Faeces

The distribution and diet of the elephants of the Maputo Elephant Reserve were studied using dung counts, satellite tracking and faecal analysis. The results were compared with earlier data from before the civil war in Mozambique. The elephant population decreased during the civil war, but 180 animals still remain. Earlier studies described the elephants as preferring the grass plains. Currently, the elephants prefer the dense forest patches over the high quality forage found in the grass plains. Water salinity affected distribution; elephant dung piles were found closer to fresh water in the dry season. A total of 95 different plant species were identified in the faeces. The percentage of grass was relatively low compared with other studies, increasing at the beginning of the rainy season. At the end of the dry season, elephants concentrated on the few available browse species with young leaves, but generally preferred grass species to browse species. Diet composition was mainly affected by season and less by habitat. The elephants have changed their habitat preference in reaction to poaching, and probably increased the contribution of browse species in the diet. The presence of forest patches has been vital for the survival of the elephants.RésuméOn a étudié la distribution et le régime alimentaire des éléphants de la Réserve áéléphants de Maputo en utilisant le comptages des crottes, le tracking par satellite et l'analyse des excréments. On a comparé les résultats avec des données recueillies avant la guerre civile au Mozambique. La population d'éléphants a baissé pendant la guerre civile mais il reste 180 animaux. Des études antérieures montraient que les éléphants préféraient les plaines herbeuses. Actuellement, ils préfèrent les ı^lots de forêt dense au fourrage de haute qualité qui se trouve dans les plaines herbeuses. La salinité de l'eau modifie la distribution; on trouvait les crottes d’éléphants plus près de l'eau douce en saison sèche. On a identifié un total de 95 espèces végétales différentes dans les excréments. Le pourcentage d'herbes était relativement bas par rapport aux études antérieures, il augmentait au début de la saison des pluies. A la fin de la saison sèche, les éléphants se concentraient sur les quelques espèces de buissons comestibles ayant des jeunes feuilles, mais ils préféraient généralement les espèces herbeuses aux buissons. La composition du régime était surtout affectée par la saison et moins par l'habitat. Les éléphants ont changé leurs préférences en matière d’habitat en réaction au braconnage et ont sans doute ainsi augmenté la contribution des espèces buissonnantes dans le régime alimentaire. La présence des ı^lots forestiers a été vitale pour la survie des éléphants.

The elusive nature and endangered status of most carnivore species imply that efficient approaches for their non-invasive sampling are required to allow for genetic and ecological studies. Faecal samples are a major potential source of information, and reliable approaches are needed to foster their application in this field, particularly in areas where few studies have been conducted. A major obstacle to the reliable use of faecal samples is their uncertain species-level identification in the field, an issue that can be addressed with DNA-based assays. In this study we describe a sequence-based approach that efficiently distinguishes jaguar versus puma scats, and that presents several desirable properties: (1) considerably high amplification and sequencing rates; (2) multiple diagnostic sites reliably differentiating the two focal species; (3) high information content that allows for future application in other carnivores; (4) no evidence of amplification of prey DNA; and (5) no evidence of amplification of a nuclear mitochondrial DNA insertion known to occur in the jaguar. We demonstrate the reliability and usefulness of this approach by evaluating 55 field-collected samples from four locations in the highly fragmented Atlantic Forest biome of Brazil and Argentina, and document the presence of one or both of these endangered felids in each of these areas.

A comprehensive study of cholesterol, bile acid, and lipoprotein metabolism was undertaken in two strains of hamster that differed markedly in their response to a sucrose-rich/low fat diet. Under basal conditions, hamsters from the LPN strain differed from Janvier hamsters by a lower cholesterolemia, a higher postprandial insulinemia, a more active cholesterogenesis in both liver [3- to 4-fold higher 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAR) activity and mRNA] and small intestine, and a lower hepatic acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase activity. Cholesterol saturation indices in the gallbladder bile were similar for both strains, but the lipid concentration was 2-fold higher in LPN than in Janvier hamsters. LPN hamsters had a lower capacity to transform cholesterol into bile acids, shown by the smaller fraction of endogenous cholesterol converted into bile acids prior to fecal excretion (0.34 vs. 0.77). In LPN hamsters, the activities of cholesterol 7alpha-h...

The aim of this study was to choose the optimal variant of PCR examination of faęces to detect Echinococcus multilocularis infection which would allow to reduce the influence of different inhibitors in faeces. The investigation was carried out by comparison of 3 different methods of DNA isolation from faeces and different DNA dilutions used in PCR. Thirty five intestines of red foxes were used. Small intestines were examined by the sedimentation and counting technique (SCT). Faeces were collected from the rectum for PCR and flotation. DNA were isolated with the use of 3 different methods. Two methods were dędicated for faeces: method 1 (M1) _ for larger samples and
method 2 (M2) - for standard samples. The third method' męthod 3 (M3), was not dedicated for faeces. DNA samples were tested by nested PCR in 6 variants: not diluted (1/1) and 5 diluted (1/2.5, 1'l5,l'ln. 120,1140). E. multiloculalzs was found by SCT in 18 from 35 (5I.4Ea) intestines. Taenia-Ępe
eggs were detected only in 20.0Vo of faecal samples. In PCR the highest number of positive results (45.7%) were obtained during examination of DNA isolated by M1 method, and then 40.0Vo atd, 34.3%o, respectively, for M2 and M3. In some samples positive results in PCR were obtained only in
diluted DNA. For example, 8 from 12 positive samples isolated by M3 method gave the PCR negative results in non-diluted DNA and positive only after dilution 1,:2.5,I:L0 or 1.:20.Also 3 samples isolated by methods dedicated for stool gave positive results only after DNA dilution. The investigation has revealed that in copro-PCR for detection of E. multiloculańs irrfection additional using of diluted DNA (besides non diluted) can avoid false negative results causing by PCR inhibition. In thę best method of DNA isolation (M1), the use of non diluted DNA sample together with diluted in proportion 1:10 seems to be optimal.

Background & Aims: Punicalagin is an antioxidant ellagitannin of pomegranate juice. This compound is responsible for the high antioxidant activity of this juice. Nothing is known about the bioavailability and metabolism of punicalagin or other food ellagitannins. The present work aims to evaluate the bioavailability and metabolism of punicalagin in the rat as an animal model. Design: Two groups of rats were studied. One fed with standard rat diet (n = 5) and another with the same diet plus 6 % punicalagin (n = 5). Samples of urine and faeces were taken during 37 days and plasma every week. The different metabolites were analysed by HPLC-MS-MS. Results: The daily intake of punicalagin ranged from 0.6 to 1.2 g. Values around 3–6 % the ingested punicalagin were excreted as identified metabolites in faeces and urine. In faeces, punicalagin is transformed to hydrolysis products and partly metabolites by the rat microflora to 6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one derivatives. In plasma, punicalagin was detected at concentrations around 30 μg/mL, and glucuronides of methyl ether derivatives of ellagic acid were also detected. 6H-Dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one derivatives were also detected especially during the last few weeks of the experiment. In urine, the main metabolites observed were the 6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one derivatives, as aglycones or glucuronides. Conclusion: As only 3–6 % of the ingested punicalagin was detected as such or as metabolites in urine and faeces, the majority of this ellagitannin has to be converted to undetectable metabolites (i. e. CO2) or accumulated in non-analysed tissues, however with only traces of punicalagin metabolites being detected in liver or kidney. This is the first report on the absorption of an ellagitannin and its presence in plasma. In addition, the transformation of ellagic acid derivatives to 6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one derivatives in the rat is also confirmed.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections represent a major public health problem in poor and developing countries. During the period September-October 1998 we conducted an epidemiological survey of STH infections in schoolchildren of an urban area (group A) and an indigenous reserve (group B), in the Municipality of Ortigueira, State of Paranà, Brazil, to assess potential benefits of mass treatment. Stool samples were examined for helminth eggs by quantitative (Kato-Katz) technique to determine the prevalence and intensity of intestinal parasitic infection. Moreover, we examined the relationship between prevalence and intensity of STH infections and housing/hygienic factors (by means of a 7-item questionnaire). 236 schoolchildren aged 5-15 years were enrolled, 136 in group A and 100 in group B. The prevalence of STH infections was significantly higher in group B (93%) than in group A (22%) (P < 0.001). Detected parasites were: A. lumbricoides (16.1% prevalence in group A, 88% in group B, P < 0.001), hookworms (5.8% in group A, 52% in group B, P < 0.001) and T. trichiura (5.1% in group A, 2% in group B, P = 0.2). Heavy infections were detected in 2.9% and 23% of the children in group A and B, respectively (P < 0.001). Housing/hygienic indicators were significantly poorer in group B. A statistically significant correlation was observed between total prevalence of STH infections and prevalence of high-intensity infections with most housing/hygienic variables. On the basis of these results, mass treatment and educational interventions were suggested for the indigenous community, whereas target treatment and educational interventions were suggested for the urban community. Even in a geographically homogeneous area different epidemiological realities can be found, which in turn can influence infection levels and control programmes.

Fish losses from infectious diseases are a significant problem in marine environment. Microbial distribution of faecal indicators and potentially harmful pathogens in North Delta (Egypt) was evaluated. Gamasa and Baltim water samples were recorded as polluted sites (158 and 113 CFU/100ml) respectively in case of E.coli count. W hile, the count of all other pathogens was relatively low. The highest count of Vibrio sp. was detected in Demitta, and the maximum count of Aeromonas sp. was achieved in Rosetta. Moreover, Staphylococcus sp. showed the highest occurrence in El-Brolus and Abou-Kashaba, while. Salmonella sp. achieved its maximum count in Abou-Kashaba. Sediment samples showed relatively high count of different pathogens than that recorded in sea water. In view of increasing evidence supporting the role of microbial pathogens in farming fish diseases which located in North Delta, we isolated, identified and studied the haemolytic activity and antibiotic- resistance of thirty bac...

Ileal and total tract digestibility of low and high-fibre diets (100 and 200 g/kg neutral detergent fibre), with or without enzyme supplementation (mixture of cellulase, β-glucanase, α-amylase and protease) was determined in piglets of two breeds weaned at 30 days of age. The breeds were local (pure-breed Mong Cai, MC) and exotic (Landrace × Yorkshire, LY). The experimental diets were based on maize meal, soybean meal, fish meal, cassava residue meal, and rice bran. Cassava residue meal and rice bran were the main fibrous feeds in the high-fibre diet. The experiment was arranged according to a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial, completely randomized design with 4 replications, and lasted for 30 days. The coefficient of ileal apparent digestibility (CIAD) was measured by analyzing ileal digesta collected from piglets killed at 60 days of age. The coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) was measured by analyzing faecal samples collected for 5 consecutive days immediately before the experiment finished. The CIAD and CTTAD of organic matter, crude protein, crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and amino acids in the high-fibre diet were lower than in the low-fibre diet (P < 0.01). The CIAD of nutrients and amino acids was similar (P > 0.05) between MC and LY, while the CTTAD of nutrients was higher for the MC than for LY (P < 0.05). Enzyme supplementation of the high-fibre diet improved daily gain and the digestibility of all dietary components at the ileum and in the total tract (P < 0.05), but there was no effect of enzyme supplementation of the low-fibre diet (P > 0.05).

Because the excreted sporocysts and/or oocysts of various species of Sarcocystis may not be discriminated morphologically, we sought to validate a diagnostic technique based on variation in the 18S rDNA sequence. Oocysts and/or sporocysts from three taxa of Sarcocystis were collected from human, feline, and canine definitive hosts that had fed upon meats infected with the muscle cysts of Sarcocystis hominis, Sarcocystis fusiformis and a species of Sarcocystis from water buffalo that could not be distinguished from Sarcocystis cruzi. Using a new collection method employing filter paper, these excreted oocysts and sporocysts were subjected to DNA extraction, as were the corresponding muscle cysts. Methods employing PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing of a partial 18S rDNA gene (ssrRNA) sequence were then used to successfully distinguish among the three taxa. The same, unique restriction digestion pattern characterizes the tissue cysts and oocysts and/or sporocysts of each parasite taxon. The ...