Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul

About: Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul is a education organization based out in Campo Grande, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Species richness. The organization has 6903 authors who have published 9030 publications receiving 78977 citations. The organization is also known as: UFMS & Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul.

Parasitism of ectoparasitic flies on bats in the northern Brazilian cerrado.

Abstract: In this work we record the highest number of bat flies species among those already performed in the Brazilian cerrado and discuss the associations and patterns of parasitism of these species and their hosts. A total of 1,390 ectoparasitic flies were collected, belonging to 24 species of Streblidae and one of Nycteribiidae, parasitizing 227 bats of 15 species. Among the species found, the presence of Trichobius sp. on Lonchophylla mordax and the first occurrence of Hershkovitzia sp. on Thyroptera devivoi are highlighted. Lophostoma species presented the highest proportion of individuals with infracommunities and the highest values of parasitological indexes. The high number of bat fly species and hosts, as well as the high values for rates of parasitism and infracommunities, suggests that this area of cerrado has good shelter conditions for these species. The abundance of species and high rates of parasitism detracts from the hypothesis that a higher mean intensity of ectoparasites results from lower competition among flies for hosts in areas with lower ectoparasite species richness. Biogeographical and historical factors of host populations, besides the number of host species and individuals sampled, may contribute to species number and intensity of parasitism.

Histomorphology of bursa of Fabricius: effects of stock densities on commercial broilers

Abstract: During the past few years, there has been considerable interest on the effects of stocking density on broiler behavior and immunity. Stress may cause immunodeficiency by affecting cell and humoral responses, as well as body weight decrease, and foot-pad dermatitis. The aim of this study was to study histomorphological changes of the bursa of Fabricius in broilers submitted to three different stocking densities (10, 15, and 20 birds/m 2 ) from one to 42 days of age. Three birds from each group were sacrifieced on days 7 and 42. The bursa was collected, fixed, and processed for histomorphometric assessment using a Kontrom KS 400 image analyzer. Data were analyzed by Biostat 3.0 (Tukey Test). The results of average cortical area percentage in bursal follicles of 6week-old birds were 45.12a (10 birds/m 2 ), 30.43b (15 birds/m 2 ), and 23.77b (20 birds/m 2 ). Average body weight was 2.58a kg (10 birds/m 2 ), 2.56a Kg (15 birds/m 2 ), and 2.47b Kg (20 birds/m 2 ), respectively. The percentage of foot-pad dermatitis in 6-week-old birds was 3.33a (10 birds/m 2 ), 17.76b (15 birds/m 2 ), and 49.17c (20 birds/m 2 ). These differences were statistically significant at a P<0.05 level. Under these experimental conditions,, it was concluded that the best stocking density to produce broilers is between 10-15 birds per square meter.

Efficacy of a dengue vaccine candidate (TAK-003) in healthy children and adolescents two years after vaccination.

Abstract: Background Takeda's dengue vaccine is under evaluation in an ongoing Phase 3 efficacy study; we present an update after 2 years. Methods 20,099 children (4-16 years old) were randomized to receive two doses of TAK-003 or placebo three months apart and are under long-term febrile surveillance to detect dengue by serotype-specific RT-PCR. (NCT02747927). Results Cumulative efficacy against dengue over ~27 months since first dose was 72.7% (95% CI: 67.1 - 77.3), which included efficacy of 67.0% (95% CI: 53.6 - 76.5) in dengue-naive and 89.2% (82.4 - 93.3) against hospitalized dengue. In the second year after vaccination, a decline in efficacy was observed [56.2% (42.3 - 66.8)] with the largest decline in 4 - 5 year-old children [24.5% (-34.2 - 57.5)]; efficacy was 60.6% (43.8 - 72.4) in 6 - 11 year and 71.2% (41.0 - 85.9) in 12 - 16 year age groups. As TAK-003 efficacy varies by serotype, changes in serotype dominance partially contributed to the efficacy differences in year by year analysis. No related serious adverse events occurred during the second year. Conclusion TAK-003 demonstrated continued benefit independent of baseline serostatus in reducing dengue with some decline in efficacy during the second year. Three-year data will be important to see if efficacy stabilizes or declines further.

The effect of riparian deforestation on macroinvertebrates associated with submerged woody debris

Abstract: Riparian deforestation is one of the main causes of change in freshwater ecosystems, resulting in the reduction of biological integrity and the loss of ecosystem functions. Our goal was to understand how a gradient of deforestation may affect abundance and richness of specialist and generalist macroinvertebrates associated with submerged woody debris in Neotropical streams. We conducted an observational study sampling mixed-species woody debris from 16 streams along a deforestation gradient. We also conducted an incubation study with known woody debris species (Cecropia pachystachya Trecul) in six streams. We collected 781 specimens and identified 50 taxa in the observational study, and we found 99 individuals belonging to 17 taxa in incubation study. Results from the two complementary studies indicate that the effect of riparian deforestation was more pronounced for wood specialists than generalists. Deforestation decreased the abundance and richness of wood specialists, and some taxa were locally extinct. The incubation study showed that sedimentation, which leads to the burying of woody debris, is an important process impeding macroinvertebrate colonization. Our study highlights the importance of woody debris as habitat for aquatic communities and as a structural component of streams, with important implications for conservation and biomonitoring. We suggest that wood specialists could be a potential group for use in biomonitoring programs aimed at assessing the impact of deforestation.

Rh-decorated PtIrOx nanoparticles for glycerol electrooxidation: Searching for a stable and active catalyst

Abstract: We report a fast method of producing rhodium-decorated platinum nanoparticles (NPs) containing iridium oxides (IrOx) to be used in the glycerol electrooxidation reaction We synthesize PtIrOx/C electrocatalysts of different atomic compositions dispersed on Carbon Vulcan XC-72R® by using the fast polyol method assisted by microwaves Afterwards, PtIrOx/C was potentiodynamically decorated by Rh (Rh/PtIrOx/C) The NPs are characterized by energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy The electrooxidation of glycerol was investigated in acid medium by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry The electrochemical stability of Rh/PtIrOx/C NPs was evaluated by following a degradation test protocol, which consists in exhaustive cyclic voltammetries Our results show that the presence of iridium oxides in the architecture of platinum enhances the electrochemical stability of the catalyst by avoiding agglomeration effects Moreover, the presence of rhodium catalyzes the glycerol electrooxidation reaction These results help understanding the role of Rh and IrOx in the glycerol electrooxidation and provide new insights for designing nanomaterials with improved stability and activity