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The objective of this study was to determine pH and the concentrations of Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Chloride (Cl-), Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+) and Calcium (Ca2+) in the mammary gland secretion in pre-foaling Mangalarga Marchador (MM) mares to determine the best method to predict parturition in the breed. Forty-two pregnant MM mares were evaluated once daily from 310 days of gestation until parturition. Mammary gland secretion pH, measured by pH meter and pH paper strip, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Cl- levels significantly changed during the last 10 days prior to parturition (p<0.05). The lowest pH mean value (pH meter=6.67±0.42; pH strip=6.23±0.53) and significantly higher mean concentrations of Ca2+ (12.6±5.8mmol/L) and Mg2+ (10.93±3.66mmol/L) were obtained 24 hours prior to foaling (p<0.0001). Chloride levels reduced significantly 8 days prior to parturition (p<0.0001) but remained unchanged until the due date. Mammary gland pH secretion, measured by pH meter and pH paper strip, was effective to predict parturition. Quantitative pH values obtained with the pH meter had a greater accuracy in comparison to pH paper strips, but a strong correlation was found between both methods. Calcium and magnesium were the only electrolytes that changed in concentration immediately prior to parturition and are better indicators of when not to expect foaling.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o pH e as concentrações de cálcio (Ca2+), magnésio (Mg2+), cloro (Cl-), sódio (Na+) e potássio (K+) na secreção da glândula mamária de éguas Mangalarga Marchador (MM) no período pré-parto, a fim de determinar o melhor método para predizer proximidade do parto na raça. Quarenta e duas éguas MM foram avaliadas diariamente a partir dos 310 dias de gestação até o parto. O pH, aferido pelo pHmetro e por fitas reagentes, e os eletrólitos Ca2+, Mg2+ e Cl- apresentaram diferenças significativas em suas concentrações nos últimos 10 dias pré-parto (P<0,05). A diminuição significativa dos valores médios de pH (pHmetro= 6,67±0,42; fitas reagentes= 6,23±0,53) e o aumento significativo nas concentrações médias de Ca2+ (12,6±5,8mmol/L) e Mg2+ (10,93±3,66mmol/L) foram observados 24 horas pré-parto (P<0,0001). As concentrações de cloro diminuíram significativamente oito dias antes do parto (P<0,0001), porém continuaram sem alteração até o momento da parição. O pH da secreção foi eficaz para predizer o momento do parto. Valores quantitativos obtidos por meio do pHmetro apresentaram maior acurácia em comparação às fitas de pH, porém obteve-se forte correlação entre os dois métodos. Cálcio e magnésio foram os únicos eletrólitos que apresentaram alterações significativas no pré-parto imediato e são indicadores mais precisos de quando não esperar o parto.

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Species of the genus Leishmania parasitize mammals and have life cycles that alternate between vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Most species develop in a hematophagous arthropod and infect a specific vertebrate host that may belong to diverse orders and families. Visceral leishmaniasis is a chronic zoonosis with a wide geographic distribution, affecting 350 million people globally, mostly in areas with a high risk of infection. In Brazil, this disease not only has a high incidence but is also expanding to new areas, both in urban centers and rural areas, including territories with tribal communities, due to increasing human intervention. The objective of this study was to perform cathepsin L-like gene-based molecular diagnosis of Leishmania infantum in the indigenous Tapirapé ethnic group in the state of Mato Grosso. From the 372 individuals assessed, only 0.8% (3/372) tested positive for L. infantum, all from the same village (Urubu Branco). Despite the small number of infected individuals, this study demonstrates the first human cases of Leishmania infantum infection in this population, suggesting the need for regular monitoring of visceral leishmaniasis in the area and leading to a broad discussion on the planning and implementation of public health measures for the indigenous population, while respecting their distinctive territories and culture.

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Species of the genus Leishmania parasitize mammals and have life cycles that alternate between vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Most species develop in a hematophagous arthropod and infect a specific vertebrate host that may belong to diverse orders and families. Visceral leishmaniasis is a chronic zoonosis with a wide geographic distribution, affecting 350 million people globally, mostly in areas with a high risk of infection. In Brazil, this disease not only has a high incidence but is also expanding to new areas, both in urban centers and rural areas, including territories with tribal communities, due to increasing human intervention. The objective of this study was to perform cathepsin L-like gene-based molecular diagnosis of Leishmania infantum in the indigenous Tapirapé ethnic group in the state of Mato Grosso. From the 372 individuals assessed, only 0.8% (3/372) tested positive for L. infantum, all from the same village (Urubu Branco). Despite the small number of infected individuals, this study demonstrates the first human cases of Leishmania infantum infection in this population, suggesting the need for regular monitoring of visceral leishmaniasis in the area and leading to a broad discussion on the planning and implementation of public health measures for the indigenous population, while respecting their distinctive territories and culture.

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The relaxation of coronary arteries by estrogens in the coronary vascular beds of naive and hypertensive rats has been well described. However, little is known about this action in gonadectomized rats. We investigated the effect of 17-ß-estradiol (E2) in coronary arteries from gonadectomized rats, as well as the contributions of endothelium-derived factors and potassium channels. Eight-week-old female and male Wistar rats weighing 220-300 g were divided into sham-operated and gonadectomized groups (n=9-12 animals per group). The baseline coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) was determined, and the vasoactive effects of 10 µM E2 were assessed by bolus administration before and after endothelium denudation or by perfusion with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), indomethacin, clotrimazole, L-NAME plus indomethacin, L-NAME plus clotrimazole or tetraethylammonium (TEA). The CPP differed significantly between the female and sham-operated male animals. Gonadectomy reduced the CPP only in female rats. Differences in E2-induced relaxation were observed between the female and male animals, but male castration did not alter this response. For both sexes, the relaxation response to E2 was, at least partly, endothelium-dependent. The response to E2 was reduced only in the sham-operated female rats treated with L-NAME. However, in the presence of indomethacin, clotrimazole, L-NAME plus indomethacin or L-NAME plus clotrimazole, or TEA, the E2 response was significantly reduced in all groups. These results highlight the importance of prostacyclin, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, and potassium channels in the relaxation response of coronary arteries to E2 in all groups, whereas nitric oxide may have had an important role only in the sham-operated female group.

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The relaxation of coronary arteries by estrogens in the coronary vascular beds of naive and hypertensive rats has been well described. However, little is known about this action in gonadectomized rats. We investigated the effect of 17-ß-estradiol (E2) in coronary arteries from gonadectomized rats, as well as the contributions of endothelium-derived factors and potassium channels. Eight-week-old female and male Wistar rats weighing 220-300 g were divided into sham-operated and gonadectomized groups (n=9−12 animals per group). The baseline coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) was determined, and the vasoactive effects of 10 μM E2 were assessed by bolus administration before and after endothelium denudation or by perfusion with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), indomethacin, clotrimazole, L-NAME plus indomethacin, L-NAME plus clotrimazole or tetraethylammonium (TEA). The CPP differed significantly between the female and sham-operated male animals. Gonadectomy reduced the CPP only in female rats. Differences in E2-induced relaxation were observed between the female and male animals, but male castration did not alter this response. For both sexes, the relaxation response to E2 was, at least partly, endothelium-dependent. The response to E2 was reduced only in the sham-operated female rats treated with L-NAME. However, in the presence of indomethacin, clotrimazole, L-NAME plus indomethacin or L-NAME plus clotrimazole, or TEA, the E2 response was significantly reduced in all groups. These results highlight the importance of prostacyclin, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, and potassium channels in the relaxation response of coronary arteries to E2 in all groups, whereas nitric oxide may have had an important role only in the sham-operated female group.

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Water maintenance is vital for termite survival under dry conditions, hence environment humidity is one of the most important factors that controls the distribution of Isoptera. To understand the dynamics of termite rehydration after water loss, two bioassays were performed with forager workers of Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) submitted to water stress. Insects were weighed and placed into Petri dishes without water and food for periods of 3, 15, and 30 h. For each period of water stress, 10 replicates were performed in the treatment and control groups, totalling 120 experimental units. Forager workers lost body mass across all periods of water stress and tested with the highest reduction for the 30 h exposure period. Subsequent access to water resulted in termite rehydration, and final weight values were near to initial body mass values. These results demonstrate that workers of C. gestroi experienced large reductions of body mass under water stress, but these reductions were not severe enough to cause mortality. Additionally, termites were able to rehydrate after water stress conditions. This is a potential risk factor to be considered in cases of new infestations because C. gestroi workers will be able to cause economic damage in their new locations even when deprived of water during their transportation by humans.

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The infection of Scomberomorus brasiliensis by the myxozoan Kudoa sp. is reported. The parasites formed plasmodiae inside the skeletal muscle fibres. The spores were quadrate in apical view and bell-like shaped in lateral view, containing four equally sized more or less rounded polar capsules. No detrimental effects were observed in the host, namely muscle liquefaction. The importance of these parasites is discussed.(AU)

Relata-se a parasitose de Scomberomorus brasiliensis pelo myxozoa Kudoa sp. Os parasitas formavam plasmódios no interior das fibras musculares esqueléticas. Os esporos tinham forma quadrada em observação apical e forma de sino achatado em observação lateral, contendo quatro cápsulas polares do mesmo tamanho e sensivelmente arredondas. Não foram observadas lesões nos hospedeiros, nomeadamente liquefacção do músculo. A importância destes parasitas é discutida.(AU)

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A previous research suggests that when subterranean termites locate equivalent food they consume the initial food resource. However, little is known about the movement of foragers among these food sources. For this reason, this study analyzed the feeding behavior of Heterotermes tenuis and Coptotermes gestroi in the presence of equivalent foods. The experimental arenas were composed of a release chamber connected to food chambers. The consumption of each wood block and percentage of the foraging individuals recruited for the food chambers were observed in relation to the total survival rate. The results showed that in the multiple-choice tests, wood block consumptions and the recruitment of individuals did not differ between replicates of each termite species. However, in different tests of tenacity, the chambers with the first food presented higher feeding rates by both H. tenuis and C. gestroi and resulted in a higher recruitment of workers and soldiers. In these conditions, it may be concluded that foragers of either species do not concentrate their efforts on the consumption of only one food resource when they are able to reach multiple cellulosic sources simultaneously. Additionally, the data concerning tenacity tests suggest that there is a chronologic priority of consumption in relation to the discovery of available food sources. Knowledge about the foraging biology of subterranean termites is important for future studies of their feeding behavior, and it is indispensable for improving control strategies.

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The infection of Scomberomorus brasiliensis by the myxozoan Kudoa sp. is reported. The parasites formed plasmodiae inside the skeletal muscle fibres. The spores were quadrate in apical view and bell-like shaped in lateral view, containing four equally sized more or less rounded polar capsules. No detrimental effects were observed in the host, namely muscle liquefaction. The importance of these parasites is discussed.

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The phytochemical study of Duguetia moricandiana Mart. (Annonaceae) yielded the isolation of the alkaloid which was identified by spectral analysis as discretamine. The evaluation of antinociceptive activity carried out by the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and hot plate tests in mice, suggests a potent antinociceptive effect. Discretamine (5, 10 and 20 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.) significantly reduced the number of writhes similarly at all doses tested and the number of paw licks during the first phase of formalin test when compared to control. The effect of discretamine on hot plate response provides a confirmation of its central effect. These results indicate antinociceptive properties of this alkaloid.

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Avaliou-se a ocorrência da doença infundibular (DI) e a associação entre sobremordida (SM) e ganchos dentários rostral e caudal da maxila e mandíbula. Utilizaram-se 88 equinos - 52 machos e 36 fêmeas -, entre três e 27 anos. Para os exames odontológicos, os animais foram contidos em brete e sedados com xilazina 10 por cento a 0,5mg/kg IV e utilizaram-se abridor de boca, fotóforo elétrico e sonda odontológica de aço inox. Agruparam-se os equinos por idade. O grupo 1 foi formado por animais até nove anos; o G2 de 10 a 14 e G3 de 15 a 27 anos. Foi diagnosticada DI em (37,5 por cento) animais, nos dentes molares e pré-molares. A incidência maior de DI foi nos dentes 109 (11,4 por cento) e 209 (12,5 por cento). Houve correlação positiva entre a idade e o número de dentes acometidos (r=0,26; P<0,02). A maior ocorrência de DI no grupo mais acometido (G3) foi nos dentes 108 e 208. Verificaram-se 66 por cento de SM e 65 por cento de ganchos. Observou-se correlação entre SM e presença total de ganchos (r=0,26, P=0,016), entre SM e ganchos rostrais maxilares e mandibulares (r=0,25,P=0,016) e ganchos rostrais maxilares(r=0,24, P=0,02). Animais com ganchos pré-molares maxilares tiveram 2,8 vezes mais chance de apresentarem SM (IC 95 por cento = 1,1 a 7,1).

The occurrence of infundibular disease (ID) and the association between over-bite (OB) and rostral and caudal hooks on teeth of the maxilla and jaw were evaluated in 88 horses - 52 males and 36 females - aging from between 3 and 27 years old. The horses were restrained in stocks, sedated with xylazine and examined using a mouth-speculum and a stainless steel pick. The data were recorded on individual charts. The animals were grouped by age: group 1: 3 to 9, group 2: 10 to 14, and group 3: 15 to 27 years old. ID was identified on the premolar and molar teeth in 37.5 percent of horses. There was a positive correlation between age and number of affected teeth (r=0.26, P<0.02). The most affected teeth were the 109 (11.4 percent) and 209 (12.5 percent). The highest occurrence of ID in the most affected group (G3) was on the 108 and 208 teeth. There were 66 percent of OB and 65 percent of hooks. There was a correlation between OB and the presence of total (r=0.26, P=0.016), maxillary and mandibular (r=0.25, P=0.016), and maxillary rostral hooks (r=0.24, P=0.02). Only the association between OB and maxillary rostral hooks was significant. Animals with maxillary pre-molars hooks were 2.8 times predisposed to have OB (CI 95 percent=1.1 to 7.1).

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Avaliou-se a ocorrência da doença infundibular (DI) e a associação entre sobremordida (SM) e ganchos dentários rostral e caudal da maxila e mandíbula. Utilizaram-se 88 equinos - 52 machos e 36 fêmeas -, entre três e 27 anos. Para os exames odontológicos, os animais foram contidos em brete e sedados com xilazina 10% a 0,5mg/kg IV e utilizaram-se abridor de boca, fotóforo elétrico e sonda odontológica de aço inox. Agruparam-se os equinos por idade. O grupo 1 foi formado por animais até nove anos; o G2 de 10 a 14 e G3 de 15 a 27 anos. Foi diagnosticada DI em (37,5%) animais, nos dentes molares e pré-molares. A incidência maior de DI foi nos dentes 109 (11,4%) e 209 (12,5%). Houve correlação positiva entre a idade e o número de dentes acometidos (r=0,26; P<0,02). A maior ocorrência de DI no grupo mais acometido (G3) foi nos dentes 108 e 208. Verificaram-se 66% de SM e 65% de ganchos. Observou-se correlação entre SM e presença total de ganchos (r=0,26, P=0,016), entre SM e ganchos rostrais maxilares e mandibulares (r=0,25,P=0,016) e ganchos rostrais maxilares(r=0,24, P=0,02). Animais com ganchos pré-molares maxilares tiveram 2,8 vezes mais chance de apresentarem SM (IC 95% = 1,1 a 7,1).(AU)

The occurrence of infundibular disease (ID) and the association between over-bite (OB) and rostral and caudal hooks on teeth of the maxilla and jaw were evaluated in 88 horses - 52 males and 36 females - aging from between 3 and 27 years old. The horses were restrained in stocks, sedated with xylazine and examined using a mouth-speculum and a stainless steel pick. The data were recorded on individual charts. The animals were grouped by age: group 1: 3 to 9, group 2: 10 to 14, and group 3: 15 to 27 years old. ID was identified on the premolar and molar teeth in 37.5% of horses. There was a positive correlation between age and number of affected teeth (r=0.26, P<0.02). The most affected teeth were the 109 (11.4%) and 209 (12.5%). The highest occurrence of ID in the most affected group (G3) was on the 108 and 208 teeth. There were 66% of OB and 65% of hooks. There was a correlation between OB and the presence of total (r=0.26, P=0.016), maxillary and mandibular (r=0.25, P=0.016), and maxillary rostral hooks (r=0.24, P=0.02). Only the association between OB and maxillary rostral hooks was significant. Animals with maxillary pre-molars hooks were 2.8 times predisposed to have OB (CI 95%=1.1 to 7.1).(AU)

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O uso milenar de plantas medicinais mostrou ao longo dos anos, que determinadas plantas apresentam substâncias potencialmente perigosas. Do ponto de vista científico, algumas pesquisas mostraram que muitas dessas plantas possuem substâncias agressivas e por essa razão devem ser utilizadas com cuidado, respeitando seus riscos toxicológicos. Os efeitos mais preocupantes do uso indiscriminado de plantas medicinais são embriotóxico, teratogênico e abortivo, uma vez, que os constituintes da planta podem atravessar a placenta, chegar ao feto e gerar um desses efeitos. Este estudo objetiva fornecer uma listagem das principais plantas medicinais que tenham efeitos embriotóxicos, teratogênicos e abortivos comprovados, conhecendo as partes da planta utilizadas e seus respectivos nomes científicos, com a finalidade de alertar gestantes quanto aos riscos de seu uso. Realizou-se buscas nas bases eletrônicas de dados SciELO, PubMed, MEDLINE, LILACS, CAPES e Google acadêmico. Nos resultados encontrados, plantas como Arnica (Arnica montana), Artemísia (Artemisia vulgaris), Arruda (Ruta chalepensis/ Ruta graveolens), Barbatimão (Stryphnodendron polyphyllum), Boldo (Vernonia condensata) dentre outras, podem vir a gerar um desses efeitos. A partir deste estudo comprova-se que para a maioria das plantas medicinais não há dados a respeito da segurança de seu uso durante a gravidez.

The ancient use of medicinal plants has shown over the years that certain plants have potentially dangerous substances. From a scientific point of view, some studies have shown that many of these plants contain aggressive substances and therefore should be used with caution, respecting their toxicological risks. The most important effects of the indiscriminate use of medicinal plants are embryotoxic, teratogenic and abortifacient since the plant constituents can cross the placenta, reaching the fetus and leading to one of these effects. This study aimed to provide a list of the major medicinal plants that have proven embryotoxic, teratogenic and abortifacient effects, including the used plant parts and their respective scientific names, in order to warn pregnant women about the risks of its use. Searches were carried out in the electronic databases SciELO, PubMed, MEDLINE, LILACS, CAPES and Google Scholar. Results indicated that plants such as mountain arnica (Arnica montana), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), fringed rue (Ruta chalepensis / Ruta graveolens), "Barbatimão" (Stryphnodendron polyphyllum) and "Boldo" (Vernonia condensata) are likely to generate such an effect. This study shows that for most medicinal plants there are not data regarding the safety of their use during pregnancy.

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Citronellal is a monoterpene reported to be a major component of the essential oils in various aromatic species of plants. The present study evaluated the central nervous system depressant and antinociceptive properties of citronellal through behavioral experimental models. Following intraperitoneal injection, citronellal induced the reduction of spontaneous activity, ataxia, analgesia, and sedation. In pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, CTL (citronellal) at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg (i.p.) significantly increased sleeping time (88.0 +/- 11.4, 100.2 +/- 16.4, and 119.5 +/- 20.9 min) when compared to vehicle solution injections (43.0 +/- 6.1). Citronellal (100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the number of writhes (66.4 and 81.9%) in a writhing test and the number of paw licks during phase 1 (47.0 and 66.8%) and phase 2 (71.1 and 79.2%) of a formalin test when compared to control group animals. In addition, the results of a hot plate test showed central analgesic properties for citronellal (p < 0.05). These results indicate depressant, hypnotic, and antinociceptive properties of this monoterpene.

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The Serra Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus brasiliensis is an important fishery resource of the Atlantic Ocean and is a major component of artisanal fisheries in northern and northeastern Brazil. Ovarian development and spawning period of S. brasiliensis were investigated using both macroscopic and histological techniques. Mean monthly values of GSI and ovarian maturation indicate that the main spawning period occurs during the rainy season.

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