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Ecological characteristics and environmental variation influence both host species composition and parasite abundance. Abiotic factors such as rainfall and temperature can improve parasite development and increase its reproduction rate. The comparison of these assemblages between different environments may give us a more refined analysis of how environment affects the variation of helminth parasite abundance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how temporal variation, host size, sex and reproduction affect helminth abundance in the Tropidurus hispidus lizard in Caatinga, Restinga and Atlantic Forest environments. Overall, larger-sized lizards showed higher helminth abundance. We found a monthly variation in the helminth species abundance in all studied areas. In the Caatinga area, monoxenic and heteroxenic parasites were related to the rainy season and to the reproductive period of lizards. In Restinga, monoxenic and heteroxenic helminth species were more abundant during the driest months. In the Atlantic Forest, the rainy and host reproductive season occurred continuously throughout the year, so parasite abundance was relatively constant. Nevertheless, heteroxenic species were more abundant in this area. The present results showed that the temporal variation, body size, sex, reproductive period and habitat type influence the abundance and composition of helminth species in T. hispidus.

Trophic networks can have architectonic configurations influenced by historical and ecological factors. The objective of this study was to analyze the architecture of networks between lizards, their endoparasites, diet, and micro-habitat, aiming to understand which factors exert an influence on the composition of the species of parasites. All networks showed a compartmentalized pattern. There was a positive relation between diet and the diversity of endoparasites. Our analyses also demonstrated that phylogeny and the use of micro-habitat influenced the composition of species of endoparasites and diet pattern of lizards. The principal factor that explained the modularity of the network was the foraging strategy, with segregation between the "active foragers" and "sit-and-wait" lizards. Our analyses also demonstrated that historical (phylogeny) and ecological factors (use of micro-habitat by the lizards) influenced the composition of parasite communities. These results corroborate other studies with ectoparasites, which indicate phylogeny and micro-habitat as determinants in the composition of parasitic fauna. The influence of phylogeny can be the result of coevolution between parasites and lizards in the Caatinga, and the influence of micro-habitat should be a result of adaptations of species of parasites to occupy the same categories of micro-habitats as hosts, thus favoring contagion.

Context: Animals are used for the treatment of diseases caused by inflammatory processes, although few studies evaluate their potential for these purposes.Objectives: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of zootherapeutic products derived from vertebrates used in Brazilian traditional medicine.Material and methods: The species analyzed were Tupinambis merianae, Iguana iguana, Crotalus durissus, Boa constrictor, and Euphractus sexcinctus. The methods used in anti-inflammatory assays were ear edema (topical) and paw (systemic).Results: With regard to topical anti-inflammatory activity, the fat from T. merianae, C. durissus, I. iguana, B. constrictor, and E. sexcinctus reduced inflammation, while for systemic anti-inflammatory activity, only the fat and the skin of C. durissus, the skin of I. iguana and the fat from B. constrictor reduced inflammation.Conclusions: Studies should be conducted to evaluate the mechanisms of action for each product that demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity as w...

In cities, the trade of medicinal products derived from animals, especially as raw materials, is concentrated in local and traditional markets. The lack of studies on commercialised medicinal faunas restricts an evaluation of the impact of this activity on the exploited species. Within this context, this work reviewed the literature on the trade of medicinal animals in local markets, focusing on urban zootherapy in Brazil and the social factors involved in these practices. Our results reveal that at least 131 species are sold for medicinal purposes in markets and open fairs in Brazil, but results obtained from statistical estimators suggest that this trade actually encompasses a greater richness of species. The medicinal animals sold in Brazil are used to treat 126 illnesses and/or symptoms. Despite the trade of wild animals, including species that are present on the list of endangered species, being forbidden in Brazil, it has been demonstrated that this activity remains common in some Brazilian cities, occurring illicitly and without due monitoring by competent environmental agencies. The results illustrate the need for further research, which should encompass a larger number of cities, especially in regions where information on this subject is currently lacking.

Context Melissa officinalis subsp. inodora Bornm. (Lamiaceae) has been used since ancient times in folk medicine against various diseases, but it has not been investigated against protozoa. Objective To evaluate the activities of M. officinalis against Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi as well as its cytotoxicity in fibroblast cell line. Materials and methods The fresh leaves were chopped into 1 cm(2) pieces, washed and macerated with 99.9% of ethanol for 72 h at room temperature. Antiparasitic activity of M. officinalis was accessed by direct counting of cells after serial dilution, while the cytotoxicity of M. officinalis was evaluated in fibroblast cell line (NCTC929) by measuring the reduction of resazurin. The test duration was 24 h. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to characterise the extract. Results The extract at concentrations of 250 and 125 μg/mL inhibited 80.39 and 54.27% of promastigote (LC50 value = 105.78 μg/mL) form of L. infantum, 80.59 and 68.61% of L. brasiliensis (LC50 value = 110.69 μg/mL) and against epimastigote (LC50 value = 245.23 μg/mL) forms of T. cruzi with an inhibition of 54.45 and 22.26%, respectively, was observed. The maximum toxicity was noted at 500 μg/mL with 95.41% (LC50 value = 141.01 μg/mL). The HPLC analysis identified caffeic acid and rutin as the major compounds. Discussion The inhibition of the parasites is considered clinically relevant (

In this study, the methanol extracts of of Costus cf. arabicus L. were evaluated for antibacterial activity against multiresistant strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial and modulatory activity of the extracts was assayed by microdilution. The light-enhanced antibacterial activity was assayed by light regimen. The growth of the bacteria tested was not inhibited by the extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 512 to ≥1024 µg·m L(-1). However, the antibiotic activity of the aminoglycosides was synergistically enhanced when these extracts were associated in sub-inhibitory concentrations with the antibiotics. Both extracts showed activity against at two standard bacterial strains. Because of this, we suggest that the ethanol extracts of the stems and leaves of Costus cf. arabicus L. show potential antibacterial, light-induced and synergistic antibiotic activity. With such results, these extracts are proven to be a promising source of antibacterial and modulatory agents.

In this study, ethanol extracts of stems and leaves of Costus cf. arabicus L. were evaluated for antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial and modulatory activities of the extracts were assayed by microdilution. The light-enhanced antibacterial activity was assayed by a light regimen. The growth of the bacteria tested was not inhibited by the extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentration values were ≥1,024 μg/mL. However, the antibiotic activity of aminoglycosides was synergistically enhanced when these extracts at subinhibitory concentrations were combined with the antibiotics. Also, both extracts showed activity against the wild-type bacterial strains, but the leaf extract was the more active extract, being active against both S. aureus and E. coli. Therefore, we conclude that the ethanol extracts of stems and leaves of C. cf. arabicus L. have potential light-induced antibacterial activity and synergistic antibiotic activity. This study showed that these extracts may be a promising source of antibacterial and modulatory agents.

Aim of the study Tupinambis merianae is one of the most frequently used animals in traditional medicine in Brazil as its body fat has many different therapeutic indications as a folk remedy. The present study evaluated the topical anti-inflammatory activity of Tupinambis merianae fat in treating ear edema in an animal model. Materials and methods Oil (OTM) was extracted from body fat located in the ventral region of Tupinambis merianae using hexane as a solvent. Ear edema provoked by the application of croton oil (single and multiple application), arachidonic acid, phenol and capsaicin to Swiss mice was used to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory value of the topical use of OTM. Topical applications of these irritants were made to the right ears of animals that were pre-treated with a acetone (control), dexamethasone, or OTM. Results Our results indicate that Tupinambis merianae fat demonstrates significant topical anti-inflammatory activity that reduces inflammation related to ear edema caused by croton oil (single and multiple application), arachidonic acid, phenol. While the inflammation caused by capsaicin, OTM did not significantly reduce the edema. Conclusion This represents the first evidence of anti-inflammatory activity of Tupinambis merianae fat in in vivo models, confirming its usefulness in traditional medicine as a remedy for skin diseases (dermatitis). The fatty acids present in OTM most likely inhibit the response pathway of arachidonic acid and its metabolites, thus reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.

EnglishThis article aims to describe and illustrate Epiperipatus cratensis sp. nov. from Crato (coordinates 07°16’S,39°26’W), Ceara State, Brazil. Specimens of onychophorans were collected under stones and decomposing tree barks during the rainy season. E. cratensis differs from all of the species of the genus by having: (i) many pairs of legs, even though it is the second smallest species in size to the genus in Brazil; (ii) fewer rings of antennas than the other Brazilian species. Furthermore, E. cratensis is similar to E. tucupi, especially because females have 34 pairs of legs, and differs morphologically only by being shorter in size. In addition, this two species are located in different biomes: E. tucupi is endemic to the Amazon region, while E. cratensis is derived from Chapada do Araripe mountains, within Atlantic Forest biome of the Brejos de Altitude complex of northeastern Brazil. portuguesO presente artigo visa descrever e ilustrar Epiperipatus cratensis sp. nov. proveniente de Crato (coordenadas 07°16’S, 39°26’W), Estado do Ceara, Brasil. Para tanto, os especimes foram coletados sob pedras e cascas de arvores em decomposicao durante a estacao chuvosa. E. cratensis difere de todas as especies do genero por possuir: (i) um grande numero de pares de pernas, mesmo sendo a segunda menor especie em tamanho para o genero no Brasil; (ii) menos aneis de antenas que as demais especies brasileiras. Epiperipatus cratensis e semelhante a E. tucupi, principalmente porque as femeas apresentam 34 pares de pernas, diferindo morfologicamente apenas por serem de tamanho menor. Alem disso, essas duas especies estao inseridas em biomas distintos: a E. tucupi endemica da regiao amazonica, enquanto a E. cratensis encontra-se na Chapada do Araripe, inserida no complexo dos brejos de altitude nordestinos na Mata Atlântica.

Aim of the study: Tupinambis merianae is one of the animals that is most frequently used for medicinal purposes in Brazil as its body fat has many therapeutic indications in local folk medicine. This work presents the chemical compositions of the body fat of Tupinambis merianae and evaluates the antibacterial activity of the body fat as well as the ecological implications of its use in traditional medicine. Materials and methods: Oil (OTM) was extracted from body fat located in the ventral region of Tupinambis merianae using hexane as a solvent. Fatty acids were determined indirectly using their corresponding methyl esters.The antibacterial activity of OTM was tested against standard as well as multi-resistant lines of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, either alone or in combination with antibiotics and UV-A light. Results: Body fat of Tupinambis merianae presents 57% and 43% of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids respectively. Our results indicated that OTM did not demonstrate relevant antibacterial activity against any of the lines of Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus, nor when combined with antibiotics or with UV-A light. Conclusions: In light of these results, we recommend (i) development of management plans for a sustainable and rational use of Tupinambis merianae reducing the possible pressure on this species; and (ii) more studies be focused on the use of OTM and other natural products derived from animals that are used to treat other illnesses.

Nematodes were analyzed in Iguana iguana, a large lizard Iguanidae that is widely distributed throughout the Americas. The aims of the study were investigate the helminths associated with the lizard, I. iguana in semi-arid areas of northeastern Brazil and analyze the parasitological indices (prevalence, and mean intensity of infection). A total of 18 specimens of I. iguana were examined (8 males and 10 females). The overall prevalence of infection was 66.6% (12/18), while in males, it was 75% (6/8) and in females, 60% (6/10). Iguana iguana was identified as a new host for Physaloptera sp., Atractis sp., Piratuba sp. and Subulura sp. This registered contributes to the knowledge of helminth diversity associated with this host.

Parapharyngodon silvoi n. sp. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) is described from the large and small intestine of the Muller's termite frog Dermatonotus muelleri (Boettger, 1885) from the biome Caatinga, Exu municipality, Pernambuco State, Brazil, Dermatonotus muelleri is a fossorial species with a specialized termite diet, and feeding and reproductive behavior occurring only during the wet season. The new species is distinguished from other species of the genus Parapharyngodon by showing ovary not coiled around the esophagus, morphology of anterior cloacal lip, spicule size and number of caudal papillae.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T07:12:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2013-01-01 We The leiuperid genus Physalaemus is widespread in South America. The Maracas dwarf frog Physalaemus cicada occurs in southeastern and northeastern Brazil, mainly in Caatinga biome. Herein, we updated the distribution of P. cicada, presenting new data on distribution on Ceará, Pernambuco, Piauí and Rio Grande do Norte states, Brazil. © 2013 Check List and Authors. Universidade Regional do Cariri Campus do Pimenta Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Coleção Herpetológica, Rua Cel. Antonio Luiz, 1161, Bairro do Pimenta, CEP 63105-100, Crato, CE Universidade Regional do Cariri (URCA) Departamento de Ciências Físicas e Biológicas Laboratório de Zoologia, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz Pimenta 1161, CEP 63105-000, Crato, CE Universidade Estadual Paulista Campus de Botucatu Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Parasitologia, CEP 18618-970. Botucatu, SP Universidade Federal da Paraíba, CEP 58051-900. João Pessoa, PB Universidade Estadual Paulista Campus de Botucatu Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Parasitologia, CEP 18618-970. Botucatu, SP

Made available in DSpace on 2015-11-03T15:30:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-11-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-11-04T10:15:53Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S1519-69842014000400943.pdf: 801219 bytes, checksum: cbe9e69cc486a56335f0da3321496b65 (MD5) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Helmintos e pentastomídeos foram analisados em lagartos exóticos Hemidactylus mabouia e nativos Phyllopezus pollicaris, vivendo sinantropicamente em uma área urbana da cidade de Crato, Estado do Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil. Foram coletados 194 lagartos, sendo 76 espécimes de H. mabouia e 118 de P. pollicaris. Seis espécies de parasitas foram encontradas infectando H. mabouia: Oochoristica sp., Parapharyngodon sceleratus, Physaloptera retusa, Physalopteroides venancioi, Spauligodon oxkutzcabiensis e Raillietiella mottae; enquanto em P. pollicaris foram encontradas quatro espécies: Oochoristica sp., P. sceleratus, P. retusa, and S. oxkutzcabiensis. Três novos registros de hospedeiros são reportados: P. retusa em H. mabouia e Oochoristica sp. e P. retusa infectando P. pollicaris. Cerca de 75% dos parasitas encontrados foram compartilhados pelas espécies de lagartos. Ainda, H. mabouia apresentou maior diversidade de parasitas do que P. pollicaris (6 espécies versus 4), enquanto P. pollicaris possui maior intensidade de infecção media do que H. mabouia (1.536 versus 121). Helminths and pentastomids were examined in exotic Hemidactylus mabouia and native Phyllopezus pollicaris lizards, living synanthropically in an urban area in the municipality of Crato, Ceara state, northeastern Brazil. A total of 194 lizards were collected, being 76 specimens of H. mabouia e 118 specimens of P. pollicaris. Six parasite species were found infecting H. mabouia: the cestode Oochoristica sp., the nematodes Parapharyngodon sceleratus, Physaloptera retusa, Physalopteroides venancioi, and Spauligodon oxkutzcabiensis and the pentastomid Raillietiella mottae; while four parasite species were found associated with P. pollicaris: Oochoristica sp., P. sceleratus, P. retusa, and S. oxkutzcabiensis. Three new host records were reported: P. retusa infecting H. mabouia and P. retusa and Oochoristica sp. infecting P. pollicaris. About 75% of the parasites species found were shared by both lizards. Moreover, H. mabouia showed greater diversity than P. pollicaris (6 versus 4 species), while P. pollicaris had higher intensity of infection than H. mabouia (1536 versus 121 specimens). Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioprospecção Molecular, Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidade Regional do Cariri – URCA, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz, 1161, Campus do Pimenta, CEP 63105-000, Crato, CE, Brazil Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia – DSE, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza – CCEN, Universidade Federal da Paraíba – UFPB, Cidade Universitária, Campus I, CEP 58059-900, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Regional do Cariri – URCA, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz, 1161, Campus do Pimenta, CEP 63105-000, Crato, CE, Brazil Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidade Regional do Cariri – URCA, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz, 1161, Campus do Pimenta, CEP 63105-000, Crato, CE, Brazil. Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Universidade Estadual Paulista – UNESP, Passeio Monção, 226, CEP 15385000, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil. CNPq: PQ-311713/2012-2

Departamento de Sistematica e Ecologia, Universidade Federal da Paraiba, CCEN, Joao Pessoa, PB, BrazilCorrespondence to: Waltecio de Oliveira Almeida, Departamento de Ciencias Fisicas e Biologicas, Universidade Regional do Cariri – URCA/CE, Campus do Pimenta, Rua Cel. Antonio Luiz, 1161, CEP 63105-000, Crato, CE, Brazil, e-mail: walmeida@urca.brReceived March 30, 2005 – Accepted July 5, 2005 – Distributed November 1, 2006(With 1 figure)

Parasites are natural regulators of their host populations. Despite this, little is known about variations in parasite composition (spatially or temporally) in environments subjected to water-related periodic stress such as the arid and semiarid regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the spatial-temporal variation in endoparasite species’ abundance and richness in populations of Neotropical Cnemidophorus ocellifer, Tropidurus hispidus, and Tropidurus semitaeniatus lizards in the semiarid northeast of Brazil. The location influenced the abundance of parasites in all analyzed lizard species, while season (dry and rainy) only influenced the total abundance for T. hispidus. In all seasons, males significantly showed more endoparasites than females in all lizard species, although for T. hispidus, this difference was only found in the dry season. Seasonal variations affect the abundance patterns of parasites. Likely, variables include environmental variations such as humidity and temperature, which influence the development of endoparasite eggs when outside of the host. Further, the activity of the intermediate hosts and the parasites of heteroxenous life cycles could be affected by an environmental condition. The variation in the abundance of parasites between the sampling areas could be a reflection of variations in climate and physiochemical conditions. Also, it could be due to differences in the quality of the environment in which each host population lives.

We present data on nematode infracommunity of the arboreal lizard Polycrhus acutirostris in the semiarid Caatinga biome, northeastern Brazil. Twenty- twolizard specimens collected in the municipality of Várzea Alegre in Ceará State and in the municipality of Exu in Pernambuco State were analyzed. Two species of nematodes were found, an Oxyuridae, Gynaecometra bahiensis, which had amean intensity of infection 23.5 ± 5.8 (prevalence 22%) and a Physalopteridae, Physaloptera retusa which had infection intensity of 21 (prevalence 9%). There were no significant differences between the parasitism rates of male or female lizards. Polychrus acutirostris demonstrated low richness of nematode parasites, but high levels of infection with G. bahiensis. Polychrus acutirostrisis reported here as a new host for P.retusa.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T18:42:38Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S1519-69842012000500021.pdf: 207134 bytes, checksum: 42c9acc1d832a62b83c85cc15bb9adc8 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T18:42:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S1519-69842012000500021.pdf: 207134 bytes, checksum: 42c9acc1d832a62b83c85cc15bb9adc8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-11-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T19:30:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1519-69842012000500021.pdf: 207134 bytes, checksum: 42c9acc1d832a62b83c85cc15bb9adc8 (MD5) S1519-69842012000500021.pdf.txt: 28239 bytes, checksum: 3ff539cbb569eceef5b8b9a02074fef2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-11-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:52:53Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S1519-69842012000500021.pdf: 207134 bytes, checksum: 42c9acc1d832a62b83c85cc15bb9adc8 (MD5) S1519-69842012000500021.pdf.txt: 28239 bytes, checksum: 3ff539cbb569eceef5b8b9a02074fef2 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:52:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1519-69842012000500021.pdf: 207134 bytes, checksum: 42c9acc1d832a62b83c85cc15bb9adc8 (MD5) S1519-69842012000500021.pdf.txt: 28239 bytes, checksum: 3ff539cbb569eceef5b8b9a02074fef2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-11-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Os parâmetros de infecção por parasitas pulmonares em dois lagartos simpátricos, Mabuya arajara e Anolis brasiliensis, da floresta úmida da encosta da Chapada do Araripe, Nordeste do Brasil, foram analisados entre setembro de 2009 e julho de 2010. Um total de 202 lagartos foi coletado, sendo 125 espécimes de Mabuya arajara e 77 de Anolis brasiliensis. M. arajara estava infectado pelo pentastomídeo Raillietiella mottae, enquanto A. brasiliensis apresentava infecção pelo nematódeo Rhabdias sp., com prevalência total de 1,6% e 28,6%, respectivamente. A intensidade média de infecção por Rhabdias sp. foi 3,63 ± 2,58 (amplitude 1-15). O tamanho e o gênero dos lagartos não influenciaram a intensidade de infecção por Rhabdias sp. A prevalência também não apresentou diferença entre machos e fêmeas em A.brasiliensis. Ambos, Anolis brasiliensis e Mabuya arajara, representam novos hospedeiros para Rhabdias sp. e Raillietiella mottae, respectivamente. The parameters of infection by lung parasites from two sympatric lizards, Mabuya arajara and Anolis brasiliensis, from the Atlantic Rainforest of the lower slope of Chapada do Araripe in Northeastern Brazil were analyzed between September, 2009 and July, 2010. A total of 202 lizards were collected. 125 specimens were from Mabuya arajara and 77 from Anolis brasiliensis. M. arajara was infected by the pentastomid Raillietiella mottae while A. brasiliensis was infected by the nematode Rhabdias sp., with an overall prevalence of 1.6% and 28.6%, respectively. The mean intensity of infection by Rhabdias sp. was 3.63 ± 2.58 (range 1-15). The body size and sex of lizards did not influence the intensity of infection by Rhabdias sp. The overall prevalence was also not different between males and females hosts in A. brasiliensis. Both Anolis brasiliensis and Mabuya arajara represent a new host to Rhabdias sp. and Raillietiella mottae, respectively. Universidade Federal da Paraíba Universidade Regional do Cariri Universidade Estadual Paulista Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia Universidade Federal do Pernambuco Departamento de Zoologia Universidade Estadual Paulista Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia FAPESP: 08/50417-7

Amphibian skins have wide variety of biologically active compounds associated with the natural defenses of these animals.To study the in vitro anticancer activity of methanol extracts of the skin of Rhinella jimi Stevaux (Anura: Bufonidae).The extract was obtained by cold methanol extraction for 96 h using dried skins (295 mg). The methanol skin extract was dried under reduced pressure, giving a 5.5% yield. In order to test for growth-inhibitory activity, in vitro tests were performed with the following cancer cell lines using concentrations ranging between 0.25-250 µg/mL of the extract by 48 h: K562 (leukemia), MCF-7 (breast), NCI-ADR (breast with MDR phenotype), UACC-62 (melanoma), NCI460 (lung), PCO3 (prostate), HT-29 (colon), OVCAR (ovary), and 786-0 (kidney).The methanol extract of R. jimi produced a growth inhibition in a dose-dependent manner against the most of the assayed cell lines. In addition to the growth inhibition, the extract induced the cell death in the ovary and colon lines (EC₅₀ 0.125 and 0.2 µg/mL, respectively), demonstrating 100% of inhibition with 2.5 µg/mL. However, prostate and leukemia cell lines demonstrated less sensitivity, with EC₅₀ of 24 and 235 µg/mL, respectively. This is the first report about the anticancer activity by natural products from the skin of R. jimi.The methanol extracts of R. jimi significantly affected the growth of several cell lines, demonstrating that these compounds are a potential source of substances that could be utilized in cancer treatments.

The skin of amphibians possesses a large diversity of biologically active compounds that are associated with the natural defenses of these animals against pathogens. Five different extracts and fractions were obtained from the skin of Rhinella jimi: methanol extract (ME), methanol fractions (MF), chloroform extract of methanol extract (CF), aqueous alkaloid fraction (AAF) and aqueous non-alkaloid fraction (ANAF). All fractions were evaluated with respect to their antibiotic modifying activity in standard bacterial strains and multiresistant clinical isolates. Antagonism was detected with kanamycin and gentamicin when combined with substances obtained from the skin of R. jimi. Phototoxic activity was observed in the methanol and chlorophorm fractions, as well as the aqueous non-alkaloid fraction. The antagonistic action was apparently associated with the protection afforded by the bacterial populations that inhabit the skin of this amphibian, preventing colonization by pathogenic fungi. The phototoxic activity demonstrated by natural products from the skin of R. jimi showed an interruption of the bacterial growth after UV exposure. This could indicate an antibacterial effect activated by the UV light, opening a path for carrying the attack by pathogenic fungi, causing the disease related with the amphibian decline.

Boa constrictor is widely used in traditional communities in many different folk remedies and products derived from it are sold in public markets throughout northeastern Brazil and as its body fat has many different therapeutic indications as a folk remedy. The present work evaluates the antibacterial activity of the body fat from the snake Boa constrictor when employed either alone or in combination with antibiotics and discusses the ecological implications of the use of this traditional remedy. Oil (OBC) was extracted from body fat located in the ventral region of B. constrictor using hexane as a solvent. The antibacterial activity of OBC was tested against standard as well as multi-resistant lines, either alone and in combination with antibiotics. OBC did not demonstrate any relevant antibacterial activity against standard or multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. OBC showed synergistic activity when combined with the aminoglycoside antibiotics. Our results indicate that the body fat of Boa constrictor does not possess bactericidal activity, from the clinical point of view, but when combined with an antibiotic, the fat demonstrated a significant synergistic activity.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T18:42:36Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S1519-69842012000200022.pdf: 175834 bytes, checksum: 0d90c826873d733ddd2220821fea45a4 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T18:42:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S1519-69842012000200022.pdf: 175834 bytes, checksum: 0d90c826873d733ddd2220821fea45a4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-05-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T19:29:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1519-69842012000200022.pdf: 175834 bytes, checksum: 0d90c826873d733ddd2220821fea45a4 (MD5) S1519-69842012000200022.pdf.txt: 17306 bytes, checksum: 0a8930d8fb9a07829f821925e2836ce7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-05-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:52:53Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S1519-69842012000200022.pdf: 175834 bytes, checksum: 0d90c826873d733ddd2220821fea45a4 (MD5) S1519-69842012000200022.pdf.txt: 17306 bytes, checksum: 0a8930d8fb9a07829f821925e2836ce7 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:52:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1519-69842012000200022.pdf: 175834 bytes, checksum: 0d90c826873d733ddd2220821fea45a4 (MD5) S1519-69842012000200022.pdf.txt: 17306 bytes, checksum: 0a8930d8fb9a07829f821925e2836ce7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-05-01 Pentastomida é um táxon de organismos parasitas obrigatórios de sistema respiratório de vertebrados, principalmente répteis. Embora esse táxon seja muito importante para a compreensão da filogenia dos Metazoa, tem recebido pouca atenção. No Brasil, existem poucas coleções que abrigam espécies de pentastomídeos, quais sejam: a Coleção Helmintológica do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (CHIOC), a Coleção de Invertebrados do Laboratório de Zoologia da Universidade Regional do Cariri (LAZ-URCA) e a Coleção Helmintológica do Laboratório de Parasitologia de Animais Silvestres (LAPAS). O presente trabalho descreve as espécies de pentastomídeos depositados na Coleção Helmintológia do LAPAS. O trato respiratório e as cavidades do corpo dos répteis foram removidos e analisados sob Microscópio Esteroscópico; quando encontrados os pentastomídeos, foram montados slides em meio Hoyer e identificados. Foram identificadas quatro espécies e outras três ficaram identificadas no nível de gênero, tendo sido registrados quatro novos hospedeiros para as espécies de pentastomídeos. Pentastomida is a taxon of parasitic organisms infecting generally the respiratory system of vertebrates, mainly reptiles. Although this taxon is very important for understanding the phylogeny of the Metazoa, it has received little attention. In Brazil, there are few collections that include species of pentastomids, that is, only the Helminthological Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (CHIOC), the Invertebrate Collection of the Zoology Laboratory of the Regional University of Cariri (LAZ-URCA) and the Helminthological Collection of the Botucatu Institute of Biosciences (CHIBB). The present study describes the species of pentastomids deposited in CHIBB. When found, the pentastomids were mounted on slides in Hoyer's medium and identified. Four species of pentastomids were recognised and three others were identified at the genus level, while four new hosts for the species of pentastomids were recorded. Universidade Federal da Paraíba Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia Universidade Regional do Cariri Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde Departamento de Química Biológica Universidade Estadual Paulista Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Parasitologia Universidade Estadual Paulista Instituto de Biociências Departamento de Parasitologia

Brazil has a great diversity of snakes, but there are few published works concerning parasitism in these animals. The present paper examined pulmonary infection by pentastomids in large snakes from northeasternBrazil, including six specimens of Boa constrictor and two examples of Lachesis muta from the Serpentarium of the Federal University of Pernam- buco (UFPE), Brazil, all of which were collected in the Atlantic Coastal Forest. One specimen of B. constrictor was infected by Porocephalus sp. (intensity of infection 5.0) and one specimen of L. muta was infected by P. stilesi (intensity of infection 15.0). Espécies de Porocephalus (Pentastomida) infectando Boa constrictor (Boidae) e Lachesis muta (Viperidae) na Região Nordeste do Brasil. O Brasil possui uma grande diversidade de cobras, mas há poucos trabalhos realizados sobre parasitismo destas por pentastomídeos. No intuito de investigar o parasitismo pulmonar por pentastomídeos em grandes cobras na região nordeste, foram examinados seis espécimes de Boa constrictor e duas de Lachesis muta pertencentes à coleção do Serpentário da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco–UFPE, todos coletadas em localidades de mata úmida (Mata Atlântica). Apenas um espécime de B. constrictor estava infectado por Porocephalus sp. (intensidade de infecção 5,0). Apenas um espécime de L. muta estava infectado por P. stilesi (intensidade de infecção 15,0).

Cephalobaenidae constitutes one of the main pentastomid groups infecting the respiratory tract of snakes. Six specimens of Liophis lineatus, a colubrid, were collected by active capture and pitfalls installed on the banks of the Batateiras river, close to its source, in the ‘APA - Área de Proteção Ambiental’ (a protected environmental area of the ‘IBAMA - Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Natural Resources’), and in a remnant of the humid tropical forest ‘FLONA - Floresta Nacional do Araripe’, both in the municipality of Crato, state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil. Out of the six specimens of L. lineatus examined, only one had its lung infected by the pentastomid Cephalobaena tetrapoda. This represents the first record of C. tetrapoda as a parasite of a snake in Northeast Brazil, as well as the first record of a colubrid, L. lineatus, as a new host for the pentastomid in Brazil. Os Cephalobaenidae constituem um dos principais grupos de pentastomídeos que parasitam o trato respiratório de serpentes. Foram coletados seis espécimes de Liophis lineatus pela utilização de coleta ativa e pitfalls instalados às margens da nascente do rio Batateiras, próximo à nascente, ‘APA - Área de Proteção Ambiental’ (um ambiente protegido pelo ‘IBAMA - Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Renováveis’), e em um remanescente de floresta úmida, "FLONA - Floresta Nacional do Araripe". Os dois pontos de coleta estão localizados no município de Crato, Estado do Ceará. Dos seis espécimes de L. lineatus examinados apenas um estava infectado por Cephalobaena tetrapoda em seu pulmão. Isso representa o primeiro registro de C. tetrapoda parasitando uma cobra no Nordeste brasileiro, assim como é o primeiro registro de um colubridae servindo de hospedeiro para C. tetrapoda no Brasil.

Background Animals have been used as a source of medicine in Brazil since ancient times, and have played a significant role in healing practices. Specifically in Northeast Brazil, zootherapy is a very common practice, and together with medicinal plants, it plays an important role as a therapeutic alternative. In the state of Ceara, no works have been carried out on rural communities with regard to use of zootherapeutics, even though the practice of zootherapy is common in this region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the use of medicinal animals in a rural community (Poco Dantas) in the municipality of Crato, Ceara, Brazil. Methods The field survey was carried out from October 2008 to January 2009 by conducting interviews using structured questionnaires with 72 people (33 men and 39 women), who provided information on animal species used as remedies, body parts used to prepare the remedies, and ailments for which the remedies were prescribed. We calculated the informant consensus factor (ICF) to determine the consensus over which species are effective for particular ailments, as well as the species use value (UV) to determine the extent of utilization of each species. Results A total of 29 species, distributed in 17 families were categorized as having some medicinal property. The taxa most represented were: mammals (9), insects (7), reptiles and birds (4). Progne chalybea, a species not previously recorded as being of medicinal use, was cited in the present work, where it is utilized in the treatment of alcoholism. The animals are used in the treatment of 34 diseases or symptoms, where sore throat, inflammations and cough are the ailments with the greatest number of citations. Conclusion The data show that zootherapy represents an important therapeutic alternative for the inhabitants of the community. New studies on medicinal fauna should be conducted with the aim of determining the exploitation level of the species utilized, promoting sustainable development of medicinal species that are eventually threatened, and preserving and disseminating the knowledge developed by traditional individuals of the community.