Cave-dwelling gastropods (Mollusca: Gastropoda) of Brazil, state of the art and conservation: a critical review

In 2022, Salvador and co-authors published an up-to-date list of gastropod species recorded from Brazilian caves. That list included 18 species (15 land and three freshwater species) that were considered by the authors to be restricted to caves (troglobitic). In this contribution we argue that only six of the species listed by them as truly troglobites can be classified in that category. We disagree with some characteristics listed by Salvador and co-authors to diagnose the species they classify as cave-restricted and argue that those species do not have truly troglomorphic traits (characteristic of subterranean habitats). Since the Brazilian legislation considers the degree of association with caves as a decisive attribute to preserve them, it is important to clarify the characteristics are sufficient and necessary for a species to be classified as cave-dependent.

Diversity and conservation of fishes from karstic areas of the Jandaíra Formation in the Brazilian semiarid

Few studies have focused on non-troglomorphic fishes occurring in Brazilian caves, especially those in the Caatinga region. The present study is the first survey of fishes from karstic areas of the Jandaíra Formation in Rio Grande do Norte State, northeastern Brazil. This region is characterized by a high concentration of caves and a rich subterranean biodiversity, especially of troglobitic invertebrates, but remains considered a gap on the knowledge of the subterranean ichthyofauna in Brazil. Four field expeditions were carried out covering two dry and two rainy seasons, in 2018 and 2019, in 23 localities in small river basins along the western part of the Jandaíra Formation. A total of 829 fish specimens, none of them troglomorphic, was captured and identified as belonging to 25 species of 12 families and five orders. Amongst them, four species are endemic of the Mid-Northeastern Caatinga ecoregion, and two non-native species were recorded. Habitats were classified into three categories: superficial, associated to cave, and cave. Although no troglomorphic fish species was found in this study, we recorded 64.1% of the Apodi-Mossoró river ichthyofauna occurring in caves or associated to caves, corroborating the hypothesis that part of the ichthyofauna exploits these environments as a refuge during the dry season. In addition, we suggest conservation policies for the maintenance of subterranean and aquatic semiarid ecosystems in the Jandaira formation, which is currently under threat due to anthropogenic activities, such as mining and deforestation.(AU)

Streblid flies parasitizing cave bats in Carajás, Amazonia, with a new record for Brazil / Moscas estréblidas parasitando morcegos cavernícolas em Carajás, Amazônia, com um novo registro para o Brasil

Streblid flies (Diptera: Streblidae) are hematophagous and highly specialized parasitic insects, found only on bats (Chiroptera). Caves are important roosts for bats but, despite harboring high bat richness, relatively few studies exist on the ecology and biology of streblid flies in cave environments, especially in Amazonia, the largest domain in northern Brazil, with >140 bat species and thousands of caves. To fill some of the gaps in the geographical distribution and interspecific relationships for streblid flies in the region, we sampled bats in six caves in Carajás National Forest, a protected area in Pará state (Brazil). Thirteen of the 14 streblid species found are new records for Carajás, with three new records for Pará state and two for the northern region of Brazil. Nycterophilia fairchildi was recorded for the first time in Brazil. Most streblids had host-specific behavior, however, N. fairchildi, Trichobius caecus, and T. johnsonae were less host-specific, parasitizing different Pteronotus bat species. The gregarious behavior of Pteronotus species and the spatial distribution of their colonies within the caves may be important factors in the flies' exchange among congener hosts and deserve special attention in future studies. Furthermore, studies on ecological interaction networks between bats and their ectoparasitic flies in caves will be useful for a broader understanding of how this relationship is structured over time and space, as well as its impact on both bats and flies.(AU)

Moscas estréblidas (Diptera: Streblidae) são insetos hematófagos e parasitas encontrados apenas sobre morcegos (Chiroptera). As cavernas são abrigos importantes para morcegos, mas, apesar de abrigarem alta riqueza desses mamíferos, são relativamente poucos os estudos focados na ecologia e biologia de moscas estréblidas em ambientes cavernícolas, especialmente na Amazônia, o maior domínio no norte do Brasil, com >140 espécies de morcegos e milhares de cavernas. Para preencher algumas das lacunas na distribuição geográfica e nas relações interespecíficas de moscas estréblidas na região, amostramos morcegos cavernícolas em seis cavernas na Floresta Nacional de Carajás, uma área protegida no estado do Pará. Treze das 14 espécies de moscas estréblidas encontradas são novos registros para Carajás, com três novos registros para o Pará e dois para a região norte do Brasil. Nycterophilia fairchildi foi registrada pela primeira vez no Brasil. A maioria das espécies de moscas foi hospedeiro-específica; entretanto, N. fairchildi, Trichobius caecus e T. johnsonae foram menos específicas, parasitando diferentes espécies de morcegos do gênero Pteronotus. O comportamento gregário das espécies de Pteronotus e a distribuição espacial de suas colônias dentro das cavernas podem ser fatores importantes na troca de moscas entre hospedeiros congêneres e merecem atenção especial em estudos futuros. Adicionalmente, estudos sobre redes de interação ecológica entre morcegos e suas moscas ectoparasitas em cavernas serão úteis para uma compreensão mais ampla de como essa relação se estrutura no tempo e no espaço, bem como sobre o seu impacto, tanto sobre os morcegos como sobre as moscas.(AU)

Cave-dwelling gastropods (Mollusca: Gastropoda) of Brazil: state of the art and conservation

An up-to-date list of exclusively cave-dwelling gastropod species recorded in Brazil is presented including updated taxonomy, detailed geographic information, and illustration of types. The list includes 18 cave-exclusive (troglobitic) gastropods encompassing 15 land and three freshwater species, with the status of further species pending additional studies. Their unusual morphology and diversity are discussed, as well as their conservation status and prospects in the current Brazilian environmental and political scenario.(AU)

Life post-death: Colonization of a bat carcass by Microcerella halli (Engel, 1931) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in a Neotropical cave

Caves are habitats characterized by low light or total darkness, whose fauna is largely composed of animals that adapt to dark environments, such as bats and many arthropods. Here, we present the first record of bat carcass colonization by Diptera larvae in a cave in the Neotropics. Twenty-one adult specimens of Microcerella halli (Sarcophagidae), seven males and 14 females, emerged from larvae collected in a carcass of Pteronotus gymnonotus (Mormoopidae) found in a twilight zone, about 15 m from the cave entrance. The mean time between carcass collection and adult emergence was 17.99 ± 0.44 days. As colonization by M. halli only occurs after death, we estimated the mean duration of the pupal stage ­ by recording daily pupation and emergence data ­ and attempted a preliminary estimate of the post-mortem interval, which indicated that larviposition occurred at least 24 h before carcass collection. Furthermore, we discussed the fact that M. halli females can find and colonize carcasses in low light environments, reinforcing the forensic potential of the species.(AU)

Análise quantitativa da receptividade a presença de abrigos de morcegos hematófagos Desmodus rotundus no município de São Pedro - SP / Quantitative analysis of the receptivity of the presence of vampire bats Desmodus rotundus shelters in the municipality of São Pedro - SP / Análisis cuantitativo de la receptividad de la presencia de hematophagus bat shelters Desmodus rotundus en el municipio de São Pedro - SP

O morcego hematófago Desmodus rotundus é o principal transmissor da raiva dos herbívoros, responsável por enormes prejuízos econômicos na pecuária na América Latina. Devido às interações de D. rotundus como meio ambiente, o risco da raiva nos herbívoros pode ser explicado pela vulnerabilidade e a receptividade do ambiente a capacidade do ecossistema albergar populações de D. rotundus. Utilizando de Sistema de Informações Geográficas foram analisados quantitativamente os seguintes determinantes de receptividade em que se encontravam os abrigos de morcegos hematófagos D. rotundus nomunicípio de SãoPedro - SP: tipo de solo e geologia, uso e cobertura do solo, declividade, hipsometria e proximidade a corpos de água. Foram localizados oito abrigos de D. rotundus, sendo dois abrigos naturais: uma gruta de arenito de Geologia Formação Piramboia e Neossolo Quartzarênico habitada por apenas um morcego, e outra gruta basáltica de Geologia Formação Itaqueri e Latossolo Vermelho-amarelo comum a população estimada de 100 D. rotundus. 75% dos abrigos estava em áreas de pastagem e cana de açúcar, seguido por áreas de vegetação nativa e vegetação riparia associada a pastagens. A presença de abrigos de D. rotundus em áreas de cultura canavieira e pastoril em quantidade superior a áreas de cobertura florestal ressalta a importância de oferta de abrigos artificiais em áreas agrícolas. A declividade do terreno em que se encontravam os abrigos variou de 3% a 29%. 62,5% dos abrigos estavam em áreas com baixas declividades com presença de pastagens, porém próximos a áreas de relevo mais escarpado e vegetação nativa com altitudes que variaram entre 475 m e 929 m. Todos os abrigos estavam localizados próximos a corpos d'agua. Apesar de corpos d'agua não constarem como fator de receptividade à presença de abrigos de D. rotundus no modelo epidemiológico indicado pelo Manual de Combate a Raiva dos Herbívoros - MAPA, no presente estudo a proximidade de todos os abrigos de D. rotundus a corpos d'agua evidencia a importância deste fator na receptividade ambiental à presença de abrigos destes morcegos, tornando relevante a inclusão deste fator nos modelos epidemiológicos de controle da raiva dos herbívoros. Desta forma faz-se necessária uma reavaliação da importância dos fatores de receptividade à presença de abrigos de D. rotundus nos modelos epidemiológicos, considerando a escala e particularidades de cada região em estudo, a inclusão outros tipos de formação geológica além da calcária para formação de abrigos naturais, a inclusão de novos tipos e cobertura de solo e a proximidade de corpos d'agua.

The vampire bat Desmodus rotundus is the main transmitter rabies in herbivores, responsible for enormous economic losses in livestock in Latin America. Due to interactions of D. rotundus with the environment, the risk of rabies in herbivores can be explained by the vulnerability and receptiveness of the environment to the capacity of the ecosystem to support populations of D. rotundus. Using a Geographic Information System, the following determinants of receptivity were quantitatively analyzed in which the vampire bat roosts D. rotundus were found in the city of São Pedro - SP: soil type and geology, land use and cover, slope, hypsometry and proximity to water bodies. Eight D. rotundus shelters were located, two of which were natural: as and stone cave of Piramboia Formation Geology and Quartzarênic Neosol inhabited by only one bat, and another basaltic cave of Itaqueri Formation Geology and Red-yellow Latosol with an estimated population of 100 D. rotundus. 75% of the shelters were in pasture and sugar cane areas, followed by areas of native vegetation and riparian vegetation associated with pastures. The presence of D. rotundus shelters in sugar cane and pastoral areas in a greater quantity than in forest cover areas highlights the importance of offering artificial shelters in agricultural areas. The slope of the land on which the shelters were located ranged from 3% to 29%. 62.5% of the shelters were in areas with lows lopes with the presence of pastures, but close to areas with more rugged relief and native vegetation with altitudes ranging between 475m and 929m. All shelters were located close to bodies of water. Although bodies of water do not appear as a factor of receptivity to the presence of shelters of D. rotundus in the epidemiological model indicated by the Herbivore Rabies Control Manual - MAPA, in the present study the proximity of all roosts of D. rotundus to water bodies highlights the importance of this factor in environmental receptivity to the presence of roosts for these bats, making it relevant to include this factor in epidemiological models for controlling rabies in herbivores. Thus, it is necessary to reassess the importance of factors of receptivity to the presence of D. rotundus roosts in epidemiological models, considering the scale and particularities of each region under study, the inclusion of other types of geological formation in addition to limestone for the formation of natural shelters, the inclusion of new types and land cover and the proximity of water bodies.

El murciélago vampiro Desmodus rotundus es el principal transmisor de la rabia herbívora, responsable de enormes pérdidas económicas en la ganadería en América Latina. Debido a las interacciones de D. rotundus con el medio ambiente, el riesgo de rabia en herbívoros puede explicarse por la vulnerabilidad y receptividad del medio ambiente a la capacidad del ecosistema para sustentar poblaciones de D. rotundus. Utilizando un Sistema de Información Geográfica, se analizaron cuantitativamente los siguientes determinantes de la receptividad en los que se encontraron los refugios de murciélagos vampiro D. rotundus en la ciudad de São Pedro SP: tipo de suelo y geología, uso y cobertura del suelo, pendiente, hipsometría y proximidad a cuerpos de agua. Se ubicaron ocho refugios de D.rotundus, siendo dos refugios naturales: una cueva de arenisca de Geología de la Formación Piramboia y Quartzarênico Neosol habitada por un solo murciélago, y otra cueva basáltica de Geología de la Formación Itaqueri y Latosol Rojo-amarillo con una población estimada de 100 D. rotundus. El 75% de los refugios estaban en áreas de pastos y caña de azúcar, seguidos de áreas de vegetación nativa y vegetación de ribera asociada a pastos. La presencia de refugios de D. rotundus en áreas cañeras y pastorales en mayor cantidad que en áreas de cobertura forestal resalta la importancia de ofrecer refugios artificiales en áreas agrícolas. La pendiente del terreno en el que se ubicaron los refugios osciló entre el 3% y el 29%. El 62,5% de los refugios se encontraban en zonas de baja pendiente con presencia de pastos, pero próximas a zonas de relieve más accidentado y vegetación autóctona con altitudes que oscilan entre 475 my 929 m. Todos los refugios estaban ubicados cerca de cuerpos de agua. Si bien los cuerpos de agua no aparecen como factor de receptividad a la presencia de refugios de D. rotundus en el modelo epidemiológico indicado por el Manual de Combate a la Rabia de Herbívoros - MAPA, en el presente estudio la proximidad de todos los refugios de D. rotundus to bodies d'agua destaca la importancia de este factor en la receptividad ambiental a la presencia de refugios para estos murciélagos, por lo que es relevante incluir este factor en los modelos epidemiológicos para el control de la rabia en herbívoros. Así, es necesario reevaluar la importancia de los factores de receptividad a la presencia de refugios de D. rotundus en los modelos epidemiológicos, considerando la escala y particularidades de cada región en estudio, la inclusión de otros tipos de formación geológica además de la caliza para la formación de refugios naturales, inclusión de nuevos tipos y coberturas terrestres y proximidad de cuerpos de agua.

Hepatic encephalopathy in adult dog secondary to cirrhosis due to congenital biliary agenesis: a case report / Encefalopatia hepática em cão adulto secundária a cirrose causada por agenesia biliar congênita: relato de caso

Gallbladder agenesis is a congenital malformation that is considered extremely rare in dogs. The disease can course asymptomatically or with clinical signs, usually non-specific and including vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, ascites, and lethargy. The objective of this report was to describe the clinical and anatomopathological aspects of a dog with hepatic encephalopathy secondary to gallbladder agenesis. This condition can be diagnosed during surgery or imaging examinations; however, it is often an incidental finding. In the biochemical examinations, a decrease in alanine aminotransferase and an increase in alkaline phosphatase and hypoalbuminemia were observed. During the necropsy, hepatomegaly was observed with absence of the gallbladder, congestion, cerebral edema, lipiduria, and pulmonary edema. Microscopically, there was intense fibrosis and inflammation in the liver due to chronic cholangiohepatitis (cirrhosis of the liver). The consequence of this lesion secondary to gallbladder agenesis was hepatic encephalopathy. Chronic liver failure exposes the cerebral cortex to toxins that are not metabolized by the liver, such as ammonia, mercaptans, short-chain fatty acids, scatols, indols, and aromatic amino acids. These toxins cause reversible damage to the brain, which results in neurological disorders. In this report, the dog had no clinical neurological signs, and the diagnosis of this condition was observed histologically. Dogs with gallbladder agenesis usually have clinical and pathological findings of hepatobiliary lesions such as cholestasis, cholangiohepatitis, and, in severe cases, hepatic encephalopathy, which are necessary to differentiate from other diseases that affect the hepatobiliary system, such as cholelithiasis, neoplasms, and chronic hepatitis.

A agenesia de vesícula biliar é uma má formação congênita, considerada extremamente rara em cães. A doença pode cursar de forma assintomática ou com sinais clínicos, geralmente, inespecíficos que incluem vômitos, anorexia, diarreia, ascite e letargia. O objetivo deste relato foi descrever os aspectos clínicos e anatomopatológicos de um cão com encefalopatia hepá-tica secundária a agenesia da vesícula biliar, esta condição pode ser diagnosticada durante uma cirurgia ou exames de imagem, entretanto frequentemente é um achado incidental. Como resultados, nos exames bioquímicos observou-se a diminuição da alanina aminotransferase, aumento da fosfatase alcalina e hipoalbuminemia. Durante a necropsia foi observado hepatomegalia com ausência da vesícula biliar, congestão e edema cerebral, lipidúria e edema pulmonar. Microscopicamente, no fígado havia intensa fibrose e inflamação pela colangiohepatite crônica (cirrose hepática). A consequência desta lesão secundária a agenesia da vesícula biliar, foi a encefalopatia hepática. A insuficiência hepática crônica expõe o córtex cerebral às toxinas não metabo-lizadas pelo fígado, tais como a amônia, mercaptanos, ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, escatóis, indóis e aminoácidos aromáti-cos. Essas toxinas causam danos reversíveis ao encéfalo, o que resulta em distúrbios neurológicos. No presente caso, o cão não apresentou sinais clínicos neurológicos e o diagnóstico desta condição foi observado histologicamente. Cães com agenesia de vesícula biliar, geralmente exibem achados clínicos e patológicos de lesões hepatobiliares, como colestase, conlangiohepatite e, em casos graves, encefalopatia hepática, sendo necessário diferenciar de outras doenças que acometem o sistema hepatobiliar, como colelitíase, neoplasias e hepatites crônicas.

Hepatic encephalopathy in adult dog secondary to cirrhosis due to congenital biliary agenesis: a case report / Encefalopatia hepática em cão adulto secundária a cirrose causada por agenesia biliar congênita: relato de caso

Gallbladder agenesis is a congenital malformation that is considered extremely rare in dogs. The disease can course asymptomatically or with clinical signs, usually non-specific and including vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, ascites, and lethargy. The objective of this report was to describe the clinical and anatomopathological aspects of a dog with hepatic encephalopathy secondary to gallbladder agenesis. This condition can be diagnosed during surgery or imaging examinations; however, it is often an incidental finding. In the biochemical examinations, a decrease in alanine aminotransferase and an increase in alkaline phosphatase and hypoalbuminemia were observed. During the necropsy, hepatomegaly was observed with absence of the gallbladder, congestion, cerebral edema, lipiduria, and pulmonary edema. Microscopically, there was intense fibrosis and inflammation in the liver due to chronic cholangiohepatitis (cirrhosis of the liver). The consequence of this lesion secondary to gallbladder agenesis was hepatic encephalopathy. Chronic liver failure exposes the cerebral cortex to toxins that are not metabolized by the liver, such as ammonia, mercaptans, short-chain fatty acids, scatols, indols, and aromatic amino acids. These toxins cause reversible damage to the brain, which results in neurological disorders. In this report, the dog had no clinical neurological signs, and the diagnosis of this condition was observed histologically. Dogs with gallbladder agenesis usually have clinical and pathological findings of hepatobiliary lesions such as cholestasis, cholangiohepatitis, and, in severe cases, hepatic encephalopathy, which are necessary to differentiate from other diseases that affect the hepatobiliary system, such as cholelithiasis, neoplasms, and chronic hepatitis.(AU)

A agenesia de vesícula biliar é uma má formação congênita, considerada extremamente rara em cães. A doença pode cursar de forma assintomática ou com sinais clínicos, geralmente, inespecíficos que incluem vômitos, anorexia, diarreia, ascite e letargia. O objetivo deste relato foi descrever os aspectos clínicos e anatomopatológicos de um cão com encefalopatia hepá-tica secundária a agenesia da vesícula biliar, esta condição pode ser diagnosticada durante uma cirurgia ou exames de imagem, entretanto frequentemente é um achado incidental. Como resultados, nos exames bioquímicos observou-se a diminuição da alanina aminotransferase, aumento da fosfatase alcalina e hipoalbuminemia. Durante a necropsia foi observado hepatomegalia com ausência da vesícula biliar, congestão e edema cerebral, lipidúria e edema pulmonar. Microscopicamente, no fígado havia intensa fibrose e inflamação pela colangiohepatite crônica (cirrose hepática). A consequência desta lesão secundária a agenesia da vesícula biliar, foi a encefalopatia hepática. A insuficiência hepática crônica expõe o córtex cerebral às toxinas não metabo-lizadas pelo fígado, tais como a amônia, mercaptanos, ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, escatóis, indóis e aminoácidos aromáti-cos. Essas toxinas causam danos reversíveis ao encéfalo, o que resulta em distúrbios neurológicos. No presente caso, o cão não apresentou sinais clínicos neurológicos e o diagnóstico desta condição foi observado histologicamente. Cães com agenesia de vesícula biliar, geralmente exibem achados clínicos e patológicos de lesões hepatobiliares, como colestase, conlangiohepatite e, em casos graves, encefalopatia hepática, sendo necessário diferenciar de outras doenças que acometem o sistema hepatobiliar, como colelitíase, neoplasias e hepatites crônicas.(AU)

Aneurisma em veia cava caudal de cão: relato de caso / Caudal vena cava aneurysm: case report

Uma paciente da espécie canina de 9 anos de idade, SRD, foi encaminhado ao serviço de oncologia, após a retirada de um hemangiossarcoma dérmico em região de abdome. Após pesquisa de metástase, constatou por meio da radiografia de tórax presença de uma formação circular, homogênea de 4 cm em hemitórax direito em topografia de lobo acessório pulmonar. Foi então realizado exames complementares cardiológicos e de imagem tais como ecocardiograma e posteriormente tomografia computadorizada com contraste, que confirmou a presença de aneurisma em veia cava caudal. A paciente apresentava-se assintomática, portanto, tendo sido considerado um achado em estadiamento clínico. O aneurisma é uma dilatação vascular, patologia rara em cães, principalmente em veia cava caudal e suas causas ainda permanecem incertas, tendo na genética como a mais provável. Embora o hemangiosarcoma não seja a causa principal para o desenvolvimento do aneurisma, serviu de gatilho para esse achado. Essa patologia ainda permanece rara na medicina veterinária, mesmo sendo os animais utilizados como principais modelos de estudos para tratamento de aneurismas em humanos.

A 9-year-old canine patient, SRD, was referred to the oncology service after removal of a dermal hemangiosarcoma in the abdomen. After searching for metastasis, he found through chest radiography the presence of a circular, homogeneous 4 cm formation in the right hemithorax in topography of the pulmonary accessory lobe. Complementary cardiological and imaging exams, such as echocardiography and later contrast-enhanced computed tomography, were performed, which confirmed the presence of aneurysm in the caudal vena cava. The patient was asymptomatic, therefore, having been considered a finding in clinical staging. Aneurysm is a vascular dilation, a rare pathology in dogs, mainly in the caudal vena cava and its causes are still uncertain, with genetics as the most plausible and probable. Although hemangiosarcoma is not the main cause for the development of the aneurysm, it served as a trigger for this finding. This pathology still remains rare in veterinary medicine, even though animals are used as the main study models for the treatment of aneurysms in humans.

Aneurisma em veia cava caudal de cão: relato de caso / Caudal vena cava aneurysm: case report

Uma paciente da espécie canina de 9 anos de idade, SRD, foi encaminhado ao serviço de oncologia, após a retirada de um hemangiossarcoma dérmico em região de abdome. Após pesquisa de metástase, constatou por meio da radiografia de tórax presença de uma formação circular, homogênea de 4 cm em hemitórax direito em topografia de lobo acessório pulmonar. Foi então realizado exames complementares cardiológicos e de imagem tais como ecocardiograma e posteriormente tomografia computadorizada com contraste, que confirmou a presença de aneurisma em veia cava caudal. A paciente apresentava-se assintomática, portanto, tendo sido considerado um achado em estadiamento clínico. O aneurisma é uma dilatação vascular, patologia rara em cães, principalmente em veia cava caudal e suas causas ainda permanecem incertas, tendo na genética como a mais provável. Embora o hemangiosarcoma não seja a causa principal para o desenvolvimento do aneurisma, serviu de gatilho para esse achado. Essa patologia ainda permanece rara na medicina veterinária, mesmo sendo os animais utilizados como principais modelos de estudos para tratamento de aneurismas em humanos.(AU)

A 9-year-old canine patient, SRD, was referred to the oncology service after removal of a dermal hemangiosarcoma in the abdomen. After searching for metastasis, he found through chest radiography the presence of a circular, homogeneous 4 cm formation in the right hemithorax in topography of the pulmonary accessory lobe. Complementary cardiological and imaging exams, such as echocardiography and later contrast-enhanced computed tomography, were performed, which confirmed the presence of aneurysm in the caudal vena cava. The patient was asymptomatic, therefore, having been considered a finding in clinical staging. Aneurysm is a vascular dilation, a rare pathology in dogs, mainly in the caudal vena cava and its causes are still uncertain, with genetics as the most plausible and probable. Although hemangiosarcoma is not the main cause for the development of the aneurysm, it served as a trigger for this finding. This pathology still remains rare in veterinary medicine, even though animals are used as the main study models for the treatment of aneurysms in humans.(AU)

Um exemplar muito jovem de Mazama sp. encontrado na Gruta Cuvieri, região de Lagoa Santa, estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil / A very young specimen from Mazama sp. found in Cuvieri Cave, Lagoa Santa region, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Durante o Quaternário, as cavernas serviram como armadilhas naturais para numerosos grupos de animais e, devido às condições ambientais relativamente estáveis, a preservação nesse ambiente é melhor do que na superfície, de modo que o material osteológico encontrado nas cavernas representa um registro importante de eventos ambientais e mudanças na fauna. A Caverna Cuvieri faz parte do complexo Carste de Lagoa Santa, conhecido por seu grande número de cavernas contendo ossos preservados de animais recentes e extintos. Os cervídeos representam a família mais abundante de macrovertebrados encontrados na caverna de Cuvieri, com espécimes com grande variação ontogenética de representantes do gênero Mazama. O presente estudo descreve a ocorrência do espécime mais jovem deste gênero encontrado em um depósito de caverna. O espécime consiste em ossos apendiculares (fêmures, úmeros, tíbias, rádios, ulna e escápula) sem desgaste, ataque predatório ou evidência de intemperismo.

During the Quaternary, caves served as natural traps for numerous groups of animals and due to relatively stable environmental conditions preservation is better than on the surface, so the osteological material found in caves represents an important record of environmental events and faunal changes. Cuvieri Cave is part of the Lagoa Santa Karst complex, known for its large number of caves containing preserved bones of recent and extinct animals. Cervidae represent the most abundant family of macrovertebrates found at Cuvieri Cave, with specimens with large ontogenetic variation of representatives of the genus Mazama. The present study describes the occurrence of the youngest specimen of this genus found in a cave deposit. The specimen consists of appendicular bones (femurs, humerus, tibias, radios, ulna and scapula) without wear, predatory attack or evidence of weathering.

Um exemplar muito jovem de Mazama sp. encontrado na Gruta Cuvieri, região de Lagoa Santa, estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil / A very young specimen from Mazama sp. found in Cuvieri Cave, Lagoa Santa region, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Durante o Quaternário, as cavernas serviram como armadilhas naturais para numerosos grupos de animais e, devido às condições ambientais relativamente estáveis, a preservação nesse ambiente é melhor do que na superfície, de modo que o material osteológico encontrado nas cavernas representa um registro importante de eventos ambientais e mudanças na fauna. A Caverna Cuvieri faz parte do complexo Carste de Lagoa Santa, conhecido por seu grande número de cavernas contendo ossos preservados de animais recentes e extintos. Os cervídeos representam a família mais abundante de macrovertebrados encontrados na caverna de Cuvieri, com espécimes com grande variação ontogenética de representantes do gênero Mazama. O presente estudo descreve a ocorrência do espécime mais jovem deste gênero encontrado em um depósito de caverna. O espécime consiste em ossos apendiculares (fêmures, úmeros, tíbias, rádios, ulna e escápula) sem desgaste, ataque predatório ou evidência de intemperismo.(AU)

During the Quaternary, caves served as natural traps for numerous groups of animals and due to relatively stable environmental conditions preservation is better than on the surface, so the osteological material found in caves represents an important record of environmental events and faunal changes. Cuvieri Cave is part of the Lagoa Santa Karst complex, known for its large number of caves containing preserved bones of recent and extinct animals. Cervidae represent the most abundant family of macrovertebrates found at Cuvieri Cave, with specimens with large ontogenetic variation of representatives of the genus Mazama. The present study describes the occurrence of the youngest specimen of this genus found in a cave deposit. The specimen consists of appendicular bones (femurs, humerus, tibias, radios, ulna and scapula) without wear, predatory attack or evidence of weathering.(AU)

Regression of dark color in subterranean fishes involves multiple mechanisms: response to hormones and neurotransmitters

ABSTRACT Organisms with source-populations restricted to the subterranean biotope (troglobites) are excellent models for comparative evolutionary studies, due to their specialization to permanent absence of light. Eye and dark pigment regression are characteristics of most troglobites. In spite of the advance in knowledge on the mechanisms behind eye regression in cave fishes, very little is known about pigmentation changes. Studies were focused on three species of the genus Pimelodella. Exemplars of the troglobitic P. spelaea and P. kronei were compared with the epigean (surface) P. transitoria, putative sister-species of the latter. Melanophore areas and densities are significantly lower in the troglobitic species. Evaluating the in vitro response of these cells to adrenaline, acetylcholine and MCH, we observed a reduced response in both troglobites to adrenaline. The same trend was observed with MCH, but not statistically significant. No response to acetilcholine was detected in all the three. Contrary to expectations, even though eye-regression in P. spelaea was much lower than in P. kronei, pigmentation regression was more advanced. Multiple mechanisms of loss showing a mosaic of traits in troglobitic fishes are discussed here.

RESUMO Organismos com populações-fonte restritas ao biótopo subterrâneo (troglóbios) são excelentes modelos para estudos evolutivos comparativos, devido à especialização resultante do isolamento sob um regime seletivo particular, com ênfase na permanente falta de luz. A regressão do olho e da pigmentação são características dos troglobites. Apesar do avanço do conhecimento sobre os mecanismos subjacentes à regressão ocular em peixes de caverna, pouco se sabe sobre mudanças de pigmentação. Os estudos foram focados em três espécies do gênero Pimelodella. Exemplares das espécies troglóbias P. spelaea e P. kronei foram comparados com a epígea P. transitoria, provável espécie-irmã dessa última. As áreas e densidades dos melanóforos são significativamente menores nas espécies troglóbias. Avaliando a resposta in vitro dessas células à adrenalina, acetilcolina e MCH, observamos uma resposta reduzida em ambos os troglóbios à adrenalina. A mesma tendência foi observado com o MCH, mas não estatisticamente. Nenhuma resposta à acetilcolina foi detectada três. Contrariamente às expectativas, embora a regressão ocular em P. spelaea seja bem menor do que em P. kronei, a regressão na pigmentação foi mais acentuada. Múltiplos mecanismos de regressão, mostrando um mosaico de características em peixes troglóbios, são discutidos aqui.

Regression of dark color in subterranean fishes involves multiple mechanisms: response to hormones and neurotransmitters

Organisms with source-populations restricted to the subterranean biotope (troglobites) are excellent models for comparative evolutionary studies, due to their specialization to permanent absence of light. Eye and dark pigment regression are characteristics of most troglobites. In spite of the advance in knowledge on the mechanisms behind eye regression in cave fishes, very little is known about pigmentation changes. Studies were focused on three species of the genus Pimelodella. Exemplars of the troglobitic P. spelaea and P. kronei were compared with the epigean (surface) P. transitoria, putative sister-species of the latter. Melanophore areas and densities are significantly lower in the troglobitic species. Evaluating the in vitro response of these cells to adrenaline, acetylcholine and MCH, we observed a reduced response in both troglobites to adrenaline. The same trend was observed with MCH, but not statistically significant. No response to acetilcholine was detected in all the three. Contrary to expectations, even though eye-regression in P. spelaea was much lower than in P. kronei, pigmentation regression was more advanced. Multiple mechanisms of loss showing a mosaic of traits in troglobitic fishes are discussed here.(AU)

Organismos com populações-fonte restritas ao biótopo subterrâneo (troglóbios) são excelentes modelos para estudos evolutivos comparativos, devido à especialização resultante do isolamento sob um regime seletivo particular, com ênfase na permanente falta de luz. A regressão do olho e da pigmentação são características dos troglobites. Apesar do avanço do conhecimento sobre os mecanismos subjacentes à regressão ocular em peixes de caverna, pouco se sabe sobre mudanças de pigmentação. Os estudos foram focados em três espécies do gênero Pimelodella. Exemplares das espécies troglóbias P. spelaea e P. kronei foram comparados com a epígea P. transitoria, provável espécie-irmã dessa última. As áreas e densidades dos melanóforos são significativamente menores nas espécies troglóbias. Avaliando a resposta in vitro dessas células à adrenalina, acetilcolina e MCH, observamos uma resposta reduzida em ambos os troglóbios à adrenalina. A mesma tendência foi observado com o MCH, mas não estatisticamente. Nenhuma resposta à acetilcolina foi detectada três. Contrariamente às expectativas, embora a regressão ocular em P. spelaea seja bem menor do que em P. kronei, a regressão na pigmentação foi mais acentuada. Múltiplos mecanismos de regressão, mostrando um mosaico de características em peixes troglóbios, são discutidos aqui.(AU)

Caudal vena cava collapsibility index in healthy cats by ultrasonography / [Índice de colapsibilidade da veia cava caudal em gatos domésticos Saudáveis, obtido por meio de ultrassonografia]

The objective of this study was to calculate the collapsibility index (CI) in a group of 15 healthy adult mixed breed cats via right hepatic intercostal ultrasound view. The minimal and the maximal diameters of the caudal vena cava (CVC) were obtained during inspiration and expiration, respectively, then CI was calculated. The mean diameter of the CVC was 0.5cm. The mean CI was 28±3% and CI was not significantly associated with gender. As in human medicine, there is a growing need for less invasive monitoring in small animal practice. The CI enables the assessment of estimated volemia without the need for a central venous catheter. This is the first reported study investigating CI in cats.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi calcular o índice de colapsabilidade (IC) em um grupo de 15 gatos adultos, saudáveis e SRD, por meio da janela ultrassonográfica hepática intercostal direita. Os diâmetros mínimo e máximo da veia cava caudal (VCC) foram obtidos durante a inspiração e a expiração, respectivamente. O IC foi calculado, posteriormente. O diâmetro médio da VCC foi de 0,5cm. O diâmetro médio do IC foi de 28±3%, e o IC não foi significativamente associado ao gênero. Como na medicina humana, há uma necessidade crescente de monitoramento menos invasivo na prática de pequenos animais. O IC possibilita a avaliação da volemia estimada sem a necessidade de um cateter venoso central. Este é o primeiro estudo relatado sobre IC em gatos domésticos.(AU)

Caudal vena cava collapsibility index in healthy cats by ultrasonography / [Índice de colapsibilidade da veia cava caudal em gatos domésticos Saudáveis, obtido por meio de ultrassonografia]

The objective of this study was to calculate the collapsibility index (CI) in a group of 15 healthy adult mixed breed cats via right hepatic intercostal ultrasound view. The minimal and the maximal diameters of the caudal vena cava (CVC) were obtained during inspiration and expiration, respectively, then CI was calculated. The mean diameter of the CVC was 0.5cm. The mean CI was 28±3% and CI was not significantly associated with gender. As in human medicine, there is a growing need for less invasive monitoring in small animal practice. The CI enables the assessment of estimated volemia without the need for a central venous catheter. This is the first reported study investigating CI in cats.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi calcular o índice de colapsabilidade (IC) em um grupo de 15 gatos adultos, saudáveis e SRD, por meio da janela ultrassonográfica hepática intercostal direita. Os diâmetros mínimo e máximo da veia cava caudal (VCC) foram obtidos durante a inspiração e a expiração, respectivamente. O IC foi calculado, posteriormente. O diâmetro médio da VCC foi de 0,5cm. O diâmetro médio do IC foi de 28±3%, e o IC não foi significativamente associado ao gênero. Como na medicina humana, há uma necessidade crescente de monitoramento menos invasivo na prática de pequenos animais. O IC possibilita a avaliação da volemia estimada sem a necessidade de um cateter venoso central. Este é o primeiro estudo relatado sobre IC em gatos domésticos.(AU)

Characterization of insect galls from a vegetation area in Altinópolis, São Paulo State, Brazil

Herein, we studied the occurrence of insect galls from natural vegetation around the Itambé Cave, Altinópolis, SP, Brazil. A sampling effort of 7.5 hours resulted in 41 gall morphotypes on 21 host plant species from 14 families. The richest families of host plants in morphotypes were Fabaceae (N = 11), Euphorbiaceae (N = 7), and Malpighiaceae (N = 5). Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (N = 8), Croton floribundus Spreng. (N = 7), Diplopterys pubipetala (A. Juss.) W.R. Anderson & C.C. Davis (N = 5), and Bauhinia holophylla (Bong.) Steud. (N = 4) were the super host plant species. Among the gall makers obtained, cecidomyiids were reared in 81% of cases and Hemiptera (Diaspididae), Hymenoptera (Eurytomidae), Coleoptera (Apion sp./Apionidae), and Lepidoptera in 4.5% of cases, each. The parasitoids belong to the Chalcidoidea superfamily (Hymenoptera). One new species of Camptoneuromyiia (Cecidomyiidae) was found in Smilax oblongifolia Pohl ex Griseb. (Smilacaceae) as inquiline and a new species of Lestodiplosis in Diplopterys pubipetala (Malpighiaceae) was a predator. We also present the first register of Bauhinia holophylla as host plants of Cecidomyiidae. We also present the first register of Bauhinia holophylla as host plants of Cecidomyiidae, and we expand the occurrence of Rochadiplosis tibouchinae Tavares, Lopesia spinosa Maia and Couridiplosis vena Maia to São Paulo State. The results of this paper are a continuation of the description of gall morphotypes from the vegetation in Northeastern São Paulo State, and they also increase knowledge about the diversity of host plant and gall-maker associations in the Neotropical region.

Characterization of insect galls from a vegetation area in Altinópolis, São Paulo State, Brazil

Herein, we studied the occurrence of insect galls from natural vegetation around the Itambé Cave, Altinópolis, SP, Brazil. A sampling effort of 7.5 hours resulted in 41 gall morphotypes on 21 host plant species from 14 families. The richest families of host plants in morphotypes were Fabaceae (N = 11), Euphorbiaceae (N = 7), and Malpighiaceae (N = 5). Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (N = 8), Croton floribundus Spreng. (N = 7), Diplopterys pubipetala (A. Juss.) W.R. Anderson & C.C. Davis (N = 5), and Bauhinia holophylla (Bong.) Steud. (N = 4) were the super host plant species. Among the gall makers obtained, cecidomyiids were reared in 81% of cases and Hemiptera (Diaspididae), Hymenoptera (Eurytomidae), Coleoptera (Apion sp./Apionidae), and Lepidoptera in 4.5% of cases, each. The parasitoids belong to the Chalcidoidea superfamily (Hymenoptera). One new species of Camptoneuromyiia (Cecidomyiidae) was found in Smilax oblongifolia Pohl ex Griseb. (Smilacaceae) as inquiline and a new species of Lestodiplosis in Diplopterys pubipetala (Malpighiaceae) was a predator. We also present the first register of Bauhinia holophylla as host plants of Cecidomyiidae. We also present the first register of Bauhinia holophylla as host plants of Cecidomyiidae, and we expand the occurrence of Rochadiplosis tibouchinae Tavares, Lopesia spinosa Maia and Couridiplosis vena Maia to São Paulo State. The results of this paper are a continuation of the description of gall morphotypes from the vegetation in Northeastern São Paulo State, and they also increase knowledge about the diversity of host plant and gall-maker associations in the Neotropical region.(AU)

Hepatic encephalopathy secondary to chronic liver lesions caused by Crotalaria incana in a bovine

Background: Crotalaria spp. Poisoning induces liver or pulmonary disease. C. mucronata, C. juncea, C. spectabilis, andC. retusa are the Crotalaria spp. inducing spontaneous intoxication in livestock in Brazil. C. mucronata and C. junceaare associated with interstitial pneumonia, while C. retusa and C. specatabilis induce hepatotoxicosis. The toxic principle in Crotalaria spp. are dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids and their N-oxides. C. incana poisoning to livestock is rarelydocumented. This paper reports the clinical signs and pathological findings of a case of Crotalaria incana poisoning in asteer. The chemical finding of a potential toxic dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid in the plant is documented for the first time.Case: The affected bovine was part of a herd of 80 two-year-old steers that were transferred from Property 1 to Property2, 30 days prior to the event. In the pasture of Property I - where the steers were held for 6 months - there was a heavyinfestation by a Crotalaria species with signs of being consumed by the steers. The plant was identified as Crotalariaincana at the Botanical Laboratory of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul and a voucher specimen was filedthere under the register GCMS 51169. Two days after entering Property 2 one of the steers became depressed, staggering,and in poor body condition. With time, the steer became oblivious to the environment and died 20 days after the onset ofthe clinical signs. Significant necropsy findings were limited to the liver which was markedly enlarged and with roundededges. The hepatic cut surface was mottled with dark red and extensive orange areas of discoloration. The gallbladder wasdistended and the bile was inspissated. Microscopically, in the liver, there was fibrosis, bile duct hyperplasia and hepatocellular megalocytosis. The Glisson’s capsule was markedly thickened by fibrosis. In the brain, there was vacuolation ofmyelin...

Hepatic encephalopathy secondary to chronic liver lesions caused by Crotalaria incana in a bovine

Background: Crotalaria spp. Poisoning induces liver or pulmonary disease. C. mucronata, C. juncea, C. spectabilis, andC. retusa are the Crotalaria spp. inducing spontaneous intoxication in livestock in Brazil. C. mucronata and C. junceaare associated with interstitial pneumonia, while C. retusa and C. specatabilis induce hepatotoxicosis. The toxic principle in Crotalaria spp. are dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids and their N-oxides. C. incana poisoning to livestock is rarelydocumented. This paper reports the clinical signs and pathological findings of a case of Crotalaria incana poisoning in asteer. The chemical finding of a potential toxic dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid in the plant is documented for the first time.Case: The affected bovine was part of a herd of 80 two-year-old steers that were transferred from Property 1 to Property2, 30 days prior to the event. In the pasture of Property I - where the steers were held for 6 months - there was a heavyinfestation by a Crotalaria species with signs of being consumed by the steers. The plant was identified as Crotalariaincana at the Botanical Laboratory of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul and a voucher specimen was filedthere under the register GCMS 51169. Two days after entering Property 2 one of the steers became depressed, staggering,and in poor body condition. With time, the steer became oblivious to the environment and died 20 days after the onset ofthe clinical signs. Significant necropsy findings were limited to the liver which was markedly enlarged and with roundededges. The hepatic cut surface was mottled with dark red and extensive orange areas of discoloration. The gallbladder wasdistended and the bile was inspissated. Microscopically, in the liver, there was fibrosis, bile duct hyperplasia and hepatocellular megalocytosis. The Glissons capsule was markedly thickened by fibrosis. In the brain, there was vacuolation ofmyelin... (AU)