Gastrointestinal Helminths in Wild Felids in the Cerrado and Pantanal: Zoonotic Bioindicators in Important Brazilian Biomes.

Environmental changes in the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado facilitate the spread of parasitic diseases in wildlife, with significant implications for public health owing to their zoonotic potential. This study aimed to examine the occurrence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild felids within these regions to assess their ecological and health impacts. We collected and analyzed helminth-positive samples from 27 wild felids using specific taxonomic keys. Diverse parasitic taxa were detected, including zoonotic helminths, such as Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma pluridentatum, Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., and Spirometra spp. Other nematodes, such as Physaloptera praeputialis and Physaloptera anomala, were identified, along with acanthocephalans from the genus Oncicola and a trematode, Neodiplostomum spp. (potentially the first record of this parasite in wild felids in the Americas). Human encroachment into natural habitats has profound effects on wild populations, influencing parasitic infection rates and patterns. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and research on parasitic infections as a means of safeguarding both wildlife and human populations and highlights the role of wild felids as bioindicators of environmental health.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites, Risk Factors and Zoonotic Aspects in Dog and Cat Populations from Goiás, Brazil.

Gastrointestinal diseases caused by parasites are frequently diagnosed in the clinical routine of domestic animals, especially dogs and cats. In general, they trigger factors that can affect human health due to zoonoses. Therefore, this study aims to identify the main intestinal parasites obtained from the fecal samples of dogs and cats in the municipality of Jata, Brazil, and their associated risk factors. Between October 2020 and March 2022, fecal samples were collected from 359 dogs and 55 cats through spontaneous defecation and subsequently subjected to coproparasitological analyses using the Willis fluctuation and Hoffman spontaneous sedimentation techniques. The following parasitic species were identified: Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara spp., Trichuris vulpis, Dipylidium caninum; Giardia spp., Entamoeba spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Platynosomum fastosum. The risk factors associated with parasitism include age, average income of owners, access to garbage, sewage, waste, outdated deworming, and contact with animals. The results demonstrate the need to establish public policies and implement preventive and control measures to reduce the occurrence of parasites in animals and the exposure of humans to pathogenic agents.

Gastrointestinal parasites of wild carnivores from conservation institutions in the Cerrado of Goiás, Brazil.

Increased interaction between wild and urban environments owing to human population growth, increased anthropization of biomes, and habitat loss for wild animals increases the spread of infectious and parasitic agents. The present study reports on the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in carnivorous mammals at two conservation institutions in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Fecal samples from 39 adult carnivores were collected after spontaneous defecation and analyzed by flotation and sedimentation. The structure and management data of each institution were recorded. Parasitism prevalence, binomial confidence intervals (CI) at 95%, variables associated with the presence of contact animals, size of the enclosure and type of food were recorded. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the samples analyzed was 71.8% (CI 55.1-83.0; 28/39). Ancylostomatidae, Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Strongyloides spp., Calodium hepaticum, and Trematoda eggs, and Cystoisospora spp. oocysts were detected. Environmental conditions were not correlated with parasitism prevalence; however, the parasites found could be managed, considering their biology, such as controlling synanthropic and domestic animals in captivity, feeding with healthy feed.

Parasitism of Nelore (Bos indicus) calf from northern Brazil by Ctenocephalides felis.

Ctenocephalides felis is the most common hematophagous ectoparasite of domestic cats and dogs worldwide, causing allergic dermatitis, anemia, itching, discomfort, and it is responsible for the transmission of many pathogens. In cattle, parasitism is not common but occurs due to the high adaptability of this flea species. This study aimed to report infestation of a Nellore (Bos indicus) calf from Northern Brazil by C. felis and its clinical findings. A 45 kg male calf presented diarrhea, progressive emaciation after 50 days of birth, and flea infestation. Anemia was observed (4.11 × 106/µL of erythrocytes; 20.48% of hematocrit). Coproparasitological examination and molecularly detection of Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. indicated negatively. Fleas were collected and taxonomically identified as C. felis. Clinical manifestations of this ectoparasite in cattle were unspecific; however, they can develop severe conditions, such as restlessness and weakness, accompanied by alopecia, emaciation, anemia, and edema of the lower limbs with intense itching and self-excoriation.

Curcumin-rich extract from Central Brazil Curcuma longa protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells under oxidative stress / Extrato rico em Curcumina do Brasil Central Curcuma longa protege células endoteliais de veias umbilicais humanas sob estresse oxidativo

INTRODUCTION: In vascular diseases, the interruption of the local blood flow and the subsequent reperfusion of oxygen can cause deleterious oxidative effects on the cells. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) presents the capacity to neutralize free radicals along with preventive and therapeutic effects for several diseases. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the ethanolic extract of Curcuma (EEC), to evaluate its effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and to analyze its effect on cellular signaling pathways. METHODS: Cells were exposed to different concentrations of EEC for 24, 48, and 72 h. Folin-Ciocalteau test, HPLC-Fluorescence analysis, and DPPH method were used to determine the phenolic compounds, curcumin content, and antioxidant action, respectively; the tetrazolium salt reduction to obtain cell viability, cytotoxicity, and the concentration that inhibits 50% of cell viability; and the immunocytochemistry technique to analyze the expression of caspase3, SIRT1, and mTOR. RESULTS: We found the presence of polyphenols in the classes of phenolic acids and curcuminoids in EEC, with 16.7% curcumin content. The number of antioxidants needed to reduce the initial DPPH concentration by 50% was 18.1 µmol/g. The extract mitigated cell damage at a dosage of 100 µg/ml, decreased the immunoexpression of caspase3, and promoted the signaling of the SIRT1 and mTOR survival pathways. CONCLUSION: EEC had a protective effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells, subjected to oxidative stress, with decreased apoptosis (caspase3) at lower concentrations, cytoprotection by maintaining essential cell functions (mTOR), and signaling of the survival pathway (SIRT1).

INTRODUÇÃO: Em doenças vasculares, a interrupção do fluxo sanguíneo locale subsequente reperfusão de oxigênio pode causar efeitos deletérios e danos irreparáveis às células. Curcuma (Curcuma longa L.) neutraliza radicais livres além de apresentar efeitos preventivos e terapêuticos. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar os compostos bioativos e a capacidade antioxidante do extrato etanólico de cúrcuma (EEC); avaliar seu efeito nas células endoteliais da veia umbilical humana, e analisar a expressão de vias de sinalização celular. MÉTODOS: As células foram expostas a diferentes concentrações de EEC por 24, 48 e 72 horas. Utilizamos o teste de Folin-Ciocalteau, análise por HPLC-Fluorescência e método DPPH para determinar os compostos fenólicos, conteúdo de curcumina e ação antioxidante, respectivamente; o método de redução de tetrazólio para viabilidade celular, a citotoxicidade e a concentração que inibe 50% da viabilidade celular; e a técnica de imunocitoquímica para analisar a expressão de caspase3, SIRT1 e mTOR. RESULTADOS: Observou-se presença de polifenóis nas classes de ácidos fenólicos e curcuminóides no EEC, com teor de curcumina de 16,7%. A quantidade de antioxidante necessária para reduzir a concentração inicial de DPPH em 50% foi de 18,1 µmol/g. O extrato mitigou o dano celular na dosagem de 100 µg/ml, diminuiu a imunoexpressão da caspase3 e promoveu a sinalização das vias de sobrevivência SIRT1 e mTOR. CONCLUSÃO: O EEC teve efeito protetor nas células endoteliais de veia umbilical humana, submetidas ao estresse oxidativo, com diminuição da apoptose (caspase3) em concentrações mais baixas, citoproteção pela manutenção das funções celulares essenciais (mTOR) e sinalização da via de sobrevivência (SIRT1).

Ammonia levels during broiler rearing cycle

The evaluated ammonia volatilization rates and its association with humidity, temperature, and pH in broiler litter in conventional and dark house rearing systems. Evaluations were performed at 0.01, 1.00, and 1.50 m high, using a completely randomized design, at a weekly frequency for 12 weeks­from the sanitary void to the end of the 42-day cycle. Litter temperature had no significant difference for different types of house. Humidity and pH levels varied according to houses and evaluation periods. No ammonia volatilization was detected during initial periods. However, up from the 21st day of rearing, rates started to increase, showing higher concentrations at 0.01 m height. At 1.00 and 1.50 m, values around 20 mL·m­3, were obtained and considered an acceptable exposure level for the broilers and employees directly working in this sector. Yet, broiler breeders should target lower levels due to environmental impacts.

Occurrence of ectopic Dioctophyma renale in a Bolivian dog.

This is the first scientific report of the ectopic occurrence of Dioctophyma renale in subcutaneous tissue of a domestic dog's paw from Bolivia. An 18-month-old male dog (Pug) from Bolivia (San Matías) was examined on September 15, 2020 presenting limited mobility and apparent swelling in the left pelvic limb. After clinic evaluation, left foot edema was observed from tibio-tarsal to metatarsophalangeal joints which was more pronounced on the dorsolateral face. An incision at the site revealed serosanguinous exudation associated with a wide reddish nematode, which was identified as a female Dioctophyma renale. Epidemiological considerations were highlighted as this disease has zoonotic potential, and the infected dog was kept in a yard to which amphibians (Anura) and reptiles had access. Moreover, there is a lack of information on its occurrence in San Matías, a border city with Brazil.

Psoroptes ovis mange in a dog in Brazil.

Psoroptes ovis (Acari: Psoroptidae, Hering, 1838) is an ectoparasite that poses a high risk to herd animals and causes a severe dermal disease called psoroptic mange. This work aimed to report P. ovis parasitism in a dog. A male Pinscher that lives in rural areas and had free access to sheep farming showed hair loss in the dorsal region and mild itching. Dermatological examination demonstrated irregular alopecia, scabs, dry desquamation and erythema around the dorsal region of the thorax and pelvis. Hemogram has shown mild eosinophilia and the fungal culture was negative. In skin scrapings, P. ovis was observed, and its morphological characteristics were recorded. Treatment with ivermectin (0.5 mg/kg) was initiated orally once weekly for six weeks and amitraz for environmental control shown positive results. The diagnosis of psoroptic mange in dogs was performed based on morphological characterization of mite and the report of sheep contact. This is the first report of the occurrence of P. ovis in dog.

Antiophidic activity of the secondary metabolite lupeol isolated from Zanthoxylum monogynum.

Previous studies have demonstrated the potential antiophidic activity of Zanthoxylum monogynum A.St.-Hil. a tree from the Rutaceae family native to South America. In this present contribution, we demonstrate the activity of the metabolite lupeol, a triterpenoid isolated from the stem bark of Z. monogynum against the harmful effects of the Bothrops alternatus venom. We investigated the antiophidic properties of lupeol, for this purpose, and use crude venom (Pb) incubated with lupeol in different concentrations, testing in vitro experiments and inoculated in mice for inhibitory evaluations in vivo. Besides, we tried to elucidate through the molecular dynamics the mechanism of action of lupeol with the bothropic thrombin-like toxin Jararacussin-I; the acidic phospholipase A2 toxin BthA-I from Bothrops jararacussu and the metalloproteinase toxin BmooMP-I from Bothrops moojeni. In our results, we demonstrated the potential inhibitory effect upon coagulant, phospholipasic and myotoxic activities of the bothropic venom, previously incubated with lupeol. We found that lupeol triterpenoid was able to partially inhibit local and systemic damage caused by snake venom toxins. Our in silico results demonstrate that lupeol is capable of interacting and altering the activity of the thrombin-like toxin Jararacussin-I, and capable of interacting with the BthA-I acidic PLA2, both toxins present in Bothrops snakes venom, thus demonstrating the pharmacological potential of this compound for the treatment of bothropic accidents.

Canine Primary Corneal Fibrosarcoma - Case Report.

This is the first report of a primary corneal fibrosarcoma in a canine. A 4-year-old male dog, Blue Heeler, owas examined because of a reddish nodular mass in the right eye. A complete ophthalmic exam was conducted, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, applanation tonometry, fundoscopy, ocular and abdominal ultrasound, hemogram, serum biochemistry profile, and a thoracic X-ray. After the ophthalmic evaluation of the right eye, conjunctival hyperemia and the presence of a .5 cm diameter mass was found in the cornea. The diagnosis of fibrosarcoma was confirmed by histopathological analysis. The keratectomy showed satisfactory results in the removal of the corneal fibrosarcoma. The patient was followed up on for 18 months after the surgical procedure, and there were not any signs of local recurrence or metastasis.

Animal model of chronic kidney disease using a unilateral technique of renal ischemia and reperfusion in White New Zealand rabbits.

PURPOSE: To establish a model of chronic kidney disease in White New Zealand rabbits, using an exclusive unilateral technique of renal ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS: Twenty males White New Zealand rabbits were used. All animals were subjected to the following: pre-surgical blood collection (1st collection) for creatinine and urea serum analysis, left renal ischemia and reperfusion surgery technique, another blood sample was collected after 6 weeks post surgery (2nd collection), the last blood sample (3rd collection) blood sample was taken 11 weeks post surgery (pre-euthanasia), euthanasia and withdrawal of right and left kidney for histopathological analysis. RESULTS: The creatinine levels after surgery was statistically significant higher in the 3rd collection, regarding the 1st and 2nd collection (p<0.05). A significant statistic increase for urea was showed only in the 2nd collection (p<0.05) when compared to the 1st and 3rd collections. Histopathological analysis showed bilateral lesions in the renal tissue, consistent to the process of ischemia and reperfusion. CONCLUSION: This exclusive unilateral technique of renal ischemia and reperfusion without nephrectomy in White New Zealand rabbits, showed effectiveness in getting an animal model of chronic kidney disease.

Animal model of chronic kidney disease using a unilateral technique of renal ischemia and reperfusion in White New Zealand rabbits

PURPOSE: To establish a model of chronic kidney disease in White New Zealand rabbits, using an exclusive unilateral technique of renal ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS: Twenty males White New Zealand rabbits were used. All animals were subjected to the following: pre-surgical blood collection (1st collection) for creatinine and urea serum analysis, left renal ischemia and reperfusion surgery technique, another blood sample was collected after 6 weeks post surgery (2nd collection), the last blood sample (3rd collection) blood sample was taken 11 weeks post surgery (pre-euthanasia), euthanasia and withdrawal of right and left kidney for histopathological analysis. RESULTS: The creatinine levels after surgery was statistically significant higher in the 3rd collection, regarding the 1st and 2nd collection (p<0.05). A significant statistic increase for urea was showed only in the 2nd collection (p<0.05) when compared to the 1st and 3rd collections. Histopathological analysis showed bilateral lesions in the renal tissue, consistent to the process of ischemia and reperfusion. CONCLUSION: This exclusive unilateral technique of renal ischemia and reperfusion without nephrectomy in White New Zealand rabbits, showed effectiveness in getting an animal model of chronic kidney disease .