Differences in body temperature between black-and-white and red-and-white Holstein cows reared on a hot climate using infrared thermography.

Heat stress is one of the greatest issues of the dairy industry in regions with hot climate. Since coat color appears to be related to heat stress adaptiveness, we compared rectal temperatures and surface temperatures of Red-and-white (RW, n = 14) and Black-and-white (BW, n = 16) Holstein cows using infrared thermography in both cold (July; mean temperature: 15.5 °C) and hot (March; mean temperature: 30.5 °C) seasons in Southern Brazil. Thermographic images were taken from the left side of the animal at a distance of 4 m. The images obtained were then analyzed using the software Testo IRSoft. The variables obtained by thermography of the body surface include the temperature of non-pigmented patches, obtained using the average of five spots on white patches in a rectangle drawn on the body of the cow from the scapula to the ilium of the cow until the middle of the ribs; the temperature of pigmented patches, obtained using an average of 5 pigmented spots on the same rectangle; the temperature at the hottest spot and the temperature at the coldest spot, within the same rectangle. Rectal temperature measures were taken by a mercury thermometer during milkings. In our findings, during the cold season, RW cows had lower temperatures on the surface of pigmented spots (p = 0.01) but did not differ from BW animals when comparing rectal temperatures (p = 0.70). During the hot season, however, RW cows had lower temperatures on white spots (p = 0.049) as well as lower rectal temperatures (p = 0.029). These results suggest that the red coat phenotype presents less absorption of solar radiation, retaining less heat.

The introduction of Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Physidae) on Ilha Grande, Southeast Brazil, from initial stages to an established population.

This study presents a four-year follow-up of an introduced population of Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, from initial stages to an established population. This introduction occurred on a small impacted stream of Vila do Abraão, the main village of Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The population size increased during the study, and presented a relationship to environmental factors, especially with rainfall. On the initial stages of introduction prevailed the smaller specimens, but on the overall, predominated the intermediate size classes. After less than a year, P. acuta becomes established on this stream and was possibly affecting the other species found on the stream. The information presented here is useful to understand the invasion process of invasive snails, as well as directing conservation efforts.

Selection and characterization of a multivalent Salmonella phage and its production in a nonpathogenic Escherichia coli strain.

We report the selection and amplification of the broad-host-range Salmonella phage phi PVP-SE1 in an alternative nonpathogenic host. The lytic spectrum and the phage DNA restriction profile were not modified upon replication in Escherichia coli Bl21, suggesting the possibility of producing this phage in a nonpathogenic host, contributing to the safety and easier approval of a product based on this Salmonella biocontrol agent.

Infective dermatitis has similar immunological features to human T lymphotropic virus-type 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis.

Human T lymphotropic virus-type 1 (HTLV-1) is the causal agent of the HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma and infective dermatitis associated with HTLV-1 (IDH). Over-production of proinflammatory cytokines and an increase in HTLV-1 proviral load are features of HAM/TSP, but the immunological basis of IDH has not been established. In addition to severe cutaneous manifestations, the importance of IDH relies on the observation that up to 30% of children with IDH develop HAM/TSP in childhood and adolescence. In this study we determined the immune response in patients with IDH measuring interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels as well as the HTLV-1 proviral load. Additionally, regulatory cytokines and anti-cytokines were added to cultures to evaluate the ability of these molecules to down-modulate TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma synthesis. HTLV-1 carriers and patients with HAM/TSP served as controls. TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma levels were higher in IDH than in HTLV-1 carriers. There was no difference in IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha concentrations in IDH and HAM/TSP patients. There was a tendency for higher IL-4 mRNA expression and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in IDH than in HTLV-1 carriers, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The HTLV-1 proviral load was significantly higher in IDH patients than in HTLV-1 carriers. IDH is characterized by an exaggerated Th1 immune response and high HTLV-1 proviral load. The similarities between the immunological response in patients with IDH and HAM/TSP and the high proviral load observed in IDH provide support that IDH is a risk factor for development of HAM/TSP.

Differences between the quality of strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) pollinated by the stingless bees Scaptotrigona aff. depilis and Nannotrigona testaceicornis.

We investigated the success of two stingless bee species in pollinating strawberries in greenhouses. Three greenhouses and one open field area were used; one greenhouse had only strawberry plants (control), another (G1) had three colonies of Scaptotrigona aff. depilis and another (G2) had three colonies of Nannotrigona testaceicornis. In the open field area, the flowers could be visited by any bee. The total production of fruits was counted and a random sample (N = 100) from each area was used to measure weight, length, circumference, and achenes number (N = 5). The percentages of deformed strawberries were: 23% (no bees); 2% (greenhouses with bees) and 13% (open field). The strawberries from the greenhouse with N. testaceicornis and the open field were heavier than those from the greenhouses with no bees and with S. depilis. The fruit circumference was largest in the greenhouses with bees. The achenes number did not differ among the experimental areas. The strawberries produced in the greenhouses with stingless bees had more quality and greater commercial value than the fruits produced in the open field area and the greenhouse without bees. We conclude that stingless bees are efficient pollinators of strawberry flowers cultivated in greenhouses.

Distribution of cysts of Strongyluris sp. (Nematoda) in the pallial system of Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 from Vila Dois Rios and Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro.

This work aimed to assessing Strongyluris sp. cysts distribution pattern in the several inner organs from pallial system of Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822. Also we verified if there is a relationship between the mollusk size and the number of specimens from parasites collected from two touristic villages in Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro state): Vila Dois Rios (VDR) and Vila do Abraão (ABR). The samples were obtained through a field work conducted bimonthly during 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011, at both locations. Height and width were measured from shells collected, and the all specimens were classified in different classes: class 1 - <4.0 cm, class 2 - 4.1-9.0 cm and class 3 - < 9.0 cm. After the specimens were dissected in order to find and count the number cysts in the pallial system. In specimens from both locations, the pulmonary and secondary veins showed a high number of cysts. No significance difference was found both in the abundance of cysts among the specimens in ABR (p=0.138) and VDR (p=0.181). Achatina fulica showed different intensities of cyst infection based on the size classes: the class-3 specimens, at both locations, showed the greatest cyst average (ABR Anova F= 3.8; p=0.02); (VDR T of Student T= -2.04; p=0.04). The results suggested that the highest number of cysts in the vascularized area in pallial system of A. fulica was a consequence of a greater hemolymph circulation in that area, delivering more nutrients for larvae development. We think that bigger individuals host a higher number of cysts, as they usually present a larger biomass and a larger area of the pallial system, allowing an efficient parasite colonization. Other possible explanation could be the long exposure of the molluscs of class 3 to the parasites, which allowed a longer time to the larvae to allocate themselves.

The introduction of Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Physidae) on Ilha Grande, Southeast Brazil, from initial stages to an established population / A introdução de Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805 (Gastropoda: Physidae) na Ilha Grande, Sudeste do Brasil, desde os estágios iniciais até uma população estabelecida

This study presents a four-year follow-up of an introduced population of Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, from initial stages to an established population. This introduction occurred on a small impacted stream of Vila do Abraão, the main village of Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The population size increased during the study, and presented a relationship to environmental factors, especially with rainfall. On the initial stages of introduction prevailed the smaller specimens, but on the overall, predominated the intermediate size classes. After less than a year, P. acuta becomes established on this stream and was possibly affecting the other species found on the stream. The information presented here is useful to understand the invasion process of invasive snails, as well as directing conservation efforts.

Neste estudo é apresentado um acompanhamento de quatro anos de uma população de Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, desde os estágios iniciais da introdução até seu pleno estabelecimento. Esta introdução ocorreu em um pequeno riacho impactado da Vila do Abraão, o principal vilarejo da Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). A população cresceu durante o estudo, e apresentou uma relação com os fatores ambientais, especialmente a pluviosidade. Nos estágios iniciais de introdução prevaleceram os exemplares menores, contudo no panorama geral, predominaram as classes de tamanho intermediárias. Em menos de um ano de introdução, P. acuta se estabeleceu neste riacho, e possivelmente está afetando as demais espécies encontradas no rio. A informação apresentada aqui é importante para a compreensão do processo de invasão de moluscos invasores no Brasil, assim como no direcionamento de esforços de conservação.

The introduction of Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Physidae) on Ilha Grande, Southeast Brazil, from initial stages to an established population / A introdução de Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805 (Gastropoda: Physidae) na Ilha Grande, Sudeste do Brasil, desde os estágios iniciais até uma população estabelecida

Abstract This study presents a four-year follow-up of an introduced population of Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, from initial stages to an established population. This introduction occurred on a small impacted stream of Vila do Abraão, the main village of Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The population size increased during the study, and presented a relationship to environmental factors, especially with rainfall. On the initial stages of introduction prevailed the smaller specimens, but on the overall, predominated the intermediate size classes. After less than a year, P. acuta becomes established on this stream and was possibly affecting the other species found on the stream. The information presented here is useful to understand the invasion process of invasive snails, as well as directing conservation efforts.

Resumo Neste estudo é apresentado um acompanhamento de quatro anos de uma população de Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, desde os estágios iniciais da introdução até seu pleno estabelecimento. Esta introdução ocorreu em um pequeno riacho impactado da Vila do Abraão, o principal vilarejo da Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). A população cresceu durante o estudo, e apresentou uma relação com os fatores ambientais, especialmente a pluviosidade. Nos estágios iniciais de introdução prevaleceram os exemplares menores, contudo no panorama geral, predominaram as classes de tamanho intermediárias. Em menos de um ano de introdução, P. acuta se estabeleceu neste riacho, e possivelmente está afetando as demais espécies encontradas no rio. A informação apresentada aqui é importante para a compreensão do processo de invasão de moluscos invasores no Brasil, assim como no direcionamento de esforços de conservação.

The introduction of Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Physidae) on Ilha Grande, Southeast Brazil, from initial stages to an established population

Abstract This study presents a four-year follow-up of an introduced population of Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, from initial stages to an established population. This introduction occurred on a small impacted stream of Vila do Abraão, the main village of Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The population size increased during the study, and presented a relationship to environmental factors, especially with rainfall. On the initial stages of introduction prevailed the smaller specimens, but on the overall, predominated the intermediate size classes. After less than a year, P. acuta becomes established on this stream and was possibly affecting the other species found on the stream. The information presented here is useful to understand the invasion process of invasive snails, as well as directing conservation efforts.

Resumo Neste estudo é apresentado um acompanhamento de quatro anos de uma população de Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, desde os estágios iniciais da introdução até seu pleno estabelecimento. Esta introdução ocorreu em um pequeno riacho impactado da Vila do Abraão, o principal vilarejo da Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). A população cresceu durante o estudo, e apresentou uma relação com os fatores ambientais, especialmente a pluviosidade. Nos estágios iniciais de introdução prevaleceram os exemplares menores, contudo no panorama geral, predominaram as classes de tamanho intermediárias. Em menos de um ano de introdução, P. acuta se estabeleceu neste riacho, e possivelmente está afetando as demais espécies encontradas no rio. A informação apresentada aqui é importante para a compreensão do processo de invasão de moluscos invasores no Brasil, assim como no direcionamento de esforços de conservação.

Centrocestus formosanus (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) in Melanoides tuberculata (Gastropoda: Thiaridae) from Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Pleurolophocercous cercariae found in the invasive gastropod Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774) collected in a stream of the Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were used for experimental infection that enabled the identification of the heterophyid trematode Centrocestus formosanus (Nishigori, 1924). The parasite has been found in the locality since 2007, after two years of the introduction of M. tuberculata. Recently, from a sample of 483 specimens collected in June 2013, 101 (21%) were found infected with parasite. The potential environmental impacts caused by the parasite occurrence could be underestimated in the country, and actions to monitor and control both the parasite and the mollusk are necessary.

Identification of human T cell lymphotropic virus type IIa infection in the Kayapo, an indigenous population of Brazil.

Human T cell lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) infection is endemic in a number of indigenous populations in North, Central, and South America. In the present study we have employed serological and molecular methods to identify HTLV-II infection in Indian communities in the Amazon region of Brazil. Sera (1324) from 25 different Indian communities were analyzed by ELISA and Western blot. One hundred and four samples (7.8%) from a number of culturally distinct and geographically unrelated populations were found to have reactivities consistent with HTLV-II infection. Of these, 67 were from the Kayapo Indian communities, which had an overall seroprevalence rate of greater than 30%. In addition, high seroprevalence rates were observed in three other communities, the Munduruku, Arara do Laranjal and the Tyrio, suggesting that there are additional foci of endemic infection in the Amazon region. In the Kayapo, seroprevalence rates tended to increase with age, supporting the importance of sexual transmission of the virus, and family studies demonstrated that vertical transmission is also an important route of infection. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and nucleotide sequence analysis of a region of the env gene demonstrated that the Kayapo are infected with the HTLV-IIa subtype. Moreover, nucleotide sequence analysis of the LTR demonstrated that this belonged to a distinct HTLV-IIa phylogenetic group. The identification of HTLV-IIa in the Kayapo is, as far as we are aware, the first identified endemic focus of infection by this subtype of HTLV-II in the Americas.

Immunological studies with the venom of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus.

1. We describe a "sandwich" enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) sensitive to quantities of scorpion (Tityus serrulatus) venom (TsV) in the range of 1-3 ng/ml sample. 2. Cross-reactivity with the venom from the rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus and with venoms from several snakes of the Bothrops genus was detected only at concentrations higher than 1 microgram/ml sample. 3. A conventional ELISA is also described for the detection of antibodies against TsV. 4. Analysis by Western Blot (WB) demonstrated a 25-kDa protein band common to TsV and to the venoms of Bothrops moojeni, B. jararacussu and B. jararaca. 5. Venom from C. d. terrificus exhibited WB cross-reactive bands of 16 and 25 kDa with TsV.

A pilot study of centrifugal leukocyte apheresis for corticosteroid-resistant active ulcerative colitis.

Corticosteroids are effective in bringing about a clinical remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. However, in severely relapsed cases, corticosteroids are not always effective even when a high dosage is administered. In addition, the long-term use of corticosteroids often causes serious side effects. Therefore, an alternative treatment for active ulcerative colitis is necessary in order to avoid these clinical problems. In the present pilot study, the efficacy of leukocytapheresis using a centrifugal procedure was evaluated for corticosteroid-resistant, active ulcerative colitis. Fourteen patients with corticosteroid-resistant severely active ulcerative colitis were treated by leukocytapheresis. Thirteen patients (92.9%) achieved clinical remission within 4 weeks after the apheresis, and remained in remission for 8 months on average without any additional corticosteroid therapy. In the remaining patient, in whom remission was not induced, a total colectomy was performed immediately after the fourth course of leukocytapheresis. No significant side effects were noticed throughout the therapy. Both colonoscopic and histological examinations confirmed the beneficial effect of this procedure in terms of the reduction of severe inflammation of the affected colon. We found that the expression of two adhesion molecules, L-selectin and VLA4a, on the surface of peripheral leukocytes was decreased after this new therapy.

Nocardia infection in renal transplant recipient: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.

In the present report the authors discuss the diagnostic difficulties, therapeutic measures and the clinical course of Nocardia infection which occurred among renal transplant recipients at the University Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (UH-FRP), from 1968 to 1991. Among 500 individuals submitted to renal transplant, 9 patients developed Nocardiosis at varying times after transplant (two months to over two years). All the patients had pulmonary involvement and their most common symptoms were fever, cough and pleural pain. Dissemination of the process is common and three patients presented cutaneous abscesses, four CNS involvement and one had pericarditis due to Nocardia. The diagnostic is quite difficult since there is no specific clinical picture, concomitant infections are frequent and the microorganism presents slow growth in culture (ranging from four to forty days, in our experience). In this report, three cases were only diagnosed by necropsy. The treatment of choice is a combination of Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim (SMX-TMP). In the present series, overall mortality was 77% (7 cases) and in five of the patients who died the diagnosis was late. All the patients who had CNS involvement died.

Distribution of cysts of Strongyluris sp. (Nematoda) in the pallial system of Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 from Vila Dois Rios and Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro / Distribuição de cistos de Strongyluris sp. (Nematoda) no complexo pallial de Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 da Vila Dois Rios e da Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro

Abstract This work aimed to assessing Strongyluris sp. cysts distribution pattern in the several inner organs from pallial system of Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822. Also we verified if there is a relationship between the mollusk size and the number of specimens from parasites collected from two touristic villages in Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro state): Vila Dois Rios (VDR) and Vila do Abraão (ABR). The samples were obtained through a field work conducted bimonthly during 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011, at both locations. Height and width were measured from shells collected, and the all specimens were classified in different classes: class 1 - <4.0 cm, class 2 - 4.1-9.0 cm and class 3 - < 9.0 cm. After the specimens were dissected in order to find and count the number cysts in the pallial system. In specimens from both locations, the pulmonary and secondary veins showed a high number of cysts. No significance difference was found both in the abundance of cysts among the specimens in ABR (p=0.138) and VDR (p=0.181). Achatina fulica showed different intensities of cyst infection based on the size classes: the class-3 specimens, at both locations, showed the greatest cyst average (ABR Anova F= 3.8; p=0.02); (VDR T of Student T= -2.04; p=0.04). The results suggested that the highest number of cysts in the vascularized area in pallial system of A. fulica was a consequence of a greater hemolymph circulation in that area, delivering more nutrients for larvae development. We think that bigger individuals host a higher number of cysts, as they usually present a larger biomass and a larger area of the pallial system, allowing an efficient parasite colonization. Other possible explanation could be the long exposure of the molluscs of class 3 to the parasites, which allowed a longer time to the larvae to allocate themselves.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o padrão de distribuição dos cistos de Strongyluris sp. nos diversos órgãos do complexo pallial de Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 e verificar se existe relação entre o tamanho do molusco e o número de parasitos em espécimes procedentes de dois vilarejos da Ilha Grande, Vila Dois Rios (VDR) e Vila do Abraão (ABR), município de Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro. As coletas foram realizadas bimestralmente nos anos de 2007, 2008, 2010 e 2011 nas duas localidades. A altura e largura das conchas foram medidas, os espécimes classificados em classe 1 - <4,0 cm; classe 2 - 4,1-9,0 cm e classe 3 - < 9,0 cm e posteriormente dissecados sob estereomicroscópio para a busca e contagem dos cistos no complexo pallial. Em ambas localidades, VDR e ABR, as veias pulmonares e secundárias apresentaram predominância de alocação dos cistos. Não foi encontrada diferença na abundância de cistos entre os espécimes de ABR (p=0,138) e VDR (p=0,181). Achatina fulica apresentou intensidades diferentes de infecção de acordo com as classes de tamanho: os espécimes pertencentes a classe 3, nas duas localidades, apresentaram a maior média de cistos visíveis (ABR Anova F= 3,8; p=0,02); (VDR T de Student T= -2,04; p=0,04). Os resultados sugerem que o maior número de cistos na região vascularizada de A. fulica foi decorrente do maior aporte de hemolinfa nesta área, proporcionando mais nutrientes para o desenvolvimento das larvas. Acreditamos que indivíduos maiores albergam um elevado número de cistos, pois, geralmente, apresentam maior biomassa e maior área da cavidade pallial, possibilitando uma eficiente colonização dos parasitos, outra causa pode ser explicada pelo maior tempo de exposição dos moluscos da classe 3 aos parasitas, que possibilitou um período maior para as larvas se alocarem.

Occurrence of Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Ureaplasma diversum in dairy cattle from to Pernambuco state, Brazil / Ocorrência de Mycoplasma bovigenitalium e Ureaplasma diversum em bovinos leiteiros do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

The objective of this study was to conduct an investigation of Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Ureaplasma diversum infections in cattle in the microregion of the Ipanema Valley, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Vaginal swabs were collected from 355 breeding cows in reproductive age and were analyzed by multiplex PCR (mPCR) and culture. An epidemiological investigation of risk factors was performed for Mollicutes. mPCR analysis showed that, 9.29% (33/355) of the cows were positive for M. bovigenitalium and 21.69% (77/355) for U. diversum; coinfection was observed in 2.81% (10/355) of the cows. The microbiological isolation showed, 81.81% (27/33) of Mycoplasma spp. and 24.67% (19/77) of Ureaplasma spp.. The risk factors related to Mollicutes infection identified were semi-intensive breeding system (OR= 4.6), pasture rent (OR= 3.6), non-isolation of animals with reproductive disorders (OR= 3.2), and natural mounting and artificial insemination (OR= 3.5). There was a significant association between Mollicutes infection and abortions in the first gestational third (P= 0.001). This is the first record of M. bovigenitalium and U. diversum infection in cows in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Preventive measures directed to the identified risk factors can decrease the occurrence of Mollicutes in these herds.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma investigação de Mycoplasma bovigenitalium e Ureaplasma diversum em bovinos leiteiros da microrregião do Vale do Ipanema, estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram coletados suabes vaginais de 355 vacas em idade reprodutiva. As amostras foram analisadas por multiplex PCR (mPCR) e cultura. Foi realizada uma investigação dos fatores de risco para Mollicutes. Na mPCR, 9,29% (33/355) das vacas foram positivas para M. bovigenitalium e 21,69% (77/355) para U. diversum; coinfecção foi observada em 2,81% (10/355) das vacas. O isolamento microbiológico mostrou crescimento de Mycoplasma spp. em 81,81% (27/33) das amostras e em 24,67% (19/77) para Ureaplasma spp. Os fatores de risco relacionados à infecção por Mollicutes identificados foram sistema de produção semi-intensivo (OR= 4,6), aluguel de pastagem (OR= 3,6), não isolamento de animais com desordens reprodutivas (OR= 3,2) e monta natural e inseminação artificial (OR= 3,5). Houve uma associação significativa entre a infecção por Mollicutes e abortos no primeiro terço gestacional (P=0,001). Este é o primeiro relato da infecção por M. bovigenitalium e U. diversum em vacas na região semiárida do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. As medidas preventivas direcionadas aos fatores de risco identificados podem diminuir a ocorrência de Mollicutes nesses rebanhos.(AU)

Environmental factors affecting the distribution of land snails in the Atlantic Rain Forest of Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, RJ, Brazil.

The distribution and abundance of terrestrial molluscs are affected by environmental factors, but data are lacking for Brazilian land snails. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between measured environmental factors and the land-snail species composition of two hillsides covered with Atlantic Rain Forest on Ilha Grande. On each hillside, five plots located at 100 m intervals between 100 to 500 m asl were chosen. Each plot was sampled by carrying out timed searches and collecting and sorting litter samples from ten quadrats of 25 × 75 cm. A range of environmental data was measured for each of the quadrats in a plot. A Cluster Analysis was carried out for the richness and abundance data. The environmental variables were analysed using a Pearson Correlation Matrix and Discriminant Analysis. Our results show that the two mountains are similar in species richness, but species composition and abundance are different, probably reflecting observed differences in environmental conditions. The environmental factors associated with compositional variation between the two mountains were: atmospheric temperature, soil temperature, litter depth, and relative air humidity. Distinct luminosity and canopy closure conditions were related to the composition of the land-snail community of one hillside.

Centrocestus formosanus (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) in Melanoides tuberculata (Gastropoda: Thiaridae) from Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Centrocestus formosanus (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) em Melanoides tuberculata (Gastropoda, Thiaridae) da Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract Pleurolophocercous cercariae found in the invasive gastropod Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774) collected in a stream of the Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were used for experimental infection that enabled the identification of the heterophyid trematode Centrocestus formosanus (Nishigori, 1924). The parasite has been found in the locality since 2007, after two years of the introduction of M. tuberculata. Recently, from a sample of 483 specimens collected in June 2013, 101 (21%) were found infected with parasite. The potential environmental impacts caused by the parasite occurrence could be underestimated in the country, and actions to monitor and control both the parasite and the mollusk are necessary.

Resumo Cercárias do tipo pleurolofocerca encontradas no gastrópode invasor Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774) coletados em um riacho da Vila do Abraão em Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil foram utilizadas em estudos de infecção experimental que possibilitaram a identificação do trematódeo heterofiídeo Centrocestus formosanus (Nishigori, 1924). O parasito vem sendo encontrado na localidade desde 2007, dois anos após a introdução do molusco. Recentemente, de uma amostra de 483 espécimes coletados em junho de 2013, 101 (21%) apresentavam-se infectados pelo parasito. Os potenciais impactos ambientais ocasionados pela ocorrência deste parasito podem estar sendo subestimados no país, sendo necessárias ações visando o monitoramento e controle tanto do parasito quanto do molusco.

Effect of TNF-α production inhibitors on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HTLV-1-infected individuals.

Human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the causal agent of myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), a disease mediated by the immune response. HTLV-1 induces a spontaneous proliferation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by T cells, and increasing interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels are potentially involved in tissue damage in diseases related to HTLV-1. This exaggerated immune response is also due to an inability of the natural regulatory mechanisms to down-modulate the immune response in this group of patients. TNF-α inhibitors reduce inflammation and have been shown to improve chronic inflammatory diseases in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of pentoxifylline, forskolin, rolipram, and thalidomide to decrease in vitro production of TNF-α and IFN-γ in cells of HTLV-1-infected subjects. Participants of the study included 19 patients with HAM/TSP (mean age, 53 ± 11; male:female ratio, 1:1) and 18 HTLV-1 carriers (mean age, 47 ± 11; male:female ratio, 1:2.6). Cytokines were determined by ELISA in supernatants of mononuclear cell cultures. Pentoxifylline inhibited TNF-α and IFN-γ synthesis with the minimum dose used (50 µM). The results with forskolin were similar to those observed with pentoxifylline. The doses of rolipram used were 0.01-1 µM and the best inhibition of TNF-α production was achieved with 1 µM and for IFN-γ production it was 0.01 µM. The minimum dose of thalidomide used (1 µM) inhibited TNF-α production but thalidomide did not inhibit IFN-γ production even when the maximum dose (50 µM) was used. All drugs had an in vitro inhibitory effect on TNF-α production and, with the exception of thalidomide, all of them also decreased IFN-γ production.

Detecção molecular e isolamento de Mycoplasma spp. em psitacídeos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil / Molecular detection and isolation of Mycoplasma spp. in psittacines in Pernambuco state, Brazil

Objetivou-se com este estudo investigar a ocorrência de Mycoplasma spp., Mycoplasma galissepticum (MG) e Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) em psitacídeos de cativeiro localizado no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram estudadas 85 aves provenientes do Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos, localizado no estado do Pernambuco, Brasil. De cada psitacídeo analisado foram obtidas três amostras por meio de swabs da cloaca, palato e conjuntiva totalizando 255 amostras. As amostras coletadas foram submetidas à extração de DNA e à reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), sendo as positivas submetidas ao isolamento em ágar Frey. O DNA de Mycoplasma spp. foi detectado em 16,47% (14/85) dos psitacídeos estudados. Das 255 amostras analisadas, 6,66% (17/255) foram positivas para a presença de Mycoplasma spp., sendo 41,18% (7/17) provenientes da conjuntiva, 35,29% (6/17) do palato e 23,53% (4/17) da cloaca. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva para MG ou MS na PCR. Os resultados obtidos permitem confirmar a presença do DNA de Mycoplasma spp. em conjuntiva, palato e cloaca nas aves estudadas. Foram detectadas colônias semelhantes a membros da classe Mollicutes em 17,64% das amostras (3/17). Esse é o primeiro relato da presença de Mycoplasma spp. em psitacídeos de cativeiro no Nordeste do Brasil.

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Mycoplasma spp., Mycoplasma galissepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) in captive psittacines. Eighty-five wild birds from Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos, Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil, were used. From each psittacid analyzed three samples were obtained through cloaca, palate and conjunctiva swabs, totaling 255 samples. Samples collected were submitted to DNA extraction and Polimerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Mycoplasma spp. DNA was detected in 16.47% (14/85) of psittacines studied. From 255 samples, 6.66% (17/255) were positive for Mycoplasma spp.: 41.18% (7/17) of positivity in conjunctiva, 35.29% (6/17) in palate and 23.53% (4/17) in cloaca. There was no positive sample for MG or MS in PCR. Similar colonies were found for members of the Mollicutes Class in 17.64% of the samples (3/17). The results confirmed Mycoplasma spp. DNA in conjunctiva, palate and cloaca from the wild birds analyzed. This is the first record of Mycoplasma spp. in captive psittacines from northeastern Brazil.