Enzymatic characterization of Vibrio alginolyticus strains isolated from bivalves harvested at Venice Lagoon (Italy) and Guanabara Bay (Brazil)

The aquatic ecosystem is the natural habitat of microorganisms including Vibrio and Aeromonas genus which are pathogenic to human and animals. In the present investigation the frequency of these bacteria and the enzymatic characteristics of 34 Vibrio alginolyticus strains isolated from bivalves harvested in Venice Lagoon (Italy) and Guanabara Bay (Brazil) were carried out from November 2003 to February 2004. The mussels' samples were submitted to enrichment in Alkaline Peptone Water (APW) added with 1% of sodium chloride (NaCl) and APW plus 3% NaCl incubated at 37 ºC for 18-24h. Following the samples were streaked onto TCBS Agar (Thiossulfate Citrate Bile Sucrose Agar) and the suspected colonies were submitted to biochemical characterization. Also, the Vibrio alginolyticus strains were evaluated to collagenase, elastase and chondroitinase production. The results showed the isolation of 127 microorganisms distributed as follows: 105 Vibrio strains such as V. alginolyticus (32.4%), V. harveyi (19%) and V. parahaemolyticus (7.6%), 20 Aeromonas strains and two Plesiomonas shigelloides were the main pathogens isolated. We observed the production of the three enzymes from V. alginolyticus strains considered as the main virulence factors of the bacteria, especially in cases of human dermatological infection.

Occurrence of potentially pathogenic Vibrio in oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and waters from bivalve mollusk cultivations in the South Bay of Santa Catarina

Introduction This research aimed to identify and quantify potentially pathogenic Vibrio from different cultivations of bivalve shellfish in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, and water regions in the South Bay, as well as correlate the incidence of these microorganisms with the physicochemical parameters of marine waters. Methods Between October 2008 and March 2009, 60 oyster and seawater samples were collected from six regions of bivalve mollusk cultivation, and these samples were submitted for Vibrio counts. Results Twenty-nine (48.3%) oyster samples were revealed to be contaminated with one or more Vibrio species. The Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus counts in the samples ranged from < 0.5 log10 Most Probable Number (MPN) g–1 to 2.3 log10 MPN g–1 oyster and from < 0.5 log10 MPN g–1 to 2.1 log10 MPN g–1 oyster, respectively. Of the 60 seawater samples analyzed, 44 (73.3%) showed signs of contamination with one or more vibrio species. The counts of V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus in the samples ranged from < 0.3 log10 MPN·100mL–1 to 1.7 log10MPN·100mL–1 seawater and from < 0.3 log10 MPN·100mL–1 to 2.0 log10 MPN·100mL–1 seawater, respectively. A positive correlation between V. vulnificus counts and the seawater temperature as well as a negative correlation between the V. parahaemolyticus counts and salinity were observed. Conclusions The results suggest the need to implement strategies to prevent vibrio diseases from being transmitted by the consumption of contaminated bivalve shellfish.

Granulados sistêmicos no solo contra o "ácaro da falsa ferrugem", Phyllocoptruta oleivova (ASHM., 1879), em laranjeiras

A fim de se combater experimentalmente o ácaro da falsa ferrugem usaram-se, no solo, cinco granulados sistêmicos (quatro deles em duas diferentes quantidades por laranjeira). Os melhores resultados foram conseguidos pelo aldicarbe à razão de 40g e 20g do granulado por laranjeira e pelo oxamil na quantidade de 80g. O fenamifós, carbofurano, isazofos, o oxamil (50 g por planta) não conduziram a resultados positivos, segundo as condições do trabalho experimental.

Novo ensaio de combate químico ao ácaro da leprose dos citros Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) em laranjeiras

O ácaro da leprose Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) é o vetor responsável pela transmissão do agente causador da leprose em laranjeiras, possivelmente um vírus. A doença é grave, responsável por grandes perdas nos laranjais paulistas. Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de combate a esse ácaro com a aplicação de defensivos químicos. Tratamentos: A) testemunha; B) fempropatrina (13,5g); C) clofentezina (20,0g); D) bifentrina (5,6g); E) binapacril (50,0g); F) flubenzimina (60,0g); G) ciexatina (20,0g). As quantidades entre parênteses sao de ingrediente ativo para 100 litros de água. Gastaram-se 4 litros de calda por árvore e 1.332 litros por hectare. A ciexatina, binapacril e bifentrina foram os tratamentos mais eficientes, principalmente a ciexatina.

Ácaro da leprose Bvevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939): combate experimental em laranjeiras

Com o objetivo de combater o ácaro da leprose foi montado um campo experimental com os seguintes tratamentos: A) testemunha; B) clofentezina, 9,45g; C) clofentezina, 9,45g + alquenóis multimetílicos, 0,4g; D) quinometionato, 25,Og; E) quinometionato, 37,5g; F) piretróide RU-1.000, l,76g; G) piretróide RU-1.0Q0, 2,0g; H) dicofol, 37,0g (tratamento padrão). As quantidades citadas são de ingredientes ativos em 1000 litros de calda (Tabela 1). Cada laranjeira foi pulverizada com 6 litros de calda, aplicada com pulverizador costal motorizado. Foram feitas 6 avaliações: a prévia (03 dias antes da pulverização) e 5 pos-aplicaçao (05, 14, 18, 26 e 35 dias após a aplicação). Pela análise dos resultados obtidos verifica-se que os tratamentos B, F, G e H. foram os mais eficientes. Os resultados da redução real podem ser observados na Tabela 2.

Distribuição espacial de imaturos de Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) nos brotos e nas folhas de laranjeiras, Citrus sinensis var. Valência, mantidas sob dois sistemas de cultivo

A distribuição de imaturos de Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, 1856 foi avaliada em folhas e em brotos de plantas de Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck var. Valência, no município de Montenegro (29°68'S e 51°46'W), Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A presença de ovos, lagartas e crisálidas (vivas e mortas) foi registrada nas folhas, em relação às superfícies abaxial e adaxial e à porção proximal, mediana e distal destas. As folhas que continham ovos, lagartas e/ou crisálidas foram classificadas e numeradas quanto à posição relativa a partir do ápice do broto e foram tomadas medidas no maior comprimento. Lagartas, crisálidas e ovos de P. citrella evidenciaram padrão de distribuição agregado tanto no nível de brotos quanto no de folhas. O comprimento médio das folhas onde ocorreram as pupas era maior do que aquele onde se encontravam as lagartas. Os ovos foram registrados em maior proporção no terço mediano das folhas, em ambas superfícies, já as lagartas e crisálidas ocorreram com mais freqüência nos terços mediano e proximal das folhas.

Reproductive biology of the sesarmid crab Armases rubripes (Decapoda, Brachyura) from an estuarine area of the Sahy River, Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The aim of this work was to gain knowledge about reproductive biology of the crab Armases rubripes (Rathbun, 1897) from an estuarine area of the Sepetiba Bay. Samples were taken monthly from February 2003 to January 2004 in the Sahy River estuary (22º56'S; 44º01'W), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The crabs were collected by hand during 15-minute catch-effort sessions conducted by two people. In the laboratory, the specimens were separated by sex, carapace width was measured and gonadal stage was checked macroscopically. A total of 830 individuals were caught - 304 males, 373 females (60 ovigerous females) and 153 juveniles. The ovigerous females were found almost year-round, except in November and April, showing a continuous reproductive period. They presented a size range from 8.2 to 15.0 mm carapace width (12.1 ± 1.7 mm). Color and macroscopical aspects determined five gonadal stages for males and females (immature, rudimentary, intermediary, developed and resting). First sexual maturity was estimated at 6.5 mm of carapace width for males and 8.1 mm for females. Individual fecundity varied from 200 to 11,460 eggs (4,458 ± 2,739 eggs). Mean egg size was 0.248 ± 0.026 mm, varying from 0.213 to 0.333 mm, while the volume ranged from 0.0051 to 0.0188 mm³ (0.0082 ± 0.0029 mm³).

Hydroids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) of the intertidal zone of Governador and Paquetá islands, Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

During six consecutive months, sampling were made at three points located on Governador Island and three on Paquetá Island in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Material was collected from dock pilings and rocks in the intertidal zone. In these samples, five species belonging to three families, Corynidae, Kirchenpaueriidae and Campanulariidae, were identified. The campanulariid species Obelia dichotoma Linnaeus, 1758, dominated at nearly all points sampled. The small number of species obtained in this survey is attributed to the intense pollution in the bay, which borders the second-largest industrial complex and the second-largest demographic center of Brazil.

First nesting record of the Bay-Capped Wren-Spinetail Spartonoica maluroides (Aves, Furnariidae) in Brazil, with nest and nestling descriptions and notes on breeding behavior

The only breeding record of Spartonoica maluroides (d'Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837) for Brazil is based on the observation of a fledgling in southern Rio Grande do Sul in January 1976. On 7 December 2005 we discovered a nest containing three nestlings at the southeastern end of Lagoa Pequena, municipality of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. The nest was concealed at the base of a cavity in a Spartina densiflora (Poaceae) tussock located at the edge of a saltmarsh. The nest was built of fine pieces of dead Scirpus olneyi (Cyperaceae) and S. densiflora leaves firmly interlaced to the internal leaves of the tussock. Live leaves of S. densiflora lining the cavity comprised a substantial part of the nest's architecture, forming most of its upper lateral walls and roof. The lower section was more elaborate, resembling a deep cup and forming a distinct incubation chamber. Adults reached the nest's interior through an irregular apical opening amidst the leaves. The nest was 244 mm high and 140 mm wide. The incubation chamber had an external diameter of 138.5 mm, an internal diameter of 79.4 mm and was 86 mm deep. It was lined with fine leaves and white plant fibers. Nestlings were five to six days old. A total of 107 neossoptiles restricted to the capital, spinal and alar tracts were recorded in one nestling. The distribution of neossoptiles in the ocular region of S. maluroides forms a distinct pattern which can be typical of Furnariidae and related families. Two adults attended the nest, bringing small insects to the nestlings and removing fecal sacs. We recorded at least 74 visits to the nest during a ca. 6 h period during an afternoon. The average number of visits per hour was 12.8 ± 1.3. An adult bird spent on average 0.7 ± 0.56 minutes inside the nest attending nestlings. The nest remained unattended on average for 3.61 ± 3.13 minutes. The hour of the day had no influence on the amount of time spent by an adult in the nest or away from it. We returned to the area on 15 December 2005 and found the nest abandoned. Observations confirm that S. maluroides is a resident breeder in southern Brazil and that the saltmarshes of the Lagoa do Patos estuary are an important year-round habitat for the species. A nestling and the nest were collected to document the record.

An ecological and comparative analysis of parasites in juvenile Mugil liza (Pisces, Mugilidae) from two sites in Samborombón bay, Argentina

ABSTRACT Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836 is an economically important food fish and has been recommended for aquaculture in South America. A total of 278 fishes were collected in the spring and summer of 2009 and 2010. These fish were sorted into sample groups according to their size class. We used Bayesian statistics and 95% credible intervals for each parameter tested were calculated. Fish studied harbored a total of 15 different species of parasites. Diversity of parasite species found on Mugil liza was greatest at the S.R.C. collection site, but evidenced a lower species richness than at A.R. site. The 1st size fishes of both sites evidenced greater parasite diversity than either 2nd or 3rd size fish. Differences observed could be explained by the different use of habitat types at the two sites or differential susceptibility to infection by parasites. The dominance of D. fastigatainfluenced observed results of lower community diversity indexes. New works elucidating different parasite life cycles within juvenile and adults ofM. liza in Argentina, promise to be important for determining the risk of the parasitism by zoonotic metacercariae A. (P.) longa and use of this fish as food and an economic resource, and the possible use of mullet parasites in other promising fields as indicators of biodiversity, and/ or water contamination.

Studies on Cercariae from Kuwait Bay. XI. Description and surface topography of Cercaria kuwaitae XI sp.n. (Digenea: Echinostomatidae)

A new echinostome cercaria, Cercaria kuwaitae XI sp.n., from the prosobranch gastropod Cerithidea cingulata (Gmelin) from Kuwait Bay is described. The new cercaria is characterized by 23 collar spines and primary excretory tubules with distinct diverticula. The cercaria encysts in the snail host and is similar to those of Acanthoparyphium sp. The surface topography of the redia, cercaria and metacercarial cyst wall is studied by scanning electron microscopy. This is the first echinostome cercaria to be recorded in a gastropod from the Arabian Gulf region.

BAY 41-2272 activates host defence against local and disseminated Candida albicans infections

In our previous study, we have found that 5-cyclopropyl-2-[1-(2-fluoro-benzyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-yl]-pyrimidin-4-ylamine (BAY 41-2272), a guanylate cyclase agonist, activates human monocytes and the THP-1 cell line to produce the superoxide anion, increasing in vitro microbicidal activity, suggesting that this drug can be used to modulate immune functioning in primary immunodeficiency patients. In the present work, we investigated the potential of the in vivo administration of BAY 41-2272 for the treatment of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus infections introduced via intraperitoneal and subcutaneous inoculation. We found that intraperitoneal treatment with BAY 41-2272 markedly increased macrophage-dependent cell influx to the peritoneum in addition to macrophage functions, such as spreading, zymosan particle phagocytosis and nitric oxide and phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated hydrogen peroxide production. Treatment with BAY 41-2272 was highly effective in reducing the death rate due to intraperitoneal inoculation of C. albicans, but not S. aureus. However, we found that in vitro stimulation of peritoneal macrophages with BAY 41-2272 markedly increased microbicidal activities against both pathogens. Our results show that the prevention of death by the treatment of C. albicans-infected mice with BAY 41-2272 might occur primarily by the modulation of the host immune response through macrophage activation.

Frutificação precoce de laranjeiras 'Monte Parnaso' com anelagem e pulverizações de ácido giberélico e óleo mineral

Com o objetivo de diminuir a floração muito intensa e aumentar a produção de frutos, laranjeiras de umbigo 'Monte Parnaso' (Citrus sinensis Osb.), com dois anos de idade, foram submetidas à anelagem de casca do tronco, pulverizações foliares com doses de 0, 10, 20 e 30 ppm de ácido giberélico (AG3), combinadas com 0 e 1% de óleo mineral emulsionável. Foram realizados dois experimentos: um com pulverizações repetidas em 22 e 29/07/93, e outro com pulverização em plena floração em 15/09/93. Em ambos os experimentos, 50% das plantas foram submetidas à anelagem da casca do tronco, feita por uma incisão anelar, 5 cm abaixo da formação da copa. A produção diminuiu linearmente com o aumento das dosagens de AG3 pulverizado no final de julho; não houve efeito significativo sobre a frutificação quando o AG3 foi aplicado em plena floração. As pulverizações com 1% de óleo mineral diminuíram o número de frutos produzidos, em até 42%, principalmente nos tratamentos feitos no final de julho. A anelagem da casca do tronco aumentou o número de frutos em aproximadamente 25%, mas diminuiu o peso médio dos frutos.

Porta-enxertos para laranjeiras-doces (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.), em Rio Branco, Acre

O objetivo deste trabalho foi de avaliar o comportamento de sete cultivares de laranjeiras- doces: 'Baia 101', 'Baianinha IAC 79', 'Monte Parnaso', 'Pêra D6', 'Natal 112', 'Valência 27' e 'Aquiri', sobre diferentes porta-enxertos: limão 'Cravo', tangerinas 'Cleópatra' e 'Sunki' e citrange 'Carrizo', nas condições edafoclimáticas de Rio Branco, Acre. O delineamento experimental foi em parcelas subdivididas, com as cultivares nas parcelas, os porta-enxertos nas subparcelas e os quatro anos de avaliação como repetições. As laranjeiras 'Pêra D6', 'Natal 112' e 'Valência 27' apresentaram tendências de maior produção quando enxertadas sobre o limão 'Cravo', e a laranja 'Aquiri' quando enxertada sobre citrange 'Carrizo'. Em relação aos demais porta-enxertos, o limão 'Cravo' mostrou tendências de induzir maior produção/volume de copa e peso médio do fruto, e menor teor de sólidos solúveis totais e acidez total. As laranjas do grupo Baia ('Baia 101', 'Baianinha IAC 79' e 'Monte Parnaso') produziram frutos com baixa percentagem de suco; não são recomendadas para plantio em Rio Branco, AC. Com base nos resultados obtidos, recomendam-se os porta-enxertos citrange 'Carrizo', tangerina 'Cleópatra' e limão 'Cravo' para a laranja 'Aquiri', e o porta-enxerto limão 'Cravo' para as laranjas 'Pêra D6', 'Natal 112' e 'Valência 27'.

Estimativas de repetibilidade de caracteres de produção em laranjeiras-doces no Acre

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o coeficiente de repetibilidade em laranjeiras-doces e o número mínimo de avaliações a serem feitas para a determinação do valor real dos indivíduos. De março a junho de 1999, foram coletadas borbulhas de laranjeiras pé-franco, em fase de produção, em nove municípios do Acre. As borbulhas foram enxertadas sobre porta-enxertos de limoeiro 'Cravo', o que resultou em 54 clones. Esses clones foram avaliados em conjunto com a cultivar Aquiri, recomendada para o Estado. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com 55 tratamentos (55 clones), três repetições, com uma planta por parcela. O número total de frutos por planta, a produção de frutos por planta e o peso médio de fruto foram avaliados em 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 e 2008. Foram realizadas as análises de variância, de componentes principais e estrutural. A estimativa de repetibilidade para peso médio do fruto demonstrou regularidade na classificação dos clones, de um ciclo para outro, e foram necessários cinco ciclos de avaliação para a predição do valor real dos indivíduos, com acurácia de 90%, pelo método dos componentes principais (matriz de co-variância). Apesar de as características número de frutos total por planta e produção de frutos por planta serem influenciadas pelo ambiente, oito e nove medições, respectivamente, permitem obter coeficientes de determinação de 95%.