Hotspots and hotmoments of wildlife roadkills along a main highway in a high biodiversity area in Brazilian Amazonia / Hotspots e hotmoments de atropelamentos de animais silvestres ao longo de uma rodovia em uma área de alta biodiversidade na Amazônia brasileira

Wildlife roadkills have become a concern in the Amazon biome due to the opening of major roads in recent decades. In this study, we aimed to describe wildlife roadkills in a 100-km stretch of the BR-163 highway, in western Pará state, determining which vertebrate groups are most affected and whether there are spatial (hotspots) and temporal (hotmoments) aggregations of roadkills. From July 2019 to June 2020, we carried out 25 surveys at 15-day intervals, from a vehicle at a maximum speed of 40 km h-1. We recorded 351 individuals at an observed rate of 0.14 ind km-1 day-1. Despite their lower detectability and faster carcass removal rate from the road due to small size, most recorded roadkills were amphibians (0.066 ind km-1 day-1). We mapped several hotspots along the study stretch considering the total number of animals recorded, and separately for amphibians and reptiles. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that the number of roadkills of all vertebrates, amphibians and reptiles recorded are influenced by temperature and precipitation. Information on places with the highest incidence of roadkills can support actions such as the installation of underpasses and fences, aimed at reducing the impacts on wild vertebrates of this Amazonian highway.(AU)

Atropelamentos de fauna silvestre tornaram-se preocupantes no bioma amazônico devido à abertura de grandes rodovias nas últimas décadas. Neste estudo objetivamos caracterizar a fauna silvestre atropelada em um trecho de 100 km da rodovia BR-163, no oeste do estado do Pará, determinando quais grupos de vertebrados são mais afetados e se há agregações espaciais (hotspots) e temporais (hotmoments) de atropelamentos. De julho 2019 a junho 2020 realizamos 25 amostragens a intervalos de 15 dias, a partir de um veículo a uma velocidade máxima de 40 km h-1. Registramos 351 indivíduos a uma taxa observada de 0.14 ind km-1 dia-1. Apesar de sua menor detectabilidade e taxa de remoção mais acelerada da rodovia devido ao seu pequeno porte, a maioria dos atropelamentos foi de anfíbios (0.066 ind km-1 dia-1). Mapeamos diversos hotspots ao longo do trecho estudado considerando o número total de animais registrados, e, separadamente, para anfíbios e répteis. Análise de regressão linear múltipla indicou que o número total de registros de vertebrados atropelados, e o de anfíbios e répteis é influenciado por temperatura e precipitação. Informação sobre locais com maior incidência de atropelamentos pode subsidiar ações como a instalação de estruturas de passagem de fauna e cercas de proteção, visando a diminuição dos impactos sobre vertebrados silvestres desta rodovia amazônica.(AU)

Arthropod fauna on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces of Acacia mangium (Fabaceae) leaves

Abstract Acacia mangium (Willd., 1806) (Fabales: Fabaceae) is a fast growing, rustic, pioneer species, with potential to fix nitrogen, and for programs to recover degraded areas. The objective was to evaluate the distribution and the functional diversity of interactions and the K-dominance of arthropod groups on A. mangium saplings. The number of individuals of eleven species of phytophagous insects, three bee species, and fourteen natural enemy species were highest on the adaxial leaf surface of this plant. Abundance, diversity and species richness of phytophagous insects and natural enemies, and abundance and species richness of pollinators were highest on the adaxial A. mangium leaf surface. The distribution of five species of sap-sucking hemipterans and six of protocooperating ants (Hymenoptera), with positive interaction between these groups, and three bee species (Hymenoptera) were aggregated on leaves of A. mangium saplings. Aethalion reticulatum (L.) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) and Bemisia sp. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae); Brachymyrmex sp. and Camponotus sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae); and Trigona spinipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were the most dominant phytophagous insects, natural enemies, and pollinators, respectively, on A. mangium leaves. Knowledge of preferred leaf surfaces could help integrated pest management programs.

Resumo Acacia mangium (Willd., 1806) (Fabales: Fabaceae) é uma planta pioneira com rápido crescimento, rusticidade, potencial nitrificador e importante em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas. O objetivo foi avaliar a distribuição e a diversidade funcional das interações e a dominância-K de grupos de artrópodes em árvores jovens de A. mangium. Os números de indivíduos de onze espécies de insetos fitófagos, três de abelhas e quatorze de inimigos naturais foram maiores na superfície adaxial de folhas dessa planta. A abundância, diversidade e riqueza de espécies de insetos fitófagos e inimigos naturais, e a abundância e riqueza de espécies de polinizadores foram maiores na face adaxial de folhas de A. mangium. A distribuição de cinco espécies de hemípteros sugadores de seiva e seis de formigas protocooperantes (Hymenoptera), com interação positiva entre esses grupos, e três de abelhas (Hymenoptera) foi agregada em folhas de plantas jovens de A. mangium. Aethalion reticulatum (L.) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) e Bemisia sp. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae); Brachymyrmex sp. e Camponotus sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae); e Trigona spinipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae) foram os insetos fitófagos, inimigos naturais e polinizadores mais dominantes, respectivamente, em folhas de A. mangium. A definição da superfície foliar preferida pode auxiliar programas de manejo integrado de pragas.

Arthropods as possible loss or solution sources on Acacia mangium (Fabales: Fabaceae) saplings / Artrópodes como possíveis fontes de perda ou solução em mudas de Acacia mangium (Fabales: Fabaceae)

Acacia mangium (Willd.) (Fabales: Fabaceae) tree shows applicability in programs to recover degraded areas due to its fast-growing, rustic, pioneer species, with the potential to fix nitrogen. However, this plant is attacked by pests. It is important to know, among them, the most important. This study aims to evaluate the herbivorous insects (loss sources) and their natural enemies (solution sources) on 48 A. mangium saplings. They were classified according to their ability to damage or reduce the source of damage on these saplings using the percentage of the Importance Index-Production Unknown (% I.I.-P.U.). The loss sources Trigona spinipes Fabr. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera), Phenacoccus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), Aethalion reticulatum L. (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae), and Tropidacris collaris Stoll. (Orthoptera: Romaleidae), showed the highest % I.I.-P.U. on leaves of A. mangium saplings. The solution sources Oxyopidae (Araneae), Pseudomyrmex termitarius (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), showed the highest % I.I.-P.U. on leaves of A. mangium saplings. The number of Lordops sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was reduced per number of Brachymyrmex sp.; that of T. collaris those of Oxyopidae and Brachymyrmex sp.; and that of Tettigoniidae that of P. termitarius, totaling 8.93% of reduction of these herbivorous insects (numbers) on A. mangium saplings. These herbivorous insects turn into problems in commercial plantations of this plant since to are related to pests in some crops. These tending ants and Oxyopidae can be important on A. mangium commercial crops because they can reduce the number of these herbivorous insects.

A Acacia mangium (Willd.) (Fabales: Fabaceae) apresenta aplicabilidade em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas devido ao seu rápido crescimento, espécie rústica, pioneira, com potencial de fixação de nitrogênio. No entanto, esta planta é atacada por pragas. É importante saber, entre eles, o mais importante. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os insetos herbívoros (fontes de perda) e seus inimigos naturais (fontes de solução) em 48 mudas A. mangium. Eles foram classificados de acordo com sua capacidade de danificar ou reduzir a fonte de dano nessas mudas usando o percentual do Índice de Importância-Produção Desconhecido (% I.I.-P.U.). As fontes de perda Trigona spinipes Fabr. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera), Phenacoccus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), Aethalion reticulatum L. (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) e Tropidacris Collaris Stoll. (Orthoptera: Romaleidae), apresentaram os maiores % I.I.-P.U. em folhas de mudas de A. mangium. As fontes de solução Oxyopidae (Araneae), Pseudomyrmex termitarius (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) e Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) apresentaram os maiores % I.I.-P.U. nas folhas de mudas de A. mangium. O número de Lordops sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) foi reduzido pelo número de Brachymyrmex sp.; a de T. collaris pelos de Oxyopidae e Brachymyrmex sp.; e a de Tettigoniidae pelo de P. termitarius, totalizando 8,93% de redução destes insetos herbívoros (números) em mudas de A. mangium. Esses insetos herbívoros podem se tornar problemas em plantações comerciais desta planta, pois estes estão relacionados como pragas em algumas culturas. Essas formigas e Oxyopidae podem ser importantes em cultivos comerciais de A. mangium, pois podem reduzir o número desses insetos herbívoros.

Antibiofilm activity of bromelain from pineapple against Staphylococcus aureus

Bromelain is a set of proteolytic enzymes usually obtained from pineapple (Ananas comosus). Although bromelain has distinguished therapeutic properties, little is known about its proteolytic potential against opportunistic pathogens related to wound healing complications, such as Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed toinvestigate the antibiofilm and antibacterial activity of bromelain in 43 clinical strains of S. aureusisolated from chronic wounds and blood cultures. Bromelain's activity against S. aureusbiofilm in vitrowas assessed by analyzing biofilm formation in cultures grownin the presence of 1% bromelain and biofilm destruction after the addition of 1% bromelain to mature biofilms. Proteinase K and sodium metaperiodate were also added to mature biofilms in parallel to compare their activity with that of bromelain and, together with exopolysaccharide and protein production rate assays, to determine the chemical composition of the biofilm extracellular matrix of selected strains of S. aureus. Bromelain was also evaluated for its DNase activity and impact on cellular hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation. Mueller-Hinton agar dilution was used to determine bromelain minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Biofilm assays showed that 1% bromelain significantly inhibits S. aureusbiofilm formation (p= 0.0157) by up to 4-fold and destroys its mature biofilms (p < 0.0001) by up to 6.4-fold, both compared to the control grown without bromelain. Biofilms of methicillin-resistant S. aureusstrains isolated from chronic wounds were the most affected by bromelain treatment. No antibacterial activity was detected with bromelain MIC assays and the proteolytic activity of bromelain was identified as the main antibiofilm mechanism of the enzyme, though its DNase activity may also contribute. The epithelial therapeutic properties of bromelain combined with its antibiofilm activity against S. aureusmake it a promising alternative to compose the therapeutic arsenal for the control of S. aureusbiofilms in the context of wound care.(AU)

Arthropod fauna on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces of Acacia mangium (Fabaceae) leaves / Fauna de artrópodes nas superfícies abaxial e adaxial de folhas de Acacia mangium (Fabaceae)

Acacia mangium (Willd., 1806) (Fabales: Fabaceae) is a fast growing, rustic, pioneer species, with potential to fix nitrogen, and for programs to recover degraded areas. The objective was to evaluate the distribution and the functional diversity of interactions and the K-dominance of arthropod groups on A. mangium saplings. The number of individuals of eleven species of phytophagous insects, three bee species, and fourteen natural enemy species were highest on the adaxial leaf surface of this plant. Abundance, diversity and species richness of phytophagous insects and natural enemies, and abundance and species richness of pollinators were highest on the adaxial A. mangium leaf surface. The distribution of five species of sap-sucking hemipterans and six of protocooperating ants (Hymenoptera), with positive interaction between these groups, and three bee species (Hymenoptera) were aggregated on leaves of A. mangium saplings. Aethalion reticulatum (L.) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) and Bemisia sp. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae); Brachymyrmex sp. and Camponotus sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae); and Trigona spinipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were the most dominant phytophagous insects, natural enemies, and pollinators, respectively, on A. mangium leaves. Knowledge of preferred leaf surfaces could help integrated pest management programs.

Acacia mangium (Willd., 1806) (Fabales: Fabaceae) é uma planta pioneira com rápido crescimento, rusticidade, potencial nitrificador e importante em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas. O objetivo foi avaliar a distribuição e a diversidade funcional das interações e a dominância-K de grupos de artrópodes em árvores jovens de A. mangium. Os números de indivíduos de onze espécies de insetos fitófagos, três de abelhas e quatorze de inimigos naturais foram maiores na superfície adaxial de folhas dessa planta. A abundância, diversidade e riqueza de espécies de insetos fitófagos e inimigos naturais, e a abundância e riqueza de espécies de polinizadores foram maiores na face adaxial de folhas de A. mangium. A distribuição de cinco espécies de hemípteros sugadores de seiva e seis de formigas protocooperantes (Hymenoptera), com interação positiva entre esses grupos, e três de abelhas (Hymenoptera) foi agregada em folhas de plantas jovens de A. mangium. Aethalion reticulatum (L.) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) e Bemisia sp. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae); Brachymyrmex sp. e Camponotus sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae); e Trigona spinipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae) foram os insetos fitófagos, inimigos naturais e polinizadores mais dominantes, respectivamente, em folhas de A. mangium. A definição da superfície foliar preferida pode auxiliar programas de manejo integrado de pragas.

Arthropod fauna on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces of Acacia mangium (Fabaceae) leaves / Fauna de artrópodes nas superfícies abaxial e adaxial de folhas de Acacia mangium (Fabaceae)

Abstract Acacia mangium (Willd., 1806) (Fabales: Fabaceae) is a fast growing, rustic, pioneer species, with potential to fix nitrogen, and for programs to recover degraded areas. The objective was to evaluate the distribution and the functional diversity of interactions and the K-dominance of arthropod groups on A. mangium saplings. The number of individuals of eleven species of phytophagous insects, three bee species, and fourteen natural enemy species were highest on the adaxial leaf surface of this plant. Abundance, diversity and species richness of phytophagous insects and natural enemies, and abundance and species richness of pollinators were highest on the adaxial A. mangium leaf surface. The distribution of five species of sap-sucking hemipterans and six of protocooperating ants (Hymenoptera), with positive interaction between these groups, and three bee species (Hymenoptera) were aggregated on leaves of A. mangium saplings. Aethalion reticulatum (L.) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) and Bemisia sp. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae); Brachymyrmex sp. and Camponotus sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae); and Trigona spinipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were the most dominant phytophagous insects, natural enemies, and pollinators, respectively, on A. mangium leaves. Knowledge of preferred leaf surfaces could help integrated pest management programs.

Resumo Acacia mangium (Willd., 1806) (Fabales: Fabaceae) é uma planta pioneira com rápido crescimento, rusticidade, potencial nitrificador e importante em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas. O objetivo foi avaliar a distribuição e a diversidade funcional das interações e a dominância-K de grupos de artrópodes em árvores jovens de A. mangium. Os números de indivíduos de onze espécies de insetos fitófagos, três de abelhas e quatorze de inimigos naturais foram maiores na superfície adaxial de folhas dessa planta. A abundância, diversidade e riqueza de espécies de insetos fitófagos e inimigos naturais, e a abundância e riqueza de espécies de polinizadores foram maiores na face adaxial de folhas de A. mangium. A distribuição de cinco espécies de hemípteros sugadores de seiva e seis de formigas protocooperantes (Hymenoptera), com interação positiva entre esses grupos, e três de abelhas (Hymenoptera) foi agregada em folhas de plantas jovens de A. mangium. Aethalion reticulatum (L.) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) e Bemisia sp. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae); Brachymyrmex sp. e Camponotus sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae); e Trigona spinipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae) foram os insetos fitófagos, inimigos naturais e polinizadores mais dominantes, respectivamente, em folhas de A. mangium. A definição da superfície foliar preferida pode auxiliar programas de manejo integrado de pragas.

Arthropod fauna on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces of Acacia mangium (Fabaceae) leaves / Fauna de artrópodes nas superfícies abaxial e adaxial de folhas de Acacia mangium (Fabaceae)

Acacia mangium (Willd., 1806) (Fabales: Fabaceae) is a fast growing, rustic, pioneer species, with potential to fix nitrogen, and for programs to recover degraded areas. The objective was to evaluate the distribution and the functional diversity of interactions and the K-dominance of arthropod groups on A. mangium saplings. The number of individuals of eleven species of phytophagous insects, three bee species, and fourteen natural enemy species were highest on the adaxial leaf surface of this plant. Abundance, diversity and species richness of phytophagous insects and natural enemies, and abundance and species richness of pollinators were highest on the adaxial A. mangium leaf surface. The distribution of five species of sap-sucking hemipterans and six of protocooperating ants (Hymenoptera), with positive interaction between these groups, and three bee species (Hymenoptera) were aggregated on leaves of A. mangium saplings. Aethalion reticulatum (L.) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) and Bemisia sp. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae); Brachymyrmex sp. and Camponotus sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae); and Trigona spinipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were the most dominant phytophagous insects, natural enemies, and pollinators, respectively, on A. mangium leaves. Knowledge of preferred leaf surfaces could help integrated pest management programs.(AU)

Acacia mangium (Willd., 1806) (Fabales: Fabaceae) é uma planta pioneira com rápido crescimento, rusticidade, potencial nitrificador e importante em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas. O objetivo foi avaliar a distribuição e a diversidade funcional das interações e a dominância-K de grupos de artrópodes em árvores jovens de A. mangium. Os números de indivíduos de onze espécies de insetos fitófagos, três de abelhas e quatorze de inimigos naturais foram maiores na superfície adaxial de folhas dessa planta. A abundância, diversidade e riqueza de espécies de insetos fitófagos e inimigos naturais, e a abundância e riqueza de espécies de polinizadores foram maiores na face adaxial de folhas de A. mangium. A distribuição de cinco espécies de hemípteros sugadores de seiva e seis de formigas protocooperantes (Hymenoptera), com interação positiva entre esses grupos, e três de abelhas (Hymenoptera) foi agregada em folhas de plantas jovens de A. mangium. Aethalion reticulatum (L.) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) e Bemisia sp. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae); Brachymyrmex sp. e Camponotus sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae); e Trigona spinipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae) foram os insetos fitófagos, inimigos naturais e polinizadores mais dominantes, respectivamente, em folhas de A. mangium. A definição da superfície foliar preferida pode auxiliar programas de manejo integrado de pragas.(AU)

Vertebrates' roadkill in the southern region of the Atlantic Forest, Paraná coast - Brazil / Padrões de atropelamentos de vertebrados na região sul da Mata Atlântica, litoral do Paraná - Brasil

Being a significant global biodiversity hotspot, the Atlantic Forest has been drastically reduced by human activities. Among the anthropic activities that most affect the biodiversity of this biome is the construction and operation of roads and highways. Between harmful effects of these infrastructures, wildlife roadkill is currently considered one of the biggest causes of mortality of wild vertebrates. This study evaluated patterns of vertebrates' roadkill on two roads in the coastal region of the largest continuous remnant of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. For twelve months, we carry out weekly samples with a motor vehicle at a constant speed of 40 km/h to search for carcasses along the roads. All carcasses found were georeferenced and identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Then, using Siriema v.2.0 software, we analyzed roadkill aggregation and the spatial distribution of hotspots of wildlife roadkill. In 43 sampling days, 209 road-killed animals were registered (average roadkill rate of 0.105 and 0.111 animals/kilometer/day for PR-407 e PR-508, respectively). Extrapolating the rates found, we estimate that about 1,773 animals can be roadkill every year on these roads. The most affected groups were birds (33.01%) and amphibians (30.62%), followed by reptiles (19.13%) and mammals (17.33%). Warmer months had the highest roadkill rates. We found two critical roadkill hotspots for the PR-407 (kilometer 11.7 to 12.5 and kilometer 14.7 to 16.7). For the PR-508, we found a critical point of 5.2 km (kilometer 5 to 10.2). As a short-term measure, we recommend installing speed reducers in the identified stretches and implementing environmental education campaigns with residents and tourists, especially during the summer months, aiming to mitigate the roadkill on both roads. However, due to the importance and environmental fragility of the area, we emphasize the need for running periodic road ecology and local wildlife population viability studies in the medium and long term.

Sendo um importante hotspot de biodiversidade global, a Mata Atlântica tem sido drasticamente reduzida pelas atividades humanas. Entre as atividades antrópicas que mais afetam a biodiversidade desse ecossistema está a construção e operação de estradas e rodovias. Considerado um dos efeitos mais nocivos desses empreendimentos, o atropelamento de animais silvestres é atualmente uma das maiores causas de mortalidade de vertebrados silvestres. Neste estudo, avaliamos os padrões de atropelamentos de pequenos vertebrados em duas estradas na região litorânea do maior remanescente contínuo de Mata Atlântica brasileira. Durante doze meses realizamos coletas semanais com um veículo motorizado a uma velocidade constante de 40 km/h para busca de carcaças ao longo das estradas. Todas as carcaças encontradas foram georreferenciadas e identificadas até o menor nível taxonômico possível. Em seguida, usando o software Siriema v.2.0, analisamos a distribuição e os padrões espaciais dos eventos para identificar pontos de atropelamento de animais selvagens. Em um total de 43 dias de amostragem, foram registrados 209 animais atropelados (taxa média de atropelamentos de 0,105 e 0,111 animais/quilômetro/dia para PR-407 e PR-508 respectivamente). Extrapolando os índices encontrados, podemos estimar que cerca de 1.773 animais podem ser atropelados todos os anos nessas estradas. Os grupos mais afetados foram aves (33,01%) e anfíbios (30,62%), seguidos de répteis (19,13%) e mamíferos (17,33%). Os meses mais quentes tiveram as maiores taxas de atropelamentos. Durante o período encontramos dois pontos críticos de atropelamentos para a rodovia PR-407 (quilômetro 11,7 a 12,5 e quilômetro 14,7 a 16,7). Para a rodovia PR-508, encontramos um ponto crítico de 5,2 km (quilômetro 5 a 10,2). Como medida de curto prazo, recomendamos a instalação de redutores de velocidade nos trechos identificados e a implementação de campanhas de educação ambiental com moradores e turistas, principalmente nos meses de verão, visando mitigar o atropelamento em ambas as vias. No entanto, devido à importância e fragilidade ambiental da área, ressaltamos a necessidade de estudos de ecologia viária e de viabilidade populacional da fauna local a médio e longo prazo.

Identification of key genes in bovine mammary epithelial cells challenged with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by integrated bioinformatics analysis

This study integrated four microarray datasets by Robust Rank Aggregation (RRA) method to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEG) in bovine mammary epithelial (BME) cells in response to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus infection. Furthermore, the GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the integrated DEG were performed. Finally, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. A total of 72 integrated DEG were identified from the four datasets. The most significantly enriched terms within the integrated DEG were mainly involved in the immune response. The PPI network of DEG was constructed with 53 nodes. Seventeen genes, which constitute a significant module, were identified as hub genes. Among them, CD40, CXCL6, and NFKBIZ were further screened as the key genes and have the potential to become biomarkers of E. coli and S. aureus mastitis, considering the specificity of biomarkers for diseases. The identified key genes and pathways in this study can assist in the search for biomarkers for mastitis diagnosis and disease resistance breeding.

Ecology and diversity of metazoan parasites infecting Geophagus altifrons (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) from the Amazon River system in northern Brazil / Ecologia e diversidade de parasitos metazoários infectando Geophagus altifrons (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) do sistema do Rio Amazonas no norte do Brasil

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the ecology and diversity of community and infracommunities of metazoan parasites Geophagus altifrons (Heckel, 1840) in Rio Jari, in the state of Amapá, in the eastern Amazon region. From the total of 31 fish examined, 90.3% were parasitized by one or more species, collecting a total number of 806 parasites. The parasites species identified were: Sciadicleithrum geophagi, Posthodiplostomum sp., Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Raphidascaris (Sprentacaris) sp., Genarchella genarchella, Gorytocephalus spectabilis and Ergasilus xinguensis. Most of the parasites showed an aggregate dispersion pattern. Brillouin diversity index, uniformity and species richness of parasites were low. The component community of parasites was constituted by ectoparasites and endoparasites, but with a predominance of ectoparasites. The body size of hosts had a low effect on the parasites infracommunities. This first eco-epidemiological study for G. altifrons reports these parasites in a host, for the first time, with the exception of S. geophagi and E. xinguensis.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ecologia e a diversidade da comunidade e infracomunidades de parasitos metazoários em Geophagus altifrons (Heckel, 1840), do Rio Jari, estado do Amapá, na região da Amazônia oriental. De um total de 31 peixes examinados, 90,3% estavam parasitados por uma ou mais espécies e 806 parasitos foram coletados. As espécies de parasitos identificadas foram: Sciadicleithrum geophagi, Posthodiplostomum sp., Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Raphidascaris (Sprentacaris) sp., Genarchella genarchella, Gorytocephalus spectabilis e Ergasilus xinguensis. A maioria dos parasitos apresentaram dispersão agregada. Foi baixo o índice de diversidade de Brillouin, uniformidade e riqueza de espécies de parasitos. A comunidade componente de parasitos foi constituída por ectoparasitos e endoparasitos, mas com predominância de ectoparasitos. O tamanho corporal dos hospedeiros teve baixo efeito sobre as infracomunidades dos parasitos. Este primeiro estudo ecoepidemiológico para G. altifrons registra pela primeira vez estes parasitos para este hospedeiro, exceto S. geophagi e E. xinguensis.

Impact of atrazine and nitrate on liver and kidney of egyptian toad Sclerophrys regularis: bioindicator alarming on ecosystem

Atrazine and nitrate have been shown to act as potent oxidative stressors in amphibians either alone or in combination under stable laboratory conditions, causing histopathological alternations in liver and kidney structures at the sub-lethal concentrations. A control group and three treatments groups were tested; atrazine, nitrate, atrazine-nitrate treatments with doses of 300 µg L-1, 200 mg L-1 and their combination respectively. Sever distortion in liver and kidney tissues were shown related to the different treatments. The most hepatic lesions were observed depletion in glycogen content, degeneration of hepatocytes, hemorrhage, necrosis, vasodilatation, congestion in blood vessels, cloudy swelling in the hepatocytes and aggregation of melanomacrophage cells in between the hepatocytes that increased in combination treatment group. In kidney, the most lesions were represented in degeneration of renal tubules, fibrosis, hemorrhage, leucocytes infiltration, thickness in the wall of the renal capsule, atrophy of glomerulus, deformation of Bowman's epithelium. These negative impacts may be a bioindicator alarming the ecosystem disrupting caused by the uncontrolled apply of these chemicals in agriculture.(AU)

Techniques of fragile renal organoids transplantation in mice

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a microsurgical technique to transplant extremely fragile renal organoids in vivo, created by in-vitro reaggregation of metanephros from fetal mice. These organoids in reaggregation and development were examined histologically after transplantation under the renal capsule. Methods: Initially, metanephros from fetal mice were enzymatically treated to form single cells, and spheroids were generated in vitro. Under a microscope, the renal capsule was detached to avoid bleeding, and the outer cylinder of the indwelling needle was inserted to detach the renal parenchyma from the renal capsule using water pressure. The reaggregated spheroid was aspirated from the culture plate using a syringe with an indwelling needle outer cylinder and carefully extruded under the capsule. Pathological analysis was performed to evaluate changes in reaggregated spheroids over time and the effects of co-culture of spinal cord and subcapsular implantation on maturation. Results: In vitro, the formation of luminal structures became clearer on day 5. These fragile organoids were successfully implanted without tissue crapes under the renal capsule and formed glomerular. The effect of spinal cord co-transplant was not obvious histrionically. Conclusions: A simple and easy method to transplant fragile spheroids and renal under the renal capsule without damage was developed.

How much does the platelet aggregate influence the total leukocyte count? Comparison between manual and automated impedance methods in domestic cats

Background: Automated hematology analyzers have been developed to optimize the time between analyses and havepromising precision and accuracy. Complete blood count (CBC) is often requested as part of veterinary clinical examination. Automated analyzers are often used to determine CBCs, since processing as well as container-related errors mayoccur owing to variable sizes, aggregates, white or red blood cell fragments, and effects of EDTA on cell morphology.Platelet aggregates frequently occur in felines, with studies reporting a prevalence of approximately 71%. The aim of thepresent study was to evaluate the influence of exercise aggregates on the global white blood cell count of domestic catsusing automated hematological counters with the impedance method.Materials, Methods & Results: Blood samples of 140 cats, irrespective of age, sex, and breed, were collected into EDTAcontaining tubes. The samples were obtained via routine clinical examinations at the Veterinary Hospital of the FederalRural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) and processed at the Veterinary Parasitology Experimental ChemotherapyLaboratory (LQEPV), belonging to the same institution. All the samples were processed on the Sysmex pocH-100iVDiff automated hematology apparatus according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Leukocyte counts were alsomanually determined using a duplicate Neubauer chamber. Standard dilutions were prepared immediately after theautomated analysis. To identify the occurrence of platelet aggregates, a blood smear was made and visualized undera brightfield microscope at a magnification of 10× and scored 0 to 3 (G1, G2, G3, and G4) based on the aggregationintensity. In case of changes, the groups were subdivided according to the intensity of occurrence. Of the 140 samples...

How much does the platelet aggregate influence the total leukocyte count? Comparison between manual and automated impedance methods in domestic cats

Background: Automated hematology analyzers have been developed to optimize the time between analyses and havepromising precision and accuracy. Complete blood count (CBC) is often requested as part of veterinary clinical examination. Automated analyzers are often used to determine CBCs, since processing as well as container-related errors mayoccur owing to variable sizes, aggregates, white or red blood cell fragments, and effects of EDTA on cell morphology.Platelet aggregates frequently occur in felines, with studies reporting a prevalence of approximately 71%. The aim of thepresent study was to evaluate the influence of exercise aggregates on the global white blood cell count of domestic catsusing automated hematological counters with the impedance method.Materials, Methods & Results: Blood samples of 140 cats, irrespective of age, sex, and breed, were collected into EDTAcontaining tubes. The samples were obtained via routine clinical examinations at the Veterinary Hospital of the FederalRural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) and processed at the Veterinary Parasitology Experimental ChemotherapyLaboratory (LQEPV), belonging to the same institution. All the samples were processed on the Sysmex pocH-100iVDiff automated hematology apparatus according to the manufacturers recommendations. Leukocyte counts were alsomanually determined using a duplicate Neubauer chamber. Standard dilutions were prepared immediately after theautomated analysis. To identify the occurrence of platelet aggregates, a blood smear was made and visualized undera brightfield microscope at a magnification of 10× and scored 0 to 3 (G1, G2, G3, and G4) based on the aggregationintensity. In case of changes, the groups were subdivided according to the intensity of occurrence. Of the 140 samples...(AU)

Efficacy of aggregation nano gel pheromone traps on the catchability of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) in Egypt / Eficácia das armadilhas de feromônio de nano gel de agregação na capturabilidade de Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) no Egito

Field experiments were carried out in the reclaimed land east of Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Village of Wardan, Giza Governorate, Egypt, to evaluate the impact of using nano-gels pheromone for the first time on the attraction of the RPW adults by pheromone traps compared to the control which is normal pheromone during two successive seasons in 2018 and 2019. Also, this study aimed to compare the efficacy of two types of trap, traditional trap (type 1) and dry funnel trap (type 2) in capturing of RPW adults. Results revealed that the nano gel pheromone traps attracted significantly more adults with an average of (4.26 and 3.56) adults/trap and total of (55.33 and 46.33) adults/trap compared to control with an average (2.69 and 2.46) and total of (35.00 and 32.00) adults/trap for the two seasons 2018 and 2019 respectively. Results indicated that the use of nano gel pheromone for the first time in field improved the trap catchability to RPW adults by 22.51 and 18.30% of total number of RPW adults captured throw out the two successive seasons respectively. In addition, there was no significant difference between the total numbers of RPW adults collected by the two tested type of traps over the two successive seasons. Furthermore, the sex ratio between males and females of total collected RPW adults found to be1: 1.43 and 1: 1.94 at 2018 and 2019 respectively.(AU)

Experimentos de campo foram realizados na terra recuperada a leste da estrada do deserto de Cairo-Alexandria, vila de Wardan, província de Giza, Egito, para avaliar o impacto do uso de feromônio de nano géis pela primeira vez na atração de adultos RPW por armadilhas de feromônio comparado ao controle que é o feromônio normal durante duas temporadas sucessivas em 2018 e 2019. Além disso, este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a eficácia de dois tipos de armadilha, armadilha tradicional (tipo 1) e armadilha de funil seco (tipo 2) na captura de RPW adultos. Os resultados revelaram que as armadilhas de nano gel de feromônio atraíram significativamente mais adultos, com uma média de (4,26 e 3,56) adultos/armadilha e total de (55,33 e 46,33) adultos/armadilha em comparação ao controle com uma média (2,69 e 2,46) e total de (35.00 e 32.00) adultos/armadilha para as duas temporadas 2018 e 2019, respectivamente. Os resultados indicaram que o uso de feromônio nano gel pela primeira vez em campo melhorou a capturabilidade de armadilhas para adultos com RPW em 22,51 e 18,30% do número total de adultos com RPW capturados durante as duas estações sucessivas, respectivamente. Além disso, não houve diferença significativa entre o número total de adultos RPW coletados pelos dois tipos de armadilhas testados ao longo das duas estações sucessivas. Além disso, a proporção sexual entre homens e mulheres do total de adultos coletados de RPW foi de 1: 1,43 e 1: 1,94 em 2018 e 2019, respectivamente.(AU)

Analysis of added value in bovines sold for the angus meat program in the south of Brazil

Abstract The objective of this work was to analyze price aggregation and disaggregation in commercialized animals searching for Programa Carne Angus benefits in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data from 40,698 carcasses with Angus cattle racial pattern, slaughtered in a meat industry that performs the Programa Carne Angus certification, during the 2014 year were analyzed. The aggregated value was calculated by the difference between the negotiated base price for the lot and the final price obtained by animal after the certification process. The disaggregation was calculated based on the factors preventing the animals from being included in the certification program. The results show that the major disqualifying factor in males with the racial pattern was carcass fatness, and for females was the dentition, which disqualified 34.3 and 12.7% respectively. Value breakdown from 7,177 disqualified animals due to lack of finishing, or advanced dentition, reached R$ 1,213,528.00, or US$ 369,077.86 (US$ 51.43 per head), an amount that is no paid on from the industry to rural producers.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a agregação e a desagregação de valores dos animais comercializados em busca das bonificações do programa Carne Angus no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram analisados os dados de 40.698 carcaças de bovinos abatidos em uma indústria frigorífica que realiza a certificação para o programa Carne Angus, durante o ano de 2014. A agregação de valor foi calculada pela diferença entre o preço base negociado para o lote e o preço final obtido pelo animal depois do processo de certificação. A desagregação foi calculada em função dos fatores que impediram os animais de serem enquadrados no programa de certificação. Os resultados mostram que o maior motivo para a desclassificação de animais com o padrão racial foi a dentição e o acabamento, os quais desclassificam, respectivamente, 34,3 e 12,7% dos animais com padrão racial. A desagregação de valor resultante de 7.177 animas que foram desclassificados por falta de acabamento ou por dentição avançada atingiu um valor de R$ 1.213.528,00, ou US$ 369.077,86 (US$ 51,43 por cabeça), quantia esta que deixou de ser repassada da indústria aos produtores rurais.

Efficacy of aggregation nano gel pheromone traps on the catchability of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) in Egypt / Eficácia das armadilhas de feromônio de nano gel de agregação na capturabilidade de Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) no Egito

Field experiments were carried out in the reclaimed land east of Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Village of Wardan, Giza Governorate, Egypt, to evaluate the impact of using nano-gels pheromone for the first time on the attraction of the RPW adults by pheromone traps compared to the control which is normal pheromone during two successive seasons in 2018 and 2019. Also, this study aimed to compare the efficacy of two types of trap, traditional trap (type 1) and dry funnel trap (type 2) in capturing of RPW adults. Results revealed that the nano gel pheromone traps attracted significantly more adults with an average of (4.26 and 3.56) adults/trap and total of (55.33 and 46.33) adults/trap compared to control with an average (2.69 and 2.46) and total of (35.00 and 32.00) adults/trap for the two seasons 2018 and 2019 respectively. Results indicated that the use of nano gel pheromone for the first time in field improved the trap catchability to RPW adults by 22.51 and 18.30% of total number of RPW adults captured throw out the two successive seasons respectively. In addition, there was no significant difference between the total numbers of RPW adults collected by the two tested type of traps over the two successive seasons. Furthermore, the sex ratio between males and females of total collected RPW adults found to be1: 1.43 and 1: 1.94 at 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Experimentos de campo foram realizados na terra recuperada a leste da estrada do deserto de Cairo-Alexandria, vila de Wardan, província de Giza, Egito, para avaliar o impacto do uso de feromônio de nano géis pela primeira vez na atração de adultos RPW por armadilhas de feromônio comparado ao controle que é o feromônio normal durante duas temporadas sucessivas em 2018 e 2019. Além disso, este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a eficácia de dois tipos de armadilha, armadilha tradicional (tipo 1) e armadilha de funil seco (tipo 2) na captura de RPW adultos. Os resultados revelaram que as armadilhas de nano gel de feromônio atraíram significativamente mais adultos, com uma média de (4,26 e 3,56) adultos/armadilha e total de (55,33 e 46,33) adultos/armadilha em comparação ao controle com uma média (2,69 e 2,46) e total de (35.00 e 32.00) adultos/armadilha para as duas temporadas 2018 e 2019, respectivamente. Os resultados indicaram que o uso de feromônio nano gel pela primeira vez em campo melhorou a capturabilidade de armadilhas para adultos com RPW em 22,51 e 18,30% do número total de adultos com RPW capturados durante as duas estações sucessivas, respectivamente. Além disso, não houve diferença significativa entre o número total de adultos RPW coletados pelos dois tipos de armadilhas testados ao longo das duas estações sucessivas. Além disso, a proporção sexual entre homens e mulheres do total de adultos coletados de RPW foi de 1: 1,43 e 1: 1,94 em 2018 e 2019, respectivamente.

Diversity and community ecology of metazoan parasites in Pimelodus ornatus (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) from the Amazonas River in Brazil / Diversidade e ecologia da comunidade de parasitos metazoários em Pimelodus ornatus (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) do Rio Amazonas no Brasil

Abstract The present study investigated the metazoan parasite community in Pimelodus ornatus from the Amazon River, in the state of Amapá (Brazil). Of 71 fish examined, 70.4% were parasitized by Demidospermus sp. (Monogenea), Cucullanus pinnai, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus and Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda) and plerocercoids from Proteocephalidae gen. sp. (Cestoda). The dominance was of nematode species such as Procamallanus (S.) inopinatus and Contracaecum sp. The parasites showed a highly aggregated dispersion and a predominance of hosts infected by one species of parasite. The parasite community was characterized by a low Shannon diversity index, low evenness and low species richness. The richness of parasite species, Shannon's diversity index, abundance of P. (S.) inopinatus and Proteocephalidae gen. sp. showed a positive correlation with the length of the hosts. Therefore, the size of the hosts had an influence on the parasite community and infracommunities, as well as their intermediate position in the food web. This is the first record of P. (S.) inopinatus and Contracaecum sp. for P. ornatus.

Resumo Este estudo investigou a comunidade de parasitos metazoários em Pimelodus ornatus do Rio Amazonas, no estado do Amapá (Brasil). De 71 peixes examinados, 70,4% estavam parasitados. Um total de 147 parasitos foi coletado, entre Demidospermus sp. (Monogenea), Cucullanus pinnai (Nematoda), Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus e Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda) e plerocercoides de Proteocephalidae gen. sp. (Cestoda). A dominância foi de nematoides como Procamallanus (S.) inopinatus e Contracaecum sp. Os parasitos apresentaram dispersão altamente agregada e predomínio de hospedeiros infectados por uma espécie de parasito. A comunidade de parasitos foi caracterizada por baixo índice de diversidade de Shannon, baixa equitabilidade e baixa riqueza de espécies. A riqueza de espécies de parasitos, índice de diversidade de Shannon, abundância de P. (S.) inopinatus e Proteocephalidae gen. sp. apresentaram correlação positiva com o comprimento dos hospedeiros. Portanto, o tamanho dos hospedeiros teve influência sobre a comunidade e infracomunidades de parasitos, bem como sua posição intermediária na cadeia alimentar. Este é o primeiro registro de P. (S.) inopinatus e Contracaecum sp. para P. ornatus.

Community and infracommunities of metazoan parasites in Hemiodus unimaculatus (Hemiodontidae) from Jari River basin, a tributary of Amazon River (Brazil) / Comunidade e infracomunidades de parasitos metazoários em Hemiodus unimaculatus (Hemiodontidae) da bacia do Rio Jari, um tributário do Rio Amazonas (Brasil)

Abstract Parasites are an important part of biodiversity, and knowledge of species and their relationship with their hosts helps in monitoring an ecosystem over time. The aim of this study was to investigate the fauna of metazoan parasites in Hemiodus unimaculatus from the Jari River, in the eastern Amazon region, northern Brazil. Of the fish examined, 96.7% were parasitized by one or more species, and a total of 336 parasites such as Dactylogyridae gen. sp.1, Dactylogyridae gen. sp.2, Dactylogyridae gen. sp.3, Dactylogyridae gen. sp.4, Gyrodactilydae gen. sp., Urocleidoides sp.1, Urocleidoides sp.2, Urocleidoides sp.3, metacercariae of Digenea gen. sp., Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Contracaecum sp., Neoechinorhynchus sp. and Acarina gen. sp. The parasite community showed low Brillouin diversity (0.58 ± 0.29), low evenness (0.44 ± 0.21) and low species richness (7.40 ± 3.83). There was a predominance of ectoparasites, mainly monogeneans and digeneans. The parasites showed an aggregate dispersion, except for P. (S.) inopinatus, which had a random dispersion. The size of the hosts had no effect on diversity, species richness and abundance of parasites, but other factors structured the parasite community. This is the first study on the parasite community and infracommunities in H. unimaculatus.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a fauna de parasitos metazoários em Hemiodus unimaculatus do Rio Jari, na Amazônia oriental brasileira. Dos peixes examinados, 96,7% estavam parasitados por uma ou mais espécies, e um total de 336 parasitos, como Dactylogyridae gen. sp.1, Dactylogyridae gen. sp.2, Dactylogyridae gen. sp.3, Dactylogyridae gen. sp.4, Gyrodactilydae gen. sp., Urocleidoides sp.1, Urocleidoides sp.2, Urocleidoides sp.3, metacercárias de Digenea gen. sp., Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Contracaecum sp., Neoechinorhyncus sp. e Acarina gen. sp. A comunidade de parasitos apresentou baixa diversidade de Brillouin (0,58 ± 0,29), baixa equitabilidade (0,44 ± 0,21) e baixa riqueza de espécies (7,40 ± 3,83). Houve predominância de ectoparasitos, principalmente monogeneas e digeneas. Os parasitos apresentaram dispersão agregada, exceto P. (S.) inopinatus, que teve uma dispersão aleatória. O tamanho dos hospedeiros não teve efeito sobre a diversidade, riqueza de espécies e abundância de parasitos, mas outros fatores estruturaram a comunidade de parasitos. Este é o primeiro estudo sobre a comunidade e infracomunidades de parasitos em H. unimaculatus.

Characterization and evaluation of the enzymatic activity of tetanus toxin submitted to cobalt-60 gamma radiation

Tetanus toxin blocks the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and causes tetanus and its main form of prevention is through vaccination. The vaccine is produced by inactivation of tetanus toxin with formaldehyde, which may cause side effects. An alternative way is the use of ionizing radiation for inactivation of the toxin and also to improve the potential immunogenic response and to reduce the post-vaccination side effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the tetanus toxin structure after different doses of ionizing radiation of 60Co. Methods Irradiated and native tetanus toxin was characterized by SDS PAGE in reducing and non-reducing conditions and MALD-TOF. Enzymatic activity was measured by FRET substrate. Also, antigenic properties were assessed by ELISA and Western Blot data. Results Characterization analysis revealed gradual modification on the tetanus toxin structure according to doses increase. Also, fragmentation and possible aggregations of the protein fragments were observed in higher doses. In the analysis of peptide preservation by enzymatic digestion and mass spectrometry, there was a slight modification in the identification up to the dose of 4 kGy. At subsequent doses, peptide identification was minimal. The analysis of the enzymatic activity by fluorescence showed 35 % attenuation in the activity even at higher doses. In the antigenic evaluation, anti-tetanus toxin antibodies were detected against the irradiated toxins at the different doses, with a gradual decrease as the dose increased, but remaining at satisfactory levels. Conclusion Ionizing radiation promoted structural changes in the tetanus toxin such as fragmentation and/or aggregation and attenuation of enzymatic activity as the dose increased, but antigenic recognition of the toxin remained at good levels indicating its possible use as an immunogen. However, studies of enzymatic activity of tetanus toxin irradiated with doses above 8 kGy should be further analyzed.(AU)