In vitro antibacterial effect of Euterpe oleracea Mart. and Theobroma grandiflorum hydroalcoholic extracts

This study evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial activity of these species against strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared from dried leaves, pulp and seeds of E. oleracea Mart. and T. grandiflorum by continuous percolation with 70% ethyl alcohol. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against four microorganisms by the agar disc diffusion method and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. The antimicrobial activity showed that the açai pulp and seeds possessed significant inhibition in Clostridium perfringens (320 and 640 MIC), Staphylococcus aureus (80 and 320 MIC) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (640 and 2560 MIC). Cupuassu extracts showed no effect on any bacteria. The use of açai extract products can be a sustainable, viable and an accessible alternative for antimicrobial treatment. New studies should be conducted to determine better results for acai herbals and new formulations of cupuassu extracts

A new species of Aplectana Railliet & Henry, 1916 (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) in the Brazilian Amazon and the taxonomic status of Aplectana longa

Abstract Nematodes of the genus Aplectana Railliet & Henry, 1916 are common parasites of the digestive tract of amphibians and reptiles in the Neotropical region. During a parasite survey on Boana boans (Linnaeus, 1758), we found specimens of nematodes with Aplectana characteristics. We observed a set of characteristics that differs the species of our study from its congeners, and the present study describes a new species of Aplectana parasite of B. boans using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Aplectana pella n. sp. has lateral alae and somatic papillae in males and females; males have equal short spicules, and the gubernaculum is absent. The arrangement of pairs of caudal papillae also differs from other species (2 precloacal,1 adcloacal, and 5 postcloacal+1 unpaired). In females, the vulva is simple, with non-prominent lips, and equatorial. This is the first record of the genus Aplectana parasitizing B. boans and the 58th species described for this genus. Additionally, we added the precloacal papillae pattern of A. delirae, and based on morphological and morphometric characteristics, we propose the reallocation of Aplectana longa to the genus Oxyascaris

“Revisiting the Past”: A Redescription of \u3ci\u3ePhysaloptera retusa\u3c/i\u3e (Nemata, Physalopteridae) from Material Deposited in Museums and New Material from Amazon Lizards = “Revisitando o passado”: Uma redescrição de \u3ci\u3ePhysaloptera retusa\u3c/i\u3e (Nemata, Physalopteridae) a partir de material depositado em museus e novo material de lagartos amazônicos

Abstract Physaloptera Rudolphi, 1819 is a genus of nematodes that includes approximately 100 species parasitic in vertebrates around the world. From these, approximately 30 occur in the Neotropical region, with nine reported from neotropical reptiles. Physaloptera spp. are recognized by their distinct morphology of the apical end and characters of the reproductive system. However, despite the fact that the morphological characters for species diagnosis have been firmly established, we frequently find identification problems regarding poorly detailed descriptions and poorly preserved specimens. These may lead to taxonomic incongruencies. Physaloptera retusa (Rudolphi, 1819) is the most common species of the genus and has been reported from several species of neotropical reptiles. Based on our reexaminations of nematode specimens identified as P. retusa from different museum collections, we provide a detailed redescription including the type material, voucher specimens and new specimens recovered currently and showed in this study with new morphological data obtained using light and scanning electron microscopy tools. Keywords: Helminths of reptiles, Amazon, taxonomical identification, morphology, scanning electron microscopy. Resumo Physaloptera Rudolphi, 1819 é um gênero de nematódeos que inclui aproximadamente 100 espécies parasitárias em vertebrados em todo o mundo. Destes, aproximadamente 30 ocorrem na região Neotropical, e nove foram reportados para répteis neotropicais. Physaloptera spp. são reconhecidas por sua morfologia distinta na extremidade apical e por caracteres do sistema reprodutivo, especialmente nos machos. No entanto, embora os caracteres morfológicos para o diagnóstico de espécies tenham sido estabelecidos, frequentemente são encontrados problemas de identificação em relação a descrições pouco detalhadas e espécimes mal preservados. Isto pode levar a incongruências taxonômicas e erros de identificação. Physaloptera retusa (Rudolphi, 1819) é a espécie mais comum do gênero e tem sido reportada para várias espécies de répteis neotropicais. Com base nos estudos das revisões de espécimes de nematódeos, identificados como P. retusa de diferentes coleções de museus, foi providenciada uma redescrição detalhada, incluindo-se o material-tipo, espécimes “voucher” e novos espécimes obtidos neste estudo com novos dados morfológicos, obtidos a partir de microscopia eletrônica de luz e varredura

DOS NUEVOS HOSPEDEROS PARA GORYTHOCEPHALUS ELONGORCHIS (ACANTHOCEPHALA: NEOECHINORHYNCHIDAE), EN DEKEISERIA AMAZONICA E HYPOSTOMUS OCULEUS (SILURIFORMES: LORICARIIDAE) DE LA AMAZONÍA BRASILEÑA

Specimens of Dekeiseria amazonica Rapp Py-Daniel, 1985 and Hypostomus oculeus (Fowler, 1943) captured from July 2015 to December 2016, in the Catalão Lake complex, Iranduba, Amazonas, were studied. The specimens of D. amazonica measured 12 – 16.5 (13.70 ± 1.33) and weight (g) 29 – 59 (40.85 ± 9.78) and H. oculeus 12 – 21 (15.80 ± 2.13) and weight (g) 75 - 125.40 (101.11 ± 14.28). Both species were parasitized by the acanthocephalan Gorytocephalus elongorchis Thatcher, 1979 (Neoechinorhynchidae), parasitizing the intestine, with a prevalence of 55% and abundance of 18.  The intensity ranged from 1 to 3 parasites and the average intensity was 1.63 parasites per fish for D. amazonica, and prevalence 59.25%, abundance 29. The intensity of 1 to 4, mean intensity 1.81 for H. oculeus. Two new hosts for G. elongorchis are recorded and their specificity for fish of the Loricariidae is highlighted. This is the first record of G. elongorchis parasitizing D. amazonica and H. oculeus.Ejemplares de Dekeiseria amazonica Rapp Py-Daniel, 1985 e Hypostomus oculeus (Fowler, 1943) capturados entre julio de 2015 y diciembre de 2016 fueron analizados en el complejo lacustre de Catalão, Iranduba, Amazonas. Los ejemplares de D. amazonica midieron 12 – 16,5 (13,70 ± 1,33) y peso (g) 29 – 59 (40,85 ± 9,78) y H. oculeus 12 – 21 (15,80 ± 2,13) y peso (g) 75 - 125,40 (101,11 ±14,28). Ambas especies fueron parasitadas por Acanthocephala Neoechinorhynchidae, Gorytocephalus elongorchis Thatcher, 1979, parasitando el intestino, con una prevalencia de 55%, abundancia 18, intensidad varió de 1 a 3 parásitos por hospedero y la intensidad promedio fue de 1.63 parásitos por pez para D. amazonica, y prevalencia 59,25%, abundancia 29, intensidad de 1 a 4 parásitos, intensidad media de 1,81 para H. oculeus. Se registran dos nuevos huéspedes para G. elongorchis y se destaca su especificidad para los peces Loricariidae. Este es el primer registro de G. elongorchis parasitando a D. amazonica y H. oculeus

Morphological and molecular characterization of Cosmocercoides amapari n. sp. (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae), parasitic in hylid frogs from the Brazilian Amazon

Cosmocercoides Wilkie, 1930 are gastrointestinal parasites commonly found in amphibians and reptiles, with 4 species reported from the Neotropical region. In the present study, a new species of Cosmocercoides, namely Cosmocercoides amapari n. sp. is described using integrated approaches such as light and scanning microscopy, and DNA sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. The specimens were collected from the large intestine of 3 species of hylid frogs in Amapá, Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by morphological traits, including the pattern of caudal papillae, absence of the gubernaculum, 2 poorly sclerotized spicules, presence of lateral alae and somatic papillae along the body. In addition, our molecular analyses and phylogenetic reconstructions strongly support the status of the new taxon, which clustered poorly with a large clade of Cosmocerca spp. Cosmocercoides amapari n. sp. is the 29th species of the genus, the 5th from the Neotropical region, the third reported in Brazil, the second described from the Amazon region and the first belonging to the Neotropical region with molecular data

Estrutura e ultraestrutura do epitélio epididimário de búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) em diferentes idades

The zonation of the buffalo epididymis of Mediterranea (Me), Murrah (mu) breeds and croosbreed Me x Mu was studied in 4 to 36 month old animals. These buffalos were c1assified in two groups, the animals which have not reached puberty (sexually immature) and animals (mature animals) and their epididymis was divided in 7 subregions called A to G. each subregion was analysed with and transmission electron microscopy. Light microscopy inc1uded routine staining with Hematoxilin & Eosin (HE), histochemistry with P AS and morphometric analysis for tubular and luminal diameters and height of epithelium and stereocilia. Throughout the epididymary tubule it was observed with light microscopy that tubules of alI ages have Principal cell (P), basal cell (B), Apical ceeII (A) and intraepithelialleukocytes (LI). Mitotic figures in the apical region of the epithelium are also found and are more numerous in the B and C subregions, specially in buffalos between 5 and 9 months of age. Histochemical analysis revealed the existence of secretory activity from the 5th month of age, principally in the A subregion, where the activity increases with sexual maturation. Morphometric analysis supports the idea that the buffalos which have not reached puberty already havee weell determined diameters and height variations of the tubule, lumen, epithelium and stereocilia. These variations were similar to that observed in buffalos after puberty. Tubular and luminal diameters increase from the A to G subregions while the height of epithelium and stereocilia diminish. However, in both morphometric features a significant difference (p<O.O5) was verified between the subregions of the animals sexually immature and animals after puberty. Ultraestructural features of the epididymary epithelium in both age ranges reveal no differences among the A and P cells; B cells appear to be reserve cells, while LI are similar to lymphocytes and macrophages. In P cells Llltrastructural features suggestive of secretory and absorptive activities were found in varying intensities in alI subregion, specially in buffalos after puberty. The 4 month old mimal already had an accentuated epithelial activity in its caudal subregions (P and G). The G subregion had large cytoplasmic and intranuc1ear paracristalline structures, similar to that Jbserved in E, P and G subregions of buffalos after puberty. These structures are probably !lssociated protein storage.CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível SuperiorA regionalização do epidídimo de búfalos das raças Mediterrânea (Me), Murrah (Mu) e mestiços Me x Mu foi estudada entre as idades de quatro a trinta e seis meses. Os animais foram agrupados em duas faixas etárias: pré e pós-púberes e os epidídimos foram divididos em 7 sub-regiões denominadas de A a G. Cada sub-região foi analisada sob microscopia de luz e eletrônica de transmissão. A microscopia de luz inclui técnica de rotina para coloração com Hematoxilina e Eosina, histoquímica com P AS e análise morfométrica para diâmetros de túbulo e lúmen e alturas de epitélio e estereocílios. À microscopia eletrônica foram analisados os aspectos ultraestruturais dos tipos celulares do epitélio epididimário e duetos eferentes. Ao longo do epidídimo, à microscopia de luz, observou-se em ambas as faixas etárias, células Principais (P), Basais (B), Apicais (A) e leucócitos intraepiteliais (LI). Figuras mitóticas no terço apical do epitélio também estavam presentes, sendo mais numerosas nas sub-regiões B e C, principalmente em búfalos prépúberes. A análise histoquímica revelou a existência de atividade secretória a partir dos 5 meses de idade, principalmente na sub-região A, a qual contém os duetos eferentes e nestes a atividade se torna cada vez maior com o amadurecimento do animal. Através da análise morfométrica, observou-se que os búfalos em pré-puberdade já possuem bem definidas as variações dos diâmetros tubular e lurninal e das alturas de epitélio e estereoecílios, que se mostraram semelhantes ao observado nos animais pós-púberes. Os diâmetros tubular e lurninal são crescentes entre as sub-regiões A e G, enquanto as alturas de epitélio e estreocílios apresentam um comportamento contrário; mais, em ambos os aspectos morfométricos existe uma diferença significativa (p<O,O5), considerando-se as sub-regiões entre as faixas etárias. Os aspectos ultraestruturais do epitélio em pré e pós-púberes, não mostraram diferença entre A e P; as células B se assemelharam a células de reserva enquanto LI se assemelharam a linfócitos e macrófagos. As células P apresentaram características secretórias e absortivas que variaram de intensidade entre as sub-regiões, especialmente nos búfalos pó-spúberes. O animal de quatro meses de idade já apresentou grande atividade epitelial nas sub-regiões da cauda (F e G) e na sub-região G, possui volumosas estruturas paracristalinas intracitoplasmáticas e intranucleares, também observadas nas sub-regiões E, F e G dos animais pós-púberes. Estas estruturas estão associadas possivelmente ao armazenamento de proteína

Estrutura e ultraestrutura do epitelio epididimario de bufalos (bubalus bubalis) em diferentes idades

Orientador: Mary Anne Heidi DolderDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de BiologiaResumo: A regionalização do epidídimo de búfalos das raças Mediterrânea (Me), Murrah (Mu) e mestiços Me x Mu foi estudada entre as idades de quatro a trinta e seis meses. Os animais foram agrupados em duas faixas etárias: pré e pós-púberes e os epidídimos foram divididos em 7 sub-regiões denominadas de A a G. Cada sub-região foi analisada sob microscopia de luz e eletrônica de transmissão. A microscopia de luz inclui técnica de rotina para coloração com Hematoxilina e Eosina, histoquímica com P AS e análise morfométrica para diâmetros de túbulo e lúmen e alturas de epitélio e estereocílios. À microscopia eletrônica foram analisados os aspectos ultraestruturais dos tipos celulares do epitélio epididimário e duetos eferentes. Ao longo do epidídimo, à microscopia de luz, observou-se em ambas as faixas etárias, células Principais (P), Basais (B), Apicais (A) e leucócitos intraepiteliais (LI). Figuras mitóticas no terço apical do epitélio também estavam presentes, sendo mais numerosas nas sub-regiões B e C, principalmente em búfalos prépúberes. A análise histoquímica revelou a existência de atividade secretória a partir dos 5 meses de idade, principalmente na sub-região A, a qual contém os duetos eferentes e nestes a atividade se torna cada vez maior com o amadurecimento do animal. Através da análise morfométrica, observou-se que os búfalos em pré-puberdade já possuem bem definidas as variações dos diâmetros tubular e lurninal e das alturas de epitélio e estereoecílios, que se mostraram semelhantes ao observado nos animais pós-púberes. Os diâmetros tubular e lurninal são crescentes entre as sub-regiões A e G, enquanto as alturas de epitélio e estreocílios apresentam um comportamento contrário; mais, em ambos os aspectos morfométricos existe uma diferença significativa (p<O,O5), considerando-se as sub-regiões entre as faixas etárias. Os aspectos ultraestruturais do epitélio em pré e pós-púberes, não mostraram diferença entre A e P; as células B se assemelharam a células de reserva enquanto LI se assemelharam a linfócitos e macrófagos. As células P apresentaram características secretórias e absortivas que variaram de intensidade entre as sub-regiões, especialmente nos búfalos pó-spúberes. O animal de quatro meses de idade já apresentou grande atividade epitelial nas sub-regiões da cauda (F e G) e na sub-região G, possui volumosas estruturas paracristalinas intracitoplasmáticas e intranucleares, também observadas nas sub-regiões E, F e G dos animais pós-púberes. Estas estruturas estão associadas possivelmente ao armazenamento de proteínasAbstract: The zonation of the buffalo epididymis of Mediterranea (Me), Murrah (mu) breeds and croosbreed Me x Mu was studied in 4 to 36 month old animals. These buffalos were c1assified in two groups, the animals which have not reached puberty (sexually immature) and animals (mature animals) and their epididymis was divided in 7 subregions called A to G. each subregion was analysed with and transmission electron microscopy. Light microscopy inc1uded routine staining with Hematoxilin & Eosin (HE), histochemistry with P AS and morphometric analysis for tubular and luminal diameters and height of epithelium and stereocilia. Throughout the epididymary tubule it was observed with light microscopy that tubules of alI ages have Principal cell (P), basal cell (B), Apical ceeII (A) and intraepithelialleukocytes (LI). Mitotic figures in the apical region of the epithelium are also found and are more numerous in the B and C subregions, specially in buffalos between 5 and 9 months of age. Histochemical analysis revealed the existence of secretory activity from the 5th month of age, principally in the A subregion, where the activity increases with sexual maturation. Morphometric analysis supports the idea that the buffalos which have not reached puberty already havee weell determined diameters and height variations of the tubule, lumen, epithelium and stereocilia. These variations were similar to that observed in buffalos after puberty. Tubular and luminal diameters increase from the A to G subregions while the height of epithelium and stereocilia diminish. However, in both morphometric features a significant difference (p<O.O5) was verified between the subregions of the animals sexually immature and animals after puberty. Ultraestructural features of the epididymary epithelium in both age ranges reveal no differences among the A and P cells; B cells appear to be reserve cells, while LI are similar to lymphocytes and macrophages. In P cells Llltrastructural features suggestive of secretory and absorptive activities were found in varying intensities in alI subregion, specially in buffalos after puberty. The 4 month old mimal already had an accentuated epithelial activity in its caudal subregions (P and G). The G subregion had large cytoplasmic and intranuc1ear paracristalline structures, similar to that Jbserved in E, P and G subregions of buffalos after puberty. These structures are probably !lssociated protein storageMestradoMestre em Ciências Biológica