Identification of SARS-CoV-2 in urban rodents from Southern Mexico City at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Currently, there are some concerns about the situation and, in particular, about the future of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. Rodents are an example of synanthropic animals in urban environments that harbor important zoonoses. Although the molecular identification of SARS-CoV-2 in Rattus norvegicus from New York City had been reported, in other studies, urban wild rodents infected with this virus have not been found. This study aimed to molecularly identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in urban wild rodents from Mexico City, trapped along a water channel of a public park as part of a pest control program, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during the fall and winter of 2020. Up to 33 Mus musculus and 52 R. norvegicus were captured and euthanized, large intestine samples with feces from the animals were obtained. RNAs were obtained and subjected to qRT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 identification and threshold cycle (Ct) values were obtained. Four mice (12.1%) and three rats (5.8%) were positive, three rodents exhibited Ct<30. Our results on the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 in urban rats are in line with other previous reports. Thus, similar to other authors, we suggest that surveillance for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in urban wild rodents, as sentinel animals, should be maintained.

Distribution of commensal rodents in rain-fed and irrigated areas of Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Distribuição de roedores comensais em áreas irrigadas e chuvosas do distrito de Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Distribution pattern and relative abundance of the agricultural rodent pests of rain-fed and irrigated areas of district Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan were recorded from April 2011 to November 2013 using wire mesh live traps. A total of 350 rodents (269 Rattus rattus and 81 Mus musculus) were captured under 2268 trap nights (trap success: 0.15). Regression of daily captures on cumulative captures revealed an estimate of 350 rodents from all the sampled structures with an average of 21.8 rodents per crop field. House rats (R. rattus; 76.8% of captures) were numerically dominant in almost all types of agricultural fields, and were significantly different from the mice (Mus musculus; 23.1% of captures). Both species were found together in some fields. The sex ratio revealed that males outnumbered the females in both of the reported species.

O padrão de distribuição e a abundância relativa de pragas de roedores agrícolas nas áreas irrigadas e irrigadas do distrito Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão foram registrados de abril de 2011 a novembro de 2013 usando armadilhas vivas de malha de arame. Um total de 350 roedores (269 Rattus rattus e 81 Mus musculus) foram capturados em 2268 noites de armadilha (sucesso da armadilha: 0,15). A regressão das capturas diárias em capturas cumulativas revelou uma estimativa de 350 roedores de todas as estruturas amostradas, com uma média de 21,8 roedores por campo agrícola. Os ratos domésticos (R. rattus; 76,8% das capturas) foram numericamente dominantes em quase todos os tipos de campos agrícolas e foram significativamente diferentes dos camundongos (Mus musculus; 23,1% das capturas). Ambas as espécies foram encontradas juntas em alguns campos. A proporção de sexo revelou que os machos superaram as fêmeas em ambas as espécies relatadas.

Distribution of commensal rodents in rain-fed and irrigated areas of Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract Distribution pattern and relative abundance of the agricultural rodent pests of rain-fed and irrigated areas of district Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan were recorded from April 2011 to November 2013 using wire mesh live traps. A total of 350 rodents (269 Rattus rattus and 81 Mus musculus) were captured under 2268 trap nights (trap success: 0.15). Regression of daily captures on cumulative captures revealed an estimate of 350 rodents from all the sampled structures with an average of 21.8 rodents per crop field. House rats (R. rattus; 76.8% of captures) were numerically dominant in almost all types of agricultural fields, and were significantly different from the mice (Mus musculus; 23.1% of captures). Both species were found together in some fields. The sex ratio revealed that males outnumbered the females in both of the reported species.

Resumo O padrão de distribuição e a abundância relativa de pragas de roedores agrícolas nas áreas irrigadas e irrigadas do distrito Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão foram registrados de abril de 2011 a novembro de 2013 usando armadilhas vivas de malha de arame. Um total de 350 roedores (269 Rattus rattus e 81 Mus musculus) foram capturados em 2268 noites de armadilha (sucesso da armadilha: 0,15). A regressão das capturas diárias em capturas cumulativas revelou uma estimativa de 350 roedores de todas as estruturas amostradas, com uma média de 21,8 roedores por campo agrícola. Os ratos domésticos (R. rattus; 76,8% das capturas) foram numericamente dominantes em quase todos os tipos de campos agrícolas e foram significativamente diferentes dos camundongos (Mus musculus; 23,1% das capturas). Ambas as espécies foram encontradas juntas em alguns campos. A proporção de sexo revelou que os machos superaram as fêmeas em ambas as espécies relatadas.

Distribution of commensal rodents in rain-fed and irrigated areas of Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Distribuição de roedores comensais em áreas irrigadas e chuvosas do distrito de Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Distribution pattern and relative abundance of the agricultural rodent pests of rain-fed and irrigated areas of district Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan were recorded from April 2011 to November 2013 using wire mesh live traps. A total of 350 rodents (269 Rattus rattus and 81 Mus musculus) were captured under 2268 trap nights (trap success: 0.15). Regression of daily captures on cumulative captures revealed an estimate of 350 rodents from all the sampled structures with an average of 21.8 rodents per crop field. House rats (R. rattus; 76.8% of captures) were numerically dominant in almost all types of agricultural fields, and were significantly different from the mice (Mus musculus; 23.1% of captures). Both species were found together in some fields. The sex ratio revealed that males outnumbered the females in both of the reported species.

O padrão de distribuição e a abundância relativa de pragas de roedores agrícolas nas áreas irrigadas e irrigadas do distrito Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão foram registrados de abril de 2011 a novembro de 2013 usando armadilhas vivas de malha de arame. Um total de 350 roedores (269 Rattus rattus e 81 Mus musculus) foram capturados em 2268 noites de armadilha (sucesso da armadilha: 0,15). A regressão das capturas diárias em capturas cumulativas revelou uma estimativa de 350 roedores de todas as estruturas amostradas, com uma média de 21,8 roedores por campo agrícola. Os ratos domésticos (R. rattus; 76,8% das capturas) foram numericamente dominantes em quase todos os tipos de campos agrícolas e foram significativamente diferentes dos camundongos (Mus musculus; 23,1% das capturas). Ambas as espécies foram encontradas juntas em alguns campos. A proporção de sexo revelou que os machos superaram as fêmeas em ambas as espécies relatadas.

Tartrazina induce genotoxicidad en linfocitos de BALB/c Mus musculus / Tartrazine induces genotoxicity in BALB/c Mus musculus lymphocytes

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar el efecto genotóxico de la tartrazina en linfocitos de sangre periférica de Mus musculus BALB/c. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio experimental, a través de cinco grupos, con cinco ratones en cada uno. Se les registró el peso durante 17 semanas y, en la semana 15 se les administró suero fisiológico (control negativo), dicromato de potasio 25 mg/kg de peso corporal (pc) (control positivo) y tartrazina a dosis de 0,75 mg/kg pc, 7,5 mg/kg pc y 75 mg/kg pc, durante siete días, a excepción del control positivo que fue en dosis única. Luego, cada 24 h se obtuvo una muestra de sangre periférica de la cola y se realizó el frotis, secado y coloración. Posteriormente, se realizó el conteo de 1000 linfocitos por muestra de cada ratón, en todos los tratamientos. Resultados. Los tres tratamientos con tartrazina no causaron diferencias significativas en el peso de ratones a la semana 15, pero sí produjeron diferencias significativas en la frecuencia de linfocitos micronucleados, siendo el tratamiento con tartrazina de 75 mg/kg pc el de mayor efecto genotóxico, induciendo un promedio de 1,63 ± 0,08 linfocitos micronucleados, comparado con el control positivo que generó un promedio de 1,42 ± 0,08 linfocitos micronucleados. Conclusiones. La tartrazina produjo un efecto genotóxico, incrementando el número de linfocitos micronucleados, a dosis de 0,75; 7,5 y 75 mg/kg pc y no afecta el peso corporal durante siete días de administración en M. musculus BALB/c.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To determine the genotoxic effect of tartrazine on peripheral blood lymphocytes of BALB/c Mus musculus. Materials and methods. An experimental study was carried out using five groups, with five mice in each group. Their weight was registered for 17 weeks, and at week 15 they were administered physiological saline solution (negative control), potassium dichromate at 25 mg/kg body weight (bw) (positive control) and tartrazine at doses of 0.75 mg/kg bw, 7.5 mg/kg bw and 75 mg/kg bw, for seven days, with the exception of the positive control which was a single dose. Then, every 24 hours, a peripheral blood sample was obtained from the tail, which was then smeared, dried and stained. Subsequently, 1000 lymphocytes were counted for each sample from each mouse, for all treatment groups. Results. The three tartrazine treatments did not cause significant differences in the weight of mice at week 15, but did produce significant differences in the frequency of micronucleated lymphocytes, with the 75 mg/kg bw tartrazine treatment having the greatest genotoxic effect, inducing an average of 1.63 ± 0.08 micronucleated lymphocytes, compared to the positive control which obtained an average of 1.42 ± 0.08 micronucleated lymphocytes. Conclusions. Tartrazine produced a genotoxic effect, increasing the number of micronucleated lymphocytes, at doses of 0.75; 7.5 and 75 mg/kg bw and did not affect body weight during seven days of administration to BALB/c M. musculus.

La relevancia moral del dolor de animales de experimentación y de producción / The moral relevance of pain in experimental and production animals

RESUMEN: El aspecto emocional del dolor no solo es controvertido en aves, peces y roedores, sino también en los seres humanos autoconscientes. Cuando el dolor emocional, o la insatisfacción, es vista como un mal intrínseco, evitarla o, al menos, minimizarla es un deber moral directo. El objetivo de este artículo es mostrar que no solo los modelos animales mamíferos que se utilizan en experimentación -rata (Rattus norvegicus) y ratón (Mus musculus)- sienten dolor, como reconocen universalmente las instituciones que se ocupan del bienestar animal, sino también los peces de laboratorio (Danio rerio) y los de producción (Salmo salar), y que este hecho es moralmente relevante desde el punto de vista de todas las concepciones de la moral que suelen enfrentarse en los debates morales públicos y académicos. En consecuencia, también en el caso de los peces habría que tener en cuenta indicadores de bienestar animal.

SUMMARY: The emotional aspect of pain is not only controversial in fish and rodents, but also in self-conscious humans. When pain or dissatisfaction is seen as an intrinsic evil, avoiding it or at least minimizing it is a moral duty direct. The objective of this article is to refer to pain, stress and the most widely used indices of animal welfare both in laboratory fish (Danio rerio) and production fish (Salmo salar) as well as in rat experimental animal models (Rattus norvegicus) and mouse (Mus musculus).

The Decreased of p53 Mutant Expression on Squamous Cell Epithelial of Oral in Mus musculus by Moderate Intensity of Exercise

@#Introduction: Cancer is a deadly disease, caused by benzopyrene which found in cigarettes. The moderate intensity of exercise can affect cancer growth, but how the role it to p53 mutant is not clear. This research proved the expression of p53 mutant in Mus musculus by moderate intensity of exercise. Method: Eighteen animals, were divided into three groups namely, group A, injected by oleum olivarium in the upper buccal mucosa and not given moderate intensity of exercise and benzopyrene; group B, injected benzopyrenes in the same regio, not given moderate intensity of exercise; group C injected benzopyrenes in same region, given moderate intensity of exercise. Moderate intensity of exercise given 3 times every week for 3 months. Oleum olivarum and benzopyrene injection, was given 3 times every week for 1 month, starting at week 5. At the beginning of the 13th week, a bend was taken in the right upper buccal mucosa, then the tissue was processed, painted by immunohistochemical methods. p53 mutant expression was determined by looking at preparations, using an Olympus light microscope with a magnification of 400x. p53 mutan expression was observed in 10 different visual field, then the mean was taken. Result: There were differences in p53 mutant expression in the three groups (p= 0.000), and the highest expression was in group B. Conclusion: The moderate intensity of exercise could decrease p53 mutant expression on squamous cell epithelial of oral Mus musculus.

Hymenolepis microstoma (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae) en ratones caseros ( Mus musculus ) de Lima, Perú / Hymenolepis microstoma (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae) in house mice (Mus musculus) from Lima, Peru

Un total de 12 cestodos adultos se colectaron de los conductos biliares de ratones domésticos (Mus musculus) provenientes de Lima, Perú. Diversas características del escólex y proglotis maduros del cestodo fueron observadas para la identificación morfológica. Así mismo, se realizó un diagnóstico molecular mediante un PCR y secuenciación parcial del gen mitocondrial citocromo c oxidasa subunidad 1 (cox1). Todos los cestodos fueron identificados como Hymenolepis microstoma por morfología y métodos moleculares. El aislado de H. microstoma de Perú mostró una similitud de secuencia significativa (> 99%) con los aislados de H. microstoma previamente reportados. Nuestro informe confirma la presencia del parásito en ratones de Lima.

A total of 12 adult cestodes were collected from the bile ducts of domestic mice (Mus musculus) from Lima, Peru. Various features of the scolex and mature proglottids of the tapeworms were observed for morphological identification. A molecular diagnosis was performed by PCR-based partial sequencing of mitochondrial gene of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1). All cestodes were identified as Hymenolepis microstoma by morphology and molecular methods. The H. microstoma isolate from Peru showed significant sequence similarity with previously reported isolates of H. microstoma (>99%). Our report confirms the presence of the parasite in mice from Lima.

Genetic and morphometric characteristics of Korean wild mice (KWM/Hym) captured at Chuncheon, South Korea / 한국실험동물학회지

Laboratory inbred mice are used widely and commonly in biomedical research, but inbred mice do not have a big enough gene pool for the research. In this study, genetic and morphometric analyses were performed to obtain data on the characteristics of a newly developing inbred strain (KWM/Hym) captured from Chuncheon, Korea. All of five Korean wild male mice have the zinc-finger Y (ZfY) gene. Also, all of 19 Korean wild mice used in this analysis have the AKV-type murine leukemia virus gene, indicating that Korean wild mice might be Mus musculus musculus. To identify the genetic polymorphism in KWM/Hym, SNP analysis was performed. In a comparison with 28 SNP markers, there was a considerable difference between KWM/Hym and several inbred strains. The homogeneity between KWM/Hym and the inbred strains was as follows: C57BL/6J (39.3%), BALB/c AJic (42.9%), and DBA/2J (50%). KWM/Hym is most similar to the PWK/PhJ inbred strain (96.4%) derived from wild mice (Czech Republic). To identify the morphometric characteristics of KWM/Hym, the external morphology was measured. The tail ratio of male and female was 79.60±3.09 and 73.55±6.14%, respectively. KWM/Hym has short and agouti-colored hairs and its belly is white with golden hair. Taking these results together, KWM/Hym, a newly developing inbred mouse originated from wild mouse, might be use as new genetic resources to overcome the limitations of the current laboratory mice.

Protective effects of saffron against zearalenone-induced alterations in reproductive hormones in female mice (Mus musculus) / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin with potent estrogenic effects. Saffron is an herbal product that has antioxidant activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective role of saffron against reproductive toxicity induced by ZEA in female mice. METHODS: Ninety 8-week-old female mice were randomly allocated into three treatment groups. The first group received an intraperitoneal injection of ZEA (2.5 mg/kg) on alternate days. The second group received ZEA (2.5 mg/kg) on alternate days plus oral saffron daily (50 mg/kg). The third group was treated with a vehicle of 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on alternate days, as a control. Ten mice were euthanized from each group at 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P) were assessed. The uterus and ovaries were examined for changes in size or morphology. RESULTS: Serum levels of LH, FSH, E2, and P in the female mice treated with ZEA plus saffron were significantly higher than in those treated with ZEA alone, and were not significantly different from those treated with 1% DMSO. The female mice treated with ZEA alone showed a reduction in size of the uterus and abnormal architecture of the ovaries. CONCLUSION: The administration of saffron to female mice resulted in a significant reduction in ZEA-induced alterations in reproductive hormone levels, the size of the uterus, and the morphology of the ovaries.

Endoparasites of Small Mammals in Edo State, Nigeria: Public Health Implications

Some small mammals occur as household pests and harbour a number of parasites that could be of public health importance. This study profiled the helminth and protozoan parasites in trapped small mammals within and around human dwelling places (houses) located across 4 major towns (Auchi, Benin, Ekpoma, and Uromi) and environs in Edo state, Nigeria. Six genera (Apodemus sp., Crocidura sp., Mastomys natalensis, Mus musculus, Rattus sp., and Sorex sp.) were identified from 502 trapped small mammals. Overall, M. musculus (71.9%) and Rattus rattus (20.1%) were the most frequently trapped. In total, on examination of blood, gastrointestinal contents, and brain tissues, 12 helminth taxa (Angiostrongylus sp., Aspicularis sp., Capillaria sp., Gongylonema sp., Heterakis spumosa, Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis nana, Mastophorus muris, Moniliformis moniliformis, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Strongyloides sp., Trichosomoides sp., and Trichuris sp.), and 6 protozoan parasites (Babesia sp., Trypanosoma lewisi, Plasmodium sp., Eimeria sp., Isospora sp., and Toxoplasma gondii) were isolated. Most prevalent helminths with relatively heavy mean intensity were Strongyloides sp. and Heterakis spumosa, while Plasmodium, Eimeria, and Isospora were the most prevalent protozoan parasites. Generally, intrinsic factors like sex and age had marginal influence on the rate and burden of infection in M. musculus and R. rattus. Although the infection rate and prevalence of zoonotic parasites were low, they were largely recovered in rodents from Ekpoma. This study elucidates the public health implication of the presence of zoonotic parasites in these small mammals.

Efecto de las nanopartículas industriales TiO 2 , SiO 2 y ZnO sobre la viabilidad celular y expresión génica en médula ósea roja de mus musculus / Effect of the Industrial Nanoparticles TiO 2 , SiO 2 and ZnO on Cell Viability and Gene Expression in Red Bone Marrow of Mus Musculus

RESUMEN Objetivos Evaluar el efecto de las nanopartículas de ZnO, TiO2 y SiO2 sobre la viabilidad celular y la expresión génica de las interleuquinas 7 y 3 y del factor estimulante de colonias de granulocito - macrófago (GM-CSF) en Mus musculus. Materiales y métodos Se extrajo médula ósea roja de cinco roedores (Balb/c) para el estudio de viabilidad celular mediante la prueba de MTT. Por otro lado, grupos cinco roedores fueron inoculados vía intraperitoneal con dosis de 0,5; 1; 2,5; 5 y 10 mg/kg de nanopartículas de ZnO y SiO2 y de 5; 10; 15; 20 y 25 mg/kg de nanopartículas de TiO2, 30 h después, se obtuvo el ARN a partir de la médula ósea roja para los análisis de expresión génica empleando las técnicas de PCR y RT-PCR cuantitativa. Resultados Las nanopartículas de ZnO y SiO2 redujeron la viabilidad celular de una manera dosis-dependiente en un 37 y 26%, respectivamente, a partir de una dosis de 1 mg/kg. En cuanto al efecto sobre la expresión génica, a las dosis 5 y 10 mg/kg, las nanopartículas de TiO2 redujeron en mayor porcentaje la expresión de las interleuquinas 7 y 3 (55,3 y 70,2% respectivamente), con respecto a la expresión del GM-CSF, el mayor porcentaje de reducción lo produjo las nanopartículas de SiO2 (91%). Las nanopartículas de ZnO redujeron a partir de las dosis de 20 y 25 mg/kg. Conclusiones Las nanopartículas de ZnO, SiO2 y TiO2 alteran la viabilidad celular y la expresión génica en la médula ósea de ratón.

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the effect of ZnO, TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles on cell viability and expression of the interleukin 7, interleukin 3, and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) genes in Mus musculus. Material and methods Red bone marrow was extracted from five Balb/c mice for the analysis of cell viability using the MTT test. The mice were divided into two groups of five each: one group was inoculated intraperitoneally with 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 mg/kg of ZnO and SiO2 nanoparticles, respectively, and the other group was inoculated with 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, and 25 mg/kg of TiO2 nanoparticles, respectively. Thirty hours later, RNA was extracted from the red bone marrow of the mice in both groups for gene expression analysis using quantitative PCR and RT-PCR. Results ZnO and SiO2 nanoparticles reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner by 37% and 26%, respectively, starting at a dose of 1 mg/kg. TiO2 nanoparticles at 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg reduced the gene expression of interleukins 7 and 3 by 55.3% and 70.2%, respectively, and SiO2 nanoparticles caused the greatest decrease (91%) in the expression of GM-CSF. ZnO nanoparticles reduced the expression of GM-CSF starting at doses of 20 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg. Conclusions ZnO, SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles affect cell viability and gene expression in the mouse bone marrow.

Prevalencia de endoparásitos en roedores sinantrópicos (Rodentia: Muridae) en una localidad de La Habana, Cuba / Prevalence of endoparasites in synanthropic rodents (Rodentia: Muridae) in an area of Havana, Cuba

Introducción: los roedores sinantrópicos se encuentran estrechamente vinculados a las condiciones de vida del hombre. Algunos de sus endoparásitos juegan un papel importante en los ciclos de muchas enfermedades parasitarias, por lo que representan un riesgo para la salud pública. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de grupos y especies de endoparásitos en roedores sinantrópicos en una localidad de La Habana. Métodos: el estudio se realizó en la localidad Arroyo Arenas, municipio La Lisa, provincia La Habana, Cuba. En las capturas de roedores, se emplearon trampas de captura viva. Después de realizada la eutanasia y la necropsia, se tomaron muestras fecales de la última porción del intestino grueso y del recto. Las muestras se procesaron mediante diagnóstico coproparasitológico convencional. Resultados: se capturaron un total de 78 roedores identificados como Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus y Mus musculus. Se registraron 13 especies de parásitos, las de mayor prevalencia fueron los nematodos Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (33,3 por ciento) y Strongyloides ratti (23,1 por ciento), y el cestodo Hymenolepis diminuta (11,5 por ciento). Conclusiones: se reportan las especies de endoparásitos en los roedores sinantrópicos. Hymenolepis diminuta es la especie de mayor prevalencia entre las especies zoonóticas, lo que demuestra su circulación activa en el ambiente. Los resultados resaltan la importancia de estos roedores como vectores potenciales de las parasitosis intestinales(AU)

Introduction: the synanthropic rodents are closely associated with human living conditions. Some of their endoparasites play an important role in many cycles of parasitic diseases, thus representing a public health risk. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of groups and species of endoparasites in synanthropic rodents in an area of Havana. Methods: the research study was carried out in Arroyo Arenas, La Lisa municipality, Havana province, Cuba. Live traps were used to capture rodents. Stool samples of the last portion of the large intestine and rectum were taken after euthanasia and necropsy. The stool samples were processed by usual parasitological diagnostic techniques. Results: a total of 78 rodents identified as Rattus rattus,Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus were captured. Thirteen species of endoparasites were recorded, being nematodes Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (33.3 percent) and Strongyloides ratti (23.1 percent), and tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta (11.5 percent) the most prevalent. Conclusions: some species of endoparasites are reported in the synanthropic rodents. Hymenolepis diminuta was found to be the most prevalent among zoonotic species, which shows its active circulation in the environment. This type of research highlights the importance of these rodents as potential vectors for intestinal parasitic infections(AU)

DETECCIÓN DE Leptospira spp. PATÓGENAS EN TEJIDO RENAL DE RATÓN CASERO (Mus musculus) EN SINCELEJO, COLOMBIA / DETECTION OF PATHOGENIC Leptospira spp IN HOUSE MOUSE (Mus musculus) KIDNEY TISSUE IN SINCELEJO, COLOMBIA

La leptospirosis es una enfermedad zoonótica de distribución mundial, con mayor frecuencia en los países tropicales. Algunos roedores, y entre ellos Mus musculus o ratón casero, son portadores crónicos asintomáticos de Leptospira spp. patógenas, debido a que alojan la bacteria en sus riñones y la diseminan al ambiente a través de la orina. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo detectar molecularmente Leptospira spp. patógenas en riñones extraídos de M. musculus en el municipio de Sincelejo (Sucre, Colombia). La captura de los roedores se realizó en el área urbana del municipio; se instalaron trampas tipo Sherman® intra y peridomicilio en el segundo periodo de 2010 y el primero de 2011 por un lapso de 14 y 15 horas. Durante la necropsia se retiró los riñones de los individuos para la extracción de ADN y análisis de PCR para la amplificación del segmento génico de 423pb entre las posiciones 270 y 692 de la región codificante LipL32. Se capturaron 154 individuos, de los cuales 5 fueron positivos para Leptospira spp. patógenas. El análisis de correspondencias mostró que los ratones positivos se encuentran mayoritariamente en la comuna 2, seguido por la comuna 4 del municipio. El estudio sugiere que el saneamiento básico establece ambientes propicios para que se presente el proceso epidemiológico de la bacteria, y se demuestra la circulación de Leptospira spp. patógenas en M. musculus en el municipio de Sincelejo. Por lo que se infiere que la infestación de roedores en la zona de estudio es fuente potencial de transmisión de Leptospiras patógenas para el ser humano, que es susceptible a todas las especies patógenas del género.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution with more frequency in tropical countries. Some rodents and among them the Mus musculus or house mouse are asymptomatic chronic carriers of pathogenic Leptospira spp because they have them in their kidneys and spread it to the environment through the urine. This study aimed to detect Leptospira spp molecularly in kidneys removed from M. musculus in the municipality of Sincelejo (Sucre, Colombia). The capture of rodents was conducted in the urban area of the city: intra and peridomiciliar Sherman® traps were installed in the second quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011 for 14 to 15 hours. During the necropsy the kidneys of individuals were removed for DNA extraction and PCR analysis for the amplification of the 423 pb gene segment between positions 270 and 692 of the coding region LipL32. A total of 154 individuals were captured, of which five were positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. The correlation analysis showed that mice are mostly positive in commune 2, followed by commune 4 in the municipality. The study suggests that basic sanitation establishes favorable environments for the epidemiological process of the bacteria and the circulation of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in M. musculus is demonstrated in the municipality of Sincelejo. It is inferred that rodent infestation in the studied area is a potential source for the transmission of pathogenic Leptospira spp. to human beings, which is susceptible to all pathogenic species of the genus.

First histopathological study in kidneys of rodents naturally infected with Leptospira pathogenic species from Yucatan, Mexico

OBJECTIVE@#To report the renal histological lesions in synanthropic rodents, Mus musculus and Rattus rattus, naturally infected with Leptospira spp., captured in a rural community in Yucatan, Mexico.@*METHODS@#Kidney samples of synanthropic rodents were collected from a rural community in Yucatan, Mexico. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect Leptospira spp. infection. Tissue kidney was fixed in 10% buffered formalin, processed according to the usual techniques for paraffin inclusion, cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and examined using a conventional electronic microscope.@*RESULTS@#A total of 187 rodents were captured. Nine individuals (4.8%) were positive for Leptospira spp. in the molecular analysis. All renal lesions observed in the histopathological study had been reported previously for Leptospira spp. infection.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The histopathological lesions are present in the kidneys, plus the results of the polymerase chain reaction confirm that these rodents are true carriers of Leptospira spp.

First histopathological study in kidneys of rodents naturally infected with Leptospira pathogenic species from Yucatan, Mexico

Objective: To report the renal histological lesions in synanthropic rodents, Mus musculus and Rattus rattus, naturally infected with Leptospira spp., captured in a rural community in Yucatan, Mexico. Methods: Kidney samples of synanthropic rodents were collected from a rural community in Yucatan, Mexico. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect Leptospira spp. infection. Tissue kidney was fixed in 10% buffered formalin, processed according to the usual techniques for paraffin inclusion, cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and examined using a conventional electronic microscope. Results: A total of 187 rodents were captured. Nine individuals (4.8%) were positive for Leptospira spp. in the molecular analysis. All renal lesions observed in the histopathological study had been reported previously for Leptospira spp. infection. Conclusions: The histopathological lesions are present in the kidneys, plus the results of the polymerase chain reaction confirm that these rodents are true carriers of Leptospira spp.

Neurotropic effects of aspartame, stevia and sucralose on memory retention and on the histology of the hippocampus of the ICR mice (Mus musculus)

Objective: To identify the effects of the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners on memory retention and on the histology of the hippocampus. Methods: In this study, 20 mice were used to determine if there is an effect of consuming the maximum allowable dose of the non-nutritive sweeteners on the memory retention and on the histology of the hippocampus. The mice were distributed into four groups and the treatments were given via oral gavage: Group 1 (water), Group 2 (aspartame: 1. 000 mg/kg), Group 3 (stevia: 1. 000 mg/kg) and Group 4 (sucralose: 16. 000 mg/kg). Treatments were administered to the different experimental groups for 32 days, after which memory retention was tested using the two-day water maze protocol. After the tests, the mice were sacrificed and the brain was analyzed histologically for neurotrophic effects. Results: Based on the results of the two-day water maze protocol, there were no differences between the non-nutritive sweeteners and the control group. However, stevia showed high cellular apoptosis followed by aspartame, sucralose and control group. Conclusions: There was no significant effect on the memory of the mice. It showed histologically however, that stevia had a significant neurotropic effect compared to the other sweeteners.

Molecular Characterization of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nematoda: Heligmosomatidae) from Mus musculus in India

Mus musculus (Rodentia: Muridae) has generally been infected with a rodent hookworm Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. In this report, we present morphological and molecular identification of N. brasiliensis by light and scanning electron microscopy and PCR amplification of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and the protein sequences encoded by cox1 gene, respectively. Despite the use of N. brasiliensis in many biochemistry studies from India, their taxonomic identification was not fully understood, especially at the species level, and no molecular data is available in GenBank from India. Sequence analysis of cox1 gene in this study revealed that the present specimen showed close identity with the same species available in GenBank, confirming that the species is N. brasiliensis. This study represents the first record of molecular identification of N. brasiliensis from India and the protein structure to better understand the comparative phylogenetic characteristics.

Histopathological Alterations Induced by Naja naja Crude Venom on Renal, Pulmonary and Intestinal Tissues of Mice Model.

Aim: Snake bite causes a significant number of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. So, the current study was carried out to estimate the extinct of damage caused by intraperitoneal introduction of cobra venom on kidney, lung and intestinal tissues of mice model using histological technique. Place and Duration of Study: The entire study including the treatment along with preparing histological slide was conducted in protein science laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh between December 2013 to July 2014. Methods: Twenty five mature female albino mice were divided mainly into two groups as control and envenomated group. Lyophilized Naja naja venom was dissolved in 0.9% NaCl solution and injected intraperitoneally into the mice of the envenomated group at dosages equivalent to LD50 (0.25 mg/kg). Whereas the animals from control group were not received any venomous component. Both groups of animal were sacrificed for histological study and visualized under light microscope. Results: Injection of cobra venom induced a range of histological changes in all envenomated mice comparing with their control. Results from the histopathological examination showed mainly inflammatory cellular infiltration, vacuolation in renal tubules, shrinking of glomeruli, raising space between the walls of Bowman’s capsule in renal tissue and alveolar haemorrhage, inflammatory cellular infiltration and edema in pulmonary tissue. No significant histopathological alterations in intestinal tissue were observed without infiltration and mild hemorrhage. Conclusion: The findings from the current study revealed that, cobra venom at lethal dose causes multiple organ failure in experimental animal which could be considered among the factors that lead to death. By observing the site and the mode of action on tissue level, these findings may help to allay the severity of damage by discovering novel anti venom drug.

Efecto de la administración de ácido retinoico sobre el desarrollo del esqueleto axial en embriones de ratón Mus musculus / Effect of administration of retinoic acid on the development of the axial skeleton in mouse embryos Mus musculus

El déficit y exceso de vitamina A provoca malformaciones congénitas que afectan distintos órganos y sistemas. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto que causa la administración de ácido retinoico a distintas dosis sobre la morfogénesis ósea del esqueleto axial en embriones de ratón Mus musculus. Mediante aleatorización simple se distribuyeron hembras recién preñadas en 4 categorías: A, B, C y D. El día 8 post fecundación (p.f), se administró 40 mg/kg de peso de ácido retinoico al grupo A, 20 mg/kg de peso de esta solución al grupo B, 1 ml/kg de peso de dimetil sulfóxido al grupo C, y el grupo D es grupo control. El día 17 de la gestación las hembras y sus fetos fueron anestesiadas y eutanasiadas con sobredosis de pentotal sódico intraperitoneal. Los fetos de cada camada fueron procesados mediante diafanización y tinción con azul de Alcian para destacar cartílago hialino y alizarina para observar tejido óseo. Los resultados se expresaron en porcentajes de malformaciones en los siguientes tres segmentos: 1) cráneo-columna cervical, 2) segmento torácico y abdominal y 3) cintura pélvica, considerándose un 100% cuando la totalidad de los elementos óseos se encontraban comprometidos. Se utilizó la prueba de Fisher para la comparación de frecuencias de malformaciones y se consideró estadísticamente significativo cuando p<0,05. En el grupo A se evidenciaron malformaciones mayores como ausencia de huesos frontales y parietales, exencefalia, defectos en el número de vértebras, y fusiones de costillas; y en el grupo B se observaron malformaciones menores como alteraciones numéricas y fusiones de costillas, existiendo diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos. En los grupos C y D no se consignaron malformaciones. El ácido retinoico administrado intraperitonealmente el dìa 8 p.f en dosis de 40 y 20 mg/kg de peso se comporta como un teratógeno en los embriones de ratón, existiendo además diferencias significativas entre las malformaciones generadas por ambas dosis de ácido retinoico. La primera concentración afecta los huesos de los tres segmentos estudiados (cráneo-cervical, toracoabdominal, y pélvico) y la segunda concentración sólo afecta a dos segmentos (cráneo-cervical y toracoabdominal). Ambos tratamientos afectan los segmentos en una gradiente céfalo caudal, independiente del origen embrionario de las estructuras. Esto se debería a que los cambios en las gradientes de ácido retinoico alteran el comportamiento de células de la cresta neural craneal y el orden de la expresión de genes Hox.

The deficit and excess of vitamin A causes birth defects affecting different organ systems. The objectives of this study are to determine the effect caused by the administration of different doses of retinoic acid on bone morphogenesis of the axial skeleton in embryonic mouse Mus musculus. By simple randomization newly pregnant females were distributed into 4 categories: A, B, C and D. On day 8 post fertilization, 40 mg/kg was administered by weight of retinoic acid to the group A, 20 mg/kg body weight of the group B solution 1 ml/kg body weight of dimethyl sulfoxide and group C. Group D is the control group. On day 17 of gestation the females and their fetuses were anesthetized and euthanized with an overdose of intraperitoneal sodium pentothal. Fetuses from each litter were processed using diaphanization and Alcian blue staining to hyaline cartilage and alizarin to observe bone tissue. The results are expressed as percentages of malformations in the following three segments: 1) cranio-cervical spine, 2) thoracic and abdominal segment and 3) pelvic segment, considering 100% when all the bony elements were compromised. Fisher's exact test for comparison of frequencies of malformations was used and considered statistically significant when p<0.05. In group A, major malformations and defects were evident in the indemnity of the cranial vault, exencephaly, defects in the number of vertebrae, and fusion of ribs. In group B minor malformations as numerical alterations and rib fusions were observed. Significant differences were found between both groups. In groups C and D no malformations were recorded. Retinoic acid administered intraperitoneally at doses of 40 and 20 mg/kg acts as a teratogen in mouse embryos. There are significant differences between the defects induced by concentrations of 40 mg/k and 20 mg/k of retinoic acid. Both concentrations affect the bones of the three segments studied (cranio cervical, thoraco-abdominal and pelvic) in a cephalo caudal gradient, independent of the embryonic origin of the structures. Changes in retinoic acid concentration alter the behavior of cranial neural crest and changing the order of the HOX gene expression in the axial skeleton.