Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi promote the growth of Dipteryx alata Vogel.

The symbiosis between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and fruit tree plants is a sustainable strategy for producing seedlings. However, information for Dipteryx alata Vogel., a native species, is still scarce. Thus, this study aimed to identify the most promising AMF inoculum for producing D. alata seedlings and their effects on growth. Seedlings were inoculated with Clareoideoglomus etunicatum, Gigaspora albida, Gigaspora margarita, a mixture of these three species, and an uninoculated control. Height, diameter, and chlorophyll index were evaluated at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days after seedling transplanting, while biomass production, quality index, dependence, and mycorrhizal efficiency were evaluated at 180 days. Greater diameter and height values were observed for D. alata seedlings at 180 days and inoculated with G. albida, G. margarita, and the mixture. AMF of the genus Gigaspora positively contributed to biomass production and seedling quality. D. alata seedlings show high mycorrhizal dependence on G. albida and G. margarita inoculum, which had good mycorrhizal efficiency. AMF, especially those of the genus Gigaspora, favor the production of high-quality D. alata seedlings.

A model for preservation of thymocyte-depleted thymus.

DiGeorge syndrome is a disorder caused by a microdeletion on the long arm of chromosome 22. Approximately 1% of patients diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome may have an absence of a functional thymus, which characterizes the complete form of the syndrome. These patients require urgent treatment to reconstitute T cell immunity. Thymus transplantation is a promising investigational procedure for reconstitution of thymic function in infants with congenital athymia. Here, we demonstrate a possible optimization of the preparation of thymus slices for transplantation through prior depletion of thymocytes and leukocyte cell lineages followed by cryopreservation with cryoprotective media (5% dextran FP 40, 5% Me2SO, and 5% FBS) while preserving tissue architecture. Thymus fragments were stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C for 30 days or one year. The tissue architecture of the fragments was preserved, including the distinction between medullary thymic epithelial cells (TECs), cortical TECs, and Hassall bodies. Moreover, depleted thymus fragments cryopreserved for one year were recolonized by intrathymic injections of 3×106 thymocytes per mL, demonstrating the capability of these fragments to support T cell development. Thus, this technique opens up the possibility of freezing and storing large volumes of thymus tissue for immediate transplantation into patients with DiGeorge syndrome or atypical (Omenn-like) phenotype.

A model for preservation of thymocyte-depleted thymus

DiGeorge syndrome is a disorder caused by a microdeletion on the long arm of chromosome 22. Approximately 1% of patients diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome may have an absence of a functional thymus, which characterizes the complete form of the syndrome. These patients require urgent treatment to reconstitute T cell immunity. Thymus transplantation is a promising investigational procedure for reconstitution of thymic function in infants with congenital athymia. Here, we demonstrate a possible optimization of the preparation of thymus slices for transplantation through prior depletion of thymocytes and leukocyte cell lineages followed by cryopreservation with cryoprotective media (5% dextran FP 40, 5% Me2SO, and 5% FBS) while preserving tissue architecture. Thymus fragments were stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C for 30 days or one year. The tissue architecture of the fragments was preserved, including the distinction between medullary thymic epithelial cells (TECs), cortical TECs, and Hassall bodies. Moreover, depleted thymus fragments cryopreserved for one year were recolonized by intrathymic injections of 3×106 thymocytes per mL, demonstrating the capability of these fragments to support T cell development. Thus, this technique opens up the possibility of freezing and storing large volumes of thymus tissue for immediate transplantation into patients with DiGeorge syndrome or atypical (Omenn-like) phenotype.

Habitat influences skeletal morphology and density in the snailfishes (family Liparidae).

We tested the hypothesis that deep-sea fishes have poorly mineralized bone relative to shallower-dwelling species using data from a single family that spans a large depth range. The family Liparidae (snailfishes, Cottiformes) has representatives across the entire habitable depth range for bony fishes (0 m-> 8000 m), making them an ideal model for studying depth-related trends in a confined phylogeny. We used micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning to test three aspects of skeletal reduction in snailfishes (50 species) across a full range of habitat depths: 1) reduction of structural dimensions, 2) loss of skeletal elements, and 3) reduction in bone density. Using depth data from the literature, we found that with increasing depth, the length of the dentary, neurocranium, and suborbital bones decreases. The ventral suction disk decreases width with increasing maximum habitat depth and is lost entirely in some deeper-living taxa, though not all. Although visual declines in bone density in deeper-living taxa were evident across full skeletons, individual densities of the lower jaw, vertebra, suction disk, hypural plate, and otoliths did not significantly decline with any depth metric. However, pelagic and polar taxa tended to show lower density bones compared to other species in the family. We propose that skeletal reductions allow snailfishes to maintain neutral buoyancy at great depths in the water column, while supporting efficient feeding and locomotion strategies. These findings suggest that changes in skeletal structure are non-linear and are driven not only by hydrostatic pressure, but by other environmental factors and by evolutionary ancestry, calling the existing paradigm into question.

Antioxidant and orofacial anti-nociceptive activities of the stem bark aqueous extract of Anadenanthera colubrina (Velloso) Brenan (Fabaceae).

The anti-nociceptive and antioxidant activities of the Anadenantheracolubrina stem bark aqueous extract (AEAC) were investigated. AEAC (30 µg/mL) reduced 94.8% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and prevented 64% (200 µg/mL) of lipid peroxidation caused by 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride-induced peroxyl radicals. AEAC treatment (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) reduced mice orofacial nociception in the first (61.4% and 62.6%, respectively) and second (48.9% and 61.9%, respectively) phases of the formalin test. Nociception caused by glutamate was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced by up to 79% at 400 mg/kg, while 56-60% of the nociceptive behaviour induced by capsaicin was significantly inhibited by AEAC (100-400 mg/kg). Mice treated with AEAC did not show changes in motor performance in the Rota-rod apparatus. It appears that AEAC is of pharmacological importance in treating pain due to its anti-nociceptive effects, which were shown to be mediated by central and peripheral mechanisms.

Pochonia chlamydosporia in the biological control of Fasciola hepatica in cattle in Southeastern Brazil.

Biological control with the use of nematophagous fungi has been described very successfully by many authors and presents itself as a complementary control method, acting on the free-living forms of helminths. The efficacy of a formulation containing the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia in controlling Fasciola hepatica eggs in faeces was evaluated in an experimental field assay. Two bovine groups (six animals each) were used: A (control) and B (treated with fungus). At 30 days after deworming, the animals were separated into two similar paddocks with flooded areas and were given pellets containing 25 % mycelial mass (group B) or no fungus (group A) at a dose of 1 g/10 kg body weight, twice a week, during 18 months. Faecal samples were harvested fortnightly in the animals of groups A and B and they were submitted at examination of quantitative sedimentation. The mean count of F. hepatica eggs per grams of faeces was significantly higher in group A (1.19) compared with those from group B (0.82) (P < 0.01). After 18 months, animals from group B had gained 42.33 kg above (17.82 % more by weight) (P < 0.01), compared with the control group (A). Every month, faecal samples from paddocks A and B were collected and they were incubated. P. chlamydosporia was identified only in sample source of the paddock B. It can be concluded that the application of this fungical formulation with P. chlamydosporia 25 % mycelial mass was effective in reducing the availability of eggs in the environment and reinfections in calves in natural conditions.

Redox properties of Abarema cochliacarpos (Gomes) Barneby & Grime (Fabaceae) stem bark ethanol extract and fractions.

The redox properties of the hydroethanol extract (EE) and its ethyl acetate (EAF) and hydromethanol (HMF) fractions obtained from Abarema cochliacarpos (Gomes) Barneby & Grimes stem bark were evaluated. EAF had the highest total phenol content (848.62 ± 78.18 mg g⁻¹), while EE showed the highest content of catechin (71.2 µg g⁻¹). EE, EAF and HMF exhibited the highest levels of antioxidant activity at 100 and 1000 µg mL⁻¹ when the non-enzymatic antioxidant potential was evaluated by the total reactive antioxidant potential, total antioxidant reactivity and nitric oxide scavenging assays. In addition, EAF and HMF showed SOD-like activity. The results for EE, EAF and HMF in this study showed that A. cochliacarpos (Gomes) Barneby & Grimes stem bark have redox properties and may be able to help the endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems to keep the redox balance.

Hyptis pectinata: redox protection and orofacial antinociception.

Hyptis pectinata L. Poit, known as 'sambacaitá', is used in Brazil to treat inflammatory and painful disorders. In this study, the antioxidant and orofacial antinociceptive properties of the aqueous extract of H. pectinata leaves (AEPH) were assessed using in vitro and in vivo models. Thus, AEPH reduced the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical up to 72.10% with an EC50 of 14.56 µg/ml. It also inhibited 40.80% of the lipoperoxidation induced by 2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride in the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances assay. The orofacial antinociceptive activity was evaluated in mice pre-treated with AEPH (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) and morphine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), which received afterwards formalin- (20 µl, 2% solution, s.c.), glutamate- (40 µl, 25 mM, s.c.) and capsaicin- (20 µl, 2.5 µg, s.c.) to induce orofacial nociception. AEPH at all doses reduced (p < 0.001) the nociceptive response in the first (43-62%) and second (47-80%) phases of the formalin test. Besides, the effect of AEPH (400 mg/kg) was not changed in the presence of naloxone (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.), an opioid antagonist. AEPH significantly inhibited mice face rubbing for capsaicin (23-69%, p < 0.05) and glutamate (48-77%, p < 0.001) at all doses. The findings suggested the AEPH has peripheral and central antinociceptive activities, which are not related to opioid receptors.

Lack of antibody protection against Porcine circovirus 2 and Porcine parvovirus in naturally infected dams and their offspring.

The aim of this study was to evaluate Porcine parvovirus (PPV) and Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) infection in dams and their offspring and the role of antibody protection on these infections. Sera were collected from gilts and sows by venipuncture and from umbilical cord of newborn pre-suckle piglets for the detection of PCV2 and PPV antibodies by immunoperoxidase monolayer and haemmaglutination inhibition assays, respectively. Gilts and sows sera were submitted to viral detection by PCR, as well as heart, lung, tonsil and lymph nodes samples from stillborn and mummified fetuses. High antibody titers before artificial insemination (AI) (>5.120 and >2.560 UHA for PCV2 and PPV, respectively), were found associated with viremia and fetal exposure for both PCV2 and PPV, respectively, in gilts and sows, regardless of pregnancy stage. These infections resulted in litters with mummified, stillborn, as well as seropositive and viable newborns. These findings bring new evidence about the lack of antibody protection against PCV2 and PPV infections in dams, indicating that more studies are necessary about the role of humoral response against both pathogens.

Anurofauna of an Atlantic Rainforest fragment and its surroundings in Northern Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

We carried out a study on the anurofaunal community from an Atlantic Forest fragment (Monte Verde mountains) and the surrounding area in Cambuci municipality, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, which constitutes one of the largest fragments remaining in the largely deforested landscape of the northern portion of the State. We combined three sampling methods: plot sampling, transects and pit-fall traps. We recorded twenty species of amphibians, of which only eleven were found within the forest fragment (and five of these also occurred in the surrounding matrix). Two of the species recorded in the present study (Crossodactylus sp. and Ischnocnema cf. parva) may represent undescribed taxa. Our records expand the distribution range of one species (Scinax trapicheiroi) to the north, and fill a geographic distribution gap for another one (Ischnocnema oea). The estimated overall density of frogs living in the leaf litter of the fragment (based on results of plot sampling) was 3.1 individuals/100 m², with Haddadus binotatus being the most abundant species (2.4 individuals/100 m²). Comparisons of our data with those of other studies suggest that anuran communities in forest fragments ca. 1,000 ha or smaller may be severely limited in their richness, and often include a large proportion of species tolerant to open areas, such as many hylids. Our results show the importance of increasing knowledge about the anurofaunal community of the northern portion of the State of Rio de Janeiro and preserve the forest remnants that still exist in the region.

Relationship between MELD severity score and the distance walked and respiratory muscle strength in candidates for liver transplantation.

The model end-stage liver disease (MELD) severity scoring system is used in the allocation of organs for liver transplantation. However, there is no evidence of its relationship with the functionality and respiratory muscle strength in these patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation of MELD with distance walked and respiratory muscle strength in patients awaiting liver transplantation. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 24 individuals (16 male and 8 female) with mean age of 51.8 +/- 10.4 years. The MELD score inversely correlated with the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) (r = -0.85; P < .001) and with the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) (r = -0.69; P < .001). In addition, there was a correlation between 6MWT and MIP (r = 0.77; P < .001). Thus, MELD scores can be considered to be effective tools to predict the functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength in candidates for liver transplantation.

Resultados econômicos da atividade leiteira na região de Lavras (MG) nos anos 2004 e 2005: um estudo multicasos / Economical results of milk production systems in Lavras region (MG) throughout the years 2004 and 2005: a multicase study

Estudou-se a rentabilidade da atividade leiteira de 17 propriedades da região de Lavras/MG e identificaram-se os componentes que exerceram maior influência sobre os custos finais da atividade. Os dados foram coletados mensalmente durante o período de janeiro de 2004 a dezembro de 2005. Considerou-se a margem bruta, a margem líquida e o resultado (lucro ou prejuízo) como indicadores de eficiência econômica. Os itens componentes do custo operacional efetivo que exerceram maior influência sobre os custos da atividade leiteira foram, em ordem decrescente, alimentação (55,9 por cento), mão-de-obra (19,1 por cento), despesas diversas (11,3 por cento), energia (7,1 por cento), sanidade (4,9 por cento), ordenha (0,74 por cento), impostos (0,74 por cento) e inseminação artificial (0,23 por cento). A margem líquida e o resultado positivo indicam que os pecuaristas têm condições de produzir a médio e a longo prazo, com conseqüente capitalização. Os resultados do estudo não podem ser extrapolados por não se tratar de uma amostra probabilística.

It was studied the profitability of the milk production in 17 properties in the region of Lavras (MG), and the components that had the greatest influence on the final costs of the business were identified. The data were monthly collected from January 2004 to December 2005. The gross margin, net margin, and the result (profit or loss) were taken into consideration as indicators of economic efficiency. The component items of the effective operational cost that had the greatest influence upon the costs of dairy business were, in decreasing order, feeding (55.9 percent), labor (19.1 percent), different expenses (11.3 percent), energy (7.1 percent), health (4.9 percent), milking (0.74 percent), taxes (0.74 percent), and artificial insemination (0,23 percent). The net margin and the positive result show the farmers have conditions to produce in middle and long terms, with consequent capitalization. Although, the results of the study can not be extrapolated, since they do not represent a random sampling.

Evaluation of the protective effects of quercetin in the hepatopulmonary syndrome.

The hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) occurs when intrapulmonary dilatation causes hypoxemia in cirrhosis. The free radicals may play a significant contributory role in the progression of HPS, and flavonoid agents could protect against deleterious effects of free radicals. The flavonoid quercetin was evaluated in an experimental model of biliary cirrhosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats. Quercetin was administered at 50mg/kg for 14 days to cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic rats. Bone marrow was extracted from animals to analyze micronuclei. Lung, liver and blood were extracted to detect DNA damage using the comet assay. The results showed that the micronuclei and DNA damages to lung and liver were increased in BDL rats. Quercetin caused no damage to the DNA while decreasing the occurrence of micronucleated cells in bone marrow as well as DNA damage to lung and liver in cirrhotic rats. Quercetin showed antimutagenic activity against hydroperoxides as evaluated by the oxidative stress sensitive bacterial strains TA102 Salmonella typhimurium and IC203 Escherichia coli, suggesting protection by free radical scavenging. In Saccharomyces cerevisie yeast strains lacking mitochondrial or cytosolic superoxide dismutase, these results indicate that quercetin protects cells by induction of antioxidant enzymes. The present study is the first report of genotoxic/antigenotoxic effects of quercetin in a model of animal cirrhosis. In this model, quercetin was not able to induce genotoxicity and, conversely, it increased the genomic stability in the cirrhotic rats, suggesting beneficial effects, probably by its antioxidant properties.

Expression of Cyp6g1 and Cyp12d1 in DDT resistant and susceptible strains of Drosophila melanogaster.

The Rst(2)DDT locus (loci) in Drosophila is associated with the over-expression of two cytochrome P450 genes, Cyp6g1 and Cyp12d1. Using northern and western blot analysis we observed the expression pattern of these two genes in two DDT susceptible (Canton-S and 91-C) and three DDT resistant strains (Wisconsin, 91-R and Hikone-R). In Canton-S and 91-R, the CYP6G1 protein was constitutively expressed throughout development. In the Wisconsin strain, CYP6G1 was not expressed in third instar larvae unless the larvae are exposed to DDT. CYP12D1 protein was only expressed in adults. Cyp12d1 mRNA is induced in DDT resistant strains post-exposure to DDT and the expression patterns of Cyp12d1 mRNA varied across DDT resistant strains. Our data support the hypothesis that there is evolutionary plasticity in the expression patterns of P450s associated with metabolic pesticide resistance.

Androscopy and treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV) with CO2 laser surgery.

Dysplasia and cancer of the cervix may be related to human papillomavirus infection. To determine the presence of cancer in cases of genital warts we have been using a technique, androscopy, for examining male genitals with magnified lens previously sprayed with white vinegar (5% acetic acid). This paper explores the methods of using colposcopy and androscopy on both sexual partners for a thorough examination of genitals and the anorectal area. It also discusses treatment advantages of the CO2 laser. In our investigation plain, pedunculated warts and a giant condyloma (Buschke-Loewenstein tumor) were found and treated with CO2 laser surgery.