Prednisone and prednisolone effects on development, blood, biochemical and histopathological markers of Aquarana catesbeianus tadpoles.

Synthetic glucocorticoids are often found in surface waters and can cause harmful effects to aquatic organisms such as amphibians. In this work we evaluated the effects of the drugs prednisone (PD) and prednisolone (PL) on developmental, molecular, blood, biochemical and histological markers. Aquarana catesbeianus tadpoles were exposed for 16 days to environmentally relevant concentrations of 0, 0.1, 1 and 10 µg/L of both drugs. PD increased the transcript levels of the enzyme deiodinase III (Dio3), the hormones cortisol and T4 and delayed development. Changes in the thyroid gland occurred after tadpoles were exposed to both drugs, with a reduction in the diameter and number of follicles and an increase/or decrease in area. Also, both drugs caused a decrease in lymphocytes (L) and an increase in neutrophils (N), thrombocytes, the N:L ratio and lobed and notched erythrocytes. Increased activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase was observed after exposure to PD. Furthermore, both drugs caused an increase in the activity of the enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase. However, only PD caused oxidative stress in exposed tadpoles, evidenced by increased levels of malondialdehyde and carbonyl proteins. Both drugs caused an increase in inflammatory infiltrates, blood cells and melanomacrophages in the liver. Our results indicate that PD was more toxic than PL, affecting development and causing oxidative stress.

Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) fauna in bird nests: the case of Morrinhos, Ceará, Brazil.

Triatominae are associated with various Brazilian habitats, including bird nests, animal burrows, and peridomestic structures. Despite extensive studies on triatomines in domiciliary environments in Ceará, Brazil, there has been limited research on their presence in the wild. This study focuses on the municipality of Morrinhos in Ceará, which is characterized by a Caatinga biome and riparian forests along the Acaraú River. During the study, a total of 185 nests of Pseudoseisura cristata were analyzed in rural locations and triatomines were collected in 26 nests from 12 different locations. A total of 117 triatomines was collected, belonging to three species: Psammolestes tertius, Rhodnius nasutus, and Triatoma pseudomaculata. Rhodnius nasutus was the only species found in a nest inhabited by Didelphis albiventris. Nests of P. cristata serve as shelters for various animals, providing an ideal environment for triatomines to establish colonies due to their proximity to food sources and their generalist feeding habits. The incorporation of anthropogenic materials by birds in nest construction can indirectly affect the presence of other animals that may serve as food sources for triatomines. Understanding the interactions between triatomines, birds, and their habitats is essential for assessing the risks associated with triatomine infestation in wild ecosystems.

Influence of temperature on the biomarker responses of bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus) to 2-hydroxyatrazine exposure.

The influence of temperature (25 and 32 °C) on the biomarker responses of bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus) to different concentrations of the atrazine metabolite 2-hydroxyatrazine (2-HA, 0, 10, 50 and 200 ng.L-1, 16 days), was evaluated. Temperature affected the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase and acetylcholinesterase. The activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and carboxylesterase presented no alterations. Frequencies of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities were also not altered. 2-HA decreased SOD activity at 25 °C and caused histopathological changes in the liver and the kidney at both temperatures, with the kidney being more affected by the combination of higher temperature and 2-HA exposure, presenting glomerular shrinkage and an increase in Bowman's space. Our results indicate that at environmentally relevant concentrations, 2-HA can cause changes in biomarker responses as well as in the morphology of liver and kidney in L. catesbeianus tadpoles. Temperature has an important influence on biomarker response and histopathological alterations.

Effects of the herbicide ametryn on development and thyroidogenesis of bullfrog tadpoles (Aquarana catesbeiana) under different temperatures.

Thyroid hormones (TH) are essential for the metamorphosis of amphibians and their production can be influenced by environmental stressors, such as temperature fluctuations, and exposure to aquatic pollutants, such as herbicides. In the present study we evaluated the influence of different temperatures (25 and 32 °C) on the effects of the herbicide ametryn (AMT, 0 - control, 10, 50 and 200 ng.L-1) for 16 days on thyroidogenesis of bullfrog tadpoles. Higher temperature and AMT exposure caused a delay in the development of tadpoles, despite no differences were noted in weight gain and total length of the animals. Levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were not altered neither by AMT nor by temperature, but the highest temperature caused a decrease in total area and number of follicles in the thyroid gland. Transcript levels of thyroid hormone receptors alpha and beta (TRα and TRß) and iodothyronine deiodinase 3 (DIO3) were lower at 32 °C, which is consistent with developmental delay at the higher temperature. Tadpoles exposed to 200 ng.L-1 of AMT at 25 °C also presented delayed development, which was consistent with lower TRα and DIO3 transcript levels. Lower levels of estradiol were noted in tadpoles exposed to AMT at the higher temperature, being also possibly related to a developmental delay. This study demonstrates that higher temperature and AMT exposure impair thyroidgenesis in bullfrog tadpoles, disrupting metamorphosis.

Influence of temperature on biomarker responses of bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus) exposed to the herbicide ametryn.

The S-triazine herbicide ametryn (AMT) is relatively low adsorbed in soils and has high solubility in water, thus believed to affect non-target aquatic organisms such as amphibians. Temperature increases can intensify the effects of herbicides, possibly increasing the susceptibility of amphibians to these compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of temperature (25 and 32 °C) on the responses of biochemical biomarkers in bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus) exposed to different concentrations of AMT (0, 10, 50 and 200 ng.L-1) for a period of 16 days. The antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the biotransformation enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) had their activity decreased at the highest temperature (32 °C). SOD activity was reduced at 200 ng.L-1 and 32 °C compared to the control at the same temperature. AMT exposure also decreased the activities of alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase. On the other hand, the activities of acetylcholinesterase, carboxylesterase, alkaline phosphatase, levels of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl, as well genotoxic markers (micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities frequencies) were unchanged. The evaluation of integrated biomarker response index (IBR) indicated highest variations at the concentration of 200 ng.L-1 at 32 °C, suggesting that the combination of high AMT concentrations and temperatures generate more pronounced negative effects to tadpoles.

Hepatic and blood alterations in Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles exposed to sulfamethoxazole and oxytetracycline.

In this study the effects of environmentally realistic concentrations of the antibiotics sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and oxytetracyclyne (OTC) on Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles were evaluated, through the analyzes of the frequencies of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes, alterations in leucocytes, liver histopathology, and changes in hepatic esterase activities and oxidative stress biomarkers. The animals were exposed for 16 days at concentrations of 0 (control), 20, 90 and 460 ng L-1. No significant difference was found in the frequencies of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities. The two highest concentrations of SMX and all concentrations of OTC caused a significant increase in the number of lymphocytes. A significant decrease in the number of neutrophils compared to the control group was observed for all concentrations tested of both antibiotics. Also, decrease in the activity of glutathione S-transferase and high histopathological severity scores, indicating liver damage, were found in tadpoles exposed to the two highest concentrations of SMX and all concentrations of OTC. The main changes in the liver histopathology were the presence of inflammatory infiltrate, melanomacrophages, vascular congestion, blood cells and eosinophils. Esterase activities were unchanged. Indeed, the two highest concentrations of OTC caused a reduction in the activities of superoxide dismutase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, while the highest concentration inhibited the activity of glutathione peroxidase and increased protein carbonyl levels. These results evidences that environmentally realistic concentrations of SMX and OTC in aquatic environments are capable to significantly disrupt tadpoles' physiology, possibly affecting negatively their survival rate in natural environments.

Pancreatic cancer presenting as colonic disease. A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic cancer is the fourth major cause of cancer-related deaths. About 50% of the patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. Metastatic disease to the colon is a very rare entity with only 5 cases described in english literature. CASE PRESENTATION: Male, 60 years-old, presents to a surgical consult with the diagnosis of an adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. The physical exam revealed a periumbilical nodule with suspicious features. The staging CT-scan showed a mass in the tail of the pancreas involving the spleen and left kidney, thickening of the sigmoid colon, multiple mesenteric masses and trabecular changes in the ischium, suggesting metastatic disease. The case was discussed by a multidisciplinary team and it was decided to do a biopsy of the umbilical nodule and review the specimen obtained in colonoscopy. Pathological analysis revealed a metastasis from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The patient was proposed to start palliative chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer. After 2 cycles of FOLFOX the patient was admitted in the OR with a perforation of the sigmoid mass. He was submitted to a sigmoidectomy with end colostomy, with discharge at the 5th postoperative day. Pathological analysis of the specimen confirmed the pancreatic origin of the tumor. Patient proceeded with palliative treatment, with death 9 months after the diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Pancreatic metastasis to the colon is a very rare entity. Care should be taken when addressing these patients. CONCLUSION: Although rare, a sigmoid tumor in a patient with known pancreatic adenocarcinoma must raise the suspicion of metastasis.

Efeitos da combinação de estímulos olfativos e auditivos em treino discriminativo de um procedimento de bloqueio de estímulos em ratos / Olfactory and auditory stimuli combinations effects on a discriminative training of a stimuli blocking procedure in rats

O uso de estímulos olfativos em estudos de discriminação simples e complexa em ratos tem fornecido dados relevantes à área de controle de estímulos porque esta modalidade de estímulo é mais saliente à espécie do que as comumente utilizadas. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da combinação entre as modalidades de estímulo olfativa e auditiva sobre o responder discriminado em um procedimento de bloqueio de estímulos em ratos. Quatro ratos machos Wistar (Rattus norvegicus) foram treinados em três tarefas de discriminação de acordo com o delineamento de bloqueio de estímulos. Na Fase I discriminação prévia, dois ratos foram treinados usando estímulos auditivos (A+/A-) e outros dois usando estímulos olfativos (B+/B-) como S+/S-. Na Fase II discriminação de estímulo composto, um estímulo composto (A+B+/A-B-) foi usado como S+/S- e na Fase III discriminação pós-composto, os estímulos usados na Fase I foram removidos do composto e o treino continuou com os estímulos restantes. Em seguida, foram treinados em fases adicionais: IV - (mesmo treino da Fase II), V (mesmo treino da Fase III) e Fase VI em duas etapas primeira, treino com A+/A- e B+/B- na mesma sessão sem configuração de estímulo composto e segunda, treino de competição de dicas A+B- e B+A-. Todas as fases foram realizadas a partir de um procedimento Go/No-Go. Respostas em esquema de razão fixa três na condição S+ (A+, A+B+ e B+) foram consequenciadas com acesso à solução de sacarose e resposta na condição S- (A-, A-B- e B-) resultou em timeout de 2s após o final da tentativa. Não foi programada consequência específica para o não responder. Para todas as fases o critério de aquisição foi 90% ou mais de índice discriminativo. Na Fase I os resultados mostraram uma aquisição mais rápida do responder discriminado com estímulos olfativos.(AU)

Use of olfactory stimuli in simple and complex discrimination studies with rats has produced important data to stimuli controls area because this stimulus modality is more salient than others usually used. The objective of this study was to investigate combinations effects between olfactory and auditory stimuli modalities on discriminative responding to stimuli blocking design. Four male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were trained in three discriminative tasks according to the stimuli blocking design. In Phase I prior discrimination, two rats were trained using auditory stimuli (A+/A-) and two rats using olfactory stimuli (B+/B-) as S+/S-. On Phase II compound stimulus discrimination, a compound stimuli (A+B+/A-B-) were used as S+/S- and in Phase III post-compound stimulus discrimination, the stimuli used on Phase I were remove from the compound. After discriminative training, subjects were trained on additional phases: Phase IV (same training Phase II), Phase V (same training Phase III) and Phase VI with two stages: first - A+/A- and B+/B- training presented in the same session without stimulus compound configuration, second - cue competition training (A+B- and B+A-).Discriminative training was carried under a Go/No-Go procedure. Responses on a fixed-ratio three schedule was reinforced by access to a sucrose solution when S+ (A+, A+B+ and B+) was presented and responding in S- (A-, A-B- and B-) resulted in 2s-timeout after trials ending. No consequence was programmed to non-responding. The acquisition criterion was a 90% or more discriminative index. Phase I data showed a discriminative responding acquisition faster with olfactory stimuli compared to auditory stimuli.(AU)

Reproductive ability and level of infestation of the Varroa destructor mite in Apis mellifera apiaries in Blumenau, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil / Habilidade reprodutiva e níveis de infestação do ácaro Varroa destructor em colmeias de Apis mellifera no município de Blumenau, Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Varroa destructor mite causes mortality of Apis mellifera bees throughout the world. Its greatest damage to these colonies has been reported in European countries and North America. The impact of the mite is related to the climate and the bee race on each region in which the plague has been established. Varroa causes little damage to the colonies of africanized honeybees in Brazil and the levels of infestation are relatively small and stable. The reproductive ability of Varroa females was evaluated in pupae of workers of 17-18 days of age, obtained from eight beehives of africanized bees for twelve months. The average number of offspring (deutonymphs, protonymphs and eggs) each Varroa produced was 3.18 ± 0.19. The average total number of deutonymph and protonymph was, respectively, 1.57 ± 0.15 and 1.61 ± 0.14. The levels of infestation demonstrated that the plague continue reaching low levels, the average was 4.11 ± 3.42.

O ácaro Varroa destructor é causador da mortalidade de abelhas Apis mellifera em várias partes do mundo. Seus principais danos foram relatados nos países da Europa e América do Norte. O impacto desse ácaro está relacionado às condições climáticas e à raça de abelhas em cada região onde a praga se estabeleceu. A Varroa causa poucos danos nas colônias de abelhas africanizadas no Brasil e os níveis de infestação são relativamente baixos e estáveis em crias e adultos. A habilidade reprodutiva das fêmeas do ácaro, foi avaliada em pupas de operárias de 17-18 idade, obtidas de oito colmeias de abelhas africanizadas, durante 12 meses. O numero médio total de descendentes (deutoninfas, protoninfas e ovos) que cada varroa produziu foi de 3.18 ± 0.19. Para o numero médio total de deutoninfas e protoninfas foi, respectivamente, 1.57 ± 0.15 e 1.61 ± 0.14. Os índices de infestação demonstram que a praga continua alcançando baixos níveis; a média foi de 4.11 ± 3.42.

Changes in the reproductive ability of the mite Varroa destructor (Anderson e Trueman) in africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies in southern Brazil

Varroa destructor has been in Brazil for more than 30 years, but no mortality of honeybee colonies due to this mite has been recorded. Africanized bee infestation rates attained by varroa have been low, without causing measurable damage to Brazilian apiculture. The low reproductive ability of this parasite in Africanized bee worker brood cells has been considered an important factor for maintaining the host-parasite equilibrium. Nevertheless, the possible substitution of the haplotype of the mite Varroa destructor that has occurred recently in Brazil could affected the reproductive ability of the population of this parasite in Brazil. The reproductive ability of worker of the mite females was evaluated in over one thousand 17-18day-old Africanized worker brood cells each of the two periods. The percentage of fertile mites increased from 56 percent in the 1980s to 86 percent in 2005-2006. The difference in the percentage of females that produced deutonymphs, female progeny that can reach the adult stage at bee emergence, was even greater. In 2005-2006, 72 percent of the females that invaded worker brood had left at the least one viable descendant, compared to 35 percent in 1986-1987.

Embora o ácaro Varroa destructor tenha sido introduzido no Brasil há mais de 30 anos, ainda não foram registrados casos de mortalidade de colônias de abelhas. Nas abelhas africanizadas, a taxa de infestação obtida pelo ácaro varroa é baixa, não causando danos à apicultura brasileira. A baixa capacidade reprodutiva do parasita em células de crias de operárias das abelhas africanizadas é considerado um fator importante na manutenção do equilíbrio entre o parasita e o hospedeiro. No entanto, a possível introdução de um novo haplótipo do ácaro Varroa destructor no Brasil, ocorrida recentemente, pode estar aumentando a capacidade reprodutiva desse ácaro. A habilidade reprodutiva das fêmeas do ácaro foi avaliada em mais de mil de células de crias de operárias de abelhas africanizadas aos 17-18 dias de idade, em dois períodos. A porcentagem de fêmeas férteis do ácaro aumentou de 56 por cento nos anos de 1980 a 86 por cento em 2005-2006. A diferença na porcentagem de fêmeas que produziram deutoninfas, descendentes fêmeas que podem alcançar o estágio adulto ao emergir das operárias, foi ainda maior; em 2005-2006, 72 por cento das fêmeas que invadiram células de crias de operárias deixaram pelo menos um descendente viável, comparado com 35 por cento em 1986-1987.

Changes in the reproductive ability of the mite Varroa destructor (Anderson e Trueman) in africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies in southern Brazil.

Varroa destructor has been in Brazil for more than 30 years, but no mortality of honeybee colonies due to this mite has been recorded. Africanized bee infestation rates attained by varroa have been low, without causing measurable damage to Brazilian apiculture. The low reproductive ability of this parasite in Africanized bee worker brood cells has been considered an important factor for maintaining the host-parasite equilibrium. Nevertheless, the possible substitution of the haplotype of the mite Varroa destructor that has occurred recently in Brazil could affected the reproductive ability of the population of this parasite in Brazil. The reproductive ability of worker of the mite females was evaluated in over one thousand 17-18 day-old Africanized worker brood cells each of the two periods. The percentage of fertile mites increased from 56% in the 1980s to 86% in 2005-2006. The difference in the percentage of females that produced deutonymphs, female progeny that can reach the adult stage at bee emergence, was even greater. In 2005-2006, 72% of the females that invaded worker brood had left at the least one viable descendant, compared to 35% in 1986-1987.

O alcoolismo e suas consequências: aspectos físicos e psíquicos / Alcoholism and its consequences: physical and psychic

Pesquisa sobre o alcoolismo e suas conseqüências, cujos objetivos foram: identificar os fatores que interferem na abstinência do álcool e conhecer as manifestações físicas e psíquicas expressas durante a abstinência do álcool e os motivos que levam o alcoolista a beber. Estudo descritivo com 30 clientes alcoolistas em tratamento em um Hospital Público de Fortaleza, Ceará, nos meses de janeiro e fevereiro de 2003. Amostra composta por 27 homens e 3 mulheres na faixa etária entre 15 a 54 anos. Informações levantadas por meio de entrevista semi-estruturada e os resultados foram construídos por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados apontaram as principais dificuldades do alcoolista diante da abstinência do álcool, destacando-se a depressão, as relações sociais, além de alterações físicas que afetam a saúde e a qualidade de vida. Conclui-se que o tratamento e a recuperação dependem do interesse e da motivação pessoal somando-se alternativas de apoio e ajuda à vítima.

Tratamentos focais e totais com inseticidas de açäo residual para o controle de Triatoma brasiliensis e Triatoma pseudomaculata no Nordeste brasileiro / Focal and total residual insecticide spraying to control Triatoma brasiliensis and Triatoma pseudomaculata in Northeast Brazil

Para controle eficiente dos triatomíneos Triatoma brasiliensis e Triatoma pseudomaculata, foi feito um ensaio de campo em Boa Viagem, Ceará, de modo a comparar a borrifaçäo convencional versus tratamento focal com deltametrina 5 por cento SC, dose 25 mg i.a./m2 e o organofosforao malation lenta liberaçäo 8.3 por cento SR, dose 2g i.a./m2. O ensaio incluiu aleatoriamente 1.541 casas, separadas em quatro grupos. Em dois deles foi aplicada borrifaçäo focal - tratmento PT com deltametrina dentro das casas e no peridomicílio e PL que recebeu malation lenta liberaçäo nas mesmas circunstâncias. Os outros dois tiveram tratamento convencional, isto é, aplicaçäo total - PT com deltametrina no intra e peridomicílio e PL, tratado com deltametrina dentro das casas e malation lenta liberaçäo no peridomicílio. As avaliaçöes entomológicas aos 6 e 12 meses pós-tratamentos mostraram melhor resultado para o tratamento misto, grupo PL, provavelmente em decorrência da boa perfomance do piretróide dentro das casas e da formulaçäo de lenta liberaçäo nas condiçöes hostis do peridomicílio. Os abrigos dos animais domésticos sofreram modificaçöes ao longo do ano, colaborando com a reduçäo da perfomance dos inseticidas no peridomicílio.

Aspectos operacionais do controle do Triatoma brasiliensis / Operational aspects of Triatoma brasiliensis control

O controle de triatomíneos é dificultado pela capacidade de reinvasäo das casas por exemplares silvestres. Entre agosto/96 e dezembro97 realizou-se, no Ceará, um estudo a respeito da reinfestaçäo das casas após borrifaçäo. Das 277 Unidades Domiciliares - UD - pesquisadas, 40,8 por cento estavam infestadas (21,7 por cento dos intradomicílios e 35,4 por cento dos peridomicílios). Dos 433 triatomíneos capturados, 207 eram Triatoma brasiliensis (48,8 por cento no intradomicílio, média de 1,8 insetos/casa) e 226 Triatoma pseudomaculata (97,3 por cento no peridomicílio). Ocorre um único ciclo anual do T.brasiliensis, e dois ciclos anuais do T. pseudomaculata. Quatro meses após a borrifaçäo, 9,7 por cento das unidades domiciliares permaneciam positivas, principalmente no peridomicílio; 10,3 por cento das UD foram positivas em todas as avaliaçöes. O teste de suscetibilidade biológica à deltametrina revelou a persistência do inseticida no intradomicílio até nove meses após a borrifaçäo. A prevalência global da infecçäo humana foi de 5,7 por cento, tendo sido positivas cinco crianças menores de dez anos. Considerando-se a alta pressäo de recolonizaçäo a partir de exemplares silvestres, propöe-se, como metodologia de controle, um sistema misto da avaliaçäo tradicional e a vigilância epidemiológica.