Carcass characteristics and meat quality of goats fed increasing levels of crude glycerin.

Crude glycerin is a byproduct of the biodiesel industry and has been widely used in ruminant diets as a source of energy, usually in place of corn, primarily during periods of drought in tropical regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of including levels of the crude glycerin of low purity (0, 6, 12 and 18%) replacing corn in the diets of goats on the carcass characteristics, tissue composition, meat cuts yield and physicochemical parameters of meat. Forty males castrated without defined racial pattern goats an initial average weight of 19.70 ± 2.30 kg were slaughtered after 86 days. Diets content 0 and 6% crude glycerin promoted similar responses to the analyzed variables, except for pH and breast weight. No differences were observed to total digestible nutrients, slaughter body weight, commercial cut yield leg tissue composition and physicochemical parameters of meat. Crude glycerin can be included up to 12% without losses on carcass weight and meat cuts, leg composition, and meat quality. The inclusion of crude glycerin containing 63.06% glycerol and 45.57% lipids could be effective in partial replacement of corn in diets for confined goats in tropical areas.

Spineless Cactus plus Urea and Tifton-85 Hay: Maximizing the Digestible Organic Matter Intake, Ruminal Fermentation and Nitrogen Utilization of Wethers in Semi-Arid Regions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing Tifton-85 hay (Cynodon spp. cv. Tifton 85) with 0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 g/kg dry matter (DM) of spineless cactus (SC, Nopalea cochenilifera Salm-Dyck) plus urea and ammonium sulfate (UAS; 9:1) on DM, digestible organic matter (DOM) and indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) intakes, as well as ruminal fermentation, N-balance, and microbial protein supply (MPS). Five rumen-fistulated and cannulated crossbred wethers, weighing 43.8 ± 5.80 kg, were randomized in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Isonitrogenous diets (14% crude protein) were supplied with a roughage/concentrate ratio of 70:30. The DOM intake, N-retained, and MPS showed quadratic responses (p < 0.05), with maximum values estimated at the levels of SC+UAS of 414, 438 and 418 g/kg DM, respectively. Rumen pH and ammonia nitrogen, iNDF intake, N-urinary excretion, and serum urea and plasma ammonia reduced linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing SC+UAS inclusion. Ruminal acetate and propionate concentrations increased linearly with increasing SC+UAS inclusion. In wethers fed diets with a roughage/concentrate ratio of 70:30, roughage constituted of a SC+UAS/hay (Tifton-85) ratio of 41:29 is recommended in order to maximize the DOM intake, N-retention, and MPS.

Gender-related differences in the modulation of anthropometric, biochemical, and immune markers by physical activity in hypertensive and diabetic individuals.

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compose the two major noncommunicable chronic inflammatory diseases. Physical activity has been shown as a promising complementary approach to control the systemic inflammation. However, it is still unclear whether this modulation is gender-dependent. The objective of this study was evaluate the gender-related influence of physical activity on the inflammatory response and biochemical profile of individuals with SAH and T2DM. An international physical activity questionnaire was applied to 376 individuals diagnosed with SAH and T2DM in order to access their exercises routine and was evaluated the influence of physical activity in biochemical, anthropometrical, and immunological markers involved in these disorders in men and women. Even though active individuals have exhibited lower serum levels of IL-1ß, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A, the ratios between IL-10 and all inflammatory cytokines were higher in men than in women. Physically active individuals also demonstrated increased HDL/LDL and HDL/VLDL ratios. Moreover, multiple correlations revealed that in active women both IL-10 and TNF-α serum levels positively correlate with fasting glucose levels, and were negatively associated with HDL levels. Our findings suggest that gender-related differences dictate a distinct crosstalk between inflammatory and biochemical markers in physically active individuals.

Miúda (Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck)-The Best Forage Cactus Genotype for Feeding Lactating Dairy Cows in Semiarid Regions.

This study aimed to investigate the effects on nutrient intake and digestibility, milk yield (MY) and composition, milk fatty acids profile, and microbial protein synthesis caused by feeding lactating dairy cows four different forage cactus genotypes. Eight Girolando cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Gyr), weighing 490 ± 69.0 kg (means ± standard deviation), and producing 15.5 ± 1.0 kg/d of milk during pretrial were distributed to two contemporaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares. The cows were fed a total mixed ration composed of sorghum silage (385 g/kg of dry matter (DM)), concentrated mix (175 g/kg DM), and forage cactus (440 g/kg DM). The experimental treatments consisted of different cactus genotypes, such as Gigante cactus (GC), Miúda cactus (MC), IPA Sertânia cactus (SC), and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana cactus (OEMC). The feeding of MC provided a higher intake of DM, organic matter (OM), and total digestible nutrients, as well as higher MY, energy-corrected milk, and microbial protein synthesis in comparison with those resulting from the other genotypes tested. The GC promoted lower DM and OM, and the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber. The cows fed with OEMC showed lower MY and milk protein yield and content, and higher unsaturated over saturated fatty acid ratio in milk. Miúda forage cactus increased nutrient intake, digestibility of DM and OM, and microbial synthesis without impairing the milk fatty acid profile.

Partially replacing sorghum silage with cactus (Opuntia stricta) cladodes in a soybean oil-supplemented diet markedly increases trans-11 18:1, cis-9, trans-11 CLA and 18:2 n-6 contents in cow milk.

Based on low 18:0 contents observed in milk fat of cows fed cactus cladodes (CC), we hypothesized that including Opuntia stricta cladodes in a soybean oil (SO)-supplemented diet would promote incomplete rumen biohydrogenation of supplemental PUFA, leading to increased trans-11 18:1 and cis-9, trans-11 CLA contents in milk. Twelve Holstein cows were used in a two-period study: (a) Baseline: all cows received a total mixed ration (TMR) composed of sorghum silage (SS) and a concentrate containing no SO for 14 days; (b) Treatment: cows received one of the following SO-supplemented diets for 21 days: (1) SS-TMR: a TMR composed of SS and a SO-enriched concentrate, (2) CC-TMR: a TMR containing CC as a partial substitute for SS plus the SO-enriched concentrate, and (3) CC-PMR: same diet as in treatment 2, but CC were mixed with the SO-enriched concentrate and fed as a partial mixed ration (PMR). Both CC diets increased relative abundances of trans-11 18:1, cis-9, trans-11 CLA, and 18:2 n-6 in milk fat, whereas opposite effects were observed on 18:0 and cis-9 18:1. Proportion of 18:2 n-6 increased, and cis-9, trans-11 CLA tended to increase with CC-PMR as compared to CC-TMR, whereas 18:3 n-3 was higher with CC-PMR than with SS-TMR. Proportions of several odd- and branched-chain fatty acids, certain 18:1 isomers, and trans-9, cis-11 CLA changed with CC diets, notably with CC-PMR. Milk yield and intake of most nutrients (except fibre) increased or tended to increase with the CC diets, whereas gross milk composition was unaltered. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 index for C18 (SCD18 ) was higher with CC-PMR than with SS-TMR, and milk n-6:n-3 FA ratio and apparent transfer of 18:2 n-6 to milk increased with CC diets. These results indicate that Opuntia stricta cladodes can be a valuable feed ingredient for improving the nutraceutical value of milk fat.

Detection, purification and characterization of a lectin from freshwater green algae Spirogyra spp.

Freshwater algae are rich sources of structurally biologically active metabolites, such as fatty acids, steroids, carotenoids and polysaccharides. Among these metabolites, lectins stand out. Lectins are proteins or glycoproteins of non-immune origin which bind to carbohydrates or glycoconjugates, without changing ligand structure. Many studies have reported on the use of Spirogyra spp. as effective bioindicators of heavy metals; however, reports on Spirogyra molecular bioprospecting are quite limited. Therefore, this study aimed to detect, isolate, purify and characterize a lectin present in the freshwater green algae Spirogyra. Presence of the lectin protein in the extract was detected by hemagglutination assays. Subsequently, the protein extract was subjected to a sugar inhibition assay to identify the lectin-specific carbohydrate. Following this, the extract was applied to a guar gum column to afford the pure lectin. The lectin was inhibited by N-acetyl-glucosamine and N-acetyl-beta-D-mannose, but more strongly by D-galactose. The apparent molecular mass of the purified lectin was evaluated by Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE). Electrophoretic analysis revealed a single protein band with an apparent molecular mass of 56 kDa. Thus, it could be concluded that a lectin was purified from Spirogyra spp.

Detection, purification and characterization of a lectin from freshwater green algae Spirogyra spp

ABSTRACT Freshwater algae are rich sources of structurally biologically active metabolites, such as fatty acids, steroids, carotenoids and polysaccharides. Among these metabolites, lectins stand out. Lectins are proteins or glycoproteins of non-immune origin which bind to carbohydrates or glycoconjugates, without changing ligand structure. Many studies have reported on the use of Spirogyra spp. as effective bioindicators of heavy metals; however, reports on Spirogyra molecular bioprospecting are quite limited. Therefore, this study aimed to detect, isolate, purify and characterize a lectin present in the freshwater green algae Spirogyra. Presence of the lectin protein in the extract was detected by hemagglutination assays. Subsequently, the protein extract was subjected to a sugar inhibition assay to identify the lectin-specific carbohydrate. Following this, the extract was applied to a guar gum column to afford the pure lectin. The lectin was inhibited by N-acetyl-glucosamine and N-acetyl-beta-D-mannose, but more strongly by D-galactose. The apparent molecular mass of the purified lectin was evaluated by Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE). Electrophoretic analysis revealed a single protein band with an apparent molecular mass of 56 kDa. Thus, it could be concluded that a lectin was purified from Spirogyra spp.

Algal lectin binding to core (α1-6) fucosylated N-glycans: structural basis for specificity and production of recombinant protein.

We determined the specificity of BTL, a lectin from the red marine alga Bryothamnion triquetrum, toward fucosylated oligosaccharides. BTL showed a strict specificity for the core α1,6-fucosylation, which is an important marker for cancerogenesis and quality control of therapeutical antibodies. The double fucosylation α1,6 and α1,3 was also recognized, but the binding was totally abolished in the sole presence of the α1,3-fucosylation. A more detailed analysis of the specificity of BTL showed a preference for bi- and tri-antennary nonbisected N-glycans. Sialylation or fucosylation at the nonreducing end of N-glycans did not affect the recognition by the lectin. BTL displayed a strong affinity for a core α1,6-fucosylated octasaccharide with a Kd of 12 µM by titration microcalorimetry. The structural characterization of the interaction between BTL and the octasaccharide was obtained by STD-NMR. It demonstrated an extended epitope for recognition that includes the fucose residue, the distal GlcNAc and one mannose residue. Recombinant rBTL was obtained in Escherichia coli and characterized. Its binding properties for carbohydrates were studied using hemagglutination tests and glycan array analysis. rBTL was able to agglutinate rabbit erythrocytes with strong hemagglutination activity only after treatment with papain and trypsin, indicating that its ligands were not directly accessible at the cell surface. The hemagglutinating properties of rBTL confirm the correct folding and functional state of the protein. The results show BTL as a potent candidate for cancer diagnosis and as a reagent for the preparation and quality control of antibodies lacking core α1,6-fucosylated N-glycans.

Effects of fasting and refeeding on the metabolic functions of the turtle Kinosternon scorpioides (Linnaeus, 1766) raised in captivity / Efeitos do jejum e da realimentação sobre as funções metabólicas da tartaruga Kinosternon scorpioides (Linnaeus, 1766) criada em cativeiro

The metabolic responses of adult and young freshwater Kinosternon scorpioides turtles raised in captivity were evaluated. Two experiments were performed: a) blood metabolite changes caused by food deprivation, and b) liver and muscle glycogen and total lipid differences after fasting and refeeding. Blood glucose concentration of young animals was susceptible to food deprivation. In both groups this metabolite decreased after 30 days of fasting. Feeding for 15 days did not recover blood glucose. Total seric proteins were not affected by food deprivation. Fasting decreased blood urea nitrogen and the highest difference was found around 30 days. Uric acid increased in young animals after 60 days of fasting. Triacylglicerol decreased after 15 days of fasting and refeeding for 15 days recovered the pre-fasting levels. Free fatty acid plasma tended to increase around 15 days of fasting. Liver glycogen decreased at day 15 of fasting, being stable thereafter while muscle glycogen decreased at a slower rate. Total liver lipid stabilized after 30 days and then decreased 70% after 60 days of fasting. Muscle lipids remained stable throughout fasting. It could be concluded that fasting of Kinosternon scorpioides led to metabolic adaptations similar to the one reported from reptiles and fish.(AU)

Neste trabalho foi avaliada as respostas metabólicas da tartaruga Kinosternon scorpioides criada em cativeiro, nas fases, adultos e jovens nos estados: alimentado, jejuado e realimentado. O estudo compreendeu dois experimentos: (a) mudanças metabólicas no sangue causadas por privação alimentar e realimentação e (b) diferenças nas concentrações de glicogênio e lipídeos totais no fígado e no músculo após jejum e realimentação. No experimento dos animais jovens a concentração de glicose no sangue apresentou mudanças significativas. Entretanto, nos dois experimentos esse metabólito reduziu significativamente aos 30 dias de jejum. Realimentados por um período de 15 dias foi observado que a concentração de glicose não recuperou os níveis de pré-jejum. Concentração de glicose no sangue de animais jovens foi mais suscetível à privação de alimentos. Em ambos os grupos os metabólitos analisados decresceu após 30 dias de jejum. Retomando a alimentação por 15 dias foi observado que a concentração de glicose não recuperou. As concentrações de proteínas séricas totais não foram afetadas pela privação alimentar. O jejum decresceu a concentração de uréia no sangue e a maior diferença ocorreu aos 30 dias. O ácido úrico decresceu nos animais jovens após 60 dias de jejum. O triacilglicerol diminuiu após 15 dias de jejum e a realimentação por 15 dias recuperou os níveis de pré-jejum. O glicogênio hepático diminuiu aos 15 dias de jejum, e estabilizou a partir daí, enquanto o glicogênio muscular diminuiu a um ritmo mais lento. O lipídio total hepático total se manteve estável até os 30 dias de jejum, diminuindo até 70% aos 60 dias de jejum. E, em seguida, diminuiu 70% após 60 dias de jejum. Os lipídeos musculares permaneceram estáveis durante o jejum. Conclui-se que o jejum na espécie Kinosternon scorpioides apresentou adaptações metabólicas semelhantes aos relatados para outros répteis e peixes.(AU)

Effects of fasting and refeeding on the metabolic functions of the turtle Kinosternon scorpioides (Linnaeus, 1766) raised in captivity / Efeitos do jejum e da realimentação sobre as funções metabólicas da tartaruga Kinosternon scorpioides (Linnaeus, 1766) criada em cativeiro

The metabolic responses of adult and young freshwater Kinosternon scorpioides turtles raised in captivity were evaluated. Two experiments were performed: a) blood metabolite changes caused by food deprivation, and b) liver and muscle glycogen and total lipid differences after fasting and refeeding. Blood glucose concentration of young animals was susceptible to food deprivation. In both groups this metabolite decreased after 30 days of fasting. Feeding for 15 days did not recover blood glucose. Total seric proteins were not affected by food deprivation. Fasting decreased blood urea nitrogen and the highest difference was found around 30 days. Uric acid increased in young animals after 60 days of fasting. Triacylglicerol decreased after 15 days of fasting and refeeding for 15 days recovered the pre-fasting levels. Free fatty acid plasma tended to increase around 15 days of fasting. Liver glycogen decreased at day 15 of fasting, being stable thereafter while muscle glycogen decreased at a slower rate. Total liver lipid stabilized after 30 days and then decreased 70% after 60 days of fasting. Muscle lipids remained stable throughout fasting. It could be concluded that fasting of Kinosternon scorpioides led to metabolic adaptations similar to the one reported from reptiles and fish.

Neste trabalho foi avaliada as respostas metabólicas da tartaruga Kinosternon scorpioides criada em cativeiro, nas fases, adultos e jovens nos estados: alimentado, jejuado e realimentado. O estudo compreendeu dois experimentos: (a) mudanças metabólicas no sangue causadas por privação alimentar e realimentação e (b) diferenças nas concentrações de glicogênio e lipídeos totais no fígado e no músculo após jejum e realimentação. No experimento dos animais jovens a concentração de glicose no sangue apresentou mudanças significativas. Entretanto, nos dois experimentos esse metabólito reduziu significativamente aos 30 dias de jejum. Realimentados por um período de 15 dias foi observado que a concentração de glicose não recuperou os níveis de pré-jejum. Concentração de glicose no sangue de animais jovens foi mais suscetível à privação de alimentos. Em ambos os grupos os metabólitos analisados decresceu após 30 dias de jejum. Retomando a alimentação por 15 dias foi observado que a concentração de glicose não recuperou. As concentrações de proteínas séricas totais não foram afetadas pela privação alimentar. O jejum decresceu a concentração de uréia no sangue e a maior diferença ocorreu aos 30 dias. O ácido úrico decresceu nos animais jovens após 60 dias de jejum. O triacilglicerol diminuiu após 15 dias de jejum e a realimentação por 15 dias recuperou os níveis de pré-jejum. O glicogênio hepático diminuiu aos 15 dias de jejum, e estabilizou a partir daí, enquanto o glicogênio muscular diminuiu a um ritmo mais lento. O lipídio total hepático total se manteve estável até os 30 dias de jejum, diminuindo até 70% aos 60 dias de jejum. E, em seguida, diminuiu 70% após 60 dias de jejum. Os lipídeos musculares permaneceram estáveis durante o jejum. Conclui-se que o jejum na espécie Kinosternon scorpioides apresentou adaptações metabólicas semelhantes aos relatados para outros répteis e peixes.

Morphological aspects of the ovaries of turtle Kinosternon scorpioides raised in captivity / Aspectos morfológicos dos ovários da tartaruga Kinosternon scorpioides criada em cativeiro

The swear turtle "jurará" (Kinosternon scorpioides) is a mud turtle of the Amazon region exposed to disordering capture in the rural areas of Maranhão, Brazil. Despite its popularity in these areas, little meaningful information regarding the reproductive morphology is currently available, fact that impedes the adoption of policies for preservation of the species. To obtain more information, we studied the ovarian morphology adult jurará females kept in captivity by morphological and morphometric analysis in the dry and rainy season. The results revealed that all females were sexually mature and were in a vitellogenic period. The ovaries are two irregular structures composed by follicles in different stages of development (primary, secondary and tertiary) scattered in a stroma of loose connective highly vascularized tissue. The ovary weight was 6.25±4.23g and 2.27±1.42g, for the right and left one respectively. The gonadosomatic indexes were 2.06% for the dry season and 1.79% for the rainy season. The average of the follicles was 29.83 units per ovary. Microscopically, the mature ovaries revealed a basal layer composed by four cellular layers: the inner and outer theca, stratum granulosum with perivitelline membrane and zona radiata with vitelline membrane. No significant differences were observed in the ovaries either in the dry or wet period.(AU)

O jurará (Kinosternon scorpioides) é um cágado da Região Amazônica que sofre com as capturas desordenadas nos interiores maranhenses e que apesar da sua popularidade nessas áreas, os dados relacionados à morfologia reprodutiva ainda são poucos esclarecedores, o que dificulta a adoção de medidas para preservação da espécie. Desta forma, caracterizou-se morfologicamente os ovários de fêmeas adultas de jurara oriundas de cativeiro através da análise morfológica e morfométrica em dois períodos do ano, seco e o chuvoso. Os resultados comprovaram que todas as fêmeas eram maduras sexualmente e se encontravam em período vitelogênico. Os ovários são duas estruturas irregulares constituídas por diversos folículos em desenvolvimento (primários, secundários e terciários) sobre um estroma de tecido conjuntivo frouxo ricamente vascularizado, com média de peso do direito e esquerdo respectivamente de 6,25±4,23g and 2,27±1,42g. Índices gonadossomáticos de 2,06% para o período seco e de 1,79% para o chuvoso. Média de folículos observados de 29,83 unidades por ovário. Histologicamente, os ovários maduros possuíam camada basal composta por quatro camadas celulares: as tecas externa e interna, o estrato granuloso com membrana perivitelínica e a zona radiata com membrana vitelínica. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas dos ovários entre os dois períodos estudados.(AU)

Morphological aspects of the ovaries of turtle Kinosternon scorpioides raised in captivity / Aspectos morfológicos dos ovários da tartaruga Kinosternon scorpioides criada em cativeiro

The swear turtle "jurará" (Kinosternon scorpioides) is a mud turtle of the Amazon region exposed to disordering capture in the rural areas of Maranhão, Brazil. Despite its popularity in these areas, little meaningful information regarding the reproductive morphology is currently available, fact that impedes the adoption of policies for preservation of the species. To obtain more information, we studied the ovarian morphology adult jurará females kept in captivity by morphological and morphometric analysis in the dry and rainy season. The results revealed that all females were sexually mature and were in a vitellogenic period. The ovaries are two irregular structures composed by follicles in different stages of development (primary, secondary and tertiary) scattered in a stroma of loose connective highly vascularized tissue. The ovary weight was 6.25±4.23g and 2.27±1.42g, for the right and left one respectively. The gonadosomatic indexes were 2.06% for the dry season and 1.79% for the rainy season. The average of the follicles was 29.83 units per ovary. Microscopically, the mature ovaries revealed a basal layer composed by four cellular layers: the inner and outer theca, stratum granulosum with perivitelline membrane and zona radiata with vitelline membrane. No significant differences were observed in the ovaries either in the dry or wet period.

O jurará (Kinosternon scorpioides) é um cágado da Região Amazônica que sofre com as capturas desordenadas nos interiores maranhenses e que apesar da sua popularidade nessas áreas, os dados relacionados à morfologia reprodutiva ainda são poucos esclarecedores, o que dificulta a adoção de medidas para preservação da espécie. Desta forma, caracterizou-se morfologicamente os ovários de fêmeas adultas de jurara oriundas de cativeiro através da análise morfológica e morfométrica em dois períodos do ano, seco e o chuvoso. Os resultados comprovaram que todas as fêmeas eram maduras sexualmente e se encontravam em período vitelogênico. Os ovários são duas estruturas irregulares constituídas por diversos folículos em desenvolvimento (primários, secundários e terciários) sobre um estroma de tecido conjuntivo frouxo ricamente vascularizado, com média de peso do direito e esquerdo respectivamente de 6,25±4,23g and 2,27±1,42g. Índices gonadossomáticos de 2,06% para o período seco e de 1,79% para o chuvoso. Média de folículos observados de 29,83 unidades por ovário. Histologicamente, os ovários maduros possuíam camada basal composta por quatro camadas celulares: as tecas externa e interna, o estrato granuloso com membrana perivitelínica e a zona radiata com membrana vitelínica. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas dos ovários entre os dois períodos estudados.

The occurrence of Phlebotomines (Diptera psychodidae) in a Leshmaniasis endemic area / Ocorrência de Flebotomíneos (Diptera psychodidae) em área endêmica de Leshmanioses

Objective: we describe the occurrence of phlebotomines in urban areas of Caxias, Maranhão state, whereautochthonous cases of visceral leishmaniasis (kala azar) and tegumentary leishmaniasis were reported.Method: The phlebotomines were captured in 40 districts in the periods January to December 2001, May toNovember 2004, and January to November 2005 using CDC light traps installed from 6 pm to 6 am in thehouses and peridomiciles. Results: a total of 28,336 specimens (21,006 males and 7,330 females) from 11species were collected. Ten of the species belonged to the genus Lutzomyia and one to the genus Brumptomyia.The most abundant species was Lutzomyia longipalpis (93.7%), which was also the most widely distributed inthe city, followed by L. whitmani (5.2%). Conclusions: this pattern of abundance indicates that these were thetwo species best adapted to the urban environment, and they were thus incriminated in the transmission of thecases of kala azar (Lutzomyia longipalpis) and tegumentary leishmaniasis (L. whitmani) reported in Caxias. Theother species were considered occasional or rare visitors to the areas

Objetivo: descreve-se a ocorrência de flebotomíneos em áreas urbanas com notificação de casosautóctones de leishmaniose visceral (calazar) e leishmaniose tegumentar. Método: nos períodos dejaneiro a dezembro de 2001, maio a novembro de 2004 e janeiro a novembro de 2005 foram feitosinquéritos entomológicos de flebotomíneos em 40 bairros da cidade de Caxias, estado do Maranhão.Os espécimes foram coletados utilizando-se armadilhas luminosas do tipo CDC instaladas das 18 às6 horas, no peri e intradomicílio. Resultados: foram coletados 28.336 espécimes (machos: 21.006;fêmeas: 7.330), de 11 espécies, sendo 10 pertencentes ao gênero Lutzomyia e 1 ao gêneroBrumptomyia. A espécie mais abundante foi L. longipalpis (93,7%) e também a mais bemdistribuída dentro da cidade, seguida por L. whitmani (5,2%). Conclusões: por esse padrão deabundância, verifica-se que essas duas espécies são as mais bem adaptadas ao ambiente urbano,sendo atraídas principalmente por galinheiros, chiqueiros e estábulos, além dos domicílioshumanos. As demais espécies foram consideradas visitantes ocasionais e raras nas áreas. Os casosde calazar e leishmaniose tegumentar notificados em Caxias são atribuídos a essas duas espécies,respectivamente.

Ultrasonographic and radiographic determination of egg development of jurarás (Kinosternon scorpioides) in captivity / Determinação ultrassonográfica e radiográfica do desenvolvimento de ovos de jurarás em cativeiro

Kinosternon scorpioides (Linnaeus, 1766), with its common name of jurará, is a quite variable species of turtles, and many different names have been applied to populations throughout its range. Currently, however, four subspecies are considered valid as K. scorpioides arises from southern Panama over most of northern South America and is found in Ecuador, northern Peru, southern Bolivia, northern Argentina, eastern Guyana and Brazil. Thus, an ultrasonographic and radiographic study was performed in order to describe the morphology and development of eggs of 20 female jurará mud turtles K. scorpioides, from September 2005 to August 2006. In the first month, the ovarian cycle was characterized by absence of vitellogenic follicles, atresic follicles or oviduct eggs. From October 2005 to March 2006 on, ultrasonographic scanning allowed to establish the growing vitellogenic follicles. Vitellogenic follicles were observed with spherical to ovoid shapes, with a surrounding echogenic yolk, a nonechogenic albumin layer, and a high echogenic shell. The oviduct eggs were identified by radiography just 180 days after beginning the experiment, when the shell became enough mineralized to impress the radiographic film. This experiment allowed to obtain by means of the 7.5 MHz linear probe images with adequate resolution and penetration for visualization of follicles. Successive ultrasonographic examinations of 20 K. scorpioides females allowed to access initial stages of vitellogenic follicles and oviduct eggs, and radiographic examination revealed to be an easy technique to assess oviduct eggs and to allow evaluation of egg development in jurarás, from 6 months on.

A tartaruga Kinosternon scorpioides (Linnaeus, 1766), com nome popular de jurará, é uma espécie bastante variável, e muitos nomes diferentes são atribuídos às suas populações, de acordo com sua localização geográfica. Atualmente, quatro subespécies foram validadas como K. scorpioides surgindo desde o extremo Sul do Panamá e norte da América do Sul, podendo ser encontradas ainda no Equador, no norte do Peru, sul da Bolívia, norte da Argentina, leste da Guiana e no Brasil. Desde modo, foi realizado um estudo ultrassonográfico e radiológico, a fim de descrever a morfologia e o desenvolvimento dos ovos de K. scorpioides em cativeiro, utilizando-se 20 fêmeas, no período de setembro de 2005 a agosto de 2006. No primeiro mês, o ciclo ovariano foi caracterizado pela ausência de folículos vitelogênicos, atrésicos ou presença de ovos em ovidutos. De outubro de 2005 a março de 2006 a varredura ultrassonográfica permitiu determinar o crescimento vitelogênico dos folículos, os quais foram observados com um formato que variou de ovóide a esférico, envolvidos por um conteúdo ecogênico, uma camada não-ecogência de albumina e uma casca de elevada ecogenicidade. Ovos presentes em ovidutos foram identificados por radiografias apenas 180 dias após início do experimento, quando a casca tornou-se suficientemente mineralizada para impressionar o filme radiográfico. Um transdutor linear de 7,5 MHz promoveu imagens com resolução e penetração adequada para visibilização de folículos. Exames ultrassonográficos sucessivos em fêmeas K. scorpioides permitiram determinar os estágios iniciais de desenvolvimento de folículos vitelogênicos e o exame radiográfico mostrou-se como técnica simples para avaliar a presença de ovos em ovidutos, permitindo fazer inferências sobre desenvolvimento de ovos em jurarás, a partir dos 6 meses de pós-observação por ultrassonografia.

Ultrasonographic and radiographic determination of egg development of jurarás (Kinosternon scorpioides) in captivity / Determinação ultrassonográfica e radiográfica do desenvolvimento de ovos de jurarás em cativeiro

Kinosternon scorpioides (Linnaeus, 1766), with its common name of jurará, is a quite variable species of turtles, and many different names have been applied to populations throughout its range. Currently, however, four subspecies are considered valid as K. scorpioides arises from southern Panama over most of northern South America and is found in Ecuador, northern Peru, southern Bolivia, northern Argentina, eastern Guyana and Brazil. Thus, an ultrasonographic and radiographic study was performed in order to describe the morphology and development of eggs of 20 female jurará mud turtles K. scorpioides, from September 2005 to August 2006. In the first month, the ovarian cycle was characterized by absence of vitellogenic follicles, atresic follicles or oviduct eggs. From October 2005 to March 2006 on, ultrasonographic scanning allowed to establish the growing vitellogenic follicles. Vitellogenic follicles were observed with spherical to ovoid shapes, with a surrounding echogenic yolk, a nonechogenic albumin layer, and a high echogenic shell. The oviduct eggs were identified by radiography just 180 days after beginning the experiment, when the shell became enough mineralized to impress the radiographic film. This experiment allowed to obtain by means of the 7.5 MHz linear probe images with adequate resolution and penetration for visualization of follicles. Successive ultrasonographic examinations of 20 K. scorpioides females allowed to access initial stages of vitellogenic follicles and oviduct eggs, and radiographic examination revealed to be an easy technique to assess oviduct eggs and to allow evaluation of egg development in jurarás, from 6 months on.(AU)

A tartaruga Kinosternon scorpioides (Linnaeus, 1766), com nome popular de jurará, é uma espécie bastante variável, e muitos nomes diferentes são atribuídos às suas populações, de acordo com sua localização geográfica. Atualmente, quatro subespécies foram validadas como K. scorpioides surgindo desde o extremo Sul do Panamá e norte da América do Sul, podendo ser encontradas ainda no Equador, no norte do Peru, sul da Bolívia, norte da Argentina, leste da Guiana e no Brasil. Desde modo, foi realizado um estudo ultrassonográfico e radiológico, a fim de descrever a morfologia e o desenvolvimento dos ovos de K. scorpioides em cativeiro, utilizando-se 20 fêmeas, no período de setembro de 2005 a agosto de 2006. No primeiro mês, o ciclo ovariano foi caracterizado pela ausência de folículos vitelogênicos, atrésicos ou presença de ovos em ovidutos. De outubro de 2005 a março de 2006 a varredura ultrassonográfica permitiu determinar o crescimento vitelogênico dos folículos, os quais foram observados com um formato que variou de ovóide a esférico, envolvidos por um conteúdo ecogênico, uma camada não-ecogência de albumina e uma casca de elevada ecogenicidade. Ovos presentes em ovidutos foram identificados por radiografias apenas 180 dias após início do experimento, quando a casca tornou-se suficientemente mineralizada para impressionar o filme radiográfico. Um transdutor linear de 7,5 MHz promoveu imagens com resolução e penetração adequada para visibilização de folículos. Exames ultrassonográficos sucessivos em fêmeas K. scorpioides permitiram determinar os estágios iniciais de desenvolvimento de folículos vitelogênicos e o exame radiográfico mostrou-se como técnica simples para avaliar a presença de ovos em ovidutos, permitindo fazer inferências sobre desenvolvimento de ovos em jurarás, a partir dos 6 meses de pós-observação por ultrassonografia.(AU)

Quantitative expression analysis of Bodhesin genes in the buck (Capra hircus) reproductive tract by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Knowledge of the different patterns of gene expression along the male reproductive tract can assist in understanding the physiological processes of species-specific reproduction in mammals. In the present work, expression profiles of buck spermadhesin (bodhesin) genes along the reproductive tract by qRT-PCR were investigated. Total RNA from the seminal vesicle, testis, epididymis, bulbourethral gland and ductus deferens were reverse transcribed and the cDNA produced was submitted to qRT-PCR. For each homologous bodhesin gene, namely Bdh-1, Bdh-2 and Bdh-3, sets of specific primers and recombinant plasmids were prepared for gene quantification. In buck seminal vesicles, Bdh-2 is the homologue predominantly expressed, with a copy number on the order of millions of times more than Bdh-1 and thousand times more than Bdh-3. The copy number of Bdh-3 mRNA is only 10-fold greater than that of Bdh-1. Bodhesin transcripts were detected in all tissues examined, except in ductus deferens. The quantitative analysis also demonstrated clearly the differential gene expression of spermadhesin in bulbourethral gland. The striking differences in bodhesin gene expression indicate that each isoform could have a specific biological function in the buck genital tract, which deserves further detailed studies.

Interferon gamma response to combinations 38 kDa/CFP-10, 38 kDa/MPT-64, ESAT-6/MPT-64 and ESAT-6/CFP-10, each related to a single recombinant protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in individuals from tuberculosis endemic areas.

Several antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have been identified and specificity to one or multiple antigens could determine the distinction between protective and pathogenic host reaction. Therefore T cell immune response to combinations 38 kDa/CFP-10, 38 kDa/MPT-64, ESAT-6/MPT-64 and ESAT-6/CFP-10 (each related to a single protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis) in individuals from tuberculosis endemic areas have been examined. ELISA was used to detect IFN-gamma production in PBMC priming with single proteins and combinations in a panel of 105 individuals: 38 tuberculosis patients (6 untreated and 32 treated) and 67 healthy controls with tuberculin skin test positive or negative (TST). Brazilian TB patients highly recognized ESAT-6 (66%), but combinations improved response in the following order: ESAT-6/MPT-64 (89%) > ESAT-6/CFP-10 (73%) > 38 kDa/CFP-10 (70%), the last combination showing the highest specificity (TST(/) = 42% and TST(-) = 83%). Average IFN-gamma production in TB patients was signifi-cantly higher for 38 kDa/CFP-10 (P = 0.012) and 38 kDa/MPT-64 (P <0.035), when compared to single antigens. None of the combinations was able to discriminate TB patients from TST(+) controls; however, 38 kDa/CFP-10 displayed a borderline significance (P = 0.053). Similar to the ESAT-6/CFP-10 combination, IFN-gamma response to 38 kDa/CFP-10 showed an increased tendency in treated patients, although not signifi-cant (P = 0.16). We demonstrated for the first time that 38 kDa/CFP-10 had prediction sensitivity for TB patients similar to the ESAT-6/CFP-10 combination and also significant response improvement related to the single proteins with more selective reactivity among TST-positive individuals, which could be of potential interest for diagnostic evaluation for tuberculosis infection.

Cell proliferation and interferon-gamma response to recombinant MBP-3, NarL, MT-10.3, and 16kDa Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens in Brazilian tuberculosis patients

Human pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a worldwide public health problem. In resistant individuals, control of the infection mainly requires development of a Th1 cell immune response with production of cytokines, of which interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)plays an important role. Several antigens from Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex has been described for use in vaccine development or for diagnostic purposes, however little evaluation has been done in endemic area for TB. The proliferative and IFN-gamma human T cell immune responses, to four recombinant proteins (MBP-3, NarL, MT-10.3, 16 kDa) and PPD, of 38 Brazilian TB patients (6 untreated and 32 treated) and 67 controls (38 positive and 29 negative tuberculin skin test - TST) were compared. The highest reactivity mean rate was obtained with PPD followed by 16 kDa in TB patients. While most of the patients (87 percent) and controls (> 64 percent) respond to the PPD, 16kDa was more specifically recognized (> 21 percent) although less sensitive (54 percent). When TB patients were divided according to treatment status, opposite to PPD, higher average level of IFN-gamma was induced by 16kDa in untreated (505 pg/ml) compared to treated TB patients and TST+ (269.8 pg/ml x 221.6pg/ml, respectively), although the difference was not significant. These data show that in contrast with the other recombinant proteins, the stimulatory potency of 16kDa to induce proliferative and INF-gamma response was more effective and is more recognized by active TB untreated patients, eliciting in control individuals a more selective immune response than PPD.