Oviposition preference of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) at different times after pruning 'Italia' table grapes grown in Brazil.

Studies investigating oviposition preference of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) in table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivated in the São Francisco River Valley can provide important information to guide control measures, therefore minimizing damage caused by this species in the region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oviposition preference of C. capitata females for berries cv. 'Italia' collected at five different times (60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 d after production pruning [DAPP]), representing five grapevine growth stages. We also assessed the performance of immature stages of C. capitata regarding the physiological development of the berry. The total soluble solid content was significantly higher in berries at more advanced physiological developmental stages (90 and 100 DAPP). Conversely, these berries showed the lowest values of firmness and titratable acidity. With the onset of physiological development, the average number of punctures per berry increased and reached 5.2 per berry in 100 DAPP berries. The infestation level and pupal weight showed a positive correlation with the growth stage. The highest recovery of pupae was observed in 100 DAPP berries (1.54). Pupal viability values ranged from 50.9 to 64.7% independent of berry maturity stage. The physiological developmental stage of the berry did not affect offspring sex ratio. Results obtained suggest that regardless of the female preference for laying eggs on berries in a more advanced physiological developmental stage, females can initiate the attack to bunches of this cultivar at 60 DAPP, even if the berries have unfavorable physicochemical parameters for oviposition and development of larvae.

Gingival squamous cell carcinoma in 2 lions under managed care.

Neoplasia is one of the main causes of euthanasia in geriatric captive nondomestic felids. However, few studies have examined oral tumors in these animals. We describe here the clinicopathologic features of gingival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 2 lions (Panthera leo) from separate zoologic collections. In both cases, the lions had a history of sialorrhea, bloody oral discharge, and anorexia. Autopsy findings in both lions were similar and were characterized by poorly circumscribed, friable, and bloody gingival masses with grossly apparent invasion of the mandibular bone; a pathologic fracture was observed in 1 case. Histologically, the masses consisted of poorly circumscribed, unencapsulated, densely cellular proliferations of neoplastic epithelial cells arranged in irregular islands, cords, and anastomosing trabeculae with formation of keratin pearls, which, coupled with positive immunohistochemistry for pancytokeratin, were diagnostic for SCC. Although no metastases were found in either animal, both lions were ultimately euthanized because of poor prognosis.

Ticks infesting wildlife species in northeastern Brazil with new host and locality records.

From September 2008 to March 2010, 397 ticks (315 larvae, 33 nymphs, 23 females, and 26 males) were collected from captive and free-living wildlife species in northeastern Brazil. Six tick species were identified, including Amblyomma auricularium (Conil) on Tamandua tetradactyla (L.), Amblyomma dubitatum Neumann on Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris (L.), Nectomys rattus (Pelzen) and T. tetradactyla, Amblyomma parvum Aragão on T. tetradactyla, Amblyomma rotundatum Koch on Boa constrictor L., Chelonoidis carbonaria (Spix), Kinosternon scorpioides (L.) and Rhinella jimi (Stevaux), Amblyomma oarium Koch on Bradypus variegatus Schinz, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) on Lycalopex vetulus (Lund). Nectomys rattus and T. tetradactyla are new hosts for A. dubitatum. This study extends the known distribution ofA. dubitatum in South America and provides evidence that its geographical range has been underestimated because of the lack of research. Four (A. dubitatum, A. parvum, A. rotundatum, and R. sanguineus) of six tick species identified in this study have previously been found on humans in South America, some of them being potentially involved in the transmission of pathogens of zoonotic concern.

Intestinal Myxoid Leiomyosarcoma in a Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor).

A 9-year-old male sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) that died during sedation had a large and firm polypoid mass, which expanded the small intestinal wall and partially obstructed the duodenal lumen. Histopathology revealed a pleomorphic sarcoma composed of stellate to spindloid cells loosely arranged in an abundant myxoid matrix. The cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells was strongly immunopositive for vimentin and smooth muscle actin, but negative for c-KIT, desmin and myoglobin. The findings are consistent with intestinal myxoid leiomyosarcoma, which is rare in cervids and has not been described in the sambar deer, which is an endangered species.

Isolation of Salmonella spp. in cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) from Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil.

The growth of the population of cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) in the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha constitutes a threat to public health and biological diversity because of their competition with and predation on native species and the possibility of transmission of pathogens to human beings, livestock and native wildlife. The aim here was to search for, isolate and identify serovars of Salmonella in clinically healthy local cattle egrets. Cloacal swabs were obtained from 456 clinically healthy cattle egrets of both sexes and a variety of ages. The swabs were divided into 51 pools. Six of these (11.7%) presented four serovars of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica: Salmonella serovar Typhimurium; Salmonella serovar Newport; Salmonella serovar Duisburg; and Salmonella serovar Zega. One sample was identified as S. enterica subspecies enterica O16:y:-. Results in this study suggest that cattle egrets may be reservoirs of this agent on Fernando de Noronha and represent a risk to public health and biological diversity.

Evaluation of metronidazole-loaded poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) membranes to potential application in periodontitis treatment.

Guided tissue regeneration is a technique used for periodontium reconstruction. This technique uses barrier membranes, which prevent epithelial growth in the wound site and may also be used to release antibiotics, to protect the wound against opportunistic infections. Periodontal poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) membranes containing metronidazole (a drug used to help in infection control) were produced and characterized. The kinetic mechanism of the metronidazole delivery of leached and nonleached membrane as well as its cytotoxicity and structural integrity were evaluated. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) membranes containing 0.5-2 wt % of the drug and 20 wt % of the plasticizer were manufactured via compression molding. Based on morphological analysis, membranes loaded with 2% metronidazole were considered for detailed studies. The results revealed that metronidazole delivery by the leached membranes seemed to follow the Fick's law. Membranes were noncytotoxic. The amount of metronidazole delivered was in the range of the minimal inhibitory concentration for Porphyromonas gingivalis, and the membranes inhibited the proliferation of these bacteria. Besides, they maintained their mechanical resistance after 30 days of immersion in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4.

Influence of electrochemical polishing on the mechanical behaviour of nickel-titanium rotary files.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of electrochemical polishing on the cyclic fatigue, cutting efficiency and surface topography of Miltex nickel-titanium rotary files. A group of files were submitted to electrochemical polishing. New files and polished files were tested for flexural fatigue and for cutting efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy observations of all files were carried out to compare the surface morphologies of polished and new files. The t-test was used to compare the groups for cutting efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the polishing resulted in more regular surfaces in relation to the new files. Electropolished files attained a significantly higher number of cycles to fracture than new unpolished files. No statistical difference exists between the groups in relation to the cutting efficiency (t-test, P < 0.05). The polished files keep their integrity for a significantly higher number of cycles to fracture than the new files, without compromising cutting efficiency.

Isolation of Salmonella spp. in cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) from Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil

Abstract The growth of the population of cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) in the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha constitutes a threat to public health and biological diversity because of their competition with and predation on native species and the possibility of transmission of pathogens to human beings, livestock and native wildlife. The aim here was to search for, isolate and identify serovars of Salmonella in clinically healthy local cattle egrets. Cloacal swabs were obtained from 456 clinically healthy cattle egrets of both sexes and a variety of ages. The swabs were divided into 51 pools. Six of these (11.7%) presented four serovars of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica: Salmonella serovar Typhimurium; Salmonella serovar Newport; Salmonella serovar Duisburg; and Salmonella serovar Zega. One sample was identified as S. enterica subspecies enterica O16:y:-. Results in this study suggest that cattle egrets may be reservoirs of this agent on Fernando de Noronha and represent a risk to public health and biological diversity.

Perfil hematológico, bioquímico sérico, proteína C reativa e cortisol de ararajubas (Guaroba guarouba) mantidas em cativeiro / Blood profile, serum biochemistry, C-reactive protein and cortisol in golden conures (Guaroba guarouba) in captivity

Objetivou-se determinar os valores hematológicos, bioquímicos séricos, proteína C reativa e cortisol de 14 ararajubas (Guaroba guarouba) clinicamente saudáveis mantidas em cativeiro no zoológico do Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos Recife/PE. Amostras de sangue foram obtidas da veia jugular com volume médio de 0,8ml, fracionando em duas porções, a primeira depositada em tubo MiniCollect®CE contendo EDTA e a outra tubo com gel separador, para a separação do soro sanguíneo. Os indicadores bioquímicos e PCR foram determinados através do analisador ARCHITECT c8000. O cortisol foi analisado no Cobas E411 da Roche. Para a determinação dos números de eritrócitos e leucócitos, foi utilizada a metodologia da contagem em câmara de Neubauer. O hematócrito foi avaliado pelo método do microhematócrito e a hemoglobina pelo método da cianometahemoglobulina. Para a contagem diferencial de leucócitos, foi utilizada a técnica de Shilling. Os índices hematimétricos (VCM, HCM E CHCM) foram determinados com os valores encontrados na série eritrocítica. Os dados foram caracterizados por dispersão de freqüências, utilizando-se as seguintes medidas de tendência central: Média, desvio-padrão, mediana e percentil de 25 e percentil 75. A determinação de alguns parâmetros como ferro, triglicerídeos, PCR e cortisol foram identificados como sendo pioneiramente referenciados nesta espécie de ave. Os dados são apresentados como sendo de referência para a ararajuba (Guaroba guarouba) criada em cativeiro em condições similares de manejo e higidez e ainda pode contribuir para os trabalhos de conservação ex situ desta espécie.

The aim of this study was to determine the hematological, serum biochemical, C-reactive protein and cortisol 14 clinically healthy golden conures (Guaroba guarouba) kept in captivity at the Zoo of Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos Recife/PE, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein with an average of 0.8mL and divided into two parts, the first deposited in MiniCollect®EC and the other containing EDTA tube with gel separator for separating blood serum. Biochemical indicators and PCR was determined using the ARCHITECT analyzer c8000. Cortisol was analyzed on the Roche Cobas E411. To determine the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes the methodology of counting in a Neubauer chamber was used. Hematocrit was assessed by using the microhematocrit and hemoglobin for the method of cianometahemoglobulina. For the differential count the Shilling technique was used. The RBC indices (MCV, MCH and MCHC) were determined with values found in the erythrocytic series. The data were characterized by dispersion of frequencies, using the following measures of central tendency: mean, standard deviation, median and percentile 25 and 75 percentile. Parameters such as iron, triglycerides, CRP, and cortisol were identified and referenced in this pioneering species of bird. Data are presented as reference for Guaroba guarouba raised in captivity under similar conditions of management and healthiness and can still contribute to the work of ex situ conservation of this species.

[Occurrence of Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae) on papaya fruits in Minas Gerais State, Brazil]. / Ocorrência de Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae) em frutos de mamoeiro em Minas Gerais.

The objective of this work was to register the infestation of C. capitata on papaya fruits in Minas Gerais State. Papaya fruits were collected, in a commercial orchard, in Jaíba, north of the State of Minas Gerais. C. capitata was the only specie collected (794 individuals). Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) was collected parasitizing C. capitata larvae/pupae. The level of infestation was of 7,7 pupae/kg of fruit or 1,4 pupae/fruit, in average. C. capitata is registered for the first time on papaya fruits in the State of Minas Gerais.

A importância da ordem ciconiiformes na cadeia epidemiológica de salmonella spp. para a saúde pública e a conservação da diversidade biológica: [revisão] / The role of order ciconiiformes in the epidemiological chain of salmonella spp. for public health and biological diversity conservation: [review]

A diversidade biológica é representada por todas as unidades da natureza e sua conservação diz respeito à sobrevivência da própria espécie humana. Uma das ameaças à sua conservação são as doenças infecciosas que afetam a fauna, dentre as quais se podee incluir a salmonelose como uma das mais importantes, especialmente para a avifauna. Aves de topo de cadeia alimentar como os Ciconiiformes podem ser potenciais reservatórios e disseminadores da Salmonella spp. para outras espécies silvestres e também para populações humanas e animais domésticos, podendo causar prejuízos à saúde pública e ao meio ambiente. Objetivou-se descrever a infecção ou doença por Salmonella sp., o seu agente etiológico e sua ocorrência em Ciconiiformes, bem como demonstrar a importância destas aves na cadeia epidemiológica silvestre desta zoonose, verificando os riscos para a saúde pública e para a conservação da diversidade biológica.

Biological diversity is represented by all nature units and its conservation is about the survival of human beings. Infectious diseases are one of the possible threats for wildlife conservation, which includes salmonellosis as a most important disease, especially for the avifauna. Top alimentary chain birds such as Ciconiiformes can be reservoirs and disseminators of Salmonella spp. to other wild and domestic animals, and also for human populations, with serious risks to public and environmental health. This review describes infection by Salmonella spp., its etiological agent and occurrence in Ciconiiformes, as well as the importance of these wild birds for the epidemiological chain of the zoonosis, and discusses the risks for public health and biological diversity conservation.

In vitro effect of the herbicide glyphosate on human blood platelet aggregation and coagulation / Efeito in vitro do herbicida glifosato na agregação plaquetária e coagulação sanguínea em humanos

Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)-glycine] is a broad-spectrum, non-selective, post-emergence herbicide that is extensively used in agriculture. Published data referring to the effects of this product on human health are contradictory. We showed previously that long-term treatment of rats with low doses of Glyphosate-Biocarb® may induce hepatic histological changes and bleeding without decreasing platelet counts. The aim of the current study was to investigate, in vitro, the effect of glyphosate on human blood platelet aggregation and coagulation. Materials and methods: Platelet aggregation was determined in the platelet-rich plasma using the agents: 6µM-adenosine diphosphate, 6µM-epinephrine and 4µg/mL-collagen. Pretreatment with 500µg/mL glyphosate showed significant hypofunction of the three aggregating agents. The inhibitory effect was dose-dependent at concentrations from 50 to 500 µg/mL. The release of ATP was lower for glyphosate-treated platelets after stimulation by collagen. On the other hand, glyphosate did not promote any inhibitory effects on prothrombin time, thromboplastin time and thrombin time. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that glyphosate promotes changes in the platelet metabolism with an inhibitory effect on primary hemostasis.

O glifosato [N-(phosphonomethyl)-glycine] é um herbicida pós-emergente não seletivo de amplo espectro muito utilizado na agricultura. Dados da literatura referentes aos efeitos desse produto na saúde humana são contraditórios. Em estudos prévios demonstramos que ratos previamente tratados com glifosato apresentavam lesões hepáticas e sangramento sem alterações quantitativas de plaquetas. O objetivo do presente estudo é investigar os efeitos in vitro do glifosato (GP) na agregação plaquetária e coagulação sanguínea em humanos. A agregação plaquetária foi determinada em plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) usando os agentes adenosina difosfato (ADP) 6µM, epinefrina 6µM e colágeno 4µg/mL. Pré-tratamento com GP 500µg/mL demonstrou significativa hipofunção dos três agentes agregantes. O efeito inibitório foi dose dependente em concentrações de 50-500 µg/mL. Utilizando-se a quantificação de ATP como um índice da capacidade de secreção plaquetária, foi observado diminuição da liberação das plaquetas tratadas com GP. Por outro lado, o GP não promoveu efeito inibidor no tempo de protrombina (TP), tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (ATTP) e tempo de trombina (TT). Em conclusão, os resultados demonstram que o GP promove mudanças no metabolismo plaquetário com efeito inibitório na hemostasia primária.

Habitat selection by anchovies (Clupeiformes: Engraulidae) in a tropical bay at Southeastern Brazil

Distribution of anchovies (Clupeiformes, Engraulidae) was described in the Sepetiba Bay, a coastal area of Southeastern Brazil, to assess eventual mechanisms of habitat selection. Two fish sampling programmes were accomplished; one using beach seine (1998/2000) to catch juveniles in sandy beaches, and the other, using seines (1999/2000) to catch adults in deeper bay areas. Six species representing 4 genera were recorded: Anchoa tricolor, Anchoa januaria, Anchoa lyolepis, Cetengraulis edentulus, Engraulis anchoita and Lycengraulis grossidens. Anchoa tricolor and A. januaria were the most abundant species, with the former peaking in the outer bay, while the latter peaking in the inner bay. Adults A. tricolor are target of heavy commercial fisheries in the bay during Spring-Summer, while E. anchoita, an abundant species in the continental shelf, was occasionally caught in large numbers during the Autumn. The habitat selection, by using two different bay areas, was developed by the two most abundant species, a probable mechanism to enable their coexistence.

A distribuição de manjubas (Clupeiformes, Engraulidae) foi descrita na Baía de Sepetiba, uma área costeira do Sudeste do Brasil, para determinar eventuais mecanismos de seleção de habitat. Dois programas de amostragem foram realizados; um usando arrasto de praia (1998/2000) para captura de juvenis, e outro, usando arrasto de fundo (1999/2000) para captura de adultos. Seis espécies representadas por quatro gêneros foram capturadas: Anchoa tricolor, Anchoa januaria, Anchoa lyolepis, Cetengraulis edentulus, Engraulis anchoita e Lycengraulis grossidens. Anchoa tricolor e A. januaria foram as espécies mais abundantes, com a primeira ocorrendo principalmente na zona externa da baía, enquanto a segunda com maior abundância na zona interna. Adultos A. tricolor são alvo de intensas pescarias comercial na baía durante a Primavera-Verão, enquanto E. anchoita, uma abundante espécie na plataforma continental, foi ocasionalmente capturada em grande numero durante o Outono. A seleção de hábitat, através do uso de diferentes áreas da baía, foi desenvolvida pelas duas espécies mais abundantes, um provável mecanismo para permitir a coexistência.

Ocorrência de Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae) em frutos de mamoeiro em Minas Gerais / Occurrence of Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae) on papaya fruits in Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Este trabalho teve como objetivo registrar a infestação de C. capitata em frutos de mamoeiro em Minas Gerais. Foram coletados frutos em uma área comercial de mamão, em Jaíba, norte do estado. C. capitata foi a única espécie obtida (794 indivíduos). Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) foi encontrado parasitando larva/pupa de C. capitata. O índice de infestação encontrado foi em média de 7,7 pupários/kg de fruto ou 1,4 pupários/fruto. C. capitata é registrada pela primeira vez em frutos de mamão em Minas Gerais.

The objective of this work was to register the infestation of C. capitata on papaya fruits in Minas Gerais State. Papaya fruits were collected, in a commercial orchard, in Jaíba, north of the State of Minas Gerais. C. capitata was the only specie collected (794 individuals). Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) was collected parasitizing C. capitata larvae/pupae. The level of infestation was of 7,7 pupae/kg of fruit or 1,4 pupae/fruit, in average. C. capitata is registered for the first time on papaya fruits in the State of Minas Gerais.

Introdução e recuperação do parasitóide exótico Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) em pomares comerciais de goiaba no norte de Minas Gerais / Introduction and recovering of the exotic parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in commercial guava orchards in the North of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi conhecer a capacidade de Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) em parasitar larvas de moscas-das-frutas em pomares comerciais de goiaba, localizados nos municípios de Jaíba e Nova Porteirinha, no ecossistema semi-árido do norte de Minas Gerais. Em cada um dos pomares foram liberados 34.000 casais do parasitóide no período de fevereiro a agosto/2003. Para recapturar os parasitóides, sete dias após as liberações, foram coletadas as goiabas (maduras ou em fase de amadurecimento), independente da altura da copa das árvores e frutos recém-caídos ao solo. Os frutos foram levados ao laboratório e mantidos em condições controladas de temperatura (27 ± 1°C), para a obtenção de pupários. Foram recuperados 37 espécimes de D. longicaudata (24 em Jaíba e 13 em Nova Porteirinha) indicando que a espécie completou o ciclo nas condições locais e portanto, tem possibilidade de se estabelecer na região.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the capacity of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) to attack fruit fly larvae in commercial guava orchards in Jaiba and Nova Porteirinha, in the north of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. A total of 34,000 parasitoids couples was released in each one of the two orchards from February to August/2003. To recover the parasitoids, guavas (green or mature) were collected from any height of the trees, beyond the fruits just-fallen on the ground, seven day after the release. The fruits were taken to the laboratory and kept under controlled conditions of temperature (27 ± 1°C), to obtain pupae. Thirty seven specimens of D. longicaudata were recovered (24 in Jaiba and 13 in Nova Porteirinha) This shows that the species completed its life cycle under local conditions and indicates the possibility of its establishment in the region.

Relaçäo entre a persistência da conduçäo / Relation between the persistence of AV conduction over the slow pathway after AVRNT radiofrequency ablation and its recurrences

Objetivo - Verificar se a persistência de salto nodal relaciona-se à taxa de recorrência de taquicardia por reentrada nodal (TRN) após ablação com radiofreqüência (RF) da via lenta do nó atrioventricular. Métodos - Num seguimento de 20+12 meses, foi analisada a recorrência de TRN em 126 pacientes consecutivos submetidos a ablação com RF da via lenta nodal. O critério de interrupção do procedimento foi a não reindução da TRN, após estimulação atrial programada, com e sem isoproterenol intravenoso. Ao final do procedimento, 98 pacientes não apresentavam salto nodal, e em 28 persistia o salto nodal e/ou o eco atrial. Resultados - Houve recorrência clínica de TRN em 15 (11 por cento) pacientes: 9 no grupo sem salto nodal e/ou eco atrial e em 6 do grupo que persistiu com salto e/ou eco atrial. A recorrência tendeu a ser maior no 2§ grupo (9 por cento vs 21 por cento), mas não houve significância estatistica entre os resultados (p=0,09). Conclusão - Desde que a TRN não passa ser induzida após a infusão de isoproterenol, a recorrência espontânea da arritmia após a ablação por RF da via lenta nodal não é diferente entre pacientes que persistem ou não com salto nodal e/ou eco atrial.