Ergodicity and slow relaxation in the one-dimensional self-gravitating system.

We show that homogeneous and nonhomogeneous states of the one-dimensional self-gravitating sheets models have different ergodic properties. The former are nonergodic and the one-particle distribution function has a zero collision term if a proper limit is taken for the periodic boundary conditions. As a consequence, homogeneous states of the sheets model are nonergodic and do not relax to the equilibrium state, while nonhomogeneous states are ergodic in a time window of the order of the relaxation time to equilibrium, as similarly observed in other systems with a long range interaction.

In vitro anthelmintic activity of Siparuna guianensis extract and essential oil against Strongyloides venezuelensis.

New therapeutic approaches are necessary to control strongyloidiasis due to the side effects of, and resistance to, currently available drugs thiabendazole, albendazole, and ivermectin. This study examined the anthelmintic properties of extracts and isolated compounds from Siparuna guianensis against Strongyloides venezuelensis eggs and larvae, using the egg hatching test (EHT) and larval motility test (LMT). Albendazole (0.025 mg/ml) and ivermectin (0.316 mg/ml) were used as the positive controls for the EHT and LMT assays, respectively. Strongyloides venezuelensis eggs or larvae (±50 specimens) were treated with ethanol extract (0.05-1.0 mg/ml), ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions (0.05-0.8 mg/ml), essential oil (0.2-1.0 mg/ml) and α-bisabolol (0.2-1.0 mg/ml) from S. guianensis, and analysed by optical microscopy after 48 h (EHT), or after 24, 48 and 72 h (LMT). All the tested compounds exhibited ovicidal activity equivalent to the positive control and changed the morphology of the eggs. The S. guianensis ethanol extract and aqueous fraction were as effective as the positive control. Phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract and fractions revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins and flavonoids. Therefore, S. guianensis is effective against S. venezuelensis eggs and larvae in vitro, and can be considered as a potential alternative treatment for strongyloidiasis.

Bradyrhizobium and Pseudomonas strains obtained from coal-mining areas nodulate and promote the growth of Calopogonium muconoides plants used in the reclamation of degraded areas.

AIMS: The objective of this work was to isolate and characterize indigenous rhizobia from coal-mining areas able to efficiently nodulate and fix nitrogen in association with Calopogonium mucunoides (calopo). METHODS AND RESULTS: Isolation, authentication and morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization of the autochthonous rhizobia were performed and their symbiotic efficiency (SE) evaluated. Efficient rhizobial isolates suitable for the inoculation of calopo in coal-mining regions were obtained. A total of 30 isolates were obtained after nodulation authentication, of which five presented high SE with plant-growth promoting traits such as indole-3-acetic acid production, phosphate solubilization and biofilm formation. These isolates were identified as belonging to Bradyrhizobium, Pseudomonas and Rhizobium. CONCLUSIONS: Bradyrhizobium sp. A2-10 and Pseudomonas sp. A6-05 were able to promote calopo plant growth using soil obtained from coal-mining degraded areas, thus indicating their potential as inoculants aiming at land reclamation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: To our knowledge, this is the first report of Pseudomonas nodule formation in calopo. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that autochthonous rhizobia obtained from degraded soils presented high SE in calopo and possess a wide range of plant-growth promoting traits. Ultimately, they may all contribute to an increased leguminous plant growth under stress conditions. The selected rhizobia strains may be used as inoculants and present a valuable role in the development of strategies aiming to recover coal-mining degraded areas. Bacterial inoculants would greatly reduce the use of often harmful nitrogen fertilizers vastly employed in revegetation programmes of degraded areas.

Reproductive biology of endemic Solanum melissarum Bohs (Solanaceae) and updating of its current geographic distribution as the basis for its conservation in the Brazilian Cerrado / Biologia reprodutiva da endêmica Solanum melissarum Bohs (Solanaceae) e atualização da distribuição geográfica atual, como base para a sua conservação no Cerrado Brasileiro

Abstract The genus Solanum (family Solanaceae) includes more than 1400 species and has buzz-pollinated flowers with poricidal anthers. The present study aimed to describe the distribution, breeding system and pollination mechanism of Solanum melissarum, a species endemic to Brazil. The study of breeding system was conducted in an urban forest fragment in Jataí, GO. Distribution data were gathered from floristic surveys and digital plant databases. The floral morphology and the pollination mechanism were studied on through field observations and preserved flowers. The breeding system was determined through hand pollination treatments. The species has a distribution only in the Brazilian Atlantic forest coastal, and this study provides the first records of S. melissarum for the state of Goiás. The pendulous flowers have poricidal anthers close to the stigma, with membranous thecae joined by a connective bearing osmophores that attract males of Euglossa cordata bees. As they collect fragrances, the bees press the thecae and pollen is released through a bellows mechanism. Based on the hand-pollination treatments, this species is self-incompatible. Isolated forest fragments may not include enough pollinators to ensure the pollination of plants with specialized systems. However, they are essential for the conservation of species with interesting phytogeographic patterns, such as the vicariance observed in S. melissarum, and for the conservation of regional diversity.

Resumo O gênero Solanum (família Solanaceae) inclui mais de 1400 espécies e apresenta polinização vibrátil e flores com anteras poricidas. O estudo tem o objetivo de descrever a distribuição, sistema reprodutivo e o mecanismo de polinização de Solanum melissarum, uma espécie endêmica do Brasil. O estudo da biologia reprodutiva foi conduzido em um fragmento florestal urbano em Jataí, GO. As informações de distribuição foram obtidas através de trabalhos florísticos e de banco de dados digitais de plantas. A morfologia floral e o mecanismo de polinização foram estudados através de observações diretas em campo e em flores preservadas. O sistema reprodutivo foi determinado a partir de tratamentos de polinização manual. A espécie apresentava distribuição somente na Mata Atlântica litorânea brasileira, e este estudo demonstrou o primeiro registro de S. melissarum para o estado de Goiás. As flores são pendentes e com anteras poricidas próximas ao estigma, com tecas membranosas envoltas por um conectivo giboso com osmóforos que atraem machos da abelha Euglossa cordata. Na coleta de fragrâncias, as abelhas pressionam as tecas e o polén é liberado por um mecanismo de fole. Baseado nos tratamentos de polinização manual, a espécie é autoincompatível. Fragmentos florestais isolados podem não incluir polinizadores suficientes para garantir a polinização das plantas com sistemas especializados, no entanto, eles são essenciais para a conservação de espécies com padrões fitogeográficos interessantes, como o vicariância observada em S. melissarum, e também para a conservação da diversidade regional.

Reproductive biology of endemic Solanum melissarum Bohs (Solanaceae) and updating of its current geographic distribution as the basis for its conservation in the Brazilian Cerrado.

The genus Solanum (family Solanaceae) includes more than 1400 species and has buzz-pollinated flowers with poricidal anthers. The present study aimed to describe the distribution, breeding system and pollination mechanism of Solanum melissarum, a species endemic to Brazil. The study of breeding system was conducted in an urban forest fragment in Jataí, GO. Distribution data were gathered from floristic surveys and digital plant databases. The floral morphology and the pollination mechanism were studied on through field observations and preserved flowers. The breeding system was determined through hand pollination treatments. The species has a distribution only in the Brazilian Atlantic forest coastal, and this study provides the first records of S. melissarum for the state of Goiás. The pendulous flowers have poricidal anthers close to the stigma, with membranous thecae joined by a connective bearing osmophores that attract males of Euglossa cordata bees. As they collect fragrances, the bees press the thecae and pollen is released through a bellows mechanism. Based on the hand-pollination treatments, this species is self-incompatible. Isolated forest fragments may not include enough pollinators to ensure the pollination of plants with specialized systems. However, they are essential for the conservation of species with interesting phytogeographic patterns, such as the vicariance observed in S. melissarum, and for the conservation of regional diversity.

Antibody response between pigs of Piau and a commercial breed naturally infected with Porcine circovirus 2 / Resposta sorológica entre suínos da raça Piau e linhagem comercial em rebanho naturalmente infectado pelo Porcine circovirus 2

Brazilian pig population is made up of several naturalized breeds; among them the Piau breed is known for its rusticity and large fat stores. The naturalized breeds, in comparison with commercial ones, may have an increased resistance to diseases circulating in their territory. Thus, this study aimed to verify if there are differences between the serologic profile against Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) of Piau pigs and that of a commercial breed from a farm naturally infected by PCV2. The serum viral load was measured by qPCR, and levels of anti-PCV2 antibodies were measured by ELISA. The results showed that the serum viral load was similar across all animals. However, Piau piglets showed higher levels of antibodies compared to commercial piglets (P= 0.05), while sows of the commercial breed showed higher levels than the Piau breed (P< 0.01). There was not a statistical difference between pigs of different production stages in the seroprevalence of PCV2 or the blood viral load. This work demonstrates that, with regard to a natural PCV2 infection, the Piau breed has a different humoral immune response compared to the response developed by the commercial pigs. The results support the importance of conservation of native breeds.(AU)

O rebanho de suínos brasileiro é constituído por diversas raças naturalizadas, entre elas a raça Piau, que é conhecida por sua rusticidade e pela grande deposição de toucinho. As raças naturalizadas, em comparação com as linhagens comerciais, podem ter uma maior resistência a doenças que circulam em seu território. Dessa forma, o presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar se existem diferenças no perfil sorológico contra o Porcine circovirus 2 (PVC2) entre suínos da raça Piau e de uma linhagem comercial de uma granja naturalmente infectada pelo PCV2. Foram realizadas mensurações da carga viral sérica por qPCR e dos níveis de anticorpos anti-PCV2 por meio da técnica de ELISA. Os resultados mostraram que a carga viral sérica se manteve homogênea em todos os animais e que os leitões da raça Piau apresentaram níveis de anticorpos superiores em comparação com os leitões da linhagem comercial (P=0,05), enquanto as porcas de linhagem comercial apresentaram níveis superiores aos da raça Piau (P<0,01). Este trabalho fornece indícios de que a raça Piau apresenta uma resposta imune humoral distinta diante de uma infecção natural pelo PCV2, quando comparada com a resposta desenvolvida pela linhagem comercial. Os resultados obtidos reforçam a importância da conservação das raças nativas.(AU)

Plantas medicinais referenciadas por raizeiros no município de Jataí, estado de Goiás / Medicinal Plants referenced by"raizeiros" from Jataí county, Goiás state

RESUMO Este trabalho objetivou pesquisar as plantas medicinais referenciadas por raizeiros do município de Jataí-GO, evidenciando o Valor de Uso Reportado (VUR) e a conexão com os níveis filogenéticos atuais. Com cerca de 200 anos de história, Jataí localiza-se no Planalto Central do Brasil, Sudoeste de Goiás (17°52’53’’S e 51°42’52’’W), tendo atualmente, como principal fonte de renda o agronegócio. Para a seleção dos raizeiros e coleta dos dados aplicou-se o método bola de neve e a técnica de entrevistas semiestruturadas. Determinou-se a etnoespécie, parte usada, uso, modo de preparo, sintomas / doenças relacionando aos sistemas corporais. Foram reportadas 515 referências etnobotânicas para 112 etnoespécies principalmente dos clados Fabídeas, Lamídeas, e Campanulídeas. Sobressaíram as etnoespécies Pé-de-perdiz (Croton antisyphilliticus), Sangra-dágua (C. urucurana), Pau-terra-de-folha-larga (Qualea grandiflora), Erva-de-Santa Maria (Chenopodium album), Amaro-leite (Operculina alata), Algodãozinho-do-campo (Cochlospermum regium), Cavalinha (Equisetum hiemale) e Jaborandi (Piper aduncum), com VUR maior que 10. Os sistemas corporais mais importantes com relação ao número de etnoespécies relatadas foram respiratório, digestivo, circulatório e tegumentar. As etnoespécies mais versáteis em uso nos sistemas corporais foram Copaíba (Copaifera langsdorffii), Pé-de-perdiz (Croton antisyphiliticus), Cavalinha (Equisetum hiemale), Alecrim (Rosmarinus officinalis) e Fruta-de-lobo (Solanum paniculatum). A prática da medicina tradicional em Jataí evidencia a conexão entre a escolha de plantas e os níveis filogenéticos derivados. Algumas destas etnoespécies estão na listagem de plantas medicinais que o Ministério da Saúde do Brasil escolheu para a realização de monografias, fato que fortalece o valor do conhecimento do uso da flora nas práticas da medicina tradicional.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to research medicinal plants referenced by “raizeiros” from Jataí-GO, showing the Reported Use Value (RUV) and connection with current phylogenetic levels. With nearly 200 years of history, Jataí is located in the Central Plateau of Brazil, Southwest Goiás (17°52’53 ‘’S and 51°42’52’’W), where the main source of income is agribusiness. For the “raizeiros” selection and data collection the snowball method and semi-structured interview techniques were applied. The ethnospecies, used part, usage, method of preparation for estimatedReported Value of Use (VU). There were 515 related ethnopharmacological citations of 112 ethnospecies, mainly Fabídeas, Lamídeas and Campanulídeas. Pé-de-perdiz (Croton antisyphilliticus), Sangra-dágua (C. urucurana), Pau-terra-de-folha-larga (Qualea grandiflora), Erva-de-Santa Maria (Chenopodium album), Amaro-leite (Operculina alata), Algodãozinho-do-campo (Cochlospermum regium), Cavalinha (Equisetum hiemale) andJaborandi (Piper aduncum), Pau-terra-de-folha-larga (Qualea grandiflora), Erva-de-Santa Maria (Chenopodium album), Amaro-leite (Operculina alata), Algodãozinho-do-campo (Cochlospermum regium), Cavalinha (Equisetum hiemale) andJaborandi (Piper aduncum)highlightedmorethan10RUV. The most important bodily systems in the number of reported plants were respiratory, digestive, circulatory and integumentary. The most versatile, useful plant systems were Copaíba (Copaiferalangsdorffii), Pé-de-perdiz (Crotonantisyphiliticus), Cavalinha (Equisetumhiemale), Rosemary (Rosmarinusofficinalis) and Fruita-de-lobo (Solanumpaniculatum).The practice of traditional medicine in Jataí reveals the link between the choice of plants and derived phylogenetic levels. Many referenced species are used medicinally in the Cerrado, including some that are part of the national health care system’s list, for the realization of monographs, which strengthen the knowledge of these traditional medicine practices in Goiás.

Vegetative and reproductive phenology of Butia purpurascens Glassman (Arecaceae) under the effects of leaf harvesting.

Butia purpurascens is an endemic and threatened palm tree species that occurs in open areas of the Brazilian Cerrado, predominantly in southwestern Goiás. The leaves of this palm tree are harvested by local people to fabricate brooms. This study evaluated changes in vegetative and reproductive phenology in two different natural populations of this palm tree: one population with leaf harvesting and another non-harvested population. Twenty plants were monitored in each area for 23 months. The phenophases were related to the temperature and precipitation averages for a 30-year period. Leaf sprouting occurred throughout the year, with a slight reduction in periods of low temperatures and low rainfall. The first spathes emerged in March and flowering began during the dry season (June), continuing until January of the following year, concurrent with the period of most intense fruiting. Flowering and fruiting appear to be triggered by periods of drought, which are commonly observed in the Cerrado. The harvested sites produced significantly fewer leaves, spathes, inflorescences and infructescences than the non-harvested sites. Thus, the supply of resources to the local fauna is possibly reduced in sites under leaf exploitation, which in the long term can represent damage to the palm tree population's structure and dynamics. Other socioeconomic and ecological studies about the effects of leaf harvesting in B. purpurascens are necessary to enable strategies for sustainable use, devise management alternatives and conserve this threatened palm species.

Effects of Swimming on the Inflammatory and Redox Response in a Model of Allergic Asthma.

In this study we hypothesized that swimming during sensitization phase could result in a preventive effect in mice with allergic asthma. Swiss mice were divided into 4 groups: Control and Swimming (non-sensitized), OVA and OVA+Swimming (sensitized). The allergic inflammation was induced by 2 intraperitoneal injections and 4 aerosol challenges using ovalbumin. Swimming sessions were performed at high intensity over 3 weeks. 48 h after the last challenge mice were euthanized. Swimming decreased OVA-increased total IgE, IL-1, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6 levels, as well as the number of total cells, lymphocytes and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, (p<0.05). Simultaneously, swimming also increased IL-10 and glutathione levels in the Swimming and OVA+Swimming groups (p<0.05). The levels of glutathione peroxidase and catalase were increased only in the Swimming group when compared to all groups (p<0.05). 21 days of swimming resulted in an attenuation of pulmonary allergic inflammation followed by an increase of glutathione levels in the OVA group. Swimming only increased the levels of glutathione peroxidase and catalase in non-sensitized mice (p<0.05). These data suggest that the pulmonary anti-inflammatory effects produced by 3 weeks of high-intensity swimming in this model of OVA-induced asthma may be, at least partly, modulated by reduced oxidative stress and increased IL-10 production.

Optimisation and validation of a quantitative and confirmatory method for residues of macrolide antibiotics and lincomycin in kidney by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

A solid phase extraction followed by a liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) detection method for the confirmatory analysis of lincomycin (LIN), clindamycin (CLI), tilmicosin (TIM), erythromycin (ERI) and tylosin (TYL) residues in kidney were optimised and validated for monitoring and controlling the use of these antibiotics in food producing-animals. The method optimisation was carried out by testing changes in the extraction buffer pH and in the ammonium/acetonitrile concentrations on SPE eluent solutions. The optimised extraction procedure involved the extraction of the analytes with a pH 8 phosphate buffer, clean-up on a reversed-phase mixed-cation exchange cartridge, followed by the elution of the analytes in a 98:2 acetonitrile/ammonia solution, concentration in air flow and re-dissolved with an 1:1 methanol/water solution. The analytes were detected in an LC-MS/MS system in electrospray positive ionisation mode. The validation was performed according to the European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Linearity was established for all analytes using the method of least weighted squares and CCα values ranged from 5.3% to 21.1% higher than the minimum residue limit (MRL) values. The addition levels varied from 0.5 to 1.50 MRL for all analytes, with recoveries exceeding 92.5%. The relative standard deviations (RSD%) in terms of repeatability (n = 54) and reproducibility (n = 108) for all analytes were less than 21.6% and 21.4%, respectively. The uncertainties were calculated by simplified methods using the calibration curve uncertainty and the intermediate precision to obtain the combined measurement uncertainty. The results of the validation process demonstrated that this method is suitable for the quantification and confirmation of antibiotic residues for the Brazilian Residue and Contaminant Control Plan (PNCR).

Occurrence of antimicrobial residues in Brazilian food animals in 2008 and 2009.

Brazil is one of the most important countries as a producer and exporter of cattle and poultry. In 2009 cattle accounted for 30% of the export market and 41.4% for poultry meat. The Brazilian National Residues and Contaminants Control Plan (PNCRC) follows the guidelines set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and checks compliance maximum residue limits (MRLs) to ensure the quality of these commodities. Kidney samples (n = 2978) were analysed between January 2008 and December 2009. Fifteen antibiotics of the macrolide and aminoglycoside groups (clindamycin, eritromycin, lincomycin, tylmicosin, tylosin, amikacin, apramycin, dihydrostreptomycin, gentamycin, higromycin, kanamycin, neomycin, spectinomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin) were determined by a microbiological screening method (FAST) and confirmed/quantified using liquid chromatography (LC-MS/MS and UPLC-MS/MS). In 2008, 1459 samples were analysed by a screening test and liquid chromatography with only one sample (0.07%) exceeded Brazilian legislation limits (>MRL). In 2009, 1519 samples were analysed and none exceeding Brazilian legislation limits (>MRL). The slaughterhouses of 16 states were monitored during the year of 2008, and 18 states were monitored in 2009, being the major producing states most sampled by the PNCRC.

In-house validation of PremiTest, a microbiological screening test with solvent extraction, for the detection of antimicrobial residues in poultry muscles.

PremiTest, a microbial inhibition test for the screening of antimicrobial residues, was validated according to the criteria established by Decision 2002/657/EC. Sensitivity, detection capability (CCß), specificity, selectivity, robustness and applicability were evaluated. The methodology involves the technique of solvent extraction, which increases the detection capability of the test for a wider range of antibiotics. The following CCß values in poultry muscle were found: penicillin G ≤ 12.5 µg kg(-1), total sulfonamides ≤ 75 µg kg(-1), erythromycin 75 µg kg(-1) and lincomycin 50 µg kg(-1). The detection capability of chlortetracycline was equal to its maximum residue limit (100 µg kg(-1)) and the method did not detect gentamicin (1000 µg kg(-1)), for which no MRL is established in poultry muscle. Specificity evaluated in relation to different analytes and matrices did not detect any interferences in the tests results; whilst the robustness showed that the pH neutralisation point of the extract affects the analytical results and the kits' performance. Only the screening of tetracyclines requires the analysis of extracts without pH neutralisation. The results of the validation process showed that this method is acceptable for screening ß-lactam, sulfonamide and macrolide antimicrobial groups in the National Residues and Contaminants Control Programme (PNCRC), and that for this it is fit for purpose.

Validation of a quantitative and confirmatory method for residue analysis of aminoglycoside antibiotics in poultry, bovine, equine and swine kidney through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

The use of aminoglycoside antibiotics in food animals is approved in Brazil. Accordingly, Brazilian food safety legislation sets maximum levels for these drugs in tissues from these animals in an effort to guarantee that food safety is not compromised. Aiming to monitor the levels of these drugs in tissues from food animals, the validation of a quantitative, confirmatory method for the detection of residues of 10 aminoglycosides antibiotics in poultry, swine, equine and bovine kidney, with extraction using a solid phase and detection and quantification by LC-MS/MS was performed. The procedure is an adaptation of the US Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) qualitative method, with the inclusion of additional clean-up and quantification at lower levels, which proved more efficient. Extraction was performed using a phosphate buffer containing trifluoroacetic acid followed by neutralization, purification on a cationic exchange SPE cartridge, with elution with methanol/acetic acid, evaporation, and dilution in ion-pair solvent. The method was validated according to the criteria and requirements of the European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC, showing selectivity with no matrix interference. Linearity was established for all analytes using the method of weighted minimum squares. CCα and CCß varied between 1036 and 12,293 µg kg(-1), and between 1073 and 14,588 µg kg(-1), respectively. The limits of quantification varied between 27 and 688 µg kg(-1). The values of recovery for all analytes in poultry kidney, fortified in the range of 500-1500 µg kg(-1), were higher than 90%, and the relative standard deviations were lower than 15%, except spectinomycin (21.8%). Uncertainty was estimated using a simplified methodology of 'bottom-up' and 'top-down' strategies. The results showed that this method is effective for the quantification and confirmation of aminoglycoside residues and could be used by the Brazilian programme of residue control.

Avaliação das silagens do sorgo BRS-610 em sete estádios de maturação pela técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases / Evaluation of the silages of sorghum BRS-610 at seven stages of maturation by semi-automated in vitro gas production technique

Avaliou-se a qualidade da silagem do sorgo BRS-610 produzida em sete estádios de maturação dos grãos, pela técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro repetições por tratamento, e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste Scott-knott. Os parâmetros potencial máximo de produção de gases, tempo de colonização, taxa de produção de gases e degradabilidade efetiva da matéria seca para as taxas de passagem de 2, 5 e 8 por cento/h foram obtidos pelo modelo de France et al. O potencial máximo de produção de gases não diferiu entre as silagens e indicou média de 170,5mL/g de matéria seca. Entre leitoso/pastoso e pastoso houve menor tempo de colonização. As maiores taxas de fermentação foram observadas nas silagens produzida entre os estádios pastoso/farináceo a seco. As degradabilidades efetivas foram semelhantes entres as silagens, com média de 46,2 por cento. O sorgo BRS-610 produziu silagem de qualidade satisfatória, com destaque para a silagem produzida com a planta no estádio pastoso/farináceo, por associar melhor taxa de fermentação e menor tempo de colonização.

The quality of the silages of sorghum BRS-610 produced at seven stages of grain maturation was evaluated by the semi-automatic gas production technique. It was used a complete randomized design, with four repetitions per treatment, and the means were compared by the Scott-knott test (P<0.05). The potential of production of gases, lag phase, rates of gas production, and effective dry matter degradability for 2, 5, and 8 percent/h rates of passage were obtained by the model of France et al. The potential of gas production did not differ among the silages, showing mean of 170.5mL/dry matter. The stages between milky/soft dough to soft dough showed shorter lag phase. The highest rate of gas production was observed in the silages produced between soft dough/floury to dry stages. The effective degradabilities were similar among the silages, averaging 46.2 percent. The sorghum BRS-610 produced satisfactory quality silage, mainly for the silage produced with the plant at soft dough/floury stage, for associating better rate of gas production and shorter lag phase.

Taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships between neotropical species of ticks from genus Amblyomma (Acari: Ixodidae) inferred from second internal transcribed spacer sequences of rDNA.

The accurate specific identification of ticks is essential for the study, control and prevention of tick-borne diseases. Herein, we determined ribosomal nucleotide sequences of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of 15 Neotropical hard tick species of the genus Amblyomma Koch found in Brazil. Most of the studied ticks accidentally parasite humans and potentially act as vectors of zoonoses. Lengths of the ITS2 sequences ranged from 956 to 1,207 bp, whereas GC content varied from 62.4 to 66.9%. A matrix of ITS2 divergence was calculated with the ITS2 sequence data obtained showing divergence levels varying from 1.5 to 28.8%. The analysis indicated that this molecular marker can be useful for Amblyomma-specific identification. Phylogenetic inferences based on the ITS2 sequences were used to assess some issues in subgenus taxonomy.

Pharmacokinetic and parasitological evaluation of the bone marrow of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis submitted to multiple dose treatment with liposome-encapsulated meglumine antimoniate

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of a multiple dose regimen of a liposomal formulation of meglumine antimoniate (LMA) on the pharmacokinetics of antimony in the bone marrow of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis and on the ability of LMA to eliminate parasites from this tissue. Dogs naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi received 4 intravenous doses of either LMA (6.5 mg antimony/kg body weight, N = 9), or empty liposomes (at the same lipid dose as LMA, N = 9) at 4-day intervals. A third group of animals was untreated (N = 8). Before each administration and at different times after treatment, bone marrow was obtained and analyzed for antimony level (LMA group) by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, and for the presence of Leishmania parasites (all groups). There was a significant increase of antimony concentration from 0.76 æg/kg wet organ (4 days after the first dose) to 2.07 æg/kg (4 days after the fourth dose) and a half-life of 4 days for antimony elimination from the bone marrow. Treatment with LMA significantly reduced the number of dogs positive for parasites (with at least one amastigote per 1000 host cells) compared to controls (positive dogs 30 days after treatment: 0 of 9 in the LMA group, 3 of 9 in the group treated with empty liposomes and 3 of 8 in the untreated group). However, complete elimination of parasites was not achieved. In conclusion, the present study showed that multiple dose treatment with LMA was effective in improving antimony levels in the bone marrow of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis and in reducing the number of positive animals, even though it was not sufficient to achieve complete elimination of parasites.

Pharmacokinetic and parasitological evaluation of the bone marrow of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis submitted to multiple dose treatment with liposome-encapsulated meglumine antimoniate.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of a multiple dose regimen of a liposomal formulation of meglumine antimoniate (LMA) on the pharmacokinetics of antimony in the bone marrow of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis and on the ability of LMA to eliminate parasites from this tissue. Dogs naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi received 4 intravenous doses of either LMA (6.5 mg antimony/kg body weight, N = 9), or empty liposomes (at the same lipid dose as LMA, N = 9) at 4-day intervals. A third group of animals was untreated (N = 8). Before each administration and at different times after treatment, bone marrow was obtained and analyzed for antimony level (LMA group) by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, and for the presence of Leishmania parasites (all groups). There was a significant increase of antimony concentration from 0.76 microg/kg wet organ (4 days after the first dose) to 2.07 microg/kg (4 days after the fourth dose) and a half-life of 4 days for antimony elimination from the bone marrow. Treatment with LMA significantly reduced the number of dogs positive for parasites (with at least one amastigote per 1000 host cells) compared to controls (positive dogs 30 days after treatment: 0 of 9 in the LMA group, 3 of 9 in the group treated with empty liposomes and 3 of 8 in the untreated group). However, complete elimination of parasites was not achieved. In conclusion, the present study showed that multiple dose treatment with LMA was effective in improving antimony levels in the bone marrow of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis and in reducing the number of positive animals, even though it was not sufficient to achieve complete elimination of parasites.