First molecular detection of canine herpesvirus 1 (CaHV-1) in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon

BackgroundCanine herpesvirus type 1 (CaHV-1) infects dogs and is associated with neonatal deaths and reproductive, ocular, neurological, and respiratory problems. In Brazil, reports of CaHV-1 have been restricted to the southeast and south regions, particularly in municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.ObjectivesTo assess the presence and variability of CaHV-1 in canine populations in the state of Pará, North Brazil.MethodsBiological samples from 159 dogs from 4 municipalities in the State of Pará were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction and phylogenetic analyses, with the target being the viral enzyme, thymidine kinase.ResultsCaHV-1 was detected in 13 dogs (8.2%), with 2 animals being from the municipality of Santa Bárbara do Pará, 8 from Algodoal Island, 2 from Salinópolis, and one from Capanema. The study sequences revealed 100% identity among themselves and 64% to 100% identity with the other nucleotide sequences from Australia, Brazil, United Kingdom, and United States, including 100% identity with the 2002 isolate from Australia. The 1996 isolate from France was grouped in a branch that was different from the sequence of this study.ConclusionsThis study presents the first molecular detection of CaHV-1 in dogs from the Amazon region in northern Brazil. The nucleotide identity between the strains and cytosine insertion in the sequences isolated in this study suggests at least 2 strains of CaHV-1 circulating in Brazil (Pará and BTU-1).     

Reflected‐light Influences the Coloration of the Peppermint Shrimp,Lysmata boggessi (Decapoda: Caridea)

One alternative to contribute to the reduction of the pressure on coral reef ecosystems brought about by an increasing demand for marine aquarium ornamentals is to improve and further develop the culture of desirable species for trade. Peppermint shrimp from the genus Lysmata are among the most intensively traded decapod in the trade and while several studies have been conducted to improve its culture, individuals obtained from culture facilities are generally paler than those collected from the wild. Because color is a fundamental component of the price tag on most marine ornamental live species, poorly colored animals command a lower price, reducing competitiveness. In this study, we evaluate the influence of tank background color (reflected light) on the morphological coloration change of Lysmata boggessi. In a 15‐d experiment, 30 individuals were exposed either to reflected‐red or white light and the relative change of coloration between initial and final moments was quantified with photography (RGB color model). At the end of the experimental period, shrimp exposed to red‐reflected light presented a more intense red coloration than those exposed to white‐reflected light. These results demonstrate that a simple change in background tank color can enhance shrimp external coloration. Such a cheap‐to‐implement procedure can support the culture of more colorful, hence more valuable ornamental shrimp that can compete with those captured from the wild.     

Characterization of symptoms of senescence and chilling injury on inflorescences of Heliconia bihai (L.) cv. Lobster Claw and cv. Halloween

Inadequate temperatures during the shipping and commercialization of cut tropical flowers may accelerate the senescence process and cause chilling injury, leading to symptoms that have not yet been described for Heliconia bihai. The aim of the present study was to evaluate physiological responses in cut inflorescences of H. bihai cv. Lobster Claw (LC) and cv. Halloween (HW) as well as symptoms of senescence and chilling injury. For such, changes in fresh weight, bract color (L*, a* and b*), percentage of absolute integrity (PAI) of cell membranes and leakage of potassium ions (LPI) were determined. The flowering stems were evaluated at five different intervals after harvest (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 d). A refrigerated treatment (RT) with a temperature of 6.5 °C and 85% relative humidity was compared to a control treatment (CT) at room temperature of 24 °C and 66% relative humidity. Both cultivars stored at 6.5 °C exhibited dryness of bract tissue (symptom of senescence) and dark stains that became brownish and evolved to necrosis (symptom of chilling injury). The visual quality of inflorescences decreased with time in both cultivars maintained without refrigeration. The severity of chilling injury increased with the length of storage time in both cultivars. There was a significant reduction in the fresh weight of inflorescences in both treatments (RT and CT) and both cultivars (LC and HW). Bract color changed in both cultivars at 6.5 °C. There was no change in PAI throughout the evaluation period in the inflorescences stored at room temperature, whereas those stored at 6.5 °C for 6 and 8 d had lower PAI values. The inflorescences in the control treatment underwent no change in LPI values, whereas those stored under refrigeration had increased LPI values after the sixth day of storage. The physiological responses of cut Heliconia flowers were influenced by storage period and temperature, as demonstrated by visual symptoms of chilling injury and senescence.     

Extrinsic and intrinsic factors influence daily activity of a Mediterranean cyprinid

Factors shaping individual behavior remain poorly understood for European cyprinids. We examined the effects of extrinsic (temperature and year) and intrinsic factors (body size and shoal size) on the daily activity of chub Squalius torgalensis, a critically endangered cyprinid found in the Torgal stream, Portugal. We quantified chub behaviors while snorkeling, using instantaneous sampling of focal individuals, in spring 2009 and 2010. We used Principal Component Analysis to describe individual behavior and assessed competing models relating individual behavior to explanatory variables using Akaike's Information Criterion. Year had a strong influence on chub behavior, with individuals spending more time drift foraging and orienting in 2009, whereas in 2010 they spent more time benthic foraging and cruising. Shoal size did not influence behaviors in 2009, but in 2010 individuals in small shoals foraged benthically and searched with greater frequency than those in large shoals. Individuals increased cruising and decreased searching as they grew in length, but the opposite trend was observed as temperature increased. Our results indicate that both extrinsic and intrinsic factors influence daily activity of chub, with individual behaviors varying between years, and depending upon shoal size, body size and temperature. This suggests that chub display high levels of individual behavioral flexibility, which may be important for fish inhabiting harsh and highly variable Mediterranean streams. Conservation efforts for this species will benefit by integrating behavioral information into management strategies.     

Synthesis and in-vitro antifungal activity of 6-trifluoromethyipyrazolo[3,4-6d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-thiones

Twelve 6-trifluoromethylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-thiones were prepared by the reaction between 4-thiocarbamoyl-5-aminopyrazoles and trifluoroacetic anhydride. They were tested in vitro for antifungal activity against a series of phytopathogenic fungi of different taxonomic classes. The EC50 and MIC values of four compounds were comparable or inferior to those of reference commercial fungicides in controlling Sclerotinia minor, Corticium solani and Phytium ultimum.     

Microvascular development and growth of uterine tissue during the estrous cycle in mares

OBJECTIVE: To document uterine growth and microvascular development in the endometrium of uteri with differing degrees of fibrosis as well as uterine growth throughout the estrous cycle of mares. ANIMALS: 30 mares. PROCEDURE: Uterine tissue was obtained during the breeding season from a slaughter facility. Stage of estrous cycle of the mares was assessed on the basis of ovarian structures and plasma progesterone concentrations. Endometrium was characterized by use of light microscopy, and blood vessel walls were marked by histochemical techniques. Microvascular development was evaluated by a computerized image analysis system. Growth of uterine tissue was based on cellular content of DNA and RNA, RNA:DNA, and protein:DNA. RESULTS: Significant differences in vascular density were not observed in the endometrium of uteri obtained from mares euthanatized during the follicular or luteal phase of the estrous cycle, regardless of whether endometrial classification of degree of fibrosis was considered. There was a 3-fold increase in amount of DNA and RNA of endometrial cells in the follicular phase when compared to myometrium. Hypertrophy of endometrial tissue during the luteal phase was reflected by a significant increase in cell protein content and protein:DNA. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Endometrial growth of vascular tissues during the estrous cycle may be coordinated with development of nonvascular tissue. Estrogen and progesterone may play a role in regulation of uterine growth and angiogenesis.     

Secreted phosphatase activities in trypanosomatid parasites of plants modulated by platelet-activating factor

ABSTRACT The secreted phosphatase activities of two trypanosomatid parasites were characterized and compared with supernatants of living cells. The plant parasite Phytomonas fran?ai and the phytophagous hemipteran parasite Herpetomonas sp. hydrolyzed p-nitrophenylphosphate at a rate of 15.54 and 6.51 nmol Pi/mg of protein per min, respectively. Sodium orthovanadate (N(a)VO(3)) and sodium fluoride (NaF) decreased the phosphatase activities. The phosphatase activity of P. fran?ai was drastically diminished (73% inhibition) in the presence of sodium tartrate, whereas the phosphatase activity of Herpetomonas sp. was inhibited by 23%. Cytochemical analysis showed the localization of these enzymes on the external surface and in the flagellar pocket of the two trypanosomatids. Sodium tartrate inhibited this reaction, confirming the biochemical data. Platelet-activating factor modulated the phosphatase activities, inhibiting P. fran?ai activity and stimulating Herpetomonas sp. phosphatase activity.     

Corneal endothelium of the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) by scanning electron microscopy.

The corneal endothelium is essential for the maintenance of the corneal transparency. The aim of this study was to examine the morphology of the endothelial surface and perform morphometric analysis of the normal corneal endothelial cells of the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) using scanning electron microscopy. The present work demonstrates that the corneal endothelium of the Magellanic penguin is similar to those described in other vertebrates.     

Histomorphometry and quantification of nucleolar organizer regions in bovine thyroid containing methylthiouracil residues

In order to study the morphology and morphometry and to characterize and quantify the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) of bovine thyroids containing methylthiouracil (MTU) residues, five animals were orally treated with a suspension of MTU (5 g/animal/day) for 20 days (group A). This treatment protocol was interrupted 5 days before the the animals were slaughtered. Six animals receiving placebos composed group B. A third group (group C) was composed of normal thyroids obtained from a slaughterhouse. All glands were previously assessed for detection of antithyroid residues by chromatography, and only those glands from MTU-treated animals were positive. Follicles of glands from group A showed wide variation in size and shape. There was a predominance of small follicles covered by multiple layers of columnar cells, sometimes forming papillary projections into the lumen, characterizing severe interfollicular and intrafollicular adenomatosis. Many follicles had vacuolated cells with nuclei showing karyolysis or pyknosis and reduced amounts of a low-density and very excavated colloid. They also showed higher follicular epithelia and larger proportions of their structural components when compared with glands of groups B and C. In the thyroids from group A, the argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region-associated proteins (AgNORs) were greater in number, with small ones scattered all over the nucleus. Although the size of AgNORs in thyroids from groups B and C was variable, these AgNORs were fewer and larger than were those in glands from group A. In conclusion, the MTU induces proliferation and regressive changes in follicular cells, and the AgNOR technique is efficient to distinguish different degrees of thyroid hyperplasia.     

Chemical restraint of peccaries with tiletamine/zolazepam and xylazine or tiletamine/zolazepam and butorphanol

Objective To evaluate the use of a combination of tiletamine/zolazepam and xylazine (TZX) in collared and white‐lipped peccaries and to compare its efficacy as an anesthetic technique with that of tiletamine/zolazepam and butorphanol (TZB). Study design Prospective experimental trial. Animals Seven white‐lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari) (four females and three males) and four collared peccaries (Tayasu tajacu) (two males and two females). Methods Animal immobilization was attempted with TZX and TZB (IM) on two different occasions. Heart and respiratory rates (HR, RR), rectal temperature (RT), sedation, muscle relaxation, posture, auditory response and analgesia were evaluated every 15 minutes during immobilization. Induction, anesthesia, standing and walking time were determined after drug administration. Results Doses for white‐lipped peccaries were 1.23 ± 0.26 mg kg^?1 (mean ± SD) of TZ and 1.23 ± 0.26 mg kg^?1 of X, and 1.46 ± 0.09 mg kg^?1 of TZ and 0.14 ± 0.008 mg kg^?1 of B; doses for collared peccaries were 1.51 ± 0.29 mg kg^?1 of TZ and 1.51 ± 0.29 mg kg^?1 of X and 1.68 ± 0.02 mg kg^?1 of TZ and 0.17 ± 0.002 mg kg^?1 of B. In white‐lipped peccaries, both drug combinations provided a smooth induction and good immobilization for more than an hour. Anesthesia and standing times were significantly longer in animals given TZB, whereas walking time was significantly longer in animals given TZX. A significant decrease in HR was observed with both treatments. Respiratory rate decreased significantly with TZX, but the rate remained higher than with TZB. Induction and recovery quality in white‐lipped peccaries was better with TZB than with TZX. Neither protocol provided adequate immobilization in collared peccaries. Conclusion and clinical relevance At the doses described, TZB is effective in providing a long period of immobilization, whereas TZX is adequate for short to medium immobilization in white‐lipped peccaries. Neither drug combination was effective in collared peccaries at the doses given.