Biochemical metabolism of young plants of Ucuúba (Virola surinamensis) in the presence of cadmium.

Virola surinamensis is a forest species widely distributed in the estuaries of the Amazon. These ecosystems are susceptible to contamination by Cadmium (Cd), indicating that the plant has strategies for tolerating this metal. The aim of this study was to assess the nitrogen and carbon metabolism of young plants of Ucuúba (Virola surinamensis) in the presence of cadmium with the perspective of the phytoremediation of contaminated environments. The used experimental design was a completely randomized design with five Cd concentrations (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 mg L- 1), for 60 days. In general, Cd did not affect nitrate concentration in the root but had a positive effect on leaves. The reduction of nitrate reductase (NR) in plants exposed to Cd was followed by a decrease in ammonia, total soluble amino acids (TSA), and total soluble proteins (TSP). Cd promoted an increase in the concentration of total soluble carbohydrates (TSC), proline, sucrose, and reducing sugars in the plants. The increase in TSC, sucrose and proline, suggests a metabolic regulatory mechanism of V. surinamensis against Cd stress.

Resistance patterns, ESBL genes, and genetic relatedness of Escherichia coli from dogs and owners.

Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from pet dogs can be considered a potential threat of infection for the human population. Our objective was to characterize the resistance pattern, extended spectrum beta-lactamase production and genetic relatedness of multiresistant E. coli strains isolated from dogs (n=134), their owners (n=134), and humans who claim to have no contact with dogs (n=44, control), searching for sharing of strains. The strains were assessed for their genetic relatedness by phylogenetic grouping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Multiresistant E. coli strains were isolated from 42 (31.3%) fecal samples from pairs of dogs and owners, totaling 84 isolates, and from 19 (43.1%) control group subjects. The strains showed high levels of resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole regardless of host species or group of origin. The blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV genes were detected in similar proportions in all groups. All isolates positive for bla genes were ESBL producers. The phylogenetic group A was the most prevalent, irrespective of the host species. None of the strains belonging to the B2 group contained bla genes. Similar resistance patterns were found for strains from dogs, owners and controls; furthermore, identical PFGE profiles were detected in four (9.5%) isolate pairs from dogs and owners, denoting the sharing of strains. Pet dogs were shown to be a potential household source of multiresistant E. coli strains.

Digestibilidade aparente do farelo de palmiste em tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) / Apparent digestibility of palm kernel meal to tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a digestibilidade do farelo de palmiste (Elaeis guineensis) para o tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), em duas classes de peso: 1 (210 alevinos de 4,45±1,18g) e 2 (54 juvenis de 115,91±4,01g). Os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente (CDA) da matéria seca, proteína bruta e energia bruta do farelo de palmiste foram avaliados pela metodologia de substituição da dieta referência, utilizando-se 0,1% de óxido crômico como indicador externo. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste t de Student, a 5% de probabilidade. Os CDAs da matéria seca, proteína bruta e energia bruta do ingrediente foram iguais (P>0,05) nas classes de peso avaliadas. Os CDAs observados nas classes 1 e 2, respectivamente, foram: matéria seca (17,52% e 20,75%), proteína bruta (62,83% e 63,75%) e energia bruta (14,16% e 22,43%). A capacidade do tambaqui para digerir os nutrientes do farelo de palmiste não foi influenciada pelo peso corporal, e o aproveitamento satisfatório da proteína (63,29%) faz desse ingrediente uma potencial fonte alternativa de proteína em dietas para a espécie.(AU)

The objective of this work was to determine the digestibility of palm kernel meal (Elaeis guineensis) in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), in two weight classes: 1 (210 fingerlings of 4.45±1.18g) and 2 (54 juveniles of 115.91±4.01g). The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, crude protein and crude energy of the palm kernel meal were evaluated by the substitution of the reference diet methodology, using 0.1% chromic oxide as an external indicator. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test at 5% probability. The dry matter, crude protein and crude energy ADCs of the ingredient were the same (P> 0.05) in the weight classes evaluated. The ADCs observed in classes 1 and 2, respectively, were: dry matter (17.52% and 20.75%), crude protein (62.83% and 63.75%) and crude energy (14.16% and 22.43%). The ability of tambaqui to digest the nutrients of palm kernel meal was not influenced by body weight, and satisfactory protein utilization (63.29%) makes this ingredient a potential alternative source of protein in diets for the species.(AU)

Resistance patterns, ESBL genes, and genetic relatedness of Escherichia coli from dogs and owners

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from pet dogs can be considered a potential threat of infection for the human population. Our objective was to characterize the resistance pattern, extended spectrum beta-lactamase production and genetic relatedness of multiresistant E. coli strains isolated from dogs (n = 134), their owners (n = 134), and humans who claim to have no contact with dogs (n = 44, control), searching for sharing of strains. The strains were assessed for their genetic relatedness by phylogenetic grouping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Multiresistant E. coli strains were isolated from 42 (31.3%) fecal samples from pairs of dogs and owners, totaling 84 isolates, and from 19 (43.1%) control group subjects. The strains showed high levels of resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole regardless of host species or group of origin. The blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV genes were detected in similar proportions in all groups. All isolates positive for bla genes were ESBL producers. The phylogenetic group A was the most prevalent, irrespective of the host species. None of the strains belonging to the B2 group contained bla genes. Similar resistance patterns were found for strains from dogs, owners and controls; furthermore, identical PFGE profiles were detected in four (9.5%) isolate pairs from dogs and owners, denoting the sharing of strains. Pet dogs were shown to be a potential household source of multiresistant E. coli strains.

Wolbachia spp. interfere na detecção molecular de Ehrlichia canis e Anaplasma platys em cães com microfilaremia / Wolbachia spp. interferes with molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in microfilaremic dogs

This report aimed to study the interference in molecular testing for Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in blood of 155 dogs from the coastal region of Rio de Janeiro. Five Anaplasmataceae positive samples but negative for E. canis and A. platys, from microfilaremic animals, were chosen for sequencing. These sequences, when compared to Gen et Bank database, showed 88% to 100% similarity with Wolbachia spp. denoting an interference in the detection of DNA from other members of Anaplasmataceae, possibly due to a high concentration of Wolbachia spp. DNA.(AU)