Relative abundance of euphausiids (Crustacea) in water samples of the Arabian Sea (Table 2)

In the present paper, the ecology and feeding habits of euphausiids are described. The samples were taken at the time of the NE-monsoon (1964/65) by R. V. "Meteor" in the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters. 24 species were determined. According to distribution of the species, the following marine areas can be distinguished: Arabian Sea: 24 species, dominant are Euphausia diomedeae, E. tenera, E. distinguenda, Stylocheiron carinatum. Gulf of Aden: 10 species, dominant are Euphausia diomedeae, E. distinguenda. Red Sea: 6 species, dominant are Euphausia diomedeae, E. distinguenda. Gulf of Oman : 5 Species, dominant are Euphausia distinguenda, Pseudeupbaufia latifrons. Persian Gulf: 1 species - Pseudeuphausia latifrons. The total number of euphausiids indicate the biomass of this group. High densities of euphausiids (200-299 and > 300 individuals/100 m**3) occur in the innermost part of the Gulf cf Aden, in the area south of the equator near the African east coast, near Karachi (Indian west coast) and in the Persian Gulf. Comparison with data relating to production biology confirms that these are eutrophic zones which coincide with areas in which upwelling occurs at the time of the NE-monsoon. The central part of the Arabian Sea differs from adjacent waters by virtue of less dense euphausiid populations (> 199 individuals/100 m**3). Measurements relating to production biology demonstrate a relatively low concentration of primary food sources. Food material was ascertained by analysis of stomach content. The following omnivorous species were examined: Euphausia diomedeae, E. distinguenda, E. tenera, Pseudeuphausia latifrons and Thysanopoda tricuspidata. Apart from crustacean remains large numbers of Foraminifera, Radiolaria, tintinnids, dinoflagellates were found in the stomachs. Quantitatively crustaceans form the most important item in the diet. Food selection on the basis of size and form appears to be restricted to certain genera of tintinnids. The genera Stylocheiron and Nematoscelis are predators. Only crustacean remains were found in the stomachs of Stylocheiron abbreviatum, whereas Radiolaria, Foraminifera and tintinnids occurred to some extent in Nematasceli sp. Different euphausiids in the food chain in the Arabian Sea. In omnivorous species the position is variable, since they not only feed by filtering autotrophic and heterotrophic Protista, but also by predation on zooplankton. Carnivorous species without filtering apparatus feed exclusively on zooplankton of the size of copepods. Only these species are well established as occupying a higher position in the food chain. The parasitic protozoan Tbalassomyces fagei was found on Euphausia diomedeae, E. fenera, E. distinguenda and E. sanzoi.

Mesozooplankton in Bornholm Basin, Baltic Sea

The seasonal vertical distribution of mesozooplankton was investigated in the Bornholm Basin in October 1988, July 1991 and April 1992 by means of horizontal tows using a small net with a mesh size of 47 micrometers. This study shows that the vertical distribution of multivoltine copepods is linked with ontogeny and may also change seasonally, even in shallow areas such as the Baltic. Trends between copepod species, stages and seasons were discovered. Secondly, the correlation was investigated between the vertical mesozooplankton distribution on the one hand and chlorophyll a concentration and the density of medusae and fish larvae on the other hand. In several cases the comparison of the shape of the profiles led to greater differentiation than the coefficient of correlation. The abundances found allowed only scant statements about non-copepod taxa.

In vitro efficacy of selected medicinal plants from Cholistan desert, Pakistan, against gastrointestinal helminths of sheep and goats

Gastrointestinal helminths are a major constraint to small ruminants in extensive husbandry systems of tropical regions. Yet, unavailability, high prices, side effects, and development of parasite resistance often limit the use of synthetic anthelmintics. Traditional medicinal plants might be an effective low-cost alternative. Therefore the in vitro anthelmintic activity of leaf extracts of the ligneous plants Capparis decidua, Salsola foetida, Suaeda fruticosa, Haloxylon salicornicum, and Haloxylon recurvum from Cholistan, Pakistan, was investigated against adult worms of Haemonchus contortus, Trichuris ovis, and Paramphistomum cervi. Various concentrations (from 7.8 to 500 mg dry matter ml^(−1)) of three extracts (aqueous, methanol, and aqueous-methanol) of each plant were tested at different time intervals for their anthelmintic activity via adult motility assay. Plant species (p<=0.01), extract type (p<=0.001), parasite species (p<=0.001), extract concentration (p<=0.001), time of exposure (p<=0.001) and their interactions (p<=0.001) affected the number of immobile or dead helminths. The 50% lethal concentration (LC_(50)) values indicated that the methanol and aqueous-methanol extracts of C. decidua, H. recurvum, and H. salicornicum as well as the methanol extract of S. fruticosa have the potential to be developed into plant-based remedies against the studied helminths. Further studies are needed to investigate the in vivo anthelmintic activity of these extracts, in order to develop effective, cheap and locally available anthelmintics for pastoralists in Cholistan and neighbouring desert regions.

Anemia en ovejas de desarrollo en Finca Santa Rosa durante el período Junio –Julio 2014

Con el objetivo de elaborar un plan sanitario que prevenga el síndrome anémico en el hato ovino de la Facultad de Ciencia Animal - UNA. Se determinó la prevalencia de esta patología en los ovinos en desarrollo, Analizando los niveles de infestación ( NI ) de las especies parasitarias y evaluando los valores de hematocrito en relación con la carga gastro - parasitaria. Se tomaron 18 muestras biológicas de heces fecales y sangre, antes de la desparasitación y 20 días después, en el periodo de Junio – Julio 2014, se utilizó la técnica de Sheather, se determinó Hematocrito y Hemoglobina , Los datos s e analizaron a través del estudio epidemiológico descriptivo y analítico utilizando diferentes técnicas de laboratorio y método estadístico de correlación de variables cuantitativas de Pearson . En el primer y segundo muestreo se identificaron los parásitos Haemonchus sp, Cooperia sp, Strongylus sp, Coccidia sp, Bunostomum sp y Moniezia sp . Al primer muestreo la variable prevalencia de síndrome anémico del hato ovino es del 50% y el 100% de los animales analizados presentaron Strongylus sp, Haemonchus sp, Co ccidia sp, Bunostomum sp y Moniezia sp, y el 72,2% presentaron Cooperia sp , presentaron NI Alto 77.7% afectados con Haemonchus sp, 16.6% Strongylus sp, y un 11.1% para las especies de Cooperia sp, Coccidia sp y Moniezia sp. , NI Moderado, Moniezia sp y C occidia sp , un 88.8%, Strongylus sp 83.3%, Bunostomum sp y Haemonchus sp 22.2% y Cooperia sp 11.1%, NI Leve, el 77.7% con Bunostomum sp y el 50% presentaron Cooperia sp. Al segundo muestreo 20 días después del tratamiento, el valor de hematocrito, e staban en los rangos de 22 - 38%. Los niveles de infestación variaron, presentando NI Alta , para Moniezia sp con 22.2%, aumentado su carga parasitaria en relación con el primer muestreo . Se observó la disminución de las cargas parasitarias de las especies Ha emonchus sp con 16.6%, Strongylus sp y Coccidia sp 5.5%.En el NI Moderada , Coccidia sp , mantuvo el 88.8%. Strongylus sp aumentó con 88.8%, Haemonchus sp 83.3%. Las cargas de Moniezia sp , prevalecieron con el 77.7%. Cooperia sp , se presentó con el 50%, B onostomus sp , 27.7%. NI Leve , encontramos el 44.4% de la población con Bunostomum sp y un 5.5% con Cooperia sp y Coccidia sp. De la relación existente entre la presencia de los parásitos y los valores de hematocrito, las combinaciones parasitarias siguient es fueron significativos con P= 0.67, <0.0022 para Cooperia sp y Haemonchus sp , P= 0.65, <0.0036 Cooperia sp con Bunostomum sp , P= 0.62, <0.0060 Cooperia sp con Strongylus sp , P= 0.50, <0.0353 Strongylus sp con Moniezia sp y P= 0.64 <0.0043 para Haemon chus sp con Bunostomum sp. Las parasitosis gastrointestinales son un factor importante de las causas del síndrome anémico, ya que la relación de los valores de hematocritos con la combinación de diferentes especies de parásitos fue significativa y que con la utilización de fármacos antihelmínticos de uso continuo se encontraron cargas parasitarias, con niveles de infestación de alto a moderado .

Avaliação de risco do biopesticida Bacillus thuringiensis (CEPA 344) em organismos bioindicadores presentes em sistemas de produção aqüícola.

A piscicultura e outras atividades aqüícolas vêm ganhando importância por contribuir para a produção de alimentos diferenciados e como uma nova alternativa de renda nas propriedades rurais. O uso de agroquímicos nas regiões de entorno dos sistemas de produção aqüícola constitui uma ameaça para os organismos presentes nos mesmos e para a saúde do consumidor. Assim, tem-se incentivado o uso de produtos de menor risco a base de agentes biológicos de controle utilizados como biopesticidas. Apesar da conhecida inocuidade do uso de biopesticidas usados no combate a pragas, alguns relatos tem ocorrido sobre infecções e efeitos adversos em organismos não-alvo, entre estes, espécies aquáticas. No presente trabalho foi avaliado o efeito decorrente da exposição à cepa 344 de Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt344), em organismos de diferentes níveis tróficos da cadeia alimentar do compartimento aquático. Os organismos-teste foram expostos a concentrações correspondentes a mais de 1.000 vezes a dose de aplicação. O Bt344 não alterou os padrões de crescimento da alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Uma mortalidade significativa (8,9%), porém inferior ao limite aceitável para o controle (10%), foi constatada para o peixe Hyphessobrycon scholzei. Entretanto, a exposição ao agente biológico reduziu a sobrevivência de Dapnhia similis em 44,8% em relação ao controle, o que sugere um risco para espécies de invertebrados aquáticos.

Assessing the safety of Pseudomonas putida introduction in the environment: an overview of ecotoxicological tests.

Risk assessment guidelines for the environmental release of microbial agents are performed in a tiered sequence which includes evaluation of exposure effects on non target organisms. However, it becomes important to verify whether environmental risk assessment from temperate studies is applicable to tropical countries, as Brazil. Pseudomonas putida is a bacteria showing potential to be used for environmental applications as bioremediation and plant disease control. This study investigates the effects of this bacteria exposure on rodents and aquatic organisms (Daphnia similes) that are recommended to be used as non-target organism in environmental risk assessments. Also, the microbial activity in three different soils under P. putida exposure was evaluated. Rats did not show clinical alterations, although the agent was recovered 16 h after the exposure in lung homogenates. The bacteria did not reduce significantly the reproduction and survival of D. similis. The soil enzymatic activities presented fluctuating values after inoculation with bacteria. The measurement of perturbations in soil biochemical characteristics is presented as an alternative way of monitoring the overall effects of the microbial agent to be introduced even in first stage (Tier I) of the risk assessment in tropical ecosystems.

Avaliação in vivo da atividade anti-helmíntica do extrato de Senecio brasiliensis e de Acacia mearnsii em ovinos experimentalmente infectados.

As helmintoses gastrintestinais estão entre as principais causas de perdas econômicas e produtivas na cadeia de produção ovina, sendo o Haemonchus contortus um dos parasitos que mais impactam a produção de pequenos ruminantes, devido sua patogenicidade e alta prevalência nos rebanhos nacionais.

Gastrointestinal nematode infection in beef cattle raised in silvopastoral and conventional systems in São Paulo state, Brazil.

The use of silvopastoral systems (SPS) can be a good alternative to reduce the environmental impacts of livestock breeding in Brazil. Despite the advantages offered by public policies, many producers hesitate to use this system. One of the reasons is the lack of information on health and productivity of cattle raised under these conditions. The experiment reported here was designed to compare the behavior of infection by gastrointestinal nematodes and weight gain of beef cattle raised in a SPS and a conventional pasture system. We monitored the number of eggs per gram of feces, the prevalent nematode genus, data on climate, forage availability, weight gain and packed cell volume (PCV) of the animals bred in the two systems. The infection by nematodes was significantly higher in the cattle raised in the SPS (p\0.05). The coprocultures revealed the presence of nematodes of the genera Haemonchus, Cooperia, Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus, in both systems, but the mean infestation rates of Haemonchus and Cooperia were higher in the SPS (p\0.05). The average of PCV values did not differ between the cattle in the two systems. The individual weight gain and stocking rate in the period did not vary between the systems (p[0.05). Despite the higher prevalence of nematodes in the SPS, no negative impact was detected on the animals? weight gain and health. The results of this experiment indicate that under the conditions studied, there is no need to alter the parasite management to assure good productive performance of cattle

Screening of the 'pathogen box' identifies an approved pesticide with major anthelmintic activity against the barber's pole worm

There is a substantial need to develop new medicines against parasitic diseases via public-private partnerships. Based on high throughput phenotypic screens of largely protozoal pathogens and bacteria, the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) has recently assembled an open-access 'Pathogen Box' containing 400 well-curated chemical compounds. In the present study, we tested these compounds for activity against parasitic stages of the nematode Haemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm). In an optimised, whole-organism screening assay, using exsheathed third-stage (xL3) and fourth-stage (L4) larvae, we measured the inhibition of larval motility, growth and development of H. contortus. We also studied the effect of the 'hit' compound on mitochondrial function by measuring oxygen consumption. Among the 400 Pathogen Box compounds, we identified one chemical, called tolfenpyrad (compound identification code: MMV688934) that reproducibly inhibits xL3 motility as well as L4 motility, growth and development, with IC50 values ranging between 0.02 and 3 μM. An assessment of mitochondrial function showed that xL3s treated with tolfenpyrad consumed significantly less oxygen than untreated xL3s, which was consistent with specific inhibition of complex I of the respiratory electron transport chain in arthropods. Given that tolfenpyrad was developed as a pesticide and has already been tested for absorption, distribution, excretion, biotransformation, toxicity and metabolism, it shows considerable promise for hit-to-lead optimisation and/or repurposing for use against H. contortus and other parasitic nematodes. Future work should assess its activity against hookworms and other pathogens that cause neglected tropical diseases.

Nova metodologia para a previsão da concentração de glifosato e AMPA em amostras de água.

A utilização intensiva e simultânea de agrotóxicos na agricultura ocasiona a exposição múltipla dos organismos a esses compostos, tornando necessária a avaliação da contaminação de misturas, principalmente, no ambiente aquático. Estudos de toxicidade de agrotóxicos são de suma importância para a comunidade como um todo, principalmente quando estes são realizados em águas, haja vista a possível escassez desse recurso. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a toxicidade aguda dos herbicidas glifosato (Gly) e seu principal metabólito, ácido aminometilfosfônico (AMPA), ao microcrustáceo Daphnia similis.

Influence of Baculovirus anticarsia on the growth rate and survival of some nontarget aquatic organisms.

Recently, microbial pest control agents (MPCAs) have been worldwide used to reduce chemical pesticide use and to diminish the high risk of those compounds in the environment. Among various MPCAs, the nuclear polyhedrosis virus Baculovirus anticarsia is widely used in Brazil in the biological control of the velvet bean caterpillar. Although literature data do not show adverse effects of baculoviruses to nontarget organisms, it is necessary to evaluate their toxicity or patogenicity in order to study th environmental risk of those products and to register the formulations in the Brazilian Environmental Regularory Agency - IBAMA. In the presente work, the influence of a Baculovirus anticarsia formulation was evaluted to measure the consequences in the growth rateof the green algae Selenastrum capricornutum, the duckweed Lemna valdiviana and the microcrustacean Daphnia similis. The survival of the fish Hyphessobrycon scholzei exposed during 28 days was also evaluated. No significative adverse effects (P > 0.05) were observed in the test organisms which were exposed to 1-1000 times the maximum calculated pesticide concentration following a direct application to 15 cm layer of water.

Risk assessment of the herbicide clomazone in the aquatic life.

Clomazone (2-(2-chlorophenyl)methyl-4.4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone) is a post emergence herbicide widely used in rice fields in Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) with high activity against Gramineae at the recommended application rate(AR).of 700g/ha. The herbicide input into the aquatic ecosystem may occur by aerial application or water drainage. The presence of this chemical in the water may affect non-target organisms leading to impairments in the aquatic food chain. Studies were conducted in this work to evaluate the risk of Clomazone using the estimated mean affective concentration (EC50) for the microalgae Selenastrum capricornutum(96h), the duckweed Lemna valdiviana(96h) and the crustacean Daphnia similis(48h). The EC50 values were 11.2; 31.7 and 13.8 mg/l, respectively. According to the obtained data, and considering a direct input of the herbicide in a 10cm column water, the estimated maximum application rate that doesn't cause acute effects is 5.3 AR for S. capricornutum, 6.5 AR for D. similis and 15.0 AR for L. valdiviana. The estimated maximum application rate that doesn't cause chronic effects is 2.0 AR for D. similis, 1.6 AR for S. capricornutum and 4.5 AR for L. valviana.

Fitopatógenos habitantes do solo na Amazônia.

Neste trabalho são descritos alguns patógenos habitantes do solo, dentre dezenas, que se destacam com os mais importantes na agricultura amazônica: Ralstonia solanacearum, raça 2. Thanatephorus cucumeris. Sclerotium coffeicola. Phytophthora drechsleri. Phytophthora palmivora. Aspergillus flavus e A. parasiticus. Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Ganoderma philippii, Rigidoporus lignosus e Phellinus noxius. Meloidogyne exigua, M. incognita e M. javanica. Radopholus similis.

Resumos...

Ação antibacteriana in vitro de extratos vegetais de plantas do Bioma Pampa; Adubação nitrogenada na produção de Tifton 85; Análise funcional da congruência de marcadores SNPs entre estudos de associação genômica ampla para a característica de resistência de bovinos ao carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus; Avaliação de capim-sudão BRS Estribo quando manejado por altura e pastejado por vacas em lactação; Avaliação de carcaças de animais da raça Charolês e de suas cruzas: dados parciais; Avaliação de genótipos de azevém na região da Campanha gaúcha; Avaliação de genótipos de Dactylis glomerata na região da Campanha gaúcha; Avaliação de Panicum maximum em Bagé - RS; Avaliação do crescimento e desenvolvimento de capim-sudão BRS Estribo sob diferentes disponibilidades hídricas; Avaliação do emprego da termografia em estimativas de carga parasitária de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus em bovinos; Avaliação in vivo da atividade anti-helmíntica de Senecio brasiliensis e de Acacia mearnsii em ovinos experimentalmente infectados; Comparação da resposta humoral de bovinos da raça Braford resistentes e sensíveis ao Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus submetidos a infestações artificiais; Comportamento ingestivo de bovinos de corte em pastagem natural com diferentes níveis de intensificação; Descrição e evolução da infestação do capim-annoni utilizando o método de interceptação na linha; Desempenho de terneiros(as) das raças Angus e Braford em diferentes propriedades de pecuaristas familiares do Rio Grande do Sul; Dessecação na linha: implicações na produção de sorgo forrageiro no Método Integrado para Recuperação de Pastagens - Mirapasto; Dessecação na linha: implicações no estabelecimento de plantas forrageiras no Método Integrado para Recuperação de Pastagens - Mirapasto; Efeito do tempo de secagem e análise sequencial sobre a determinação de fdn e fda em forragens utilizando bolsas de filtro Efeito in vitro de extratos vegetais sobre a inibição da migração de larvas infectantes de Haemonchus contortus