Emetic Tartar-Loaded Liposomes as a New Strategy for Leishmaniasis Treatment.

Emetic tartar (ET), was used in the treatment of leishmaniasis but its use was discontinued due to its low therapeutic index. Liposomes have been shown to be a promising strategy for delivery of bioactive substances in the region of interest, in order to reduce and/or eliminate undesirable effects. In the present study, liposomes containing ET were prepared and characterized to evaluate acute toxicity as well as their leishmanicidal action using BALB/c mice with an inoculum of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Liposomes were composed of egg phosphatidylcholine and 3ß-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl]cholesterol, with an average diameter of 200 nm, zeta potential of +18 mV, and ET encapsulated into liposomes at a concentration near 2 g/L. Healthy mice were treated with ET or liposome containing ET (Lip-ET) in a single dose of 16 mg/kg of Sb3+ intravenously and observed for 14 days. The death of two animals in the ET-treated group and no deaths in the Lip-ET-treated group was observed. Higher hepatic and cardiac toxicity were observed in animals treated with ET when compared to animals treated with Lip-ET, blank liposomes (Blank-Lip) and PBS. The study of antileishmanial efficacy was conducted by intraperitoneal administration of Lip-ET, for ten consecutive days. It was observed by limiting dilution that treatments with liposomal formulations containing ET, as well as Glucantime®, led to a significant reduction in parasitic load in spleen and liver (p < 0.05) when compared to the untreated control group.

Presence of Helicobacter spp. in dental tartar and gastric mucosa, and its relationship with EGUS in horses from a public slaughterhouse

Background: Despite the fact that Helicobacter spp. has been detected in equine gastric mucosa, no evidence exists about this infection in Colombian horses affected by equine ulcerative gastric syndrome (EGUS), nor in dental tartar. Objective: To detect Helicobacter spp. DNA in equine gastric mucosa and dental tartar and determine the relationship between the presence of Helicobacter spp. and gastric lesions. Methods: Samples of glandular gastric mucosa and dental tartar were collected from 30 equine slaughterhouses. Macroscopic lesions of the stomachs were classified and the total DNA in all samples was extracted using a commercial extraction kit. A final-point PCR was performed using primers for amplification of a segment of 251 bp of the gene encoding the 16s rRNA region; the amplified fragments were subjected to a second PCR to determine the presence of H. pylori, the VacA gene was typified. The resulting amplicons were sequenced. Results: It was possible to amplify 16s rRNA in several samples but there was no amplification of VacA. Fragments of the sequences were compatible with H. heilmannii. The 23.3 and 10% of gastric and tartar samples were positive for 16s rRNA of Helicobacter spp., respectively. Conclusion: Although genetic material of Helicobacter spp. was found in some animals, there was no relationship with gastric lesions. It is possible that helicobacteriosis has no bearing in EGUS etiology.

Antecedentes: A pesar de que se ha detectado Helicobacter spp. en mucosa gástrica equina, no existe evidencia de esta infección en caballos criollos colombianos afectados por síndrome ulcerativo gástrico (SUGE), ni tampoco reportes en sarro dental. Objetivo: Detectar ADN de Helicobacter spp. en sarro dental y mucosa gástrica de equinos, y determinar la relación entre la presencia de la bacteria y lesiones gástricas. Métodos: Las muestras de mucosa glandular gástrica y sarro dental fueron colectadas de 30 equinos que se encontraban en planta de beneficio. Las lesiones macroscópicas fueron clasificadas y el ADN total de las muestras fue extraído utilizando un kit comercial. Se desarrolló PCR convencional usando cebadores específicos para la amplificación de un segmento de 251 pb de un gen que codifica la región 16S del ARNr; los fragmentos amplificados fueron sometidos a una segunda PCR para determinar la presencia de H. pylori mediante la amplificación del gen VacA. Los amplificados resultantes fueron secuenciados. Resultados: Fue posible amplificar 16s ARNr en varias muestras, pero no hubo amplificación de VacA. Los fragmentos de las secuencias fueron compatibles con H. heilmannii. El 23,3 y 10% de las muestras gástricas y sarro fueron positivas para 16s ARNr de Helicobacter spp., respectivamente. Conclusión: Aunque el material genético de Helicobacter spp. se encontró en algunos animales, no hubo relación con las lesiones gástricas. Es posible que la helicobacteriosis no tenga incidencia en la etiología del EGUS.

Antecedentes: Apesar do Helicobacter spp. ter sido detectado na mucosa gástrica de equinos, não há evidências dessa infecção em cavalos crioulos colombianos afetados pela síndrome ulcerativa gástrica (SUGE), ou no sarro. Objetivo: Detectar ADN de Helicobacter spp. na mucosa gástrica e do sarro dental de equinos, e determinar a relação entre a presença de Helicobacter spp. e lesões gástricas. Métodos: Amostras de mucosa gástrica glandular e sarro dental foram coletadas de 30 equinos de abatedouro, as lesões macroscópicas dos estômagos foram classificadas. Se realizou extração de ADN total em todas as amostras através de kit comercial. Realizou-se PCR ponto final, amplificando o segmento de 251 pb do gene que codifica para a região 16s ARNr; os fragmentos amplificados foram sometidos novamente a PCR para determinar a presença de H. pylori, ao tipificar o gene VacA, e seguidamente foram sequenciados. Resultados: O houve amplificação do 16s ARNr em várias amostras, mas não amplificação de VacA. Fragmentos das sequencias foram compatíveis com H. heilmannii. O 23,3 e 10% das amostras gástricas e do sarro foram positivas para 16s ARNr de Helicobacter, respectivamente. Conclusão: Embora material genético de Helicobacter spp. encontrou-se em algumos animais não houve relação com lesões gástricas. Possivelmente a helicobacterioses não tem papel relevante na etiologia da SUGE.

Diet of some passerines in south coast of Espírito Santo State, Brazil

Studies about diet of birds in Atlantic Forest are scarce. In this study, we characterized the diet of Passeriformes from the south coast of Espírito Santo State, Brazil, classifying them into trophic guilds. From 26 species a total of 94 samples were obtained by regurgitation using tartar emetic method. The 855 items found were separated into two different categories: Insects (includes other terrestrial arthropods, such as spiders and opiliones) and Fruits/Seeds. The most frequent food item was Coleopterans, and the most abundant was Hymenoptera.

Estudos sobre a dieta de aves em Mata Atlântica são raros. Neste estudo, caracterizou-se a dieta de Passeriformes na costa sul do estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, classificando-os em guildas tróficas. Um total de 94 amostras foram obtidas de 26 espécies, utilizando o método do tártaro emético. Os 855 itens encontrados foram separados em duas categorias: Insetos (inclui outros artrópodes terrestres como aranhas e opiliões) e Frutos/Sementes. O item mais frequente foi Coleoptera e o mais abundante foi Hymenoptera.

Diet of some passerines in south coast of espírito santo state, brazil

ABSTRACT Studies about diet of birds in Atlantic Forest are scarce. In this study, we characterized the diet of Passeriformes from the south coast of Espírito Santo State, Brazil, classifying them into trophic guilds. From 26 species a total of 94 samples were obtained by regurgitation using tartar emetic method. The 855 items found were separated into two different categories: Insects (includes other terrestrial arthropods, such as spiders and opiliones) and Fruits/Seeds. The most frequent food item was Coleopterans, and the most abundant was Hymenoptera.

RESUMO Estudos sobre a dieta de aves em Mata Atlântica são raros. Neste estudo, caracterizou-se a dieta de Passeriformes na costa sul do estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, classificando-os em guildas tróficas. Um total de 94 amostras foram obtidas de 26 espécies utilizando o método do tártaro emético. Os 855 itens encontrados foram separados em duas categorias: Insetos (inclui outros artrópodes terrestres como aranhas e opiliões) e Frutos/Sementes. O item mais frequente foi Coleoptera e o mais abundante foi Hymenoptera.

Diet of some passerines in south coast of Espírito Santo State, Brazil

Studies about diet of birds in Atlantic Forest are scarce. In this study, we characterized the diet of Passeriformes from the south coast of Espírito Santo State, Brazil, classifying them into trophic guilds. From 26 species a total of 94 samples were obtained by regurgitation using tartar emetic method. The 855 items found were separated into two different categories: Insects (includes other terrestrial arthropods, such as spiders and opiliones) and Fruits/Seeds. The most frequent food item was Coleopterans, and the most abundant was Hymenoptera.(AU)

Estudos sobre a dieta de aves em Mata Atlântica são raros. Neste estudo, caracterizou-se a dieta de Passeriformes na costa sul do estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, classificando-os em guildas tróficas. Um total de 94 amostras foram obtidas de 26 espécies, utilizando o método do tártaro emético. Os 855 itens encontrados foram separados em duas categorias: Insetos (inclui outros artrópodes terrestres como aranhas e opiliões) e Frutos/Sementes. O item mais frequente foi Coleoptera e o mais abundante foi Hymenoptera.(AU)

DIET OF SOME PASSERINES IN SOUTH COAST OF ESPÍRITO SANTO STATE, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT Studies about diet of birds in Atlantic Forest are scarce. In this study, we characterized the diet of Passeriformes from the south coast of Espírito Santo State, Brazil, classifying them into trophic guilds. From 26 species a total of 94 samples were obtained by regurgitation using tartar emetic method. The 855 items found were separated into two different categories: Insects (includes other terrestrial arthropods, such as spiders and opiliones) and Fruits/Seeds. The most frequent food item was Coleopterans, and the most abundant was Hymenoptera.

RESUMO Estudos sobre a dieta de aves em Mata Atlântica são raros. Neste estudo, caracterizou-se a dieta de Passeriformes na costa sul do estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, classificando-os em guildas tróficas. Um total de 94 amostras foram obtidas de 26 espécies utilizando o método do tártaro emético. Os 855 itens encontrados foram separados em duas categorias: Insetos (inclui outros artrópodes terrestres como aranhas e opiliões) e Frutos/Sementes. O item mais frequente foi Coleoptera e o mais abundante foi Hymenoptera.

Biofilm production and antibiotic susceptibility of planktonic and biofilm bacteria of canine dental tartar isolates

Background: In nature, bacteria prefer to live as a community rather than planktonic cells. Biofi lm is such a communityof bacteria embedded in a coherent cluster of polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids. The biofi lm formation in thedental cavity can result in the development of periodontal diseases. Biofi lm in the oral cavity can affect the general healthof the dog and the bacterial toxins can damage the visceral organs engaged in detoxifi cation. It can also be detrimentalto human health when transferred via animal bites. Aim of this study is to isolate the organisms from the dental tartars ofdogs and to study their response to antibiotics in both planktonic and biofi lm mode of life.Materials, Methods & Results: Organisms were isolated from fourteen canines with dental tartar using brain heart infusionagar medium. They were identifi ed as per Bergy’s Manual. Antibiogram of the isolates were done with the Kirby Bauermethod using standard antibiotic discs. Initial screening of biofi lm production was done using the congo red agar assay.Quantifi cation of biofi lms were done using a standard microtitre plate method using crystal violet staining. The minimuminhibitory concentration and minimum biofi lm eradication concentration were compared to determine the change in theantimicrobial susceptibility pattern of dental tartar isolates when they go from the planktonic to the biofi lm mode of growth.Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of four broad spectrum antibiotics on isolated strains were determined as perCLSI guidelines. Minimum biofi lm eradication concentrations (MBEC) of the tested antibiotics were calculated for theisolates using a standard microtitre plate MBEC assay. Bacterial biofi lm formation provides the bacteria inherent resistanceto antibiotic chemotherapy and helps in the persistence of infection. The dental plaque is a dental biofi lm which gets calcifi ed and becomes dental tartar. In the present study, the isolated...

Biofilm production and antibiotic susceptibility of planktonic and biofilm bacteria of canine dental tartar isolates

Background: In nature, bacteria prefer to live as a community rather than planktonic cells. Biofi lm is such a communityof bacteria embedded in a coherent cluster of polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids. The biofi lm formation in thedental cavity can result in the development of periodontal diseases. Biofi lm in the oral cavity can affect the general healthof the dog and the bacterial toxins can damage the visceral organs engaged in detoxifi cation. It can also be detrimentalto human health when transferred via animal bites. Aim of this study is to isolate the organisms from the dental tartars ofdogs and to study their response to antibiotics in both planktonic and biofi lm mode of life.Materials, Methods & Results: Organisms were isolated from fourteen canines with dental tartar using brain heart infusionagar medium. They were identifi ed as per Bergys Manual. Antibiogram of the isolates were done with the Kirby Bauermethod using standard antibiotic discs. Initial screening of biofi lm production was done using the congo red agar assay.Quantifi cation of biofi lms were done using a standard microtitre plate method using crystal violet staining. The minimuminhibitory concentration and minimum biofi lm eradication concentration were compared to determine the change in theantimicrobial susceptibility pattern of dental tartar isolates when they go from the planktonic to the biofi lm mode of growth.Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of four broad spectrum antibiotics on isolated strains were determined as perCLSI guidelines. Minimum biofi lm eradication concentrations (MBEC) of the tested antibiotics were calculated for theisolates using a standard microtitre plate MBEC assay. Bacterial biofi lm formation provides the bacteria inherent resistanceto antibiotic chemotherapy and helps in the persistence of infection. The dental plaque is a dental biofi lm which gets calcifi ed and becomes dental tartar. In the present study, the isolated...(AU)

Diet of the Fuscous Flycatcher Cnemotriccus fuscatus (Wied, 1831) Aves, Tyrannidae - in three habitats of the northern Pantanal, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Dieta de Cnemotriccus fuscatus (Wied, 1831) - Aves, Tyrannidae - em três habitats do Pantanal norte, Mato Grosso, Brasil

The Fuscous Flycatcher (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) is a medium-sized Tyrannidae widespread in South America. Despite its large distribution, there have been very few studies on its diet, especially in different habitats. This study presents data on diet variation in three habitats in the Pantanal wetlands in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The specimens were captured through a mist-netting programme between February 2000 and May 2010, in the Retiro Novo Farm, in the Poconé municipality. Birds were captured in three vegetation types: Landizal, Cambarazal and Cordilheira. Tartar emetic was used to obtain the regurgitation samples identified at order level. We captured 61 individuals (21, 26 and 14 in the above described habitats, respectively). Diet of C. fuscatus differed between the three habitats. Ants and beetles were the most relevant prey items either in numerical frequency (NF) or in frequency of occurrence (OF), in terms of the overall diet (NF = 27.34% and 37.89%; OF = 36.06% and 75.4%, respectively). However, in Cordilheira, seeds and beetles dominated the NF (21.8% and 38.1%, respectively) and OF (28.5% and 85.7%, respectively). Cnemotriccus fuscatus was found to have an omnivorous diet, although in Cambarazal, individuals preyed exclusively on arthropods. The present study provides an important contribution to the knowledge of the diet of a poorly studied Neotropical bird.

O Guaracavuçu (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) é um tyranídeo de tamanho médio, bem distribuído na América do Sul. Apesar de sua ampla distribuição, existem poucos estudos sobre a sua dieta, especialmente em diferentes habitats. Este estudo apresenta dados sobre a variação da dieta de C. fuscatus, em três diferentes fitofisionomias do Pantanal norte, Mato Grosso, Brasil. As aves foram capturadas em redes de neblina entre fevereiro de 2000 e maio de 2010, na fazenda Retiro Novo no município de Poconé. Os espécimes foram amostradas em três diferentes tipos de vegetação: Cambarazal, Landizal e Cordilheira. O tartarato emético foi usado para obtenção das amostras de regurgito que foram identificadas ao menor nível taxonômico possível. Foram capturados 61 indivíduos (26, 21 e 14 indivíduos nos habitats descritos acima, respectivamente). A dieta de C. fuscatus foi diferente entre as três fitofisionomias. Em geral, Formicidae e Coleoptera foram os itens alimentares mais relevantes tanto nas frequências numérica (FN) (FN 27,34% e 37,89%, respectivamente) quanto na frequência de ocorrência (FO) (FO = 36,06% e 75,4%, respectivamente). Entretanto, na Cordilheira as sementes (ou frutos) e os Coleoptera dominaram a FN (21,8% e 38,1%, respectivamente) e a FO (28,5% e 85,7%, respectivamente). Cnemotriccus fuscatus apresentou uma dieta onívora, porém no Cambarazal a espécie consumiu apenas artrópodes. O presente estudo fornece uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento da dieta de uma ave Neotropical tão pouco estudada.

Diet of the Fuscous Flycatcher Cnemotriccus fuscatus (Wied, 1831) Aves, Tyrannidae - in three habitats of the northern Pantanal, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Dieta de Cnemotriccus fuscatus (Wied, 1831) - Aves, Tyrannidae - em três habitats do Pantanal norte, Mato Grosso, Brasil

The Fuscous Flycatcher (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) is a medium-sized Tyrannidae widespread in South America. Despite its large distribution, there have been very few studies on its diet, especially in different habitats. This study presents data on diet variation in three habitats in the Pantanal wetlands in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The specimens were captured through a mist-netting programme between February 2000 and May 2010, in the Retiro Novo Farm, in the Poconé municipality. Birds were captured in three vegetation types: Landizal, Cambarazal and Cordilheira. Tartar emetic was used to obtain the regurgitation samples identified at order level. We captured 61 individuals (21, 26 and 14 in the above described habitats, respectively). Diet of C. fuscatus differed between the three habitats. Ants and beetles were the most relevant prey items either in numerical frequency (NF) or in frequency of occurrence (OF), in terms of the overall diet (NF = 27.34% and 37.89%; OF = 36.06% and 75.4%, respectively). However, in Cordilheira, seeds and beetles dominated the NF (21.8% and 38.1%, respectively) and OF (28.5% and 85.7%, respectively). Cnemotriccus fuscatus was found to have an omnivorous diet, although in Cambarazal, individuals preyed exclusively on arthropods. The present study provides an important contribution to the knowledge of the diet of a poorly studied Neotropical bird.(AU)

O Guaracavuçu (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) é um tyranídeo de tamanho médio, bem distribuído na América do Sul. Apesar de sua ampla distribuição, existem poucos estudos sobre a sua dieta, especialmente em diferentes habitats. Este estudo apresenta dados sobre a variação da dieta de C. fuscatus, em três diferentes fitofisionomias do Pantanal norte, Mato Grosso, Brasil. As aves foram capturadas em redes de neblina entre fevereiro de 2000 e maio de 2010, na fazenda Retiro Novo no município de Poconé. Os espécimes foram amostradas em três diferentes tipos de vegetação: Cambarazal, Landizal e Cordilheira. O tartarato emético foi usado para obtenção das amostras de regurgito que foram identificadas ao menor nível taxonômico possível. Foram capturados 61 indivíduos (26, 21 e 14 indivíduos nos habitats descritos acima, respectivamente). A dieta de C. fuscatus foi diferente entre as três fitofisionomias. Em geral, Formicidae e Coleoptera foram os itens alimentares mais relevantes tanto nas frequências numérica (FN) (FN 27,34% e 37,89%, respectivamente) quanto na frequência de ocorrência (FO) (FO = 36,06% e 75,4%, respectivamente). Entretanto, na Cordilheira as sementes (ou frutos) e os Coleoptera dominaram a FN (21,8% e 38,1%, respectivamente) e a FO (28,5% e 85,7%, respectivamente). Cnemotriccus fuscatus apresentou uma dieta onívora, porém no Cambarazal a espécie consumiu apenas artrópodes. O presente estudo fornece uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento da dieta de uma ave Neotropical tão pouco estudada.(AU)