ABSTRACT
Abstract The life cycle of stink bug, Glyphepomis dubia and the development of two egg parasitoids (Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus basalis) were studied at the Federal University of Maranhão, at 26 ± 2oC, relative humidity (RH) of 60 ± 10% and 12h photophase. Individuals used in the study were collected from seven rice fields located around the municipality of Arari, Maranhão, Brazil, and maintained in greenhouse and laboratory for the life cycle studies. From egg to adult, G. dubia took 35.2 days to complete the life cycle. The oviposition period was 37 days, with egg masses of about 12 eggs each and viability of 93.1%. Longevity was 53 and 65 days for females and males, respectively. The egg parasitoids Te. podisi and Tr. basalis parasitized and developed in G. dubia eggs; however, the biological characteristics of Tr. basalis were affected. Emergence of the parasitoids was higher for Te. podisi (83.5%) compared to the records for Tr. basalis (50.4%). Therefore, G. dubia may potentially achieve a pest status and Te. podisi is a promising biological control agent for G. dubia management in Brazil due to its higher longevity and better reproductive parameters.
Resumo O ciclo de vida do percevejo, Glyphepomis dubia e a biologia de dois parasitoides de ovos (Telenomus podisi e Trissolcus basalis) foram estudados na Universidade Federal do Maranhão, a 26 ± 2oC, umidade relativa (UR) de 60 ± 10% e fotofase de 12h. Sete indivíduos de G. dubia foram coletados em lavoura de arroz localizada no município de Arari, Maranhão, Brasil e mantidos em casa de vegetação e laboratório para estudos de ciclo de vida. Do ovo ao adulto, G. dubia levou 35.2 dias para completar o ciclo de vida. O período de oviposição foi de 37 dias com massas de ovos com cerca de 12 ovos/massa e viabilidade de 93.1%. A longevidade foi de 53 e 65 dias, respectivamente, para fêmeas e machos. Os parasitoides de ovos, Te. podisi e Tr. basalis parasitaram e se desenvolveram em ovos de G. dubia, no entanto as características biológicas de Tr. basalis foi afetada. A emergência dos parasitoides foi maior para Te. podisi (83.5%) em comparação com o registrado para Tr. basalis (50.4%). Portanto, G. dubia poderá apresentar potencial para atingir o status de praga e Te. podisi é um promissor agente de controle biológico para ser utilizado no manejo de G. dubia no Brasil, pois apresentou maior longevidade e os melhores parâmetros reprodutivos.
Subject(s)
Humans , Animals , Oryza , Wasps , Heteroptera , Hemiptera , Hymenoptera , Oviposition , Ovum , BiologyABSTRACT
Abstract This was a forthcoming study of those patients, who undergo in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and freeze-all embryo, who acquiesce for the study. The number of participated patients (n=350) in this study, underwent for IVF. The blood sample was collected from patients to evaluate the level of serum progesterone in vacuum vials on the day of ovulation trigger. After 36 hrs of ovulation trigger, ovum picked up was done. Quantitative methods were used to estimate the level of serum progesterone through the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and correlation of serum progesterone with embryo transfer (ET) outcomes. Main outcome of this current study was to evaluate the value of mean serum progesterone level i.e.0.868± 0.712 ng/ml and 0.88±0.723 ng/ml was found in case of pregnancy positive and negative respectively, at p=0.216 value. In antagonist (n=40) and agonist (n=310) cases, it was 8(20%) and 37(11.94%) PL occurrence was noted at p=0.143 respectively. An overall value of the premature lutenization (PL) occurrences was 13.63% and 15.25% observed in both positive and negative cases of pregnancy at p=0.216 respectively. This study concluded that 12.66% of PL occurrences were recorded in the case of IVF. Study results proved, there were no significant effect of PL on pregnancy outcomes.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adult , Progesterone/agonists , Endometrium , Histology/classification , Methods , Ovulation/genetics , Ovum , Patients/classification , Immunoassay , Fertilization in Vitro/classification , Embryo Transfer/instrumentation , Embryonic StructuresABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Objective. This study was conducted to research the effects of different levels of dried white mulberry (Morus alba) pulp supplementation in diets of laying quail on yield performances, egg quality, blood parameters, yolk fatty acid profiles and cholesterol concentrations. Materials and Methods. A completely randomized experimental design, with four treatments and four replicates, was applied. The experimental treatments were M0: control diet; M4: dietary inclusion of 4% mulberry pulp; M8: dietary inclusion of 8% mulberry pulp; M12: dietary inclusion of 12% mulberry pulp. This experiment was carried out for 4 weeks, and 128 7-week-old female quail were used. Results. Addition of dried mulberry pulp to the diet significantly affected weekly feed intake, egg yield, albumin index, yolk weight, triglyceride, LDL, serum cholesterol and yolk cholesterol levels (p<0.05, p<0.01). The feed conversion ratio, egg weight, and egg yolk fatty acid profile were not significantly affected by the dried mulberry pulp in the diet. Conclusions. As a result, it may be stated that adding dried mulberry pulp up to 8% of the diets of laying quail does not cause any adverse effects and may be used without any problems.
RESUMEN Objetivo. El presente estudio tiene por objetivo investigar los efectos de los diferentes niveles de suplemento de la pulpa de mora blanca seca (Morus alba) en las dietas de la codorniz ponedora, el rendimiento, la calidad del huevo, los parámetros sanguíneos, perfiles de los ácidos grasos de la yema y las concentraciones de colesterol. Materiales y Métodos. Fue aplicado un diseño experimental totalmente aleatorio, con cuatro tratamientos y cuatro réplicas. Los tratamientos experimentales fueron M0: dieta de control; M4: introducción de 4% de pulpa de mora en la dieta; M8: introducción de 8% de pulpa de mora en la dieta; M12: introducción de 12% de pulpa de mora en la dieta. Este experimento se llevó a cabo durante 4 semanas, y se utilizaron 128 codornices hembras de 7 semanas de edad. Resultados. La agregación de pulpa de morera seca a la dieta influyó notablemente en la ingesta semanal de piensos, la producción de huevos, el índice de albúmina, el peso de la yema, el triglicérido, LDL, los niveles de colesterol en el suero y el colesterol en la yema (p<0.05, p<0.01). La tasa de proporción de conversión del pienso, el peso del huevo y el perfil de ácidos grasos de la yema de huevo no se vieron afectados significativamente por la pulpa de mora seca en la dieta. Conclusiones. Como resultado, se puede señalar que la agregación de pulpa de more seca hasta el 8% de las dietas de codorniz ponedora no causa ningún efecto adverso y se puede utilizar sin ningún problema.
Subject(s)
Animals , Ovum , Quail , Morus , Fatty Acids , Animal Feed , DietABSTRACT
This work was carried out to evaluate the effect of different particle size corn on the performance, egg quality and intestinal morphology of Hisex Brown laying hens. A total of 128 birds were used, in a completely randomized design with four treatments, four replicates and eight birds per experimental unit. Experimental rations had corn with different particle size: 565, 620, 781 and 1085 µm of mean geometric diameter (MGD). Feeding was ad libitum at 8:00 am and 4:00 p.m. The variables analyzed were: feed consumption, laying percentage, egg mass and weight, food conversion (was calculated by dividing the feed consumed by the total egg weight (kg.kg-1) and the number of eggs produced (kg.dozen-1)), shell percentage and thickness, Haugh unit, yolk color index and morphometry analysis of the intestinal mucosa. The use of corn with MGD until to 1085 µm in rations does not affect the performance and eggs quality of Hisex Bronw laying hens. However, there are indications that the intestinal morphometry of laying hens is negatively influenced by the increase in particle size of corn.(AU)
Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de diferentes tamanhos de partículas de milho no desempenho, qualidade dos ovos e morfologia intestinal de poedeiras Hisex Brown. Foram utilizadas 128 aves, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos, quatro repetições e oito aves por unidade experimental. As rações experimentais apresentaram milho de diferentes tamanhos de partículas: 565, 620, 781 e 1085 µm de diâmetro geométrico médio (DGM). A alimentação foi ad libitum às 8:00 e 16:00h. As variáveis analisadas foram: consumo de ração, porcentagem de postura, massa e peso dos ovos, conversão alimentar (calculada dividindo-se a ração consumida pelo peso total de ovos (kg/kg) e número de ovos produzidos (kg/dúzia)), porcentagem e espessura da casca, unidade de Haugh, índice e coloração de gema e análise morfométrica da mucosa intestinal. O uso de milho com DGM até 1085 µm nas rações não afeta o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras Hisex Brown. No entanto, há indicações de que a morfometria intestinal de poedeiras é influenciada negativamente pelo aumento no tamanho das partículas do milho.(AU)
Este estudio ha sido desarrollado con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de diferentes tamaños de partículas de maíz en el rendimiento, calidad de los huevos y la morfología intestinal de gallinas ponedoras Hisex Brown. Se utilizaron 128 aves, distribuidas en un experimento completamente al azar, con cuatro tratamientos, cuatro repeticiones y ocho aves por unidad experimental. Las raciones experimentales fueron elaboradas con maíz de diferentes tamaños de partículas: 565, 620, 781, 1085 µm de diámetro geométrico medio (DGM). La alimentación fue ad libitum a las 8:00 y a las 16:00h. Las variables analizadas fueron: consumo de ración, porcentaje de postura, masa y peso de los huevos, conversión alimenticia (se calculó dividiendo el alimento consumido por el peso total de huevos (kg/kg) y el número de huevos producidos (kg/docena)), porcentaje y espesor de cáscara, unidad Haugh, índice y coloración de yema, y análisis morfométrica de la mucosa intestinal. La utilización de maíz con DGM de hasta 1085 µm en las raciones no perjudica el rendimiento y la calidad de los huevos de las ponedoras Hisex Brown. Sin embargo, hay indicaciones de que la morfometría intestinal de gallinas ponedoras es influenciada de forma negativa por el aumento del tamaño de las partículas del maíz.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Ovum , Birds , Zea mays , Animal Feed/analysis , Particle Size , EfficiencySubject(s)
Animals , Wasps , Solanum lycopersicum , Hymenoptera , Lepidoptera , Moths , Ovum , Brazil , Pest Control, Biological , SolanalesABSTRACT
Abstract The study evaluated the ovicidal activity of enzymatic extracts of Purpureocillium lilacinum and Trichoderma virens against trichostrongylid eggs from sheep. Filtered extract (FE) and macerated crude extract (MCE) were prepared from fungal cultures in minimal broth. In the experiment, 100 trichostrongylid eggs, obtained from the feces of naturally infected sheep, were exposed to fungal extracts for 24 and 48 hours/25°C. In the control group, eggs were incubated in minimal broth. The number of L1 larvae was ascertained. Each treatment consisted of four repetitions and the experiment was repeated five times. It was observed that the effect of FE and MCE of P. lilacinum and T. virens on egg hatchability differed from that of the control group. MCE of T. virens and P. lilacinum showed higher ovicidal activity than FE over both periods and at 48 hours of exposure, respectively. From the percentage reductions in hatchability of the eggs, MCE was shown to be superior to FE for both fungi. This study demonstrated the ovicidal potential of these fungi against trichostrongylid eggs. However, further studies are needed in order to identify the molecules responsible for the ovicidal effects, and to evaluate the behavior of fungal extracts in biotic and abiotic interactions.
Resumo O estudo avaliou a atividade ovicida de extratos enzimáticos de Purpureocillium lilacinum e Trichoderma virens sobre ovos de tricostrongilídeos de ovinos. Extrato filtrado (EF) e extrato macerado bruto (EMB) foram preparados a partir de culturas fúngicas em caldo mínimo. No ensaio experimental, 100 ovos de tricostrongilídeos, obtidos de fezes de ovinos naturalmente infectados, foram expostos durante 24 e 48 horas/25ºC aos extratos dos fungos. No grupo controle, os ovos foram incubados em caldo mínimo. O número de larvas L1 foi determinado. Cada tratamento consistiu em quatro repetições e o experimento foi repetido cinco vezes. Observou-se que o efeito ovicida do EF e EMB de P. lilacinum e T. virens diferiu do grupo controle. O EMB de T. virens e P. lilacinum evidenciou atividade ovicida superior ao EF em ambos os períodos avaliados e em 48 horas de exposição, respectivamente. O percentual de redução de eclodibilidade evidenciou que o EMB foi superior ao EF em ambos os fungos. Este estudo demonstra o potencial ovicida desses fungos sobre ovos de tricostrongilídeos. No entanto, estudos adicionais são necessários para identificar as moléculas responsáveis pelo efeito ovicida, bem como avaliar o comportamento dos extratos fúngicos em interações bióticas e abióticas.
Subject(s)
Animals , Sheep Diseases/prevention & control , Trichostrongyloidiasis/veterinary , Sheep/parasitology , Hypocrea , Biological Control Agents , Hypocreales , Ovum , Sheep Diseases/parasitology , Trichostrongyloidea , Trichostrongyloidiasis/prevention & control , LarvaABSTRACT
Subject(s)
Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Cell Culture Techniques , Cell Line , Chickens , Eggs , Erythrocytes , Guinea Pigs , Hand , Hemagglutination , Hemagglutinins , Humans , Influenza Vaccines , Influenza, Human , Neuraminidase , Orthomyxoviridae , Ovum , Sequence Analysis , Specific Pathogen-Free OrganismsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We evaluated the severity of olfactory disturbance (OD) in the murine model of allergic rhinitis (AR) and local allergic rhinitis (LAR) in mice. We also investigated the therapeutic effect of an intranasal steroid on OD. METHODS: Forty BALB/c mice were divided into 5 groups (n = 8 for each). The control group was sensitized intraperitoneally (i.p.) and challenged intranasally (i.n.) with saline. Mice in the AR group got i.p. and i.n. ovalbumin (OVA) administration for AR induction. The LAR group was challenged i.n. with 1% OVA for inducing local nasal allergic inflammation, without inducing the systemic allergy. The OD group got an i.p. methimazole administration (75 mg/kg) to induce total destruction of olfactory mucosa. Mice in the intranasal budesonide group received i.n. budesonide (12.8 μg per time, 30 minutes after the i.n. OVA challenge) while using OVA to cause systemic allergies. We conducted a buried-food pellet test to functionally assess the degree of OD in each group by measuring the time taken until finding hidden food. We evaluated the damage to olfactory epithelium using histopathologic evaluation and compared the degree of olfactory marker protein (OMP) expression in olfactory epithelium using immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS: Mice of the AR (81.3 ± 19.8 seconds) and LAR groups (66.2 ± 12.7 seconds) spent significantly more time to detect the pellets than the control group (35.6 ± 12.2 seconds, P < 0.01). After treatment, the intranasal budesonide group exhibited significantly better results (35.8 ± 11.9 seconds) compared with the AR and LAR groups (P < 0.01). The AR and LAR groups showed considerable olfactory epithelial damage and suppression of OMP expression compared with the control group. In the intranasal budesonide group, the olfactory lesions and OMP expression had improved substantially. CONCLUSIONS: OD may be caused by olfactory epithelial damage and suppression of OMP expression in nasal allergic inflammation and could be reversed using an intranasal steroid.
Subject(s)
Animals , Budesonide , Hypersensitivity , Inflammation , Methimazole , Mice , Olfaction Disorders , Olfactory Marker Protein , Olfactory Mucosa , Ovalbumin , Ovum , Quality of Life , Rhinitis, Allergic , SteroidsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Alterations in the intestinal microbiota in early life affects the development of atopic dermatitis (AD) in humans. This study aimed to further investigate the effects of gut dysbiosis in early life in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model of AD. METHODS: The AD mouse model was developed by serial OVA sensitization and mice were treated with an antibiotic cocktail in their drinking water for 2 weeks before primary sensitization. Probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, 1 × 10⁹ CFU) or 100 µL of fresh fecal supernatant were orally administered daily from 1 week before the first sensitization until the end of the study. RESULTS: The AD mice which received antibiotics had significantly aggravated phenotypes, including clinical score, transepidermal water loss, and histopathology, compared to those treated with healthy feces or probiotics. Total systemic immunoglobulin E production and skin interleukin (IL) 4 levels were significantly increased in the antibiotic-treated mice compared to the other groups. Antibiotic treatment also increased the levels of IL17 and group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) in the gut and significantly suppressed the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and decreased the number FOXP3⁺ cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the status of the gut microbiota in early life in the mouse may play a crucial role in AD development through intestinal SCFA production through regulate the numbers of CD4⁺IL17⁺/CD4⁺FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cells and ILC3s.
Subject(s)
Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Cytokines , Dermatitis, Atopic , Drinking Water , Dysbiosis , Fatty Acids , Fatty Acids, Volatile , Feces , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Humans , Immunoglobulin E , Immunoglobulins , Interleukins , Intestines , Lymphocytes , Mice , Microbiota , Ovalbumin , Ovum , Phenotype , Probiotics , Skin , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory , WaterABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Simple and reliable animal models of human diseases contribute to the understanding of disease pathogenesis as well as the development of therapeutic interventions. Although several murine models to mimic human asthma have been established, most of them require anesthesia, resulting in variability among test individuals, and do not mimic asthmatic responses accompanied by T-helper (Th) 17 and neutrophils. As dendritic cells (DCs) are known to play an important role in initiating and maintaining asthmatic inflammation, we developed an asthma model via adoptive transfer of allergen-loaded DCs.METHODS: Ovalbumin (OVA)-loaded bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) (OVA-BMDCs) were injected intravenously 3 times into non-anesthetized C57BL/6 mice after intraperitoneal OVA-sensitization.RESULTS: OVA-BMDC-transferred mice developed severe asthmatic immune responses when compared with mice receiving conventional OVA challenge intranasally. Notably, remarkable increases in systemic immunoglobulin (Ig) E and IgG1 responses, Th2/Th17-associated cytokines (interleukin [IL]-5, IL-13 and IL-17), Th2/Th17-skewed T-cell responses, and cellular components, including eosinophils, neutrophils, and goblet cells, were observed in the lungs of OVA-BMDC-transferred mice. Moreover, the asthmatic immune responses and severity of inflammation were correlated with the number of OVA-BMDCs transferred, indicating that the disease severity and asthma type may be adjusted according to the experimental purpose by this method. Furthermore, this model exhibited less variation among the test individuals than the conventional model. In addition, this DCs-based asthma model was partially resistant to steroid treatment.CONCLUSIONS: A reliable murine model of asthma by intravenous (i.v.) transfer of OVA-BMDCs was successfully established without anesthesia. This model more accurately reflects heterogeneous human asthma, exhibiting a robust Th2/Th17-skewed response and eosinophilic/neutrophilic infiltration with good reproducibility and low variation among individuals. This model will be useful for understanding the pathogenesis of asthma and would serve as an alternative tool for immunological studies on the function of DCs, T-cell responses and new drugs.
Subject(s)
Adoptive Transfer , Anesthesia , Animals , Asthma , Cytokines , Dendritic Cells , Eosinophils , Goblet Cells , Humans , Immunoglobulin G , Immunoglobulins , Inflammation , Interleukin-13 , Lung , Methods , Mice , Models, Animal , Neutrophils , Ovalbumin , Ovum , T-LymphocytesABSTRACT
Hydatid disease is a zoonotic infection in humans. The disease is endemic in some parts of the world, including Africa, Australia, and Asia, where cattle grazing is common; the disease is spread by an enteric route following the consumption of food contaminated with the eggs of the parasite. Failure to identify this parasite results in delayed diagnosis and increased morbidity to the patient. Upon diagnosis, every possible step should be taken, both surgical and medical, to prevent anaphylactic reactions from the cystic fluid. Postsurgical long-term follow up along with periodical ultrasonography of the liver and computed tomography scan of the abdomen is essential to rule out possible recurrence.
Subject(s)
Abdomen , Africa , Anaphylaxis , Animals , Asia , Australia , Cattle , Delayed Diagnosis , Diagnosis , Echinococcosis , Eggs , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Liver , Ovum , Parasites , Recurrence , Ultrasonography , ZoonosesABSTRACT
Abstract Gastrointestinal Nematode Infection (GIN) are the main constraint to the production of small ruminants. Studies of medicinal plants have been an important alternative in the effort to control these parasites. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro ovicidal and larvicidal activity of essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis. The oil was extracted, analyzed by gas chromatography and tested on GIN eggs and larvae in six concentrations, 227.5mg/mL, 113.7mg/mL, 56.8mg/mL, 28.4mg/mL, 14.2mg/mL and 7.1mg/mL. To determine the ovicidal activity, GIN eggs were recovered from sheep feces and incubated for 48h with different concentrations of the oil. For the evaluation of larval migration, third-stage larvae (L3) were obtained by fecal culture, and associated with the essential oil for 24h at the same concentrations, after which they were left for another 24 hours on microsieves, followed by the count of migrating and non-migrating larvae. The assays of R. officinalis oil showed a significant (p<0.05) 97.4% to 100% inhibition of egg hatching and a significant (p<0.05) 20% to 74% inhibition of larval migration. The main constituent revealed by gas chromatography was Eucalyptol. The results indicate that R. officinalis essential oil has ovicidal and larvicidal activity on sheep GINs.
Resumo As infecções por nematódeos gastrintestinais (ING) constituem a maior limitação à produção de pequenos ruminantes. Na busca do controle desses parasitos, estudos com plantas medicinais têm sido uma importante alternativa. Visto isto, o estudo desenvolvido teve como objetivo avaliar a ação ovicida e larvicida in vitro do óleo essencial de Rosmarinus officinalis. O óleo foi extraído, analisado por cromatografia gasosa e testado sobre ovos e larvas de ING em seis concentrações, 227,5mg/mL; 113,7mg/mL; 56,8mg/mL; 28,4mg/mL; 14,2mg/mL; 7,1mg/mL. Para determinar a ação ovicida, ovos de ING foram recuperados de fezes de ovinos e incubados por 48h com as diferentes concentrações do óleo. Na avaliação da migração das larvas, as larvas de terceiro estágio (L3) foram obtidas por coprocultura, e associadas ao óleo essencial por 24h nas mesmas concentrações, permanecendo por mais 24h em microtamises, seguindo-se a contagem de larvas que migraram e que não migraram. Os testes in vitro com o óleo de R. officinalis mostraram o nível de significância (p<0.05) 97,4% a 100% na inibição da eclodibilidade e 20% a 74% na inibição da migração das larvas. Na análise por cromatografia gasosa o constituinte majoritário foi o eucaliptol. Os resultados apresentados mostram que o óleo essencial de R. officinalis possui ação ovicida e larvicida sobre ING de ovinos.
Subject(s)
Animals , Ovum/drug effects , Oils, Volatile/pharmacology , Sheep/parasitology , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Rosmarinus/chemistry , Larva/drug effects , Nematoda/drug effects , Oils, Volatile/isolation & purification , Chromatography, Gas , Parasitic Sensitivity Tests , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Nematoda/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
Cancer is a multifactorial disease that constitutes a serious public health problem worldwide. Prostate cancer advanced stages are associated with the development of androgen-independent tumors and an apoptosis-resistant phenotype that progresses to metastasis. By studying androgen-independent lymphoid nodule carcinoma of the prostate (LNCaP) cells induced to apoptosis by serum elimination, we identified the activation of a non-selective cationic channel of 23pS conductance that promotes incoming Ca2+ currents, as well as apoptosis final stages. arp2cDNA was isolated and identified to be of the same cell type, and mRNA was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, which was found to be associated with the activation of incoming Ca2+ currents and induction to apoptosis. cDNA, which encodes the ARP2 protein, was overexpressed in LNCaP cells and Chinese hamster ovary cells, which induced apoptosis. Our evidence suggests that protein ARP2 overexpression and transit to the cell membrane allows an increased Ca2+ incoming current that initiates the apoptosis process in epithelial-type cells whose phenotype shows resistance to programmed cell death.
Subject(s)
Humans , Animals , Male , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology , Calcium/metabolism , Apoptosis/physiology , Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/metabolism , Ovum/metabolism , Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism , Xenopus laevis , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Calcium Channels/metabolism , Cricetulus , CHO Cells , DNA, Complementary/isolation & purification , Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
Abstract Purpureocillium lilacinum is a nematophagous fungus used in biological control against some parasites, including Toxocara canis. This study researched the infectivity of embryonated T. canis eggs after exposure to the fungus P. lilacinum. T. canis eggs were exposed to P. lilacinum for 15 or 30 days and subsequently administered to Swiss mice (n=20). Control group consisted of mice who received T. canis embryonated eggs without fungal exposure. Forty-eight hours after infection, heart, lung, and liver from animals of each group were collected to assess larval recovery. The organs of mice that received embryonated eggs exposed to the fungus showed a lower average larval recovery (P<0.05) suggesting that exposure of T. canis eggs to P. lilacinum was able to reduce experimental infection. Under the evaluated conditions, the interaction time between the fungus and the parasite eggs was not a significant factor in larvae recovery. P. lilacinum may be considered a promising T. canis biological control agent. However, further studies are needed to determine a protocol for the use of this fungus as a biological control agent.
Resumo Purpureocillium lilacinum é um fungo nematófago com potencial para uso no controle biológico de parasitos, incluindo Toxocara canis. Este estudo pesquisou a infectividade de ovos de T. canis embrionados após exposição ao fungo P. lilacinum . Ovos de T. canis foram expostos ao fungo por 15 ou 30 dias e subsequentemente administrados a camundongos Swiss (n=20). O grupo controle consistiu de camundongos que receberam ovos embrionados do parasita sem exposição ao fungo. Quarenta e oito horas após a infecção, coração, pulmão e fígado dos camundongos foram coletados para avaliar a recuperação larval. Os órgãos dos animais que receberam ovos embrionados expostos ao fungo apresentaram menor média de recuperação larval (P<0,05) do que os infectados com ovos sem exposição ao fungo, sugerindo que a exposição dos ovos de T. canis a P. lilacinum foi capaz de reduzir a infecção experimental. Nas condições avaliadas, o tempo de interação entre o fungo e os ovos do parasito não foi um fator significativo na recuperação das larvas. P. lilacinum pode ser considerado um promissor agente de controle biológico de T. canis, no entanto, mais estudos são necessários para avaliar o emprego deste fungo como um agente de controle biológico.
Subject(s)
Animals , Ovum/microbiology , Toxocara canis/microbiology , Biological Control Agents , Hypocreales/physiology , Ovum/ultrastructure , Toxocara canis/ultrastructure , Microscopy, Electrochemical, Scanning , MiceABSTRACT
Abstract Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are considered the main fruit pests worldwide. In Brazil, two species are predominant: the South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus and the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. In this study, we evaluated the effect of artificial diets with variable pH in their larval development and adult performance. The experiments were carried out in the laboratory at 25 ± 2 °C, 70 ± 10% RH and 12:12h (L:D) photoperiod. Semisolid diets with pH values of 6.0, 5.0, 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, 1.5, and 1.0, adjusted by adding hydrochloric acid were tested. Results indicated that the diet with pH 6.0 did not support larval development of both species of fruit fly. Diets with greater acidic pH values did not allow egg, larvae or pupae development and adult reproduction of A. fraterculus. For C. capitata , the pH of artificial diet exerts greater influence compared to A. fraterculus on the duration and viability of the larval stage, number of pupae, sex ratio and longevity of males.
Resumo As moscas-das-frutas (Diptera: Tephritidae) são consideradas as principais pragas da fruticultura mundial. No Brasil, duas espécies são predomindantes: a mosca-das-frutas Sul-americana, Anastrepha fraterculus e a mosca-do-Mediterrâneo, Ceratitis capitata. Neste estudo avaliamos o efeito de dietas artificiais com pH variável no seu desenvolvimento larval e performance de adultos. Os experimentos foram realizados em laboratório a 25 ± 2 °C, 70 ± 10% UR e fotoperíodo de 12:12 horas. Foram testadas dietas semi-sólidas com valores de pH de 6,0; 5,0; 4,0; 3,0; 2,0; 1,5 e 1,0, ajustados pela adição de ácido clorídrico. Os resultados indicaram que a dieta com pH 6,0 não suportou o desenvolvimento larval de ambas as espécies de mosca-das-frutas. As dietas com pH ácido não permitiram o desenvolvimento de ovos, larvas ou pupas e a reprodução de adultos de A. fraterculus. Para C. capitata o pH da dieta artificial exerceu maior influência do que para A. fraterculus nos parâmetros de duração e viabilidade do estágio larval, número de pupas, razão sexual e longevidade de machos.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Female , Insect Control/methods , Tephritidae/physiology , Animal Feed/analysis , Ovum/growth & development , Pupa/growth & development , Species Specificity , Tephritidae/growth & development , Ceratitis capitata/growth & development , Ceratitis capitata/physiology , Diet , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Larva/growth & developmentABSTRACT
Helmintex is a sensitive method used for detecting Schistosoma mansoni eggs. Here, we describe the observed frequency of six proposed criteria associated with the identification of S. mansoni eggs prepared with the Helmintex method and stained with ninhydrin. The efficacy of these criteria in classifying S. mansoni eggs when applied in various combinations was also examined. Nine observers registered the presence or absence of 6 different criteria in 100 eggs using a microscope at 100x magnification. Ninhydrin purple, which was frequently observed, was the criterion associated with the lowest inter-observer variability. At least three criteria were associated with a significantly better performance in egg identification. In conclusion, ninhydrin staining and a combination of criteria are recommended for microscope examination of faecal sediments.
Subject(s)
Animals , Ovum/cytology , Parasite Egg Count/methods , Schistosoma mansoni/isolation & purification , Feces/parasitology , Indicators and Reagents , Ninhydrin , Parasite Egg Count/standards , Reference Values , Reproducibility of ResultsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is increasing in young children. The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of anaphylaxis in Korean infants, with a focus on food triggers. METHODS: The study analyzed the medical records of infants aged 0 to 2 years old who had been diagnosed with anaphylaxis in 23 secondary or tertiary hospitals in Korea. RESULTS: We identified 363 cases of infantile anaphylaxis (66.9% male). Cutaneous symptoms were most prevalent (98.6%), followed by respiratory (83.2%), gastrointestinal (29.8%), and neurologic (11.6%) symptoms. Cardiovascular symptoms were noted in 7.7% of the cases. Most of the cases of anaphylaxis (338; 93.1%) were induced by foods. The most common trigger food was cow's milk and cow's milk products (43.8%), followed by hen's eggs (21.9%), walnuts (8.3%), wheat (7.7%), peanuts (4.8%), other nuts (3.0%), and fish (2.1%). In cow's milk-induced anaphylaxis cases, more than half the cases had cow's milk specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels that were lower than the diagnostic decision points (DDPs), which is 5 kUA/L for those under the age of 1 and 15 kUA/L for those over the age of 1. In anaphylaxis induced by hen's egg, most of the cases (91.8%) had hen's egg sIgE levels that were higher than the DDP, which is 2 kUA/L for those under the age of 2 and 7 kUA/L for those over the age of 2. Of the infantile anaphylaxis cases, 46.8% had been treated with epinephrine, and 25.1% had been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector. CONCLUSION: Cow's milk is the most frequent trigger food of anaphylaxis in Korean infants. However, we found no significant correlation between the sIgE level and clinical severity. Education is required regarding the importance of epinephrine as the first line therapy for anaphylaxis and on properly prescribing epinephrine for infants with a history of anaphylaxis.
Subject(s)
Anaphylaxis , Arachis , Child , Education , Eggs , Epinephrine , Humans , Immunoglobulin E , Immunoglobulins , Infant , Juglans , Korea , Medical Records , Milk , Nuts , Ovum , Retrospective Studies , Tertiary Care Centers , TriticumABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The extract of Hizikia fusiformis is known to exhibit anticancer, antiatopic and antioxidant activities. We aimed to investigate the extract of H. fusiformis on allergic rhinitis inflammation in a mouse model. METHODS: The 4-week-old BALB/c mice were randomly assigned into four groups: group A, control group (n=9); group B, allergic rhinitis group (n=10); group C (n=10) received 300 mg/kg of H. fusiformis during nasal challenging period; group D (n=10) received 600 mg/kg of H. fusiformis during general sensitization period and 300 mg/kg of H. fusiformis during nasal challenging period. Allergic inflammation was made with ovalbumin (OVA) and alum then challenged intranasally with OVA. H. fusiformis was intraperitoneally administered 3 hours before the OVA administration. Allergic symptom score and the levels of immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), IgG2a, OVA-specific IgE antibodies, levels of cytokines in the nasal mucosa and in spleen cell culture supernatant, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-13, and IL-10 were assessed. The percentage of regulatory T cell was analyzed by flow cytometry. Eosinophilic infiltration and goblet cell hyperplasia were also evaluated. RESULTS: H. fusiformis administered groups C and D showed significant inhibitory effects on nasal symptoms, IL-13 mRNA expression and eosinophil infiltration/goblet cell hyperplasia in the nasal tissue; OVA-specific IgE production in serum (P<0.05). In group D, H. fusiformis treatment downregulated IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TNF-α, and IL-10 cytokine expression in splenocyte culture as well as significantly decreased IgG2a, IgG1 levels in serum compared with group B (P<0.05). However, the expressions of IL-5, interferon-γ and forkhead box P3 mRNA did not change in groups C and D. CONCLUSION: H. fusiformis could induce antiallergic inflammation by suppressing the T-helper type 2 cytokine production (IL-13) locally and systemically, OVA-specific IgE formation, goblet cell hyperplasia, and eosinophilic infiltration in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis. Thus, H. fusiformis could be considered as a potential therapeutic agent in treating allergic rhinitis.
Subject(s)
Animals , Antibodies , Cell Culture Techniques , Cytokines , Eosinophils , Flow Cytometry , Goblet Cells , Hyperplasia , Immunoglobulin E , Immunoglobulin G , Immunoglobulins , Inflammation , Interleukin-10 , Interleukin-13 , Interleukin-4 , Interleukin-5 , Mice , Nasal Mucosa , Ovalbumin , Ovum , Rhinitis, Allergic , RNA, Messenger , Spleen , Th2 Cells , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alphaABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the causative allergens and clinical characteristics of Korean adult patients with food allergy (FA). METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional single-institutional study enrolled Korean adult patients (n = 812) suspected of having FA. For diagnosis, causality assessment history taking, ImmunoCAP specific immunoglobulin E measurement and/or skin prick test were performed. RESULTS: Among 812 patients, 415 were diagnosed as having FA. The most common causative allergen was fruit, with a diagnosis of pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS: 155, 37.3%), followed by crustaceans (111, 26.7%), wheat (63, 15.1%), fruits in patients without PFAS(43, 10.3%), buckwheat (31, 7.4%), peanut (31, 7.4%), walnut (25, 6.0%), red meat due to reaction to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) (8, 1.9%), and silkworm pupa (13, 3.1%). Allergy to egg, milk, fish, or shellfish was rare in Korean adults. One-third of patients with FA exhibited multiple FAs (238/415, 57.3%); the average number of causative allergens was 2.39. About 129 patients (31.0%) were diagnosed as having anaphylaxis; in these patients, wheat was the most frequent causative food. Twenty patients were further diagnosed with food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA); all were due to wheat. In particular, crustaceans, wheat, PFAS, buckwheat, and red meat (α-Gal) were also frequent causes of anaphylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Wheat, fruits with or without PFAS, and crustaceans are important and frequent causative allergens in Korean adult FA; these allergens differ from those found in childhood FA. It is notable that non-classic allergies, such as PFAS, FDEIA, and α-Gal allergy, are the important causes of anaphylaxis in Korean adult FA.