Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, productive performance and carcass characteristics as related to food management

Male juveniles of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, were stocked in 12, 300-m 2 ponds at a density of 1.7 fish/m 2 to evaluate the effects of different food management methods (natural foods and diets in pellet, floating or minced form) on fish production and carcass characteristics. Water quality variables monitored during the period were within acceptable levels for the species. Total fish production was significantly different (P < 0.05) and the highest values were obtained with diets in pellet (5,997 kg/ha) and floating (5,441 kg/ha) form. The fish fed diets had higher contents of body fat (1.57 to 1.98%) and visceral fat (12.64 to 25.04%) than fish fed natural food, which had levels between 0.17 and 0%, respectively. Natural food treatment yielded lower fish production and fish with lower body fat, while treatments that yielded higher fish production (rations) higher percentage of visceral fat. © 2004 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Feeding and condition factor of characidiin fish in Ribeirão Grande system, Southeastern Brazil

Feeding, seasonal changes in visceral fat and condition factor were compared in two species of characidiin fishes, Characidium lauroi and C. alipioi from Ribeirão Grande system, southeastern Brazil. Five streams of Ribeirão Grande system were sampled (22° 47' 08 S, 45° 28' 17W). The samples were taken four times per site, from July, 2001 to April, 2002: winter (July 2001), spring (October 2001), summer (February 2002) and autumn (April 2002). Quantitative collections were made with an electro-fishing device powered by a generator with maximum capacity of 1,500 V and 8.7 A of 60 Hz alternating current. Ephemeroptera nymphs, Diptera larvae (Chironomidae, Simuliidae), Plecoptera nymphs, Trichoptera larvae (Hydroptilidae, Psychoyiidae), terrestrial insects (Coleoptera, Isoptera, Hemiptera [Heteroptera, Homoptera]), Megaloptera larvae (Corydalidae), Arachnida, Ostracoda and vegetal debris were found in both species' diets. Visceral fat declined in February, coinciding with the decline of the condition factor in both species. The increased feeding from summer to fall provides fat accumulation. During subsequent seasons, fish may utilize visceral fat reserves for maintenance and reproduction.

Estudo histológico e imunoistoquímico do sistema nervoso central de cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi

The present study aimed to characterize the histopathological alterations and to detect, by immunohistochemistry, the presence of amastigote forms of Leishmania in CNS tissue of dogs with and without neurological clinical signs of the disease. Two groups of animals were used: the first was composed of 18 dogs with visceral leishmaniasis without clinical evidence of neurological involvement, and the second, composed of 21 dogs with visceral leishmaniasis and neurological symptoms. The most frequent histopathological alterations found in the CNS of dogs of both groups were neuronal degeneration with neuronophagia, gliosis, leptomeningitis, vascular congestion, presence of perivascular lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and areas of focal microhemorrhage. Antigen labeling for whole forms of Leishmania amastigotes was not observed in any fragment of the CNS of the dogs of either groups; however, most of them presented labeling of blood vessels walls, which suggests the presence of circulating parasite antigens.

Estudo da reatividade cruzada em amostras de soro de cães positivos para Leishmania sp., Babesia canis e Ehrlichia canis, pelo ensaio imunoenzimático indireto e pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta

To verify the presence of cross-reaction among leishmaniosis, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis in serological diagnostics used in human visceral leishmaniasis control programs, serum samples from leishmaniasis endemic and non-endemic areas were collected and tested by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFAT) and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All serum samples from endemic areas were positive for Leishmania sp., by ELISA and IFAT, 51% positive for Babesia canis and 43% for Ehrlichia canis by IFAT. None of the serum samples from non-endemic areas were positive for Leishmania sp., by IFAT, but 67% were positive for B. canis and 78% for E. canis using the same test. When tested by ELISA for Leishmania sp., four samples from non-endemic area were positive. These dogs were then located and no clinical signs, parasites or antibody was detected in new tests for a six month period. Only one of these 4 samples was positive for B. canis by IFAT and ELISA and three for E. canis by IFAT. The results of the work suggest a co-infection in the endemic area and no serological cross-reaction among these parasites by IFAT and ELISA.

Changes in amounts of total salivary gland proteins of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) according to age and diet

Saliva plays important roles in facilitation of a bloodmeal, lubrication of mouthparts, and parasite transmission for some vector insects. Salivary composition changes during the lifetime of an insect, and differences in the salivary profile may influence its functions. In this report, the amount and profile of salivary gland protein of the American visceral leishmaniasis vector Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) were analyzed at different times of insect development and diet. Protein content from unfed female sand flies increased significantly with age, and a significant difference was observed in sugar-fed females during the first 10 d of adult life. Salivary protein content sharply decreased 1 d after blood feeding, with gradual increase in concentration the following days. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that most polypeptides present in the saliva of sugar-fed also were present in the saliva of blood-fed females. Understanding changes in sand fly's saliva contents at distinct days after emergence and the influence of a bloodmeal in this aspect may reveal the role played by saliva during leishmaniasis transmission. © 2008 Entomological Society of America.

Avaliação hematológica de cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi submetidos a tratamento com antimoniato de meglumina

The present research was carried out aiming to assess the hematological response of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis submitted to treatment. For this, seven animals naturally infected by Leishmania sp. were submitted to a treatment with 75 mg/kg meglumine antimoniate subcutaneously, 12-12h/3 weeks. In all animals, a complete blood count and bone marrow aspiration biopsy were carried out for a descriptive evaluation at up to seven moments: before the treatment, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days after the start of the treatment. Before the beginning of the experiment hematological alterations were observed in four of the seven dogs (57.1%), among them, nonregenerative anemia, lymphopenia, lymphocytosis and monocytosis. During the course of the experiment the occurrence of leukocytoses, such as left shift neutrophilia and eosinophilia, were observed in some of the animals. Before the beginning of the treatment (M1), the occurrence of erythrocytic hypoplasia was detected by bone marrow cytology in two of the dogs (28.6%). This was reversed through an increase in the amount of erythroid progenitor cells after the administration of meglumine antimoniate. Thus, it can be concluded that the treatment led to normalization of the hematological alterations and recovery of the bone marrow.

Rendimento e composição química do filé de prochilodus lineatus do rio mogi guaçu, Brasil

The curimbata constitutes species of fish of wide distribution in the Neotropical area and high economic value. This work focused to evaluate processing yield and the chemical composition of the fillet in the male and female migratories and residents stocks of Prochilodus lineatus. The using the plotting was completely randomized by 4x2 factorial scheme, having as factors four stocks (one resident and three migratories) and two genders (male and female) with thirty replicates, considering each fish as an experimental unit. Each individual was submitted to the manual filleted and determination of the corporal composition (texts of moisture, crude protein, lipids, ashes and energy). They following parameters of yield had been evaluated (%): visceral entire fish (RPIE %); yield of boneless fillet (RFILE %) and processing yield of fillet with bone (RFILEC %). There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the stocks and the studied samples. The biggest yield of boneless fillet were observed for the fish of the migrator stock I (45.77%). Males and females of the migrator stock I presented biggest fillet yield (46.79% and 43.93%, respectively), while the migrator III presented smaller yield (37.29% for males and 38.44% for females). The migratories stocks I, II and III presented values significantly smaller (p<0.05) of lipids level (0.98%; 2.01% and 1.97%, respectively) and an increase in the content of corporal protein in relation to the resident stock. It concluded that the male weighing 591g on average, belonging of the stock migrator I (captured in December), presented better thread yield and the stocks migratories are fish that has low fat tenor and high protein tenor.

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor of the kidney mimicking wilms tumor: A case report and review of the literature

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, aggressive, malignant neoplasm usually present with the widespread abdominal serosal involvement and affects mainly adolescents and young adults. When presenting within visceral organs, as kidney, the diagnosis of DSRCT imposes significant difficulties. We present a case of primary DSRCT of the kidney in a 10-year-old boy mimicking clinically and pathologically Wilms tumor. The tumor showed morphologic and immunohistochemical features of DSRCT and the presence of the Ewing sarcoma and Wilm tumor 1 fusion transcripts resulting from the t(11;22) (p13;q12) reciprocal translocation. DSRCT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of Wilm tumor and other small blue-round cell tumors of the kidney. © 2009 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Avaliação da reatividade cruzada entre antígenos de Leishmania spp e Trypanosoma cruzi na resposta sorológica de cães pela técnica de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI)

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis caused by Leishmania spp. protozoa. Dog is the main parasite's reservoir, especially in urban areas. Indirect Immunofluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) is commonly used for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) diagnosis, by detection of antibodies against the parasite. However, Trypanosoma cruzi (T.cruzi) cross reactions can occur in serological diagnosis. In order to evaluate the occurrence of cross reactions between antigens of Leishmania spp. and T.cruzi, 150 blood samples of CVL epidemiological inquiry positive dogs were collected and sera were tested by IFAT. Dogs were culled at Zoonosis Control Center of Bauru (SP), an endemic area for VL. Another 150 dogs' blood samples were collected in Botucatu (SP), a non endemic area for LV, and sera were also tested by IFAT. Serum samples of dogs from Bauru were positive, both for Leishmania spp. and for T. cruzi, showing high cross-reactions incidence, reinforcing the need of diagnosis confirmation by other tests. Serum samples of dogs from Botucatu demonstrated low prevalence of positive results by IFAT, both for Leishmania spp. and T.cruzi. However, despite the low number of positive serological results for these parasites, the epidemiological and serological investigation for LV and Chagas disease in dogs from Botucatu must be kept, considering the importance of dog as domestic reservoir for both parasites.

Vascularização arterial e venosa do linfonodo poplíteo em cães

Poplíteo lympho nodes in the dogs is placed, to the right and the left in popliteo an appointed space fossa, in distal part of the muscles femoral biceps, laterally and semi-tendinous, medially, projecting in the height of the face volume of the joint to femoro tibial e femoro patellar (joint of the knee). In this study twenty and five dogs, males and females adult, originating the Araçatuba municipal kennel had been used whose captures had been effected by the animal sanitary defense of this city. The arterial vessels destined to this structure always derive, of both the sides, the femoral artery distal volume and vary of 10 the 1, more frequently of 2 (7 times, 28%) to the right and of 6 the 2, equally more frequently of 2 (8 times, 32%). So soon as one has still to right 5 and 6 branches (3 times, 12%), 1, 7 and 10 (1 time, 4%). Relatively to the veins derived from this lympho nodes, always converges to the lateral safena vein, these vessels oscillates between 9 and 2, more frequently of 3 (6 times, 24%), to the right and of 12 the 2, more frequently of 3 (10 times, 40%) to the left. Thus, others deriving branches of popliteo lympho nodes right and that if they insert in the above-mentioned vein are in number of 2 and 5 (5 times, 20%), 4 and 6 (2 times, 8%) and 8 and 9 (1 time, 4%). In spite of, to the left side it is examined in number de 2 branches (6 times, 24%), 4 (4 times, 16%), 6 (3 times, 12%) and finishing 9 and 12 branches (1 time, 4%). The size of popliteo lympho node in seropositive dogs for Visceral Leishmaniasis can meets enters 7,8 × 3,8 × 6,1 a 50,0 × 20,7 × 28,5, in mm, being average 26,18 × 10,5 × 15,97 mm for right and 26,98 × 11,14 × 15,25 mm for left (concerning the measures dorsoventral, latero-lateral and cranial-caudal, respectively).

Avaliação clínica e parasitológica de cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi submetidos a tratamento com antimoniato de meglumina e alopurinol

Aiming to assess the efficacy of the treatment, to verify the occurrence of possible disease relapses and to search for the presence of parasites after the treatment, seven dogs naturally infected by Leishmania sp., were submitted to a treatment with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol. For this, lymph node and bone marrow aspiration biopsies were carried out at seven moments. After the end of the six-month observation period all dogs were submitted to euthanasia. Then, spleen and liver imprints and in vitro cultures were carried out to search for amastigote forms of the parasite. All animals presented remission of the symptoms and during all the observation period no dog presented relapse of the disease, although amastigote forms of the parasite were observed in two of the animals at the end of the experiment. Thus, it was possible to conclude that the treatment promotes clinical healing but it does not eliminate the parasites completely.

Resistance of rose rootstocks to Meloidogyne hapla nematode

Roses are widely used in landscaping. One of the most important fitossanitary problems of this ornamental plant in gardens is the fitonematodes, especially Meloidogyne hapla, which is the most important one in colder climate regions. This work had the objective of study the resistance of nine rose rootstocks (Rosa multiflora 'Paulista', R. multiflora 'Japanese', R. multiflora 'Iowa', R. multiflora 'Kopman's', R. indica × multiflora, R. indica 'Mayor', R. sp. 'Natual Brier', R. manetti and R. canina 'Inermis') to Meloidogyne hapla nematode. Ten replications of each rootstock were used. The roots, collected in a commercial area of cut roses, visually had galls there were isolated and identified. The inoculum of M. hapla was previously produced in rose and tomatoes seedlings under greenhouse conditions. The plants were harvested ninety days after inoculation. The roots were washed and the number of eggs and juveniles recuperated in the root system of each plant was estimated by the Final Population (FP), and the Reproductive Factor (RF) was calculated. The rootstocks with RF<1 values were considered resistant, and the ones with RF>1, susceptible. Rosa manetti and Rosa sp. 'Natual Brier' rootstocks showed the lowest values for RF, indicating that, although they are susceptible, they provide the lowest nematode reproduction. Based on the RF values, it was concluded that all the rose rootstocks evaluated were susceptible to M. hapla nematode.

Detecção de anticorpos anti-leishmania infantum syn chagasi em cães de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been a widespread zoonosis in São Paulo since 1998, when the first autochthonous canine case was identified in Araçatuba. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of anti-Leishmania infantum syn chagasi antibodies in serum samples of 584 dogs from São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, a non endemic area for the disease. Five dogs (0.86%) seroconverted by ELISA and one (0.17%) by immunochromatography. The indirect immunofluorescent reaction, carried out in 138 animals whose optical densities were above or close to ELISA's cutt-off point, evidenced two dogs (1.45%) with titers above 1:40. Only one dog was serum-reactive on the three techniques. Although there was not a history of displacing this animal to endemic areas, the dog had been acquired in a region with canine and human cases of VL. These results suggests that there were no autochthonous cases of canine VL in this population.

Sphincterodiplostomum musculosum (Digenea, Diplostomidae) infectando Steindachnerina insculpta (Characiformes, Curimatidae) no reservatório de Chavantes, Sudeste do Brasil

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

Soroprevalência de anticorpos contra Leishmania infantum e outras espécies de protozoários e rickettsia em cães

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