High prevalence of multidrug-tolerant bacteria and associated antimicrobial resistance genes isolated from ornamental fish and their carriage water

Background: Antimicrobials are used to directly control bacterial infections in pet (ornamental) fish and are routinely added to the water these fish are shipped in to suppress the growth of potential pathogens during transport. Methodology/Principal Findings: To assess the potential effects of this sustained selection pressure, 127 Aeromonas spp. isolated from warm and cold water ornamental fish species were screened for tolerance to 34 antimicrobials. Representative isolates were also examined for the presence of 54 resistance genes by a combination of miniaturized microarray and conventional PCR. Forty-seven of 94 Aeromonas spp. isolates recovered from tropical ornamental fish and their carriage water were tolerant to >= 15 antibiotics, representing seven or more different classes of antimicrobial. The quinolone and fluoroquinolone resistance gene, qnrS2, was detected at high frequency (37% tested recent isolates were positive by PCR). Class 1 integrons, IncA/C broad host range plasmids and a range of other antibiotic resistance genes, including floR, blaTEM21, tet(A), tet(D), tet(E), qacE2, sul1, and a number of different dihydrofolate reductase and aminoglycoside transferase coding genes were also detected in carriage water samples and bacterial isolates. Conclusions: These data suggest that ornamental fish and their carriage water act as a reservoir for both multi-resistant bacteria and resistance genes.

Solvent-dependent modulation of metal–metal electronic interactions in a dinuclear cyanoruthenate complex: a detailed electrochemical, spectroscopic and computational study

The dinuclear complex [{Ru(CN)4}2(μ-bppz)]4− shows a strongly solvent-dependent metal–metal electronic interaction which allows the mixed-valence state to be switched from class 2 to class 3 by changing solvent from water to CH2Cl2. In CH2Cl2 the separation between the successive Ru(II)/Ru(III) redox couples is 350 mVand the IVCT band (from the UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry) is characteristic of a borderline class II/III or class III mixed valence state. In water, the redox separation is only 110 mVand the much broader IVCT transition is characteristic of a class II mixed-valence state. This is consistent with the observation that raising and lowering the energy of the d(π) orbitals in CH2Cl2 or water, respectively, will decrease or increase the energy gap to the LUMO of the bppz bridging ligand, which provides the delocalisation pathway via electron-transfer. IR spectroelectrochemistry could only be carried out successfully in CH2Cl2 and revealed class III mixed-valence behaviour on the fast IR timescale. In contrast to this, time-resolved IR spectroscopy showed that the MLCTexcited state, which is formulated as RuIII(bppz˙−)RuII and can therefore be considered as a mixed-valence Ru(II)/Ru(III) complex with an intermediate bridging radical anion ligand, is localised on the IR timescale with spectroscopically distinct Ru(II) and Ru(III) termini. This is because the necessary electron-transfer via the bppz ligand is more difficult because of the additional electron on bppz˙− which raises the orbital through which electron exchange occurs in energy. DFT calculations reproduce the electronic spectra of the complex in all three Ru(II)/Ru(II), Ru(II)/Ru(III) and Ru(III)/Ru(III) calculations in both water and CH2Cl2 well as long as an explicit allowance is made for the presence of water molecules hydrogen-bonded to the cyanides in the model used. They also reproduce the excited-state IR spectra of both [Ru(CN)4(μ-bppz)]2– and [{Ru(CN)4}2(μ-bppz)]4− very well in both solvents. The reorganization of the water solvent shell indicates a possible dynamical reason for the longer life time of the triplet state in water compared to CH2Cl2.

Dimensões e universo das representações sociais de educação ambiental por discentes em Garanhuns-PE

The research aimed at investigating the dimensions and the universe of social representations of environmental education, as well as identifying the senses and meanings Environmental Education. This study admitted as presumption the education and environment dimensions. In this investigation was adopted as reference the dimension or representation scope of Moscovici. One hundred and twenty (120) students from Public Schools of Basic Education participated of this study and moreover three hundred and twenty-three (323) from Higher Education in the area of the UPE-FACETEG. The following questions were admitted: 1) What are the dimensions/categories that exist in the semantic scope of social representations of the environmental education? 2) What are the senses and meanings of environmental education? 3) The student s representations of Basic Education are similar or different from the Higher Education? The software EVOC helped in the organization of semantic scope for construction of the categories, with support of the contents analysis. The justifications are sorted on lexical classes using the software ALCESTE, through of the speech analyses. The free association of words answered the question dimension/categories and its semantic scope, being: a) Nature/Environment; b) values; c) Attitudes; d) Actions; e) Implications; f) Mediation. Six lexical classes were found with its meanings enumerated in this way: 1.Awareness, as a factor of belief for the preservation of nature and society. The students are clamoring for environmental education in the school, emphasizing the importance of awareness in the development of the respect to the environment linking the education and family; 2. The consciousness-knowledge relationship for the environment-nature preservation. 3. The environment and human interventions, in search of indicators of solutions. 4. Nature /background/ environment and its constituting elements, a thinking of values and an acting for mediation. 5. The human-nature interaction in social representations of environmental education and the symbolic-life size. 6. Nature / environment /, values, attitudes, actions, implications, and mediation in nature-man relationships. The groups more representatives according to these lexical classes were, the Basic Education in the class-4, represented exclusively by the Primary and Secondary Education and the class-6 represented by both two the Basic Education (47,37%) and the Higher Education (52,63%) - History, Pedagogy, Psychology, Mathematics, Language and Literature. The classes 4 and 6 are related to the class-3 which in turn is formed by students of Higher Education (Mathematics, Biology, Pedagogy, Psychology, Language and Literature) and Basic Education (Primary and Secondary Education). The Higher Education is most represented by the lexical classes (1, 2 and 5). The class 2 corresponded to 80% of the researched groups. In the class-1 the biggest representation was concerning to the Psychology, Geography, Biology and Language and Literature courses, whereas the class-5 was best represented by Psychology, Biology, Pedagogy, Language and Literature, Geography and History. From the results, one may conclude that the imagery is nature/environment; that life is the symbolic dimension that permeates the whole imaginary, and that preservation, awareness and respect are inserted in the speech that circulate to protect life

Seletividade Fisiológica de Endossulfam e Deltametrina às Operárias de A. chartifex spiriti For. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) em Agroecossistema Cacaueiro do Sudeste da Bahia

Avaliou-se o efeito dos inseticidas endossulfam e deltametrina sobre a formiga predadora Azteca chartifex spiriti For., em cultivo do cacaueiro no Sudeste da Bahia, conforme padronização da International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC), West Palaearctic Regional Section (WPRS), com algumas modificações. Os testes foram: a) contato; b) pulverização direta; c) persistência. Nos testes de contato, operárias foram expostas a um filme fresco e seco dos inseticidas, aplicado sobre cristalizadores. Nos testes de aspersão, as formigas foram diretamente pulverizadas com os agroquímicos às concentrações recomendadas para o controle de tripes e percevejos. Os insetos foram mantidos a 25±2°C, 65±10% UR e fotofase de 12h. A sobrevivência foi avaliada após 24h e a intervalos variáveis de tempo. Nos testes de persistência, as operárias foram confinadas em cristalizadores e expostas ao contato com folhas de cacaueiro tratadas previamente no campo, sob as mesmas condições controladas. Desenvolveram-se experimentos a um, três, seis, 10, 18 e 32 dias após a aplicação (DAA). Deltametrina foi considerado seletivo nos testes de contato e pulverização direta, não sendo necessária a condução dos testes de persistência em folhas para este inseticida. Endossulfam foi altamente tóxico nos testes de contato e pulverização direta, entretanto, apresentou-se levemente persistente no terceiro teste. A análise conjunta dos três tipos de testes sugere que ambos os inseticidas são seletivos para a espécie benéfica, podendo ser recomendadosem Programas de MIP em agroecossistema cacaueiro. A metodologia proposta pela IOBC/WPRS possibilita estabilidade dos resultados, permitindo sua adaptação e utilização para o fim proposto.

Tergal glands in termite soldiers of the subfamily Syntermitinae (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Faixas normais de nutrientes pelos métodos ChM, DRIS e CND e nível crítico pelo método de distribuição normal reduzida para laranjeira-pera

A utilização de métodos de diagnose nutricional para definição de teores ótimos e níveis críticos de nutrientes em tecidos vegetais tem se demonstrado promissora, desde que se conheçam suas limitações. Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar as faixas normais de nutrientes para a cultura da laranjeira-pera em uma população, utilizando os métodos Chance Matemática (ChM), Sistema Integrado de Diagnose e Recomendação (DRIS) e Diagnose da Composição Nutricional (CND), além do Nível Crítico, pelo método de distribuição normal reduzida. O trabalho foi realizado no município de Bebedouro-SP, na Estação Experimental de Citricultura de Bebedouro. Utilizaram-se como base de dados teores totais de nutrientes de 50 amostras foliares e a produtividade da laranjeira-pera, oriundas de um experimento cujo fator de avaliação foram doses de calcário aplicadas superficialmente. Para o N, maior valor de ChM foi obtido pela classe 2 (23,6 a 24,7 g kg-1), com valores semelhantes aos obtidos pelo DRIS (22,1 a 24,0 g kg-1) e CND (22,1 a 23,9 g kg-1). Os valores inferiores dessas faixas normais concordam com o do nível crítico alcançado (22,7 g kg-1), sendo este muito próximo do proposto pela literatura. Para os nutrientes P, K, Mg, Zn e B, as faixas normais e os níveis críticos não se assemelharam aos descritos na literatura. em relação aos nutrientes Ca, Fe, Mn e Cu, seus valores de faixa normal e nível crítico aproximaram-se dos recomendados, possivelmente devido à maior variação em seus teores. A utilização dos métodos propostos, em uma população, foi mais adequada quando houve maior variação nos teores dos nutrientes, além de possibilitar menor amplitude aos valores de faixas normais, quando comparados aos da faixa de terras suficientes encontrados na literatura.

Influência do diâmetro e da fase folicular sobre a competência in vitro de oócitos obtidos de novilhas da raça Nelore

Avaliou-se o efeito do diâmetro e da fase do desenvolvimento folicular sobre a competência de oócitos para a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos. A primeira onda folicular foi sincronizada com progestógeno por nove dias e 24 horas após a sua retirada aplicou-se LH. Os ovários foram recuperados 60h (G-60), 96h (G-96) e 108h (G-108) após a ovulação induzida pelo LH. Os folículos foram dissecados ou aspirados e medidos e os oócitos recuperados e submetidos à maturação, fecundação e cultivo in vitro. Os ovários do G-60 apresentaram mais oócitos viáveis (graus I, II e III) (96,6%). A taxa de clivagem teve efeito significativo sobre o diâmetro folicular, sendo maior nos oócitos oriundos de folículos classe 3 (>7mm). Na taxa de produção de blastocisto observou-se interação diâmetro versus fase de desenvolvimento folicular. A taxa de produção de blastocisto foi maior em oócitos obtidos de folículos com diâmetros <5mm (classe 1) no G-60 (64,5%), de 5-7mm (classe 2) no G-96 (33,3%) e >7mm (classe 3) no G-108 (50%). Conclui-se que o diâmetro e a fase de desenvolvimento folicular influenciam a competência oocitária para o desenvolvimento in vitro. Nos estádios iniciais da onda folicular a produção de blastocisto foi maior em oócitos de folículos pequenos; com o avanço da onda, a produção de blastocistos foi maior em oócitos obtidos de folículos maiores.

Interação das enterotoxinas estafilocócicas com o sistema imune do hospedeiro

Staphylococcal enterotoxins are among the most common etiologic agents that cause food poisoning and, possibly, nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome. These enterotoxins are also called superantigens because they are potent T cell and macrophages activators. The superantigens bind directly to the major histocompatibility complex class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells and stimulate T cells expressing specific Vβ elements in the cell receptors. Excessive production of cytokines by these cells and macrophages are responsible for the pathogenesis of food poisoning. These cytokine include tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-1, proinflamatory mediators with potent immunoenhancing effects; the nitric oxide (NO). It still has both effects citotoxic and regulatory roles in immune function.

The effect of CpG-ODN on antigen presenting cells of the foal

Background: Cytosine-phosphate-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) has been used successfully to induce immune responses against viral and intracellular organisms in mammals. The main objective of this study was to test the effect of CpG-ODN on antigen presenting cells of young foals. Methods: Peripheral blood monocytes of foals (n = 7) were isolated in the first day of life and monthly thereafter up to 3 months of life. Adult horse (n = 7) monocytes were isolated and tested once for comparison. Isolated monocytes were stimulated with IL-4 and GM-CSF (to obtain dendritic cells, DC) or not stimulated (to obtain macrophages). Macrophages and DCs were stimulated for 14-16 hours with either CpG-ODN, LPS or not stimulated. The stimulated and non-stimulated cells were tested for cell surface markers (CD86 and MHC class II) using flow cytometry, mRNA expression of cytokines (IL-12, IFNα, IL-10) and TLR-9 using real time quantitative RT-PCR, and for the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB p65 using a chemiluminescence assay. Results: The median fluorescence of the MHC class II molecule in non-stimulated foal macrophages and DCs at birth were 12.5 times and 11.2 times inferior, respectively, than adult horse cells (p = 0.009). That difference subsided at 3 months of life (p = 0.3). The expression of the CD86 co-stimulatory molecule was comparable in adult horse and foal macrophages and DCs, independent of treatment. CpG-ODN stimulation induced IL-12p40 (53 times) and IFNα (23 times) mRNA expression in CpG-ODN-treated adult horse DCs (p = 0.078), but not macrophages, in comparison to non-stimulated cells. In contrast, foal APCs did not respond to CpG-ODN stimulation with increased cytokine mRNA expression up to 3 months of age. TLR-9 mRNA expression and NF-kB activation (NF-kB p65) in foal DCs and macrophages were comparable (p > 0.05) to adult horse cells. Conclusion: CpG-ODN treatment did not induce specific maturation and cytokine expression in foal macrophages and DCs. Nevertheless, adult horse DCs, but not macrophages, increased their expression of IL-12 and IFNα cytokines upon CpG-ODN stimulation. Importantly, foals presented an age-dependent limitation in the expression of MHC class II in macrophages and DCs, independent of treatment. © 2007 Flaminio et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Regeneração natural de espécies da Mata Atlǎntica em sub-bosque de Eucalyptus saligna Smith. em uma antiga unidade de produção forestal no Parque das Neblinas, Bertioga, SP

This study aimed at characterizing the potential for natural regeneration of native vegetation in the under-story of an earlier Eucalyptus saligna Smith production stand. The study was carried out at the Parque das Neblinas, Bertioga municipality, SP, in a 45 ha third rotation stand; which had been abandoned 15 years ago for natural regeneration to occur. The sampling was done in 24 plots of 20 × 40 m. The sampled area was of 19,200 m2, with inventory made of 100% of the eucalyptus trees. All regeneration trees with a height ≥ 1.30 m and DBH ≥ 5.0 cm were measured, as well as adult individuals with DBH ≥ 5.0 cm; surveyed in two size classes. 1,417 individuals of E. saligna were measured, with a density of 738,02 individuals/ha and a basal area of 22.69 m2/ha. Among 2,763 natural regeneration individuals, 111 species belonged to 66 genera and 34 botanical families. The species represented 43.7% of the tree richness of neighboring native forest fragments. The total estimated density and the basal area were respectively 1,052.6 individuals/ha and 6.4 m2/ha of autochthonous trees with DBH ≥ 5.0 cm (Class 1); while for regeneration there were 3,864.58 individuals/ha, and 2.76 m2/ha of individuals with a height ≥ 1.30 m and DBH < 5.0 cm (Class 2). Shannon diversity (H') was 2.83 and 3.68, respectively, for Classes 1 and 2, and the corrected species richness for a 1000-individual sample (R1000) were 75.6 and 87.29 (Fisher's a index) for the same classes. The majority of the species (34.84%) was typical from the understory of wet tropical forest and had zoochoric fruit dispersal (67.57%). The results indicate that, under these conditions, a eucalyptus forest is able to provide adequate regeneration niches for native vegetation, and may represent a sink habitat for local populations.

Avaliação de cargas difusas e simulação de autodepuração no Córrego da Água Branca, Itirapina (SP)

According to CONAMA Resolution No. 357, the Água Branca Creek is framed in Class 2 and along its course the characteristics should be consistent with this class. Evaluation of diffuse loads and simulation of auto-purification in the Água Branca Creek allowed evaluating the alterations in the quality of the freshwater. The major contribution of diffuse loads in the basin of the White Water Creek is related to agriculture. The QUAL2K modeling identified the autopurification zones at Água Branca Creek and indicated the necessity BDO removal of 75%.

Parâmetros físico-químicos da água e ocorrência de streptococcus spp. em criação intensiva de tilápia no estado do espírito Santo, Brasil

This study evaluated the influence of intensive farming of tilapia on physical and chemical parameters and on the occurrence of Streptococcus spp. in the water of the lake and of cages. Throughout a year, monthly samplings were taken in the rainy and dry seasons for a year, at two sampling sites, lake and net cages. For the determination of water quality, physical and chemical water parameters were evaluated and compared to the standards established by Conama Resolution no. 357/2005. The presence of Streptococcus spp. in the water was determined by plating on blood Agar and biochemical screening. Mean values of water parameters were tested using the Kruskal-Wallis test comparing sampling sites and seasons. Ammoniacal nitrogen (ammoniacal-N), total phosphorus (total-P) levels and occurrence of Streptococcus spp. have increased in the water of the net cages. The mean values of several parameters have decreased during the rainy period, except for pH, temperature and ammoniacal-N. Total-P and dissolved oxygen levels, during dry and rainy periods, respectively, exceeded the standard established for freshwater class 2, recommended for aquaculture, which can be harmful to the fish. Therefore, constant monitoring of the physical,chemical and microbiological water parameters is recommended since the Juara lake is also used for recreational purposes.

Análise do potencial de impacto no meio ambiente como ferramenta para educação e proteção ambiental em pesqueiros

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Ações de educação ambiental e monitoramento da água no córrego da Olaria, APTA-Pindorama, S.P

Pós-graduação em Agronomia (Ciência do Solo) - FCAV

Realidade virtual não imersiva: contribuição do jogo de videogame como recurso pedagógico nas aulas de educação física

Pós-graduação em Educação - FFC