Abstract The inadequate choice of a diagnostic method or the option for techniques that have low sensitivity and specificity may limit the diagnosis of parasitic agents that affect aquatic mammals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the FLOTAC technique and compare it with three traditional methods (Willis, sedimentation and centrifugation- flotation) used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in aquatic mammals. For this, 129 fecal samples from 12 species were collected. Each sample was submitted to laboratory processing using the Willis, Hoffman techniques, Faust method and FLOTAC. Sensitivity, specificity, real prevalence, estimated prevalence, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, correct classification (accuracy) and incorrect classification were evaluated to compare the different diagnostic methods. The highest frequency of positive samples occurred using FLOTAC (46.51%), compared to Hoffman (23.25%), Faust (10.07%) and Willis techniques (6.97%). In the samples analyzed, the occurrence of Strongylidae eggs and Eimeriidae oocysts was frequently observed. The FLOTAC technique proved to be the most appropriate technique and due to its efficacy, is strongly recommended for coproparasitological evaluations in aquatic mammals.

We aimed to evaluate whether the administration of riboflavin to septic animals reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, organ dysfunction, and mortality. C57BL/6 mice, 6-8 weeks old, were allocated to the study group (polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) + antibiotic + iv riboflavin), control (CLP + antibiotic + iv saline), or naïve (non-operated controls). Serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), urea, and creatinine, and markers of inflammation [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2)], and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured 12 h after the experiment. Animal survival rates were calculated after 7 days. Means between groups were compared using linear regression models adjusted under the Bayesian approach. No significant difference was observed between control and study groups in serum concentrations of IL-6 (95% credible interval) (-0.35 to 0.44), TNF-α (-15.7 to 99.1), KC (-0.13 to 0.05), MIP-2 (-0.84 to 0.06), MDA (-1.25 to 2.53), or ALT (-6.6 to 11.5). Serum concentrations of CK-MB (-145.1 to -30.1), urea (-114.7 to -15.1), and creatinine (-1.14 to -0.01) were higher in the study group. Survival was similar in both groups (P=0.8). Therefore, the use of riboflavin in mice undergoing sepsis induced by CLP did not reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, organ dysfunction, or mortality compared with placebo.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as estruturas anatômicas dos crânios de catetos, a fim de se estabelecerem as bases para seu estudo clínico e futuras pesquisas pré-clínicas. Dez crânios de catetos adultos foram submetidos a exame tomográfico. Os dados obtidos foram introduzidos em um software de reconstrução de imagens tridimensionais (imagens em 3D). As reconstruções obtidas do neurocrânio dos espécimes estudados permitiram a identificação e a descrição das seguintes estruturas: osso nasal, osso frontal, ossos parietais, osso incisivo, osso maxilar, osso zigomático, osso temporal, osso palatino, osso occipital, osso vômer, osso pterigoide, osso esfenoide, seios paranasais e órbita. A tomografia computadorizada mostrou-se como uma ferramenta diagnóstica importante na investigação do crânio dessa espécie, permitindo a aquisição de valores anatômicos ainda não documentados para a espécie na literatura.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical structures of the skulls of peccaries to establish the basis for their clinical study and future preclinical research. Ten skulls of adult peccaries were subjected to tomographic examination. The data obtained were processed via three-dimensional image reconstruction software (3D images). The reconstructions obtained from the neurocranium of the studied specimens allowed the identification and description of the following structures: nasal bone, frontal bone, parietal bones, incisor bone, maxillary bone, zygomatic bone, temporal bone, palatal bone, occipital bone, vomer bone, pterygoid bone, sphenoid bone, paranasal sinuses and orbit. Computed tomography proved to be an important diagnostic tool in the investigation of the skull of this species, allowing the acquisition of anatomical values not yet documented for the species in the literature.

RESUMO: A aplicação de análises espacial e temporal em epidemiologia visa compreender as causas e consequências da heterogeneidade espacial e temporal nos estudos de doenças infecciosas. A tuberculose bovina (TBb) é uma doença infecciosa crônica e progressiva causada pelo Mycobacterium bovis e uma importante zoonose em todo o mundo. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar análises espaciais e temporais em um banco de dados secundário de casos positivos de TBb registrados pelo Serviço de Inspeção Federal em dois frigoríficos da mesorregião Oeste de Minas, estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, de 2008 a 2012 e sugerir sua utilização na vigilância epidemiológica. Os bovinos abatidos com lesões macroscópicas de TBb durante a inspeção post mortem foram considerados positivos neste estudo. Os dados utilizados foram os casos positivos cadastrados no Sistema de Informações Gerenciais do Serviço de Inspeção Federal do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (SIGSIF/MAPA), o número de animais abatidos mensalmente e seus municípios de origem, por frigorífico. Foi calculada a prevalência (%) de casos por bovinos abatidos e avaliada a relação entre esses casos de TBb e os casos de tuberculose humana (TBh) e o PIB per capita das mesorregiões que compõem os municípios pesquisados. A prevalência foi de 1.030 casos de TBb (0,28%). Os menores números de casos e prevalências foram obtidos em 2010, enquanto as maiores prevalências foram observadas em 2011. O Frigorífico 1 apresentou estacionariedade, enquanto o Frigorífico 2 apresentou tendência anual crescente para os dados desde outubro de 2009. Correlação estatística entre o número de casos de TBb e TBh (p=0,006, r=0,148) foi observada. As prevalências nos Frigoríficos 1 e 2 não se correlacionaram (p>0,05). Os municípios de origem demonstraram aleatoriedade em sua distribuição espacial. O SIGSIF/MAPA pode ser utilizado para a análise da distribuição espacial e temporal a fim de contribuir com o monitoramento dos serviços de saúde animal com informações sobre a prevalência de condenações por TBb nas mesorregiões Oeste de Minas, Sul/Sudoeste de Minas, Campo das Vertentes e Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

ABSTRACT: The application of spatial and temporal analysis in epidemiology aims to understand the causes and consequences of spatial and temporal heterogeneity in studies of infectious diseases. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic and progressive infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis and is an important zoonosis worldwide. The aim of this study was to conduct spatial and temporal analyses of a secondary database of bTB-positive cases registered by the Federal Inspection Service in two slaughterhouses from the West of Minas mesoregion of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, from 2008 to 2012 and to suggest its use in epidemiological surveillance. The culled cattle with bTB macroscopic lesions during post mortem inspection were considered positive in this study. The data used were the positive cases registered on the “Sistema de Informações Gerenciais do Serviço de Inspeção Federal” (SIG/SIF - Management Information System of the Federal Inspection Service) of the “Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento” (MAPA - Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supplies), the number of animals slaughtered monthly and their municipalities of origin, per slaughterhouse. The prevalence (%) of cases per cattle slaughtered was calculated, and the relationship between these cases of bTB and cases of human tuberculosis (hTB) and the GDP per capita of the mesoregions comprising the municipalities surveyed was evaluated. The prevalence was 1,030 cases of bTB (0.28%). The lowest case numbers and prevalence rates were obtained in 2010, while the highest rates were observed in 2011. Slaughterhouse 1 showed stationarity, while Slaughterhouse 2 showed an increasing annual trend for data since October 2009. A statistical correlation between the numbers of cases of bovine and human TB (p=0.006, r=0.148) was observed. The prevalence for Slaughterhouses 1 and 2 were not correlated (p>0.05). The municipalities of origin demonstrated randomness in their spatial distribution. SIG/SIF-MAPA may be used for the analysis of spatial and temporal distribution to contribute to the monitoring of animal health services with information on the prevalence of culling for bTB in the West of Minas, South/Southwest of Minas, Campo das Vertentes and Zona da Mata mesoregions of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

It was previously demonstrated that the methanol fraction of Sideroxylon obtusifolium (MFSOL) promoted anti-inflammatory and healing activity in excisional wounds. Thus, the present work investigated the healing effects of MFSOL on human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) and experimental burn model injuries. HaCaT cells were used to study MFSOL's effect on cell migration and proliferation rates. Female Swiss mice were subjected to a second-degree superficial burn protocol and divided into four treatment groups: Vehicle, 1.0% silver sulfadiazine, and 0.5 or 1.0% MFSOL Cream (CrMFSOL). Samples were collected to quantify the inflammatory mediators, and histological analyses were performed after 3, 7, and 14 days. The results showed that MFSOL (50 μg/mL) stimulated HaCaT cells by increasing proliferation and migration rates. Moreover, 0.5% CrMFSOL attenuated myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and also stimulated the release of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 after 3 days of treatment. CrMFSOL (0.5%) also enhanced wound contraction, promoted improvement of tissue remodeling, and increased collagen production after 7 days and VEGF release after 14 days. Therefore, MFSOL stimulated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and improved wound healing via modulation of inflammatory mediators of burn injuries.

RESUMO A parvovirose canina é uma doença de alta mortalidade e de quadro clínico agudo. No entanto, existem poucos recursos para se estabelecer prognóstico de maneira precisa. Este estudo objetivou analisar os valores prognósticos de parâmetros físicos e hematológicos de cães naturalmente infectados pelo Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPV). Um estudo retrospectivo de 103 casos de parvovirose canina foi realizado. Desses, 27% dos animais (28/103) foram a óbito, sendo 96% (27/28) com ocorrência nos primeiros quatro dias de internamento. Os cães que foram a óbito apresentaram medianas das frequências cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (f) significativamente maiores e pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) consideravelmente menor que a dos sobreviventes. Entre os animais mais intensamente leucopênicos (<1.000 células/(L), a taxa de mortalidade (68%, n=13) foi expressivamente maior que a dos demais pacientes (P<0,0007). Os animais com hipotensão grave (PAS<90mmHg), taquicardia (FC>150bpm) e leucopenia intensa (leucometria<1.000 células/µL), ou duas dessas alterações clínicas, representaram 34% (34/101) dos casos e tiveram taxa de sobrevida de 29% (10/34), enquanto os animais com, no máximo, um desses parâmetros alterados representaram 66% (67/101) dos animais, com taxa de sobrevida de 94% (63/67). A presença de dois ou três parâmetros alterados esteve significativamente relacionada ao maior risco de óbito de cães com parvovirose (P<0,0001).

ABSTRACT Canine parvovirosis is a high mortality disease with acute clinical picture. However, there are few available resources to help stablish prognosis accurately. This study aimed to determine the prognostic threshold values for vital and hematological parameters of dogs naturally infected by the Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPV). A retrospective study of 103 canine parvovirosis cases was carried out. Twenty seven percent of these (28/103) died, 96% (27/28) of which within the first four days of hospitalization. Deceased animals had significantly higher median values for heart (HR) and respiratory (f) rates, as well as significantly lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) than survivors. Severely leukopenic animals (<1,000 cells/μL), had a significantly higher mortality rate (68%, n=13) compared to that of other patients (P<0.0007). Animals with at least two of the following findings: severe hypotension (SBP< 90mmHg), tachycardia (HR > 150 bpm) and leukopenia, represented 34% (34/101) of the cases and had a survival rate of 29% (10/34), while animals with at most one of these parameters represented 66% (67/101) and had a survival rate of 94% (63/67). The presence of two or three abnormal parameters was significantly related to the higher death risk among dogs with parvovirosis (P<0.0001).

RESUMO A relação da eficiência nutricional com a idade e o peso à puberdade e as características reprodutivas foram estudadas em 35 novilhas F1 Holandês x Gir, em ensaios usando o consumo alimentar residual (CAR) nos períodos pós-desaleitamento (PD) e pós-puberdade (PP). Novilhas PD (P<0,0001) e PP (P<0,001) foram ranqueadas como de alta, intermediária e baixa eficiências e apresentaram CAR de -0,259 -0,014 e 0,346kg/dia e -0,848 -0,096 e 0,842kg/dia, respectivamente. Novilhas PD diferiram (P<0,05) na idade à puberdade entre ranques de alta, intermediária e baixa eficiências, em média, aos 339,7; 346,4; 315,3 dias, respectivamente. Os pesos à puberdade de novilhas PD com alta, intermediária e baixa eficiências foram, em média, de 321±28,1kg e não diferiram (P>0,05) entre CAR. Não foi verificada correlação entre diâmetro folicular, taxa de crescimento do folículo, número de ondas foliculares no ciclo estral e taxa de gestação à primeira IA com o CARPD ou CARPP. Novilhas F1HG selecionadas para CAR com baixa eficiência podem ter idade à puberdade 10 dias a mais, quando comparadas às novilhas de alta eficiência para CAR. Não foi verificado que novilhas selecionadas para alta ou baixa eficiências alimentares, usando CAR, tivessem algum impacto negativo sobre características reprodutivas avaliadas.

ABSTRACT The relationship between nutritional efficiency and age and weight at puberty and reproductive traits was studied in 35 F1 Holstein x Gyr heifers, in trials using residual food consumption (CAR) in the post-weaning (PW) and post-pubertal (PP) periods. PD heifers (P<0.0001) and PP (P<0.001) were classified as high, intermediate and low efficiencies and presented CAR of -0.259 -0.014 and 0.346kg/day and -0.848 -0.096 and 0.842kg/day, respectively. PD heifers differed (P<0.05) in age at puberty between high, intermediate and low efficiencies, on average, at 339.7, 346.4 and 315.3 days, respectively. The weight at puberty of PD heifers with high, intermediate and low efficiencies were, on average, 321±28.1kg and did not differ (P>0.05) between CAR. No correlation was found between follicular diameter, follicle growth rate, number of follicular waves in the estrous cycle and pregnancy rate at 1st AI with the CARPD or CARPP. F1HG heifers selected for CAR with low efficiency can be aged at puberty 10 days longer when compared to high-efficiency heifers for CAR. These results did not show that heifers selected for high or low food efficiency, using CAR, had negative impact on the reproductive characteristics evaluated.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi calcular o índice de colapsabilidade (IC) em um grupo de 15 gatos adultos, saudáveis e SRD, por meio da janela ultrassonográfica hepática intercostal direita. Os diâmetros mínimo e máximo da veia cava caudal (VCC) foram obtidos durante a inspiração e a expiração, respectivamente. O IC foi calculado, posteriormente. O diâmetro médio da VCC foi de 0,5cm. O diâmetro médio do IC foi de 28±3%, e o IC não foi significativamente associado ao gênero. Como na medicina humana, há uma necessidade crescente de monitoramento menos invasivo na prática de pequenos animais. O IC possibilita a avaliação da volemia estimada sem a necessidade de um cateter venoso central. Este é o primeiro estudo relatado sobre IC em gatos domésticos.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to calculate the collapsibility index (CI) in a group of 15 healthy adult mixed breed cats via right hepatic intercostal ultrasound view. The minimal and the maximal diameters of the caudal vena cava (CVC) were obtained during inspiration and expiration, respectively, then CI was calculated. The mean diameter of the CVC was 0.5cm. The mean CI was 28±3% and CI was not significantly associated with gender. As in human medicine, there is a growing need for less invasive monitoring in small animal practice. The CI enables the assessment of estimated volemia without the need for a central venous catheter. This is the first reported study investigating CI in cats.

This study was designed to evaluate the nutrient intake, digestibility, degradability, and ruminal characteristics of Sindhi heifers fed diets that contained a combined total of 75% oldman saltbush hay (hereafter saltbush hay) and prickly pear cactus. Eight 12-month old intact male red Sindhi calves (four fistulated and four non-fistulated) with an initial mean weight of 170 ± 5 kg were assigned to 4 * 4 Latin squares, where factors consisted of four diets, namely 15% hay and 60% cactus; 30% hay and 45% cactus; 45% hay and 30% cactus; and 60% hay and 15% cactus, and four times at which rumen fluid was collected. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) intakes in kg/day and NDF in percentage live weight (LW), water intake, salinity, and conductivity increased with hay level. Intake and digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates were curvilinear with higher values in diets containing 30% saltbush hay. The apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter decreased linearly as the concentration of saltbush hay increased in the diet. The pH of the rumen fluid was within the acceptable range for favourable microbial growth. The low temperature and high salinity and conductivity indices in the diets should be viewed with caution at higher concentrations of saltbush hay, because of a possible decrease in nutrient absorption and the development of health problems in the animals. Apparent degradability coefficients of DM and NDF were affected significantly by inclusion of prickly pear and saltbush hay in the diets.

RESUMO Uma gata de seis meses aspirou grande quantidade de sulfato de bário durante procedimento radiográfico para diagnóstico de megaesôfago. Contraste radiográfico látero-lateral revelou dilatação de esôfago torácico até a base do coração. Persistência do arco aórtico direito foi confirmada durante cirurgia corretiva. Acúmulo de sulfato de bário, utilizado como agente de contraste, foi observado no lúmen de brônquios, bronquíolos e alvéolos à imagem radiográfica. Dias após a cirurgia o animal desenvolveu insuficiência respiratória grave e evoluiu para óbito. Resultado de citologia e histologia utilizado luz polarizada demonstrou que lúmen de brônquios, bronquíolos e alvéolos mostraram infiltração histológica com citoplasma cheio de material refratário granular amorfo compatível com sulfato de bário. Nesse relatório, descrevemos achados anatômicos, citológicos, histopatológicos e radiográficos de um caso de pneumonia aspirativa em gata resultante do uso desse meio de contraste para diagnóstico de megaesôfago secundário a persistência do arco aórtico direito.

ABSTRACT A six-month-old female cat suffered aspiration of an abundant amount of barium sulfate during a radiographic procedure for the diagnosis of megaesophagus. Latero-lateral contrast radiography revealed severe dilation of the thoracic esophagus cranial to the base of the heart. Persistence of the right aortic arch was suspected and later confirmed during corrective surgery. Accumulation of barium sulfate, used as a contrast agent, was clearly observed in the lumen of the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli in the radiographic image. Days after the surgery, the animal developed severe respiratory distress, which resulted in death. Cytology results and histology analysis using polarized light demonstrated that the lumen of bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli exhibited evident histiocytic infiltration with cytoplasm filled by abundant amorphous refractive granular material consistent with barium sulfate. In this report, we describe the anatomical, cytological, histopathological (using polarized light), and x-ray findings of a case of barium sulfate aspiration pneumonia in a cat resulting from the use of this contrast medium for the diagnosis of megaesophagus secondary to persistent right aortic arch.

Abstract The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the antimicrobial potential of the crude extract and fractions of Chenopodium ambrosioides L., popularly known as Santa-Maria herb, against microorganisms of clinical interest by the microdilution technique, and also to show the chromatographic profile of the phenolic compounds in the species. The Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cardiotonic, anthraquinone, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids. The analysis by HPLC-DAD revealed the presence of rutin in the crude extract (12.5 ± 0.20 mg/g), ethyl acetate (16.5 ± 0.37 mg/g) and n-butanol (8.85 ± 0.11 mg/g), whereas quercetin and chrysin were quantified in chloroform fraction (1.95 ± 0.04 and 1.04 ± 0.01 mg/g), respectively. The most promising results were obtained with the ethyl acetate fraction, which inhibited a greater number of microorganisms and presented the lowest values of MIC against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 0.42 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 34.37 mg/mL), Paenibacillus apiarus (MIC = 4.29 mg/mL) and Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus (MIC = 4.29 mg/mL). Considering mycobacterial inhibition, the best results were obtained by chloroform fraction against M. tuberculosis, M. smegmatis, and M. avium (MIC ranging from 156.25 to 625 µg/mL). This study proves, in part, that the popular use of C. ambrosioides L. can be an effective and sustainable alternative for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by various infectious agents.

Radiotherapy is one of the main approaches to cure prostate cancer, and its success depends on the accuracy of dose planning. A complicating factor is the presence of a metallic prosthesis in the femur and pelvis, which is becoming more common in elderly populations. The goal of this work was to perform dose measurements to check the accuracy of radiotherapy treatment planning under these complicated conditions. To accomplish this, a scale phantom of an adult pelvic region was used with alanine dosimeters inserted in the prostate region. This phantom was irradiated according to the planned treatment under the following three conditions: with two metallic prostheses in the region of the femur head, with only one prosthesis, and without any prostheses. The combined relative standard uncertainty of dose measurement by electron spin resonance (ESR)/alanine was 5.05%, whereas the combined relative standard uncertainty of the applied dose was 3.35%, resulting in a combined relative standard uncertainty of the whole process of 6.06%. The ESR dosimetry indicated that there was no difference (P>0.05, ANOVA) in dosage between the planned dose and treatments. The results are in the range of the planned dose, within the combined relative uncertainty, demonstrating that the treatment-planning system compensates for the effects caused by the presence of femur and hip metal prostheses.

Loque americana é uma grave doença de propagação mundial em abelhas causada pelo Paenibacillus larvae. Extratos de plantas são conhecidos por diminuir ou inibir o crescimento dessa bactéria. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos de Calendula. officinalis, Cariniana domestica, e Nasturtium officinale contra o P. larvae e avaliar a toxicidade dos extratos em abelhas. A atividade in vitro dos extratos contra P. larvae foi avaliada pelo método de microdiluição e as concentrações inibitórias mínimas (MICs) também foram determinadas. As concentrações utilizadas no ensaio de toxicidade foram estabelecidas baseadas nos valores de MIC e pelo método de aplicação por pulverização. O P. larvae foi suscetível aos extratos brutos de C. officinalis e N. officinale avaliados. Para a C. domestica, apenas as frações acetato de etila (EtAc) e butanólica (BuOH) tiveram atividade contra P. larvae. Análises de toxicidade em abelhas não mostraram toxidade para o extrato bruto de N. officinale e fração BuOH de C. domestica durante os 15 dias de tratamento, no entanto, ocorreram algumas mortes de abelhas durante os três primeiros dias de tratamento com C. officinalis e fração EtAc de C. domestica. Os resultados com essas espécies foram pela primeira vez descritos e mostraram que o extrato bruto de N. officinale e a fração BuOH de C. domestica ambos não apresentaram efeitos tóxicos nas concentrações testadas pelo método de aplicação por pulverização e podem ser uma alternativa útil para o tratamento ou prevenção da loque americana.

American foulbrood (AFB) is a serious worldwide spreading disease in bees caused by Paenibacillus larvae. Plants extracts are known to decrease or inhibit the growth of these bacteria. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Calendula. officinalis, Cariniana domestica, and Nasturtium officinale extracts against the P. larvae and to evaluate the toxicity of the extracts in bees. In vitro activity against P. larvae of the extracts was evaluated by micro dilution method and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were also determined. The concentrations used in the toxicity test were established based on the MIC values and by the spraying application method. The P. larvae was susceptible to the evaluated crude extract of C. officinalis and N. officinale. To C. domestica, only the ethyl acetate (EtAc) fraction and n-butanol (BuOH) fractions had activity against P. larvae. Toxicity analysis in bees showed no toxicity for N. officinale crude extract and for C. domestica BuOH fraction during 15 days of treatment, however, some deaths of bees occurred during the first three days of treatment with C. officinalis and C. domestica EtAc fraction. The results with these species were firstly described and showed that N. officinale crude extract and C. domestica BuOH fraction both presented not toxic effects in the concentration tested by the spraying application method, and can be a useful alternative for treatment or prevention of AFB.

Com o objetivo de analisar a intensidade das alterações histológicas em brânquias de Centropomus undecimalis para avaliar a qualidade da água do Parque Ecológico Laguna da Jansen, em São Luís, Estado do Maranhão, coletaram-se exemplares de peixes no período chuvoso de 2012 e amostras de água nos períodos seco de 2011 e chuvoso de 2012 para análises físico-química e bacteriológica. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria dos parâmetros físico-químicos e bacteriológicos estava de acordo com os valores estabelecidos pela Resolução do CONAMA nº 357 de 2005. As alterações histológicas observadas foram: elevação do epitélio lamelar; proliferação excessiva de células dos epitélios filamentar e lamelar causando fusão total ou parcial das lamelas; alteração da estrutura das lamelas; hiperplasia das células mucosas; ruptura do epitélio lamelar; espessamento descontrolado do tecido proliferativo filamentar e lamelar e aneurismas de vários tamanhos. Também foi observada a presença de parasito em alguns exemplares. O Índice de Alteração Histológica (IAH) por indivíduo variou de 2 a 114. O valor médio do IAH obtido foi de 40,3, demonstrando que as brânquias dos indivíduos amostrados da espécie C. undecimalis apresentaram alterações de moderadas para severas no tecido. As alterações histológicas encontradas indicam que esses indivíduos desenvolveram mecanismos de defesa contra a ação de estressores presentes na água da laguna e a um provável desequilíbrio parasito-hospedeiro-ambiente associado à baixa qualidade do ambiente.

Aiming to analyze the intensity of the histological changes in the gills of Centropomus undecimalis to assess the water quality at Ecological Park of the Laguna da Jansen, in São Luís, State of Maranhão, specimens of fish were collected during the rainy season of 2012 and water samples during the dry season in 2011 and rainy season in 2012 for physical-chemical and bacteriological analyses. The results showed that most of the physical-chemical and bacteriological parameters analyzed agreed with the values established by CONAMA Resolution nº 357 of 2005. The histological changes were elevation of the lamellar epithelium, excessive cell proliferation of the filamentum and lamellar epithelium causing total or partial melting of the lamellar; changing the structure of the lamellar, hyperplasia of mucous cells, disruption of the lamellar epithelium, uncontrolled proliferative tissue filamentum thickening and lamellar and aneurysms in various sizes. We noted the presence of parasites in some samples. The Index Histological Amendment (IAH) per individual ranged from 2 to 114. The mean IAH obtained was 40.3, demonstrating that the gills of the individuals of the C. undecimalis species showed moderate to severe changes in the tissue. The histological findings indicate that these individuals have developed defense mechanisms against the action of stressors present in the water of the Laguna da Jansen and a probable parasite-host-environment imbalance associated with the environment's low quality.

Nós descrevemos ninho, ovos e ninhegos do formigueiro-do-litoral (Formicivora littoralis), uma ave ameaçada do ecossistema de Restinga (vegetação de planícies arenosas costeiras) que é endêmica do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Doze ninhos foram encontrados nas bordas de trilhas ou clareiras naturais na região da Restinga da Massambaba, em diferentes plantas suporte e alturas sobre o solo (X ± DP 1,27 ± 0,97 m, amplitude 0,27 a 3,45 m). Os ninhos tiveram forma de cesto e estavam em forquilhas horizontais, presos a galhos em três a cinco pontos com fibra vegetal esbranquiçada, macia e fina, semelhante a algodão. A forma de cesto e as medidas dos ninhos foram semelhantes às de espécies congêneres, mas o material do ninho foi diferente. Os ovos foram brancos com manchas marrons concentradas na extremidade mais larga ou na porção mediana, dando a aparência de um anel rudimentar marron. A média ± DP do diâmetro menor foi 13,1 ± 0,34 mm, com diâmetro máximo de 18,0 ± 0,38 mm, e massa de 1,7 ± 0,18 g (n = 8). Nós encontramos dois ninhegos completamente nús, em seu primeiro dia de nascidos.

We describe the nest, eggs, and nestlings of the Restinga Antwren (Formicivora littoralis), an endangered bird of Restinga ecosystem (sandy coastal plain vegetation) that is endemic to Rio de Janeiro state. Twelve nests were found at the edges of trails or natural gaps at Massambaba Restinga region, in different supporting plants and heights from the ground (X ± SD 1.27 ± 0.97 m, range 0.27 to 3.45 m). Nests were cup-shaped and were in horizontal forks attached to branches at three to five points with whitish, soft, and thin cotton-like vegetable fiber. The nests' cup shape and measurements were similar to congeneric species, but nest material was different. Eggs were white with brown spots concentrated on the large end or around the middle, giving the appearance of a rough brown ring. Their mean (± SD) minimum diameter was 13.1 ± 0.34 mm, with maximum diameter of 18.0 ± 0.38 mm, and mass of 1.7 ± 0.18 g (n = 8). We found two nestlings completely naked on their first day after hatching.