Gastrointestinal parasites in bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) in aquaculture production units in the Mexican central highlands / Parasitos gastrointestinais em rãs-touro (Lithobates catesbeianus) em unidades de produção aquícola do planalto central do México

Abstract In Mexico, intensive production of bullfrogs is one of the most important aquaculture activities, due to growing demand for their meat. Frogs can be hosts for several parasites that negatively affect their development and health. The objective of this study was to identify the presence of intestinal parasites in bullfrogs in aquaculture production units. Eighteen bullfrogs aquaculture production units were selected, and 20 animals (n=360) from each farm. Fecal samples were obtained by mucosal scraping and processed using the concentration method. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 70.5%, and all farms had frogs infected by some species of parasite. Two species of parasites were identified: Eimeria sp. and Strongyloides sp. Significant differences were found regarding parasite prevalence between males and females (73.8% vs 58.8%) and regarding tibia length (5.5 vs 6.1 cm) and weight (168 vs 187 g) between parasitized and non-parasitized frogs. In conclusion, the present study showed a high prevalence of intestinal parasites, and morphometric alterations (weight, snout-cloaca length, radio-ulna length, tibia length and distance between parotid glands) were identified in the parasitized animals. These results provided useful information that will enable establishment of adequate control measures to help minimize the adverse effects of these parasites.

Resumo No México, a produção intensiva de rãs-touro é uma das atividades mais relevantes da aquicultura devido à sua crescente demanda. As rãs podem ser hospedeiras de vários parasitos que afetam negativamente seu desenvolvimento e sua saúde animal. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar a presença de parasitas gastrointestinais (IPs) em rãs de boi em unidades de produção aquícola. Foram selecionadas 18 unidades de produção aquícola de rãs-touro, e de cada unidade 20 animais (n=360). Amostras fecais foram obtidas por raspagem de mucosas e processadas pelo método de concentração. A prevalência geral de IPs foi de 70,5%, todas as fazendas foram infectadas com algum parasita. Duas espécies de parasitas Eimeria sp. e Strongyloides sp. foram identificadas; encontrando-se diferenças significativas na prevalência entre machos e fêmeas (73,8% vs 58,8%), comprimento da tíbia (5,5 vs 6,1 cm) e peso (168 vs 187 g) entre rãs parasitadas e não parasitadas. Em conclusão, o presente estudo mostrou uma alta prevalência e alterações morfométricas (peso, comprimento do ronco-cloaca, comprimento do rádio-ulna, comprimento da tíbia e distância entre as glândulas parótidas) todas identificadas nos animais parasitados. Esses resultados mostram informações relevantes que permitirão o estabelecimento de medidas de controle adequadas para ajudar a minimizar os efeitos adversos desses parasitas.

Gastrointestinal parasites in bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) in aquaculture production units in the Mexican central highlands / Parasitos gastrointestinais em rãs-touro (Lithobates catesbeianus) em unidades de produção aquícola do planalto central do México

In Mexico, intensive production of bullfrogs is one of the most important aquaculture activities, due to growing demand for their meat. Frogs can be hosts for several parasites that negatively affect their development and health. The objective of this study was to identify the presence of intestinal parasites in bullfrogs in aquaculture production units. Eighteen bullfrogs aquaculture production units were selected, and 20 animals (n=360) from each farm. Fecal samples were obtained by mucosal scraping and processed using the concentration method. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 70.5%, and all farms had frogs infected by some species of parasite. Two species of parasites were identified: Eimeria sp. and Strongyloides sp. Significant differences were found regarding parasite prevalence between males and females (73.8% vs 58.8%) and regarding tibia length (5.5 vs 6.1 cm) and weight (168 vs 187 g) between parasitized and non-parasitized frogs. In conclusion, the present study showed a high prevalence of intestinal parasites, and morphometric alterations (weight, snout-cloaca length, radio-ulna length, tibia length and distance between parotid glands) were identified in the parasitized animals. These results provided useful information that will enable establishment of adequate control measures to help minimize the adverse effects of these parasites.(AU)

No México, a produção intensiva de rãs-touro é uma das atividades mais relevantes da aquicultura devido à sua crescente demanda. As rãs podem ser hospedeiras de vários parasitos que afetam negativamente seu desenvolvimento e sua saúde animal. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar a presença de parasitas gastrointestinais (IPs) em rãs de boi em unidades de produção aquícola. Foram selecionadas 18 unidades de produção aquícola de rãs-touro, e de cada unidade 20 animais (n=360). Amostras fecais foram obtidas por raspagem de mucosas e processadas pelo método de concentração. A prevalência geral de IPs foi de 70,5%, todas as fazendas foram infectadas com algum parasita. Duas espécies de parasitas Eimeria sp. e Strongyloides sp. foram identificadas; encontrando-se diferenças significativas na prevalência entre machos e fêmeas (73,8% vs 58,8%), comprimento da tíbia (5,5 vs 6,1 cm) e peso (168 vs 187 g) entre rãs parasitadas e não parasitadas. Em conclusão, o presente estudo mostrou uma alta prevalência e alterações morfométricas (peso, comprimento do ronco-cloaca, comprimento do rádio-ulna, comprimento da tíbia e distância entre as glândulas parótidas) todas identificadas nos animais parasitados. Esses resultados mostram informações relevantes que permitirão o estabelecimento de medidas de controle adequadas para ajudar a minimizar os efeitos adversos desses parasitas.(AU)

Gurltia paralysans infection in a domestic cat in the São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil

Gurltia paralysans is a nematode first described in 1933 in Chile, causing a syndrome called feline crural parasitic paraplegia. Insects, mollusks, frogs, lizards, and rodents are paratenic hosts of this nematode, and cats probably become infected by ingesting them. This report aims to discuss the main anatomopathological findings of gurltiosis in a cat submitted to necropsy in a laboratory in Ribeirão Preto city, São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil, being the first case reported in this state. The main necroscopic findings were extramedullary reddened areas below the leptomeninges in the cervical and lumbar segments of the spinal cord. The histopathological examination showed marked thickening of the leptomeninges in the lumbar segment of the spinal cord, with marked neovascularization and fibrosis associated with eosinophilic and mononuclear inflammatory infiltration, as well as the presence of intravascular nematodes. The diagnosis of this lesion was chronic segmental meningomyelitis associated with intralesional parasites. Although uncommon, feline gurltiosis is a neglected parasitic disease that should be included as a differential diagnosis of paraparesis in domestic cats.(AU)

Effect of dietary protein: lipid ratio on growth and body composition in bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)

A feeding trial was performed to assess dietary protein:lipid ratios for the grow-out phase of the bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus). Nine balanced isoenergetic diets were formulated, combining three different protein levels (300, 400, and 500 g kg−1) with three different lipid levels (50, 100, and 200 g kg−1), designated as P300/50L, P300/100L, P300/200L, P400/50L, P400/100L, P400/200L, P500/50L, P500/100L, and P500/200L. Additionally, a commercial fish feed, commonly used in Mexico to feed bullfrogs, was also tested during the experiment. Growth performance, animal performance parameters, carcass composition, and fatty acid profiles in muscle and liver were evaluated. The feeding trial results showed that all the experimental diets enhanced growth, feed conversion ratio, and frog-leg weight compared with the commercial diet. Bullfrogs had higher growth with 400 and 500 g kg−1 of dietary protein regardless of dietary lipid content. It was also notable that with the P500/200L diet, frogs doubled the weight of those fed the commercial diet. DHA, EPA, and total omega-3 fatty acids were double in muscle and two to eight times higher in the liver compared with the commercial diet. In all cases, the final proximal composition of carcass reflected the diet composition. It is suggested that a diet containing 400 g kg−1 of protein and 50 g kg−1 lipids (protein/lipid ratio: 7.4; gross energy: 18.2 MJ kg−1) is adequate for bullfrog performance during the grow-out phase to achieve market size in a shorter period, thus, reducing farming risks and production costs.

Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis Schneider, 1799 (Amphibia: Dicroglossidae) in district Lower Dir, Pakistan

Abstract Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (the skittering frog) is one of the most widespread species in Pakistan. Present study was aimed to know the presence of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in urban and rural areas of Lower Dir, the North-western Pakistan. A total of 33 frogs were collected, including 15 from rural and 18 from urban areas. The frogs were caught by hands covered with gloves instead of using nets. The collection was managed from August to October 2016 and from April to May 2018. Morphometric analysis, coloration as well as photographs of the frogs have been provided in detail. Skittering frogs were seen frequent in swampy areas near the water bodies. These frogs were mostly seen after sunset.

Resumo Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (a rã que desliza) é uma das espécies mais comuns no Paquistão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a presença de Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis em áreas urbanas e rurais de Lower Dir, noroeste do Paquistão. Um total de 33 sapos foram coletados, incluindo 15 de áreas rurais e 18 de áreas urbanas. As rãs foram apanhadas com as mãos cobertas com luvas em vez de redes. A coleta foi gerenciada de agosto a outubro de 2016 e de abril a maio de 2018. Análises morfométricas, coloração e também fotografias das rãs foram fornecidas em detalhes. Rãs saltitantes foram vistas freqüentemente em áreas pantanosas próximas aos corpos d'água. Essas rãs eram vistas principalmente após o pôr do sol.

Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis Schneider, 1799 (Amphibia: Dicroglossidae) in district Lower Dir, Pakistan / Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis (Schneider, 1799) Amphibia: Dicroglossidae no distrito de Lower Dir, Paquistão

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (the skittering frog) is one of the most widespread species in Pakistan. Present study was aimed to know the presence of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in urban and rural areas of Lower Dir, the North-western Pakistan. A total of 33 frogs were collected, including 15 from rural and 18 from urban areas. The frogs were caught by hands covered with gloves instead of using nets. The collection was managed from August to October 2016 and from April to May 2018. Morphometric analysis, coloration as well as photographs of the frogs have been provided in detail. Skittering frogs were seen frequent in swampy areas near the water bodies. These frogs were mostly seen after sunset.

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (a rã que desliza) é uma das espécies mais comuns no Paquistão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a presença de Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis em áreas urbanas e rurais de Lower Dir, noroeste do Paquistão. Um total de 33 sapos foram coletados, incluindo 15 de áreas rurais e 18 de áreas urbanas. As rãs foram apanhadas com as mãos cobertas com luvas em vez de redes. A coleta foi gerenciada de agosto a outubro de 2016 e de abril a maio de 2018. Análises morfométricas, coloração e também fotografias das rãs foram fornecidas em detalhes. Rãs saltitantes foram vistas freqüentemente em áreas pantanosas próximas aos corpos d'água. Essas rãs eram vistas principalmente após o pôr do sol.

Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis Schneider, 1799 (Amphibia: Dicroglossidae) in district Lower Dir, Pakistan / Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis (Schneider, 1799) Amphibia: Dicroglossidae no distrito de Lower Dir, Paquistão

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (the skittering frog) is one of the most widespread species in Pakistan. Present study was aimed to know the presence of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in urban and rural areas of Lower Dir, the North-western Pakistan. A total of 33 frogs were collected, including 15 from rural and 18 from urban areas. The frogs were caught by hands covered with gloves instead of using nets. The collection was managed from August to October 2016 and from April to May 2018. Morphometric analysis, coloration as well as photographs of the frogs have been provided in detail. Skittering frogs were seen frequent in swampy areas near the water bodies. These frogs were mostly seen after sunset.

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (a rã que desliza) é uma das espécies mais comuns no Paquistão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a presença de Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis em áreas urbanas e rurais de Lower Dir, noroeste do Paquistão. Um total de 33 sapos foram coletados, incluindo 15 de áreas rurais e 18 de áreas urbanas. As rãs foram apanhadas com as mãos cobertas com luvas em vez de redes. A coleta foi gerenciada de agosto a outubro de 2016 e de abril a maio de 2018. Análises morfométricas, coloração e também fotografias das rãs foram fornecidas em detalhes. Rãs saltitantes foram vistas freqüentemente em áreas pantanosas próximas aos corpos d’água. Essas rãs eram vistas principalmente após o pôr do sol.

Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis Schneider, 1799 (Amphibia: Dicroglossidae) in district Lower Dir, Pakistan / Euphlyctis Cyanophlyctis (Schneider, 1799) Amphibia: Dicroglossidae no distrito de Lower Dir, Paquistão

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (the skittering frog) is one of the most widespread species in Pakistan. Present study was aimed to know the presence of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in urban and rural areas of Lower Dir, the North-western Pakistan. A total of 33 frogs were collected, including 15 from rural and 18 from urban areas. The frogs were caught by hands covered with gloves instead of using nets. The collection was managed from August to October 2016 and from April to May 2018. Morphometric analysis, coloration as well as photographs of the frogs have been provided in detail. Skittering frogs were seen frequent in swampy areas near the water bodies. These frogs were mostly seen after sunset.(AU)

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (a rã que desliza) é uma das espécies mais comuns no Paquistão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a presença de Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis em áreas urbanas e rurais de Lower Dir, noroeste do Paquistão. Um total de 33 sapos foram coletados, incluindo 15 de áreas rurais e 18 de áreas urbanas. As rãs foram apanhadas com as mãos cobertas com luvas em vez de redes. A coleta foi gerenciada de agosto a outubro de 2016 e de abril a maio de 2018. Análises morfométricas, coloração e também fotografias das rãs foram fornecidas em detalhes. Rãs saltitantes foram vistas freqüentemente em áreas pantanosas próximas aos corpos dágua. Essas rãs eram vistas principalmente após o pôr do sol.(AU)

A three-year Herpetofauna survey from one of the largest remnants of the Atlantic Rainforest Biome (Reserva Natural Vale)

Here we present a three-year survey of amphibian and reptile species registered in the Vale Natural Reserve (VNR), located in the north of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. The VNR, along with the Sooretama Biological Reserve (SBR) and other surrounding areas, form a forest block that constitutes one of the largest remnants of continuous forest in the Atlantic Forest biome. We systematically sampled the herpetofauna community from 2015 to 2018, using the method of active search method in 27 plots of RAPELD distributed in the different types of vegetation present in the area. We recorded 39 species of amphibians belonging to the order Anura, distributed in seven families and 40 species of reptiles belonging to 20 families distributed in three orders: Crocodylia, Testudines and Squamata. The supplementation the samplings with those records from occasional encounters was important for the survey of the region's herpetofauna, mainly for reptiles. We added four species (two lizards, one amphisbaenid and one snake) to the known list for the VNR-SBR forest block: Micrablepharus maximiliani, Strobilurus torquatus, Amphisbaena alba and Tantilla sp. We demonstrated that VNR contains a high species richness of amphibians and reptiles, with a high number of anurans being endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome. The present species inventory provided the most current approximation of known the richness and composition of species of the existing herpetofauna at Vale Natural Reserve, since the period of the gathering of records is quite recent (2015-2018). Also, it brings the knowledge of some community parameters as species richness and composition not only for the whole area of the Vale Natural Reserve, but also for its different vegetation types, with no inclusion of environments outside this reserve. Furthermore, the presence of threatened species, the addition of four species to the current list, and the potential for new species to occur, reinforce the role of VNR as an important area for the protection of amphibian and reptile biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest.(AU)

Color polymorphism and variation in microhabitat selection: a defensive strategy in males of Boana pulchella (Anura: Hylidae)?

Anurans vary in body coloration and frequently exhibit color polymorphism, with selection by predation pressure favoring more cryptic animals. Spatial differentiation may also favor color polymorphism in some species, since cryptic morphotypes can use substrates that better match their coloration. Boana pulchella is a polymorphic species with green and brown morphotypes, but its polymorphism remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to determine the functionality of color polymorphism in B. pulchella as a defense strategy. Artificial green and brown clay models were placed in environments with green and brown background to determine if the two morphotypes of B. pulchella experience different frequencies of attacks. We expected that more conspicuous morphs are attacked more frequently. The attack rate, which suggests predation intent, on the models was 9.57%. The marks observed in the artificial models were left by both mammals and birds. The number of damaged models did not significantly differ between the different background environments. The results indicate that B. pulchella morphotypes are equally cryptic to predators in the studied environments. In conclusion, probably color polymorphism in B. pulchella is not operating as a defensive strategy, and other selective forces may be acting in the maintenance of color polymorphism in this species.(AU)

On the occurrence of Scinax kennedyi (Pyburn, 1973) (Anura, Hylidae) in the state of Roraima, northern Brazil

Scinax comprises 129 species of treefrogs divided between the S. ruber and the S. catharinae clades. The S. rostratus group belongs to the S. ruber clade, and comprises ten species characterized by having a dark interorbital triangular mark, tubercle on the heel and by vocalizing in a head-down position. Within this group, S. kennedyi and S. rostratus are similar in that they are the only species that do not possess a row of tubercles on the lower jaw. In spite of their morphological similarity, they can be distinguished from each other by male size and advertisement call traits. Scinax kennedyi was described from eastern Colombia, and occurs from central Colombia to western Venezuela, whereas S. rostratus was described from northern Venezuela, and is thought to occur from Panama to eastern Venezuela, and in the Brazilian state of Pará. A recent study reported a population identified as S. rostratus from the state of Roraima, in northern Brazil. However, this population presented substantial differences in male size and advertisement call in comparison to the described for this species, and apparently it best fits the diagnosis of S. kennedyi instead. In view of this, the present study aimed to clarify the identity of this Brazilian population through a reassessment of its specimens and call recordings, together with the examination of data of S. kennedyi from its type locality, and of S. rostratus from northern Venezuela. Acoustic and morphological analyses revealed that specimens from northern Brazil were indeed misidentified as S. rostratus, and hence they were herein reassigned to S. kennedyi. The study therefore demonstrates the occurrence of S. kennedyi in Brazil, extending its distribution ca. 1,120 km east by south from its type locality, and ca. 844 km east-southeast from its easternmost previous record. With this reassessment, a clearer acoustic diagnosis between S. kennedyi and S. rostratus was provided, as well as further data on fine-scale temporal traits of their calls.(AU)

Individual variation in the advertisement call of Aplastodiscus albosignatus (Anura: Hylidae) is correlated with body size and environmental temperature

The importance of amphibian bioacoustics is widely documented in ecological, taxonomical and evolutionary studies, as calls might act as a primary mechanism of reproductive isolation. The influence of air temperature and male size on the variation of the advertisement calls in anurans is widely recognized but still insufficiently analyzed in Brazilian species. Our goals were to (1) describe the advertisement call of Aplastodiscus albosignatus (Lutz & Lutz, 1938), (2) test the influence of temperature and body size on its acoustic signals and (3) evaluate the variation of within and between-male acoustic signals. Advertisement calls of A. albosignatus consist of an unpulsed note with four harmonics. In most cases, the dominant frequency is the third harmonic but, in some calls, it was the minimum frequency (first harmonic). The average duration of calls was 0.191 s, the interval between calls was 2.08 s and the repetition rate was 33 calls per minute. On average, the minimum frequency was 550.15 Hz, the maximum frequency was 3531.70 Hz and the third harmonic was 2498.9 Hz. To evaluate the effect of air temperature, and body size on the variation of call parameters, we performed generalized linear models. The most explanatory model for spectral parameters was temperature plus body size. Concerning temporal variables, the best model that explains the variation in call duration was body size, while for the interval between calls was air temperature. The maximum frequency and the frequency of the third harmonic had little variation in the calls of both the same male and different males. Thus, these parameters were considered important in species recognition.(AU)

Intoxicação de cães por venenos de anuros: prevalência, danos aos animais e protocolos clínicos / Dog poisoning by anuran poisons: prevalence, animal damage and clinical protocols

Indivíduos da família Bufonidae são comumente associados a casos de intoxicação de cães após contato com o veneno secretado nas glândulas presentes no tegumento, reforçando a importância de tratamentos efetivos após esta interação. Neste trabalho apresentamos uma revisão sobre casos de intoxicação de cães por venenos de anuros, relacionando os principais sintomas nos cães e os protocolos clínicos utilizados. Realizamos uma busca por artigos que relatem casos de intoxicação de cães por anuros nos repositórios Google Scholar, Scielo e PubMed. Utilizamos palavras-chave nos idiomas português e inglês. Um total de 430 artigos foram encontrados, sendo apenas 17 de acordo com a proposta da pesquisa. Os registros encontrados foram para o Brasil, Austrália e Estados Unidos. As espécies de anuros reportadas na literatura foram exclusivamente as do gênero Rhinella. O maior número dos casos registrados no Brasil ocorreu em ambiente urbano. Os principais sintomas descritos após intoxicação de cães foram salivação em excesso, convulsão e vômito. Óbitos também foram encontrados durante a busca. Principais protocolos para o tratamento após envenenamento foram lavagem da cavidade oral do cão, e administração de atropina, diazepam e fluidoterapia. Foi observado que há influência do tamanho dos cães na severidade após intoxicação, sendo os de pequeno porte mais suscetíveis a quadros letais. Sugerimos, por conta do baixo número de registros, que possivelmente a quantidade de casos acerca desta temática seja subestimado. Neste estudo evidenciamos que os protocolos utilizados para o cuidado dos cães intoxicados não são realizados de forma padrão, alterando de acordo com o quadro clínico apresentado.

Individuals of the Bufonidae family are commonly associated with cases of poisoning in dogs after contact with the venom secreted in glands present in the tegument, reinforcing the importance of effective treatments after this interaction. In this paper, we present a review of cases of poisoning in dogs by anuran venom, relating the main symptoms in dogs and the clinical protocols used. We performed a search for articles reporting cases of anuran poisoning in dogs in the Google Scholar, Scielo, and PubMed repositories. We used keywords in Portuguese and English. A total of 430 articles were found and only 17 of which were in accordance with the research proposal. The records found were for Brazil, Australia, and the United States. The species of anurans reported in the literature were exclusively those of the genus Rhinella. The greatest number of cases registered in Brazil occurred in an urban environment. The main symptoms described after intoxication in dogs were excessive salivation, convulsion, and vomiting. Deaths were also found during the search. The main protocols for treatment after poisoning were washing the dog's oral cavity, and administration of atropine, diazepam, and fluid therapy. It was observed that the size of the dogs influences the severity after intoxication, with small dogs being more susceptible to lethal conditions. Due to the low number of records, we suggest that the number of cases on this topic is possibly underestimated. In this study, we showed that the protocols used for the care of intoxicated dogs are not performed in a standard way, changing according to the clinical picture presented.

Minimizing the damage: a methodological proposal to remove the brains of anurans and squamates

The brain is one of the most important organs of vertebrates. Over the years, several studies have investigated brain features under different approaches, such as comparative morphology. Although many recent studies use non-invasive methods, such as micro-CT scan, some methods require access to the brain, such as histological analyses and cell count methods. In addition, several researchers do not have access to those expensive devices and rely on the traditional dissection to conduct their studies. Still, for most vertebrates, very few protocols are available for removing the brain, especially those committed to minimizing the damage to the specimen for further examinations. Here we describe in detail a method to dissect the brains of anurans and squamates maintaining the specimen's external morphology as undamaged as possible. This simple method can be performed using few tools and can be achieved in the first trials, representing an incentive for more research on vertebrate's brains. This method contributes to the maximum utilization of each animal collected, a positive practice from both ethical and practical perspectives.(AU)

Phylogenetic position of Gorgoderina parvicava Travassos, 1922 (Digenea: Gorgoderidae), a parasite of Leptodactylus labyrinthicus (Spix, 1824) (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in Brazil / Posição filogenética de Gorgoderina parvicava Travassos, 1922 (Digenea: Gorgoderidae), parasita de Leptodactylus labyrinthicus (Spix, 1824) (Anura: Leptodactylidae) no Brasil

During a parasite survey in Brazilian amphibians from São Paulo state, Brazil, Gorgoderina parvicava Travassos, 1922 was found in the urinary bladder (11 adult worms) and (five juvenile worms) in the kidneys of the pepperfrog Leptodactylus labyrinthicus (Spix, 1824). Parasites were examined by microscopy and 28S rDNA and COI gene were sequenced and analyzed for the molecular study. The phylogenetic reconstructions resulted in identical topologies with highly supported values in the nodes in most clades using Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods and positioned G. parvicava in the subclade formed by species of subfamily Gorgoderinae parasitizing the urinary bladder of amphibians. Molecular phylogenetic data showed that this species is related to other species of Gorgoderina. In addition, new molecular data and the analyses of genetic distances provide extra comparative data, which can be applied in further investigations on the taxonomic status and the diversity among Gorgoderina spp. and host-parasite relationships.

Durante o levantamento de parasitas de anfíbios brasileiros do estado de São Paulo, Brasil, Gorgoderina parvicava Travassos, 1922 foi encontrado na bexiga urinária (11 vermes adultos) e nos rins (cinco vermes juvenis) da rãpimenta Leptodactylus labyrinthicus (Spix, 1824). Os parasitas foram examinados por microscopia e os genes 28S rDNA e COI foram sequenciados e analisados para o estudo molecular. As reconstruções filogenéticas resultaram em topologias idênticas com valores suportados nos nós na maioria dos clados, usando métodos de máxima verossimilhança e inferência bayesiana e posicionaram G. parvicava no subclado formado por espécies da subfamília Gorgoderinae parasitando a bexiga urinária de anfíbios. Dados filogenéticos moleculares mostraram que esta espécie está relacionada a outras espécies de Gorgoderina. Além disso, novos dados moleculares e as análises de distâncias genéticas fornecem dados comparativos extras, que podem ser aplicados em futuras investigações sobre o status taxonômico e a diversidade entre Gorgoderina spp. e relações parasita-hospedeiro.

Study on the mechanisms of Suaeda rigida polysaccharides on the heart inhibition and skeletal muscle promotion in the frog / [Estudo sobre os mecanismos dos polissacarídeos de Suaeda rigida na inibição do coração e promoção da musculatura esquelética no sapo]

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of different concentrations of Suaeda rigida polysaccharides (SRPs) on the physiological characteristics of the frog heart and gastrocnemius muscle, compare their similarities and differences, and analyze the mechanisms. CaCl2 and acetylcholine (Ach) were selected respectively to be co-incubated with the high concentration SRPs to observe the effects on the heart contraction of frog. The effects of different concentrations of the SRPs on the activities of acetylcholinesterase (A-CHE), Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase in the isolated frog heart were detected by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The gastrocnemius muscle was immersed in the high concentration of SRPs for 10 min, and the systolic indexes were recorded. The effects of SRPs on the Ach content and A-CHE activity at the sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius junction were determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the SRPs had significant inhibitory effects on the contractile amplitude of isolated heart and the contractile amplitude induced by CaCl2 and Ach, respectively (P<0.01). The activity of Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase was significantly promoted, and the activity of A-CHE was significantly inhibited (P<0.01). The contraction amplitude, contraction rate, relaxation rate of gastrocnemius muscle and the Ach content at the junction of sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius muscle were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the activity of A-CHE at the junction was significantly inhibited (P<0.01) by the SRPs. All the results suggested that the SRPs could inhibit the contraction of heart and promote the contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscle. The mechanism was related to blocking the fast INa channel, inhibiting the ICa-L and activating the M receptors of myocardial membrane and then inhibiting external Ca2+ influx, increasing Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity, decreasing a-che activity.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram investigar os efeitos de diferentes concentrações de Suaeda rigida polissacarídeos (SRPs) sobre as características fisiológicas do coração de rã e do músculo gastrocnêmio, comparar suas semelhanças e diferenças, e analisar os mecanismos. CaCl2 e acetilcolina (Ach) foram selecionados respectivamente para serem co-incubados com os SRPs de alta concentração para observar os efeitos sobre a contração do coração de rã. Os efeitos das diferentes concentrações dos SRPs sobre as atividades da acetilcolinesterase (A-CHE), Na+-K+-ATPase e Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase no coração isolado de rã foram detectados pela espectrofotometria UV-Vis. O músculo gastrocnêmio foi imerso na alta concentração de SRP por 10 min, e os índices sistólicos foram registrados. Os efeitos das SRPs no conteúdo de Ach e na atividade de A-CHE na junção nervo-gastrocnêmio ciático foram determinados pela espectrofotometria UV-Vis e pelo ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática (ELISA). Os resultados mostraram que os SRPs tiveram efeitos inibidores significativos sobre a amplitude contrátil do coração isolado e a amplitude contrátil induzida por CaCl2 e Ach, respectivamente (P<0,01). A atividade do Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase foi significativamente promovida e a atividade do A-CHE foi significativamente inibida (P<0,01). A amplitude de contração, a taxa de contração, a taxa de relaxamento do músculo gastrocnêmio e o conteúdo de Ach na junção do músculo nervo ciático-gastrocnêmio foram significativamente aumentados (P<0,01), e a atividade do A-CHE na junção foi significativamente inibida (P<0,01) pelas SRPs. Todos os resultados sugeriram que os SRPs poderiam inibir a contração do coração e promover a contração e o relaxamento do músculo esquelético. O mecanismo estava relacionado ao bloqueio do canal INa rápido, inibindo a ICa-L e ativando os receptores M da membrana miocárdica e depois inibindo o influxo externo de Ca2+, aumentando a atividade de Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase, diminuindo a atividade a-che.

Helminth's assemblage of a small frog in the Brazilian semiarid: parasite-host-environment relationships / Assembleia de helmintos em uma pequena rã no semiárido brasileiro: relação parasito-hospedeiro-ambiente

Parasite infections may contingency different aspects of the hosts' lives, and are usually expected to directly or indirectly compromise host reproduction. However, although amphibians have historically been study models in parasite ecology, the effects of parasitism on amphibians' reproduction remain unknown. Thus, we investigated how the parasite load varies as a function of climatic seasonality (rainy and dry season) and intrinsic host characteristics (size and sex), as well as the relationship between parasite load and reproductive investment in males and females of a small frog (Pseudopaludicola pocoto Magalhães, Loebmann, Kokubum, Haddad & Garda, 2014) in the Brazilian semiarid region. The parasitological parameters of the studied population were not influenced by the season of the year or by the hosts' body size, but females of P. pocoto had a higher prevalence and intensity of infection than males. The number of oocytes and the volume of the testes were not related to the parasite load, revealing that the parasitism did not negatively impact the gonadal investment in P. pocoto. Our findings suggest that short-lived species, such as the tiny Pseudopaludicola species, have a high reproductive investment independent of their parasitic interactions. In addition, this should be true mainly in those species that live in seasonally dry environments, such as P. pocoto, in which reproduction is even more constrained by the shortened and unpredictable rainy period.

Como infecções parasitárias podem contigenciar diversos aspectos da vida dos hospedeiros, de modo geral, espera-se que o parasitismo comprometa direta ou indiretamente a reprodução dos hospedeiros. Contudo, apesar dos anfíbios historicamente terem sido modelos de estudos em ecologia parasitária, os efeitos do parasitismo na reprodução de anfíbios permanecem incompreendidos. Neste trabalho investigamos como a carga parasitária varia em função da sazonalidade climática (período chuvoso e seco) e de características intrínsecas dos hospedeiros (tamanho e sexo), bem como a relação entre a intensidade de infecção e o investimento reprodutivo em machos e fêmeas de uma pequena rã (Pseudopaludicola pocoto Magalhães, Loebmann, Kokubum, Haddad & Garda, 2014) no semiárido brasileiro. Os parâmetros parasitológicos da população estudada não foram influenciados pela estação do ano nem pelo tamanho corpóreo dos hospedeiros, mas as fêmeas de P. pocoto apresentaram maior prevalência e intensidade de infecção que os machos. A carga parasitária não foi relacionada com o número de ovócitos nem com o volume dos testículos, revelando que o parasitismo não impactou negativamente o investimento gonadal em P. pocoto. Nossos achados sugerem que espécies com baixa longevidade, como as diminutas espécies de Pseudopaludicola, apresentam um alto investimento reprodutivo independente de suas interações parasitárias. Complementarmente, isto deve ocorrer sobretudo naquelas espécies que vivem em ambientes sazonalmente secos, como P. pocoto, nos quais a reprodução é ainda mais contigenciada pela brevidade e imprevisibilidade do período chuvoso.

The tadpole of an insular population of Cycloramphus boraceiensis Heyer, 1983 (Anura: Cycloramphidae) with a review of larval descriptions for species in the genus

A literature survey for the external morphology of tadpoles for species in the genus Cycloramphus Tschudi, 1838, which is mainly represented by larval descriptions, resulted in finding some inconsistent character descriptions. In a few cases, some of the information is either not presented or mistakenly reported; in some cases, the illustrations provided the information not present in the descriptions. Here in we use a sample of tadpoles of an insular population identified as Cycloramphus boraceiensis, present a description for it, compare it to the original larval description for this species, and using it as a model, present a comparative review of the other larval descriptions for Cycloramphus tadpoles. We evaluate that most of the mistakes we found in the literature are associated to the unique morphology of these semiterrestrial larvae and some of their seemingly adaptation to their microhabitats, which for the majority of the known species is a film of water running associated to or near streams.(AU)

First record of Scinax centralis (Anura, Hylidae) in the Triângulo Mineiro region, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, with further data on its vocalization

Scinax comprises more than 120 species which are split in two clades, the S. ruber and the S. catharinae clades. A few species within the S. catharinae clade occur in gallery forests of the Brazilian Cerrado. We here extend the distribution of S. centralis southwards based on new populations sampled in the banks of the Rio Paranaíba, in the borders of Minas Gerais (MG) and Goiás (GO) states, southeastern Brazil. We also provide further data on the species vocalization. Variation was seen among our population and topotypes regarding SVL and call dominant frequency, both likely representing a clinal variation. Our new population of S. centralis represents the first record of the species for the state of Minas Gerais.(AU)

Identification key for anuran amphibians in a protected area in the northeastern Atlantic Forest

The identification of anuran amphibians is still a challenge in megadiverse assemblages. In the Neotropics, the Atlantic Forest harbors more than 600 anuran species, and many studies in this ecoregion report anuran assemblages surpassing 30 species. Taxonomic keys facilitate the identification of biological diversity, however only a few are available for anuran assemblages in the Atlantic Forest. Herein we present an identification key for 40 anuran species distributed across 20 genera and nine families, occurring in the Environmental Protection Area of Catolé and Fernão Velho, northeastern Atlantic Forest. Thirty-five morphological characteristics were used in the key, all of which can be easily observed in living and museum specimens. This pioneer study provides the first identification key for an amphibian assemblage in the northeastern Atlantic Forest and this baseline information acts as the starting point for the development of evolutionary and ecological research in this conservation unit.(AU)