Proteinograma sérico de éguas com placentite ascendente e seus respectivos neonatos: dados preliminares / Serum protein concentrationin mares with ascending placentitis and their newborns: preliminary data

Este estudo teve por objetivo estabelecer o proteinograma sérico em éguas com placentite induzida e em seus respectivos neonatos. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue das éguas em oito momentos diferentes e dos potros em quatro momentos. Para obtenção da concentração das frações proteicas, utilizou-se eletroforese em gel de acrilaminada contendo dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE). No método utilizado, foram observadas 23 bandas proteicas, cujos pesos moleculares variaram de 16KDa a 245KDa, sendo possível a identificação das seguintes frações: 175KDa, 102KDa, 83KDa, 63KDa, 50KDa, 41KDa, 39KDa e 28KDa. De todas as bandas proteicas encontradas, somente as de 39KDa e 41KDa apresentaram alteração na cinética nos momentos avaliados. De acordo com a solução marcadora, pode-se sugerir que essas proteínas seriam alfa1-glicoproteína ácida (39KDa) e haptoglobina (41KDa). A concentração de imunoglobulinas nos potros apresentou aumento significativo a partir das 12 horas de nascimento. Não está elucidado se estes níveis refletem a persistência do processo inflamatório placentário ou se são alterações fisiológicas do periparto. Não foram observadas alterações na cinética das proteínas nos potros nas primeiras 48 horas.(AU)

The aim of this paper was to identify the serum acute phase protein concentration in mares with induced placentitis and their neonates. Blood samples were collected from the mares in 8 different moments, and from the foals, in 4 moments. To obtain the concentration of protein fractions acrilaminada gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE) was used. In the used method 23 protein bands whose molecular weights ranged from 16kDa to 245kDa were observed, it is possible to identify the following fractions: 175kDa, 102kDa, 83kDa, 63kDa, 50kDa, 41kDa, 39kDa and 28kDa. Of all the protein bands found only the 39KDa and 41KDa have changes in the kinetics in the evaluated times. According to the marker solution, we would suggest that these proteins are alfa1-acid glycoprotein (39kDa) and haptoglobin (41kDa). The concentration of immunoglobulins in foals increased significantly from 12 hours of birth.(AU)

Detection of pathogenic Escherichia coli and microbiological quality of chilled shrimp sold in street markets.

UNLABELLED: Foodborne illnesses caused by Escherichia coli are one of the most important gastrointestinal diseases and therefore represent a public health risk. The presence of E. coli in water or in products such as shrimp indicates faecal contamination. However, indicator micro-organisms can be used to evaluate the microbiological quality of food sold in markets. This study focused on detecting isolates of E. coli containing the genes stx1A, stx2A, eae, LTI, STa, STb, aggR and pCVD432 in chilled shrimp sold in street markets in the municipality of São Paulo, Brazil, and to assess the microbiological quality of this product. Enteropathogenic and enterotoxigenic E. coli pathotypes were detected on the surface of two chilled shrimp samples. Salmonella spp. was not isolated. In addition, contamination of surface and muscle of the shrimp samples was found to be correlated. The detection of EPEC and ETEC pathotypes in chilled shrimp sold in street markets in Brazil provides useful epidemiological information for public health authorities to improve food safety and public health. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Shrimps are crustaceans commonly produced and consumed in Brazil. Specimens of Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis and Litopenaeus schmitti sold in street markets were examined by PCR to detect the presence of Escherichia coli pathotypes (enteropathogenic, enterotoxigenic, enterohemorrhagic and enteroinvasive). EPEC and ETEC strains were detected in whole shrimp. These findings provide useful information for public health authorities to improve the food safety and health of the Brazilian population.

Shiga toxigenic and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in water and fish from pay-to-fish ponds.

UNLABELLED: Escherichia coli is part of the normal microflora of the intestines of mammals. However, among the enteric pathogens, it is one of the leading causes of intestinal diseases, especially Shiga toxigenic E. coli, which can cause diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis and complications like haemolytic uraemic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura. Escherichia coli is considered a serious public health problem. Water and fish samples were subjected to biochemical tests to confirm the presence of E. coli and by PCR to verify the presence of pathogenic strains (O157, enteropathogenic and shiga toxigenic) in water and fish (skin, gastrointestinal tract and muscles) from pay-to-fish ponds located in the Córrego Rico watershed in the northeastern region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Of the 115 E. coli isolates from fish or water, five (4·34%) contained eae and stx2 genes, one had only the eae gene and two had the stx1 gene. An isolate containing the stx2 gene was also found in the water sample. In addition, eight isolates (6·95%) from the fish gastrointestinal tract contained rfbEO157:H7 (O157 gene), and three (2·61%) contained stx2 and eae genes, demonstrating the potential risk to the environment and public health. The results provide useful basic information for the proper management of these environments and animals in order to prevent faecal pollution, reducing health risks to the Brazilian population. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Pay-to-fish ponds are a common commercial activity in Brazil. Samples of water and Oreochromis niloticus were examined by PCR to detect the presence of pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli (O157, enteropathogenic and shiga toxigenic). Several pathogenic strains were detected in this study, providing useful epidemiological information for the proper management of these environments and animals in order to prevent faecal pollution, reducing health risks to the Brazilian population.

Medidas comparativas do padrão morfométrico e perfil energético de éguas crioulas no terço final da gestação, com diferentes escores corporais / Comparative measurements of the morphometric pattern and energy profile of crioula mares in the final third of gestation, with different body condition scores

O objetivo deste estudo é comparar e descrever medidas morfométricas e perfil energético de éguas da raça Crioula no terço final da gestação. Foram utilizadas vinte éguas gestantes, divididas em 2 grupos conforme o escore corporal (BCS); o GrN (n=10), grupo de éguas com BCS 5 ou moderado, e GrO (n=10), grupo de éguas obesas ou BCS 9, analisadas conforme o mês de gestação (8º, 9º, 10º e 11º). Foram realizadas coletas de sangue e avaliações morfométricas mensais do peso corporal (PC), perímetro torácico (PT), perímetro abdominal (PA), altura da crista do pescoço (AC), espessura de gordura subcutânea na base da cauda (EGBC) e espessura de gordura retroperitoneal (EGRP). Para avaliar o perfil energético, foram mensurados os níveis séricos de triglicerídeos (TAG), ácidos graxos não esterificados (NEFA), Leptina (LEP) e Adiponectina. Os resultados das mensurações analisadas demonstraram no GrN incremento (P<0,05) nas variáveis PC, PT, PA e NEFA do 8º para o 9º mês de gestação. Porém, na variável EGBC, o aumento (P<0,01) foi observado entre o 8º e o 11º mês avaliado. No GrO, o PA demonstrou incremento (P<0,01) entre o 8º e o 11º mês de gestação, e a LEP apresentou aumento (P<0,05) entre o 10º e o 11º mês. Quando os dois grupos foram comparados, as variáveis PC, PT, EGBC e EGRP apresentaram diferença (P<0,05) em todos os meses avaliados. Na análise de correlação, o BCS associou-se com o PC (r=0,691; P<0,0001), PT (r=0,705; P<0,0001), EGBC (r=0,701; P<0,0001), EGRP (r=0,627; P<0,0001), níveis séricos de LEP (r=0,426; P<0,0001) e Adiponectina (r=0,217; P<0,05). Dessa forma, pode-se afirmar que a gordura corporal aumentou progressivamente nas éguas do GrN, diferentemente do observado no GrO. Através dos métodos utilizados neste trabalho, torna-se possível a avaliação prática da morfometria das éguas da raça Crioula no terço final da gestação, possibilitando de forma objetiva a identificação de indivíduos obesos.

The aim of this study was to compare and describe morphometric measurements and energy profile of the Crioula breed mares at the end of gestation. Twenty pregnant mares were used and separated into 2 groups according to body condition score (BCS). The GrN (n= 10) group of mares with BCS 5 or moderate and GrO (n = 10) group of obese mares or BCS 9 were analyzed according to the month of pregnancy (8th, 9th, 10th and 11th). Blood samples and monthly morphometric evaluation were performed for body weight (PC), heart girth (PT), waist circumference (PA), height of the crest of the neck (AC), thickness subcutaneous fat on the base of the tail (EGBC) and retroperitoneal (EGRP). To evaluate the energy profile serum levels of triglycerides (TAG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), leptin (LEP) and adiponectin were measured. The results of the analyzed measurements showed an increase in GrN (P<0.05) in the PC, PT, PA and NEFA variables between the 8th and 9th month of pregnancy. Although there was an increase (P<0.01) between the 8th and 11th month of pregnancy in the EGBC variable, in GrO the PA was increased (P<0.01) between the 8th and 11th month of pregnancy and the LEP showed an increase (P<0.05) between the 10th and 11th month. When both groups were compared, the variables PC, PT, EGBC and EGRP showed differences (P<0.05) in all months evaluated. In the correlation the BCS was associated with PC (r=0.691, P<0.0001), PT (r=0.705, P<0.0001), EGBC (r=0.701, P<0.0001), EGRP (r=0.627, P<0.0001), serum leptin levels (r=0.426, P<0.0001) and adiponectin (r=0.217, P<0.05). Thus, it can be stated that the body fat increased progressively in mares GrN, different from that observed in GrO. Therefore, by the methods used in this study, the morphometry practical evaluation of the Crioula breed mares in the last third of gestation became possible, allowing an objective way to identify obese individuals.

Reação de fase aguda e sua relação com o desempenho de cavalos em competição de longa distância / Acute phase reaction and its relationship with performance horses competing long distance

O exercício físico é um dos estímulos fisiológicos mais estressantes que um animal pode sofrer e, dependendo de sua intensidade, sugere-se que possa gerar uma reação mediada por proteínas de fase aguda (PFA). O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a reação de fase aguda e sua relação com o desempenho de cavalos submetidos a uma competição de longa distância. O experimento foi desenvolvido durante a Marcha de Resistência anual promovida pela Associação Brasileira de Criadores de Cavalos Crioulos (ABCCC), composta por um percurso de 750km percorrido durante 15 dias. Foram avaliados 23 equinos, os quais foram divididos em dois grupos, sendo o grupo 1 composto pelos 10 primeiros colocados na competição e o grupo 2 formado pelos 13 animais que concluíram a competição em colocações inferiores ou foram desclassificados antes de terminar a prova. Efetuaram-se coletas sanguíneas em repouso (dia 0) e no último dia de competição, e foi realizado o teste de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida contendo dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE) para identificar as proteínas (albumina, haptoglobina, ceruloplasmina, transferrina, imunoglobulina G, imunoglobulina A, glicoproteína ácida e proteína de peso molecular de 23kDa). Os resultados demonstraram que o exercício físico imposto influenciou de forma significativa (P<0,0001) as concentrações séricas de haptoglobina, ceruloplasmina, imunoglobulina A, glicoproteína ácida e proteína de peso molecular de 23kDa. Quando comparados os resultados dos grupos estudados, observou-se que a concentração de haptoglobina após a competição foi superior no grupo de animais com baixo desempenho (grupo 2). Conclui-se que a competição de longa duração é capaz de gerar reação de fase aguda e que o monitoramento da concentração de haptoglobina pode ser um sinalizador de processo inflamatório e baixo desempenho.(AU)

Exercise is one of the most stressful physiologic stimuli that an animal might suffer, depending on its intensity it may generate a reaction mediated by acute phase proteins (APP). The aim of this study was to characterize the acute phase reaction and its relation to performance horses subjected to long distance competition. The experiment was conducted during the annual March of Resistance promoted by the Brazilian Association of Crioulo Horse Breeders (ABCCC), composed of a 750km route traveled during 15 days. 23 horses which were divided in two groups, one group composed by the 10 best placed horses and the second group consisting of 13 animals that have completed the competition in other positions or were disqualified before concluding the race were evaluated. All horses at the beginning of the competition (day 0) and on the last day of competition were subjected to collection of blood and SDS-polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE) electrophoresis was used to measure APPs concentrations (albumin, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, haptoglobin, acid glycoprotein, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A and a protein with molecular weight of 23 kDa). By the evaluation of the results, it was observed that exercise had a highly significant influence (P<0.0001) in the serum concentrations of the ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, acid glycoprotein, immunoglobulin A and protein with molecular weight of 23kDa. When comparing the results of the study groups it was observed that the concentration of haptoglobin after the competition was higher in the group of animals with low performance (group 2). We conclude that the long term competition is able to generate acute phase reaction and monitoring the concentration of haptoglobin may be an indicator of inflammation and low performance.(AU)

Use of a global metabolic network to curate organismal metabolic networks.

The difficulty in annotating the vast amounts of biological information poses one of the greatest current challenges in biological research. The number of genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic datasets has increased dramatically over the last two decades, far outstripping the pace of curation efforts. Here, we tackle the challenge of curating metabolic network reconstructions. We predict organismal metabolic networks using sequence homology and a global metabolic network constructed from all available organismal networks. While sequence homology has been a standard to annotate metabolic networks it has been faulted for its lack of predictive power. We show, however, that when homology is used with a global metabolic network one is able to predict organismal metabolic networks that have enhanced network connectivity. Additionally, we compare the annotation behavior of current database curation efforts with our predictions and find that curation efforts are biased towards adding (rather than removing) reactions to organismal networks.

Limiar anaeróbico (V4) e frequência cardíaca de cavalos Crioulos condicionados para prova funcional / Anaerobic threshold (V4) and heart rate of Crioulo horses conditioned for functional testing

Determinou-se o limiar anaeróbico (V4) de 23 cavalos Crioulos hígidos em treinamento. Os animais selecionados foram submetidos a testes de desempenho, composto por três etapas de velocidade progressiva de 6m/s, 8m/s e 10m/s, com duração de cinco minutos cada etapa, até que fosse atingida a concentração de 4mmol/dL de lactato sanguíneo. As concentrações de lactato sanguíneo elevaram-se a partir da velocidade de exercício de 6,0m/s, sendo que 20 animais (90%) atingiram 4mmol/L de lactato na velocidade entre 6 - 8m/s, com média de frequência cardíaca que variou de 121 a 140bpm. Concluiu-se que a V4 do cavalo Crioulo está entre as velocidades de 6 - 8m/s e a frequência cardíaca entre 121 - 140bpm.

The anaerobic threshold (V4) while running on a track is used in many breeds to evaluate physical conditioning and to establish a training regimen, but these data have not been obtained for the Crioulo breed. This study evaluated 23 healthy Crioulo horses to determine the anaerobic threshold (V4) during training. The selected animals were subjected to a performance test on a track. The test consisted of three five minute stages with increasing speeds of 6m/s, 8 m/s and 10m/s until the blood lactate concentration reached 4mmol/dL. Blood lactate concentrations began to increase at the exercise speed of 6m/s, and 90% (n=20) of the animals reached 4mmol/dL lactate between 6-8m/s, with an average heart rate ranging from 121 to 140bpm at these speeds. Our results demonstrate that the V4 of the Crioulo horse is between 6-8m/s at a heart rate between 121 and 140bpm.

Drosophila Eye Nuclei Segmentation Based on Graph Cut and Convex Shape Prior.

The rapid advance in three-dimensional (3D) confocal imaging technologies is rapidly increasing the availability of 3D cellular images. However, the lack of robust automated methods for the extraction of cell or organelle shapes from the images is hindering researchers ability to take full advantage of the increase in experimental output. The lack of appropriate methods is particularly significant when the density of the features of interest in high, such as in the developing eye of the fruit fly. Here, we present a novel and efficient nuclei segmentation algorithm based on the combination of graph cut and convex shape prior. The main characteristic of the algorithm is that it segments nuclei foreground using a graph cut algorithm and splits overlapping or touching cell nuclei by simple convex and concavity analysis, using a convex shape assumption for nuclei contour. We evaluate the performance of our method by applying it to a library of publicly-available two-dimensional (2D) images that were hand-labeled by experts. Our algorithm yields a substantial quantitative improvement over other methods for this benchmark. For example, our method achieves a decrease of 3.2 in the Hausdorff distance and an decrease of 1.8 per slice in the merged nuclei error.

Influence of chlorine added to drinking water during the preslaughter feed withdrawal on microbiology and morphology of the broiler gastrointestinal tract.

The objective of this experiment was to test the effects of the addition of chlorine to broiler drinking water during a 12-h preslaughter feed withdrawal period on reduction of the quantities of microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli and enterococci, in broiler crops and ceca. Reduction of these microorganisms would likely also reduce contamination of broiler meat by pathogenic bacteria during processing. It was also investigated if the chlorine caused some intestinal damage that could disseminate the microorganisms to the carcass. A total of 40 Cobb male broilers were used. Samples of crop and cecal content were collected for microbiological analysis, and duodenum and jejunum were used for morphological analysis from 10 birds in each treatment. The most probable number (MPN) of E. coli and enterococci in the collected samples of crop and ceca and the measure of the free residual chlorine in water were determined. The scanning electron microscopy from duodenum and jejunum was used to illustrate the mucosa integrity. The chlorine added to water was efficient in reducing the quantities of microorganisms in broiler crops and improved the integrity of the mucosa. Therefore, preslaughter feed withdrawal should be coupled with crop disinfection, because preslaughter feed withdrawal increases the MPN of enterococci and E. coli in broiler crops. So, it presents a higher risk for carcass contamination during slaughterhouse processing and, consequently, a higher risk for public health.

Escherichia coli, produtoras de Shigatoxinas detectadas em fezes de bovinos leiteiros / Shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli detected in dairy cattle feces

Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência de Escherichia coli produtoras de Shigatoxinas (STEC) e E. coli dos sorogrupos O157, O111 e O113 em rebanhos leiteiros do Município de Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil. A presença de sequências gênicas stx1, stx2e eae foi detectada pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) em amostras de fezes. Todas as amostras stx e eae positivas foram submetidas a uma nova reação de PCR para detecção das sequências rfb O157, O111 e O113. Observou-se uma alta prevalência (72,16%) de sequências stx nas fezes dos bovinos, sendo que o perfil genotípico encontrado com maior frequência foi o stx1 associado à stx2. Os coeficientes de prevalência das sequências rfb O157, O111 e O113 foram, respectivamente, 14,77%, 0,2% e 30,83%. Animais de todos os rebanhos (100%) apresentaram em suas fezes STEC e E. coli O113 e os sorogrupos O157 e O111 foram observados em 60,0% e 10,0% dos rebanhos, respectivamente. Concluiu-se que a alta prevalência de STEC detectada em rebanho leiteiro evidenciada nas fezes de bovinos desempenham um papel importante na contaminação ambiental e podem oferecer risco de agravo à saúde pública.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) and serogroups O157, O111 and O113 in dairy cattle from Jaboticabal, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Feces samples were collected from 10 herds and assessed for the presence of the virulence genes stx1, stx2 and eae by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All samples positive for stx and eae were submitted to a second PCR reaction targeting the sequences rfb O157, rfb O111 and rfb O113. A high prevalence of stx (72.16%) was detected in the fecal samples, the most frequent being stx1 associated to stx2. The prevalence of sequences rfb O157, rfb O111 and rfb O113 was 14.77%, 0.2% and 30.83%, respectively. STEC and serogroup O113 was identified in all herds (100%), and serogroups O157 and O111 were observed in 60% and 10% of the herds. In conclusion, the high STEC prevalence detected in dairy herds evidences that bovine feces might play an important role as a contamination source in the region of Jaboticabal.

Perfil microbiológico de peixes e água de cultivo em pesque-pagues situados na região nordeste do estado de São Paulo / Microbiological profile of fish and pond water in fee-fishing located in the northeast region of São Paulo state, Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o número de coliformes totais, termotolerantes, Staphylococcus coagulase positivo e a presença de bactéria do gênero Salmonella no músculo, no tecido superficial, no trato gastrintestinal de peixes e na água de cultivo de pesque-pagues situados na microbacia do Córrego Rico, SP. Não foi detectado Staphylococcus coagulase positivo em nenhuma amostra de água e peixe. O número mais provável (NMP) de coliformes totais no peixe variou de 2,0 x 10 a >1,1 x 104 NMP.100 mL-1, na água de cultivo variou de 4,2 x 104 a > 2,4 x 105 NMP.100 mL-1. A contagem de coliformes termotolerantes no peixe variou de < 3 a 5,1 x 103 NMP.g-1, na água de cultivo variou de 3,8 x 102 a 2,0 x 104 NMP.100 mL-1. Não houve diferença estatística (P > 0,05) entre as populações de micro-organismos pesquisados na água, pele e trato gastrintestinal, o que reflete uma relação entre a presença dos micro-organismos na água e nesses dois locais analisados. Foi isolada Salmonella sp. em uma amostra de músculo e em duas amostras de trato gastrintestinal. O pescado pode ser veículo de contaminação cruzada, tendo como fonte dos micro-organismos a pele e o trato gastrintestinal para sua própria musculatura. Portanto, o monitoramento da qualidade da água é de suma importância para garantir a produção de peixes com boa qualidade.

The objective of this study was to determine the number of total and thermotolerant coliforms, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, and the presence of bacteria of the genus Salmonella in the muscle, surface tissue, and gastrointestinal tract of fish, and in the pond water of fee-fishing establishments located in the Córrego Rico microwatershed in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus was not detected in any sample of pond water or fish. The most probable number (MPN) of total coliforms in fish ranged from 2.0 x 10 to > 1.1 x 104 NMP.100 mL-1, while in pond water it ranged from 4.2 x 104 to > 2.4 x 105 NMP.100 mL-1. The count of thermotolerant coliforms in fish ranged from < 3 to 5.1 x 103 NMP.g-1, while in pond water it ranged from 3.8 x 102 to 2.0 x 104 NMP.100 mL-1. There was no statistical difference (P > 0.05) among the studied populations of microorganisms in pond water, surface tissue and gastrointestinal tract, which reflects a relationship between the presence of microorganisms in the water and in the two tissues analyzed. Salmonella sp. was isolated in one sample of muscle and in two samples of gastrointestinal tract. The fish can be a vehicle for cross contamination, having the gastrointestinal tract and the surface tissue as a source of microorganisms for its muscles. Therefore, monitoring the water quality is important to ensure the production of fish with good quality.

Origin of compartmentalization in food webs.

The response of an ecosystem to perturbations is mediated by both antagonistic and facilitative interactions between species. It is thought that a community's resilience depends crucially on the food web--the network of trophic interactions--and on the food web's degree of compartmentalization. Despite its ecological importance, compartmentalization and the mechanisms that give rise to it remain poorly understood. Here we investigate several definitions of compartments, propose ways to understand the ecological meaning of these definitions, and quantify the degree of compartmentalization of empirical food webs. We find that the compartmentalization observed in empirical food webs can be accounted for solely by the niche organization of species and their diets. By uncovering connections between compartmentalization and species' diet contiguity, our findings help us understand which perturbations can result in fragmentation of the food web and which can lead to catastrophic effects. Additionally, we show that the composition of compartments can be used to address the long-standing question of what determines the ecological niche of a species.

Avaliação in vitro da eficácia de extratos de plantas medicinais do Cerrado frente Staphylococcus aureus isolado de diferentes fontes de propriedades leiteiras / In-vitro evaluation of extract of medicinal plants from Cerrado against the Staphylococcus aureus isolated from different origins on dairy farms

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial de atividade antimicrobiana in vitro dos extratos de algumas plantas endêmicas do Cerrado tais como Baccharis dracunculifolia. Cochlospermum regium. Croton antisyphiliticus. Eugenia dysenterica e Lippia sidoides, frente ao agente Staphylococcus aureus isolado de leite mastítico, ósteo do teto da vaca, equipamento de ordenhadeira, fossas nasais e garganta do ordenhador. Os extratos foram preparados a partir das partes aéreas e sistema radicular das plantas utilizando os solventes metanol, hexano e clorofórmio na concentração de 10%. Para avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana foi aplicada a técnica de microdiluição em caldo para determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) seguida da determinação da Concentração Bactericida Mínima (MBC). Os extratos de Baccharis dracunculifolia. Croton antisyphiliticus, seguido do extrato de Lippia sidoides, apresentaram, respectivamente, melhor atividade inibitória sobre a multiplicação da bactéria Staphylococcus aureus. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram, ainda, que as estirpes isoladas do leite e das fossas nasais do ordenhador foram resistentes a gentamicina, princípio ativo muito utilizado no combate à mastite bovina, porém sensíveis aos extratos das plantas referidas, reforçando a importância das plantas medicinais como recurso terapêutico e sua aplicabilidade.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the potencial microbial activity in-vitro from the extract of some endemic plants from Cerrado such as Baccharis dracunculifolia. Cochlospermum regium. Croton antisyphiliticus. Eugenia dysenterica and Lippia sidoides, against the agent Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitic milk, osteo from cow's teat, milker equipament, nasal cavitites and milker's gullet. The extracts were prepared from aerial parts as well as the reticular systems of plants using the solvents methanol, hexane and chloroform at a concentration of 10%. To evaluate the antimicrobial activity, the technique of microdilution in broth was used for determining the Minimal Inibitory Concentration (MIC) followed by the determination of Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). The extracts from Baccharis dracunculifolia and Croton antisyphiliticus, followed by extracts from Lippia sidoides, reported respectively, presented better inhibitory activity against the multiplication of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the isolated strains from the milk and nasal cavities of the milker showed strong resistance against gentamicin, active agent commonly applied to combat mastitis bovine. However, there was sensitivity against extracts from the reported plants, reinforcing the importance of the medicinal plants as a therapeutic resource and its aplicability.

Micro-bias and macro-performance.

We use agent-based modeling to investigate the effect of conservatism and partisanship on the efficiency with which large populations solve the density classification task - a paradigmatic problem for information aggregation and consensus building. We find that conservative agents enhance the populations' ability to efficiently solve the density classification task despite large levels of noise in the system. In contrast, we find that the presence of even a small fraction of partisans holding the minority position will result in deadlock or a consensus on an incorrect answer. Our results provide a possible explanation for the emergence of conservatism and suggest that even low levels of partisanship can lead to significant social costs.

Ocorrência de Bacillus cereus em leite integral e capacidade enterotoxigênica das cepas isoladas / Occurrence of Bacillus cereus in Whole milk and enterotoxigenic potential of the isolated strains

Pesquisaram-se a presença de Bacillus cereus e a produção de enterotoxinas produzidas por esses microrganismos em 120 amostras de diversos tipos de leite. Bacillus cereus foi isolado e identificado em 22 (73,3 por cento), 15 (50,0 por cento), 29 (96,7 por cento) e quatro (13,3 por cento) amostras de leite em pó, cru, pasteurizado e UAT (longa vida), respectivamente. Para a detecção de enterotoxinas pela técnica da alça ligada de coelho, foram positivos, respectivamente, três (13,6 por cento), um (7,1 por cento) e 10 (35,7 por cento) microrganismos isolados das amostras de leite em pó, leite cru e leite pasteurizado. Pelo teste de aumento de permeabilidade vascular, dois (9,1 por cento), um (7,1 por cento), um (3,6 por cento) e um (4,0 por cento) microrganismos isolados de leite em pó, cru, pasteurizado e UAT apresentaram-se enterotoxigênicos, respectivamente. O uso da técnica de aglutinação passiva em látex demonstrou a produção da toxina diarréica por três (33,3 por cento), sete (63,6 por cento), quatro (30,8 por cento) e oito (80,0 por cento) microrganismos isolados, respectivamente, de leite em pó, cru, pasteurizado e UAT. Os resultados indicam um risco potencial, podendo colocar em risco a saúde dos consumidores desses produtos

A hundred and twenty samples of different types of milk were examined to the presence of Bacillus cereus and the enterotoxigenic potential of the isolated strains. Bacillus cereus was isolated and identified in 22 (73.0 percent), 15 (50.0 percent), 29 (96.7 percent) and four (13.3 percent) samples of powder, raw, pasteurized and UHT milk, respectively. The enterotoxigenicity detection using the rabbit ileal loop assay showed positive, respectively, three (13.6 percent), one (7.1 percent) and 10 (35.7 percent) isolated strains from powder, raw and pasteurized milk. Using vascular permeability activity assay two (9.1 percent), one (7.1 percent), one (3.6 percent) and one (4.0 percent) isolated strains from powder, raw, pasteurized and UHT milk were positive, respectively. The reversed passive latex agglutination test showed diarrheal toxin production by three (33.3 percent), seven (63.6 percent), four (30.8 percent) and eight (80.0 percent) strains isolated from, respectively, powder, raw, pasteurized and UHT milk. Those results indicated a potential hazard and may put in risk the health of the consumers of these products

Produção de enterotoxinas e da toxina da síndrome do choque tóxico por cepas de Staphylococcus aureus isoladas na mastite bovina / Production of enterotoxins and toxic shock syndrome toxin by Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from bovine mastitis

A total of 72 strains of Staphylococcus aureus were examined for the production of staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE) A, B, C, D and toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-1). The strains were isolated from milk samples from cows with mastitis in dairy herds of São Paulo State, Brazil. Off 72 isolates, 38 (52.8 percent) produced SEA, 38 (52.8 percent) SEB, 32 (44.4 percent) SED, 28 (38.9 percent) SEC and 27 (37.5 percent) TSST-1. From the 72 strains, 66 (91.7 percent) produced, at least, one or more toxin, including TSST-1

A network-based method for target selection in metabolic networks.

MOTIVATION: The lack of new antimicrobials, combined with increasing microbial resistance to old ones, poses a serious threat to public health. With hundreds of genomes sequenced, systems biology promises to help in solving this problem by uncovering new drug targets. RESULTS: Here, we propose an approach that is based on the mapping of the interactions between biochemical agents, such as proteins and metabolites, onto complex networks. We report that nodes and links in complex biochemical networks can be grouped into a small number of classes, based on their role in connecting different functional modules. Specifically, for metabolic networks, in which nodes represent metabolites and links represent enzymes, we demonstrate that some enzyme classes are more likely to be essential, some are more likely to be species-specific and some are likely to be both essential and specific. Our network-based enzyme classification scheme is thus a promising tool for the identification of drug targets. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Quantitative analysis of the local structure of food webs.

We analyze the local structure of model and empirical food webs through the statistics of three-node subgraphs. We study analytically and numerically the number of appearances of each subgraph for a simple model of food web topology, the so-called generalized cascade model, and compare them with 17 empirical community food webs from a variety of environments, including aquatic, estuarine, and terrestrial ecosystems. We obtain analytical expressions for the probability of appearances of each subgraph in the model, and also for randomizations of the model that preserve species' numbers of prey and number of predators; their difference allows us to quantify which subgraphs are over- or under-represented in both the model and the empirical food webs. We find agreement between the model predictions and the empirical results. These results indicate that simple models such as the generalized cascade can provide a good description not only of the global topology of food webs, as recently shown, but also of its local structure.

Potential microbiological contamination of effluents in poultry and swine abattoirs.

Health risks in the effluents of seven swine abattoirs and of seven poultry abattoirs were evaluated with regard to environment degradation and to dissemination of pathogenic microorganisms during the rainy and dry seasons. Supply-water samples from affluents and effluents of the treatment systems at different sites within the abattoir processing system were analysed. Similarly, water samples from the three recipient sites (emission point, 100 m upstream, 100 m downstream) were also analysed. Temperature, free residual chlorine (FRC), total coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, enterococci, identification and serotyping of salmonellae were assessed. Scalding is the most significant stage in the slaughtering chain (P<0.05) when temperature is taken into account. Temperatures at effluents and at the sampled sites in the water bodies accorded to state and federal legislation standards. Supply waters did not meet the standards for FRC and microbial count standards according to the Ministry of Health and within limits imposed by the Industrial and Sanitary Inspection Regulations for Animal Products. Feather plucking and evisceration in poultry slaughter and the cleansing of carcasses and facilities in poultry and swine slaughtering had the highest contamination impact. The three loci at the water bodies were above the microbiological standards for classes II and III sites, in conformity with Law 8468 of the state of São Paulo, Brazil and Conama. Salmonella was found at several sites during slaughter, at both types of abattoirs, including in the effluent treatment system. This showed that these sites were the dissemination sources of the microorganism.