Parasitism rate of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) larvae in greenhouse by Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) females at different densities.

Parasitoids control insect pests, but their number per host affects their efficiency. The objective of this work was to evaluate the best density of Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff, 1893) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) individuals parasitizing fourth instar Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) larvae in greenhouse conditions. These larvae were exposed to parasitism by T. howardi females with 1:1, 3:1, 6:1, 9:1, 12:1, 15:1 and 18:1 parasitoid/host ratios with 10 replications during 96 hours. After this period the larvae were kept on host plants (Brassica oleracea) until pupa formation. Tetrastichus howardi parasitized and reproduced in P. xylostella larvae at all its densities tested, but with higher values, 84% and 10 ± 2.4 individuals, respectively, with 9:1 parasitoids/host. Nine T. howardi females per P. xylostella larvae are the adequate number to manage this insect pest.

Use of external nasal strip influences alveolar cell population of horses after exercise / Uso de fita nasal influencia a população de células alveolares em equinos após exercício

The nasal strip is widely used in horses during exercise, but effects of using a nasal strip are controversial and little is known about its effect on horses undergoing endurance events. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of nasal strips influences alveolar cell population assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), tidal volume, and nasal airflow rate. Six Arabian horses were subjected to two low intensity tests on a treadmill, with and without application of a commercial external nasal strip. Tidal volumes and airflow rates were measured during the test; two hours after the test, BAL was performed to assess cytology of pulmonary secretions. The lavage fluid showed increased neutrophil count after exercise in animals with the nasal strip (P<0.05). This suggests that turbulence of airflow through the nasal cavity may have diminished with nasal strip use, thus allowing larger particles to be deposited more distally in the respiratory system, inducing a more intense neutrophilic response. No differences in tidal volumes or airflow rates were observed between groups (with or without nasal strips) during the test (P>0.05). The use of nasal strips seems to influence alveolar cell population during and after exercise in horses after low intensity exercise tests. Further studies are needed to verify whether alveolar cell population is related to poor exercise performance in horses.(AU)

A fita nasal é amplamente utilizada em equinos durante o exercício, porém seus resultados são controversos e pouco conhecidos em animais que disputam provas de resistência. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se o uso da fita nasal influencia a população de células alveolares por meio de lavado broncoalveolar, volume corrente e fluxo de ar nasal. Foram utilizados seis equinos da raça Árabe, que realizaram dois testes de longa duração em esteira, sendo um teste com a fita e outro sem a fita nasal. Fluxo e volume respiratório foram mensurados durante o teste; duas horas após o término do exercício, foi realizado lavado broncoalveolar para realização de citologia da secreção pulmonar. Foi verificada maior porcentagem de neutrófilos após o exercício nos animais que se exercitaram com a fita nasal (P<0,05), indicando que o turbilhonamento na passagem do ar através da cavidade nasal pode ter diminuído, permitindo que partículas maiores se depositassem em porções mais distais do sistema respiratório, induzindo uma resposta neutrofílica mais intensa. Não houve diferenças entre os parâmetros ventilatórios analisados entre os animais quando correram com ou sem a fita nasal (P>0,05). O uso da fita nasal parece influenciar alguns parâmetros, durante e após o exercício, em animais que realizam provas de longa duração. Outros estudos devem ser realizados para verificar se essa influência pode melhorar o desempenho desses animais em exercícios predominantemente aeróbicos.(AU)

Characterizing three shallow-water locations off Goa, India, using passive acoustic data.

In this study, an analysis of the passive acoustic data is carried out for the quantitative characterization of shallow-water acoustic environments from three major estuarine systems of Goa during the months of March and April. The identification of fish sounds was carried out using waveform and peak power spectral densities (PSDs) of the individual fish calls. Fish sound data showed that the toadfish of the Batrachoididae family (Colletteichthys dussumieri species) produced a spectral level 112.27 ± 4.48 dB re 1 µPa2 /Hz at 448.96 ± 40.30 Hz frequency from the mangrove-dominated tidally influenced Mandovi estuary. Similarly, in a coral reef area near Grande Island in the Zuari estuary, Tiger Perch fish from the Terapontidae family (Terapon threaps species) were identified, having spectral levels 106.91 ± 3.08 dB re 1 µPa2 /Hz at 1791.56 ± 106.55 Hz frequency. From the Sal estuary, PSD levels were found to be around 98.24 ± 2.98 dB re 1 µPa2/Hz at 1796.95 ± 72.76 Hz frequency for Tiger Perch of the Terapontidae family (T. threaps species). To characterize the contributions of biophony (fish), geophony (wind and flow, etc.), and anthrophony (boats, etc.), cluster analysis is employed. In the Mandovi estuary, the root-mean-square sound pressure level (SPLrms) of broadband toadfish was a function of the water flow and temperature. In the Zuari estuary, SPLrms was a function of the water temperature and wind, whereas in the Sal estuary, wind mainly influenced the SPLrms.

Increased leishmanicidal activity of alveolar macrophages from mature horses with mild equine asthma / Aumento da atividade leishmanicida de macrófagos alveolares de equinos adultos com asma equina leve

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are an essential part of defense mechanisms within the lungs and their phagocytic activity is important for organ homeostasis. The phagocytic ability of AMs obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage from 17 mature mixed-breed pleasure horses (8 healthy and 9 diagnosed with mild equine asthma) was studied through assays with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis promastigotes, which enabled the calculation of a phagocytic index (PI) and a survival index (SI). Results indicate that phagocytic activity of AMs in asthma affected horses is similar to healthy horses, while leishmanicidal activity is significantly increased in horses with asthma.(AU)

Os macrófagos alveolares (MAs) são uma parte essencial dos mecanismos de defesa dentro dos pulmões e sua atividade fagocítica é importante para a homeostase desse órgão. A capacidade fagocitária dos MAs obtidos do lavado broncoalveolar de 17 equinos adultos, sem raça definida (oito saudáveis e nove com diagnóstico de asma equina leve), foi estudada por meio de ensaios com promastigotas de Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Foi calculado o índice fagocítico e o índice de sobrevivência. Os resultados indicam que a atividade fagocítica de MAs em cavalos com asma é semelhante a cavalos saudáveis, enquanto a atividade leishmanicida está significativamente aumentada em cavalos com essa enfermidade.(AU)

Occurrence of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in show jumping horses.

Pulmonary haemorrhage occurs in sport horses performing high-intensity exercise, but the factors involved in the occurrence of pulmonary haemorrhage in jumping horses have not been elucidated. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of pulmonary haemorrhage and factors involved in competitive jumping horses. Fifty adult jumping horses competing in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, were included. The horses were divided into two groups based on jump height at competition: Low group (LG, n=26), with jump height between 1.00 and 1.20m, and High group (HG, n=24), with jump height between 1.30 and 1.50m. Physical examination was performed before and after competition, and airway endoscopy and tracheal wash (TW) were performed 1h after competition. Heart rate (HR; P<0.010), respiratory rate (RR; P<0.010), rectal temperature (RT; P<0.010), and frequency of endoscopic observations of blood in the tracheal lumen (P<0.013) were significantly higher in HG than in LG. TW cytology was not different between the two groups. Incidence of pulmonary haemorrhage was positively correlated with jump height (r2=0.40, P<0.0001), post-exercise HR (r2=0.31, P<0.0001), and post-exercise RR (r2=0.19, P<0.002). In conclusion, pulmonary haemorrhage in jumping horses was associated with the level of performance. Further studies on the pathophysiology of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in this type of horses are required.

Resposta hematológica de cavalos de enduro, que correram diferentes distâncias, no período pós-prova / Hematologic response of endurance horses that ran different distances in the post race period

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as alterações hematológicas após provas de enduro de diferentes distâncias até 14 dias após a prova, período de recuperação metabólica e musculoesquelética, as quais ocorrem em cavalos treinados e que concluíram as competições em boas condições de saúde. Foram avaliados 32 cavalos Árabes, com 400 (±32kg), treinados para provas de enduro, que competiram em quatro provas nas categorias velocidade livre de 80km (n=13), 120km (n=14) e 160km (n=5). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes da largada (M0), imediatamente após a saída da última inspeção veterinária (M1) e três horas após (M2). Já nos respectivos haras, foram coletadas amostras aos três (M3), sete (M4) e 14 (M5) dias após a prova. Houve aumento dos valores de eritrócitos, hemoglobina e hematócrito após o término da prova em todos os cavalos, e esse aumento se manteve até três horas após a prova nos cavalos de 120 e 80km. Houve aumento do número de plaquetas em todos os cavalos, que permaneceu elevado até três horas após a prova e normalizou-se a partir do terceiro dia. Houve efeito (P<0,05) da prova sobre as variáveis eritrócitos, hemoglobina e hematócrito, do número de plaquetas, aumento na contagem de neutrófilos e diminuição da contagem de linfócitos após o término da prova e três horas depois, retornando ao normal a partir do terceiro dia. Um dado inédito deste estudo foi o aumento de eosinófilos sanguíneos após três dias da competição, que se manteve até o sétimo dia. Esse fato pode sinalizar a participação dessas células no processo de reparação. A avaliação dos componentes sanguíneos se mostrou uma importante ferramenta para a avaliação da recuperação dos animais. Como só foram avaliados cavalos que completaram a prova, as alterações encontradas após dias do esforço sinalizam a relevância de se estudarem melhor as etapas e os componentes da recuperação metabólica e muscular, a fim de não se cometerem excessos, retornando esses animais no tempo correto.(AU)

The aim of this study was to analyze the hematological changes after endurance races from different distances up to 14 days, a period of metabolic and musculoskeletal recovery that occured in trained horses that finished the competitions in a good health. A total of 32 Arabian horses were evaluated, with 400 (±32kg) trained for endurance races, who competed in four events in free speed categories 80 km (n = 13), 120km (n = 14) and 160km (n = 5). Blood samples were collected before the start (M0), immediately after leaving the last veterinary inspection (M1) and three hours later (M2). Already at their farms, samples were taken at three (M3), seven (M4) and 14 (M5) days after the race. There was an increase of values of erythrocytes, hemoglobin and packed cell volume after the end of the race in all horses and this increase was maintained until three hours after the race in the of 120 and 80km horses. There was an increase in the number of platelets in all horses, which remained elevated up to 3 hours after the test and normalized on the third day. All horses underwent increase in neutrophil counts and decreased lymphocyte count immediately after the race and three hours later, returning to normal after the third day. There was also pronounced increase in the number of eosinophils in all horses on the third day, which lasted until the seventh after the race. An unheard of data of this study was an increase in blood eosinophils after three days of competition that remained until the seventh day. This may signal the participation of these cells in the repair process. The evaluation of blood components proved to be an important tool for the assessment of recovery of the animals. As only horses that finished the race were evaluated, the changes found within days of effort, indicate the importance of further studies to investigate the steps and components of the metabolic and muscular recovery, in order not to commit excesses, returning the animals to activity at the right time.(AU)

Synthesis, characterization, and computational study of the supramolecular arrangement of a novel cinnamic acid derivative.

In this work, we present the synthesis, characterization, and computational study of the supramolecular arrangement of a new cinnamic acid derivative: ethyl-(2E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-prop-2-enoate (EHD). Single crystals of EHD were obtained using ethyl ether as solvent and a slow evaporation technique. Its crystallographic structure, derived from X-ray diffraction experiments, includes a disordered water molecule on the EHD supramolecular structure. This water molecule participates in four O-H···O hydrogen bonds, which are arranged as a centrosymmetric H-bond array with the water at the center. Electronic and structural properties of the isolated EHD molecule and of the EHD molecule in the presence of one water molecule were calculated at the B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level of theory. These calculations show that the HOMO-LUMO energy gap of EHD decreases upon the introduction of the water molecule, suggesting that EHD becomes a stronger electron acceptor. These results indicate that the water molecule helps to stabilize the crystal structure in this system containing unequal numbers of acceptor and donor atoms. The supramolecular synthon involving the disordered water molecule and the supramolecular features presented here provide new possibilities in the design of functional materials and should also help us to gain a deeper understanding of the processes by which molecules recognize biological targets.

Nycthemeral Rhythm of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a Craggy Region, Transitioning Between the Wetland and the Plateau, Brazil.

Recording the nycthemeral rhythm of sand flies allows the evaluation of the daily activity in different ecotypes, the period of greatest activity, and their degree of anthropophily. We investigated the fauna and the rhythm of sand fly activity in an ecotourism region in Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) state, Brazil. Sand flies were captured monthly, using a Shannon trap for 24 h periods between July 2012 and June 2014. We collected 1,815 sand flies, in which Lutzomyia whitmani (=Nyssomyia whitmani, sensu Galati) and Lutzomyia longipalpis were the most abundant species during the dry season, with activity from 5 p.m.-7 a.m. and 6 p.m.-5 a.m., respectively. Both species require particular attention as vectors of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in several regions of Brazil, including MS. However, Lutzomyia dispar was more anthropophilic, and was most active between January and March, from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Lutzomyia misionensis (=Pintomyia misionensis, sensu Galati) was present throughout both years, active from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. Other species were active from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. Due to intense tourism in the months that coincide with a high number of vectors for leishmaniases in Piraputanga, it is essential to determine vector-monitoring strategies in the area by investigating sand fly rhythm while not neglecting other periods of the year when the insects are present.

Variation in Venoms of Polybia Paulista Von Ihering and Polybia Occidentalis Olivier (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), Assessed by the FTIR-PAS Technique.

Wasps are able to synthesize toxic compounds known as venoms, which form a part of a mechanism to overcome prey and also to defend their colonies. Study of the compounds that constitute these substances is essential in order to understand how this defense mechanism evolved, since there is evidence that the venoms can vary both intra- and interspecifically. Some studies have used liquid and gas chromatography as a reliable technique to analyze these compounds. However, the use of Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) to analyze the variations in venom's chemical profile has been proposed recently. This study evaluated whether the FTIR-PAS technique is effective for assessing the role of environmental factors on intra- and interspecific differences in the venom of the wasps Polybia paulista Von Ihering and Polybia occidentalis Olivier by FTIR-PAS. The colonies were collected in three municipalities of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in different types of environments. The results showed that the venoms of P. paulista and P. occidentalis differed significantly in profile. In addition, the intraspecific differences in the venom's chemical profile of P. paulista are related to the type of environment where they nested, regardless of the geographical distance between the nests. The FTIR-PAS technique proved to be reliable and effective to evaluate the variations in the venom's chemical profile in social wasps.

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (-308G/A) promoter polymorphism is associated with ulcerative colitis in Brazilian patients.

Inflammatory bowel disease consists of multifactorial diseases whose common manifestation is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and their pathogenesis remains unknown. This study aimed to analyse the gene polymorphisms in Brazilian patients with inflammatory bowel disease. A total of 101 patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease were analysed for the tumour necrosis factor-alpha (-308 G/A; rs1800629) and interleukin-10 (-1082 G/A; rs1800896) gene polymorphisms. Genotyping was performed through polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer, then fractionated on 2% agarose gel and visualized after staining by ethidium bromide. The anatomic-clinical form of Crohn's disease (CD) predominant was the inflammatory (32.75%), followed by fistulizing (29.31%) and 27.58% stricturing. As control group, a total of 136 healthy subjects, from the same geographical region, were enrolled. The statistical analyses were performed using R program. The frequency of the A allele at tumour necrosis factor-alpha was high in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients (51%) than in controls (22%; P > 0.01). No statistical difference was found with the genotypic and allelic frequencies of CD patients compared to controls (P = 0.54). The polymorphism -1082G/A of interleukin-10 was not statistical different between the diseases compared to controls. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (-308G/A) is associated with UC onset, suggesting that the presence of -308A allele could confer a relative risk of 3.62 more to develop UC in general population. Further studies, increasing the number of individuals, should be performed to ratify the role of TNF-α in the inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis.

Adaptação metabólica de equinos suplementados com óleos vegetais em testes de longa duração / Metabolic adaptation of horses supplemented with vegetable oils during low intensity exercise

Suplementação com óleos vegetais tem sido usada frequentemente na dieta de equinos atletas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o metabolismo lipídico em testes de longa duração em equinos suplementados com óleo de soja ou óleo de arroz. Doze equinos da raça Árabe, não treinados, foram distribuídos em dois grupos, e cada grupo foi suplementado com óleo de soja ou de arroz por um período de seis semanas. Antes e após esse período, esses animais foram submetidos a um teste de longa duração (TLD) em esteira, quando foram coletadas amostras de sangue antes, durante e após o exercício. No TLD houve aumento nos valores séricos de ácidos graxos livres (AGL) e redução nos valores de triglicérides nos animais após suplementação nos dois grupos (P<0,05). Em ambos os grupos não houve alterações significativas nos valores de HDL no TLD após a suplementação. Nos animais após suplementação com óleo houve aumento da disponibilidade de energia no exercício de longa duração por meio do aumento de AGL e da manutenção dos níveis de lactato. As alterações no metabolismo lipídico causadas pela suplementação com óleo vegetal podem favorecer o desempenho desses animais em testes de longa duração.

Vegetable oil supplementation has often been used in high performance horse feeding. The aim of the current study is to evaluate lipidic metabolism during the low intensity tests in fat-supplemented horses. Twelve untrained Arabian horses were divided into two groups, in which each group was supplemented with soybean oil or rice bran oil for a period of six weeks. Before and after this period they were submitted to low intensity test (TLD) on a high-speed treadmill, and blood samples were taken before, during and after exercise. In TLD there was an increase in serum free fat acids (AGL) levels and decrease in serum triacylglycerol levels in fat-supplemented horses in both groups (P<0,05). No significant difference was observed in HDL values in TLD after supplementation. There was an increase in energy availability during low intensity exercise by increasing AGL and the maintenance of the lactate levels in fat-supplemented horses. Changes in the lipidic metabolism provided by vegetable oil supplementation are favorable for performance during TLD.

Combined venomics, venom gland transcriptomics, bioactivities, and antivenomics of two Bothrops jararaca populations from geographic isolated regions within the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest

Bothrops jararaca is a slender and semi-arboreal medically relevant pit viper species endemic to tropical and subtropical forests in southern Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina (Misiones). Within its geographic range, it is often abundant and is an important cause of snakebite. Although no subspecies are currently recognized, geographic analyses have revealed the existence of two well-supported B. jararaca clades that diverged during the Pliocene similar to 3.8 Mya and currently display a southeastern (SE) and a southern (S) Atlantic rainforest (Mata Atlantica) distribution. The spectrum, geographic variability, and ontogenetic changes of the venom proteomes of snakes from these two B. jararaca phylogroups were investigated applying a combined venom gland transcriptomic and venomic analysis. Comparisons of the venom proteomes and transcriptomes of B. jararaca from the SE and S geographic regions revealed notable interpopulational variability that may be due to the different levels of population-specific transcriptional regulation, including, in the case of the southern population, a marked ontogenetic venom compositional change involving the upregulation of the myotoxic PLA(2) homolog, bothropstoxin-l. This population-specific marker can be used to estimate the proportion of venom from the southern population present in the B. jararaca venom pool used for the Brazilian soro antibotropico (SAB) antivenom production. On the other hand, the southeastern population-specific D49-PLA(2) molecules, BinTX-I and BinTX-II, lend support to the notion that the mainland ancestor of Bothrops insularis was originated within the same population that gave rise to the current SE B. jararaca phylogroup, and that this insular species endemic to Queimada Grande Island (Brazil) expresses a pedomorphic venom phenotype. Mirroring their compositional divergence, the two geographic B. jararaca venom pools showed distinct bioactivity profiles. However, the SAB antivenom manufactured in Vital Brazil Institute neutralized the lethal effect of both venoms to a similar extent. In addition, immobilized SAB antivenom immunocaptured most of the venom components of the venoms of both B. jararaca populations, but did not show immunoreactivity against vasoactive peptides. The Costa Rican bothropic-crotalic-lachesic (BCL) antivenom showed the same lack of reactivity against vasoactive peptides but, in addition, was less efficient immunocapturing PI- and PIII-SVMPs from the SE venom, and bothropstoxin-I, a CRISP molecule, and a D49-PLA(2) from the venom of the southern B. jararaca phylogroup. The remarkable paraspecificity exhibited by the Brazilian and the Costa Rican antivenoms indicates large immunoreactive epitope conservation across the natural history of Bothrops, a genus that has its roots in the middle Miocene. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Omics Evolutionary Ecolog. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Alternative Method for the Mass Rearing of Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) cruzi (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a Laboratory Setting.

The understanding of the transmission dynamics of Leishmania spp. Ross as well as the epidemiology and spread of leishmaniasis is related to parasite-vector-host interactions. These interactions can be studied using specimens of a sand fly population reared in the laboratory, exposing individuals to experimental infection for the investigation of vector competence and parameters of the vectorial capacity of the species. The present study sought to describe an alternative method for the implantation of a Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) cruzi colony with wild specimens captured in the municipality of Corumbá, Brazil. With Method 1, engorged females were individualized for oviposition. The eggs were transferred to an acrylic petri dish with a layer of plaster on the bottom, on which food was placed after hatching of the first larvae. With Method 2, females were kept in groups for oviposition in containers, in which soil and food were placed on their bottom for the larvae. In addition, the exposure time of the larvae to light was reduced in comparison with Method 1. With Method 2, a significantly greater number of specimens of Lu. cruzi was obtained. The ratio between the number of emerged adults and the females followed for oviposition was 0.42 with Method 1 and 2.75 with Method 2. The optimization of the rearing conditions for Lu. cruzi will enable the establishment of a colony providing a sufficient number of specimens to develop experimental infection by Leishmania as well as vectorial competence and some parameters of the vectorial capacity of this sand fly.

Morphological study of rat skin flaps treated with subcutaneous dimethyl sulfoxide combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

This study investigated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in tissue necrosis, genotoxicity, and cell apoptosis. Random skin flaps were made in 50 male Wistar rats, randomly divided into the following groups. Control group (CT), wherein a rectangular skin section (2 x 8 cm) was dissected from the dorsal muscle layer, preserving the cranial vessels, lifted, and refixed to the bed; distilled water (DW) group, in which DW was injected into the distal half of the skin flap; DMSO group, wherein 5% DMSO was injected; HBOT group, comprising animals treated only with HBOT; and HBOT + DMSO group, comprising animals treated with 100% oxygen at 2.5 atmospheres absolute for 1 h, 2 h after the experiment, daily for 10 consecutive days. A skinflap specimen investigated by microscopy. The percentage of necrosis was not significantly different between groups. The cell viability index was significantly different between groups (P < 0.001): 87.40% (CT), 86.20% (DW), 84.60% (DMSO), 86.60% (DMSO + HBO), and 91% (HBO) (P < 0.001), as was the cell apoptosis index of 12.60 (CT), 12.00 (DW), 15.40 (DMSO), 9.00 (HBO), and 12.00 (DMSO + HBO) (P < 0.001). The genotoxicity test revealed the percentage of cells with DNA damage to be 22.80 (CT), 22.60 (DW), 26.00 (DMSO), 8.80 (DMSO + HBO), and 7.20 (HBO) (P < 0.001). Although the necrotic area was not different between groups, there was a significant reduction in the cellular DNA damage and apoptosis index in the HBOT group.

Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells to treat Achilles tendon injuries.

Rupture of the Achilles tendon diminishes quality of life. The gold-standard therapy is a surgical suture, but this presents complications, including wound formation and inflammation. These complications spurred evaluation of the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from adipose tissue. New Zealand rabbits were divided into 6 groups (three treatments with two time points each) evaluated at either 14 or 28 days after surgery: cross section of the Achilles tendon (CSAT); CSAT + Suture; and CSAT + MSC. A comparison between all groups at both time points showed a statistically significant increase in capillaries and in the structural organization of collagen in the healed tendon in the CSAT + Suture and CSAT + MSC groups at the 14-day assessment. Comparison between the two time points within the same group showed a statistically significant decrease in the inflammatory process and an increase in the structural organization of collagen in the CSAT and CSAT + MSC groups. A study of the genomic integrity of the cells suggested a linear correlation between an increase of injuries and culture time. Thus, MSC transplantation is a good alternative for treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures because it may be conducted without surgery and tendon suture and, therefore, has no risk of adverse effects resulting from the surgical wound or inflammation caused by nonabsorbable sutures. Furthermore, this alternative treatment exhibits a better capacity for wound healing and maintaining the original tendon architecture, depending on the arrangement of the collagen fibers, and has important therapeutic potential.

Multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis to characterize phase couplings in seahorse (Hippocampus kuda) feeding clicks.

Nonlinear phenomena in animal vocalizations fundamentally includes known features, namely, frequency jump, subharmonics, biphonation, and deterministic chaos. In the present study, the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA) has been employed to characterize the phase couplings revealed in the feeding clicks of Hippocampus kuda yellow seahorse. The fluctuation function Fq(s), generalized Hurst exponent h(q), multifractal scaling exponent τ(q), and the multifractal spectrum f(α) calculated in the procedure followed were analyzed to comprehend the underlying nonlinearities in the seahorse clicks. The analyses carried out reveal long-range power-law correlation properties in the data, substantiating the multifractal behavior. The resulting h(q) spectrum exhibits a distinct characteristic pattern in relation to the seahorse sex and size, and reveals a spectral blind spot in the data that was not possible to detect by conventional spectral analyses. The corresponding multifractal spectrum related width parameter Δh(q) is well clustered, defining the individual seahorse clicks. The highest degree of multifractality is evident in the 18 cm male seahorse, signifying greater heterogeneity. A further comparison between the seahorse body size and weight (wet) with respect to the width parameter Δh(q) and the second-order Hurst exponent h(q=2) underscores the versatility of MFDFA as a robust statistical tool to analyze bioacoustic observations.

Fungi in the respiratory tract of horses with recurrent airway obstruction / Presença de fungos no trato respiratório de equinos e sua associação com obstrução recorrente das vias aéreas

This study aims to compare the concentration of viable fungi, especially those of the genus Aspergillus in the respiratory tract of stabled horses with and without Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO). Thirty two housed horses from four equestrian centers in Brazil were included in the study. These animals were submitted to clinical examination and to a respiratory sample collection. They were categorized into two groups: healthy and RAO-affected horses. Samples obtained by tracheobronchial washes were evaluated for fungal microscopy, quantitative culture and Aspergillus spp. quantification. Eighteen healthy and 14 RAO-affected horses were studied. Fungi were more frequently recovered in the RAO group, in comparison to controls, for both fungal microscopy (P<0.0001), fungal culture (P<0.0001) and Aspergillus spp. quantitative culture (p=0.001). In conclusion, horses with RAO have significantly higher fungal load in the respiratory tract in comparison to healthy horses. The implications of these findings in terms of the pathogenesis of RAO deserve additional investigation...

Este estudo objetivou comparar a concentração de fungos viáveis, especialmente do gênero Aspergillus, no trato respiratório de equinos estabulados com e sem obstrução recorrente das vias aéreas (ORVA). Trinta e dois equinos provenientes de quatro centros de treinamento equestre do Brasil foram incluídos no estudo. Os animais foram submetidos a exame clínico e coleta de amostra respiratória, sendo categorizados em dois grupos: sadios e ORVA. Os lavados traqueobrônquicos obtidos foram avaliados por exame micológico direto e cultivo quantitativo. Ao todo, 18 equinos saudáveis e 14 com ORVA foram estudados. Fungos foram mais frequentemente detectados em amostras do grupo ORVA em comparação com o grupo controle, tanto no exame micológico direto (P<0,0001) e cultivo quantitativo (P<0,0001) quanto na concentração de unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) de Aspergillus spp. isolada em cultivo (p=0,001). Equinos com ORVA têm maior concentração de propágulos fúngicos no trato respiratório em comparação com animais sadios. As implicações desses achados na patogenia da ORVA merecem maior atenção e investigação...

Oxidative profiles of endurance horses racing different distances / Perfil oxidativo em cavalos de enduro competindo em diferentes distâncias

Increased oxidative stress during prolonged endurance exercises may result in muscle damage, fatigue and decreased performance. An adequate stress response during training is critical to obtain improved results and high animal welfare standards. The aim of this study was to evaluate the red blood cell haemolysate concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) and the plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) from endurance horses in different distances at high speed in a tropical climate. Fifteen horses were tested; five at 160km (18.54 - 17.16km/h race speed), five at 120km (21.53 - 17km/h race speed) and five at 80km (20.06 - 18.01km/h race speed). Blood samples were collected at rest, immediately after and three hours after the horses left the final vet check and three, seven and fourteen days after the race. No significant increases (P > 0.05) in the levels of SOD, GPx, GSH, CAT or MDA were observed for any of the times or distances examined. Based on these observations, we conclude that reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation during exercise evokes specific adaptations, such as increased antioxidant/oxidative damage-repairing enzyme activity, increased resistance to oxidative stress and lower levels of oxidative damage...

Aumento do estresse oxidativo durante o exercício prolongado pode resultar em fadiga muscular, lesões e diminuição do desempenho. Uma adequada resposta a esse estresse durante o treinamento é fundamental para a obtenção de melhores resultados e bem-estar dos animais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a concentração de superóxido dismutase (SOD), glutationa peroxidase (GPx), glutationa reduzida (GSH) e catalase (CAT) no hemolisado sanguíneo e malondialdeído (MDA) plasmático em cavalos de enduro correndo em diferentes distâncias, com alta média de velocidade, em clima tropical. Quinze cavalos foram testados, cinco em 160km (18.54-17.16km/h), cinco em 120km (21.53-17km/h) e cinco em 80km (20.06-18.01km/h). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas em repouso, imediatamente e três horas depois que os cavalos passaram pela inspeção veterinária final e três, sete e 14 dias após a corrida. Não houve aumentos significativos (P>0,05) dos níveis de SOD, GPx, GSH, CAT ou MDA em nenhum tempo nem distâncias analisadas. Com base nessas observações, pode-se concluir que as espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) formadas durante o exercício provocam adaptações específicas, tais como atividade antioxidante aumentada da enzima, maior resistência ao estresse oxidativo e menores níveis de danos oxidativos...

Malformations in neotropical viperids: qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Malformations can occur in all living species, but there is little information about anomalies that occur in snakes and their frequency. This study assessed malformations in newborn South American pit vipers (Bothrops jararaca) and South American rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus) from wild captured pregnant females (240 and 35 litters, respectively). Newborn snakes were measured, weighed, sexed and studied grossly and by radiography for the presence of malformations. Ninety-five malformed pit vipers were identified from 4,087 births (2.3%), while 36 malformed rattlesnakes were found from 324 births (11.1%). Spinal abnormalities were the most common in both species, followed by fusion of ventral scales. Pit vipers showed a greater range of malformations including schistosomia (22.1%), kinked tail (13.7%), bicephaly (3.1%) and hydrocephaly (2.1%).