Does silicon attenuate PEG 6000-induced water deficit in germination and growth initial the seedlings corn / O silício atenua o déficit hídrico induzido pelo PEG 6000 na germinação e crescimento inicial das mudas de milho

Water stress limits the initial growth and development of maize mass and grain, as well as the physiological process for absorbing the amount of mineral elements. The objective was to evaluate the effect of silicon on germination and growth of corn seedlings submitted to water deficit. The experiment was carried out in the laboratory and the experimental design was completely randomized (factorial 3 × 4), with three concentrations of calcium silicate (0.0; 1.0 and 2.0 mM) and 4 solutions of PEG-6000 to simulate different osmotic potentials (0, 0; -0.3; -0.6; -0.9 MPa). Germination percentage, germination speed index (GSI), mean germination time (MGT), percentage of non-germinated and abnormal germinated, length and dry matter of shoot, root and total seedlings were evaluated. Water deficiency reduced the parameters TG, GSI and MGT. The water deficit reduce the MSPA, MSR and MST with more than 80% reduction in mass from seedlings without deficiency to seedlings with deficiency. For CPA, CR and CT there was a reduction of at least 87%, 70% and 77%, respectively, among seeds without deficiency compared to seeds submitted to deficiency. The use of silicon in corn seeds did not attenuate the stress caused by water deficit simulated by PEG-6000.

O estresse hídrico limita o crescimento inicial e o desenvolvimento da massa e do grão de milho, assim como no processo fisiológico para a absorção da quantidade de elementos minerais. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do silício na germinação e no crescimento de plântulas de milho submetidas a deficiência hídrica. O experimento foi desenvolvido em laboratório e o delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado (DIC) (fatorial 3 × 4), sendo três concentrações de Silicato de cálcio (0,0; 1,0 e 2,0 mM) e 4 soluções de PEG-6000 a simular diferentes potenciais osmóticos (0,0; -0,3; -0,6; -0,9 MPa). Foram avaliados a porcentagem de germinação, o índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), o tempo médio de germinação (TMG), a porcentagem de não germinadas e de germinadas anormais, o comprimento e matéria seca da parte aérea, raiz e total das plântulas. A deficiência hídrica diminuiu os parâmetros TG, IVG e TMG. O déficit hídrico reduz a MSPA, MSR e MST com mais de 80% de redução da massa das plântulas sem deficiência para as plântulas com deficiência. Para CPA, CR e CT houve redução de, no mínimo, 87%, 70% e 77%, respectivamente entre as sementes sem deficiência em comparação as sementes submetidas a deficiência. A utilização de silício em sementes de milho não atenuou o estresse causado pela deficiência hídrica simulada por PEG-6000.

Pitiose gástrica em canino jovem / Gastric pythiosis in a young canine

Pitiose gástrica canina é uma afecção crônica granulomatosa causada pelo pseudo-fungo Pythium insidiosum que ocasiona espessamento trasnsmural do estômago. Relata-se um caso de gastrite fúngica em um canino dobermann de 1 ano, macho, atendido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso, campus Sinop-MT, com sinais clínicos de diarreia escura intermitente, regurgitação, êmese e anorexia progressiva por cerca de três meses. No exame ultrassonográfico, observou espessamento gástrico difuso. Devido ao prognóstico ruim, foi realizado eutanásia. Na macroscopia, havia espessamento difuso da parede do estômago e petéquias multifocais por toda a mucosa. Na microscopia havia acentuado infiltrado inflamatório granulomatoso por toda a submucosa e muscular. Foi realizado coloração de metenamina nitrato de prata de Grocott (GMS), com evidenciação de hifas cenocíticas, raras septação e diâmetro de 6-10µm. A confirmação do diagnóstico e identificação do agente foi realizado através Imuno-histoquímica com anticorpo primário para Pythium insidiosum.

Canine gastric pythiosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by the insidious pythi fungus that causes stomach thickening. We report a case of fungal gastritis in a 1-year-old male progressive Doberman canine treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Sinop-MT campus, with clinical signs of intermittent diarrhea, regurgitation, vomiting and anorexia for about three months. On ultrasound examination, diffuse gastric thickening was observed. Due to the poor prognosis, euthanasia was performed. Macroscopically, there was diffuse thickening of the stomach wall and multifocal petechiae throughout the mucosa. On microscopy, there was a marked granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate throughout the submucosa and muscle Production of Grocott silver nitrate methenamine (GMS) was performed with evidence of cenocytic hyphae, rare septation and diameter of 6-10µm. Confirmation of the diagnosis and identification of the agent was performed through Immunohistochemistry with primary antibody to Pythium insidiosum.

Mitigation of the effects of salt stress in cowpea bean through the exogenous aplication of brassinosteroid / Mitigação dos efeitos do estresse salino em feijão-caupi através da aplicação exógena de brassinosteroide

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a legume widely cultivated by small, medium and large producers in several Brazilian regions. However, one of the concerns for the production of cowpea in Brazil in recent years is the low rainfall activity in these regions, which generates the accumulation of salts on the surface. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of salt stress on growth parameters and enzyme activity in cowpea plants at different concentrations of brassinosteroids. Experiment was developed in a greenhouse using a completely randomized experimental design in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of three levels of brassinosteroids (0, 3 and 6 µM EBL) and three levels of salt stress (0, 50 and 100 mM NaCl). Growth factors (height, diameter and number of leaves) decreased in the saline condition. With the presence of brassinosteroid the height did not increase, but the number of leaves did, mainly in the saline dosage of 100 mM NaCl. In the variable membrane integrity, brassinosteroid was efficient in both salinity dosages, the same not happening with the relative water content, where the saline condition did not affect the amount of water in the vegetable, with the application of brassino it remained high, decreasing only at dosage 100 mM NaCl. The nitrate reductase enzyme was greatly affected in the root system even with the application of increasing doses of brassino. Therefore, brassinosteroids as a promoter of saline tolerance in cowpea seedlings was positive. The concentration of 3µM of EBL provided the most satisfactory effect in tolerating the deleterious effects of the saline condition. The same cannot be concluded for the concentration of 6µM of EBL that did not promote tolerance to some variables.(AU)

O feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) é uma leguminosa amplamente cultivada por pequenos, médios e grandes produtores em diversas regiões brasileiras. No entanto, uma das preocupações para a produção de feijão-caupi no Brasil nos últimos anos é a baixa atividade pluviométrica nessas regiões, o que gera o acúmulo de sais na superfície. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do estresse salino nos parâmetros de crescimento e atividade enzimática em plantas de feijão-caupi em diferentes concentrações de brassinosteróides. O experimento foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação com delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3 x 3. Os tratamentos consistiram de três níveis de brassinosteróides (0, 3 e 6 µM EBL) e três níveis de estresse salino (0, 50 e 100 mM NaCl). Os fatores de crescimento (altura, diâmetro e número de folhas) diminuíram na condição salina. Com a presença do brassinosteroide a altura não aumentou, mas o número de folhas sim, principalmente na dosagem salina de 100 mM NaCl. Na variável integridade de membrana, o brassinosteróide foi eficiente em ambas as dosagens de salinidade, o mesmo não ocorrendo com o teor relativo de água, onde a condição salina não afetou a quantidade de água na hortaliça, com a aplicação de brassino manteve-se elevada, diminuindo apenas na dosagem de NaCl 100 mM. A enzima nitrato redutase foi bastante afetada no sistema radicular mesmo com a aplicação de doses crescentes de brassino. Portanto, o uso de brassinosteroides como promotor de tolerância salina em plântulas de feijão-caupi foi positivo. A concentração de 3µM de EBL proporcionou o efeito mais satisfatório em tolerar os efeitos deletérios da condição salina. O mesmo não pode ser concluído para a concentração de 6µM de EBL que não promoveu tolerância a algumas variáveis.(AU)

Leptospira spp. and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) in Botucatu region, SP, Brazil

The destruction of natural ecosystems has caused several problems to humans and other animals; herein we investigate the close relationship among vampire bats, humans and domestic animals. Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp. infections are two worldwide zoonoses that provoke serious damage to animals. To determine the prevalence of bats seropositive for toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis in the Botucatu region, 204 serum samples of vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) were tested for T. gondii antibodies by modified agglutination test (MAT-t) and for Leptospira spp. by microscopic agglutination test (MAT-l). No animal was tested positive for T. gondii while leptospiral positivity was 7.8 percent for Pyrogenes, Shermani and Javanica serovars, with titers varying from 100 to 1,600. Thus, it was verified that D. rotundus does not play a relevant role in toxoplasmosis epidemiology. However, these bats can be important in the maintenance of Leptospira spp. in the environment.(AU)

Hantaviruses as emergent zoonoses

Hantaviruses belong to the Bunyaviridae family, which consists of vector-borne viruses. These viruses can provoke two infection types: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) - which occurs in the Old World - and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) - an emergent zoonosis that can be found in many countries of the western hemisphere. Rodents are hantavirus reservoirs and each species seems to host a different virus type. Humans acquire the infection by inhaling contaminated aerosol particles eliminated by infected animals. The factors involved in the emergence of hantavirus infections in the human population include ecological modifications and changes in human activities. The most important risk factor is contact between man and rodents, as a result of agricultural, forestry or military activities. Rodent control remains the primary strategy for preventing hantavirus diseases, including via health education and hygienic habits.(AU)

Brazilian spotted fever: a reemergent zoonosis

Brazilian spotted fever is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, which is the most pathogenic species of the spotted-fever rickettsiae group and is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. Amblyomma cajennense is the most important tick species involved in the cycle of this zoonosis in Brazil as it presents low host specificity, great number of natural reservoirs and wide geographic distribution. It was first described in the state of São Paulo in 1929 and later in Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Bahia. The number of cases decreased in the 1940's with the development of new plague control techniques and antibiotics. In the last decades, the number of new cases has increased. The current review aimed at reporting some of the epidemiological and public health aspects of this reemergent disease with new foci, mainly in the southeastern region of Brazil.

Brazilian spotted fever: a reemergent zoonosis

Brazilian spotted fever is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, which is the most pathogenic species of the spotted-fever rickettsiae group and is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. Amblyomma cajennense is the most important tick species involved in the cycle of this zoonosis in Brazil as it presents low host specificity, great number of natural reservoirs and wide geographic distribution. It was first described in the state of São Paulo in 1929 and later in Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Bahia. The number of cases decreased in the 1940's with the development of new plague control techniques and antibiotics. In the last decades, the number of new cases has increased. The current review aimed at reporting some of the epidemiological and public health aspects of this reemergent disease with new foci, mainly in the southeastern region of Brazil.

Serological survey for rabies in serum samples from vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) in Botucatu region, SP, Brazil

The chiropterans constitute 25% of the world's mammal fauna. Due to the destruction of their natural ecosystem, the vampire bats have moved from nature to artificial roosts closer to man and domestic animals. This phenomenon has happened particularly in rural areas. Rabies is a viral anthropozoonosis, 100% lethal, and vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) represent an important role in its epidemiology. D. rotundus were captured at night with mesh nets in partnership with the Botucatu Defense Office and sent to the Zoonosis Diagnostic Service, at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, UNESP. Serum samples from 204 bats were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and fluorescent antibody viral neutralization test (FAVN) for rabies antibody detection. The results showed 7.4% of sera with titers higher or equal to 0.5 U for rabies antibodies, which demonstrated viral flow circulation among the studied region. Data suggest a need for constant monitoring accomplished by epidemiological and sanitary measures.(AU)

Produção de milho em cultivo exclusivo ou consorciado com soja e qualidade de suas silagens

To yield good quality silages, four soybean cultivars were tested within two cropping systems: 1- alternate rows of soybean and corn, and 2- alternate two rows of soybean and one row of corn. Dry matter and crude protein production and chemical composition of silages were determined. No difference was observed in relation to dry matter and crude protein production between the cropping systems. All experimental silages had low dry matter, normal pH and high crude protein. It was recommended the corn-soybean alternate row cropping system using Dourados and Ocepar-9 cultivars. Harvest should be made when corn reaches medium dough to milk-hard dough stage.

Com o objetivo de produzir silagens mais protéicas, foram testados quatro cultivares de soja consorciados com milho em dois arranjos culturais: linhas alternadas de milho e soja ou linha de milho alternada com duas linhas de soja, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso. Mediram-se as produções de MS e de PB e determinou-se a qualidade das silagens. A produção de MS e de PB não foi aumentada no arranjo com maior concentração de soja. As silagens apresentaram reduzido teor de MS, pH normal e elevada porcentagem de PB. Foi recomendado para a região o arranjo alternado de linhas de milho e soja, utilizando os cultivares Dourados e Ocepar-9 e também que o corte das forrageiras para ensilagem fosse mais tardio, quando o milho estivesse no estádio fisiológico de farináceo para semiduro.

VIGILÂNCIA EPIDEMIOLÓGICA DA RAIVA NA REGIÃO DE BOTUCATU-SP: IMPORTÂNCIA DOS QUIRÓPTEROS NA MANUTENÇÃO DO VÍRUS NA NATUREZA.

A rabies epidemiological surveillance was performed in Botucatu and in its neighboring municipalities in São Paulo State, southeastern Brazil, from 1992 to 2000. The aim of this study was to assess the importance of bats as the vehicle of rabies virus in rural zones. We verified a low positive rate of irus isolation (0.2%) and a great diversity of bat species, with predominance of insectivorous bats. Pipes underneath highways presented the better refuge conditions. Controlling the Desmodus rotundus bat population is mandatory to avoid spreading rabies virus, therefore controlling rabies in animal populations and reducing the risk for human beings. KEY-WORDS: Epidemiology. Bats. Surveillance. Rabies. Zoonosis.

No período compreendido entre 1992 e 2000 realizaram-se atividades de vigilância epidemiológica, no município de Botucatu, SP, e limítrofes, principalmente na zona rural, avaliando o papel dos quirópteros na veiculação do vírus da raiva. Constatou-se baixa positividade para o seu isolamento (0,2%) e grande diversidade de espécies de morcegos, com predominância dos insetívoros. Os locais que ofereciam melhores condições de refúgio foram as tubulações sob rodovias (bueiros). Considera-se relevante o controle da população de Desmodus rotundus para se evitar a disseminação do vírus rábico, objetivando o controle da raiva em populações animais e redução de risco para a população humana.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Epidemiologia. Quirópteros. Vigilância. Raiva. Zoonoses.