On the nature of the interlayer magnetic interactions in biphase ferromagnetic films.

We report on the nature of the interlayer magnetic interactions in NiFe/Cu/Co films. By probing the quasi-static and dynamic magnetic properties of biphase ferromagnetic films, with soft and hard ferromagnetic phases intermediated by a non-magnetic layer, we address aspects of the coupling between magnetic layers. Our results demonstrate the nature of the interlayer magnetic coupling in biphase films. We also disclose the asymmetric magnetoimpedance effect as a fingerprint of the nature of the magnetic interlayer interactions playing key role in the magnetization dynamics of the system. We revisit in literature data and ideas on the asymmetric magnetoimpedance and the nature of the magnetic interactions in biphase ferromagnetic systems. Then, we compare our findings with results for biphase ribbons and microwires. Our observations raise the fundamental similarities and differences in the asymmetric magnetoimpedance of these structures.

Trehalose in extenders for cryopreservation of Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) sperm.

BACKGROUND: Sugars may act as either energy substrates or non-penetrating cryoprotectants. OBJECTIVE: Inclusion of non-penetrating trehalose was tested in extenders for the cryopreservation of Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) sperm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sperm was extended 1/9 (v/v) in Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) with 10% DMSO (control) or 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM trehalose without 10% DMSO. Post-thawed sperm quality was evaluated, including fertilization and hatching rates, sperm motility, motility period and viability, integrity of sperm membrane and DNA, and mitochondrial functionality. RESULTS: Extenders with 100 - 150 mM trehalose achieved fertilization and hatching rates similar to those of the 10% DMSO-treated sperm samples. Trehalose at 100 and 150 mM provides better protection than 10% DMSO treatment for sperm motility, viability, DNA integrity and mitochondrial functionality. Fertilization and hatching rates were highly correlated (r = 0.95, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The addition of 100 - 150 mM trehalose in extender can replace 10% DMSO for the cryopreservation of C. macropomum sperm. doi.org/10.54680/fr22510110312.

Magnetic nanoparticles hyperthermia in a non-adiabatic and radiating process.

We investigate the magnetic nanoparticles hyperthermia in a non-adiabatic and radiating process through the calorimetric method. Specifically, we propose a theoretical approach to magnetic hyperthermia from a thermodynamic point of view. To test the robustness of the approach, we perform hyperthermia experiments and analyse the thermal behavior of magnetite and magnesium ferrite magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in water submitted to an alternating magnetic field. From our findings, besides estimating the specific loss power value from a non-adiabatic and radiating process, thus enhancing the accuracy in the determination of this quantity, we provide physical meaning to a parameter found in literature that still remained not fully understood, the effective thermal conductance, and bring to light how it can be obtained from experiment. In addition, we show our approach brings a correction to the estimated experimental results for specific loss power and effective thermal conductance, thus demonstrating the importance of the heat loss rate due to the thermal radiation in magnetic hyperthermia.

Dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide surfactant effects on DNA: Unraveling the competition between electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.

We present a new study on the interaction of the DNA molecule with the surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), performed mainly with optical tweezers. Single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments performed in the low-force entropic regime allowed a robust characterization of the DNA-DTAB interaction, unveiling how the surfactant changes the mechanical properties of the biopolymer, the binding parameters, and the competition of the two mechanisms involved in the interaction: electrostatic attraction between the cationic surfactant heads and the negative phosphate backbone of the DNA and hydrophobic interactions between the tails of the bound DTAB molecules, which can result in DNA compaction in solution depending on the quantity of bound surfactant. Finally, force clamp experiments with magnetic tweezers and gel electrophoresis assays confirm that DTAB compacts DNA depending not only on the surfactant concentration but also on the conformation of the biopolymer in solution. The present study provides new insights on general aspects of the DNA-surfactant complexes formation, contributing to the fundamental knowledge of the physics of such interactions.

Liquid Storage of Geophagus brasiliensis semen in the Presence of Different Extenders.

BACKGROUND: In order to preserve the genetic diversity of cichlid fish in gene banks, it is necessary to use certain extenders to maintain the integrity of spermatozoa cells during cooling. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of different extenders on the quality parameters of cooled semen of Geophagus brasiliensis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semen samples were collected from seven adult fish and diluted with five extenders: Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS™), Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS), Tris-glucose, Ginsburg's Fish Ringers, and Phosphate buffered Saline. All parameters were evaluated in fresh semen samples and after cooling at 4°C at 0, 24, 48, and 96 h to evaluate cell viability (membrane integrity, DNA, and mitochondrial functionality) and motility rate and weather motility. RESULTS: The BTS and Tris-glucose resulted in the best outcomes (P<0.05) in terms of membrane integrity assessments (35.1% and 30.9%, respectively), DNA integrity (71.6%; 75.7%), mitochondrial function (26.9%; 28.0%) and motility rate (8.6%; 8.6%), respectively, for semen cooled to 4°C for 96 h. However, the 48-h period motility after cooling in BTS was superior to all other treatments. CONCLUSION: BTS and Tris-glucose can be considered as the best extenders for the cold storage of Geophagus brasiliensis spermatozoa.

A genome-wide association study for feed efficiency-related traits in a crossbred pig population.

Feed efficiency (FE) is one of the most important traits in pig production. However, it is difficult and costly to measure it, limiting the collection of large amount of data for an accurate selection for better FE. Therefore, the identification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with FE-related traits to be used in the genetic evaluation is of great interest of pig breeding programs for increasing the prediction accuracy and the genetic progress of these traits. The objective of this study was to identify SNPs significantly associated with FE-related traits: average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). We also aimed to identify potential candidate genes for these traits. Phenotypic information recorded on a population of 2386 three-way crossbreed pigs that were genotyped for 51 468 SNPs was used. We identified three loci of quantitative trait (QTL) regions associated with ADG and three QTL regions associated with ADFI; however, no significant association was found for FCR. A false discovery rate (FDR) ≤ 0.005 was used as the threshold for declaring an association as significant. The QTL regions associated with ADG on Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC) 1 were located between 177.01 and 185.47 Mb, which overlaps with the QTL regions for ADFI on SSC1 (173.26 and 185.47 Mb). The other QTL region for ADG was located on SSC12 (2.87 and 3.22 Mb). The most significant SNPs in these QTL regions explained up to 3.26% of the phenotypic variance of these traits. The non-identification of genomic regions associated with FCR can be explained by the complexity of this trait, which is a ratio between ADG and ADFI. Finally, the genes CDH19, CDH7, RNF152, MC4R, PMAIP1, FEM1B and GAA were the candidate genes found in the 1 Mb window around the QTL regions identified in this study. Among them, the MC4R gene (SSC1) has a well-known function related to ADG and ADFI. In this study, we identified three QTL regions for ADG (SSC1 and SSC12) and three for ADFI (SSC1). These regions were previously described in purebred pig populations; however, to our knowledge, this is the first study to confirm the relevance of these QTL regions in a crossbred pig population. The potential use of the SNPs and genes identified in this study in prediction models that combine genomic selection and marker-assisted selection should be evaluated for increasing the prediction accuracy of these traits in this population.

Accuracy of qPCR for quantifying Leishmania kDNA in different skin layers of patients with American tegumentary leishmaniasis.

OBJECTIVES: Superficial swab sampling of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) lesions shows higher amounts of Leishmania than those from biopsy. Subcutaneous involvement is also important in ATL, but parasite quantification according to lesion depth has not been evaluated. We aim to present the best depth at which sampling should be performed for molecular exams of ATL. METHODS: Patients with a clinical presentation compatible with ATL were allocated to ATL and control groups. Qualitative and quantitative qPCR assays were performed using SYBR Green and primers amplifying the kDNA minicircle of Leishmania spp. in different skin layers, including the epidermis, the superior dermis, the inferior dermis, and the hypodermis. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were included in this study, including 40 who had been diagnosed with ATL and 19 controls. The number of parasites was greater in samples of the epidermis and superior dermis (159.1 × 106, range 4.0-781.7, and 75.4 × 106, range 8.0-244.5, mean Leishmania parasite equivalents per µg of tissue DNA, respectively) than those in samples of the inferior dermis and hypodermis (54.6, range 8.0-256.6, and 16.8 × 106, range 8.0-24.1, mean Leishmania parasite equivalents per µg of tissue DNA, respectively). The best diagnostic accuracy was achieved in the superior dermis (77.9%) and was significantly greater than that in the hypodermis (63.3%; p 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that superficial sampling can retrieve a greater quantity of parasites. Future studies of the role of transepidermal elimination as a mechanism of host defence in ATL must be performed as there is a considerable quantity of Leishmania kDNA in the epidermis.

Antioxidant Effect of Xanthan Gum on Ram Sperm after Freezing and Thawing.

BACKGROUND: Xanthan gum is used as thickener in media to preserve food products, having cryoprotectant and antioxidant properties that may be relevant for sperm cryopreservation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of adding xanthan gum to freezing extenders on post-thawing quality and oxidant activity of ram sperm. METHODS: Ejaculates from seven rams extended TRIS-egg yolk-glycerol were split in three treatments including xanthan gum (0.15%; 0.20%; and 0.25%) and a control with no xanthan gum. RESULTS: After thawing, motility and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with 0.20% and 0.25% xanthan gum were lower than for the control (P < 0.05), but mitochondrial functionality and integrity of membrane, acrosome and DNA did not differ (P > 0.05). Xanthan gum at 0.20% and 0.25% may be an efficient antioxidant for frozen-thawed ram sperm, due to the reduction in ROS production.

Evaluation of sperm quality of Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Cope, 1860) (Serpentes, Dipsadidae) / Avaliação da qualidade seminal de serpentes Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Cope, 1860) (Serpentes, Dipsadidae)

Abstract Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Cope, 1860), is a species widely distributed in the Pampa Domain, occurring in Rio Grande do Sul, Argentina and Uruguay, mainlyin the pampa region. In the coastal region of southern Brazil this is serpent is considered one of the most abundant. The purpose of the present study is to describe the techniques of sperm evaluation in vitro for E. poecilogyrus sublineatus in the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. After laparatomy the efferent vases were collected and the semen was diluted in 1ml Beltsville Thawing Solution. The characteristics of motility, membrane integrity, mitochondria, acrosome, DNA, cell viability and cellular functionality were evaluated. Fluorescent probes were used for the evaluation of sperm structure in epifluorescence microscope. With the techniques described, it was possible to identify intact and injured cells, enabling the determination of cell characteristics for the spring season (October and November). It was observed in the analyses that 80% of sperm cells were mobile and that 84.1 ± 8.0% of sperm membranes were intact. The standards found were of 48 ± 13.8% of intact acrosome, 73.6 ± 6.0 of perfect DNA and of 91.8 ± 4.0 of functional mitochondria. Thus, these values from the sperm analysis can be used as standards for the species Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus.

Resumo Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Cope, 1860), é uma espécie amplamente distribuída no Domínio Pampa, ocorrendo no Rio Grande do Sul, Argentina e Uruguai, principalmente na região dos pampas. Na região costeira do extremo sul do Brasil essa é uma das serpentes consideradas mais abundantes. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever as técnicas de avaliação espermática in vitro para E. poecilogyrus sublineatus da planície costeira do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Após laparatomia os vasos eferentes foram coletados e o sêmen diluído em 1ml Beltsville Thawing Solution. Foram avaliadas as características de motilidade, integridade de membrana, mitocôndria, acrossoma, DNA, viabilidade celular e funcionalidade celular. Foram utilizadas sondas fluorescentes para avaliação das estruturas espermática em microscópio de epifluoescência. Com as técnicas descritas foram possível identificar células integras e lesadas, podendo determinar as características celulares para o período de primavera (outubro e novembro). Nas análises foi observado que 80% das células espermáticas estavam móveis e que 84,1 ± 8,0% das membranas espermáticas estavam íntegras. Os padrões encontrados para foram de 48 ± 13,8% de acrossoma íntegro, 73,6 ± 6,0 de DNA íntegro e de 91,8 ± 4,0 de mitocôndria funcional. Desta forma, esses valores das análises espermáticas podem ser utilizados como padrão para a espécie Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus.

ß-Cyclodextrin polymer binding to DNA: Modulating the physicochemical parameters.

Cyclodextrins and cyclodextrins-modified molecules have interesting and appealing properties due to their capacity to host components that are normally insoluble or poorly soluble in water. In this work, we investigate the interaction of a ß-cyclodextrin polymer (poly-ß-CD) with λ-DNA. The polymers are obtained by the reaction of ß-CD with epichlorohydrin in alkaline conditions. We have used optical tweezers to characterize the changes of the mechanical properties of DNA molecules by increasing the concentration of poly-ß-CD in the sample. The physical chemistry of the interaction is then deduced from these measurements by using a recently developed quenched-disorder statistical model. It is shown that the contour length of the DNA does not change in the whole range of poly-ß-CD concentration (<300µM). On the other hand, significant alterations were observed in the persistence length that identifies two binding modes corresponding to the clustering of ∼2.6 and ∼14 polymer molecules along the DNA double helix, depending on the polymer concentration. Comparing these results with the ones obtained for monomeric ß-CD, it was observed that the concentration of CD that alters the DNA persistence length is considerably smaller when in the polymeric form. Also, the binding constant of the polymer-DNA interaction is three orders of magnitude higher than the one found for native (monomeric) ß-CD. These results show that the polymerization of the ß-CD strongly increases its binding affinity to the DNA molecule. This property can be wisely used to modulate the binding of cyclodextrins to the DNA double helix.

Neuronal circuits involved in osmotic challenges.

The maintenance of plasma sodium concentration within a narrow limit is crucial to life. When it differs from normal physiological patterns, several mechanisms are activated in order to restore body fluid homeostasis. Such mechanisms may be vegetative and/or behavioral, and several regions of the central nervous system (CNS) are involved in their triggering. Some of these are responsible for sensory pathways that perceive a disturbance of the body fluid homeostasis and transmit information to other regions. These regions, in turn, initiate adequate adjustments in order to restore homeostasis. The main cardiovascular and autonomic responses to a change in plasma sodium concentration are: i) changes in arterial blood pressure and heart rate; ii) changes in sympathetic activity to the renal system in order to ensure adequate renal sodium excretion/absorption, and iii) the secretion of compounds involved in sodium ion homeostasis (ANP, Ang-II, and ADH, for example). Due to their cardiovascular effects, hypertonic saline solutions have been used to promote resuscitation in hemorrhagic patients, thereby increasing survival rates following trauma. In the present review, we expose and discuss the role of several CNS regions involved in body fluid homeostasis and the effects of acute and chronic hyperosmotic challenges.

Non-linear conduction due to depinning of charge order domains in Fe3O2BO3.

The oxyborate Fe3O2BO3 presents a charge density wave (CDW) transition close to room temperature. As we show here, this is associated with a well defined anomaly in the specific heat. Below this transition, when applying in a single crystal of Fe3O2BO3 a DC voltage above a temperature dependent threshold, a high current is liberated in this material. We study the conduction in single crystals of Fe3O2BO3 with voltage applied parallel and perpendicular to the crystallographic c axis direction. The observed currents are attributed to the depinning of charge ordered domains above a threshold voltage V T2 that gives rise to a collective conduction due to coherent domains. Compliance limited DC data shows that above a lower threshold voltage depinning is smooth and follows a power law scaling. Similar depinning with power law scaling is also revealed in the AC conductivity.

Evaluation of sperm quality of Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Cope, 1860) (Serpentes, Dipsadidae).

Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Cope, 1860), is a species widely distributed in the Pampa Domain, occurring in Rio Grande do Sul, Argentina and Uruguay, mainlyin the pampa region. In the coastal region of southern Brazil this is serpent is considered one of the most abundant. The purpose of the present study is to describe the techniques of sperm evaluation in vitro for E. poecilogyrus sublineatus in the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. After laparatomy the efferent vases were collected and the semen was diluted in 1ml Beltsville Thawing Solution. The characteristics of motility, membrane integrity, mitochondria, acrosome, DNA, cell viability and cellular functionality were evaluated. Fluorescent probes were used for the evaluation of sperm structure in epifluorescence microscope. With the techniques described, it was possible to identify intact and injured cells, enabling the determination of cell characteristics for the spring season (October and November). It was observed in the analyses that 80% of sperm cells were mobile and that 84.1 ± 8.0% of sperm membranes were intact. The standards found were of 48 ± 13.8% of intact acrosome, 73.6 ± 6.0 of perfect DNA and of 91.8 ± 4.0 of functional mitochondria. Thus, these values from the sperm analysis can be used as standards for the species Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus.

DNA-doxorubicin interaction: New insights and peculiarities.

We have investigated the interaction of the DNA molecule with the anticancer drug doxorubicin (doxo) by using three different experimental techniques: single molecule stretching, single molecule imaging, and dynamic light scattering. Such techniques allowed us to get new insights on the mechanical behavior of the DNA-doxo complexes as well as on the physical chemistry of the interaction. First, the contour length data obtained from single molecule stretching were used to extract the physicochemical parameters of the DNA-doxo interaction under different buffer conditions. This analysis has proven that the physical chemistry of such interaction can be modulated by changing the ionic strength of the surrounding buffer. In particular we have found that at low ionc strengths doxo interacts with DNA by simple intercalation (no aggregation) and/or by forming bound dimers. For high ionic strengths, otherwise, doxo-doxo self-association is enhanced, giving rise to the formation of bound doxo aggregates composed by 3 to 4 molecules along the double-helix. On the other hand, the results obtained for the persistence length of the DNA-doxo complexes is strongly force-dependent, presenting different behaviors when measured with stretching or non-stretching techniques.

Effect of ß-mercaptoetanol and cysteine on post-thawing quality and oxidative activity of ram sperm and on the viability of vitrified sheep embryos / Efeito do ß-mercaptoetanol e da cisteína sobre a qualidade e a atividade oxidativa do sêmen ovino após o descongelamento e sobre a viabilidade de embriões ovinos vitrificados

The effects of ß-mercaptoethanol (BME) and cysteine on the viability and oxidative activity of ram sperm after thawing and on development in vitro and viability of vitrified sheep embryos were evaluated. Ejaculates from four rams were pooled and extended, composing six treatments: no antioxidants; 2mM BME; 5mM BME; 2mM BME and 5mM cysteine; 5mM BME and 5mM cysteine; and 5mM cysteine. Sperm motility, membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial functionality, production of reactive oxygen species and total antioxidant capacity were similar across treatments (P>0.05). A medium with no antioxidant presented cleavage and blastocyst development rates (60.3% and 33.6%, respectively) similar (P>0.05) to those of a medium with 50µM BME and 600µM cysteine (64.3% and 36.6%, respectively). Post-thawing viability of vitrified embryos was similar between media (P>0.05). Cysteine and BME had no influence on the post-thawing viability and oxidative activity of ram sperm and on the viability of vitrified sheep embryos.(AU)

Foram avaliados os efeitos do ß-mercaptoetanol (BME) e da cisteína sobre a viabilidade e a atividade oxidativa após o descongelamento do sêmen ovino e sobre o desenvolvimento in vitro e a viabilidade de embriões ovinos vitrificados. Ejaculados de quatro carneiros foram agrupados e diluídos, compondo seis tratamentos: sem antioxidantes; com BME 2mM; com BME 5mM; com BME 2mM e cisteína 5mM; com BME 5mM e cisteína 5mM; e com cisteína 5mM. Motilidade, integridade da membrana e do acrossoma, função mitocondrial, produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio e capacidade antioxidante total foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). Em um meio sem antioxidantes, as taxas de clivagem e de desenvolvimento embrionário até blastocisto (60,3%, e 33,6%, respectivamente) foram semelhantes (P>0,05) às obtidas em um meio com BME 50µM e cisteína 600µM (64,3% e 36,6%, respectivamente). A viabilidade pós-descongelamento dos embriões vitrificados não diferiu entre os meios (P>0,05). O BME e a cisteína não influenciaram a viabilidade e a atividade oxidativa do sêmen ovino após o descongelamento e a viabilidade de embriões ovinos vitrificados.(AU)

Morgan line and its relationship with distraction index, angle of inclination and degenerative joint disease in the diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia / Linha Morgan e sua relação com índice de distração, ângulo de inclinação e doença articular degenerativa no diagnóstico da displasia coxofemoral canina

We evaluated 160 hip joint radiographs of 40 dogs of different large breeds (25 females and 15 males) from the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The radiographs of each dog were obtained at two different stages: stage 1 (mean 7.23 months) and stage 2 (mean 14.25). The conventional radiographic method (CRM) and the radiographic distraction method (RDM) were used, carried out in both stages. CRM measured the Norberg angle (NA), the angle of inclination (AI) and evaluated the presence of degenerative joint disease (DJD). The MRD was performed to establish the distraction index (DI). The aims were to evaluate the presence of the Morgan line and other signs of DJD and correlate them with the degree of canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and also check if the DI greater than 0.3 (first stage) was associated with the presence of ML (second stage). It was found that DI, AI and changes of femoral neck and the formation of osteophytes were associated with the presence of ML. It was observed that if the DI is greater than 0.3 at the first stage, the chance of a positive outcome of ML in the second stage increases by 7.2 times. Thus, 49 joints showed DI > 0.3 at the first stage, in which 31 (63.3 %) presented ML at the second stage. Of the 31 animals that showed DI ≤ 0.3 at first, six (19.4%) had LM at the second stage. There has been a significant association between the presence of ML and the degree of CHD. The more severe the CHD, the higher the percentage of positive ML results. Thus, among the 24 (60 %) animals that showed ML, 11 (45.83 %) were classified as severe dysplastics, 5 (20.83%) as moderate and 8 (33.33 %) as mild. None of the animals classified as normal or borderline presented ML. Among the 8 animals classified as mild dysplastics, 5 showed only ML as DJD.(AU)

Avaliaram-se 160 radiografias das articulações coxofemorais de 40 cães de diferentes raças de grande porte, provenientes de Belo Horizonte, Brasil. As radiografias de cada animal foram obtidas em dois momentos: um (média de 7,23 meses de idade) e dois (média de 14,25 meses). Utilizaram-se o método radiográfico convencional (MRC) e o método radiográfico em distração (MRD), ambos realizados nos dois momentos. No MRC, mensurou-se o ângulo de Norberg (AN), o ângulo de inclinação (AI) e avaliou-se a presença de doença articular degenerativa (DAD). O MRD foi realizado para se estabelecer o índice de distração (ID). Os objetivos foram avaliar a presença da linha Morgan (LM) e de outros sinais de DAD, correlacionando-os com o grau de displasia coxofemoral (DCF); além de se verificar se o ID maior que 0,3 (primeiro momento) possui associação com a presença de LM (segundo momento). Verificou-se que ID, AI e encurtamento e/ou espessamento do colo femoral e formação de osteófitos foram associados à presença da LM. Observou-se que, quando o ID era maior que 0,3 no primeiro momento, a chance de um resultado positivo da LM no segundo momento aumentava em 7,2 vezes. No primeiro momento, 49 articulações apresentaram ID > 0,3. Destas, 31 (63,3%) apresentaram LM no segundo momento. Dos 31 animais que apresentaram ID ≤ 0,3 no primeiro momento, seis (19,4%) desenvolveram LM no segundo momento. Houve associação significativa entre presença de LM com o grau de DCF, e quanto mais grave a DCF, maior foi o percentual de resultados positivos da LM. Dos 24 (60%) animais que apresentaram LM, 11 (45,83%) foram classificados como displásicos graves, cinco (20,83%) como médios e oito (33,33%) como leves. Nenhum dos animais considerados suspeitos ou normais apresentou LM. Dos oito animais classificados como displásicos leves, cinco apresentaram apenas LM como sinal de DAD.(AU)

Lithium and valproate prevent methylphenidate-induced mania-like behaviors in the hole board test.

Manic bipolar is diagnosed by psychomotor agitation, increased goal-directed activity, insomnia, grandiosity, excessive speech, and risky behavior. Animal studies aimed to modeling mania are commonly based in psychostimulants-induced hyperlocomotion. The exploration of other behaviors related with mania is mandatory to investigate this phase of bipolar disorder in animals. In this study, the hole board apparatus was suggested for evaluating mania-like behaviors induced by the psychostimulant methylphenidate. The treatment with methylphenidate (10mg/kg, ip) increased locomotion in the open field test. The pretreatment with lithium (50mg/kg, ip) and valproate (400mg/kg, ip) significantly prevented the hyperlocomotion. In the hole-board test, methylphenidate increased interactions with the central and peripheral holes and the exploration of central areas. Lithium was more effective than valproate in preventing all the behavioral manifestations induced by the psychostimulant. These findings were discussed based on the ability of methylphenidate-treated mice mimicking two symptoms of mania in the hole board test: goal-directed action and risk-taking behavior. In conclusion, the results point to a new approach to study mania through the hole board apparatus. The hole board test appears to be a sensitive assay to detect the efficacy of antimanic drugs.

Avaliação da atividade larvicida do óleo essencial do Zingiber officinale Roscoe (gengibre) frente ao mosquito Aedes aegypti / Evaluation of the larvicidal effectof the essential oil of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) against the mosquito Aedes aegypti

RESUMO Este trabalho analisa o efeito larvicida do óleo Zingiber officinale Roscoe contra larvas em terceiro estágio do mosquito Aedes aegypti. Extraiu-se quantitativamente o óleo essencial por hidrodestilação e calculou-se a CL50 do óleo, a partir dos métodos de Reed-Muench e Pizzi, respectivamente. O óleo essencial obteve CL50 de 76,07 (±2,24) μg mL-1 e rendimento de 0,52% m/v. Os resultados indicam que o óleo essencial avaliado é composto por substâncias que propiciam efeito larvicida contra Aedes aegypti.

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the larvicidal effect of the oil of Zingiber officinale Roscoe against larvae in third stage of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus 1792). The essential oil was extracted quantitatively by hydrodistillation and we calculated the oil’s LC50 from Reed-Muench (1938) and Pizzi (1950) methods, respectively. The essential oil obtained LC50 of 76.07 (±2.24) ug mL-1, and yield of 0.52% m/v. The results indicate that the essential oil assessed has substances that provide larvicidal effect against Aedes aegypti.

Methods of cryopreservation of Tambaqui semen, Colossoma macropomum.

This study compared three different techniques for sperm cryopreservation of Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). Semen was diluted in Beltsville Thawing Solution with the addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at various concentrations (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%). Cryopreservation was performed using three methods: Box Conditioner Method with straws at a 5 cm distance from liquid nitrogen vapor (N2L); Dry Shipper Method placing the straws inside the machine; Vitrification Method placing the straws directly into N2L, amounting to 12 treatments (four DMSO concentrations×three freezing methods). The samples were evaluated for analysis of sperm quality in vivo and in vitro. Use of the Vitrification Method at different concentrations of DMSO provided the least values in the different evaluations. Fertilization, hatching rates and plasma membrane integrity using the Box Conditioner Method with 5% and 10% DMSO did not differ (P>0.05) but use of the concentration of 5% DMSO resulted in greater values than the other treatments (P<0.05) as well as for sperm motility and latency time (P<0.05), although sperm viability was superior using the Dry Shipper Method with 20% of the cryoprotectant. Mitochondrial functionality was impaired by use of the Vitrification Method with all DMSO concentration tested showing the most desirable values when the Box Conditioner Method was used with 5%, 10%, 15% DMSO and the Dry Shipper Method was used with 10% and 15% DMSO. Considering the variables evaluated, the use of the Box Conditioner Method is associated with enhanced Tambaqui semen quality with freeze concentrations of 5% and 10% DMSO.