Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro

About: Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro is a education organization based out in Seropédica, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Species richness. The organization has 6405 authors who have published 9852 publications receiving 105911 citations.

Rhodnius prolixus interaction with Trypanosoma rangeli: modulation of the immune system and microbiota population

Abstract: Trypanosoma rangeli is a protozoan that infects a variety of mammalian hosts, including humans. Its main insect vector is Rhodnius prolixus and is found in several Latin American countries. The R. prolixus vector competence depends on the T. rangeli strain and the molecular interactions, as well as the insect’s immune responses in the gut and haemocoel. This work focuses on the modulation of the humoral immune responses of the midgut of R. prolixus infected with T. rangeli Macias strain, considering the influence of the parasite on the intestinal microbiota. The population density of T. rangeli Macias strain was analysed in different R. prolixus midgut compartments in long and short-term experiments. Cultivable and non-cultivable midgut bacteria were investigated by colony forming unit (CFU) assays and by 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, respectively. The modulation of R. prolixus immune responses was studied by analysis of the antimicrobial activity in vitro against different bacteria using turbidimetric tests, the abundance of mRNAs encoding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) defensin (DefA, DefB, DefC), prolixicin (Prol) and lysozymes (LysA, LysB) by RT-PCR and analysis of the phenoloxidase (PO) activity. Our results showed that T. rangeli successfully colonized R. prolixus midgut altering the microbiota population and the immune responses as follows: 1 - reduced cultivable midgut bacteria; 2 - decreased the number of sequences of the Enterococcaceae but increased those of the Burkholderiaceae family; the families Nocardiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Mycobacteriaceae encountered in control and infected insects remained the same; 3 - enhanced midgut antibacterial activities against Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus; 4 - down-regulated LysB and Prol mRNA levels; altered DefB, DefC and LysA depending on the infection (short and long-term); 5 - decreased PO activity. Our findings suggest that T. rangeli Macias strain modulates R. prolixus immune system and modifies the natural microbiota composition.

Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forsk): From evidence of health benefits to its food application

Abstract: Background Fiber intake has been associated with a lower risk of developing various chronic diseases such as metabolic diseases (e.g. obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia). In this line, psyllium presents a high content of soluble fiber, associated with health benefits. Scope and approach The aim of this review is to evaluate the scientific evidence of psyllium health benefits. The nutritional properties of psyllium are presented, as well as its various applications in food products. The main functional benefits of psyllium are presented in topics, as follows: the effect on cholesterol control, on type 2 diabetes, and on obesity and satiety. Key findings and conclusions Products containing psyllium can be an effective alternative to improve the functionality and produce healthy foods. The addition of psyllium to a food product (e.g. bakery goods, dairy, meat and gluten-free products). Can provide the health claim for a fiber-containing product, which is an important advantage in the market. In addition, it may allow consumers to ingest adequate amounts of fiber without increasing calorie intake, as well as contributing to other health benefits such as cholesterol control, glycemic control, satiety, among others. Psyllium can be easily added to food formulations and does not change the flavor perception of the product. Thus, the food industry may play an important role in the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases when using psyllium in food products.

Immunopathogenic and neurological mechanisms of canine distemper virus.

Abstract: Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), which is a member of the Morbillivirus genus, Paramyxoviridae family. Animals that most commonly suffer from this disease belong to the Canidae family; however, the spectrum of natural hosts for CDV also includes several other families of the order Carnivora. The infectious disease presents worldwide distribution and maintains a high incidence and high levels of lethality, despite the availability of effective vaccines, and no specific treatment. CDV infection in dogs is characterized by the presentation of systemic and/or neurological courses, and viral persistence in some organs, including the central nervous system (CNS) and lymphoid tissues. An elucidation of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in canine distemper disease will lead to a better understanding of the injuries and clinical manifestations caused by CDV. Ultimately, further insight about this disease will enable the improvement of diagnostic methods as well as therapeutic studies.

Gliotoxin natural incidence and toxigenicity of Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from corn silage and ready dairy cattle feed

Abstract: Corn silage is an important feed source for dairy and beef cattle in central Argentina The presence of thermophilic species Aspergillus fumigatus is among the major problem in silage, as many strains can produce several mycotoxins that affect the health of dairy cattle The aims of the present study were to determine total fungal counts and relative density of A fumigatus in silage samples, and to determine the natural incidence of gliotoxin in silage and ready dairy feed samples The potential gliotoxin production of A fumigatus isolated from silage was also recorded A total of 90 samples were investigated, which were taken immediately after opening of the silo and the end of the ensiling period of about after 5 months Sampling was performed manually through silos in transects at 3 levels per silo Thirty samples of ready cattle feed (corn silage, ground corn, barley, cotton seed, brewer grains) were collected and investigated as well Gliotoxin contamination was determined by HPLC The ability of A

Diversidade de morcegos (Chiroptera, Mammalia) em fragmentos florestais no estado do Paraná, Brasil

Abstract: The bay of the Tibagi river, a place which goes through quick environmental alterations, has three forest fragments: the "Floresta Nacional do Irati" (3.572 ha), the "Reserva Biologica da Klabin" (11.116 ha) and the "Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy" (680 ha). Here, Myotis ruber (E. Geoffroy, 1806) and Chiroderma doriae Thomas, 1891 can be found, these are threatened bats, and three species, Pygoderma bilabiatum (Wagner, 1843), Myotis levis (I. Geoffroy, 1824) and Rogheessa tumida H. Allen, 1866, which are presumably threatened. Using the same effort of capture in the three places, it was stated that the "Floresta Nacional do Irati" with low vegetation diversity, showed nine species of bats. The "Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy", although it's five times smaller, fifteen species. We came to the conclusion that a big reserve, without good conditions would house a lower number of species. A small reserve with adequate resources and great vegetation diversity presents a higher number of niches, housing a higher number of species.