Dehydroepiandrosterone increases resistance to experimental infection by Trypanosoma cruzi

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) enhances immune responses against a wide range of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens. In a previous study, we reported that administration of DHEA significantly decreased the numbers of blood parasites in Trypanosoma cruzi experimental infection. The present study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of DHEA in reducing the severity of acute phase T. cruzi infection of male and female Wistar rats. Animals were treated subcutaneously with 40 mg/kg body weight/day of DHEA. The concentration of nitric oxide (NO) was determined in spleen peritoneal cavity. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were determined in the sera of uninfected and infected animals. DHEA treatment augments NO production for both sexes after in vitro LPS treatment for uninfected animals. Infection triggered enhanced NO levels although not significant. IL-2 and IFN-gamma were detectable in higher concentrations in treated and infected rats of both genders when compared to untreated controls. These data suggest that DHEA may have a potent immunoregulatory function that can affect the course of T. cruzi infection.     

Uveodermatologic syndrome in a Brazilian Fila dog

A 5-year-old Brazilian Fila dog was presented with a history of vision loss, alopecia, and generalized depigmentation of the skin and hair. Clinical examination confirmed generalized depigmentation and pyodermitis. On ophthalmic examination there was depigmentation at the eyelid mucocutaneous junction, associated with anterior uveitis, and bilateral posterior synechia at 360 degrees. Both the complete blood count and skin scraping were normal. Skin biopsy showed histiocytary lichenoid interface dermatitis with an absence of pigment within the queratinocytes, and a moderate lymphomononuclear infiltrate and predominance of histiocytes in the papilar derma suggestive of uveodermatologic syndrome. Clinical management consisted of oral and topical administration of prednisone, associated with 1% indometacine eye drops. Methylprednisone was also used twice via the subconjunctival route, at an interval of 15 days. To prevent the development of secondary glaucoma due to posterior synechiae, dorzolamide and timolol eye drops were indicated. Both dermatologic and ophthalmic signs showed good improvement, vision was preserved, and some repigmentation of the skin and hair occurred.     

Improved solution for vitrification of Prochilodus lineatus embryos based on the reduction in risk factors: Toxicity,osmotic responses and ice‐nucleation

The objective of our work was to describe a low toxicity cryoprotectant solution that allowed vitreous solid formation. Embryos of Prochilodus lineatus were submitted to sensitivity evaluations of six internal cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulphoxide – Me₂SO, dimethyl acetamide – DMA, dimethyl formamide – DMF, methanol – MET, glycerol – GLY and 1,2‐propanediol – PROP) at concentrations of 1–6 M; and two external cryoprotectants (sucrose – SUC and glucose – GLU) at concentrations of 0.1–1 M for 20 min. The capacity of the cryoprotectant solutions to exchange heat with the medium and to form glassy solids was evaluated by immersing 10 μl of cryoprotectant in liquid nitrogen. The PROP had a high survival rate at all concentrations evaluated, and was the only substance that allowed a vitreous solid formation. Thus, it is concluded that the PROP‐6 M was the most adequate solution for embryonic vitrification processes, because heat exchange between the system (PROP 6 M/embryos/liquid nitrogen) was faster than for other cryoprotectants and combinations thereof; has low toxicity, promote high rates of dehydration in short periods, and reach the vitreous state, being a good candidate to be used in the tests of embryonic vitrification.     

Harmonious interaction of kaolin and two insect predator species in plant protection

Lacewings and lady beetles represent two important groups of natural enemies for pest control. Kaolin is used in various crop ecosystems to reduce abiotic plant stressors and pest colonization. Compatible methods aimed at reducing abiotic and biotic plant stressors are desired in crop management systems. Therefore, this work evaluated the development and survival of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Eriopis connexa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) larvae of different ages treated with kaolin at three different concentrations (ca. 60, 80, and 100 g/L) and prey consumption when treated with kaolin at a field rate of 60 g/L. The prey used were the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and the aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Survival rates and development durations for E. connexa larvae topically treated with kaolin at different ages were similar to those for untreated larvae. However, larvae of C. externa reduced survival and delayed development when treated with kaolin concentrations greater than the recommended field rate. Otherwise, kaolin treatments did not affect prey consumption by larvae and adults of both predator species.     

Development and validation of a standard area diagram set to assess blast severity on wheat leaves

This study aimed to develop and validate a standard area diagram set (SADS) to quantify the severity of blast, caused by Pyricularia oryzae, on wheat leaves. The SADs has ten levels: 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62 and 72 % blast severity. To validate the SADs, 12 inexperienced raters estimated disease severity on 50 images of leaves from cultivars BR-18 (susceptible) and BRS-229 (partially resistant). Blast severity was first estimated without the use of the SADs on 50 leaves with a range of blast severity. The same raters evaluated the same 50 leaves using the SADs as an aid. The SADs improved accuracy (coefficient of bias, C _b ?=?0.88 and 0.99, without and with SADs, respectively) and agreement (Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, ρ _c ?=?0.84 and 0.96 without and with SADs, respectively) of the estimates of severity. The absolute error was (-) 52 % without the SADs and (-) 24 % when using SADs as an aid. Severity estimates were more reliable when using SADs (R²?=?0.87 unaided and R²?=?0.92 with SAD). The SADs proposed in this study will improve accuracy and reliability of estimates of blast severity on wheat leaves.     

Use of topical mitomycin C in myoplasty of the medial rectus muscle of rabbits

To possibly reduce postoperative adhesions that occur after ocular myoplasties, we investigated the topical effects of 0.04% mitomycin C on the repaired areas of the medial rectus muscle using an equine renal capsule preserved in 98% glycerin for reinforcement of the sutures. Twenty-four rabbits, divided into two groups of 12 animals each [untreated (control) and treated group (MMC)], were submitted to surgical rupture of the medial rectus muscle of one eye and repair of the defect 24 h later with sutures and an equine renal capsule. Post-operative prophylactic treatment of the two groups consisted of the administration of eye drops containing neomycin, polymyxin B and dexamethasone at regular 6-h intervals for eight consecutive days and daily rinsing with physiological saline. MMC animals received additional treatment with topical 0.04% mitomycin C every 6 h for 14 consecutive days. Slit lamp biomicroscopy showed greater irritation of the ocular surface in MMC animals during the first days post operatively. Adhesions were observed at 15 and 30 days of assessment in the two groups, but were more extensive in control animals at 60 days. Histopathology revealed inflammatory exudation in both groups, which was greater in MMC animals. Mitomycin C (0.04%) instilled at 6-h intervals for 14 consecutive days reduced the occurrence of fibrosis in the myoplastic areas. However, the equine renal capsule was found to be of little benefit for the reinforcement of myoplasties.     

Subarachnoid butorphanol augments lidocaine sensory anaesthesia in calves

To determine the efficacy and safety of subarachnoid butorphanol combined with lidocaine, six calves were studied. Each calf underwent two treatments, at least one week apart, via subarachnoid injection: (1) butorphanol (0.03 mg/kg) plus 2% lidocaine (4 mg/kg) and (2) 2% lidocaine (4 mg/kg) alone. Subarachnoid injections were performed at the lumbosacral space. Analgesia, motor block, sedation, heart rate, arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate, arterial oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry, and rectal temperature were compared before and after subarachnoid administration of drugs. Subarachnoid administration of the butorphanol-lidocaine combination induced bilateral prolonged analgesia extending from the coccygeal to the T11-T13 dermatomes in the calves, with minimal sedation and severe ataxia. Cardiovascular effects were significant in both treatments: heart rate was increased, and there was a minimal decrease in arterial pressure. It was concluded that adding a small dose of butorphanol to subarachnoid lidocaine in calves is effective and safe.     

Orbital cellulitis associated with Toxocara canis in a dog

Reports of Toxocara canis ocular larva migrans are uncommon in animals, with only a few cases reported. Most reports involve larval migration into the retina and choroid, with parasitic invasion of the orbit reported only in experimental studies. This is the first clinical case of Toxocara canis infection in the retrobulbar region of a 10-year-old, cross-bred male dog presenting with unilateral orbital cellulitis. Ophthalmic signs included protrusion of the nictitating membrane, chemosis, exophthalmos and hypertropia. The parasite was diagnosed by histologic and parasitologic examination of orbital tissues, which were removed during enucleation.     

Influence of corpus luteum and ovarian volume on the number and quality of bovine oocytes

In order to evaluate whether ovarian volume, presence and diameter of the corpus luteum (CL) have effects on the number and quality of bovine recovered oocytes, 110 ovaries were obtained from the slaughterhouse. Cumulus oocytes complex were aspirated and evaluated under stereomicroscope. Oocytes were counted and classified according to their quality (Grades I, II, III and IV). Ovarian volume was weakly correlated to the number of good quality oocytes (P < 0.05). Ovaries with CL showed greater numbers of good quality oocytes than ovaries without CL (P < 0.05). Further, presence of CL and its diameter positively influenced the probability of recovering good quality oocytes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, ovarian volume is not a good parameter itself to predict important ovarian characteristics; moreover, analysis of CL, its presence and diameter, may be a good tool to improve efficiency on in vitro embryo production programs.     

Maize resistance to northern corn leaf blight is potentiated by nickel

Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), caused by Exserohilum turcicum, is one of the most devastating diseases affecting maize yield worldwide. A foliar spray of nickel (Ni) to potentiate maize resistance against NCLB was investigated by examining alterations in the photosynthetic apparatus (leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll [Chl] a fluorescence parameters), production of ethylene and reactive oxygen species as well as activities of defence and antioxidant enzymes. Mycelial growth of E. turcicum was inhibited by Ni in vitro. Inoculated plants sprayed with Ni exhibited higher foliar Ni concentration, reduced NCLB symptoms, and lower concentrations of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide. In inoculated leaves of plants not sprayed with Ni, concentrations of Chl a, Chl b, and carotenoids were lower and the photosynthetic apparatus was impaired at the biochemical level due to high NCLB severity. The activities of antioxidant enzymes were not affected by Ni, except an increase in glutathione reductase activity for noninoculated plants sprayed with Ni. High lipoxygenase and polyphenoloxidase activities, lower ethylene production, as well as elevated production of phenolics and lignin helped decrease NCLB severity in the leaves of Ni-sprayed plants.