The role of rodents as carriers of disease on UK farms: a preliminary investigation

In the UK, Campylobacter spp. and Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV), an Old World arenavirus, cause two zoonoses of concern that may be transmissible from rodents to humans and livestock. The aims of this preliminary investigation were to examine the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. and LCMV in Norway rats Rattus norvegicus on UK farms and to identify and characterise the Sequence Types of the Campylobacter isolates. Samples were collected from wild Norway rats and fresh Norway rat faeces. Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) was performed on C. spp. isolates and samples were tested for arenavirus RNA by RT-PCR. Six C. spp. isolates were identified. One isolate was C. lari and five isolates were C. jejuni. Following MSLT profiling, three unique C. jejuni sequence types were identified. Two of which are novel and the third is typically associated with livestock and human infection. Nine positive results for LCMV were obtained giving an overall prevalence of 25% across four sites. This is higher than previously reported for this species.

The current status of anticoagulant resistance in rats and mice in the UK

Introduction: Resistance to anticoagulants in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and house mice (Mus domesticus) has been studied in the UK since the early 1960s. In no other country in the world is our understanding of resistance phenomena so extensive and profound. Almost every aspect of resistance in the key rodent target species has been examined in laboratory and field trials and results obtained by independent researchers have been published. It is the principal purpose of this document to present a short synopsis of this information. More recently, however, the development of genetical techniques has provided a definitive means of detection of resistant genotypes among pest rodent populations. Preliminary information from a number of such surveys will also be presented. Resistance in Norway rats: A total of nine different anticoagulant resistance mutations (single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs) are found among Norway rats in the UK. In no other country worldwide are present so many different forms of Norway rat resistance. Among these nine SNPs, five are known to confer on rats that carry them a significant degree of resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides. These mutations are: L128Q, Y139S, L120Q, Y139C and Y139F. The latter three mutations confer, to varying degrees, practical resistance to bromadiolone and difenacoum, the two second-generation anticoagulants in predominant use in the UK. It is the recommendation of RRAG that bromadiolone and difenacoum should not be used against rats carrying the L120Q, Y139C and Y139F mutations because this will promote the spread of resistance and jeopardise the long-term efficacy of anticoagulants. Brodifacoum, flocoumafen and difethialone are effective against these three genotypes but cannot presently be used because of the regulatory restriction that they can only be applied against rats that are living and feeding predominantly indoors. Our understanding of the geographical distribution of Norway rat resistance in incomplete but is rapidly increasing. In particular, the mapping of the focus of L120Q Norway rat resistance in central-southern England by DNA sequencing is well advanced. We now know that rats carrying this resistance mutation are present across a large part of the counties of Hampshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire, and the resistance spreads into Avon, Oxfordshire and Surrey. It is also found, perhaps as outlier foci, in south-west Scotland and East Sussex. L120Q is currently the most severe form of anticoagulant resistance found in Norway rats and is prevalent over a considerable part of central-southern England. A second form of advanced Norway rat resistance is conferred by the Y139C mutation. This is noteworthy because it occurs in at least four different foci that are widely geographically dispersed, namely in Dumfries and Galloway, Gloucestershire, Yorkshire and Norfolk. Once again, bromadiolone and difenacoum are not recommended for use against rats carrying this genotype and a concern of RRAG is that continued applications of resisted active substances may result in Y139C becoming more or less ubiquitous across much of the UK. Another type of advanced resistance, the Y139F mutation, is present in Kent and Sussex. This means that Norway rats, carrying some degree of resistance to bromadiolone and difenacoum, are now found from the south coast of Kent, west into the city of Bristol, to Yorkshire in the north-east and to the south-west of Scotland. This difficult situation can only deteriorate further where these three genotypes exist and resisted anticoagulants are predominantly used against them. Resistance in house mice: House mouse is not so well understood but the presence in the UK of two resistant genotypes, L128S and Y139C, is confirmed. House mice are naturally tolerant to anticoagulants and such is the nature of this tolerance, and the presence of genetical resistance, that house mice resistant to the first-generation anticoagulants are considered to be widespread in the UK. Consequently, baits containing warfarin, sodium warfarin, chlorophacinone and coumatetralyl are not approved for use against mice. This regulatory position is endorsed by RRAG. Baits containing brodifacoum, flocoumafen and difethialone are effective against house mice and may be applied in practice because house mouse infestations are predominantly indoors. There are some reports of resistance among mice in some areas to the second-generation anticoagulant bromadiolone, while difenacoum remains largely efficacious. Alternatives to anticoagulants: The use of habitat manipulation, that is the removal of harbourage, denial of the availability of food and the prevention of ingress to structures, is an essential component of sustainable rodent pest management. All are of importance in the management of resistant rodents and have the advantage of not selecting for resistant genotypes. The use of these techniques may be particularly valuable in preventing the build-up of rat infestations. However, none can be used to remove any sizeable extant rat infestation and for practical reasons their use against house mice is problematic. Few alternative chemical interventions are available in the European Union because of the removal from the market of zinc phosphide, calciferol and bromethalin. Our virtual complete reliance on the use of anticoagulants for the chemical control of rodents in the UK, and more widely in the EU, calls for improved schemes for resistance management. Of course, these might involve the use of alternatives to anticoagulant rodenticides. Also important is an increasing knowledge of the distribution of resistance mutations in rats and mice and the use of only fully effective anticoagulants against them.

Evaluation on the effectiveness of actions for controlling infestation by rodents in Campo Limpo region, Sao Paulo Municipality, Brazil

Rodents are responsible for the transmission of more than 60 diseases both to human beings and to domestic animals. The increase in rodent infestation in a given area brings several health problems to the nearby population. Thus, when infestation increases, it is time to take intervention measures. Although many countries have implemented programs aimed at controlling rodent infestation, literature on studies evaluating the effectiveness of intervention measures in urban areas is scarce. Aimed at contributing to the understanding of rodents` population dynamics in urban areas, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the control methods proposed by ""Programa de Vigilancia e Controle de Roedores do Municipio de Sao Paulo`` (Program for Rodents Surveillance and Control in Sao Paulo Municipality), conducted on Jardim Comercial District. As a first step, a survey to assess infestation rates was conducted in 1529 dwellings located in the area studied. After that, a chemical control upon rodents was accomplished in every dwelling infested. One week and six months after completion of control measures, a new evaluation on infestation rates was carried out, in order to verify the effectiveness of the procedures taken and to estimate the re-infestation capacity. Initial infestation rate was 40.0%, and the final infestation rate, 14.4%. Therefore, the effectiveness of the control methods utilized was 63.8%. It can thus be concluded that the control methods applied were quite effective.

Environmental conditions and rodent infestation in Campo Limpo district, Sao Paulo municipality, Brazil

Rodents are involved in the transmission to human beings of several diseases, including liptospirosis, which shows high lethality rates in Sao Paulo municipality. Despite this, few studies have assessed the relationship existing between urban environmental conditions and building rodent infestation. With the purpose of clarifying this relationship, an analysis has been conducted in order to quantify the influence of environmental factors upon rodent infestation on a low-income district. Diagnosis of the environmental situation has been performed to evaluate the frequency according to which harborage, food and access sources occur, and a survey on infestation rates in 2175 dwellings in the area studied. The logistic regression analysis showed that among the environmental variables, the one that showed the closest association with rodent infestation was access; followed by harborage, and food. It was concluded that poor socioeconomic and environmental conditions in the area propitiate the occurrence of high rodent infestation rates.

Cramoll 1,4 lectin increases ROS production, calcium levels, and cytokine expression in treated spleen cells of rats

This study reports the in vivo stimulatory effects of Cramoll 1,4 on rat spleen lymphocytes as evidenced by an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, Ca(2+) levels, and interleukin (IL)-1 beta expression. Cramoll 1,4 extracted from seeds of the Leguminosae Cratylia mollis Mart., is a lectin with antitumor and lymphocyte mitogenic activities. Animals (Nine-week-old male albino Wistar rats, Rattus norvegicus) were treated with intraperitoneal injection of Cramoll 1,4 (235 mu g ml(-1) single dose) and, 7 days later, spleen lymphocytes were isolated and analyzed for intracellular ROS, cytosolic Ca(2+), and IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1 mRNAs. Cell viability was investigated by annexin V-FITC and 7-amino-actinomycin D staining. The data showed that in lymphocytes activated by Cramoll 1,4 the increase in cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS was related to higher cytosolic Ca(2+) levels. Apoptosis and necrosis were not detected in statistically significant values and thus the lectin effector activities did not induce lymphocyte death. In vivo Cramoll 1,4 treatment led to a significant increase in IL-1 beta but IL-6 and -10 levels did not change. Cramoll 1,4 had modulator activities on spleen lymphocytes and stimulated the Th2 response.

A modified rat model of neonatal anoxia: Development and evaluation by pulseoximetry, arterial gasometry and Fos immunoreactivity

Neonatal anoxia is a worldwide clinical problem that has serious and lasting consequences. The diversity of models does not allow complete reproducibility, so a standardized model is needed. In this study, we developed a rat model of neonatal anoxia that utilizes a semi-hermetic system suitable for oxygen deprivation. The validity of this model was confirmed using pulse oximetry, arterial gasometry, observation of skin color and behavior and analysis of Fos immunoreactivity in brain regions that function in respiratory control. For these experiments, 87 male albino neonate rats (Rattus norvegicus, lineage Wistar) aged approximate 30 postnatal hours were divided into anoxia and control groups. The pups were kept in an euthanasia polycarbonate chamber at 36 +/- 1 degrees C, with continuous 100% nitrogen gas flow at 3 L/min and 101.7 kPa for 25 min. The peripheral arterial oxygen saturation of the anoxia group decreased 75% from its initial value. Decreased pH and partial pressure of oxygen and increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide were observed in this group, indicating metabolic acidosis, hypoxia and hypercapnia. respectively. Analysis of neuronal activation showed Fos immunoreactivity in the solitary tract nucleus, the lateral reticular nucleus and the area postrema, confirming that those conditions activated areas related to respiratory control in the nervous system. Therefore, the proposed model of neonatal anoxia allows standardization and precise control of the anoxic condition, which should be of great value in indentifying both the mechanisms underlying neonatal anoxia and novel therapeutic strategies to combat or prevent this widespread public health problem. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Methods of Estimation in Multiple Linear Regression: Application to Clinical Data

Nesse artigo, tem-se o interesse em avaliar diferentes estratégias de estimação de parâmetros para um modelo de regressão linear múltipla. Para a estimação dos parâmetros do modelo foram utilizados dados de um ensaio clínico em que o interesse foi verificar se o ensaio mecânico da propriedade de força máxima (EM-FM) está associada com a massa femoral, com o diâmetro femoral e com o grupo experimental de ratas ovariectomizadas da raça Rattus norvegicus albinus, variedade Wistar. Para a estimação dos parâmetros do modelo serão comparadas três metodologias: a metodologia clássica, baseada no método dos mínimos quadrados; a metodologia Bayesiana, baseada no teorema de Bayes; e o método Bootstrap, baseado em processos de reamostragem.

Differences and similarities of postprandial lipemia in rodents and humans

Background: The rat has been a mainstay of physiological and metabolic research, and more recently mice. This study aimed at characterizing the postprandial triglyceride profile of two members of the Muridae family: the Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) and C57BL/6 mice (Mus musculus) plus comparing them to the profile obtained in humans. Methods: Thirty-one male and twelve female Wistar rats, ten C57BL/6 male and nine female mice received a liquid meal containing fat (17%), protein (4%) and carbohydrates (4%), providing 2 g fat/Kg. Thirty-one men and twenty-nine women received a standardized liquid meal containing fat (25%), dextromaltose (55%), protein (14%), and vitamins and minerals (6%), and providing 40 g of fat per square meter of body surface. Serial blood samples were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 h after the ingestion in rats, at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h in mice and in humans at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used. Results/Discussion: The triglyceride responses were evaluated after the oral fat loads. Fasting and postprandial triglyceridemia were determined sequentially in blood sample. AUC, AUIC, AR, RR and late peaks were determined. Conclusions: Rats are prone to respond in a pro-atherogenic manner. The responses in mice were closer to the ones in healthy men. This study presents striking differences in postprandial triglycerides patterns between rats and mice not correlated to baseline triglycerides, the animal baseline body weight or fat load in all animal groups.

Histological evaluation of chitosan-based biomaterials used for the correction of critical size defects in rat`s calvaria

Chitosan, a biopolymer obtained from chitin, and its derivates, such as chitosan hydrochloride, has been reported as wound healing accelerators and as possible bone substitutes for tissue engineering, and therefore these Substances could be relevant in dentistry and periodontology. The purpose of this investigation was to make a histological evaluation of chitosan and chitosan hydrochloride biomaterials (gels) used in the correction of critical size bone defects made in rat`s calvaria. Bone defects of 8 mm in diameter were surgically created in the calviria of 50 Holtzman (Rattus norvegicus) rats and filled with blood clot (control), low molecular weight chitosan, high molecular weight chitosan, low molecular weight chitosan hydrochloride, and high molecular weight chitosan hydrochloride, numbering 10 animals, divided into two experimental periods (15 and 60 days), for each biomaterial. The histological evaluation was made based on the morphology of the new-formed tissues in defect`s region, and the results indicated that there was no statistical difference between the groups when the new bone formation in the entire defect`s area were compared (p > 0.05) and, except in the control groups, assorted degrees of inflammation Could be Seen. In Conclusion, chitosan and chitosan hydrochloride biomaterials used in this study were not able to promote new bone formation in critical size defects made in rat`s calvaria. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 93A: 107-114, 2016

Atividade antibacteriana e cicatrizante do óleo de buriti Mauritia flexuosa L

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antibacteriana in vitro e cicatrizante do óleo de buriti (M. flexuosa) em feridas realizadas em ratos (Rattus norvegicus albinus). Para a avaliação antibacteriana in vitro, foram utilizados cinco patógenos bacterianos incluindo espécies gram-positivas e espécies gram-negativas mediante o uso do método de difusão em ágar. Para a avaliação da atividade cicatrizante, foram utilizados 40 ratos da linhagem Wistar, divididos em dois grupos: o grupo I, composto por 20 ratos com feridas cutâneas, tratados com aplicação tópica do creme base com 10% de óleo de buriti, e o grupo II, controle, com o mesmo número de animais que receberam a aplicação tópica do creme base. A aplicação do produto foi realizada em feridas padronizadas, circulares de 1cm de diâmetro na região dorsolombar. As avaliações clínica, morfométrica e histopatológica das feridas foram realizadas no 3°, 7°, 14° e 21° dias. Em relação à avaliação da atividade antibacteriana, os resultados mostraram que houve inibição do crescimento bacteriano em quatro dos cinco patógenos testados. Em relação à área da ferida, foi observada redução significativa da área no 14o dia e maior percentual de contração das feridas do grupo tratado em relação ao controle. No décimo quarto dia, as feridas tratadas com o óleo do buriti apresentavam aumento significativo na contagem de fibroblastos e fibras colágenas, além de completo processo de reepitelização, enquanto o grupo controle necessitava de mais tempo para resolução do processo cicatricial

First record of molluscs naturally infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Chen, 1935) (Nematoda: Metastrongylidae) in Brazil

Seeking the identification of Angiostrongylus cantonensis as a potential etiological agent of three clinical cases of eosinophilic meningitis, mollusc specimens were collected in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The snails were identified as Sarasinula marginata (45 specimens), Subulina octona (157), Achatina fulica (45) and Bradybaena similaris (23). Larvae obtained were submitted to polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism diagnosis. Their genetic profile were corresponded to A. cantonensis. Rattus norvegicus experimentally infected with third-stage larvae, developed menigoencephalitis, and parasites became sexually mature in the lungs. Additionally, larvae obtained from A. fulica snails, from São Vicente, state of São Paulo, also showed genetic profiles of this nematode. This is the first record of Brazilian molluscs infected with this nematode species.

O Zoledronato no tratamento da osteoporose umeral em ratas: estudo prospectivo e randomizado

OBJETIVO: Investigar as repercussões clínicas, biomecânicas e histomorfométricas do zoledronato no tratamento da osteoporose umeral em ratas osteoporóticas. MÉTODOS: Analisou-se, prospectivamente, 40 ratas (Rattus novergicus albinus). Com 60 dias de vida, foram aleatorizadas em dois grupos de acordo com o procedimento cirúrgico: ooforectomia bilateral (O) (n=20) e pseudo-cirurgia (P) (n=20). Após trinta dias, os animais foram novamente randomizados, de acordo com a administração de 0,1mg/kg de zoledronato (AZ) ou água destilada (AD): OAZ (n=10), OAD (n=10), PAZ (n=10) e PAD (n=10). Após doze meses, os animais foram eutanasiados e seus úmeros retirados. Clinicamente considerou-se o peso dos animais; biomecanicamente foram realizados ensaios compressivos e histomorfometricamente foi determinada a área trabecular óssea. RESULTADOS: Os grupos O tiveram um aumento de peso maior que os grupos P (p=0,005). Os grupos com zoledronato suportaram maior carga máxima que os grupos com água destilada (p=0,02). Nos grupos com zoledronato verificou-se o aumento da área trabecular óssea quando comparados aos grupos com água destilada (p=0,001). Houve correlação positiva entre a área trabecular e a carga máxima (p=0,04; r=0,95). CONCLUSÃO: O zoledronato não influiu no peso dos animais. Os resultados mostraram o aumento da resistência óssea umeral e da área trabecular óssea.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the milk of experimentally infected Wistar female rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Análise da influência do ultrassom de baixa intensidade na região de reparo ósseo em ratos sob ausência de carga

Há evidências de que o ultrassom (US) de baixa intensidade pode acelerar a regeneração óssea. Este trabalho objetivou verificar a ação do US no defeito ósseo, criado experimentalmente em tíbias de ratos sob ausência de carga. Vinte Rattus novergicus albinus, Wistar adultos, divididos em: G1 (n=10), grupo experimental de 15 dias sem suspensão, e G2 (n=10), grupo experimental de 15 dias suspenso pela cauda, foram submetidos à osteotomia em ambas as tíbias e à aplicação do US, frequência de 1,5 MHz, ciclo de trabalho 1:4, 30 mW/cm², nas tíbias direitas por 12 sessões de 20 minutos. Após o sacrifício, as tíbias foram submetidas à análise da Densidade Mineral Óssea (DMO). Os resultados demonstraram DMO de 0,139±0,018 g/cm² para tíbia tratada; 0,131±0,009 g/cm² para tíbia controle no G1; e no G2 registrou-se 0,120±0,009 g/cm² para tíbia tratada e 0,106±0,017 g/cm² para tíbia controle. Houve diferença significante entre os grupos nos quais o G2 apresentou menor DMO, o que demonstra que a suspensão prejudica a manutenção das propriedades ósseas, e entre as tíbias tratadas e controles do G2, demonstrando que o US acelerou o processo de reparo, concluindo que a impossibilidade do estímulo mecânico causada pela não deambulação em um processo de reparo ósseo pode ser minimizada pela ação do US. No G1, a aplicação do US não teve influência significante no aumento da DMO, talvez pelo fato dos animais já terem estímulo mecânico suficiente à formação óssea.

Influence of enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain((R))) and sodium fluoride on the healing process in delayed tooth replantation: histologic and histometric analysis in rats

Although it has already been shown that enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain((R))) promotes periodontal regeneration in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects, there is little information concerning its regenerative capacity in cases of delayed tooth replantation. To evaluate the alterations in the periodontal healing of replanted teeth after use of Emdogain((R)), the central incisors of 24 Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) were extracted and left on the bench for 6 h. Thereafter, the dental papilla and the enamel organ of each tooth were sectioned for pulp removal by a retrograde way and the canal was irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite. The teeth were assigned to two groups:in group I, root surface was treated with 1% sodium hypochlorite for 10 min (changing the solution every 5 min), rinsed with saline for 10 min and immersed in 2% acidulated-phosphate sodium fluoride for 10 min; in group II, root surfaces were treated in the same way as described above, except for the application of Emdogain((R)) instead of sodium fluoride. The teeth were filled with calcium hydroxide (in group II right before Emdogain((R)) was applied) and replanted. All animals received antibiotic therapy. The rats were killed by anesthetic overdose 10 and 60 days after replantation. The pieces containing the replanted teeth were removed, fixated, decalcified and paraffin-embedded. Semi-serial 6-mu m-thick sections were obtained and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histologic and histometric analyses. The use of 2% acidulated-phosphate sodium fluoride provided more areas of replacement resorption. The use of Emdogain((R)) resulted in more areas of ankylosis and was therefore not able to avoid dentoalveolar ankylosis. It may be concluded that neither 2% acidulated-phosphate sodium fluoride nor Emdogain((R)) were able to prevent root resorption in delayed tooth replantation in rats.