Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of Eucalyptus radiata essential oil against Escherichia coli strains isolated from meat products.

The present study sought to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-adherent potential of Eucalyptus radiata essential oil against food-borne strains of Escherichia coli. The study was performed using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). In addition, the disk diffusion technique was used to evaluate the association of Eucalyptus radiata essential oil with synthetic antimicrobials. The Minimum Inhibitory Adherence Concentration (MIC) was also performed. The results revealed that E. radiata showed antimicrobial activity against the E. coli strains tested, with MIC values ranging from 500 µg/mL to 1000 µg/mL and MBC values ranging from 500 µg/mL to 1,024 µg/mL. As for the associations, it was observed that E. radiata oil exhibited a synergistic effect for some antibiotics, especially Ceftriaxone, with greater interference from the essential oil. Furthermore, it was effective in inhibiting the adherence of bacterial strains of E. coli, showing a more significant antibiofilm effect than the antibacterial agent 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate. In summary, the essential oil of E. radiata showed antimicrobial potential against strains of E. coli of food origin, and can therefore, through in-depth studies, be used alone or in association with synthetic antimicrobials to combat infections caused by this pathogen.

Proportions of sewage sludge in the production and quality of Malpighia emarginata DC. seedlings.

Sewage sludge (SS) has nutritional contents and has been implemented in the cultivation of seedlings. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Malpighia emarginata DC. seedlings produced in different substrates with SS. Treatments were implemented with the addition of SS, and after 180 days seedling the characteristics were measured: aerial part and root system length, stem base diameter, number of leaves, fresh and dry mass of aerial part and root, and total biomass. The Dickson Quality Index (DQI) was calculated and the macro and micronutrient content of the aerial part and root. The accumulation of macronutrients in the root system followed the order of N>K>P>Ca>Mg>S, and aerial part of N>Ca>K>P>Mg>S, in the two vegetative structures N and S were in lower concentration. For micronutrients, the accumulation in the root system occurred with Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>B, and aerial part with Fe>Mn>Zn>B>Cu. It was noted that in the two vegetative structures the Fe content was more concentrated. The use of SS in the substrate formulation proved effective in obtaining viable seedlings for field planting, being recommended the treatment with 60% SS + 40% organic compost.

Antibacterial activity of Thymus vulgaris (thyme) essential oil against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from meat product.

Meat products represent an important component of the human diet and are a good source of nutrients. Food-borne microorganisms are the main pathogens that cause human diseases as a result of food consumption, especially products of animal origin. The objective of the present research was to verify the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris against strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from meat products. For this, the analyses of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were performed in microdilution plates. The association of the product with antimicrobials was also studied using disk diffusion. And the anti-adherent activity, which was determined in the presence of sucrose, in glass tubes. Thyme oil showed a strong inhibitory activity against K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and S. saprophyticus, with the MIC values ranging from 64 to 512 µg/mL, and bactericidal effect for most strains, with MBC values ranging from 256 to 1,024 µg/mL. T. vulgaris oil exhibited varied interactions in association with the antimicrobials, with synergistic (41.67%), indifferent (50%) and antagonistic (8.33%) effects. Regarding the anti-adherent activity, the test product was effective in inhibiting the adherence of all bacterial strains under study. Therefore, thyme oil presents itself as an antibacterial and anti-adherent agent against K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and S. saprophyticus, being a natural product that can represent an interesting alternative in the efforts to combat foodborne diseases.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of the Origanum vulgare L essential oil on strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Bacteria may be the initial cause of certain pathologies as well as a secondary agent responsible for the development of complications such as pressure ulcer infections. Pressure ulcers are a persistent health problem, especially in immunocompromised patients, and associated with infection by opportunistic microorganisms with antimicrobial resistance, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, highlight the need for the development of new antimicrobial approaches. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-adherent activity of Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) essential oil against Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, as well as the effect of its association with synthetic antimicrobials. To this end, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) analyses were performed on microdilution plates. The assay of the Minimum Inhibitory Adherence Concentration (MIAC), with test tubes. As well as, the association study through the infusion disc method containing ampicillin (AMP), gentamicin (GEN), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and ceftriaxone (CEF). Therefore, it was possible to obtain that the essential oil of oregano presents antimicrobial and bactericidal activity, with MIC ranging between 128µg/mL and 256 µg/mL and MBC between 256 µg/mL and 512 µg/mL, on the tested K. pneumoniae strains. When used in association with ampicillin and gentamicin, oregano essential oil showed synergistic effect for some strains. Therefore, it is observed that the tested essential oil can act as a promising antibacterial in the treatment of diseases caused by K. pneumoniae.

Proportions of sewage sludge in the production and quality of Malpighia emarginata DC. seedlings / Proporções de lodo de esgoto na produção e qualidade de mudas de Malpighia emarginata DC

Abstract Sewage sludge (SS) has nutritional contents and has been implemented in the cultivation of seedlings. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Malpighia emarginata DC. seedlings produced in different substrates with SS. Treatments were implemented with the addition of SS, and after 180 days seedling the characteristics were measured: aerial part and root system length, stem base diameter, number of leaves, fresh and dry mass of aerial part and root, and total biomass. The Dickson Quality Index (DQI) was calculated and the macro and micronutrient content of the aerial part and root. The accumulation of macronutrients in the root system followed the order of N>K>P>Ca>Mg>S, and aerial part of N>Ca>K>P>Mg>S, in the two vegetative structures N and S were in lower concentration. For micronutrients, the accumulation in the root system occurred with Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>B, and aerial part with Fe>Mn>Zn>B>Cu. It was noted that in the two vegetative structures the Fe content was more concentrated. The use of SS in the substrate formulation proved effective in obtaining viable seedlings for field planting, being recommended the treatment with 60% SS + 40% organic compost.

Resumo O lodo de esgoto (LE) possui teor nutricional e tem sido aplicado no cultivo de mudas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade de mudas de Malpighia emarginata DC. produzidas em diferentes substratos com LE. Os tratamentos foram implantados com adição de LE, e após 180 dias de semeadura as seguintes características das mudas foram avaliadas: comprimento da parte aérea e do sistema radicular, diâmetro da base do caule, número de folhas, massa fresca e seca da parte aérea e da raiz, biomassa total. O Índice de Qualidade de Dickson (IQD) foi calculado junto aos teores de macro e micronutrientes da parte aérea e da raiz. O acúmulo de macronutrientes no sistema radicular seguiu a ordem de N>K>P>Ca>Mg>S, e parte aérea N>Ca>K>P>Mg>S, nas duas estruturas vegetativas N e S estiveram em menor concentração. Para os micronutrientes, o acúmulo no sistema radicular ocorreu Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>B, e na parte aérea Fe>Mn>Zn>B>Cu. Observou-se que nas duas estruturas vegetativas o teor de Fe foi mais concentrado. A utilização de LE na formulação do substrato mostrou-se eficaz na obtenção de mudas viáveis para o plantio em campo, sendo recomendado o tratamento com 60% de LE + 40% de composto orgânico.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of the Origanum vulgare L essential oil on strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae / Avaliação do efeito antimicrobiano do óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare L. sobre cepas de Klebsiella pneumoniae

Bacteria may be the initial cause of certain pathologies as well as a secondary agent responsible for the development of complications such as pressure ulcer infections. Pressure ulcers are a persistent health problem, especially in immunocompromised patients, and associated with infection by opportunistic microorganisms with antimicrobial resistance, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, highlight the need for the development of new antimicrobial approaches. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-adherent activity of Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) essential oil against Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, as well as the effect of its association with synthetic antimicrobials. To this end, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) analyses were performed on microdilution plates. The assay of the Minimum Inhibitory Adherence Concentration (MIAC), with test tubes. As well as, the association study through the infusion disc method containing ampicillin (AMP), gentamicin (GEN), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and ceftriaxone (CEF). Therefore, it was possible to obtain that the essential oil of oregano presents antimicrobial and bactericidal activity, with MIC ranging between 128µg/mL and 256 µg/mL and MBC between 256 µg/mL and 512 µg/mL, on the tested K. pneumoniae strains. When used in association with ampicillin and gentamicin, oregano essential oil showed synergistic effect for some strains. Therefore, it is observed that the tested essential oil can act as a promising antibacterial in the treatment of diseases caused by K. pneumoniae.

As bactérias podem ser a causa inicial de determinadas patologias como também um agente secundário responsável pelo desenvolvimento de complicações como as infecções das lesões por pressão. As lesões por pressão configuram um problema de saúde persistente, principalmente em pacientes imunocomprometidos, e associadas a infecção por microrganismos oportunistas com resistência antimicrobiana, como por exemplo a Klebisiella pneumoniae, ressaltam a necessidade do desenvolvimento de novas abordagens antimicrobianas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antibacteriana e antiaderente do óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare L. (orégano) contra cepas da Klebisiella pneumoniae, bem como o efeito da sua associação com antimicrobianos sintéticos. Para isso foram realizadas as análises da Concentração Mínima Inibitória (CIM) e Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) em placas de micro diluição. O ensaio da Concentração Mínima de Aderência (CIMA), com tubos de ensaio. Como também, o estudo de associação através do método de disco de infusão contendo ampicilina, gentamicina, ciprofloxacino e ceftriaxona. Assim sendo, foi possível obter que o óleo essencial de orégano apresenta atividade antimicrobiana e bactericida, com CIM variando entre 128µg/mL e 256 µg/mL e CBM entre 256 µg/mL e 512 µg/mL, sobre as cepas de K. pneumoniae testadas. Quando utilizado em associação com a ampicilina e gentamicina, o óleo essencial de orégano demonstrou efeito sinérgico para algumas cepas. Portanto, observa-se que o óleo essencial testado pode atuar como um promissor antibacteriano no tratamento de doenças causadas por K. pneumoniae.

Antibacterial activity of Thymus vulgaris (thyme) essential oil against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from meat product / Atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial de Thymus vulgaris (tomilho) contra cepas de Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Staphylococcus saprophyticus isoladas de produtos cárneos

Meat products represent an important component of the human diet and are a good source of nutrients. Food-borne microorganisms are the main pathogens that cause human diseases as a result of food consumption, especially products of animal origin. The objective of the present research was to verify the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris against strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from meat products. For this, the analyses of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were performed in microdilution plates. The association of the product with antimicrobials was also studied using disk diffusion. And the anti-adherent activity, which was determined in the presence of sucrose, in glass tubes. Thyme oil showed a strong inhibitory activity against K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and S. saprophyticus, with the MIC values ranging from 64 to 512 µg/mL, and bactericidal effect for most strains, with MBC values ranging from 256 to 1,024 µg/mL. T. vulgaris oil exhibited varied interactions in association with the antimicrobials, with synergistic (41.67%), indifferent (50%) and antagonistic (8.33%) effects. Regarding the anti-adherent activity, the test product was effective in inhibiting the adherence of all bacterial strains under study. Therefore, thyme oil presents itself as an antibacterial and anti-adherent agent against K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and S. saprophyticus, being a natural product that can represent an interesting alternative in the efforts to combat foodborne diseases.

Os produtos cárneos representam um importante componente da dieta humana e constituem uma boa fonte de nutrientes. Microrganismos de origem alimentar são os principais patógenos que causam doenças humanas como resultado do consumo de alimentos, principalmente, produtos de origem animal. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi verificar a atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial de Thymus vulgaris frente às cepas de Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Staphylococcus saprophyticus isoladas de produtos cárneos. Para isso, foram realizadas as análises de Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e a Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) em placas de microdiluição. Assim como, o estudo de associação do produto com antimicrobianos, realizado por difusão em disco. E a atividade antiaderente, que foi determinada na presença de sacarose, em tubos de vidro. O óleo de tomilho apresentou uma forte atividade inibitória contra K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa e S. saprophyticus, com os valores de CIM variando entre 64 a 512 µg/mL, e efeito bactericida para a maioria das cepas, com valores de CBM entre 256 a 1.024 µg/mL. O óleo de T. vulgaris exibiu interações variadas na associação com os antimicrobianos, com efeitos sinérgicos (41,67%), indiferente (50%) e antagonista (8,33%). Em relação a atividade antiaderente, o produto teste foi eficaz na inibição a aderência de todas cepas bacterianas em estudo. Portanto, o óleo de tomilho apresenta-se como agente antibacteriano e antiaderente frente a K. pneumoniae, a P. aeruginosa e a S. saprophyticus, sendo um produto natural que pode representar uma alternativa interessante nos esforços para combater doenças transmitidas por alimentos.

Activation of C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 modulates testicular macrophages number, steroidogenesis, and spermatogenesis progression.

The monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) belongs to the CC chemokine family and acts in the recruitment of C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2)-positive immune cell types to inflammation sites. In testis, the MCP-1/CCR2 axis has been associated with the macrophage population's functional regulation, which presents significant functions supporting germ cell development. In this context, herein, we aimed to investigate the role of the chemokine receptor CCR2 in mice testicular environment and its impact on male sperm production. Using adult transgenic mice strain that had the CCR2 gene replaced by a red fluorescent protein gene, we showed a stage-dependent expression of CCR2 in type B spermatogonia and early primary spermatocytes. Several parameters related to sperm production were reduced in the absence of CCR2 protein, such as Sertoli cell efficiency, meiotic index, and overall yield of spermatogenesis. Daily sperm production decreased by almost 40%, and several damages in the seminiferous tubules were observed. Significant reduction in the expression of important genes related to the Sertoli cell function (Cnx43, Vim, Ocln, Spna2) and meiosis initiation (Stra8, Pcna, Prdm9, Msh5) occurred in comparison to controls. Also, the number of macrophages significantly decreased in the absence of CCR2 protein, along with a disturbance in Leydig cell steroidogenic activity. In summary, our results show that the non-activation of the MCP-1/CCR2 axis disturbs the testicular homeostasis, interfering in macrophage population, meiosis initiation, blood-testis barrier function, and androgen synthesis, leading to the malfunction of seminiferous tubules, decreased testosterone levels, defective sperm production, and lower fertility index.

B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography of abdominal structures of the peccary (Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus 1758) / [Ultrassonografias Doppler e modo-B das estruturas abdominais de catetos (Tayassu tajacu Linnaeus, 1758)]

This study used B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography to characterize the abdominal structures of healthy peccaries raised in captivity. Fifteen peccaries were used for this study. The urinary vesicle appeared as an ovoid structure, located in the abdominal and pelvic transition, with a hyperechogenic, thin, smooth, and regular wall. The kidneys presented retroperitoneal topography and had similar sizes. The kidney/aorta ratio had an average value of 10.53±15cm (right) and 10.23±0.12 (left). The right adrenal gland had a length of 1.93±0.34cm and diameter of 0.56±0.16cm. The left adrenal gland had a length of 1.85±0.42cm and diameter of 0.52±0.11cm. The spleen had a diameter of 1.13±0.18cm. The hepatic vein demonstrated polyphasic flow in pulsed Doppler, with two retrograde peaks and an anterograde peak with a flow velocity of 25.7±0.83cm/s. The abdominal aorta had a diameter of 0.58±0.05cm and a flow velocity of 115.17±5.32cm/s. The morphological and hemodynamic study of the abdominal structures of the peccary, observed through B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography, aided in identifying the size, shape, position, echogenicity, and echotexture of the abdominal organs and in making inferences about the normal parameters for these structures in this species.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo utilizar as ultrassonografias de modo-B e Doppler para caracterizar as estruturas abdominais de um cateto sadio criado em cativeiro. Quinze catetos foram utilizados para este estudo. A vesícula urinária apareceu como uma estrutura ovoide, localizada na transição entre as partes abdominal e pélvica, com uma parede hiperecogênica, fina, lisa e regular. Os rins apresentaram topografia retroperitoneal e tamanhos semelhantes. A relação rim/aorta teve um valor médio de 10,53 ± 15cm (direita) e 10,23 ± 0,12cm (esquerda). A glândula adrenal direita tinha um comprimento de 1,93 ± 0,34cm e um diâmetro de 0,56 ± 0,16cm. A glândula suprarrenal esquerda tinha um comprimento de 1,85 ± 0,42cm e um diâmetro de 0,52 ± 0,11cm. O baço tinha um diâmetro de 1,13 ± 0,18cm. A veia hepática demonstrou fluxo polifásico no Doppler pulsátil, com dois picos retrógrados e um pico anterógrado com velocidade de fluxo de 25,7±0,83cm/s. A aorta abdominal tinha um diâmetro de 0,58 ± 0,05cm e uma velocidade de fluxo de 115,17±5,32cm/s. Os estudos morfológico e hemodinâmico das estruturas abdominais do queixada, observadas por meio das ultrassonografias modo-B e Doppler, auxiliaram na identificação do tamanho, da forma, da posição, da ecogenicidade e da ecotextura dos órgãos abdominais e na realização de inferências sobre os parâmetros de normalidade para as estruturas nas espécies.(AU)

Intraregional propagation of Covid-19 cases in Pará, Brazil: assessment of isolation regime to lockdown.

Due to the high incidence of COVID-19 case numbers internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of global relevance, advising countries to follow protocols to combat pandemic advance through actions that can reduce spread and consequently avoid a collapse in the local health system. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of the evolution of new community cases, and mortality records of COVID-19 in the State of Pará, which has a subtropical climate with temperatures between 20 and 35 °C, after the implementation of social distancing by quarantine and adoption of lockdown. The follow-up was carried out by the daily data from the technical bulletins provided by the State of Pará Public Health Secretary (SESPA). On 18 March 2020, Pará notified the first case of COVID-19. After 7 weeks, the number of confirmed cases reached 4756 with 375 deaths. The results show it took 49 days for 81% of the 144 states municipalities, distributed over an area of approximately 1 248 000 km2 to register COVID-19 cases. Temperature variations between 24.5 and 33.1 °C did not promote the decline in the new infections curve. The association between social isolation, quarantine and lockdown as an action to contain the infection was effective in reducing the region's new cases registration of COVID-19 in the short-term. However, short periods of lockdown may have promoted the virus spread among peripheral municipalities of the capital, as well as to inland regions.

Practical and Simple Systems for Food Intake Studies on Phloem-Sucking Insects.

Studies of insect feeding behavior are useful in different areas of entomology such as plant resistance, biology, and insecticide efficacy. For chewing insects, this kind of technique is well established, but for sap-sucking insects, especially tiny ones such as whiteflies, aphids, and psyllids, these tests can be laborious. Manipulation is difficult and can damage the plant, affecting the results. We describe here three types of cages for tests with small insects, one for seedlings in pots, a second for larger plants or plants in the field, and a third for caging insects on part of a leaf. These cages have been useful for different types of studies in addition to feeding behavior and can facilitate research with small phytophagous sucking insects.

Laparoscopic Liver Resection: A South American Experience with 2887 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) have been increasingly performed in recent years. Most of the available evidence, however, comes from specialized centers in Asia, Europe and USA. Data from South America are limited and based on single-center experiences. To date, no multicenter studies evaluated the results of LLR in South America. The aim of this study was to evaluate the experience and results with LLR in South American centers. METHODS: From February to November 2019, a survey about LLR was conducted in 61 hepatobiliary centers in South America, composed by 20 questions concerning demographic characteristics, surgical data, and perioperative results. RESULTS: Fifty-one (83.6%) centers from seven different countries answered the survey. A total of 2887 LLR were performed, as follows: Argentina (928), Brazil (1326), Chile (322), Colombia (210), Paraguay (9), Peru (75), and Uruguay (8). The first program began in 1997; however, the majority (60.7%) started after 2010. The percentage of LLR over open resections was 28.4% (4.4-84%). Of the total, 76.5% were minor hepatectomies and 23.5% major, including 266 right hepatectomies and 343 left hepatectomies. The conversion rate was 9.7%, overall morbidity 13%, and mortality 0.7%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study assessing the dissemination and results of LLR in South America. It showed an increasing number of centers performing LLR with the promising perioperative results, aligned with other worldwide excellence centers.

Doppler ultrasonography of the ophthalmic artery in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a new approach.

BACKGROUND: The vascular endothelium has specific estrogen receptors and the impact of hormone therapy (HT) on circulation is associated with cardiovascular protection in perimenopause and postmenopause. Blood vessels can be assessed by ultrasound Doppler velocimetry, and more specifically the study of the ophthalmic artery (OA) can be used for brain vessel assessment; more recently, it is a possible method for cardiovascular risk assessment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involved perimenopausal and postmenopausal women divided into three groups: 60 non-HT users (control group), 23 users of estrogen therapy (ET group), and 23 users of estrogen-progesterone therapy (EPT group). Doppler velocimetry of the OA was performed with analysis of the resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), systolic peak velocity (P1), second systolic peak velocity (P2), peak velocity ratio (PVR), final diastolic velocity (FDV), and ratio between means of systolic and diastolic velocity (SDR). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in Doppler velocimetry indices of the OA: RI (p = 0.94), PI (p = 0.85), P1 (p = 0.81), P2 (p = 0.53), PVR (p = 0.41), FDV (p = 0.76), and SDR (p = 0.84). We observed a positive correlation of the SDR with age only in the control group (r = 0.34, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive correlation between the SDR and age in the control group. Therefore, this new index is a promising instrument in the non-invasive assessment of cardiovascular risk.

The Enemy is Outside: Releasing the Parasitoid Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in External Sources of HLB Inocula to Control the Asian Citrus Psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae).

Huanglongbing (HLB), the most destructive citrus disease worldwide, was first recorded in Brazil in 2004, and since then, more than 50 million trees identified with this disease have been eliminated. The disease is managed mainly by controlling the psyllid vector Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, 1908 (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Although the presence of the insect in commercial citrus groves is low, HLB infection rates increase in areas bordering the groves. The disease is transmitted by psyllids from host citrus plants in areas outside the managed groves, such as abandoned or organic groves and residential trees, and from orange jasmine plants in urban settings. In order to provide information to support HLB control, this study evaluated the biotic and abiotic variables that affect the dynamics of D. citri populations after releases of the parasitoid wasp Tamarixia radiata (Waterston, 1922) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in external sources of HLB inocula. The study was divided into two parts. After releasing the parasitoids in non-commercial areas, we determined the following: (a) the variables that significantly affected the number of nymphs collected on shoots in the same non-commercial area; (b) the variables that significantly affected the number of adult psyllids collected in a neighboring commercial citrus area. Our results indicated that the number of nymphs in external areas was affected only by the host plant and rainfall. However, periodic parasitoid releases significantly reduced the number of adult psyllids collected in the commercial area. The results indicate that the release of parasitoids in external sources of inocula has the potential to maximize actions for D. citri control, contributing to the reduction of psyllid populations in commercial areas. Consequently, this strategy may help to manage the disease infection without an increase in insecticide use.

Potential of Two Trichogrammatidae species for Helicoverpa armigera control.

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) has attacked several economically important crops since it was first reported in Brazil in 2013. Because insecticides have been used intensively to control H. armigera, resistant populations have been detected more frequently. One alternative to insecticides is the use of biological control with egg parasitoids from the family Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera). The present study evaluated the use of different species and strains of these parasitoids to control H. armigera in soybean. Five strains of Trichogramma pretiosum (Riley): RV (Rio Verde, Goiás, Brazil), SO (Sorriso, Mato Grosso, Brazil), 47A (Irvine, CA, USA), PR (Colombo, Paraná, Brazil), and AN (Anhumas, São Paulo, Brazil), and Trichogrammatoidea annulata (De Santis) denominated TR, from Anhumas, were used. The following parasitoid biological parameters were evaluated: parasitism rates (%), offspring viability (%) number of parasitoids emerged per egg, egg-adult duration (days), female longevity, and offspring sex ratio. Strain RV of T. pretiosum from central Brazil performed best.

Echocardiographic reference ranges for sedated healthy peccaries ( Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus, 1758 ) / Valores de referência para catetos saudáveis sedados

Peccaries are wild mammals belonging to the Tayassu genus that are found almost everywhere in the Americas and have demonstrated great potential as an experimental model for scientific investigations. Twelve healthy adult animals were sedated to perform echocardiographic examinations in B, M and Doppler mode. The variables that exhibited statistically significant correlation coefficients with weight were LVFWd, LVIDd, LVIDs, E wave, A'RV, MAM, and TAPSE. The HR exhibited a negative relationship with the IVRT. The LA variable showed a positive correlation with the AO. The MAM exhibited correlations with the LVIDd and LVIDs. The TAPSE showed positive correlations with the E'RV and A'RV. The present study provides the first reference values for echocardiographic measurements in B, M and Doppler modes from peccaries anesthetized with ketamine and midazolam. Echocardiography was easy to perform in collared peccaries, and the collected data revealed values that can aid in their clinical management and conservation.(AU)

Catetos são mamíferos selvagens, pertencentes ao gênero Tayassu, encontrados em quase toda a América, os quais têm se destacado como modelos experimentais. Doze animais adultos saudáveis foram sedados para a realização de exames ecocardiográficos em modos B, M e Doppler. As variáveis que apresentaram coeficientes de correlação estatisticamente significativos em relação ao peso foram: LVFWd, LVIDd, LVIDs, onda E, A'RV, MAM, TAPSE. O HR mostrou correlação positiva com LA/AO, onda E, onda A, MAM, TAPSE e E/IVRT, e negativa com IVRT. Os valores de AVmax mostraram correlações positivas com onda E e onda A'. A variável LA mostrou correlação positiva com AO e correlação negativa com IVSd. A EF apresentou forte correlação com a relação de ondas FS, E/A, com A', E'RV. FS apresentou correlação positiva com a relação de onda E/A. O MAM mostrou correlação com LVIDd e LVIDs. TAPSE mostrou correlações positivas com E'RV e A'RV. O presente estudo forneceu os primeiros valores de referência para medições ecocardiográficas em modos B, M e Doppler de catetos anestesiados com ketamina e midazolam. O exame ecocardiográfico em catetos foi de fácil execução e os dados encontrados evidenciaram valores que podem auxiliar no seu manejo clínico e conservação.(AU)

Echocardiographic reference ranges for sedated healthy peccaries ( Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus, 1758 ) / Valores de referência para catetos saudáveis sedados

Peccaries are wild mammals belonging to the Tayassu genus that are found almost everywhere in the Americas and have demonstrated great potential as an experimental model for scientific investigations. Twelve healthy adult animals were sedated to perform echocardiographic examinations in B, M and Doppler mode. The variables that exhibited statistically significant correlation coefficients with weight were LVFWd, LVIDd, LVIDs, E wave, A'RV, MAM, and TAPSE. The HR exhibited a negative relationship with the IVRT. The LA variable showed a positive correlation with the AO. The MAM exhibited correlations with the LVIDd and LVIDs. The TAPSE showed positive correlations with the E'RV and A'RV. The present study provides the first reference values for echocardiographic measurements in B, M and Doppler modes from peccaries anesthetized with ketamine and midazolam. Echocardiography was easy to perform in collared peccaries, and the collected data revealed values that can aid in their clinical management and conservation.(AU)

Catetos são mamíferos selvagens, pertencentes ao gênero Tayassu, encontrados em quase toda a América, os quais têm se destacado como modelos experimentais. Doze animais adultos saudáveis foram sedados para a realização de exames ecocardiográficos em modos B, M e Doppler. As variáveis que apresentaram coeficientes de correlação estatisticamente significativos em relação ao peso foram: LVFWd, LVIDd, LVIDs, onda E, A'RV, MAM, TAPSE. O HR mostrou correlação positiva com LA/AO, onda E, onda A, MAM, TAPSE e E/IVRT, e negativa com IVRT. Os valores de AVmax mostraram correlações positivas com onda E e onda A'. A variável LA mostrou correlação positiva com AO e correlação negativa com IVSd. A EF apresentou forte correlação com a relação de ondas FS, E/A, com A', E'RV. FS apresentou correlação positiva com a relação de onda E/A. O MAM mostrou correlação com LVIDd e LVIDs. TAPSE mostrou correlações positivas com E'RV e A'RV. O presente estudo forneceu os primeiros valores de referência para medições ecocardiográficas em modos B, M e Doppler de catetos anestesiados com ketamina e midazolam. O exame ecocardiográfico em catetos foi de fácil execução e os dados encontrados evidenciaram valores que podem auxiliar no seu manejo clínico e conservação.(AU)

Organogenesis and foetal haemodynamics during the normal gestation of healthy black-rumped agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler, 1831) bred in captivity.

The objective of this study was to define the patterns of organogenesis and foetal haemodynamics during the normal gestation of healthy agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) kept in captivity. Thirty pregnant agoutis that ranged in size from small to medium and weighed between 2.5 and 3 kg underwent B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography for the biometric evaluation of the foetal organs. The foetal aortic blood flow proved to be predominantly systolic, and the measured flow velocity was 78.89 ± 2.95 cm/s, with a maximum pressure gradient of 2.12 ± 0.27 mmHg. The liver was characterized by its large volume, occupying the entire cranial aspect of the abdominal cavity, and it was associated cranially with the diaphragm and caudally with the stomach. The flow velocity in the portal vein was estimated to equal 12.17 ± 2.37 cm/s, with a resistivity index of 0.82 ± 0.05. The gallbladder was centrally located and protruded cranially towards the diaphragm. The spleen was visualized as an elongated structure with tapered cranial and caudal extremities, and the foetal kidneys were visualized bilaterally in the retroperitoneal region, with the right kidney positioned slightly more cranially than the left. The morphological characterization and hemodynamic analysis of the foetal organs of black-rumped agoutis via B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography allow determination of the vascular network and of reference values for the blood flow required for perfusing the anatomical elements essential for maintaining the viability of foetuses at different gestational ages.