Effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen for experimental treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni using praziquantel-free and encapsulated into liposomes: Assay in adult worms and oviposition

The treatment of schistosomiasis depends on a single drug: praziquantel (PZQ). However, this treatment presents limitations such as low and/or erratic bioavailability that can contribute to cases of tolerance. Improvements to the available drug are urgently needed and studies with a controlled system of drug release, like liposomes, have been gaining prominence. The present study evaluated the activity and synergy between liposomal-praziquantel (lip.PZQ) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO). Mice received doses of 60 or 100mg/kg PZQ or lip.PZQ, 50 days post-infection, and after the treatment, were exposed to HBO (3 atmosphere absolute - ATA) for 1h. The viability of adult worms and oviposition were analyzed, by necropsy and Kato-Katz examination performed after 15 days of treatment. A concentration of 100mg/kg of lip.PZQ+HBO was more effective (48.0% reduction of worms, 83.3% reduction of eggs/gram of feces) and 100% of the mice had altered of oograms (indicating interruption of oviposition) compared to other treatments and to the Control group (infected and untreated). It is known that PZQ requires participation of the host immune system to complete its antischistosomal activity and that HBO is able to stimulate the immune system. The drug became more available in the body when incorporated into liposomes and, used with HBO, the HBO worked as an adjuvant. This explains the decreases of oviposition and worms recovered form hepatic portal system.

Susceptibility of helminth species from horses against different chemical compounds in Brazil

By means of parasitological necropsies, the present study aimed to evaluate, in six experiments, the degree of susceptibility or resistance of different helminth species which naturally infect horses to ivermectin 0.2mg/kg, abamectin 0.2mg/kg, moxidectin 0.4mg/kg, trichlorfon 35mg/kg, ivermectin 0.2mg/kg+praziquantel 2.5mg/kg, abamectin 0.2mg/kg+praziquantel 2.5mg/kg and ivermectin 0.2mg/kg+6.6 mg/kg pyrantel. At experimental day zero, the horses were allocated to treatment groups based on average counts of strongylid eggs per gram of feces (EPG) obtained on days -3, -2 and -1. Oxyuris sp. infections were confirmed as positive or negative. All the animals in the six experiments were naturally infected by this helminth species. Each group (control or treated) consisted of six animals. All the assessed Habronema muscae populations analyzed were susceptible to ivermectin, abamectin and moxidectin. Of the six Trichostrongylus axei populations, four were susceptible to ivermectin, abamectin, moxidectin, trichlorfon and ivermectin+praziquantel, and two were resistant to abamectin+praziquantel and ivermectin+pyrantel. Both Strongyloides westeri populations analyzed were susceptible to ivermectin, abamectin, moxidectin and abamectin+praziquantel. For O. equi, resistance was found in four different populations treated with ivermectin, abamectin, moxidectin, trichlorfon and ivermectin+praziquantel. Only combinations of abamectin+praziquantel and ivermectin+pyrantel were effective against this parasite species. All the large strongyles diagnosed in the present study (Strongyus edentatus, Strongyus vulgaris and Triodontophorus serratus) were susceptible to all the chemicals tested, with the exception of trichlorfon. Of the Cyathostominae populations, one was diagnosed as resistant to ivermectin and another to trichlorfon. The remaining populations from this nematode group were considered to be sensitive to ivermectin, abamectin, moxidectin, ivermectin+praziquantel, abamectin+praziquantel and ivermectin+pyrantel. New studies should be performed in different regions to evaluate the efficacy of trichlorfon in others field populations of helminthes.

First genetic identification of Cryptosporidium parvum subtype IIaA14G2R1in beef cattle in Brazil

The presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in a cattle herd registered with an outbreak of diarrhea was investigated and the the molecular subtyping of Cryptosporidium parvum was characterized. Fecal samples from 85 Nellore beef cattle (Bos indicus) were collected and examined with Ziehl-Neelsen modified staining method. Fifty-four cattle (63.52%) had Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in their feces. Fragments of genes encoding the 18S ribosomal RNA subunit and a 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) were amplified by nested PCR accomplished in the 11 most heavily parasitized samples, and the amplicons were sequenced. Eight of the 11 analyzed samples were positive for 18S rRNA sequences and identified monospecific infections with C. parvum. Seven samples were positive for gp60 and identified subtypes IIaA15G2R1 (6/11) and IIaA14G2R1 (1/11). This report is the first for C. parvum subtype IIaA14G2R1 in beef cattle in Brazil.

Tempo de trânsito gastrointestinal de diferentes frutos e taxa de germinação de Morus nigra pós passagem pelo trato em Sabiás-barranco (Turdus leucomelas)

Seed dispersal is a key process in the life cycle of plant species and may determine the dynamics of their populations. The passage of the fruit from the gastrointestinal tract brings effects on energy and nutritional rewards for the bird. The retention time of the seeds is an essential factor for the dispersion, affecting the dispersal distance. Some factors determine it, as the size of the bird, degree of frugivory, chemical composition of the fruit, the number and size of seeds. The study sought to characterize the Morus nigra seed retention time in three species of thrushes and compare them with other species of birds and plants. The blackberry, exotic species with socio-economic importance in Brazil, produces aggregate fruit having up to 60 seeds. Have been kept in captivity individuals leucomelas Turdus rufiventris thrush, thrush and amaurochalinus, native and omnivorous species, important dispersers in degraded areas, inhabiting the urban and the natural environment. In 274 samples of feces was recorded about 500 mulberry seeds. The first record of seeds was in 15 minutes (n = 2) and the last to 115 minutes (n = 4) after eating the fruit. The average time of gastrointestinal transit of seed for the three species was 52 minutes and 80% were defecated to 65 minutes post ingestion. Taking into consideration the type of fruit and the species of bird, there is great variation in the retention time when compared to other species of birds, being in general slower. That way, can be increase the degree of dispersion of the seed to more distant areas of the mother plant, increasing the chances of survival of seedlings, according to the hypothesis Janzen and Connell. The Turdus It showed efficient dispersers Morus nigra seeds, and inhabits natural and urbanized environment, the possibility of exchange of these seeds between environments by the action of thrushes

Consumo de amido e proteína, excreção de oxalato e características da urina de gatos alimentados com ração seca

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

Genotipagem dos isolados de Giardia duodenalis em famílias de pescadores da colônia de Porto Said, Botucatu, São Paulo

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

Morfologia e histoquímica do tubo digestivo de Mapará Hypophthalmus marginatus

Pós-graduação em Aquicultura - FCAV

Polimorfismo do colágeno tipo 3 e da metaloproteinase 9 como fator de risco para a incontinência em muheres com diabete mellitus gestacional

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

Assembleia, frugivoria e biologia reprodutiva de morcegos em áreas restauradas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Indicadores internos como alternativa ao óxido de crômio-III na determinação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente pela Tilápia do Nilo

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Microbiota fúngica de passeriformes de cativeiros da Região Noroeste do Estado de São Paulo

Birds are hosts for a rich fungal microbiota which can act as potent pathogens for humans and other species of animals, causing thereby serious public health problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the participation of birds kept in containers in the epidemiology of infectious diseases such as cryptococcosis and aspergillosis, thus verifying the maintenance and spread of pathogens in the environment. 36 samples of excretas of passeriformes were collected and were cultivated in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar 4% at room temperature and 37°C. The isolated fungal colonies were classified according to their morphological and staining characteristics. Subsequently, those in yeast form were peaked in Niger Agar, incubated at 30°C. In one sample showed growth of more than one type of colony and there was verified the presence of 25.0% of Penicillium spp., 19.4% of Trichosporon spp., 13.9% of C. gattii, 11.1% of C. neoformans, 11.1% of Candida spp., 8.3% of Rhizomucor spp., 8.3% of Aspergillus spp., 2.8% of Nigrospora spp. and 2,8% of Geotrichum spp. It can be conluded by the expost that birds shed continuously pathogenic microorganisms in their feces acting in definitive form in the infectious diseases ecoepidemiology.

Supplementation with protected fat to manage gastro-intestinal nematode infection in Santa Ines sheep

This experiment aimed to determine the influence of supplementation with protected fat on nematode infections in periparturient sheep or sheep in their final stage of pregnancy. Fifty Santa Ines ewes received 200 g of concentrate/animal/day, mineral salt and water and were grouped according to their weight, hematocrit and the number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG). Two diets were used: a control treatment and a treatment consisting of supplementation with 30 g/animal/day of protected fat in the concentrate. Three monthly evaluations were performed over a total of 84 days of testing. The variables analyzed were weight, body condition, EPG and coprocultures; blood tests were performed for the determination of packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration and total plasma protein, and leukograms and eosinophil counts were performed. For weight and hemoglobin concentrations, interactions were observed between diet and collection date (P<0.05); body condition, total plasma protein, packed cell volume and total leukocytes did not differ statistically among treatments (P> 0. 05) but did differ by collection day (P <0.05). The EPG and eosinophil counts did not differ statistically by either diet or collection date (P>0.05). The genus Haemonchus was predominant, followed by the genera Cooperia, Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomum. The protected fat did not decrease EPG and did not improve the blood parameters of infected sheep.

Raising of horn fly haematobia irritans (L.) (diptera: muscidae) in laboratory by means of egg and larva inoculation

Several studies have required Haematobia irritans (L.) raising in laboratory. The present study assessed two methods of inoculating immature forms of H. irritans to obtain adults. In 2007, 15 Nellore steers (Bos indicus) (L.) were used for the collection of feces free of anthelmintic treatment and flies to produce for eggs and larva. For method I, 30 eggs were incubated in square filter paper (5 × 5 cm) and deposited on bovine feces (500 g) where they were kept until hatching and spontaneous penetration of larvae (L1) into the fecal mass. After 24 h, eggs were analyzed under a stereoscope microscope (40×) for the number of larvae that instinctively penetrated the feces. In method II, larvae were obtained only by natural egg hatching. At birth, 30 larvae were collected and individually inoculated, directly onto the fecal plate by employing a moistened brush. The tests were carried out at controlled temperature (28˚C ± 2˚C) and saturated humidity (80%) until the emergence of flies with both methods. The number of emerged flies was considered in the result. Using method I, 276 (76.7%) flies emerged from 360 inoculated eggs, while using method II, 283 (78.6%) flies emerged from 360 inoculated larvae. There was no significant difference (P = 0.7821) between methods for the number of flies; however, the proportion between males and females by means of larva inoculation was different from 1:1 (P = 0.0146). Results indicated that both methods led to a satisfactory production of flies and egg inoculation provided an easier establishment.

Ocorrência de Clostridium botulinum tipos C e D em criatórios de bovinos no município de Cocalinho, Vale do Araguaia, Mato Grosso

In order to assess the occurrence and distribution of spores and toxins of Clostridium botulinum types C and D in three farms in Cocalinho, at the Araguaia River valley, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, we analyzed sediment samples from 40 water holes, soil and cattle feces, collected around water holes. Sediments were analyzed by direct method, whilst feces, soil and also sediment samples were individually analyzed by indirect method. The detection of spores and botulinum toxins in the filtered material was performed by bioassay in Swiss Webster mice strain, as well as the serum-neutralization of the positive materials for typing. Samples of cattle feces showed the largest positive rate for C. botulinum, with 25/40 (62.5%), followed by soil, 12/40 (30%), and by sediment, 13/40 (32.5%). From the 40 cattle feces samples, 25 (62.00%) were positive for Clostridium botulinum; six samples were identified as type C, other six as type D, and 13 samples were classified as CD complex. From the equal number (40) of soil samples, 12 (30%) were positive for C. botulinum; two samples were identified as type C, other three as type D, and seven samples were classified as CD complex. Regarding the 40 sediment samples, 13 (32.5%) were positive for C. botulinum; two samples were identified as type C, other three as type D, and eight samples were classified as CD complex. No botulism toxin was detected by indirect method.

Stunning method in broiler chickens meat processing

Quality is a variable concept, which involves many factors, depending on the consumer market. In meat production, the concern with environmental aspects, animal welfare and the health and safety of workers is increasing. This work studied the effect of controlled atmosphere stunning of broilers on meat features and biochemical parameters for stress. Cobb broilers were stunned by electrical stunning and by controlled atmosphere with 70% CO2 and 70% CO2 + 30% Argon. After stunning, serum levels of glucose, lactate and corticosterone were compared with those of broilers at rest, immediately before transportation and slaughter and after 12 h of feed withdrawal (control group). At slaughter, blood volume drained during bleeding was not different for the stunning methods tested, ranging from 3.3 to 3.4% birds weight. This finding was important to demonstrate that gas stunning was not responsible for the animals′ death. Final pH in breast (6.1 to 6.2) and thigh (6.3 to 6.5) also did not vary among the different stunning methods (P > 0.05). Lightness (L = 60.55) and redness (a = +8.94) values found for breasts from electrical stunning showed that they were darker and redder (P < 0.05), probably due to changes in blood pressure. Glucose and corticosterone levels were not different between gas stunned birds (302.45 to 315.7 mg/dl and 55.71 to 72.49 ng/ml respectively) and birds at rest (305.95 mg/dl and 50.65 ng/ml) (P > 0.05). These stress indicators were higher (337.65 mg/dl for glucose and 104.13 ng/ml for costicosterone) when electrical stunning was used (P < 0.05). Lactate concentrations were lower (5.4 mmol/l) for birds at rest (P < 0.05) but not different for all stunning methods tested (7.3 to 8.1 mmol/l; P > 0.05). These results show that serum glucose may be used as a stress indicator in birds, with the advantage of being a quick and cheap biochemical test. Gas stunning favored birds′ management during slaughter and so reduced workers′ effort and injury hazard and the amount of feces and dust in the room. To make this method available for a large scale process, adjustments in equipments will be necessary to avoid delays in the processing line.