Establishing hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for the endangered Lear's macaw (Anodorhynchus leari).

BACKGROUND: The Lear's macaw, Anodorhynchus leari (Psittaciformes, Psittacidae), is an endemic species of the Caatinga region in Brazil. With only a few free-living individuals that are constantly under threat from agricultural clearance, hunting, and trapping, A. leari is classified as "endangered" by the Red Book of Endangered Brazilian Fauna and by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. At the same time, the number of individuals in captivity has been growing due to the efforts of biologists and veterinarians in zoological parks to reproduce this species. Thus, having species-specific reference intervals for hematologic and biochemical measurands is essential to assess the health status of these captive and wild birds and guarantee their reproductive success. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine reference intervals for hematologic and biochemical measurands for A. leari kept in captivity in São Paulo Zoo, Brazil. METHODS: Blood samples from 32 individuals were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only samples from adults and healthy individuals were included in this study. All statistical analyses were performed according to the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines and available literature. RESULTS: Reference values and reference intervals were determined for the captive population of Anodorhynchus leari. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to establish reference intervals for A. leari, which can aid the veterinarian in the interpretation of laboratory test results, helping in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases of this endangered species of Brazilian fauna.

Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals of brown-throated sloths (Bradypus variegatus).

The brown-throated sloth, Bradypus variegatus, is a common species endemic to South and Central America. Nonetheless, maintaining these animals in captivity can be challenging, and very few institutions manage to do so. The São Paulo Zoological Park Foundation is in a remnant of the Atlantic rainforest in the middle of São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil. This forest fragment has a population of B. variegatus that is geographically isolated and yet to be studied. Assessing the health status of individuals remains difficult due to the lack of reference intervals (RIs) for hematologic and biochemical variables for this species. We aimed to establish hematologic and biochemical RIs in a population of wild B. variegatus living in the largest remnant of Atlantic rainforest in São Paulo city, Brazil. Blood samples from 25 individuals of wild B. variegatus were collected and analyzed for 20 hematologic and 21 biochemical variables, using standard laboratory techniques. Each variable was statistically analyzed according to the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. The results obtained for each variable were statically analyzed, making it possible to obtain descriptive statistics for all hematologic and biochemical variables. RIs were determined for 16 hematologic variables. During the microscopic analysis, we observed anisocytosis, polychromatophils, Howell-Jolly bodies, macroplatelets, and reactive lymphocytes. The RIs and descriptive statistics described here establish important baseline numbers that could be essential for the management and treatment of both captive and wild B. variegatus sloths.

Comparative analyses of coproscopical techniques to diagnose enteroparasites in a group of captive Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus).

Captive animals commonly have infections by direct life cycle parasites, since they are easily transmitted between individuals. However, diagnosing these infections in the laboratory is challenging due to the wide variety of parasite, their life stages and to the variety of available diagnose techniques, being difficult to choose the best one. The present study sampled a group of captive Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) from São Paulo Zoological Park Foundation, São Paulo, Brazil, to test and compare different coproscopical techniques commonly applied in veterinarian clinical analysis laboratories: direct smear, concentrations by sodium chlorite, sucrose, zinc sulphate, faecal sedimentation and formalin-ether followed by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values (positive and negative) and Cohen's kappa index were calculated. In total 108 samples were processed and parasites found were: nonsporulated coccidian oocysts (91.7%), Capillarinae eggs (89.8%), unidentified nematode larvae (75%), Ascarididae eggs (63%), unidentified nematode adults (60.2%), unidentified nematode eggs (42.6%), strongylid-like eggs (42.6%), Cryptosporidium spp. (28.7%), flagellated (15.7%) and ciliated (10.2%) protozoans, trematode eggs (0.9%), Acanthocephala eggs (0.9%), Adeleidae oocysts (0.9%) and Cruzia sp. eggs (0.9%). Sensitivity and specificity varied considerably between parasite groups. Cohen's Kappa index reinforces the recommendation of applying more than one technique to diagnose enteroparasites infections.

Seasonal effects on testes size and sustained semen quality in captive golden-headed lion tamarins, Leontopithecus chrysomelas.

The golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) is an endangered primate that, according to timing of births, there seems to have seasonal reproductive patterns in captive populations inhabiting the Southern Hemisphere. The extent to which male tamarins have circannual cyclic fluctuations in testicular functions, however, remains unknown. Changes in testis size and seminal variables, therefore, were evaluated during the rainy and dry seasons of the year in seven males. There was estimation of mating and birth seasons from the breeding colony using a 27 year database (229 birth records). Births were distributed throughout the year with peaks occurring in August-October and January-March (39.7 % and 30.5 % of all births, respectively). Semen collection using penile vibrostimulation was successfully induced in more than 96 % of the attempts regardless of the season (total of 75 ejaculates). Body mass did not vary significantly between seasons, but relative testes size was larger during the dry season. Values for none of the seminal variables (total sperm count, total and progressive motility, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, and total sperm defects), however, were different during the rainy and dry seasons. These results indicate that testicular function in golden-headed lion tamarins may not be affected by daylength changes, and that seasonal patterns of female reproduction is perhaps more relevant for the reproductive timing of the species. Furthermore, the possibility of year-round production of ejaculates containing viable sperm broadens our perspective of preserving genetic diversity within the species because there is a greater opportunity for semen collection and freezing.

Semen cryopreservation in golden-headed lion tamarin, Leontopithecus chrysomelas.

Wild animal genetic resource banking (GRB) represents a valuable tool in conservation breeding programs, particularly in cases involving endangered species such as the golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas). Thus, we aimed to assess a sperm freezing protocol for golden-headed lion tamarins using two different exenders: BotuBOV® (BB) and Test Yolk Buffer® (TYB). Ejaculates were collected by penile vibrostimulation from animals housed at São Paulo Zoological Park Foundation, São Paulo, Brazil, and after immediate analysis, two aliquots were diluted in BB and TYB. Postthawing samples were evaluated for total and progressive motility, plasma membrane and acrosome integrities, mitochondrial activity, susceptibility to oxidative stress, and sperm-egg-binding. No differences between BB and TYB were found for most seminal parameters, except for acrosome integrity and susceptibility to oxidative stress (in both cases BB showed higher values). However, in spite of these differences and regardless of the extender used, postthaw sperm motility and viability with the described protocol were encouraging (on average >50% and >80%, respectively), indicating that sperm cryopreservation may be a short-term measure for the conservation of golden-headed lion tamarins.

Characterization of Patients with Minimally Invasive Surgery Converted in a Pediatric Hospital.

Introduction: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in pediatric surgery is now the standard of care for various surgical conditions. We have seen an increase in MIS with some of the procedures requiring intraoperative conversion to open surgery. Materials and Methods: This is a single-institution retrospective study of patients who underwent MIS between 2009 and 2017 requiring conversion to open surgery. Preoperative characteristics, cause of conversion, and postoperative factors were recorded. Results: A total of 154 patients had converted to MIS, 89.6% underwent laparoscopic procedures. Mean age was 8.5 years, 53.9% were male. Primary cause leading to surgery was not oncologic (89.6%), dirty contaminated wound was found in 49.35%, inflammatory response markers were altered, and 38.9% of our patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification 3. Principal causes of conversion were failure in progression (53.25%) and loss of anatomic reference (24.5%). A total of 44.16% of the patients required postoperative pediatric intensive care unit admission, 29.2% required reintervention, and mortality rate was 0.65%. We detailed data regarding thoracoscopic, appendectomy, and laparoscopic procedures. Conclusion: Conversion to MIS is a decision the surgeon must make in different scenarios. This study allowed us to characterize our population regarding converted MIS procedures. Male gender, age group, altered inflammatory markers, not oncologic pathology, and dirty wound were frequently found, but we cannot establish any of them as risk factors. Main cause for conversion to open surgery was failure in the progression of the procedure in our study according to reported literature. We intend to develop further studies to determine risk factors.

Assessment of different sperm functional tests in golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas).

The golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) is an endangered species endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Forest, a shrinking biodiversity hotspot. As in other Neotropical primates, its semen characteristics and freezability are poorly studied. Hence, reproductive technologies for callitrichids would greatly benefit from reliable methods of semen analysis. In a bid to promote reproductive research in tamarins, we validated simple and inexpensive sperm function tests that can be used to monitor sperm-egg binding, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and DNA fragmentation. Ejaculates from adult males were individually diluted and divided into control and damage-induced aliquots, and then samples comprising assorted amounts of damaged spermatozoa were examined by organelle-specific tests. Our findings showed that sperm-binding in chicken egg perivitelline membrane (EPM) positively correlated with the number of spermatozoa injured by snap-freezing. Eosin-nigrosin (EN) and propidium iodide readings were correlated with each other, and both provided robust measurements of plasma membrane integrity. A high correlation between expected and measured amounts of acrosome-intact spermatozoa was found using Fast Green-Rose Bengal (FG-RB), Coomassie Blue (CB), and FITC-PSA stains, and all three methods exhibited comparable results. Likewise, different percentages of UV-irradiated spermatozoa were accurately assessed for DNA integrity by Toluidine Blue (TB) and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) tests. Comparisons between 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and JC-1 stains also indicated the reliability of the former assay to ascertain gradual increases in spermatozoa with greater mitochondrial function. These data confirmed that different parts of the tamarin spermatozoa can be simply and consistently evaluated by EPM, EN, FG-RB, CB, TB, and DAB protocols.

Testicular volume and semen characteristics in the endangered southern muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides).

BACKGROUND: The southern muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides) is an endangered Neotropical primate. Semen collection and description of its traits, as well as testicular morphometry, have never been reported for this species. METHODS: Testicles from five healthy adult captive southern muriqui were measured, and semen was collected by rectal probe electrostimulation (RPE). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A solid coagulum was identified in all ejaculates, and none of them liquefied, spontaneously or non-spontaneously. It was possible to collect semen using RPE, and although solids coagula did not liquefy, we managed to describe ejaculates characteristics and also confirmed that southern muriqui have relatively large testes size. Further investigations are needed to improve coagulum handling, to achieve a better spermatozoa recovery aiming its application in assisted reproductive technologies.

Giardia spp., ten years of parasitological data in the biggest zoo of Latin America

Giardia spp. (Diplomonadida: Hexamitidae) is an important and widely studied protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution. Nowadays have six described species, and the most important probably is Giardia duodenalis due to the zoonotical potential that some assemblages have. Many studies analysing samples from wild animals have detected Giardia in captive environment, including the zoonotic type. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Giardia sp. in wild captive animals at São Paulo Zoo, using conventional parasitological techniques (direct smear, passive flotation with saturated sodium chloride solution and simple gravity sedimentation), from 2006 to 2016. In total, 7066 coprological exams were performed during this period with samples from mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The prevalence of Giardia infections was of 1.5% (103/7066). Mammals had the higher prevalence of infections with 2% (77/3872), followed by birds with 1.1% (25/2186) and reptiles with only one positive sample (1/894). All samples from amphibians were negative. Representatives of thirteen families presented positive results for this parasite: Dromaidae, Phasianidae, Ramphastidae, Cervidae, Giraffidae, Canidae, Felidae, Herpestidae, Myrmecophagidae, Callithrichidae, Cebidae, Hylobatidae and Dipsadidae. This study presents the first report of Giardia sp. in Pavo muticus and Brachyteles arachnoides. Infections were prevalent in Cebidae and Ramphastidae species. The findings of this study highlight the importance of identifying which Giardia assemblage are involved in the infections and if they may have a zoonotic potential.

Semen collection by electro-stimulation in a variety of bird orders.

It is unquestinable that artificial insemination (AI) offers many benefits to avian conservation programs, but a serious impediment towards implementing AI for wild species is the development of effective techniques to consistently collect good quality ejaculates. Thus, we aimed to examine the success rate of electro-stimulation (ES) in collecting semen from 49 unconditioned males from orders Piciformes, Strigiformes, Accipitriformes, Cathartiformes, Galiformes, Anseriformes and Psittaciformes at different times of the year. Sixty out of 299 ES attempts provided ejaculates with sperm, but collection success rates varied widely (0-50%) depending on the species. Except for swans whose greater results were registered during spring-summer, males from most orders responded better to ES during winter-spring, suggesting seasonal variations on semen collection success rates. Overall, ES enabled successful semen collection from males of unproven and proven fertility under mixed pairing conditions. However, the highest success rate occurred in paired males with fertile clutches (40.6%) followed by unpaired males (22.1%), paired males without clutches (13.9%), and paired males with infertile clutches (6.8%). Behavioral responses of male birds to electrical impulses were also recorded to assess any discomfort during semen collection. Furthermore, macroscopic and microscopic analysis provided ejaculate parameters from several species, even from orders that hitherto have never been assessed for semen collection, which may serve as a starting point in the future. Altogether, these findings demonstrate the feasibility of ES in collecting semen from unpaired, unconditioned and non-imprinted males from a variety of bird orders. In the medium to long term, the use of this technique in both captive and free-ranging populations offers new perspectives to ensure genetic diversity in avian conservation programs.

Comparison of behavioral, neuroprotective, and proinflammatory cytokine modulating effects exercised by (+)-cis-EC and (-)-cis-EC stereoisomers in a PTZ-induced kindling test in mice.

Epoxy-carvone (EC) has chiral centers that allow generation of stereoisomers, including (+)-cis-EC and (-)-cis-EC, whose effects in the kindling tests have never been studied. Accordingly, this study aims to comparatively investigate the effect of stereoisomers (+)-cis-epoxy-carvone and (-)-cis-epoxy-carvone on behavioral changes measured in scores, in the levels of cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNFα) and neuronal protection in the face of continuous treatment with pentylenetetrazol. Swiss mice were divided into five groups (n = 10), receiving vehicle, (+) - cis-EC, (-) - cis-EC (both at the dose of 30 mg/kg), and diazepam (4 mg/kg). Thirty minutes after the respective treatment was administered to the animals one subconvulsive dose of PTZ (35 mg/kg). Seven subconvulsives treatments were made on alternate days, in which each treatment several parameters were recorded. In the eighth treatment, the animals receiving the highest dose of PTZ (75 mg/kg) and were sacrificed for quantification of cytokines and histopathologic analysis. All drugs were administered by intraperitoneal route. In the kindling test, (+)-cis-EC and (-)-cis-EC reduced the average scores. The stereoisomer (+)-cis-EC decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNFα, whereas comparatively (-)-cis-EC did not reduce IL-1ß levels. Histopathological analysis of the mice hippocampi undergoing this methodology showed neural protection for treated with (+)-cis-EC. The results suggest that the anticonvulsant effect of (+)-cis-EC possibly takes place due to reduction of proinflammatory cytokines involved in the epileptogenic process, besides neuronal protection, yet further investigation of the mechanisms involved is required.

Principales características epidemiologicas y clínicas del síndrome de Guillain-Barre en hospital clínico Herminda Martin de Chillan desde el año 2010 al 2016 / Main epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Guillain-Barre syndrome in Herminda Martin de Chillan clinical hospital from 2010 to 2016

INTRODUCCIÓN: El SGB es una polirradiculopatía aguda, que a menudo se asocia a una infección anterior. Constituye una emergencia neurológica. La tríada clásica es paresia simétrica y ascendente, abolición o disminución de reflejos osteotendíneos y parestesias. Se sospecha clínicamente. El tratamiento es de soporte, intercambio de plasma e inmunoglobulina intravenosa. OBJETIVO: Describir las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de SGB del Hospital Clínico Herminda Martin de Chillán entre los años 2010 a 2015. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de fichas clínicas de 22 pacientes. Criterios de inclusión fueron tener el diagnóstico de SGB informado en ficha clínica y haber sido atendido en el HCHM durante enero de 2010 y mayo del 2015. Criterio de exclusión es no contar físicamente con la ficha clínica del paciente. Las variables investigadas fueron edad, sexo, estacionalidad, antecedente de infección previa, días de hospitalización y manifestaciones clínicas. RESULTADOS: Predominio de SGB en hombres (63,6%), en individuos de 0-20 años (45,4%), en la época deotoño-invierno (59%) y un 54,5% presentó infección previa. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron: parestesia (86,3%), paresia muscular (95.4%), arreflexia osteotendínea (86.3%) y dolor muscular (54.5%). 50% de los pacientes tuvo una estadía hospitalaria mayor a cuatro semanas. DISCUSIÓN: La mayoría de las características epidemiológicas y clínicas concuerdan con la literatura y estadísticas internacionales. No obstante, existen diferencias en edad de presentación y estacionalidad.

INTRODUCTION: GBS is an acute polyradiculopathy, which is often associated with a previous infection. It constitutes a neurological emergency. The classic triad is symmetric and ascending paresis, abolition or diminution of osteotendine reflexes and paresthesias. It is clinically suspected. The treatment is support, plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with a diagnosis of GBS at the Clinical Hospital Herminda Martin de Chillán between 2010 and 2015. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective descriptiv estudy of 22 patients` medical records. Inclusion criteria were to have the diagnosis of GBS reported in theclinical record and to have been seen at the HCHM duringJanuary 2010 and May 2016. Exclusion criterion is not to physically counton the patient'sclinical record. The investigated variables were age, sex, seasonality, history of previous infection, clinical manifestations and recovery time. RESULTS: Predominance of GBS in males (63,6%), in the 0-20 years range (45,4%), debuting in autumn-winter (59%) and previous infection in 54,5% of patients. The most frequent clinical manifestations were: paresthesia (86.3%), muscle paresis (95.4%), osteotendinous areflexia (86.3%) and muscle pain (54.5%). 50% of patients recovered in more than four weeks. DISCUSSION: Most of the epidemiology and clinical features are consistent with the literature and international statistics. However, there are differences in age of presentation and seasonality

Blastoma pleuropulmonar: Presentación de un caso / Pleuropulmonary Blastoma: Case Report

El blastoma pleuropulmonar es una neoplasia mesenquimal rara que se debe considerar siempre en el escenario de una masa pulmonar sólida o quística en niños menores de 5 años. Se localiza usualmente en la periferia del pulmón; sin embargo, puede existir compromiso extrapulmonar de mediastino, diafragma y pleura. Se clasifica según su patrón histológico e imagenológico en tres tipos: quístico, mixto (sólido-quístico) y sólido. La cirugía radical es el tratamiento de elección y la única que ha demostrado disminución en la tasa de recurrencia. Se indica el uso de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante y la radioterapia según el tipo histológico y las márgenes libres de tumor. Se estudia el caso de una niña de 3 años con hallazgos, en radiografía convencional y tomografía de tórax, de masa sólida con diagnóstico histopatológico de blastoma pleuropulmonar.

Pleuropulmonary blastoma is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that should always be considered in the setting of a solid or cystic lung mass in children under 5 years old. It is usually located in the periphery of the lung. However extra pulmonary involvement of the mediastinum, diaphragm, and pleura can exist. It is classified according to its histological and imaging pattern in three types: cystic, mixed (solidcystic) and solid. Radical surgery is the treatment of choice and the only one that has demonstrated a decrease in the rate of recurrence. The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy are defined according to the histological type and presence of tumor-free margins. We present the case of a 3-year-old female patient with findings on conventional radiography and thoracic tomography of a solid mass with histopathological diagnosis of pleuropulmonary blastoma.

Ticks infesting captive and free-roaming wild animal species at the São Paulo Zoo, São Paulo, Brazil / Carrapatos infestando espécies de animais silvestres cativas e de vida livre no Zoológico de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract Ticks are ectoparasites of worldwide distribution that affect vertebrates and can transmit pathogens to animals and humans. The Zoological Park Foundation of São Paulo (FPZSP) is located in a Conservation Unit in one of the most important remaining fragments of the Atlantic Rainforest biome in the suburbs of São Paulo, Brazil. The FPZSP houses more than 3,000 wild animals on exhibit, in breeding programs and in environmental education programs, and also attracts migratory birds and free-roaming wildlife. This study focused on identifying the diversity of tick species that infest captive and free-roaming animals at the FPZSP. The collection of ticks kept at the FPZSP contains 523 specimens that were collected from different host species between 1990 and 2017. Ten tick species were found. In addition, Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas) was found on stray cats living in the Atlantic forest fragment in the FPZSP. This study reveals a low occurrence of parasitism in captive animals and a high diversity of tick species collected from hosts in this Atlantic forest fragment, contributing information about host-parasite relationships and potential vectors of zoonotic diseases, since the vectors of Brazilian spotted fever, A. aureolatum and Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, were found in some hosts.

Resumo Os carrapatos são ectoparasitas da classe Arachnida, conhecidos como importantes vetores de agentes infecciosos para animais e humanos. A Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo (FPZSP) localizada em uma Unidade de Conservação do bioma Mata Atlântica e inserida na cidade de São Paulo, mantém mais de 3.000 animais selvagens cativos, abrigando ainda diversas espécies silvestres nativas da Mata Atlântica. Devido à importância do conhecimento dos carrapatos que parasitam a fauna selvagem, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a coleção de carrapatos da FPZSP e analisar a diversidade desses parasitas em animais cativos e de vida livre. O acervo de carrapatos mantidos pela FPZSP contém 523 exemplares que foram coletados de diferentes espécies hospedeiras, desde 1990 até 2017. Dez espécies de carrapatos foram encontradas. Além dos animais silvestres, foram encontrados Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas) em gatos domésticos errantes que circulam nas áreas da FPZSP. Este trabalho demonstra a baixa ocorrência de parasitismo em animais cativos e a alta diversidade de carrapatos nos hospedeiros deste fragmento de Mata Atlântica, contribuindo com informações sobre a relação parasita-hospedeiro e potenciais vetores de doenças zoonóticas, já que os vetores da Febre Maculosa Brasileira A. aureolatum e Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, foram encontrados em alguns hospedeiros.

Ticks infesting captive and free-roaming wild animal species at the São Paulo Zoo, São Paulo, Brazil / Carrapatos infestando espécies de animais silvestres cativas e de vida livre no Zoológico de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil

Ticks are ectoparasites of worldwide distribution that affect vertebrates and can transmit pathogens to animals and humans. The Zoological Park Foundation of São Paulo (FPZSP) is located in a Conservation Unit in one of the most important remaining fragments of the Atlantic Rainforest biome in the suburbs of São Paulo, Brazil. The FPZSP houses more than 3,000 wild animals on exhibit, in breeding programs and in environmental education programs, and also attracts migratory birds and free-roaming wildlife. This study focused on identifying the diversity of tick species that infest captive and free-roaming animals at the FPZSP. The collection of ticks kept at the FPZSP contains 523 specimens that were collected from different host species between 1990 and 2017. Ten tick species were found. In addition, Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas) was found on stray cats living in the Atlantic forest fragment in the FPZSP. This study reveals a low occurrence of parasitism in captive animals and a high diversity of tick species collected from hosts in this Atlantic forest fragment, contributing information about host-parasite relationships and potential vectors of zoonotic diseases, since the vectors of Brazilian spotted fever, A. aureolatum and Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, were found in some hosts.(AU)

Os carrapatos são ectoparasitas da classe Arachnida, conhecidos como importantes vetores de agentes infecciosos para animais e humanos. A Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo (FPZSP) localizada em uma Unidade de Conservação do bioma Mata Atlântica e inserida na cidade de São Paulo, mantém mais de 3.000 animais selvagens cativos, abrigando ainda diversas espécies silvestres nativas da Mata Atlântica. Devido à importância do conhecimento dos carrapatos que parasitam a fauna selvagem, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a coleção de carrapatos da FPZSP e analisar a diversidade desses parasitas em animais cativos e de vida livre. O acervo de carrapatos mantidos pela FPZSP contém 523 exemplares que foram coletados de diferentes espécies hospedeiras, desde 1990 até 2017. Dez espécies de carrapatos foram encontradas. Além dos animais silvestres, foram encontrados Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas) em gatos domésticos errantes que circulam nas áreas da FPZSP. Este trabalho demonstra a baixa ocorrência de parasitismo em animais cativos e a alta diversidade de carrapatos nos hospedeiros deste fragmento de Mata Atlântica, contribuindo com informações sobre a relação parasita-hospedeiro e potenciais vetores de doenças zoonóticas, já que os vetores da Febre Maculosa Brasileira A. aureolatum e Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, foram encontrados em alguns hospedeiros.(AU)

Ticks infesting captive and free-roaming wild animal species at the São Paulo Zoo, São Paulo, Brazil.

Ticks are ectoparasites of worldwide distribution that affect vertebrates and can transmit pathogens to animals and humans. The Zoological Park Foundation of São Paulo (FPZSP) is located in a Conservation Unit in one of the most important remaining fragments of the Atlantic Rainforest biome in the suburbs of São Paulo, Brazil. The FPZSP houses more than 3,000 wild animals on exhibit, in breeding programs and in environmental education programs, and also attracts migratory birds and free-roaming wildlife. This study focused on identifying the diversity of tick species that infest captive and free-roaming animals at the FPZSP. The collection of ticks kept at the FPZSP contains 523 specimens that were collected from different host species between 1990 and 2017. Ten tick species were found. In addition, Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas) was found on stray cats living in the Atlantic forest fragment in the FPZSP. This study reveals a low occurrence of parasitism in captive animals and a high diversity of tick species collected from hosts in this Atlantic forest fragment, contributing information about host-parasite relationships and potential vectors of zoonotic diseases, since the vectors of Brazilian spotted fever, A. aureolatum and Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, were found in some hosts.

Anticonvulsive activity of (1S)-(-)-verbenone involving RNA expression of BDNF, COX-2, and c-fos.

(1S)-(-)-verbenone (VRB) is a monoterpene present in the essential oils of many plants which has shown therapeutic effect; however, its anticonvulsant activity has not yet been evaluated. The present work sought to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of VRB using pilocarpine and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure testing; seeking also probable mechanisms of action. VRB caused no significant changes in motor coordination. Also, no significant data was observed in the pilocarpine-induced seizure tests. In the PTZ-induced seizures test, VRB showed anticonvulsant activity at doses of 200 mg/kg i.p. (733 ± 109.4 s) and 250 mg/kg i.p. (648.8 ± 124.5 s) significantly increasing the latency to onset of first seizure as compared with the vehicle group (51.8 ± 2.84 s). Pretreatment with flumazenil (FLU) did not reverse the anticonvulsive effect of VRB; however, it was able to upregulate BDNF and COX-2 genes and downregulate c-fos. The findings suggest that the anticonvulsant effects of VRB may be related to RNA expression modulations of COX-2, BDNF, and c-fos.

Antinociceptive and anticonvulsant effects of the monoterpene linalool oxide.

CONTEXT: Linalool oxide (OXL) (a monoterpene) is found in the essential oils of certain aromatic plants, or it is derived from linalool. The motivation for this work is the lack of psychopharmacological studies on this substance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate OXL's acute toxicity, along with its anticonvulsant and antinociceptive activities in male Swiss mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: OXL (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg, i.p.) was investigated for acute toxicity and in the Rota-rod test. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by the acetic acid-induced writhing test, and by formalin testing. Anticonvulsant effects were demonstrated by testing for pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures and by Maximum Electroshock headset (MES) test. OXL was administered to the animals intraperitoneally 30 min before for pharmacological tests. RESULTS: OXL showed an LD50 of ∼721 (681-765) mg/kg. In the Rota-rod test, it was observed that OXL caused no damage to the animal's motor coordination. OXL significantly reduced (p < .001) the number of writhings. OXL also significantly decreased (p < .05, p < .01 or p < .001) paw-licking time in the two phases of the formalin test. OXL significantly reduced (p < .01 or p < .001) the duration of tonic seizures in the MES test, and at the dose 150 mg/kg, significantly increased (p < .01) the latency to first seizure in the PTZ test. CONCLUSION: The tested doses of OXL were safe, with no motor impairment, and show clear antinociceptive and anticonvulsant potential. Future investigations with this monoterpene may lead to the development of a new molecule with even higher potency and selectivity.

Anti-asthmatic and anxiolytic effects of Herissantia tiubae, a Brazilian medicinal plant.

Herissantia tiubae (HtE) is a Brazilian plant used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. Our aim was to determine whether the HtE has anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic effects in a murine model of asthma. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized BALB/c mice were treated with HtE (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) or dexamethasone before each OVA challenge. After the last challenge, animals were subjected to anxiety tests and respiratory measurements. Following euthanasia, we quantified immune cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), serum IgE titer and cytokine levels, cellular infiltration and mucus content in the lung tissues, and cellular composition of the mediastinal lymph nodes. OVA challenge in sensitized animals caused: (1) reduction of mean respiratory and dominant respiratory rate (from 398 ± 12 to 286 ± 20 cicles per minute (cpm) and from 320 ± 14 to 162 ± 15 cpm, respectively); (2) increase in behavioral markers of anxiety tests; (3) substantial pro-inflammatory effects, including rise in OVA-specific IgE titer (from 0 to 1:2048) and these inflammatory effect diminished the titer to 1:512 after HtE treatment; rise in plasma IL-13 (from 13 ng/mL in saline to 227 ng/mL in OVA and HtE treatment restored to 1.29 ng/mL; rise in total BAL cell count (from 0.742 cells/mL in saline to 11.77 cells/mL in OVA), with prominent eosinophilia. H. tiubae extract affected respiratory parameters similarly to aminophylline, behavioral changes comparable to diazepam, and inflammation being as efficient as dexamethasone. H. tiubae extract (HtE) possesses both anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties in the murine model of asthma.

Ortho-eugenol exhibits anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.

Ortho-eugenol is a much used phenylpropanoid whose ability to reduce pain and inflammation has never been studied. Researching ortho-eugenol's antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, and its possible mechanisms of action is therefore of interest. The administration of vehicle, ortho-eugenol (50, 75 and 100mg/kg i.p.), morphine (6mg/kg, i.p.) or dexamethasone (2mg/kg, s.c.) occurred 30min before the completion of pharmacological tests. Pretreatment with ortho-eugenol did not change motor coordination test results, but reduced the number of writhes and licking times in the writhing test and glutamate test, respectively. The reaction time from thermal stimulus was significantly increased in the hot plate test after administration of ortho-eugenol. Treatment with yohimbine reversed the antinociceptive effect of ortho-eugenol, suggesting involvement of the adrenergic system. In anti-inflammatory tests, ortho-eugenol inhibited acetic acid induced vascular permeability and leukocyte migration, reducing TNF-α and IL-1ß by virtue of its suppression of NF-κB and p38 phosphorylated forms in the peritonitis test. From these results, ortho-eugenol antinociceptive effects mediated by the adrenergic system and anti-inflammatory activity through regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and phosphorylation of NF-kB and p38 become evident for the first time.