Isolation, Identification, and Determination of the Virulence of the Causal Agents of Corm Rot of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Valle de Uco, Argentina.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) presents an attractive opportunity for diversifying production and adding value, particularly for small-scale growers and family-based agriculture. However, the agamic propagation of the crop through corms raises concerns regarding disease dispersion. During the summers of 2013 and 2015, symptoms of corm rot were observed in saffron crops in La Consulta, Valle de Uco, Argentina. These symptoms manifested in the form of wilting plants and red-coloured areas on the surface of the corms, in some cases affecting deeper regions. This study aimed to isolate and identify the causal agent responsible for saffron corm rot while also comparing the virulence of four strains isolated on saffron plants. Consistent isolation of Fusarium spp. colonies from affected corms confirmed its association with the disease. The obtained isolates were inoculated into healthy corms, and the reproduction of symptoms was confirmed, as well as subsequent pathogen re-isolation. Morphological and molecular characterisation of the strains was performed using rDNA gene sequencing. Furthermore, disease progression was assessed with fitting epidemiological models to empirical data, which served as estimators of fungal strain aggressiveness. The results conclusively identified Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. as the causal agent of corm rot, and variations in virulence were observed among the strains on the host plant. After basic molecular and pathological studies, it is postulated that the fungal strains possibly belong to the forma specialis gladioli, but further studies are necessary to confirm that. The present study provides findings that highlight the importance of early detection and the preservation of pathogen-free fields to sustain saffron cultivation. These findings may constitute the initial step for future projects aimed at understanding the epidemiology of the disease better, determining the species/races of the pathogen, and developing effective management strategies.

Effect of saffron and fenugreek on lowering blood glucose: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Saffron and fenugreek have been shown to have an effect on lowering blood glucose; therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of using saffron and fenugreek on blood glucose control. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant articles. Articles on the use of saffron or fenugreek to control blood glucose were selected in compliance with PRISMA guidelines. R software was used for statistical analysis. The mean difference (MD) and the standardized MD (SMD) were adopted, and subgroup analyses were performed according to patient's clinical condition. Nineteen studies comprised this meta-analysis. Overall, using fenugreek decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG) (SMD: -0.90; 95%CI: -1.43 to -0.38; I2  = 87%; p < 0.001), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) (SMD: -1.13; 95%CI: -1.99 to -0.28; I2  = 94%; p < 0.001), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (SMD: -0.43; 95%CI: -0.75 to -0.12; I2  = 20%; p = 0.29). Saffron supplementation reduced FBG (MD: -9.06 mg/dl; 95%CI: -16.25 to -1.86; I2  = 40%; p = 0.12) and HbA1c (MD: -0.19%; 95%CI: -0.23 to -0.14; I2  = 0%; p > 0.99). Our results show that using saffron and fenugreek can reduce FBG, PPBG, and HbA1c; however, there are some shortcomings that require attention for these results. Further high-quality studies should be conducted to establish the clinical efficacy of herbal medicines.

O uso de cúrcuma longa em tratamentos dermatológicos: revisão da literatura / The use of turmeric long in dermatological treatments: a literature review

A cúrcuma longa é amplamente conhecida por seu uso culinário e na estética. A curcumina, um antioxidante da cúrcuma, possui propriedades que impactam diretamente na regeneração da pele e na cicatrização de feridas. Neste sentido, este estudo tem como objetivo geral apresentar a cúrcuma longa e seus benefícios quanto ao consumo oral nos tratamentos dermatológicos. Para desenvolvimento deste estudo, optou-se pelo método de revisão bibliográfica. A ingestão de cúrcuma longa, precisa ser amplamente estudada e divulgada, uma vez que seus benefícios vêm de sua composição, principalmente da curcumina. Não se deve ignorar que sua ingestão provoca resultados e efeitos extremamente melhores do que seu uso tópico, e quanto mais próximo do natural, longe da industrialização, mais concentrado será o produto. Por fim, a presente pesquisa não esgota o tema em questão, por isso, sugere-se a realização de um novo estudo, onde seja avaliado as diferenças de resultados e bene

Noise interfere on feeding behaviour but not on food preference of saffron finches (Sicalis flaveola).

Noise pollution exerts negative well-being effects on animals, especially for captive individuals. A decrease in feeding, reproduction, attention, and an increase in stress are examples of negative effects of noise pollution on animals. Noise pollution can also negatively impact animals' lives by decreasing the efficiency of food choice: attention decrease can cause animals choose the least profitable food, which can affect their fitness. The aims of this study were to analyse the effects of noise on feeding behaviour and food preference of saffron finches. Foraging tests were performed under background sound pressure levels and under a noisy condition. The behaviours exhibited by the birds during the tests were recorded using focal sampling with instantaneous recording of behaviour every 10 s. Results showed that finches consumed more the higher energetic food, and that noise pollution did not impact food consumption by the birds. Noise changed the number of visits on the feeders, and increased the expression of the 'lower the head' and vigilance behaviours during feeding. These findings could be important for wild and captive animals because an increase in vigilance and in changes in foraging behaviour could ultimately impact their fitness. Thus, mitigation measures should be taken in relation to noise impact on wildlife, this is especially the case for captive animals, which have no chance to avoid noisy environments.

Isospora bertoi n. sp. of the saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola (Aves: Passeriformes) from Brazil / Isospora bertoi n. sp. do canário-da-terra, Sicalis flaveola (Aves: Passeriformes) do Brasil

A new species of coccidia (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from the saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola, is reported from Brazil. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora bertoi n. sp. are spherical to subspherical; 23.6 (21.1-26.5) x 22.0 (19.4-24.6) µm; shape Index (L/W ratio) 1.1 (1.0-1.2) µm; with bilayer smooth walls, ~1.1 μm. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but polar granules are present. Sporocysts are elongated ellipsoidal, 16.2 (13.6-17.9) x 10.1 (8.9-12.4) µm. Stieda body is button-shaped and Sub-Stieda and Para-Stieda body are absent. Sporocyst residuum is compact and composed of hundreds of granules scattered among the sporozoites. The sporozoite is claviform with an elongated posterior refractile body and nucleus.

Uma nova espécie de coccídio (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) do canário-da-terra, Sicalis flaveola, é relatada no Brasil. Oocistos esporulados de Isospora bertoi n. sp. são esféricos a subesféricos; 23,6 (21,1-26,5) x 22,0 (19,4-24,6) µm com índice morfométrico (L/W) de 1,1 (1,0-1,2); com parede lisa constituída por duas camadas com ~1,1 μm. Micrópila e resíduo de oocisto estão ausentes, mas grânulos polares estão presentes. Os esporocistos são elipsoidais alongados, 16,2 (13,6-17,9) x 10,1 (8,9-12,4) µm;. O corpo Stieda é em forma de botão, enquanto que os corpos de Sub-Stieda e Para-Stieda estão ausentes. O resíduo do esporocisto é compacto e constituido por centenas de grânulos espalhados entre os esporozoítos. O esporozoíto é claviforme com corpo e núcleo refráteis posteriores alongados.

A New Species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 from the Saffron Finch, Sicalis flaveola (Aves: Passeriformes) in Brazil.

PURPOSE: The present study describes a new species of Eimeria found in free-living S. flaveola that inhabit the city of Eugenópolis in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Fecal samples from all captured birds were filtered through double gauze, mixed with 2.5% potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), placed in a Petri dish and incubated at 23-28 °C until 70% of the oocysts were sporulated. RESULTS: Eimeria flaveola n. sp. from the saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola (Aves: Passeriformes), was described in Brazil. Sporulated oocysts are subspherical; 22.67 ± 1.57 (18.47-26.48) × 21.19 ± 1.42 (16.69-24.91) µm; with a shape-index of 1.07 ± 0.05 (1.00-1.25) µm and a smooth, bilayered wall, ~ 1.09 µm. A micropyle and an oocyst residuum are absent, but one polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 14.24 ± 1.71 (9.02-19.33) × 9.98 ± 1.02 (6.80-12.87) µm; with a shape-index of 1.43 ± 0.16 (0.74-2.11). The Stieda body is button-shaped; sub-Stieda body and para-Stieda absent. The sporocyst residuum is formed by a compact rounded mass of granules. The sporozoite is claviform, 11.53 µm in length and 2.84 µm in width, with a refractile body and a nucleus. CONCLUSIONS: Based on its morphological and morphometric characteristics, we consider E. flaveola a newly identified species.

Detection of Saffron's Main Bioactive Compounds and Their Relationship with Commercial Quality.

This review aims to evaluate the state of saffron's main bioactive compounds and their relationship with its commercial quality. Saffron is the commercial name for the dried red stigmas of the Crocus sativus L. flower. It owes its sensory and functional properties mainly to the presence of its carotenoid derivatives, synthesized throughout flowering and also during the whole production process. These compounds include crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal, which are bioactive metabolites. Saffron's commercial value is determined according to the ISO/TS3632 standard that determines their main apocatotenoids. Other techniques such as chromatography (gas and liquid) are used to detect the apocarotenoids. This, together with the determination of spectral fingerprinting or chemo typing are essential for saffron identification. The determination of the specific chemical markers coupled with chemometric methods favors the discrimination of adulterated samples, possible plants, or adulterating compounds and even the concentrations at which these are obtained. Chemical characterization and concentration of various compounds could be affected by saffron's geographical origin and harvest/postharvest characteristics. The large number of chemical compounds found in the by-products (flower parts) of saffron (catechin, quercetin, delphinidin, etc.) make it an interesting aromatic spice as a colorant, antioxidant, and source of phytochemicals, which can also bring additional economic value to the most expensive aromatic species in the world.

The Relation between Drying Conditions and the Development of Volatile Compounds in Saffron (Crocus sativus).

Saffron is derived from the stigmas of the flower Crocus sativus L. The drying process is the most important post-harvest step for converting C. sativus stigmas into saffron. The aim of this review is to evaluate saffron's post-harvest conditions in the development of volatile compounds and its aroma descriptors. It describes saffron's compound generation by enzymatic pathways and degradation reactions. Saffron quality is described by their metabolite's solubility and the determination of picrocrocin, crocins, and safranal. The drying process induce various modifications in terms of color, flavor and aroma, which take place in the spice. It affects the aromatic species chemical profile. In the food industry, saffron is employed for its sensory attributes, such as coloring, related mainly to crocins (mono-glycosyl esters or di-glycosyl polyene).

Effects of Spices (Saffron, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Turmeric and Ginger) in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent dementia in the elderly, causing disability, physical, psychological, social, and economic damage to the individual, their families, and caregivers. Studies have shown some spices, such as saffron, rosemary, cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that act in inhibiting the aggregation of acetylcholinesterase and amyloid in AD. For this reason, spices have been studied as beneficial sources against neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. In this sense, this study aims to present a review of some spices (Saffron, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Turmeric and Ginger) and their bioactive compounds, most consumed and investigated in the world regarding AD. In this article, scientific evidence is compiled in clinical trials in adults, the elderly, animals, and in vitro, on properties considered neuroprotective, having no or negative effects on neuroprotection of these spices and their bioactive compounds. The importance of this issue is based on the pharmacological treatment for AD that is still not very effective. In addition, the recommendations and prescriptions of these spices are still permeated by questioning and lack of robust evidence of their effects on neurodegeneration. The literature search suggests all spices included in this article have bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions associated with neuroprotection. To date, the amounts of spice ingestion in humans are not uniform, and there is no consensus on its indication and chronic consumption guarantees safety and efficacy in neuroprotection. Therefore, clinical evidence on this topic is necessary to become a formal adjuvant treatment for AD.

Whether or Not the Effects of Curcuma longa Supplementation Are Associated with Physical Exercises in T1DM and T2DM: A Systematic Review.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the world; one of its main characteristics is chronic hyperglycemia. Pharmacotherapy and other alternatives such as regular exercise are among the therapeutic methods used to control this pathology and participate in glycemic control, as well as the ingestion of plant extracts with antioxidant effects. Among the different plants used for this purpose, curcumin has potential to be used to attenuate the hyperglycemic condition triggered by diabetes mellitus (DM). Some prior studies suggest that this plant has antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential. This review aims to evaluate the antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential of curcumin supplementation in Type 1 DM (T1DM) and Type 2 DM (T2DM). The search considered articles published between 2010 and 2019 in English and Portuguese, and a theoretical survey of relevant information was conducted in the main databases of scientific publications, including the Virtual Health Library and its indexed databases, PubMed, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences-Health Information for Latin America and the Caribbean-BIREME/PAHO/WHO), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). The associated use of turmeric and physical exercise has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects, suggesting that these could be used as potential therapeutic methods to improve the quality of life and survival of diabetic patients.

Saffron (Crocus sativus) aqueous extract reverses the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract Crocus sativus L., Iridaceae, has been used worldwide in traditional medicinefor treatment ofsome neurological disorderssuch as depression. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder developed in peoplewho experience stressful events. Since stress has been proposed tocause thehypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis malfunction in post-traumatic stress disorder patients, this study aimed at investigating the effect of saffron aqueous extract on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in rats of post-traumatic stress disorder model. Here, Post-traumatic stress disorder animals received an acute electro foot shock; however, 5 min before the stress session, these animals received an intra-cerebral-ventricular (10 µg/rat) infusion of either saffron aqueous extract or saline. Twenty one days later, they were re-exposedto the stress box withoutinducing stress, andthen were examined for their freezing behavior. The impact of stress and saffron aqueous extract on serum corticosterone, corticotrophin releasing hormone gene expression in hypothalamus and glucocorticoid receptor gene expression in pituitary gland werethen evaluated on day 28. Intra-cerebral-ventricular injection of saffron aqueous extract resulted in an increase in serum corticosterone level and reduced symptoms of freezing behavior, and corticotrophin releasing hormone and glucocorticoid receptor gene expression in post-traumatic stress disorder groups.Saffron administration could improve the symptoms of stress-induced post-traumatic stress disorder, possiblythrough the adjustment ofhypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function.

Proteomic analysis of saffron (Crocus sativus L. ) grown under conditions of cadmium toxicity / Análise proteômica do açafrão (Crocus sativus L. ) cultivado sob condições de toxicidade por cádmio

Cd is a highly detrimental global environmental pollutant. Plants have evolved complex defense mechanisms as an adaptation to against Cd toxicity. In this study, a pot experiment was performed to evaluate the protein profile of saffron in response to Cd stress. Fifteen proteins were found to be up-regulated in the leaves of plants under Cd stress and were primarily related to metabolism, signal transduction, stress and defense response and energy. Eleven proteins were found to be down-regulated following Cd treatment, including ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), ferredoxin-NADP reductase, a 70 kDa heat shock-related protein and three protein synthesis-associated proteins. The results provide valuable insights regarding the molecular mechanism of saffron in response to Cd toxicity and the possible utilization of genetic resources in developing Cd tolerant/low-accumulation saffron.

O cádmio (Cd) é um poluente ambiental global altamente prejudicial. As plantas desenvolveram mecanismos de defesa complexos como uma adaptação contra a toxicidade por Cd. Neste estudo, realizou-se um experimento em vaso para avaliar o perfil proteico do açafrão em resposta ao estresse por Cd. Foi descoberto que quinze proteínas foram supra-reguladas (up-regulated) nas folhas de plantas sob estresse por Cd e foram principalmente relacionados ao metabolismo, transdução de sinal, estresse e resposta de defesa e energia. Foi descoberto ainda que onze proteínas foram infra-reguladas (down-regulated) após tratamento com Cd, incluindo ribulose bifosfato carboxilase oxigenase (RuBisCO), ferredoxina-NADP redutase, uma proteína relacionada com o choque térmico de 70 kDa e três proteínas associadas à síntese de proteínas. Os resultados fornecem informações valiosas sobre o mecanismo molecular do açafrão em resposta à toxicidade do Cd e a possível utilização de recursos genéticos no desenvolvimento de açafrão tolerante ao Cd e de baixa acumulação.

Origin, ramification, and distribution of the celiac artery in Saffron finch (Sicalis flaveola) / Origem, ramificação e distribuição da artéria celíaca em canários-da-terra (Sicalis flaveola)

This research was performed aiming to describe the origin and the distribution of the celiac artery in 30 Saffron finches (Sicalis flaveola), through the completion of their circulatory system with an aqueous solution of colored latex, followed by fixation in formol for later dissection of the collateral branches. The celiac artery originated from the descending branch of the aorta, representing its first visceral branch, and was directed to the right antimere of the coelomic cavity. After issuance of the proventricular dorsal artery and the splenic artery, the celiac bifurcated in left and right branches: In all observed finches the left branch originated the proventricular ventral artery, from its left side, and the gastroduodenal and ventral gastric arteries from its right side, in order to continue as the left gastric artery characterizing it as a terminal branch; from its right side, the right branch issued, as first collateral, the right hepatic artery in all observed birds, to originate, from its opposite side, the right gastric and ileal, immediately continuing as pancreaticoduodenal, its terminal branch. From this study, we concluded that the Saffron finch follows the same pattern regarding the origin and distribution of the celiac artery proposed for birds of the genus Gallus, Anas, Columba, Crax, Mitu, and Amazona.(AU)

A origem e a distribuição da artéria celíaca de trinta canários da terra (Sicalis flaveola) foram descritas por meio do preenchimento do sistema arterial com solução de látex corado e fixação em solução de formol, para posterior dissecação de seus ramos colaterais. A artéria celíaca originou-se do ramo descendente da aorta, seu primeiro ramo visceral, direcionada para o antímero direito da cavidade celomática. Após emissão das artérias proventricular dorsal e esplênica, a artéria celíaca bifurcou-se em ramos esquerdo e direito: em todos os canários dissecados, o ramo esquerdo originou a artéria proventricular ventral a partir de sua face esquerda e as artérias gastroduodenal e gástrica ventral pela sua face direita, para em seguida continuar como artéria gástrica esquerda, seu ramo terminal. Em todas as aves, a artéria hepática direita foi o primeiro colateral originado na face direita do ramo direito, para em seguida originar, na face oposta, as artérias gástrica direita e ileal, continuando-se imediatamente como pancreaticoduodenal, seu ramo terminal. A partir desse estudo, concluiu-se que o canário da terra segue o mesmo padrão proposto quanto à origem e distribuição da artéria celíaca para aves dos gêneros Gallus, Anas, Columba, Crax, Mitu e Amazona.(AU)

ORIGEM, RAMIFICAÇÃO E DISTRIBUIÇÃO DA ARTÉRIA CELÍACA EM CANÁRIOS-DA-TERRA (Sicalis flaveola)

Abstract This research was performed aiming to describe the origin and the distribution of the celiac artery in 30 Saffron finches (Sicalis flaveola), through the completion of their circulatory system with an aqueous solution of colored latex, followed by fixation in formol for later dissection of the collateral branches. The celiac artery originated from the descending branch of the aorta, representing its first visceral branch, and was directed to the right antimere of the coelomic cavity. After issuance of the proventricular dorsal artery and the splenic artery, the celiac bifurcated in left and right branches: In all observed finches the left branch originated the proventricular ventral artery, from its left side, and the gastroduodenal and ventral gastric arteries from its right side, in order to continue as the left gastric artery characterizing it as a terminal branch; from its right side, the right branch issued, as first collateral, the right hepatic artery in all observed birds, to originate, from its opposite side, the right gastric and ileal, immediately continuing as pancreaticoduodenal, its terminal branch. From this study, we concluded that the Saffron finch follows the same pattern regarding the origin and distribution of the celiac artery proposed for birds of the genus Gallus, Anas, Columba, Crax, Mitu, and Amazona.

Resumo A origem e a distribuição da artéria celíaca de trinta canários da terra (Sicalis flaveola) foram descritas por meio do preenchimento do sistema arterial com solução de látex corado e fixação em solução de formol, para posterior dissecação de seus ramos colaterais. A artéria celíaca originou-se do ramo descendente da aorta, seu primeiro ramo visceral, direcionada para o antímero direito da cavidade celomática. Após emissão das artérias proventricular dorsal e esplênica, a artéria celíaca bifurcou-se em ramos esquerdo e direito: em todos os canários dissecados, o ramo esquerdo originou a artéria proventricular ventral a partir de sua face esquerda e as artérias gastroduodenal e gástrica ventral pela sua face direita, para em seguida continuar como artéria gástrica esquerda, seu ramo terminal. Em todas as aves, a artéria hepática direita foi o primeiro colateral originado na face direita do ramo direito, para em seguida originar, na face oposta, as artérias gástrica direita e ileal, continuando-se imediatamente como pancreaticoduodenal, seu ramo terminal. A partir desse estudo, concluiu-se que o canário da terra segue o mesmo padrão proposto quanto à origem e distribuição da artéria celíaca para aves dos gêneros Gallus, Anas, Columba, Crax, Mitu e Amazona.

Origin, ramification, and distribution of the celiac artery in Saffron finch (Sicalis flaveola) / Origem, ramificação e distribuição da artéria celíaca em canários-da-terra (Sicalis flaveola)

This research was performed aiming to describe the origin and the distribution of the celiac artery in 30 Saffron finches (Sicalis flaveola), through the completion of their circulatory system with an aqueous solution of colored latex, followed by fixation in formol for later dissection of the collateral branches. The celiac artery originated from the descending branch of the aorta, representing its first visceral branch, and was directed to the right antimere of the coelomic cavity. After issuance of the proventricular dorsal artery and the splenic artery, the celiac bifurcated in left and right branches: In all observed finches the left branch originated the proventricular ventral artery, from its left side, and the gastroduodenal and ventral gastric arteries from its right side, in order to continue as the left gastric artery characterizing it as a terminal branch; from its right side, the right branch issued, as first collateral, the right hepatic artery in all observed birds, to originate, from its opposite side, the right gastric and ileal, immediately continuing as pancreaticoduodenal, its terminal branch. From this study, we concluded that the Saffron finch follows the same pattern regarding the origin and distribution of the celiac artery proposed for birds of the genus Gallus, Anas, Columba, Crax, Mitu, and Amazona.

A origem e a distribuição da artéria celíaca de trinta canários da terra (Sicalis flaveola) foram descritas por meio do preenchimento do sistema arterial com solução de látex corado e fixação em solução de formol, para posterior dissecação de seus ramos colaterais. A artéria celíaca originou-se do ramo descendente da aorta, seu primeiro ramo visceral, direcionada para o antímero direito da cavidade celomática. Após emissão das artérias proventricular dorsal e esplênica, a artéria celíaca bifurcou-se em ramos esquerdo e direito: em todos os canários dissecados, o ramo esquerdo originou a artéria proventricular ventral a partir de sua face esquerda e as artérias gastroduodenal e gástrica ventral pela sua face direita, para em seguida continuar como artéria gástrica esquerda, seu ramo terminal. Em todas as aves, a artéria hepática direita foi o primeiro colateral originado na face direita do ramo direito, para em seguida originar, na face oposta, as artérias gástrica direita e ileal, continuando-se imediatamente como pancreaticoduodenal, seu ramo terminal. A partir desse estudo, concluiu-se que o canário da terra segue o mesmo padrão proposto quanto à origem e distribuição da artéria celíaca para aves dos gêneros Gallus, Anas, Columba, Crax, Mitu e Amazona.

Análise da condição corpórea, biometria externa e das vísceras do trato gastrointestinal de canários-da-terra, Sicalis flaveola braziliensis / Analysis of body condition and external and gastrointestinal biometry of saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola braziliensis

Analisaram-se em canários-da-terra, Sicalis flaveola brasiliensis, apreendidos pelo Cetas-IBAMA/PB e que morreram logo após sua chegada, as medidas biométricas externas, condições corpóreas e de plumagem, medidas biométricas das vísceras do trato gastrointestinal (TGI), assim como a topografia visceral, a fim de fornecer dados morfológicos e caracterizar as condições em esses pássaros chegaram a esse centro de triagem. A topografia visceral estava em consonância com a de periquitos e avestruz, a exceção que essa última espécie apresenta um ceco. Verificou-se que há relação entre as condições corpóreas desfavoráveis e a perda de plumagem. Conclui-se, que S. flaveola braziliensis possui medidas biométricas em consonância á de outros Passeriformes, contudo possui divergências para aves do mesmo gênero e poucas diferenças biométricas entre machos e fêmeas. Através do estudo, verifica-se que as condições corpóreas de animais traficados devem ser consideradas nos centros de triagem, a fim de se fazer um melhor manejo nutricional e/ou clínico, diminuindo a mortalidade.

Forty-one saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola brasiliensis, were studied regarding the external biometry, corporeal and plumage conditions, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) biometry, and the visceral topography, in order to provide morphological data and to characterize the condition in which these birds came to the wild animal screening Center. The visceral topography was similar to the found in parakeets and ostriches; however the last have a cecum. There was also relationship between the unfavorable body conditions and the loss of feathers. It was concluded that S. flaveola braziliensis has biometric measurements similar to other Passeriformes, however with differences to birds of the same gender, and few biometric differences among males and females. The results demonstrate that the corporal conditions of trafficked animals should be considered in wild animal screening in order to perform a better nutritional and clinical management, and to lower mortality.

Análise da condição corpórea, biometria externa e das vísceras do trato gastrointestinal de canários-da-terra, Sicalis flaveola braziliensis / Analysis of body condition and external and gastrointestinal biometry of saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola braziliensis

Analisaram-se em canários-da-terra, Sicalis flaveola brasiliensis, apreendidos pelo Cetas-IBAMA/PB e que morreram logo após sua chegada, as medidas biométricas externas, condições corpóreas e de plumagem, medidas biométricas das vísceras do trato gastrointestinal (TGI), assim como a topografia visceral, a fim de fornecer dados morfológicos e caracterizar as condições em esses pássaros chegaram a esse centro de triagem. A topografia visceral estava em consonância com a de periquitos e avestruz, a exceção que essa última espécie apresenta um ceco. Verificou-se que há relação entre as condições corpóreas desfavoráveis e a perda de plumagem. Conclui-se, que S. flaveola braziliensis possui medidas biométricas em consonância á de outros Passeriformes, contudo possui divergências para aves do mesmo gênero e poucas diferenças biométricas entre machos e fêmeas. Através do estudo, verifica-se que as condições corpóreas de animais traficados devem ser consideradas nos centros de triagem, a fim de se fazer um melhor manejo nutricional e/ou clínico, diminuindo a mortalidade.(AU)

Forty-one saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola brasiliensis, were studied regarding the external biometry, corporeal and plumage conditions, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) biometry, and the visceral topography, in order to provide morphological data and to characterize the condition in which these birds came to the wild animal screening Center. The visceral topography was similar to the found in parakeets and ostriches; however the last have a cecum. There was also relationship between the unfavorable body conditions and the loss of feathers. It was concluded that S. flaveola braziliensis has biometric measurements similar to other Passeriformes, however with differences to birds of the same gender, and few biometric differences among males and females. The results demonstrate that the corporal conditions of trafficked animals should be considered in wild animal screening in order to perform a better nutritional and clinical management, and to lower mortality.(AU)

Effect of crocus sativus on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity

Crocus sativus, known as saffron, is used in folk medicine for treatment of different types of diseases, and its anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities have been demonstrated. The present study evaluated gentamicin nephrotoxicity in saffron treated rats. Male Wistar rats (200-250g) were treated with saffron (40 or 80 mg/k/d) for 10 days, or saffron (40 or 80 mg/ kg/d) for 10 days and gentamicin 80 mg/kg/d for five days, starting from day 6. At the end of treatment, blood samples were taken for measurement of serum creatinine (SCr) and BUN. The left kidney was prepared for histological evaluation and the right kidney for Malondialdehyde (MDA) measurement. Gentamicin 80 (mg/k/d) increased SCr, BUN and renal tissue levels of MDA and induced severe histological changes. Saffron at 40 mg/k/d significantly reduced gentamicin-induced increases in BUN and histological scores (p<0.05). Gentamicin-induced increases in BUN, SCr and MDA and histological injury were significantly reduced by treatment with saffron 80 mg/k/d (p<0.05, p<0.001, p<0.05, and p<0.001 respectively). In conclusion, our results suggest that saffron treatment reduces gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and this effect seems to be dose dependent.