Effect of Mauritia flexuosa L. leaf extract on Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus haemolyticus biofilms adhered to stainless steel surface.

Staphylococcus spp. represents the main mastitis agents in ruminants and contaminants of milk due to their expressive capacity to make biofilms. The aims in this study was evaluate evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Mauritia flexuosa L. extracts against Staphylococcus spp. adhered to a stainless steel surface. Two isolates from cows with clinical mastitis were evaluated; one was identified as Staphylococcus aureus, and the other Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Additionally the ATCC 25923 strain, S. aureus from human was evaluated. The chemical profile obtained from gas chromatography revealed the presence of carbohydrates, organic acids, and flavonoids. The minimum bactericidal concentrations of the ethanolic extract (EE) and aqueous extract (AE) were 4.4 and 5.82 mg/mL, respectively. After EE treatment at 4.4 mg/mL for 2.5 min, total removal of mature biofilms grown on stainless steel coupons was observed (reduction by 3.85-4.81 log units). This extract from M. flexuosa shows potential as an effective sanitizer and may represent a natural alternative against Staphylococcus spp.

Effects of leaf extracts of Protium spruceanum against adult and larval Rhipicephalus microplus.

Rhipicephalus microplus is the ectoparasite responsible for large economic losses in cattle herds. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro action of leaf extracts of Protium spruceanum on resistant strains of this tick. Ethanolic extracts (EE) and ethyl acetate extracts (EAE) of P. spruceanum leaves were used against engorged females and larvae by biocarrapaticidogram and larval package (TPL) tests. Chromatographic analyses were performed using a gas chromatograph and showed the presence of the flavonoid catechin in both extracts and the terpenoid ß-amirine only in EAE. EE and EAE were not effective in altering the mortality of engorged females; however, 92% of females treated with the extracts reduced the postures and > 90% of larval hatching was inhibited at 100 mg/ml of extracts. Acaricidal efficacies were > 80% for 100 mg/ml EE and > 90% for EAE at 50 mg/ml. In TPL tests, EE and EAE promoted larval mortality > 88% at 100 mg/ml. In this study, EAE was more effective against adult females and larvae than EE, representing an alternative agent for the integrated control of R. microplus.

Efficacy of plants extracts from the Cerrado against adult female of Dermacentor nitens (Acari: Ixodidae).

Dermacentor nitens tick is commonly found in the equine auditory canal, where it causes economic losses due to its direct damage, causing blood spoliation, stress, transmission of pathogens, and predisposition to myasis and secondary bacterial infection in its hosts. In this study we evaluated the effect of ethanolic extracts of Cerrado plants on biological parameters of engorged females of D. nitens. Ethanolic extracts were prepared from the leaves of Schinopsis brasiliensis, Piptadenia viridiflora, Ximenia americana, and Serjania lethalis at 25-150 mg mL-1. Groups of 10 engorged adult females were treated with these extracts and compared with a control containing distilled water and another control with organophosphate, using five replicates for each group. Compared with the control with water, S. lethalis and X. americana extracts at 100 and 150 mg mL-1 significantly inhibited the posture ability. Differently, extracts of S. brasiliensis and P. viridiflora were the most effective in inhibiting larval hatching. Extracts of X. americana and P. viridiflora showed effective inhibition of reproductive parameters of the tick, presenting dose-dependent effect with IC90 78.86 and 78.94 mg mL-1, respectively. Theses effective extracts contained low condensed tannin levels and their HPLC chromatograms revealed the presence of flavonoids. The efficacies of P. viridiflora and X. americana extracts were higher than 90% indicating that these extracts are promising as alternative agents for D. nitens control.

População de protozoários ruminais em novilhos zebuínos alimentados com ou sem volumoso / Population of Protozoa in zebu steers fed with or without bulk

This study aimed to quantify and identify the profile of the rumen protozoa population of beef steers fed with or without roughage. Nellore crossbred steers raised in extensive system on lignified tropical pastures with mineral supplementation and steers confined for 60 days only receiving pelletized concentrate and whole corn kernels were evaluated. After slaughter, rumen fluid was collected and one ml aliquots were diluted in nine ml formaldehyde solution at 10%. The counts of small, medium and large protozoa were held in Sedgewick Rafter chambers and identification of genus was possible after staining lugol and optical microscope with a 40X objective. The concentration of rumen protozoa positively correlated with pH ruminal. Cattle fed without roughage had significantly lower rumen protozoa population (P<0.05). Animals fed roughage had higher occurrence of Dasytrichia genus, Charonina, Entodinum, Diplodinium, Ostracodinium and Epidinium while those fed without bulk, the Buetschilia, Isotricha, Eodinium, Polyplastron, Elyplastron, Metadinium and Enoploplastron were the most frequent genus.(AU)

In vitro and in vivo action of Piptadenia viridiflora (Kunth) Benth against Haemonchus contortus in sheep.

Anthelminthic resistant populations of Haemonchus contortus are a major problem in sheep rearing, but plant extracts may offer viable alternative treatments. In our preliminary studies, Piptadenia viridiflora was frequently selected by sheep grazing in the Cerrado. The present research evaluated its in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity. The HPLC chromatograms of P. viridiflora aqueous extract (AE) and ethanolic extract (EE) showed the presence of flavonoids. The total condensed tannin (proanthocyanidin) was 0.2 and 1.01% in AE and EE, respectively. In an egg hatching inhibition (EHI) test, the LC90 of AE was 2.4mg/mL, and, of EE, was 2.1mg/mL. After tannin extraction, higher EHI and lower LC90 were observed. In a larval development inhibition test, the LC90 of AE was 13.66mg/g of fecal culture. The highest dose of AE administered to mice (203.0mg/kg bw) was well tolerated, suggesting low toxicity. In vivo, AE was orally administered to lambs at 283mg/kg bw, and, at weeks one, two, and three post-treatment, the mean fecal egg count (FEC) was significantly lower than in untreated lambs (P<0.05). Blood parameters were normal and similar in untreated and treated sheep. For all lamb groups, the mean total serum protein was significantly higher at week two post-treatment than at other evaluated periods (P<0.05). Piptadenia viridiflora extracts had low condensed tannin content and exhibited high anthelminthic efficacy in vitro and significantly reduced FEC. Tannins were not shown to be the principal components affecting EHI, hence it is necessary to isolate and characterize the principal active P. viridiflora compounds, and to assess their possible synergism.

Effects of different extracts of the mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill on the hematologic profile of mice with Ehrlich tumor / Efeitos de diferentes extratos do cogumelo Agaricus blazei Murill sobre o perfil hematológico de camundongos com tumor de Ehrlich

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the mushroom Agaricus blazeii Murril (ABM) extracts on the hematological profile of Swiss mice bearing an Ehrlich solid tumor. Three fractions (total extract, polysaccharides, and supernatant) of ABM extracts obtained by four methods (ultrasonic or water bath, at pH 4 or pH 7) were administered to mice over 21 days. Polysaccharide solutions were analyzed by gas and liquid chromatography that showed both mannose and glucose concentrations. The method of extraction influenced the degree of glucose polymerization and the mannose/glucose relationship. The treatment with ABM supernatant at pH 7 and water bath was associated with reduced concentrations of leukocytes and lymphocytes and altered the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice. The treatment with the ABM extract in water bath and ultrasound at pH 4 resulted in lower lymphocyte counts, regardless of tumor presence, and greater granulocyte values in mice with Ehrlich tumor than in controls. We concluded that different fractions and methods of extraction of A. blazei produced differing blood profiles in mice inoculated with the Ehrlich tumor.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito de diferentes extratos do cogumelo Agaricus blazeii Murril (ABM) sobre o perfil hematológico de camundongos Swiss portadores de tumor de Ehrlich sólido. Três frações (extrato total, polissacarídeos e sobrenadante) dos extratos de ABM foram obtidas por quatro métodos (sonificador, banho-maria, em pH 4 ou pH 7) e administradas para camundongos durante 21 dias. Soluções de polissacarídeos foram analisadas por cromatografia gasosa e líquida, que mostraram concentrações de glucose e manose. O método de extração influenciou o grau de polimerização da glicose e a relação manose/glucose. O tratamento com o sobrenadante de ABM (em pH 7 e banho-maria) estava associado com reduzidas concentrações de leucócitos e linfócitos, além de alterar a porcentagem de linfócitos CD4+ e CD8+ em camundongos portadores de tumor sólido de Ehrlich. O tratamento com extratos de ABM, obtidos tanto em banho-maria como no sonificador em pH 4, resultou nas mais baixas contagens de linfócitos, independentemente da presença do tumor, e nos maiores valores de granulócitos em camundongos com tumor de Ehrlich. Conclui-se que os diferentes métodos de extração com as respectivas frações de A. blazei são capazes de intereferir no perfil hematológico de camundongos com tumor sólido de Ehrlich.

Desenvolvimento de bezerros leiteiros alimentados com silagem de leite de transição: I - Trato digestivo / Development of dairy calves fed silage transition milk: I - Digestive tract

Avaliou-se o desenvolvimento do trato digestivo de bezerros Holandeses aleitados com silagem de leite de transição. Foram utilizados 18 animais, com peso corporal inicial médio de 36,50kg (±4,03), alimentados individualmente em baias com concentrado, feno de Cynodon sp., água e suplemento mineral oferecidos ad libitum. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram em leite integral e silagem de leite de transição diluída em água ou misturada em leite, correspondendo a quatro litros diários divididos em duas refeições, durante 59 dias. Aos 60 dias, os bezerros foram abatidos e realizaram-se pesagens do trato digestivo e medidas histológicas das papilas ruminais. O sistema de aleitamento não interferiu nos consumos de concentrado e matéria seca total e no desenvolvimento de papilas ruminais (P>0,05). A silagem de leite de transição diluída em água resultou em menor peso corporal, menor peso corporal vazio e absoluto do abomaso e maior desenvolvimento intestinal. O aleitamento com silagem misturada em leite não comprometeu o desenvolvimento corporal e do trato digestivo até 60 dias de idade, representando alternativa ao aleitamento com leite...

This study aimed to evaluate the development of the digestive tract of Holstein calves which suckled milk from silage transition. We used 18 animals, with an average initial body weight of 36.50kg (±4.03), individually housed in pens with concentrate, hay Cynodon sp., water and mineral supplement offered ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments and six replications. Treatments consisted of whole milk and silage transitional milk, diluted with water or mixed with milk, corresponding to four liters per day divided over two meals during 59 days. The food intake was monitored daily and weighed every week after the supply of liquid diet in the morning. At 60 days, the calves were slaughtered and the digestive tract was weighed and histological measures of rumen papillae were taken. The nursing system did not affect the consumption of concentrate and total dry matter and the development of rumen papillae (P>0.05). The silage transition milk diluted in water resulted in lower final body weight, lower body weight and absolute emptiness abomasum and intestinal further development. Milk transition silage mixed in milk did not affect the development of the digestive tract and body until 60 days of age, representing an alternative to milk...

Desenvolvimento de bezerros leiteiros alimentados com silagem de leite de transição: II - Órgãos internos / Development of dairy calves fed silage transition milk: II - Internal organs

Avaliou-se o tamanho absoluto e relativo dos órgãos internos de bezerros Holandeses aleitados com leite, silagem de leite de transição diluída em água ou misturada em leite. Foram utilizados 18 animais, machos, com 60 dias de idade e peso corporal médio de 70,3kg (±11,8kg). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos e seis repetições. Os animais foram abatidos aos dois meses de idade, sendo previamente submetidos a jejum alimentar de 16 horas. O aleitamento modificou os pesos dos órgãos internos e da gordura omental dos animais, exceto para rins e gordura mesentérica, e não alterou o consumo de alimentos sólidos. A silagem de leite de transição diluída em água comprometeu o desempenho dos bezerros, refletindo no peso dos órgãos internos e de gordura omental, e apresentou pesos absolutos para fígado, baço e gordura omental de 1.072, 186 e 133g, respectivamente. A silagem misturada em leite proporcionou resultados mais semelhantes ao fornecimento exclusivo de leite, demonstrando-se como opção para o aleitamento de bovinos jovens...

This study aimed to evaluate the absolute and relative size of internal organs of Holstein calves which suckled milk, silage transition milk diluted with water or mixed in milk. We used 18 male animals, 60 days old with a mean body weight of 70.3kg (± 11.8kg). The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments and six replications. The animals were slaughtered at two months, and previously fasted for 16 hours. Breast feeding changed the weights of internal organs and omental fat of animals, except for kidney and mesenteric fat, and did not affect food intake solids. The silage transition milk diluted in water compromised the performance of the calves, reflecting on the weight of internal organs and omental fat, and showed absolute weights for liver, spleen and omental fat of 1072, 186 and 133g, respectively. The silage mixed with milk yielded results more similar to the exclusive milk supply, being an option for suckling calves...

Fungos aeróbios no intestino grosso de borregos e de ovelhas criados em pastagens tropicais / Aerobic fungi in the large intestine of lambs and ewes raised on tropical pastures

Fungi populations were evaluated in large intestine from sheep raised in the North of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The samples were from 39 Santa Inês crossbred ewes and 30 lambs raised on Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania), both supplemented with mineral mixtures. The clinical specimens were directly collected from rectal ampoule with sterile swabs. The development of fungal mycelium was observed in all lamb samples and positive cultures were observed in 34 ewe specimens (87.2 percent). After microculture of 40 colonies from lambs, 34 isolates of the genus Aspergillus, three of Paecilomyces spp., one Acremonium sp., and one Trichoderma sp. were identified. Out of the 39 isolates from ewes, 15 Paecilomyces spp., 11 Aspergillus spp., 11 Malbranchea spp., and one Onychocola sp. were identified. The results showed the predominance of the genus Aspergillus in the lambs, while the genus Paecilomyces, Malbranchea, and Aspergillus were predominant, in ewes.

Efeito do extrato aquoso do algodão de seda (Calotropis procera Aiton) sobre a eficiência reprodutiva do carrapato bovino / Effect of aqueous extract of silk cotton (Calotropis procera Ait. R.Br.) on the reproductive performance of Rhipicephalus microplus

O carrapato Rhipicephalus microplus é um dos principais parasitos dos rebanhos bovinos. Diferentes grupos de carrapaticidas sintéticos têm sido empregados para o controle desse ácaro, contudo, o uso constante desses produtos tem selecionado populações resistentes. Na tentativa de minimizar esses impactos tem-se buscado avaliar fitoterápicos para o controle desse parasito. Assim, objetivou-se analisar a eficácia in vitro do extrato aquoso do algodão de seda em diferentes concentrações no controle da postura e eclodibilidade dos ovos do R. microplus. Foram avaliados os efeitos das concentrações 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 e 100% do extrato aquoso obtido juntamente com controles com água destilada ou com cipermetrina, 12,5 mg L-1, associada a organofosforado, 150 mg L-1, sobre a eficiência reprodutiva do carrapato. Foi realizado o biocarrapaticidograma sendo que a eficácia acaricida das concentrações 5, 25 e 100% foram superiores àquela observada para o produto comercial utilizado, que correspondeu a 93,98%, indicando a importância de futuras pesquisas para avaliar o potencial toxigênico e a eficácia in vivo dessa planta para o controle do R. microplus .

The tick Rhipicephalus microplus is one of the main parasites of bovine herds. Different groups of synthetic acaricides have been used to control this mite; however, the constant use of these products has selected resistant populations. In an attempt to minimize these impacts, researchers have tried to evaluate herbal remedies to control this parasite. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the in vitro efficacy of aqueous extract of silk cotton at different concentrations to control the hatchability of R. microplus eggs. The effects of the concentrations 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100% aqueous extract together with controls with distilled water or with cypermethrin, 12.5 mg L-1, associated with organophosphate, 150 mg L-1, were assessed on the reproductive efficiency of the tick. Immersion test was performed and the acaricide efficacy of the 5, 25 and 100% concentrations were higher than that obtained for the commercial product, which corresponded to 93.98%, indicating the importance of further research to assess the toxigenic potential and the in vivo efficacy of this plant to control R. microplus .

Antimicrobial activity of Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae) essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli / Atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae) contra Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli

The antibacterial effect of Lippia sidoides (rosemary pepper) essential oil was tested against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli isolated from homemade Minas cheese produced in Brazil. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determined in the Dilution Test was 13 µL oil mL-1 for both bacteria, which characterizes inhibitory action in broth for a 24-hour interaction period. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) determined in the Suspension Test, with one minute of contact, was 25 µL oil mL-1 for both tested bacteria, obtaining at this concentration a bactericidal effect of 99.9 percent on the viable bacterial cells from each sample. Results demonstrated the bacterial activity of Lippia sidoides essential oil against S. aureus and E. coli, suggesting its use as an antibacterial agent in foods.

O efeito antibacteriano do óleo essencial da Lippia sidoides (alecrim-pimenta) foi testado contra as bactérias Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli isoladas de queijo minas artesanal, produzido no Brasil. A Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) determinada por Teste de Diluição foi de 13 µL de óleo mL-1 para as duas bactérias, o que caracteriza ação inibitória em caldo durante vinte quatro horas de interação. A Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) determinada através de Teste de Suspensão, com um minuto de contato, foi de 25 µL de óleo mL-1 para ambas as bactérias testadas, obtendo-se a esta concentração o efeito bactericida de 99,9 por cento sobre as células bacterianas viáveis em cada uma das amostras. Os resultados demonstraram atividade bactericida do óleo essencial de Lippia sidoides contra S. aureus e E. coli, sugerindo a possibilidade do uso como agente antibacteriano em alimentos.

Effects of Anacardium humile leaf extracts on the development of gastrointestinal nematode larvae of sheep.

The rapid development of nematode resistance to anthelmintics has limited the success of small ruminant gastrointestinal helminthiasis control in several countries, stimulating the search for alternatives. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of Anacardium humile (Anacardiaceae) on gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. humile leaves were evaluated by the larval development inhibition assay at concentrations of: 187.5, 150, 100, 50, and 30 mg ml(-1); and 100, 80, 60, 40, and 20 mg ml(-1), respectively. Phytochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of tannins, flavenoids, and alkaloids in the leaves. The LD(50) was 10.14 mg ml(-1) for the aqueous extract and 23.24 mg ml(-1) for the ethanolic extract, providing evidence for the potential of this plant in the endoparasite control.