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ABSTRACT: Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) can be considered an invasive species as they have been introduced by humans in different parts of the world and represent a risk to wildlife conservation. Large extensions of agroforestry systems, where cocoa is grown under the shade of native trees, contribute to wildlife conservation in southern Bahia, Brazil. However, this system can increase contact between species of the native fauna and domestic dogs, which are frequently taken to the fields by rural workers. The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of domestic dogs inside cocoa agroforestry systems and the occurrence of helminths in dogs from cocoa farms near two protected areas: the Una Biological Reserve (REBIO-Una) and the Serra das Lontras National Park in Una, Bahia. We also investigated general characteristics of the dogs such as age, sex, breed, feeding frequency, vaccination, deworming and others, and evaluated possible risks of wildlife and human contamination by the domestic dog parasites. Camera traps were set up on eight cocoa agroforestry systems and three adjacent forest fragments. For parasitological investigation, fecal samples were collected from domestic dogs that lived on the eight cocoa farms. A total of 539 photos of 12 mammals were registered, of which 15% were of domestic dogs. The parasitological research was carried out with fecal samples from 32 of the 39 dogs that lived in the cocoa farms. We found one genus of cestode, Dipylidium sp. (7.7%), and five genera of nematodes, Ancylostoma sp. (80.7%), Strongyloides sp. (38.4%), Toxocara sp. (30.7%), Spirocerca sp. (15.4%) and Trichuris sp. (11.5%). Regarding animal care, all dogs were in poor body condition, 49% were fed twice a day, 90% defecated in the forest or cocoa agroforestry systems, only 33% were periodically dewormed, 64% were vaccinated against rabies in less than 12 months, and only one dog was vaccinated against other viruses. The results showed that domestic dogs share the same environment as wild animals yet lack some basic health care, increasing the possibility of parasitic transmission between domestic dogs, wildlife and humans from environmental contamination. We highlight the need for responsible pet ownership and the monitoring the health of wild animals and the human population living in this region.

We have developed a novel cell culture system that supports the shortening of smooth muscle cells. Primary rat airway smooth muscle cells were plated on an ethanol-fixed, confluent monolayer of homologous smooth muscle cells (homologous cell substrate, HCS). Cells grown on HCS exhibited morphological and functional characteristics consistent with a differentiated phenotype. Cells on HCS were spindle shaped with a well-defined long axis, whereas cells grown on glass were larger and irregularly shaped. Smooth muscle-specific [alpha]-actin immunostained diffusely in cells on HCS, whereas it appeared as stress fibers in cells on glass. Agonists recruited a greater fraction of HCS cells to contract, resulting in greater changes in cell area or length on average, but the maximal capacity of shortening of individual cells was similar between the groups. Unlike cells on glass, cells on HCS shortened to methacholine. HCS was reversible and persisted over several passages. Agonists stimulated intracellular [Ca.sup.2+] oscillations in cells on HCS, whereas they elicited biphasic peak and plateau transients in cells on glass. HCS modulates smooth muscle cell phenotype in vitro. cell contraction; extracellular matrix; intracellular calcium

The high cost of high-pressure processing of foods has precluded its widespread use. A combination of pressures, temperatures and holding time were hypothesized to achieve the same processing effects for minimum threshold pressures, thus reducing costs. The method had an effect on the molecular structure of beta-lactoglobulin at pH 7.0, with temperature having the most effect on protein structure.

The spectroscopic properties of luminescent liquid cystals, which show a glassy nematic phase at room temperature and then form polymer networks by polymerization using ultraviolet light, is studied. Exciton diffusion to traps limit the photoluminescence (PL) quantum efficiency of luminescent liquid crystals with photoreactive end groups in the nematic phase.

Objective: IgA anti-endomysial anibody (AEA) is highly sensitive and specific for coeliac disease and is a useful screening tool. There is some evidence to suggest that it can be used [...]

Background: It is good clinical practice, and a recommendation of the BSG, that patients with coeliac disease are regularly followed up. Assessment at review should include nutritional status, dietary compliance, [...]