Effects of ortho-eugenol on anxiety, working memory and oxidative stress in mice / Efeitos do orto-eugenol na ansiedade, memória de trabalho e estresse oxidativo em camundongos

Ortho-eugenol is a synthetic derivative from eugenol, the major compound of clove essential oil, which has demonstrated antidepressant and antinociceptive effects in pioneering studies. Additionally, its effects appear to be dependent on the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems. Depression and anxiety disorders are known to share a great overlap in their pathophysiology, and many drugs are effective in the treatment of both diseases. Furthermore, high levels of anxiety are related to working memory deficits and increased oxidative stress. Thus, in this study we investigated the effects of acute treatment of ortho-eugenol, at 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg, on anxiety, working memory and oxidative stress in male Swiss mice. Our results show that the 100 mg/kg dose increased the number of head-dips and reduced the latency in the hole-board test. The 50 mg/kg dose reduced malondialdehyde levels in the prefrontal cortex and the number of Y-maze entries compared to the MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion group. All doses reduced nitrite levels in the hippocampus. It was also possible to assess a statistical correlation between the reduction of oxidative stress and hyperlocomotion after the administration of ortho-eugenol. However, acute treatment was not able to prevent working memory deficits. Therefore, the present study shows that ortho-eugenol has an anxiolytic and antioxidant effect, and was able to prevent substance-induced hyperlocomotion. Our results contribute to the elucidation of the pharmacological profile of ortho-eugenol, as well as to direct further studies that seek to investigate its possible clinical applications.

Ortho-eugenol é um derivado sintético do eugenol, composto principal do óleo essencial de cravo, que demonstrou efeitos antidepressivos e antinociceptivos em estudos pioneiros. Além disso, seus efeitos parecem ser dependentes dos sistemas noradrenérgico e dopaminérgico. Sabe-se que os transtornos de depressão e ansiedade compartilham uma grande sobreposição em sua fisiopatologia, e muitas drogas são eficazes no tratamento de ambas as doenças. Além disso, altos níveis de ansiedade estão relacionados a déficits de memória de trabalho e aumento do estresse oxidativo. Assim, o presente estudo investigou os efeitos do tratamento agudo de orto-eugenol, nas doses de 50, 75 e 100 mg/kg, na ansiedade, memória de trabalho e estresse oxidativo em camundongos Swiss machos. Nossos resultados mostram que a dose de 100 mg/kg aumentou o número de mergulhos e reduziu a latência no teste da placa perfurada. A dose de 50 mg/kg reduziu os níveis de malondialdeído no córtex pré-frontal e o número de entradas no labirinto em Y em comparação com o grupo de hiperlocomoção induzida por MK-801. Todas as doses reduziram os níveis de nitrito no hipocampo. Também foi possível avaliar uma correlação estatística entre a redução do estresse oxidativo e a hiperlocomoção após a administração do orto-eugenol. No entanto, o tratamento agudo não foi capaz de prevenir os déficits de memória de trabalho. Portanto, o presente estudo mostra que o orto-eugenol tem efeito ansiolítico e antioxidante, sendo capaz de prevenir a hiperlocomoção induzida pela substância. Nossos resultados contribuem para a elucidação do perfil farmacológico do orto-eugenol, bem como para direcionar novos estudos que busquem investigar suas possíveis aplicações clínicas.

Impact of dietary leaf extracts of Black pepper Piper nigrum L. on the growth, hematological and immunological parameters of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultured in glass aquaria

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Piper nigrum (black pepper) leaf extract on on the growth performance, proximate composition, hematological parameters, and immune response of Labeo rohita fingerlings with an average weight of 22.14 ± 0.98g. Aftrer acclimation for two weeks, fish (n=25) were randomly selected and placed in four glass aquaria (T0, T1, T2 and T3) at constant water temperature (30.0 ± 1.0 °C), pH (7.50 ± 0.5) and total hardness (200 ± 2.0 mgL,-1) for a period of 12 weeks, with three replicates each. Fish were fed with P. nigrum leaf extract supplemented feed @ 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% in T0, T1,T2 and T3, respectively. At the end of experiment, five fish were randomly selected from each aquaria for proximate composition, gut and skin microbial load, hematological parameters. Total proteins, albumins, and globulins were also recorded to evaluate immunological memory. The result revealed that fish in T2 showed better growth performance with an average weight gain of 56.11 ± 0.51 g. Thus, it had been concluded that Piper nigrum, a medicinal plant, can also be used to enhance the growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita as attractive alternatives against antibiotics and vaccines and has shown no negative side effects on fish health as well as on its environment.

Resumo Um estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito do extrato da folha de Piper nigrum (pimenta-do-reino) sobre o desempenho de crescimento, composição centesimal, parâmetros hematológicos e resposta imune de alevinos de Labeo rohita com peso médio de 22,14 ± 0,98g. Após aclimatação por duas semanas, os peixes (n = 25) foram selecionados aleatoriamente e colocados em quatro aquários de vidro (T0, T1, T2 e T3) em temperatura constante da água (30,0 ± 1,0 °C), pH (7,50 ± 0,5) e dureza total (200 ± 2,0 mgL-1) por um período de 12 semanas, com três repetições cada. Os peixes foram alimentados com ração suplementada com extrato de folha de P. nigrum @ 0,0%, 1,0%, 2,0% e 3,0% em T0, T1, T2 e T3, respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, cinco peixes foram selecionados aleatoriamente de cada aquário para composição centesimal, carga microbiana intestinal e cutânea e parâmetros hematológicos. Proteínas totais, albuminas e globulinas também foram registradas para avaliar a memória imunológica. O resultado revelou que os peixes em T2 apresentaram melhor desempenho de crescimento com ganho de peso médio de 56,11 ± 0,51 g. Assim, concluiu-se que Piper nigrum, uma planta medicinal, também pode ser usado para melhorar o desempenho de crescimento e resposta imunológica de Labeo rohita como alternativas atraentes contra antibióticos e vacinas e não mostrou efeitos colaterais negativos na saúde dos peixes, bem como sobre seu ambiente.

Impact of dietary leaf extracts of Black pepper Piper nigrum L. on the growth, hematological and immunological parameters of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultured in glass aquaria / Impacto de extratos de folhas da dieta de pimenta-do-reino Piper nigrum L. sobre o crescimento, parâmetros hematológicos e imunológicos de Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultivado em aquários de vidro

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Piper nigrum (black pepper) leaf extract on on the growth performance, proximate composition, hematological parameters, and immune response of Labeo rohita fingerlings with an average weight of 22.14 ± 0.98g. Aftrer acclimation for two weeks, fish (n=25) were randomly selected and placed in four glass aquaria (T0, T1, T2 and T3) at constant water temperature (30.0 ± 1.0 °C), pH (7.50 ± 0.5) and total hardness (200 ± 2.0 mgL,-1) for a period of 12 weeks, with three replicates each. Fish were fed with P. nigrum leaf extract supplemented feed @ 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% in T0, T1,T2 and T3, respectively. At the end of experiment, five fish were randomly selected from each aquaria for proximate composition, gut and skin microbial load, hematological parameters. Total proteins, albumins, and globulins were also recorded to evaluate immunological memory. The result revealed that fish in T2 showed better growth performance with an average weight gain of 56.11 ± 0.51 g. Thus, it had been concluded that Piper nigrum, a medicinal plant, can also be used to enhance the growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita as attractive alternatives against antibiotics and vaccines and has shown no negative side effects on fish health as well as on its environment.

Resumo Um estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito do extrato da folha de Piper nigrum (pimenta-do-reino) sobre o desempenho de crescimento, composição centesimal, parâmetros hematológicos e resposta imune de alevinos de Labeo rohita com peso médio de 22,14 ± 0,98g. Após aclimatação por duas semanas, os peixes (n = 25) foram selecionados aleatoriamente e colocados em quatro aquários de vidro (T0, T1, T2 e T3) em temperatura constante da água (30,0 ± 1,0 °C), pH (7,50 ± 0,5) e dureza total (200 ± 2,0 mgL-1) por um período de 12 semanas, com três repetições cada. Os peixes foram alimentados com ração suplementada com extrato de folha de P. nigrum @ 0,0%, 1,0%, 2,0% e 3,0% em T0, T1, T2 e T3, respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, cinco peixes foram selecionados aleatoriamente de cada aquário para composição centesimal, carga microbiana intestinal e cutânea e parâmetros hematológicos. Proteínas totais, albuminas e globulinas também foram registradas para avaliar a memória imunológica. O resultado revelou que os peixes em T2 apresentaram melhor desempenho de crescimento com ganho de peso médio de 56,11 ± 0,51 g. Assim, concluiu-se que Piper nigrum, uma planta medicinal, também pode ser usado para melhorar o desempenho de crescimento e resposta imunológica de Labeo rohita como alternativas atraentes contra antibióticos e vacinas e não mostrou efeitos colaterais negativos na saúde dos peixes, bem como sobre seu ambiente.

Impact of dietary leaf extracts of Black pepper Piper nigrum L on the growth, hematological and immunological parameters of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultured in glass aquaria / Impacto de extratos de folhas da dieta de pimenta-do-reino Piper nigrum L sobre o crescimento, parâmetros hematológicos e imunológicos de Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultivado em aquários de vidro

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Piper nigrum (black pepper) leaf extract on on the growth performance, proximate composition, hematological parameters, and immune response of Labeo rohita fingerlings with an average weight of 22.14 ± 0.98g. After acclimation for two weeks, fish (n=25) were randomly selected and placed in four glass aquaria (T0, T1, T2 and T3) at constant water temperature (30.0 ± 1.0 °C), pH (7.50 ± 0.5) and total hardness (200 ± 2.0 mgL,-¹) for a period of 12 weeks, with three replicates each. Fish were fed with P. nigrum leaf extract supplemented feed @ 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% in T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively. At the end of experiment, five fish were randomly selected from each aquaria for proximate composition, gut and skin microbial load, hematological parameters. Total proteins, albumins, and globulins were also recorded to evaluate immunological memory. The result revealed that fish in T2 showed better growth performance with an average weight gain of 56.11 ± 0.51 g. Thus, it had been concluded that Piper nigrum, a medicinal plant, can also be used to enhance the growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita as attractive alternatives against antibiotics and vaccines and has shown no negative side effects on fish health as well as on its environment.

Um estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito do extrato da folha de Piper nigrum (pimenta-do-reino) sobre o desempenho de crescimento, composição centesimal, parâmetros hematológicos e resposta imune de alevinos de Labeo rohita com peso médio de 22,14 ± 0,98g. Após aclimatação por duas semanas, os peixes (n = 25) foram selecionados aleatoriamente e colocados em quatro aquários de vidro (T0, T1, T2 e T3) em temperatura constante da água (30,0 ± 1,0 °C), pH (7,50 ± 0,5) e dureza total (200 ± 2,0 mgL-¹) por um período de 12 semanas, com três repetições cada. Os peixes foram alimentados com ração suplementada com extrato de folha de P. nigrum @ 0,0%, 1,0%, 2,0% e 3,0% em T0, T1, T2 e T3, respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, cinco peixes foram selecionados aleatoriamente de cada aquário para composição centesimal, carga microbiana intestinal e cutânea e parâmetros hematológicos. Proteínas totais, albuminas e globulinas também foram registradas para avaliar a memória imunológica. O resultado revelou que os peixes em T2 apresentaram melhor desempenho de crescimento com ganho de peso médio de 56,11 ± 0,51 g. Assim, concluiu-se que Piper nigrum, uma planta medicinal, também pode ser usado para melhorar o desempenho de crescimento e resposta imunológica de Labeo rohita como alternativas atraentes contra antibióticos e vacinas e não mostrou efeitos colaterais negativos na saúde dos peixes, bem como sobre seu ambiente.

Impact of dietary leaf extracts of Black pepper Piper nigrum L on the growth, hematological and immunological parameters of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultured in glass aquaria / Impacto de extratos de folhas da dieta de pimenta-do-reino Piper nigrum L sobre o crescimento, parâmetros hematológicos e imunológicos de Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultivado em aquários de vidro

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Piper nigrum (black pepper) leaf extract on on the growth performance, proximate composition, hematological parameters, and immune response of Labeo rohita fingerlings with an average weight of 22.14 ± 0.98g. After acclimation for two weeks, fish (n=25) were randomly selected and placed in four glass aquaria (T0, T1, T2 and T3) at constant water temperature (30.0 ± 1.0 °C), pH (7.50 ± 0.5) and total hardness (200 ± 2.0 mgL,-¹) for a period of 12 weeks, with three replicates each. Fish were fed with P. nigrum leaf extract supplemented feed @ 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% in T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively. At the end of experiment, five fish were randomly selected from each aquaria for proximate composition, gut and skin microbial load, hematological parameters. Total proteins, albumins, and globulins were also recorded to evaluate immunological memory. The result revealed that fish in T2 showed better growth performance with an average weight gain of 56.11 ± 0.51 g. Thus, it had been concluded that Piper nigrum, a medicinal plant, can also be used to enhance the growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita as attractive alternatives against antibiotics and vaccines and has shown no negative side effects on fish health as well as on its environment.(AU)

Um estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito do extrato da folha de Piper nigrum (pimenta-do-reino) sobre o desempenho de crescimento, composição centesimal, parâmetros hematológicos e resposta imune de alevinos de Labeo rohita com peso médio de 22,14 ± 0,98g. Após aclimatação por duas semanas, os peixes (n = 25) foram selecionados aleatoriamente e colocados em quatro aquários de vidro (T0, T1, T2 e T3) em temperatura constante da água (30,0 ± 1,0 °C), pH (7,50 ± 0,5) e dureza total (200 ± 2,0 mgL-¹) por um período de 12 semanas, com três repetições cada. Os peixes foram alimentados com ração suplementada com extrato de folha de P. nigrum @ 0,0%, 1,0%, 2,0% e 3,0% em T0, T1, T2 e T3, respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, cinco peixes foram selecionados aleatoriamente de cada aquário para composição centesimal, carga microbiana intestinal e cutânea e parâmetros hematológicos. Proteínas totais, albuminas e globulinas também foram registradas para avaliar a memória imunológica. O resultado revelou que os peixes em T2 apresentaram melhor desempenho de crescimento com ganho de peso médio de 56,11 ± 0,51 g. Assim, concluiu-se que Piper nigrum, uma planta medicinal, também pode ser usado para melhorar o desempenho de crescimento e resposta imunológica de Labeo rohita como alternativas atraentes contra antibióticos e vacinas e não mostrou efeitos colaterais negativos na saúde dos peixes, bem como sobre seu ambiente.(AU)

Frontiers in sheep reproduction - making use of natural responses to environmental challenges to manage productivity

This review addresses advances, directions and opportunities for research on sheep reproduction in the context of the global challenges of food security and climate change, and demand for 'clean, green and ethical' (CGE) animal management. The foundation of CGE management is an understanding of the physiological processes through which the reproductive system responds to changes in the animal's environment. These days, to the main environmental factors (photoperiod, nutrition, pheromones), we need to add stress from extreme weather events. With respect to nutrition in rams, we now have a deeper understanding of the responses of the brain centres that control gonadotrophin secretion (the kisspeptin system). At testis level, we have found that nutrition affects non-coding RNAs in Sertoli cells and germ cells, thus affecting the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. This proliferation-apoptosis balance is also affected during prenatal development, when undernutrition or stress in pregnant ewes seems to elicit epigenetic changes in developing gonads that could affect offspring fertility in adult life. With respect to nutrition in ewes, metabolic signals act directly on ovarian follicles, and thus change ovulation rate, but the variety of signals now includes the adipokines. An early concern was that nutritional supplements that increase ovulation rate would also increase embryo mortality but we now know that embryo survival is improved under field conditions. Finally, we had always thought that the efficiency gains from early puberty in lambs could only be achieved by accelerating fat accumulation, but we now know that faster muscle growth will achieve the same goal, offering two advantages in meat production systems. With respect to pheromones ('ram effect'), we have a deeper understanding of the brain responses (kisspeptin system) but, most importantly, a realization that the response of ewes to the ram signal involves cell division in memory centres. Many opportunities remain.(AU)

Disfunção cognitiva canina: tratamentos disponíveis / Canine cognitive dysfunction: Available treatments

A disfunção cognitiva canina (DCC) é uma enfermidade que causa alterações fisiológicas e comportamentais em cães idosos, e que apresenta uma fisiopatogenia semelhante à doença de Alzheimer (DA), que acomete seres humanos. Os sinais clínicos são representados pela sigla DISHA (desorientação, mudanças na interação com pessoas/animais, alterações no ciclo sono-vigília, falha no aprendizado/memória e nível de atividades alteradas). A principal forma de diagnóstico da doença é baseada em um questionário respondido pelo tutor, relacionado ao comportamento do animal. O tratamento é multimodal, consistindo basicamente em uso de fármacos, mudanças na alimentação, e enriquecimento ambiental e mental. Os fármacos utilizados são de diversas classes farmacológicas e agem diretamente em substâncias relacionadas com a fisiopatogenia da DCC, além de atenuarem alguns sinais clínicos da enfermidade. Essa ação dos fármacos é potencializada com a adição de alimentos específicos, enriquecimento do ambiente que o animal vive e estimulação mental, principalmente por meio de passeios. A união de todas essas modalidades de tratamento auxilia na melhoria do bem-estar do animal acometido. Como a disfunção não tem cura, o tratamento é longo e, muitas vezes, não é possível visualizar melhora evidente no animal. Dessa forma, alguns tutores acabam optando pela eutanásia. Apesar de ser frequente em cães idosos e haver uma ampla base literária acerca da DCC, não há um protocolo terapêutico específico. Sendo assim, há diversos tratamentos disponibilizados de forma isolada na literatura, fazendo com que os clínicos veterinários encontrem dificuldades para achar um compilado de informações em uma única fonte.

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a disease that causes physiological and behavioral changes in elderly dogs and presents a physiopathogeny similar to Alzheimer's disease (AD), which affects humans. Clinical signs are represented by the acronym DISHA (disorientation, changes in interaction with people/animals, changes in the sleep-wake cycle, learning/memory failure, and altered activity level). The main form of diagnosis of illness is based on a questionnaire answered by the tutor, related to the animal behavior. The treatment is multimodal, basically consisting of drug use, changes in the diet, and environmental and mental enrichment. The drugs used are of various pharmacological classes and act directly on substances related to the physiopathogeny of CCD, besides attenuating some clinical signs of the disease. This drug action is enhanced with the addition of specific foods, enrichment of the environment where the animal lives and mental stimulation, mainly through tours. The union of all these treatment modalities helps to improve the welfare of the affected animal. As the disease has no cure, the treatment is long and it is often not possible to visualize evident improvement in the animal. In this way, some tutors opt for euthanasia. Despite being frequent in elderly dogs and there is a broad literature on CCD, there is no specific therapeutic protocol. There are several treatments available in isolation in the literature, causing veterinary clinicians find it difficult to locate a compilation of information from a single source.

Shapes of pathology / As formas da patologia

The shape is one of the key features of a lesion and a pathologist must be able to identify and interpret these forms in the context of any gross and microscopic changes. One of the principles of adult learning is to engage the learner with previously understood information. If, when presenting material that is new, a connection with something the student already has familiarity with, the learning process is accelerated. As the learners are already familiar with shapes they have encountered throughout their pre-pathology learning, these can be used to hasten the incorporation and understanding of lesions. This paper describes various shapes that are used in describing lesions in veterinary pathology.(AU)

A forma é uma das principais características de uma lesão. Um patologista deve ser capaz de identificar e interpretar essas formas no contexto de quaisquer alterações macroscópicas ou microscópicas. Um dos princípios da aprendizagem de adultos é envolver o aluno com informações previamente compreendidas. Se, ao apresentar um material novo, se estabelece uma conexão com algo que o aluno já conhece, o processo de aprendizagem torna-se mais rápido e eficiente. Como os alunos já estão familiarizados com as formas que encontraram ao longo de sua aprendizagem pré-patologia, elas podem ser usadas para acelerar a incorporação e a compreensão das lesões. Este artigo descreve várias formas que são usadas na descrição de lesões em patologia veterinária.(AU)

Shapes of pathology / As formas da patologia

The shape is one of the key features of a lesion and a pathologist must be able to identify and interpret these forms in the context of any gross and microscopic changes. One of the principles of adult learning is to engage the learner with previously understood information. If, when presenting material that is new, a connection with something the student already has familiarity with, the learning process is accelerated. As the learners are already familiar with shapes they have encountered throughout their pre-pathology learning, these can be used to hasten the incorporation and understanding of lesions. This paper describes various shapes that are used in describing lesions in veterinary pathology.(AU)

A forma é uma das principais características de uma lesão. Um patologista deve ser capaz de identificar e interpretar essas formas no contexto de quaisquer alterações macroscópicas ou microscópicas. Um dos princípios da aprendizagem de adultos é envolver o aluno com informações previamente compreendidas. Se, ao apresentar um material novo, se estabelece uma conexão com algo que o aluno já conhece, o processo de aprendizagem torna-se mais rápido e eficiente. Como os alunos já estão familiarizados com as formas que encontraram ao longo de sua aprendizagem pré-patologia, elas podem ser usadas para acelerar a incorporação e a compreensão das lesões. Este artigo descreve várias formas que são usadas na descrição de lesões em patologia veterinária.(AU)

Desempenho de graduandos em medicina veterinária da usp na disciplina de inspeção sanitária dos produtos de origem animal, a partir da modernização de metodologias de ensino e avaliação, entre os anos de 2017 e 2020 / Performance of undergraduates in veterinary medicine at usp in the subject of health inspection of products of animal origin, from the modernization of teaching and evaluation methodologies, between 2017 and 2020

Este relato de caso teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de graduandos em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de São Paulo na disciplina de Inspeção Sanitária dos Produtos de Origem Animal quando da aplicação de novas metodologias de estruturação, desenvolvimento e avaliação de conteúdos organizados por assuntos, em blocos. Ao final de cada bloco foi feita uma prova teste de múltipla escolha. A amostra deste estudo foi formada por 335 alunos do 9º semestre de medicina veterinária entre os anos 2017, 2018, 2019 e 2020. Foram utilizadas análise estatística descritiva e multivariada (teste t) dos dados. Constatou-se que houve aumento das notas finais entre os anos de 2018, 2019 e 2020 em relação ao ano de 2017, quando ainda não se utilizava esta abordagem. O resultado do teste t foi de t = 1,12-24 (2017-2018), t = 2,06-15 (2017-2019) e t = 6,55-15 (2017-2020), com p<0,05, evidenciando diferença estatística entre as médias das notas dos alunos de 2017, 2018, 2019 e 2020. Concluiu-se que a organização dos conteúdos em blocos e a aplicação de avaliação permitiu a melhoria de desempenho dos estudantes na disciplina.(AU)

This case report aimed to evaluate the performance of undergraduate students in Veterinary Medicine at the University of São Paulo in the discipline of Sanitary Inspection of Products of Animal Origin when applying new methodologies for structuring, developing and evaluating content organized by block subjects. At the end of each block, a multiple-choice test was performed. The sample of this study was formed by 335 students from the 9th semester of veterinary medicine between the years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis (t test) of the data was used. It was found that there was an increase in the final grades between the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 compared to the year 2017, when this approach was not yet used. The result of the t test was t = 1,12-24 (2017-2018), t = 2,06-15 (2017-2019) and t = 6,55-15 (2017-2020), with p<0,05, showing a statistical difference between the average grades of students in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. It was concluded that the organization of the contents in blocks and the evaluation application allowed the improvement of students' performance in the discipline.(AU)

Antifungal activity of homeopathic medicines against the white mold causing agent Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

White mold disease, caused by fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary., is a disease hard to control due to the high amount of sclerotia produced, which guarantees its survival in the soil for years leading to significant yield losses. Alternative techniques to control the pathogen have been researched, including homeopathy. The present work aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal effect of homeopathic medicines on S. sclerotiorum mycelial growth. Homeopathic medicines Sulphur, fungal sclerotium Nosode and Calcarea carbonica, in 30CH, 200CH and 1000CH dynamizations were tested. Assays were carried out in a completely randomized design, with four repetitions. Experiments were performed through the addition of homeopathic medicines on the surface of plates containing culture medium, followed by insertion of a disc containing fungus mycelia and incubation. Control treatment received no homeopathic medicine. The mycelial progression was monitored by seven halo diameter measurements during experiment period. All homeopathic medicines tested and their dynamizations were able to inhibit partially the development of the fungus. Calcarea carbonica at the dynamization of 1000 CH showed the best inhibitory effect on S. sclerotiorum, which under its effect produced a mycelial halo 40% smaller than the control treatment.

Antifungal activity of homeopathic medicines against the white mold causing agent Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

White mold disease, caused by fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary., is a disease hard to control due to the high amount of sclerotia produced, which guarantees its survival in the soil for years leading to significant yield losses. Alternative techniques to control the pathogen have been researched, including homeopathy. The present work aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal effect of homeopathic medicines on S. sclerotiorum mycelial growth. Homeopathic medicines Sulphur, fungal sclerotium Nosode and Calcarea carbonica, in 30CH, 200CH and 1000CH dynamizations were tested. Assays were carried out in a completely randomized design, with four repetitions. Experiments were performed through the addition of homeopathic medicines on the surface of plates containing culture medium, followed by insertion of a disc containing fungus mycelia and incubation. Control treatment received no homeopathic medicine. The mycelial progression was monitored by seven halo diameter measurements during experiment period. All homeopathic medicines tested and their dynamizations were able to inhibit partially the development of the fungus. Calcarea carbonica at the dynamization of 1000 CH showed the best inhibitory effect on S. sclerotiorum, which under its effect produced a mycelial halo 40% smaller than the control treatment.(AU)

Octreotide-mediated neurofunctional recovery in rats following traumatic brain injury. Role of H2S, Nrf2 and TNF-α

ABSTRACT Purpose: To explore the role and mechanisms of octreotide in neurofunctional recovery in the traumatic brain injury (TBI) model. Methods: Rats were subjected to midline incision followed by TBI in the prefrontal cortex region. After 72 hours, the behavioural and neurological deficits tests were performed, which included memory testing on Morris water maze for 5 days. Octreotide (15 and 30 mg/kg i.p.) was administered 30 minutes before subjecting to TBI, and its administration was continued for three days. Results: In TBI-subjected rats, administration of octreotide restored on day 4 escape latency time (ELT) and increased the time spent in the target quadrant (TSTQ) on day 5, suggesting the improvement in learning and memory. It also increased the expression of H2S, Nrf2, and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) in the prefrontal cortex, without any significant effect on cystathionine-β-synthase. Octreotide also decreased the TNF-α levels and neurological severity score. However, co-administration of CSE inhibitor (D,L-propargylglycine) abolished octreotide-mediated neurofunctional recovery, decreased the levels of H2S and Nrf2 and increased the levels of TNF-α. Conclusions: Octreotide improved the neurological functions in TBI-subjected rats, which may be due to up-regulation of H2S biosynthetic enzyme (CSE), levels of H2S and Nrf2 and down-regulation of neuroinflammation.

Production of tilapia in biofloc with different salt condictions: an evaluation of body composition and organoleptic properties / Produção de tilápias em bioflocos com diferentes condições de sais: uma avaliação da condição corporal e propriedades organoléptica

Biofloc systems for aquaculture production are excellent options to attend the increasing demand for fish. Despite the advantages, these systems lead to accumulation of nitrogenous residues that need to be avoided, which can be achieved by the addition of salts to the water. However, salts may interfere with the body composition and the organoleptic properties of fish. Therefore, we evaluate the body composition and acceptability of tilapia fillets produced under different salt conditions. Body composition was measured by moisture, ethereal extract, crude protein and minerals, and tested by Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA). To infer on acceptability, a sensorial analysis was performed to produce preference scales of aroma, appearance, texture, flavor and off-flavor attributes. These were summarized with Principal Coordinates Analysis and tested by PERMANOVA. The body composition shows no significance difference between salts conditions. However, the organoleptic properties according to the participants were peculiar and showed lower influence of the salt condition. In the order of preference, the most accepted fish was cultivated in a conventional system (ponds without salinity). Therefore, salt conditions in biofloc systems did not significantly change the body composition of the fish, but subtle reduced their acceptability.

Com o aumento do consumo de pescado, a produção de peixes em bioflocos é uma ótima alternativa para suprir esta demanda. Apesar das vantagens, no sistema bioflocos há acúmulo de resíduos nitrogenados que podem ser evitados pela adição de sais na água. Entretanto, esses podem interferir na composição corporal e nas propriedades organolépticas do pescado. Desta forma, avaliamos a aceitabilidade de filés de tilápia produzidas em bioflocos com diferentes condições de sais. A composição corporal foi mensurada por meio da umidade, extrato etéreo, proteína bruta e minerais, e testada pela análise multivariada de variância permutacional (PERMANOVA). Para inferir aceitabilidade, uma análise sensorial foi realizada para produzir escalas de preferência em aroma, aparência, textura, sabor e off-flavor. Esses foram sumariados pela análise de coordenadas principais e testados com PERMANOVA. Na composição corporal não houve diferença significativa. Para as propriedades organolépticas, apenas a aparência e o sabor mostraram significância, assim como aparência, aroma, e off-flavor em relação aos provadores. Na preferência, o peixe mais aceito foi o cultivado em sistema convencional (tanques escavados sem salinidade). Desta forma, conclui-se que o tipo de sal no sistema de bioflocos não interferiu na composição corporal do pescado, mas sutilmente reduziu sua aceitabilidade.

Production of tilapia in biofloc with different salt condictions: an evaluation of body composition and organoleptic properties / Produção de tilápias em bioflocos com diferentes condições de sais: uma avaliação da condição corporal e propriedades organoléptica

Biofloc systems for aquaculture production are excellent options to attend the increasing demand for fish. Despite the advantages, these systems lead to accumulation of nitrogenous residues that need to be avoided, which can be achieved by the addition of salts to the water. However, salts may interfere with the body composition and the organoleptic properties of fish. Therefore, we evaluate the body composition and acceptability of tilapia fillets produced under different salt conditions. Body composition was measured by moisture, ethereal extract, crude protein and minerals, and tested by Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA). To infer on acceptability, a sensorial analysis was performed to produce preference scales of aroma, appearance, texture, flavor and off-flavor attributes. These were summarized with Principal Coordinates Analysis and tested by PERMANOVA. The body composition shows no significance difference between salts conditions. However, the organoleptic properties according to the participants were peculiar and showed lower influence of the salt condition. In the order of preference, the most accepted fish was cultivated in a conventional system (ponds without salinity). Therefore, salt conditions in biofloc systems did not significantly change the body composition of the fish, but subtle reduced their acceptability.(AU)

Com o aumento do consumo de pescado, a produção de peixes em bioflocos é uma ótima alternativa para suprir esta demanda. Apesar das vantagens, no sistema bioflocos há acúmulo de resíduos nitrogenados que podem ser evitados pela adição de sais na água. Entretanto, esses podem interferir na composição corporal e nas propriedades organolépticas do pescado. Desta forma, avaliamos a aceitabilidade de filés de tilápia produzidas em bioflocos com diferentes condições de sais. A composição corporal foi mensurada por meio da umidade, extrato etéreo, proteína bruta e minerais, e testada pela análise multivariada de variância permutacional (PERMANOVA). Para inferir aceitabilidade, uma análise sensorial foi realizada para produzir escalas de preferência em aroma, aparência, textura, sabor e off-flavor. Esses foram sumariados pela análise de coordenadas principais e testados com PERMANOVA. Na composição corporal não houve diferença significativa. Para as propriedades organolépticas, apenas a aparência e o sabor mostraram significância, assim como aparência, aroma, e off-flavor em relação aos provadores. Na preferência, o peixe mais aceito foi o cultivado em sistema convencional (tanques escavados sem salinidade). Desta forma, conclui-se que o tipo de sal no sistema de bioflocos não interferiu na composição corporal do pescado, mas sutilmente reduziu sua aceitabilidade.(AU)

Neurobehavioral and neuroprotector effects of caffeine in animal models

This review aims to analyze and contrast the neurological effects associated with the use of caffeine on neurobehavior and neuroprotection in animal models. Caffeine belongs to the group of methylxanthines that exert a direct effect on adenosine receptors associated with inhibitory or excitatory G proteins, generating modification of cyclic AMP activity and intracellular calcium flow which produces alterations in the modulation system of the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate. The regulation of the neurotransmission systems generates protection against the inflammation of the central nervous system, by activation of the microglia and reinforcement of the blood-brain barrier. This drug will also restore cognition or prevent memory loss in Parkinson's or Alzheimer's diseases. It is important to establish new study models in other species to assess whether the behavior of the molecule is similar and to obtain other clinical applications in its behavioral and neuroprotective effects.(AU)

Neurobehavioral and neuroprotector effects of caffeine in animal models

This review aims to analyze and contrast the neurological effects associated with the use of caffeine on neurobehavior and neuroprotection in animal models. Caffeine belongs to the group of methylxanthines that exert a direct effect on adenosine receptors associated with inhibitory or excitatory G proteins, generating modification of cyclic AMP activity and intracellular calcium flow which produces alterations in the modulation system of the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate. The regulation of the neurotransmission systems generates protection against the inflammation of the central nervous system, by activation of the microglia and reinforcement of the blood-brain barrier. This drug will also restore cognition or prevent memory loss in Parkinson's or Alzheimer's diseases. It is important to establish new study models in other species to assess whether the behavior of the molecule is similar and to obtain other clinical applications in its behavioral and neuroprotective effects.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids cycle administration decreases anxious-like behavior but does not affect long-term memory acquisition in rats

The steroid hormones are lipids in nature, which play crucial roles in several metabolic and behavioral pathways in mammals. Drug therapy uses sterol hormones for treating some disturbances linked with its deficiency; however, the illicit use of these hormones by amateur and elite athletes to enhance performance or body appearance may lead to several health issues. In this study we evaluated the anxious-like behavior and the long-term memory acquisition of male rats undergoing sedentary life-style or physical effort, with or without anabolic-androgenic steroids (ASC) treatment. The results showed a decrease in anxious-like behavioral levels in rats that received ASC treatment associated or not with physical effort, but this treatment did not affect the acquisition of long-term memory at the dose and experimental model assessed.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids cycle administration decreases anxious-like behavior but does not affect long-term memory acquisition in rats

The steroid hormones are lipids in nature, which play crucial roles in several metabolic and behavioral pathways in mammals. Drug therapy uses sterol hormones for treating some disturbances linked with its deficiency; however, the illicit use of these hormones by amateur and elite athletes to enhance performance or body appearance may lead to several health issues. In this study we evaluated the anxious-like behavior and the long-term memory acquisition of male rats undergoing sedentary life-style or physical effort, with or without anabolic-androgenic steroids (ASC) treatment. The results showed a decrease in anxious-like behavioral levels in rats that received ASC treatment associated or not with physical effort, but this treatment did not affect the acquisition of long-term memory at the dose and experimental model assessed.(AU)

Levamisole modulates the cell-mediated immunity of matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus / Levamisole modula a imunidade mediada por células de Matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus

The use of immunomodulators is an alternative to improve the immune system of fish and avoid the excessive use of antibiotics. Levamisole is a synthetic anthelmintic which promotes a potent immunostimulation on innate and acquired variables of fish. In order to access the levamisole effects on matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus, fish were fed levamisole at 500 mg kg-1 of diet for seven days. After this period fish were submitted to blood collection. Immunological variables, such as leukocytes respiratory burst, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, albumin:globulin index and hematological variables, such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, red and white blood cell (WBC) and Wintrobe indexes were evaluated. The levamisole administration increased the WBC counts indicating that the immunostimulant modulates the cell-mediated immunity. The increased WBC indicate that the fish fed levamisole were in a better body condition, and probable more resistant to disease due to potential for phagocytosis activation, degranulation of neutrophilic granules, and consequently production of antibodies and immunological memory. Besides, these findings are important for news projects regarding the production of vaccines and deeper understanding of fish cell-mediated immunity.

A utilização de imunoestimulante é uma alternativa para melhorar o sistema imune de peixes e evitar o uso excessivo de antibióticos. O levamisol é um anti-helmíntico sintético que promove uma potente estimulação imunológica em peixes, aumentando variáveis inatas e adquiridas de defesa. A fim de avaliar os efeitos do levamisol sobre matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus, os peixes foram alimentados com 500 mg kg-1 de levamisol na dieta durante sete dias. Após este período os peixes foram submetidos à colheita de sangue. Variáveis imunes, tais como a atividade respiratória de leucócitos, proteína total sérica, albumina, globulina, índice albumina:globulina e os parâmetros hematológicos, tais como hematócrito, hemograma completo, hemoglobina, número de eritrócitos e o volume corpuscular médio dos eritrócitos foram avaliados. A utilização do levamisol aumentou a contagem dos leucócitos do sangue indicando que o imunoestimulante modulou a imunidade mediada por células, entretanto, nenhuma alteração foi observada nas demais variáveis. O aumento dos leucócitos do sangue indica que os peixes alimentados com levamisol estão em uma condição corporal melhor, e em um possível surto terão mais resistência às doenças e potencial para ativação da fagocitose e degranulação de neutrófilos. Além disso, os resultados são importantes para novos projetos sobre a produção de vacinas, e sobre a compreensão mais profunda da imunidade mediada por células em peixes.