população de cães e gatos acometidos por dermatofitose atendidos no Serviço de Dermatologia do HOVET /USP num período de 27 meses; determinar a valia do exame histopatológico como metodologia diagnóstica; e comparar a eficácia da griseofulvina e da terbinafina na terapia das dermatofitoses. Foram atendidos 76 animais com diagnóstico de dermatofitose, 47,3% pertenciam à espécie fetina e 52,7% à canina O agente etiológico isolado com maior freqüência em caninos e felinos foi Microsporum canis. Não se observou distribuição sazonal. Os cães de raça definida foram os mais acometidos (75,0%), dentre estes, aqueles da raça Yorkshire Temer (23,3%). Os felinos com e sem definição racial igualmente acometidos, porém os Persas (93,7%) foram os mais acometidos dentre aqueles com plena definição. Observou-se que a maioria dos animais infectados apresentava menos de um ano de idade (65,8%). As lesões mais observadas foram: alopecia, eritema, escamas e crostas. A maioria das lesões apresentava configuração circular e estavam localizadas nas regiões cefálicas, de tronco e de membros. O prurido esteve ausente em 50,0% dos caninos e em 88,8% dos felinos. As lesões dos cães tinham caráter mais inflamatório. O exame histopatológico mostrou-se pouco sensível (28,6%) e com alto número de falsos negativos (71,4%). A griseofulvina (5Omg/kg/dia) foi eficaz em l00,0% dos casos, sem acarretar efeitos colaterais, com média de tempo para cura de 41 dias. Já a terbinafina na dose de cinco mg/kg/dia, apresentou eficácia de 81,8%, sem induzir efeitos colaterais e com êxito terapêutico em 21 dias. Demonstrou-se assim, que a dose de 20 mg/kg/dia demonstrou a mesma eficácia que a dose de cinco, porém, com efeitos colaterais em 16,6% dos animais tratados, com tempo médio para cura de 33 dias. Demonstrou-se que a terbinafina é uma boa alternativa terapêutica, porém, a griseofulvina ainda se constitui na droga de eleição para o tratamento das dermatofitoses de caninos e felinos. / Dermatophytosis in domestic carnivorous are superficial infections caused mainly by two genus of fungus: Microsporum sp and Trichophyton sp. This disease is an anthropozoonosis important for public health. The goals of this study were: characterize the population of cats and dogs with dermatophytosis treated in the Dermatology Service of HOVET FMVZ/USP in a period of 27 months; evaluate the validity of the histopathological exam as a methodology of diagnosis; and compare the efficacy of griseofulvin and terbinafine in the therapy of the dermatophytosis. Seventy six animals (47,3% were felines and 52,7% were canines) were evaluated in this study. The more frequent isolated etiological agent in canines and felines was Microsporum canis. Seasonality was not observed. The dogs with a defined breed were more predisposed (75,0%) and the Yorkshire Terrier dogs had a higher proportion of positive cultures (23,3%). The felines with or without breed definition got the same frequency, however, the Persians (93,7%) were more predisposed among those of pure breed. It was noticed that the majority of infected animals were under one year of age (65,8%). The most observed lesions were: alopecia, crusts, erythema and scales. The majority of the lesions had a circular form and were found in the cephalic, trunk and limb regions. There was no pruritus in 50,0% of the canines and 88,8% of the felines. The lesions were more inflammatory in dogs. The histopathological exam had a low sensitivity (28,6%) and a high number of false negatives (71,4%).Griseofulvin (50 mg/kg/day) was effective in 100,0% of the cases, with no side effects, the average time for cure was 41 days. The terbinafine used at the dosage of 5 mg/kg/day showed an efficacy of 81,3%, no side effects were observed as well and average time for cure was 21 days. The same efficacy using the dosage of 20 mg/kg/day of terbinafine was observed, although side effects were observed in 16,6% of the animals treated with an average time for cure of 33 days. The present study demonstrated that terbinafine is a good therapeutical alternative, although griseofulvin is still the first choice drug for the treatment of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats.

As cianobactérias (algas azuis) são organismos procariontes, fotossintéticos, encontrados em praticamente todo tipo de habitat líquido e que podem formar grandes massas superficiais de cor verde intensa denominadas florações. O aparecimento de florações na superfície da água ocorre com uma incidência cada vez mais elevada e é considerado um risco potencial à saúde, devido à natureza tóxica de algumas algas. As cianobactérias podem produzir hepatotoxinas, neurotoxinas e dermatotoxinas, que já causaram reações adversas e morte de animais e seres humanos. A maioria das hepatotoxinas são microcistinas (MCs), uma família de toxinas produzidas por espécies de cianobactérias de água doce. A MC-LR foi a primeira a ser identificada é a mais estudada, pois tem sido associada à maioria dos casos de intoxicação envolvendo cianotoxinas. O presente trabalho visou avaliar a toxicidade causada em camundongos pela exposição prolongada ao extrato aquoso de uma floração de cianobactérias contendo microcistinas. Para tanto, camundongos machos Swiss receberam o extrato (300 ou 900 mg/kg) por quatro semanas, sendo avaliados: ganho de peso, consumo de ração e água, comportamento no campo aberto (CA) e no labirinto em cruz elevado (LCE), hemograma, bioquímica sanguínea, achados anatomopatológicos e presença de MC no plasma e fígado. Além disso, quantificou-se as MCs presentes no extrato e avaliou-se in vitro a morte celular de leucócitos expostos a esse extrato e à MC-LR. A análise química do extrato mostrou que este possui, além das MCs, anabaenopeptinas; dentre as MCs foram encontradas a MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-YR e [D-Asp3] MC-LR. A exposição prolongada ao extrato por 28 dias não alterou o ganho de peso e o peso relativo de órgãos. Na necropsia também não foram observadas alterações macroscópicas, contudo alterações histopatológicas foram encontradas no fígado e no rim. No fígado foram observados focos discretos de necrose lítica hepatocelular associada a infiltrado de neutrófilos e células mononucleares. No rim, o tratamento com o extrato aumentou significativamente a intensidade de nefrose tubular, sendo esta mais acentuada nos animais tratados com a maior dose. O tratamento prolongado com o extrato em ambas doses causou efeitos comportamentais dosedependentes no CA: aumento significativo da distância percorrida, do número de entradas, do tempo em movimento e do número de levantamentos no centro do CA, além de um aumento do tempo de permanência no centro, com conseqüente diminuição deste parâmetro na periferia. No entanto, nenhum dos parâmetros avaliados no LCE foi alterado. A exposição prolongada ao extrato causou alterações sutis em parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos, caracterizadas por tendência de diminuição de leucócitos e de aumento dos níveis de creatinina sérica nos animais tratados com a maior dose do extrato. O tratamento prolongado com o extrato permitiu a detecção de MC apenas no fígado. Tanto a MC-LR como o extrato promoveram aumento das taxas de apoptose em leucócitos de camundongo in vitro. Finalizando, observou-se que a exposição prolongada a uma floração contendo MCs causou baixa toxicidade e efeitos comportamentais dose-dependentes, mostrando que o comportamento animal é bastante útil para avaliar efeitos mais sutis de agentes tóxicos sobre o sistema nervoso central. / Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are prokaryotic and photosynthetic organisms found in practically every type of liquid habitat and that can form great superficial masses of intense green color called blooms. The development of algal blooms on water surface occurs with a higher incidence and is recognised as being a potential health hazard due to the toxic nature of some algae. Cyanobacteria can produce hepatotoxins, neurotoxins and dermatotoxins, which already caused adverse effects and death of animals and human beings. Most of the hepatotoxins are microcystins (MCs), a family of toxins produced by species of freshwater cyanobacteria. MC-LR was the first to be identified and is the more studied, therefore, it has been associated to most of the cases of intoxication involving cyanotoxins. The present study was performed to evaluate the toxicity in mice after prolonged exposure to a cyanobacteria bloom extract containing microcystins. For this, male Swiss mice were treated with the extract (300 or 900 mg/kg) for four weeks and was evaluated: weight gain, food and water consumption, behavior in the open field (OF) and in the elevated plus-maze (EPM), blood count, clinical biochemistry, anatomopathological findings and presence of MC in the plasma and liver. Besides, the MCs present in the extract were quantified and the cellular death of leukocytes exposed in vitro to MC and to the extract was evaluated. The chemical analysis of the extract showed that it presented, besides MCs, anabaenopeptins; the MCs found were MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-YR and [D-Asp3] MC-LR. The prolonged exposure to the extract for 28 days did not alter the weight gain and the relative weight of organs. At necropsy, macroscopic alterations were not observed, however, histopathological alterations were found in the liver and in the kidney. In the liver, discreet necrosis focuses associated with neutrophils and mononuclear cells were found. In the kidney, the treatment with the extract increased significantly the intensity of tubular nephrosis, and this was more accentuated in the animals treated with the largest dose. The prolonged treatment with both doses caused dose-dependent behavioral effects in the OF: significant increase of moved distance, number of entries, time moving and rearing in the center of the OF, besides an increase of time spent in the center, with consequent decrease of this parameter in the periphery. None of the parameters evaluated in EPM were altered. The prolonged exposure to the extract caused subtle alterations in hematological and biochemical parameters, characterized by tendency for leukocyte decrease and increase of the levels of serum creatinine in the animals treated with the largest dose of the extract. The prolonged treatment with the extract allowed the detection of MC just in the liver. As much MC-LR as the extract promoted increase of the apoptosis levels in mouse leukocytes in vitro. Concluding, it was observed that the prolonged exposure to the cyanobacteria bloom containing MCs caused low toxicity and dose-dependent behavioral effects, showing that animal behavior is useful to evaluate subtler effects of toxic agents on the central nervous system.

O experimento associando probióticos no aleitamento e creche utilizou 144 leitões do nascimento até aos 62 dias de idade no Laboratório de Pesquisa em Suínos (FMVZ USP). No aleitamento, o delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos e na creche em blocos casualizados formando o esquema fatorial 2x3 com seis tratamentos. A unidade experimental no aleitamento foi a baia maternidade constituída de grade de parição e na creche gaiola suspensa com 3 animais cada, constituindo, 8 repetições por tratamento. Aos 35 dias de idade os animais da creche foram inoculados com cepa de Salmonella Typhimurium via oral. Na maternidade os tratamentos foram: Placebo (PLA), 1mL de água destilada e Probiótico A (ProbA), 5g em 15mL de água destilada. O ProbA foi aplicado em duas ocasiões, ao nascimento e 12 horas antes do desafio e os animais que não receberam ProbA, receberam PLA. Os tratamentos na creche foram: Probiótico A Probiótico B (ProbA ProbB) 30g/tonelada de ProbB na ração; Controle Probiótico B (CTL ProbB): 30g/tonelada de ProbB na ração; Probiótico A Probiótico A(ProbA ProbA); Controle Controle (CTL CTL); Probiótico A Desafio (ProbA DES); Controle Desafio (CTL DES). As variáveis; peso, consumo, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar, foram analisadas em medidas repetidas no tempo com contrastes e o escore de fezes submetido à análise de variância pelo teste de Tukey. Foi utilizado o programa computacional Statistical Analysis System SAS. Na maternidade o peso médio do ProbA foi superior ao PLA, não observando-se diferenças no ganho de peso. Na creche o ProbA mostrou-se significativamente melhor em comparação aos demais tratamentos na conversão alimentar. No escore fezes, os animais desafiados apresentaram mais diarréia, e mais eliminação de S. Typhimurium, evidenciando o efeito positivo do desafio programado. A avaliação histológica aos 63 dias revelou aspecto similar nos diferentes grupos com e sem desafio. A eficiência econômica destacou o CTL ProbB.. O estudo indicou ação positiva dos probióticos quando aplicado logo ao nascimento, por influenciar diretamente na formação da microbiota intestinal, em fases mais adiantadas como na creche os efeitos são menos diretos. / The experiment involving probiotics in lactation and nursery were used one hundred and forty four piglets were used from birth to 62 days of age at Swine Research Laboratory (USP FMVZ). In the lactation, the experimental design was randomized with two treatments and in the nursery were randomized blocks forming a 2x3 factorial, consisting of six treatments. The experimental unit considered was the pen with 3 animals, with 8 repetitions per treatment. At 35 days of age the nursery animals were inoculated with a Salmonella Typhimurium strain orally. The treatments in the maternity were: Placebo (PLA): 1mL of distilled water and Probiotic A (ProbA): 5g in 15ml of distilled water. The ProbA was applied twice, at birth and 12 hours before the challenge and the animals that received no ProbA, received PLA. At the nursery twelve hours before the challenge, the same group of piglets that received ProbA and PLA in the maternity, received reinforcement for ProbA and PLA. In the nursery: Probiotic A Probiotic B (ProbA ProbB): 30g/ton of diet; Control Probiotic B (ProbB CTL): 30g/ton of diet; Probiotic A probiotic A (ProbA probA) Control Control (CTL CTL) Probiotic Challenge (DES ProbA) Control Challenge (CTL DES).The variables analyzed were weight, consumption, weight gain and feed conversion. The variables were analyzed with repeated measures contrasts and fecal score variable was subjected to analysis of variance by Tukey test. We used the computer program Statistical Analysis System SAS. In maternity, ProbA was superior to PLA treatment and did not observe differences in weight gain. At nursery the ProbA ProbA was significantly better compared to the other treatments in feed conversion. In the feces score, challenged animals showed high scores and greater elimination of S. Typhimurium, showing the effects of the programmed challenge. Histological evaluation at 63 days showed similar appearance within different groups (challenged or not). Economic evaluation shows CTL ProbB. The study indicated positive action of probiotics applied shortly after birth, by directly influencing the formation of the intestinal tract and in nursery as the effects are less direct.

A leprose dos citros é uma doença de grande importância econômica aos citricultores, devido aos prejuízos por ela causados. A doença provoca lesões localizadas nos ramos, frutos e folhas e pode causar grandes perdas aos pomares não tratados. A leprose dos citros possui etiologia viral sendo o vírus denominado Citrus leprosis virus (CiLV). Atualmente, atribuí-se a leprose dois tipos de vírus que causam sintomas morfológicos e citopatológicos distintos: o tipo nuclear (CiLV-N) e o tipo citoplasmático (CiLV-C). O presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar as alterações anatômicas e comparar o perfil protéico entre as lesões causadas pelos dois tipos de vírus em laranjeira-doce [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck]. Para as análises anatômicas foram coletadas amostras de tecidos sadios e de tecidos lesionados. As amostras foram fotografadas e em seguida fixadas em solução de Karnovsky, desidratadas em série etílica, infiltradas em resina hidroxi-etil-metacrilato (Leica Historesin), seccionadas em micrótomo rotativo a 5-7 µm de espessura, coradas com azul de Toluidina para as análises histológicas usuais. Também foram realizados testes histoquímicos para fenóis, compostos pécticos, proteína e lipídios. A captura de imagens digitais dos materiais preparados em lâminas foi realizada em microscópio equipado com câmera de vídeo. Para a análise do perfil protéico as amostras coletadas foram imediatamente criofixadas em nitrogênio líquido e armazenadas em refrigerador a - 80ºC para posterior extração protéica. As proteínas extraídas foram quantificadas e depois separadas por eletroforese em gel de policrilamida. As lesões foliares se iniciaram como pontuações necróticas, envolvidas por halos cloróticos que limitam o crescimento da lesão. Nos ramos, ocorreram dois tipos de lesões com fendas. As lesões de ramos e de folhas provenientes do campo com sintomas de CiLV-C apresentaram similaridades com as amostras inoculadas. No caso das lesões foliares causadas pelo CiLV-N observa-se a presença de três regiões distintas: o centro necrótico, o halo intermediário e o halo clorótico. As lesões nos frutos de ambos os tipos de leprose eram distintas. Ductos traumáticos gomosos foram observados nos ramos infectados pelo CiLV-C e nos feixes vasculares de folhas e frutos infectados pelo CiLV-N. Quanto ao perfil protéico, verificou-se um aumento na concentração protéica nos tecidos infectados, em especial, nas lesões causadas pelo CiLV-N. Foi possível observar que havia um padrão anatômico e histoquímico nas lesões causadas pela leprose em laranjeira doce independente do tipo de vírus, pois em todas as lesões foi verificada hipertrofia e hiperplasia celular, plasmólise, a redução de grãos de amido, o acúmulo de compostos lipídicos nas células da área necrosada e a presença de um halo, ao redor dessa área, constituído de células que acumulam proteínas. / The citrus leprosis of citrus has been considered a disease of great economic importance to citrus producers due to the damage that it causes. The disease is responsible for lesions found in the twigs, leaves and fruits, and it may cause great losses to the untreated orchards. The citrus leprosis has viral etiology being the virus called Citrus leprosis virus (CiLV). Currently, there are two types of virus attributed to leprosis that cause different morphological and cythopatological symptoms: the nuclear (CiLV-N) and cytoplasmic type (CiLV-C). This study aimed to investigate the anatomical changes and to compare the proteic profile between the injuries caused by two types of virus in sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck]. For anatomical analyses healthy tissue and different lesions were photographed and then fixed in Karnovsky solution, dehydrated in a graded ethylic series, embedded in hidroxy-ethyl methacrylate resin (Leica Historesin), sectioned (5 ?m thick), stained and mounted in synthetic resin. The digital images were capture in a microscope with video camera. For the analysis of protein profiles the samples were collected and immediately cryofixed in liquid nitrogen and stored in the refrigerated - 80 ° C. The proteins were extracted, quantified and then separated by gel electrophoresis of polyacrylamide gel. Foliar lesions began as necrotic spots surrounded by a yellow halo that inhibited the lesion expansion. The twigs presented two different lesions: depressed ones and pustules with ruptures. The collected-field lesions of leaves and twigs showed that symptoms of CiLV-C had a certain similarity with the inoculated samples. In the case of foliar lesions caused by CiLV-N there was the presence of three different regions: the necrotic center, the intermediate halo and chlorotic halo. The fruit lesions caused by both types of leprosis virus were different. Ductos traumáticos gomosos foram observados nos ramos infectados pelo CiLV-C e nos feixes vasculares de folhas e frutos infectados pelo CiLV-N. Gummous traumatic ducts in twigs infected by CiLV-C and in the vascular bundles of fruit and leaves infected with CiLV-N were observed. In the proteic profile, there was an increase in protein concentration in the infected tissues especially for injuries caused by CiLV-N. It was possible to observe that there was an anatomical and histochemical pattern in the lesions caused by leprosis in sweet orange independently of the type of virus, therefore in all the injuries was verified hyperplasia, hypertrophy, cell plasmolisis, the reduction of starch grains, the accumulation of lipids compounds in the cells of the necrotic areas and the presence of a halo, surrounding that area, constituted by cells that accumulate proteins.

Foram selecionados aleatoriamente 38 cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi oriundos de Araçatuba, São Paulo, área endêmica para leishmaniose visceral, e os quais foram distribuídos em dois grupos: o primeiro com 24 cães sintomáticos e, o outro, composto por 14 animais assintomáticos. Correlacionou-se a caracterização clínica (assintomáticos ou sintomáticos) com os: potencial em infectar o inseto vetor, padrão inflamatório da pele, perfil de imunidade celular e parasitismo tegumentar desses cães. Quanto ao número de formas amastigotas/mm2 no tegumento, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos (p = 0,1584), sendo que a densidade de parasitos na pele mostrou uma correlação positiva moderada com os títulos de anticorpos anti-Leishmania (p = 0,042). Quanto à infectividade ao vetor, evidenciada pelo xenodiagnóstico, 16 (66,7%) cães sintomáticos e 13 (93%) assintomáticos foram capazes em transmitir Leishmania aos flebotomíneos, dentre estes, respectivamente, seis (37,5%) e oito (61,5%) animais não apresentavam parasitismo cutâneo, embora todos, de ambos os grupos, tenham sido positivos quando da pesquisa de parasitos no linfonodo poplíteo. Observou-se um maior percentual de transmissibilidade para o vetor a partir de cães assintomáticos (p = 0,0494). As alterações histológicas cutâneas foram similares em ambos os grupos e se caracterizaram, de modo geral, por um infiltrado inflamatório, ora focal ora difuso, na derme, constituído, principalmente, por células mononucleares (macrófagos, linfócitos e plasmócitos), variando de discreto a intenso. Quanto à caracterização da resposta imune celular no tegumento dos animais, somente a densidade (células/mm2) de células iNOS+ foi significantemente maior na derme dos cães sintomáticos quando comparado aos assintomáticos (p = 0,0368). Observou-se correlação positiva moderada entre a densidade de parasitos na pele e a densidade de macrófagos (p = 0,031), de células T CD4+ (p = 0,015) e CD8+ (p = 0,023), e, também, naquela de células iNOS+ relativamente a de células T CD3+ (p = 0,005), CD4+ (p = 0,001) e CD8+ (p = 0,0001). Verificou-se, ainda, correlação negativa moderada com o número de manifestações clínicas e/ou gravidade da enfermidade (p = 0,028), confirmando, assim, maior transmissibilidade de parasitos ao vetor, a partir de animais assintomáticos, demonstrando-se, dessa forma, que tais cães são fontes de infecção em potencial para insetos vetores em áreas endêmicas para leishmaniose visceral canina. / Thirty-eight dogs naturally infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi were randomly selected from Araçatuba of São Paulo state (Brazil), an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis. The subjects were distributed into two groups: the first comprising 24 symptomatic dogs and the second consisting of 14 asymptomatic dogs. Possible correlations of clinical characterization (in both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects) with potential to infect the insect vector, skin inflammatory pattern, cutaneous cellular immunity profile and cutaneous parasitism were investigated. Regarding to the number of cutaneous leishmania amastigotes/mm2, there was not a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.1584); density of skin parasites showed a moderate positive correlation with anti-Leishmania antibody titers (p = 0.042). Concerning to the infectivity to the insect vector, as evidenced by xenodiagnosis, 16 (66.7%) symptomatic and 13 (93%) asymptomatic dogs were able to transmit Leishmania to phlebotomines. Among these, six (37.5%) and eight (61.5%) dogs, respectivelly, did not show cutaneous parasitism, although all participant dogs were found positive when searching for parasites in the popliteal lymph nodes. Asymptomatic dogs showed higher transmissibility to the vector than symptomatic ones (p = 0.0494). Histological features in the skin were similar in both groups and were generally characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate, either diffuse or focal, in the dermis, mainly consisted of mononuclear cells (macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells), varying from mild to intense. Concerning characterization of the cutaneous cellular immune response, only iNOS+ cells density (cells/mm2) was significantly higher in the dermis of the symptomatic dogs compared to the asymptomatic ones (p = 0.0368). Moderate positive correlation between the cutaneous parasites density and the macrophages density (p = 0.031), the CD4+ T cells (p = 0.015) and CD8+ T cells (p = 0.023) were observed. Furthermore, density of iNOS+ cells in relation to CD3+ T cells (p = 0.005), CD4+ T cells (p = 0.001) and CD8+ T cells (p = 0.0001) were found positively correlated at a moderate level. It was also found a moderate negative correlation between cutaneous parasites density and the number of clinical signs and/or disease severity (p = 0.028), confirming grater parasites transmission to the vector from asymptomatic animals. It was therefore demonstrated that these dogs are potential sources of infection to insect vectors in endemic areas for canine visceral leishmaniasis.