Influence of essential oils on the quality of Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp.) seeds compared by traditional method, image and multivariate analysis / Influência de óleos essências na qualidade de sementes de Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp.) comparado pelo método tradicional, análise imagem e multivariada

The extracts of medicinal plants are used for the treatment of seeds in order to reduce the action of phytopathogens and increase the vigor of the seeds. Currently, computerized image analysis has been used to assess the physiological quality of seed lots. The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of the Vigor-S® software in the evaluation of the physiological quality of cowpea seeds treated with essential oils, comparing with a traditional test and the principal component analysis. Two cowpea cultivars were analyzed, BRS Tumucumaque and BRS Guariba, treated with doses of natural extracts of Alfavaca, garlic, horsetail, citronella and pyroligneous acid. The traditional method consisted of evaluations for germination, first germination count, seedling emergence, emergence speed index, accelerated aging, fresh matter and dry matter of seedling and the image analysis for: seedling length, growth index, uniformity index, vigor index, and germination. A Principal component analysis was applied to reduce the number of variables. Horsetail, Alfavaca and citronella extracts were efficient in increasing the physiological quality of the seeds of at least one cultivar. The Vigor-S® software proved to be efficient compared to traditional tests to assess the physiological quality of seeds. Principal Component Analysis is an ally to identify the best extracts and doses to be used. The image analysis method proved to be effective when compared to the traditional method and can therefore be used.

Os extratos de plantas medicinais são utilizados para o tratamento de sementes com o objetivo de diminuir a ação de fitopatógenos e aumentar o vigor das sementes. Atualmente, a análise computadorizada de imagens tem sido utilizada para avaliar a qualidade fisiológica de lotes de sementes. O objetivo foi avaliar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de feijão-caupi tratadas com óleos essenciais, comparado com teste tradicional, análise imagem e a análise de componentes principais. Foram analisadas duas cultivares de feijão-caupi, BRS Tumucumaque e BRS Guariba, tratadas com doses de extratos naturais de alfavaca, alho, cavalinha, citronela e ácido pirolenhoso. O método tradicional consistiu em avaliações de germinação, primeira contagem de germinação, emergência de plântulas, índice de velocidade de emergência, envelhecimento acelerado, matéria fresca e matéria seca da plântula e a análise de imagem para: comprimento da plântula, índice de crescimento, índice de uniformidade, índice de vigor e germinação. Uma análise de componentes principais foi aplicada para reduzir o número de variáveis. Os extratos de cavalinha, alfavaca e citronela foram eficientes em aumentar a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de pelo menos uma cultivar. O software Vigor-S® mostrou-se eficiente em relação aos testes tradicionais para avaliação da qualidade fisiológica de sementes. A Análise de Componentes Principais é uma aliada para identificar os melhores extratos e doses a serem utilizados. O método de análise de imagens mostrou-se eficaz quando comparado ao método tradicional, podendo, portanto, ser utilizado.

Filter cake increases sugarcane yield / A torta de filtro aumenta a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar

Sugarcane cultivation stands out in Brazilian agribusiness, covering more than eight million hectares for the production of sugar, ethanol, and by-products. Fertilization is one of the limiting factors in sugarcane yield, for which filter cake is a viable solution to meet plant nutritional needs. This study aimed to assess the effect of enriched filter cake on gas exchange and yield in RB041443 sugarcane, cultivated in soils of the coastal tablelands of Paraíba, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in the Monte Alegre S/A sugarcane mill, in the municipality of Mamanguape, using a randomized blocks experimental design, with 12 treatments (T1- cake, T2- cake + MAP, T3- cake + gypsum, T4 - cake + phosphate, T5- cake + bagasse, T6- cake + MAP + gypsum, T7- cake + MAP + phosphate, T8- cake + MAP + bagasse, T9- cake + gypsum + phosphate, T10- cake + gypsum + bagasse, T11- cake + phosphate + bagasse, and T12- control (only MAP)), and 4 replications, totaling 48 plots. A significant effect (5% probability) was also observed for the variables number of leaves and tons of stem per hectare (TSH). T1- cake, T4- cake + phosphate, T6- cake + MAP + gypsum and T10- cake + gypsum + bagasse, had the best results for TSH, with yields greater than 140 t ha-1. Regarding stomatal conductance, the highest values were obtained in T6 and T8, which, together with T11, had the highest gs values. Concerning the internal carbon concentration, T1, T2, T6, and T8 stood out. T6 also had a significant effect on transpiration. From this study, it was concluded that the use of enriched filter cake as a base fertilizer in sugarcane culture contributes to increasing the yield of the RB041443 variety, generating positive responses for plant gas exchange, being T1 and T10 indicated to increase the production in the sugar-energy sector.

A cultura da cana-de-açúcar ocupa uma posição de destaque para o agronegócio brasileiro, abrangendo mais de oito milhões de hectares na produção de açúcar, etanol e subprodutos. Um dos fatores limitantes na produtividade da cana-de-açúcar é a questão da adubação, sendo a torta de filtro uma solução viável para suprir as necessidades nutricionais da planta. Com esse estudo, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do uso da torta de filtro enriquecida sob as trocas gasosas e produtividade da variedade de cana-de-açúcar RB041443 cultivada em solos dos tabuleiros costeiros da Paraíba. O experimento foi conduzido na Usina Monte Alegre S/A, no município de Mamanguape-PB, utilizando o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com 12 tratamentos (T1- Torta, T2- Torta + MAP, T3- Torta + Gesso, T4 - Torta + Fosfato, T5- Torta + Bagaço, T6- Torta + MAP + Gesso, T7- Torta + MAP + Fosfato, T8- Torta + MAP + Bagaço, T9- Torta + Gesso + Fosfato, T10- Torta + Gesso + Bagaço, T11 - Torta + Fosfato + Bagaço, e T12 - Testemunha (Apenas MAP)), 4 repetições, totalizando 48 parcelas. Efeito significativo a 5% também foi observado para a variável número de folhas e tonelada de colmo por hectare. Para a variável TCH, os melhores resultados foram obtidos nos tratamentos T1- Torta, T4-Torta + Fosfato, T6- Torta + MAP + Gesso e T10- Torta + Gesso + Bagaço, com produtividades superiores a 140 t ha-1. Para a condutância estomática, resultados superiores foram obtidos no T6 e T8, que, junto ao T11, agruparam-se com os maiores valores de gs. Em relação a concentração interna de carbono, destacaram-se os tratamentos T1, T2, T6 e T8. Para a variável transpiração, o T6 apresentou influência significativa da torta de filtro. Com o referido estudo, concluiu-se que a utilização da torta de filtro enriquecida como adubação de fundação na cultura da cana-de-açúcar possibilita aumento no rendimento produtivo da variedade RB 041443, bem como respostas positivas para as trocas gasosas da planta, sendo os tratamentos T1 e T10 indicados para aumentar a produção do setor sucroenergético.

Isolation and molecular identification of Mycobacterium bovis in tissue lesions of cattle slaughtered in slaughterhouses located in the State of Ceará / [Isolamento e identificação molecular de Mycobacterium bovis em lesões teciduais de bovinos abatidos em matadouros-frigoríficos localizados no estado do Ceará]

The objective of this research was to identify Mycobacterium bovis in lesions suggestive of tuberculosis in bovine carcasses in the State of Ceará, by means of bacteriological and molecular diagnostic tests. Between August 2017 and January 2019, the State inspection service (SIE) inspected 59,512 cattle, of which 7.4% (44 / 59,512) presented suggestive lesions. Of these animals, 68 samples were sent, of which 4.5% (31/68) located in the lung, 2.9% (20/68) in lymph nodes, 2.0% (14/68) in the liver, and 0.4% in the carcass (3/68). When performing bacteriological isolation, 15.9% (7/44) of bovines showed colony growth in the samples. The smears of the isolates were submitted to Zielh-Neelsen staining and all confirmed acid-fast bacilli. The polymerase chain reaction identified all isolates 100% (7/7) as M. bovis. The association of diagnostic techniques allowed to identify the presence of the agent in the State and the molecular analysis proved to be a beneficial technique in the monitoring of bovine tuberculosis and can be used as an auxiliary method in the bovine tuberculosis control and eradication program in the State of Ceará.

O objetivo do trabalho foi pesquisar Mycobacterium bovis em lesões sugestivas de tuberculose nas carcaças de bovinos no estado do Ceará, por meio dos testes de diagnóstico bacteriológico e molecular. Entre agosto de 2017 e janeiro de 2019, o Serviço de Inspeção Estadual (SIE) inspecionou 59.512 bovinos; destes, 7,4% (44/59.512) apesentaram lesões sugestivas. Desses animais foram enviadas 68 amostras, das quais 4,5% (31/68) estavam localizadas no pulmão, 2,9% (20/68) nos linfonodos, 2,0% (14/68) no fígado e 0,4% (3/68) na carcaça. Ao realizar o isolamento bacteriológico, 15,9% (7/44) dos bovinos evidenciaram crescimento de colônias nas amostras. Os esfregaços dos isolados foram submetidos à coloração de Zielh-Neelsen e todos eles confirmaram bacilo álcool-ácido resistente. A reação em cadeia da polimerase identificou todos os isolados, 100% (7/7), como M. bovis. A associação das técnicas de diagnóstico permitiu identificar a presença do agente no estado, e a análise molecular demonstrou ser uma técnica benéfica no monitoramento da tuberculose bovina, podendo ser utilizada como um método auxiliar no programa de controle e erradicação da tuberculose bovina no estado do Ceará.

In vitro bacterial probiotic selection from Nannostomus beckfordi, an Amazon ornamental fish / [Seleção in vitro de bactérias probióticas do peixe ornamental Amazônico Nannostomus beckfordi]

This study aimed to isolate and select in vitro bacteria with probiotic potential for the Amazon ornamental fish Nannostomus beckfordi. For isolate, twelve fish underwent surgery procedure to remove their intestinal tract, macerate and then inoculate in the plate petri containing de Man Rugosa Sharped Agar (MRS). After bacterial growth (48 hours at 35ºC), selected strains were inoculated in MRS broth and submitted to resistance test with NaCl (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%), pH (4, 5, 6, 8 and 9) and bile salts (5% w/v). Inhibition test against pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Streptococcus agalactiae and Aeromonas Jandaei was also performed. Within the isolated strains group (23 strains), only six (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6) showed probiotic potential. Strains S1 and S6 showed the greater resistance for NaCl (0.5% and 1%) and pH (5 and 6), but only S1 obtained better results to resist the bile salts. Even against pathogenic bacteria, the S1 showed the best results with inhibition halos greater than 9 mm. In the end, this bacterial strain (S1) was identified as Enterococcus faecium 11037CHB. Thus, this is the first report regarding isolated autochthonous bacterium E. faecium with probiotic potential of N. beckfordi.

O objetivo deste estudo foi isolar e selecionar in vitro bactérias com potencial probiótico do peixe ornamental Amazônico Nannostomus beckfordi. Para o isolamento, retirou-se o intestino de 12 espécimes, que foram macerados, homogeneizados e semeados em placa de petri contento Ágar Man Rogosa e Sharpe (MRS). Posteriormente ao crescimento bacteriano (48 horas a 35ºC), as cepas selecionadas foram mantidas em caldo MRS e submetidas a testes de resistência a NaCl (0,5, 1,0, 1,5, 2,0 e 2,5 e 3,0%), pH (4, 5, 6, 8 e 9) e sais biliares (5% p/v). O antagonismo foi realizado frente as bactérias patogênicas Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Streptococcus agalactiae e Aeromonas jandaei. Das cepas isoladas (23 cepas), apenas seis (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 e C6) apresentaram potencial probiótico. As cepas C1 e C6 tiveram maior resistência (p<0,05) para o NaCl (0,5 e 1%) e pH (5 a 6), na presença de sais biliares somente a C1 teve a melhor resistência de crescimento. Para o antagonismo frente as bactérias patogênicas, a C1 apresentou halo de inibição maior que 9 mm. Sendo esta cepa bactéria (C1) identificada como Enterococcus faecium 11037 CHB. Portanto, este é o primeiro relato do isolamento da bactéria autóctone E. faecium em N. beckfordi com potencial probiótico.

Effect of Broiler Breeder Age and Glutamine Supplementation on the Development of the Intestinal Mucosa of 7-Day-Old Chicks

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of glutamine and broiler breeder age on the development of intestinal mucosa in broiler chicks during first week of age. For this purpose, 32 one-day-old broiler chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of two broiler breeder ages (30 and 60 weeks) and two dietary glutamine supplementation levels (0% and 1%). The morphological development of intestinal mucosa, particularly villus height and crypt depth, was evaluated. The results showed that the supplementation with 1% of glutamine influenced the development of villus height in the duodenum (p=0.009), jejunum (p = 0.006), and ileum (p = 0.001), as well as crypt depth in the jejunum (p = 0.037) of 7-day-old broilers. These results suggest that the presence of glutamine influenced the development of intestinal mucosa during the first week of age, when these tissues are highly influenced by dietary components, especially by trophic agents. The results show that broiler breeder age (30 or 60 weeks) did not influence the evaluated parameters.

Effect of broiler breeder age on the intestinal mucosa development of the embryos at 20 days of incubation

This study investigated the effect of broiler breeder age on the morphological development of the small intestine broiler embryos (villus height, crypt depth, microvillus height, and villus density) at 20 day of incubation. Eggs obtained from 30- and 60-wk-old broiler breeders were used. The results showed that embryos from older broiler breeders presented longer villi in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared with younger broiler breeders. In addition, embryos from older broiler breeders presented deeper crypts in the jejunum and ileum, longer microvilli in jejunal enterocytes, and lower villus density (microvillus number/mm2) in the duodenum and ileum than younger breeders. These results suggest that breeder age influences the gut mucosa development of broiler embryos. Embryos from older broiler breeder showed greater development of the small intestine mucosa than those from younger broiler breeder.

Effect of broiler breeder age on the intestinal mucosa development of the embryos at 20 days of incubation

This study investigated the effect of broiler breeder age on the morphological development of the small intestine broiler embryos (villus height, crypt depth, microvillus height, and villus density) at 20 day of incubation. Eggs obtained from 30- and 60-wk-old broiler breeders were used. The results showed that embryos from older broiler breeders presented longer villi in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared with younger broiler breeders. In addition, embryos from older broiler breeders presented deeper crypts in the jejunum and ileum, longer microvilli in jejunal enterocytes, and lower villus density (microvillus number/mm2) in the duodenum and ileum than younger breeders. These results suggest that breeder age influences the gut mucosa development of broiler embryos. Embryos from older broiler breeder showed greater development of the small intestine mucosa than those from younger broiler breeder.(AU)

Effect of Broiler Breeder Age and Glutamine Supplementation on the Development of the Intestinal Mucosa of 7-Day-Old Chicks

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of glutamine and broiler breeder age on the development of intestinal mucosa in broiler chicks during first week of age. For this purpose, 32 one-day-old broiler chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of two broiler breeder ages (30 and 60 weeks) and two dietary glutamine supplementation levels (0% and 1%). The morphological development of intestinal mucosa, particularly villus height and crypt depth, was evaluated. The results showed that the supplementation with 1% of glutamine influenced the development of villus height in the duodenum (p=0.009), jejunum (p = 0.006), and ileum (p = 0.001), as well as crypt depth in the jejunum (p = 0.037) of 7-day-old broilers. These results suggest that the presence of glutamine influenced the development of intestinal mucosa during the first week of age, when these tissues are highly influenced by dietary components, especially by trophic agents. The results show that broiler breeder age (30 or 60 weeks) did not influence the evaluated parameters.(AU)

Identification of pathogens and virulence profile of Rhodococcus equi and Escherichia coli strains obtained from sand of parks

The identification of pathogens of viral (Rotavirus, Coronavirus), parasitic (Toxocara spp.) and bacterial (Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Rhodococcus equi) origin shed in feces, and the virulence profile of R. equi and E. coli isolates were investigated in 200 samples of sand obtained from 40 parks, located in central region of state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, using different diagnostic methods. From 200 samples analyzed, 23 (11.5%) strains of R. equi were isolated. None of the R. equi isolates showed a virulent (vapA gene) or intermediately virulent (vapB gene) profiles. Sixty-three (31.5%) strains of E. coli were identified. The following genes encoding virulence factors were identified in E. coli: eae, bfp, saa, iucD, papGI, sfa and hly. Phylogenetic classification showed that 63 E. coli isolates belonged to groups B1 (52.4%), A (25.4%) and B2 (22.2%). No E. coli serotype O157:H7 was identified. Eggs of Toxocara sp. were found in three parks and genetic material of bovine Coronavirus was identified in one sample of one park. No Salmonella spp. and Rotavirus isolates were identified in the samples of sand. The presence of R. equi, Toxocara sp, bovine Coronavirus and virulent E. coli isolates in the environment of parks indicates that the sanitary conditions of the sand should be improved in order to reduce the risks of fecal transmission of pathogens of zoonotic potential to humans in these places.(AU)

Indicadores de qualidade do leite bovino orgânico em duas propriedades leiteiras certificadas do Estado de São Paulo

This study evaluated the chemical composition, total bacterial count, the level of cellularity and presence of antimicrobial residues in milk from two small farms in organic production system in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, based in NI 062-MAPA. The milk of the Property I had the mean of CCS 7.13 x 10(5) cells/mL and the Property II had 3.27 x 10(5) cells/mL. The averages of CBT were, respectively, 7.80 x 10(5) cells/mL in the Property I and 6.15 x 10(5) cells/mL in Property II. The Property I presented as an average of 3.10% of fat, 3.26% of protein and 4.54% of lactose, while the Property II presented 3.44% of fat, 3.39% of protein and 4.50% of lactose in 12 months assessed. The presence of residues of antimicrobial drugs was detected in six samples (6.97%) of the Property I and 16 (9.24%) of Property II. The results obtained reveal failure in the percepts of organic production.

O presente estudo avaliou a composição química, a contagem bacteriana total, o nível de celularidade e presença de resíduos de antimicrobianos no leite de duas propriedades em sistema orgânico de produção do interior do Estado São Paulo com base na IN 062-MAPA. O leite da Propriedade I apresentou média de CCS de 7,13 x 10(5) céls/mL e o da Propriedade II 3,27 x 10(5) céls/mL. As médias das CBTs foram de 7,80 x 10(5) céls/mL na Propriedade I e de 6,15 x 10(5) céls/mL na Propriedade II. A propriedade I apresentou como média de gordura de 3,10%, de proteína 3,26% e 4,54% de lactose, enquanto a Propriedade II apresentou 3,44% de gordura, 3,39% de proteína e 4,50% de lactose, nos 12 meses avaliados. A presença de resíduos de antimicrobianos foi detectada em seis amostras (6,97%) da Propriedade I e em 16 (9,24%) da Propriedade II. Os resultados obtidos revelam falha nos preceitos da produção orgânica.

Indicadores de qualidade do leite bovino orgânico em duas propriedades leiteiras certificadas do Estado de São Paulo / Quality indicators of organic bovine milk in two certified dairy herds in São Paulo State, Brazil

O presente estudo avaliou a composição química, a contagem bacteriana total, o nível de celularidade e presença de resíduos de antimicrobianos no leite de duas propriedades em sistema orgânico de produção do interior do Estado São Paulo com base na IN 062-MAPA. O leite da Propriedade I apresentou média de CCS de 7,13 x 105 céls/mL e o da Propriedade II 3,27 x 105 céls/mL. As médias das CBTs foram de 7,80 x 105 céls/mL na Propriedade I e de 6,15 x 105 céls/mL na Propriedade II. A propriedade I apresentou como média de gordura de 3,10%, de proteína 3,26% e 4,54% de lactose, enquanto a Propriedade II apresentou 3,44% de gordura, 3,39% de proteína e 4,50% de lactose, nos 12 meses avaliados. A presença de resíduos de antimicrobianos foi detectada em seis amostras (6,97%) da Propriedade I e em 16 (9,24%) da Propriedade II. Os resultados obtidos revelam falha nos preceitos da produção orgânica.

QUALITY INDICATORS OF ORGANIC BOVINE MILK IN TWO CERTIFIED DAIRY HERDS IN SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL. This study evaluated the chemical composition, total bacterial count, the level of cellularity and presence of antimicrobial residues in milk from two small farms in organic production system in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, based in NI 062-MAPA. The milk of the Property I had the mean of CCS 7.13 x 105 cells/mL and the Property II had 3.27 x 105 cells/mL. The averages of CBT were, respectively, 7.80 x 105 cells/mL in the Property I and 6.15 x 105cells/mL in Property II. The Property I presented as an average of 3.10% of fat, 3.26% of protein and 4.54% of lactose, while the Property II presented 3.44% of fat, 3.39% of protein and 4.50% of lactose in 12 months assessed. The presence of residues of antimicrobial drugs was detected in six samples (6.97%) of the Property I and 16 (9.24%) of Property II. The results obtained reveal failure in the percepts of organic production.

Indicadores de qualidade do leite bovino orgânico em duas propriedades leiteiras certificadas do Estado de São Paulo / Quality indicators of organic bovine milk in two certified dairy herds in São Paulo State, Brazil

O presente estudo avaliou a composição química, a contagem bacteriana total, o nível de celularidade e presença de resíduos de antimicrobianos no leite de duas propriedades em sistema orgânico de produção do interior do Estado São Paulo com base na IN 062-MAPA. O leite da Propriedade I apresentou média de CCS de 7,13 x 105 céls/mL e o da Propriedade II 3,27 x 105 céls/mL. As médias das CBTs foram de 7,80 x 105 céls/mL na Propriedade I e de 6,15 x 105 céls/mL na Propriedade II. A propriedade I apresentou como média de gordura de 3,10%, de proteína 3,26% e 4,54% de lactose, enquanto a Propriedade II apresentou 3,44% de gordura, 3,39% de proteína e 4,50% de lactose, nos 12 meses avaliados. A presença de resíduos de antimicrobianos foi detectada em seis amostras (6,97%) da Propriedade I e em 16 (9,24%) da Propriedade II. Os resultados obtidos revelam falha nos preceitos da produção orgânica.(AU)

QUALITY INDICATORS OF ORGANIC BOVINE MILK IN TWO CERTIFIED DAIRY HERDS IN SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL. This study evaluated the chemical composition, total bacterial count, the level of cellularity and presence of antimicrobial residues in milk from two small farms in organic production system in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, based in NI 062-MAPA. The milk of the Property I had the mean of CCS 7.13 x 105 cells/mL and the Property II had 3.27 x 105 cells/mL. The averages of CBT were, respectively, 7.80 x 105 cells/mL in the Property I and 6.15 x 105cells/mL in Property II. The Property I presented as an average of 3.10% of fat, 3.26% of protein and 4.54% of lactose, while the Property II presented 3.44% of fat, 3.39% of protein and 4.50% of lactose in 12 months assessed. The presence of residues of antimicrobial drugs was detected in six samples (6.97%) of the Property I and 16 (9.24%) of Property II. The results obtained reveal failure in the percepts of organic production.(AU)

Infecção toxoplásmica causa hipertrofia da parede do cólon de frangos / Toxoplasmic infecction causes hipertrophy of the chicken colon wall

Estudaram-se os efeitos da infecção toxoplásmica sobre a morfometria da parede intestinal, a distribuição de fibras colágenas e a dinâmica de mucinas secretadas no cólon de frangos. Foram utilizados 16 frangos machos de linhagem comercial, com 26 dias de idade. As aves foram distribuídas, aleatoriamente, em três grupos (G). As do G1 não receberam inóculo e se caracterizaram como grupo-controle; nas do G2, foram inoculados cistos teciduais da cepa ME49 de Toxoplasma gondii; e nos G3, oocistos da cepa M7741 de T. gondii. Após 60 dias da inoculação, os animais foram sacrificados para coleta do cólon, o qual foi submetido à rotina de processamento histológico. Em G2 e G3, observou-se hipertrofia da parede do cólon, contudo não houve alteração na proporção do número de células caliciformes e de enterócitos presentes no epitélio intestinal.(AU)

The effects of toxoplasmosis on the intestinal wall morphometry, the distribution of collagen fibers, and the dynamic of mucins secreted in the chicken colon were analyzed. Sixteen 26-day-old male Cobb chicks (Gallus gallus) were randomly distributed into three groups (G1, G2, and G3). G1 received no inoculums and characterized the control group, G2 was inoculated with tissue cysts of ME49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii, and G3 was inoculated with oocytes of M7741 strain of T. gondii. After 60 days of inoculation, the animals were slaughtered and had their colon collected and submitted to histological processing. Transversal cuts (4μm) were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE), Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS), Alcian Blue pH 2.5, Alcian Blue (AB) pH 1.0, and Azan. G2 and G3 animals showed hypertrophy of the colon wall, but the proportion between the number of goblet cells and enterocytes present in the intestinal epithelium was not altered.(AU)

Associação entre a presença de anticorpos anti-Leishmania sp. e anti-Neospora caninum em cães de Bauru, SP / Association between the presence of anti-Leishmania sp. and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in dogs from Bauru, Brazil

The survey analyzed 100 samples of serum collected from dogs at the Center for Zoonoses Control of Bauru, randomly chosen. In the study, 65% of the samples were positive for leishmaniasis and 14% for neosporosis. The association between the presence of antibodies by the reaction of indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in the detection of anti-Leishmania and anti-Neospora antibodies was examined by the Fischer Exact Test (P=0.41), indicating no association between the results for Leishmania sp. and Neospora caninum (α=0.05). The absolute frequencies of the IFAT in the detection of antibodies anti-Leishmania and anti-Neospora caninum were analyzed using the Spearmann correlation coefficient for Leishmania and N. caninum titters, r=0.0975 and P=0.33, which did not indicate significant correlation between the titters for both pathogens.(AU)

Inquérito sorológico para toxoplasmose em equinos na região de Botucatu-SP / Serological survey of toxoplasmosis in horses from Botucatu region, SP

he frequency of anti-T.gondii IgG antibodies was evaluated and compared in 253 sera samples of equines by modified agglutination test (MAT) and indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Fifteen samples (5.9%) were positive by IFAT and 32 (12.6%) by MAT. Significant difference between the two methods was found when a cutoff titer of 16 was established. There was no correlation with breed, gender, and age of horses examined.(AU)

Hypertrophy of NADH-diaphorase positive myenteric neurons in rat jejunum after acute infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasmosis, a globally distributed feline-associated zoonosis caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, affects birds and mammals, including humans. This study assesses the consequences of acute T. gondii infection for NADH-diaphorase positive myenteric neurons in rat jejunum. Ten male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into two groups: G1 (n = 5) and G2 (n = 5). Animals from G2 were orally inoculated with 500 genotype III (M7741) T. gondii oocysts. Twenty-four hours after inoculation, the animals were euthanized and had their jejuna removed, through laparotomy, and measured (length and width) to calculate their areas. Intestinal segments were submitted to NADH-diaphorase histochemistry to evidence the most metabolically active subpopulation of myenteric neurons. No changes were found in body weight; intestinal length, width or area; or neuron population density. Increase of body cell area and cytoplasm and decrease of nuclear area of the myenteric neurons of infected animals were observed by morphometric analysis.(AU)

Effects of flunixin meglumine on reproductive parameters in beef cattle

Flunixin meglumine (FM) has been used as an attempt to inhibit luteolysis in ruminants. The effects of FM on seric concentration of progesterone, pregnancy rate and ovarian status of cows were assessed in this study. Fifty-seven cows were divided into Control Group (CG; n = 30) and Treated Group (TG; n = 27) on an estrus synchronization program involving intramuscular(IM) estradiol benzoate (EB) and intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert. After seven days the intravaginal insert was removed, prostaglandin-F2alpha (PGF2α) IM was given, and then EB was administered 24 h later. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was conducted 30 h after EB administration. Animals from the TG received 1.1 mg/kg of FM IM daily between the days 11 and 16 of the estrous cycle (day 0 = FTAI), whereas the animals from the CG received physiological solution. Blood from all animals wascollected on days 0, 6, 9, 11 through 18, and 21. Thirty animals from the Nellore breed were selected for the measurement of serum concentrations of progesterone by radioimmunoassay. Animals which returned to estrus were inseminated again (artificial insemination; AI) and allocated back to their groups. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted by transrectal ultrasound in either FTAI or AI cows after30 days. The ovarian condition of the nin-pregnant animals was reevalunted 4 days later. Progesterone concentration among the animals from the experimental groups was similar until the day 18 of the estrous cycle (P > 0.05). On day 21, pregnant animals presented higher progesterone concentrations (P < 0.05) than non-pregnant animals from the TG and TN Pregnancy rate was similar among the groups (P > 0.05). However, non-pregnant animals from the TG presented higher (P > 0.05) follicular persistence than that observed for the animals in the CG, 78.6% (11/14) vs. 33.3% (5/15), respectively (P = 0.025). Results indicate that FM administered during the luteolysis period of beef cattle does not influence progesterone concentration and pregnancy rate, although it influences the occurrence of follicular persistence.(AU)

Effects of flunixin meglumine on reproductive parameters in beef cattle

Flunixin meglumine (FM) has been used as an attempt to inhibit luteolysis in ruminants. The effects of FM on seric concentration of progesterone, pregnancy rate and ovarian status of cows were assessed in this study. Fifty-seven cows were divided into Control Group (CG; n = 30) and Treated Group (TG; n = 27) on an estrus synchronization program involving intramuscular(IM) estradiol benzoate (EB) and intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert. After seven days the intravaginal insert was removed, prostaglandin-F2alpha (PGF2α) IM was given, and then EB was administered 24 h later. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was conducted 30 h after EB administration. Animals from the TG received 1.1 mg/kg of FM IM daily between the days 11 and 16 of the estrous cycle (day 0 = FTAI), whereas the animals from the CG received physiological solution. Blood from all animals wascollected on days 0, 6, 9, 11 through 18, and 21. Thirty animals from the Nellore breed were selected for the measurement of serum concentrations of progesterone by radioimmunoassay. Animals which returned to estrus were inseminated again (artificial insemination; AI) and allocated back to their groups. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted by transrectal ultrasound in either FTAI or AI cows after30 days. The ovarian condition of the nin-pregnant animals was reevalunted 4 days later. Progesterone concentration among the animals from the experimental groups was similar until the day 18 of the estrous cycle (P > 0.05). On day 21, pregnant animals presented higher progesterone concentrations (P 0.05). However, non-pregnant animals from the TG presented higher (P > 0.05) follicular persistence than that observed for the animals in the CG, 78.6% (11/14) vs. 33.3% (5/15), respectively (P = 0.025). Results indicate that FM administered during the luteolysis period of beef cattle does not influence progesterone concentration and pregnancy rate, although it influences the occurrence of follicular persistence.

Cell-mediated immune response to Leishmania chagasi experimental infection of BALB/c immunosuppressed mice

Leishmaniasis, a zoonosis of worldwide distribution, presents a significant impact on immunosupressed patients. This study aimed to evaluate Leishmania chagasi infection in BALB/c mice immunosuppressed with dexamethasone. Spleen cells stimulated or not with L. chagasi were cultured for cytokine quantification (IFN-gama, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10) by sandwich ELISA. Parasite loads in the spleen and liver were determined by means of culture microtitration. Immunosuppressed groups showed statistically lower spleen weight and CD4-cell percentage in blood on the day of infection and produced Th1 and Th2 cytokines on other days of the study. The other infected groups, weather immunosupressed or not, also produced Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Parasite loads in the spleen and liver were not statistically different among the groups. It was concluded that L. chagasi infection was not affected by dexamethasone-induced immunosuppression, probably due the reversible effect of the treatment.(AU)

Biodiversidade de moscas calliphoridae no lixão urbano de presidente prudente, são paulo, brasil

ABSTRACT In order to study the biodiversity of Calliphoridae in the of garbage site of Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil, six traps made apart plastic pet bottles, were disposed surrounding the garbage. The study was carried out between March, 2006 and March, 2007. Bovine liver was used as bait, and the bottle were changed weekly. The total of Calliphoridae captured was 44,688. Chrysomya megacephala was the most frequent species (93.61%; n = 41,833) of fly, with significant differences (p 0.05) between C. megacephala and C. albiceps (1.50%; n = 672) and C. putoria (0.79%; n = 352). There was influence of temperature and of rainfall on the C. megacephala population. In the coldest months, the capture of flies, especially C. albiceps e de C. putoria was extremely low. Regarding the Muscidae family, 1307 individuals were captured. Thus, it is concluded that the garbage site of Presidente Prudente is an environment that gives conditions to maintenance of Calliphoridae, especially C. megacephala.

RESUMO Com o objetivo de estudar a biodiversidade de califorídeos no lixão de Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brasil, foram alocadas seis armadilhas confeccionadas com garrafas tipo "pet", no período de março de 2006 a março de 2007, ao redor do lixão. Utilizou-se como atrativo, aproximadamente, 250 g de fígado bovino, com a troca semanal das armadilhas. Foram capturadas 44.688 califorídeos, com maior frequência das espécies Chrysomya megacephala (93,61%; n = 41833), seguindo-se de C. albiceps (1,5%; n = 672) e C. putoria (0,79%; n = 352), com diferença significativa entre a primeira e as demais espécies (p 0,05). Houve influência da temperatura e da precipitação pluviométrica na sazonalidade de C. megacephala, com maiores capturas nos meses quentes e chuvosos (p 0,05). Nos meses frios, a captura das moscas, especialmente de C. albiceps e de C. putoria, foi praticamente ausente. Dessa forma, conclui-se que o depósito de lixo urbano de Presidente Prudente oferece condições para a manutenção de moscas varejeiras, especialmente C. megacephala.