Spermatological characteristics and effects of cryopreservation in Lebranche mullet spermatozoa (Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836): First report of ultra-rapid freezing.

The present study investigated the spermatological characteristics of raw semen of Lebranche mullet (Mugil liza), namely pH, and sperm density, and motility; and subsequently evaluated the effects of different times of exposure to cryoprotectants, and the application of an ultra-rapid freezing protocol, on sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity. Semen samples were analyzed undiluted (control) and diluted 1:50 v/v in CF-HBSS + 10% Dimethyl sulfoxide + 30% Ethylene glycol + 94.58 gL-1 Trehalose dehydrate (n = 15). Two treatments - diluted semen samples in cryoprotective medium without ultra-rapid freezing (T1), and diluted semen in cryoprotective medium with ultra-rapid freezing (T2) - were evaluated at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 min. The frozen samples were thawed at 37ºC for 60 s. The spermatological characteristics recorded for the semen were: pH: 7.57 ± 0.21; sperm density: 30.4 ± 2.9 × 109 sperm mL-1; motility: 82 ± 4.9%. Sperm motility presented differences after 2 min exposure to cryoprotectants (70.0 ± 2.7%) and ultra-rapid freezing (66.5 ± 5.8%) compared to the control group (98.5 ± 1.9% and 98.5 ± 2.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). On the other hand, the plasma membrane integrity of the spermatozoa after 2 min exposure to cryoprotectants (64.0 ± 8.6%) and ultra-rapid freezing (62.5 ± 5.2%) presented no differences compared to the control group (69.5 ± 3.9% and 70.0 ± 3.5%, respectively p > 0.05); however, differences were observed in the parameters evaluated after longer exposure and cryopreservation times. This is the first report evaluating the effects of different times of exposure to cryoprotectants and direct ultra-rapid freezing in liquid nitrogen on Mugil liza sperm. Our results demonstrated the protocol of sperm ultra-freezing is safe within a time´s window of 2 min of exposure to cryoprotectants, after which a toxicity effect on sperm can be observed.

Connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease.

BACKGROUND: Connective tissue diseases (CTD) are frequently associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), significantly impacting their morbidity and mortality. AIM: Analyze the experience of an autoimmune specialized unit on treating CTD-ILD and characterize the population based on most frequent diseases, imaging patterns, lung function tests results, serology and treatment. Assess mortality and mortality predictors in these patients. METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive and statistical analysis of the CTD-ILD patients followed up at an autoimmune diseases unit during a 6-year period. RESULTS: Over the study period, 75 patients with CTD-ILD were treated with a mean follow-up of 49 ±â€¯31 months. The most frequent CTD were systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. ILD was diagnosed prior to CTD in 8% of patients and concomitantly in 35%. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia was the CT pattern in 60% and 35% had an isolated diminished DLCO on lung function tests. Pulmonary hypertension was present in 12% and it was the single most important mortality predictor (OR 14.41, p = 0.006). Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment but biologics were prescribed in 39% of the patients (mostly tocilizumab and rituximab). Two scleroderma patients were recently treated with nintedanib. CONCLUSIONS: ILD is a potential complication of every CTD and can impose a dramatic burden on these patients. The clinical relevance of ILD together with their early expression in the course of the disease underlines the importance of the presence of chest physicians in these units.

Does Addition of 10-MDP Monomer in Self-etch Adhesive Systems Improve the Clinical Performance of Noncarious Cervical Lesion Restorations? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Functional acidic monomers are able to chemically interact with hydroxyapatite, and this bond appears to be very stable. Therefore, this aspect of the 10-MDP molecule made it attractive and added to self-etch adhesives. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this Systematic Review (SR) and Meta-analysis (MA) was to determine whether systems with the 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) functional monomer in their formula showed better clinical performance in restorations placed in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL) when compared to systems without it. The PROSPERO registration number of the MA is CRD42016050538. DATA AND SOURCES: An e-search was conducted through MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, OpenGrey, Clinical Trials, Current Controlled Trials, and EU Clinical Trials Register, and a search through the references of included studies was also performed. Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials, in which the effectiveness of self-etch adhesive systems, with or without the 10-MDP functional monomer for NCCL, was discussed, were included. Risk of bias was performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration tool, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated through GRADE. STUDY SELECTION: The data were grouped, heterogeneity (I2) was tested, and after duplicate removal, 4208 manuscripts were retrieved. From these, 11 studies were included in the qualitative analysis (risk of bias), with nine classified as low risk and two unclear. GRADE analysis detected moderate-to-high certainty of evidence, so the quantitative synthesis [Meta-analysis (MA)] was performed including the 11 studies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There were no statistical differences in the clinical performance of restorations conducted using "with or without 10-MDP" adhesive types, for all evaluated criteria (p=0.05), with heterogeneity ranging from 0% to 53%. Thus, the presence of 10-MDP functional monomer did not influence the clinical performance of restorations placed in NCCL.

Perfil metabólico de filhotes de peixe-boi da Amazônia (Trichechus inunguis) em cativeiro, alimentados com diferentes sucedâneos do leite materno / [Metabolic profile of captive Amazonian manatee calves (Trichechus inunguis), fed different substitutes for maternal milk]

Dez filhotes de peixe-boi da Amazônia criados em cativeiro foram amamentados com diferentes dietas lácteas em duas etapas. Na primeira, com sucedâneo 1 (S1), utilizado rotineiramente no Inpa e, na segunda, com sucedâneo 2 (S2), elaborado com base na composição centesimal do leite materno da espécie. Cada etapa durou 62 dias, realizando-se coleta de sangue ao final de cada uma para avaliação dos valores de proteínas totais (PT), albumina (ALB), globulinas (GLO), glicose (GLI), lipídeos totais (LT), colesterol (COL), triglicerídeos (TRI), cálcio (Ca), fósforo (P), magnésio (Mg), sódio (Na), potássio (K), hematócrito (Ht) e hemoglobina (Hb). Houve redução dos níveis séricos de PT, ALB, GLO, Ca, P, K, GLI, LT, COL e TRI, após a alimentação dos animais com S2 quando comparados aos valores obtidos com S1. Os níveis de Na foram maiores quando administrado o S2 (143,47±0,99mmol/L). Valores de Ht e Mg não diferiram entre os tratamentos. O perfil metabólico, em geral, esteve dentro dos níveis normais para a espécie.(AU)

Ten Amazonian manatee calves who live in captivity were fed with different substitutes for maternal milk in two phases. During the first phase, the calves were fed substitute 1 (S1), which is what was routinely used by INPA, and during the second phase they were fed substitute 2 (S2), which was formulated based on the nutritional composition of T. inunguis maternal milk. Each phase lasted 62 days, when blood samples were collected for analysis of values of total protein (PT), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLO), glucose (GLI), total lipids (LT), cholesterol (COL), triglycerides (TRI), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), hematocrit (Ht) and hemoglobin (Hb). There was a decrease in PT, ALB, GLO, Ca, P and K after feeding the animals with S2 when compared to values obtained with S1. Sodium levels were higher when S2 was administered (148.16±1.15mmol/L) than when S1 was given (143.47±0.99 mmol/l). Values of Ht and Mg did not differ between treatments. The metabolic profile was within normal levels for this species.(AU)

The unit-Weibull distribution as an alternative to the Kumaraswamy distribution for the modeling of quantiles conditional on covariates.

The Beta distribution is the standard model for quantifying the influence of covariates on the mean of a response variable on the unit interval. However, this well-known distribution is no longer useful when we are interested in quantifying the influence of such covariates on the quantiles of the response variable. Unlike Beta, the Kumaraswamy distribution has a closed-form expression for its quantile and can be useful for the modeling of quantiles in the absence/presence of covariates. As an alternative to the Kumaraswamy distribution for the modeling of quantiles, in this paper the unit-Weibull distribution was considered. This distribution was obtained by the transformation of a random variable with Weibull distribution. The same transformation applied to a random variable with Exponentiated Exponential distribution generates the Kumaraswamy distribution. The suitability of our proposal was demonstrated to model quantiles, conditional on covariates, with two simulated examples and three real applications with datasets from health, accounting and social science. For such data sets, the obtained fits of the proposed regression model were compared with those provided by the Beta and Kumaraswamy regression models.

Short communication: High frequency of ß-lactam-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in artisanal coalho cheese made from goat milk produced in northeastern Brazil.

Reports of ß-lactam-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in artisanal goat cheese are increasing, and this phenomenon is relevant to public health. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of S. aureus strains carrying the blaZ and mecA resistance genes, as well as the genes encoding the staphylococcal enterotoxins SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, SEE, and TSST-1 in artisanal coalho cheese made from goat milk produced in northeastern Brazil. We used biochemical and molecular tests to characterize 54 S. aureus isolates found in artisanal coalho cheese collected from commercial establishments producing animal products in 11 municipalities of Pernambuco State, Brazil. A PCR analysis revealed that 42.6% (23/54) of the isolates were positive for the blaZ gene, and 7.4% (4/54) were resistant to methicillin by phenotypic testing. We did not detect mecA or any genes encoding enterotoxins. The presence of S. aureus carriers of the blaZ gene and the identification of methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains are of concern for the health of consumers of this type of cheese.

Evaluation of whole-body tumor burden with 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in the biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: 68 Ga-PSMA-PET has an increasing importance in the evaluation of prostate cancer patients due to its high sensitivity and specificity in identifying neoplastic lesions in the clinical setting of elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The objective of this study was to calculate the whole-body tumor burden using volumetric quantification of lesions detected in 68Ga-PSMA-PET of prostate cancer patients with biochemical recurrence and correlate these findings with clinical and image parameters. METHODS: Each patient had their 68Ga-PSMA-PET analyzed for the presence of neoplastic lesions. Their PSA levels and clinical information were recorded. In positive cases, the tumor burden (TL-PSMA) was calculated with a semi-automatic software and manually, and the results are analyzed and tested. RESULTS: We analyzed 100 prostate cancer patients, mean age of 69.9 ± 9.7 years and a median PSA of 1.73 ng/dL. 68Ga-PSMA-PET identified neoplastic lesions in 72% of them. The median TL-PSMA was 55.95 ml (1.1-28,080 ml). TL-PSMA and PSA were strongly correlated (rho = 0.71, p < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.60-0.80). TL-PSMA and PSA levels groups had a significant correlation and TL-PSMA and Gleason score were independent variables associated with PSA levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TL-PSMA strongly and independently correlates with PSA levels in prostate cancer patients and could be used as a biomarker to separate them into groups with high or low tumor burden, instead of considering only the number of lesions.

CLA-supplemented diet accelerates experimental colorectal cancer by inducing TGF-ß-producing macrophages and T cells.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to activate the nuclear receptor PPAR-γ and modulate metabolic and immune functions. Despite the worldwide use of CLA dietary supplementation, strong scientific evidence for its proposed beneficial actions are missing. We found that CLA-supplemented diet reduced mucosal damage and inflammatory infiltrate in the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model. Conditional deletion of PPAR-γ in macrophages from mice supplemented with CLA diet resulted in loss of this protective effect of CLA, suggesting a PPAR-γ-dependent mechanism mediated by macrophages. However, CLA supplementation significantly worsened colorectal tumor formation induced by azoxymethane and DSS by inducing macrophage and T-cell-producing TGF-ß via PPAR-γ activation. Accordingly, either macrophage-specific deletion of PPAR-γ or in vivo neutralization of latency-associated peptide (LAP, a membrane-bound TGF-ß)-expressing cells abrogated the protumorigenic effect of CLA. Thus, the anti-inflammatory properties of CLA are associated with prevention of colitis but also with development of colorectal cancer.

Prevalence, extent and severity of peri-implant diseases. A cross-sectional study based on a university setting in Brazil.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Peri-implant diseases are a growing concern among clinicians. Epidemiological studies following recently recommended case definitions for peri-implant diseases are emerging worldwide. Although a small number of studies on the prevalence of peri-implant diseases has been conducted in Brazil, no information on the extent and severity of the condition has been made available so far. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence, extent and severity of peri-implant diseases in patients treated in a university setting in Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with dental implants with at least 1 year in function were clinically and radiographically examined and classified according to recently recommended case definitions. A descriptive analysis on the prevalence, extent and severity of the peri-implant status at patient and implant level was performed. Risk indicators for peri-implantitis were also identified with binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 211 participating individuals, 4 (1.9%) presented peri-implant health, 8 (3.8%) clinical stability, 115 (54.5%) mucositis and 84 (39.8%) peri-implantitis. Of the 748 implants analyzed, 47 (6.3%) presented peri-implant health, 30 (4%) clinical stability, 518 (69.2%) mucositis and 153 (20.5%) peri-implantitis. The extent of implants with peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis was 41.5% and 90.4%, respectively. Severe peri-implantitis was found in 36 patients (17.1%) and 67 implants (9%). Gender male, number of implants ≥4, implants installed in the maxilla, cemented prosthesis and keratinized mucosa width <2 mm were significantly associated with the event peri-implantitis. CONCLUSION: In the studied population, the prevalence, extent and severity of the peri-implant diseases were similar to those reported elsewhere. Peri-implant diseases were a common finding, with only 5.7% of patients and 10.3% of implants presenting peri-implant health or clinical stability. About 17% of patients studied presented the severe form of peri-implantitis.

Sperm characteristics of wild and captive lebranche mullet Mugil liza (Valenciennes, 1836), subjected to sperm activation in different pH and salinity conditions.

In this article we describe basic aspects of the sperm biology of lebranche mullet (Mugil liza) in the wild and in captivity, in particular assessing the effects of salinity (0, 10, 20, 30, 35, 40, 50 and 60 g L-1) and pH (6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) on sperm motility. Our results indicate that the highest percentage of motility was recorded with salinity 34.6 g L-1 (95 ±â€¯10%) and the longest motility time was obtained with a salinity of 34.8 g L-1 (189 ±â€¯15 s). Variations in the salinity between 30 and 35 g L-1 did not produce any significant alterations in sperm motility; however salinities of 20 and 50 g L-1 produced a significant loss of sperm motility. The highest percentage of motility was obtained at pH 8.5 (93 ±â€¯12%), and the longest motility period at pH 8.7 (218 ±â€¯13 s), while pH lower than or equal to 7 and equal to 10 both produced a significant loss in sperm motility. A positive correlation was found between pH/salinity and the motility percentage (R2 = 0.94 and R2 = 0.97) and motility time (R2 = 0.86 and R2 = 0.98). In seminal and morphometric parameters, statistically significant differences were observed in semen volume, sperm density, plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphometry between the groups studied, showing that the characteristics of the fish have a direct influence on sperm quality. The information generated in this research will be useful for developing biotechnology tools for the effective management of Mugil liza gametes.

Analysis of Arch Widths in Patients With Isolated Pierre Robin Sequence.

OBJECTIVE: To compare arch widths of patients with isolated Robin sequence (IRS) operated using modified von Langenbeck technique and modified Furlow double-opposing z-plasty. DESIGN: Retrospective, transversal study. SETTING: Hospital of Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil. PATIENTS: Three groups of patients were analyzed. Group VL comprised 30 patients with IRS operated by von Langenbeck technique (mean age of 8.1 years); group FL included 30 patients with IRS operated by Furlow technique (7.6 years); and the control group included 30 noncleft patients with class I occlusion (7.4 years). The palate repair was performed between 1.0 and 1.7 years of age in both study groups. Transversal measurements of maxillary and mandibular arches were performed digitally on 3D digital models. STATISTIC: The intergroup comparison was performed using analysis of variance and Tukey test. An independent t test was used to compare the complete and incomplete types of cleft in both study groups. The level of significance was 5%. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the VL and FL groups for maxillary and mandibular arches. However, both groups showed decreased transversal dimensions compared with the control group (P < .01) for both dental arches. No differences for arch widths were observed for complete or incomplete palatal clefts. CONCLUSIONS: No influence of palate repair techniques was observed in the transversal arch widths in patients with IRS. Children with IRS operated for palate repair showed constriction of the maxillary and mandibular dental arches compared with noncleft children regardless the palatal cleft extension.

Pediococcus spp.: An important genus of lactic acid bacteria and pediocin producers.

Probiotics have gained increasing attention due to several health benefits related to the human digestive and immune systems. Pediococcus spp. are lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that are widely described as probiotics and characterized as coccus-shaped bacteria (arranged in tetrads), Gram-positive, non-motile, non-spore forming, catalase-negative, and facultative anaerobes. There are many Pediococcus strains that produce pediocin, an effective antilisterial bacteriocin. Pediocins are small, cationic molecules consisting of a conserved hydrophilic N-terminal portion containing the YGNGV motif and an amphiphilic or hydrophobic C-terminal variable portion. A number of studies have been developed with Pediococcus isolated from multiple biological niches to conduct fermentation processes for pediocin or Pediococcus cell production. This review gathers the most significant information about the cultivation, mode of action, and variability of bacteriocins produced by Pediococcus spp., emphasizing their applications in the areas of food and clinical practice. This updated panorama assists in delimiting the challenges that still need to be overcome for pediocin use to be approved for human consumption and the food industry.

Genes de virulência e diversidade genética em Salmonella spp. isoladas de amostras de origem suína / Virulence genes and genetic diversity in Salmonella spp. isolated from samples of swine origin

A diversificação da produção industrial de alimentos de origem suína e o intercâmbio comercial de animais e seus derivados destinados ao consumo humano podem ser importantes disseminadores de sorovares de Salmonella spp. na cadeia alimentar. Objetivou-se avaliar em 86 cepas de Salmonella spp., isoladas em granja de terminação e no abate de suínos, a ocorrência de três genes de virulência (invA, agfA e lpfA), bem como a similaridade genética entre elas. A ocorrência do gene invA foi verificada em 100% das amostras. O gene lpfA foi detectado em 80,23% (69/86) das cepas, não foi detectado em S. Panama e estava presente em todas as cepas de S. Infantis. O gene agfA foi detectado em 63,95% (55/86) das amostras. S. Agona apresentou positividade para todos os genes de virulência estudados. A análise de homologia entre as cepas agrupou os diferentes sorovares em clusters. A similaridade foi independente do local de isolamento, o que demonstra a presença de clones ao longo da cadeia de produção e a existência de multiplicidade de fontes para a infecção dos animais, como a ração, e a contaminação cruzada das carcaças. A pesquisa de genes de virulência e a avaliação da proximidade gênica permitem a caracterização e um maior entendimento sobre cepas de Salmonella circulantes na cadeia produtiva de suínos e, assim, podem subsidiar medidas de controle durante o processo produtivo com o objetivo de garantir a saúde do consumidor...

The diversification of industrial food production of swine origin and trade of animals and their derivatives for human consumption may be important disseminators of serovars of Salmonella spp. in the food chain. This study aimed to evaluate 86 strains of Salmonella spp. isolated form in the finishing and slaughter of pigs, the occurrence of three virulence genes (invA, agfa and lpfA), as well as the genetic similarity between them. The occurrence of gene invA was observed in 100% of the samples. The gene lpfA was detected in 80.23% (69/86) strains and is not detected in S. Panama, but present in all strains of S. Infantis. The gene agfA was detected in 63.95% (55/86). S. Agona was positive for all virulence genes studied. The analysis of homology between the different serovars grouped the isolates in clusters. The similarity was regardless of the location of isolation, demonstrating the presence of clones along the production chain and that there are multiple sources for the infection of animals, such as feed, and cross-contamination of carcasses. A survey of virulence genes and evaluation of gene proximity allow characterization and better understanding of Salmonella strains circulating in the pig production chain, thus being able to support control measures during the production process in order to ensure consumer health...

Effects of antidepressant and treadmill gait training on recovery from spinal cord injury in rats.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, controlled, animal study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influences of antidepressant treatment, treadmill gait training and a combination of these therapies in rats with experimental, acute spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Brazil. METHODS: 48 Wistar rats were given standardized SCI; rats were then randomly assigned to four treatment groups: (1) motor rehabilitation therapy for 1 hour daily (gait training); (2) daily treatment with the antidepressant, fluoxetine (0.3 ml per 100 g intraperitoneally), beginning 24 h after the trauma; (3) combined fluoxetine treatment and gait training, or (4) untreated (controls). Neurological recovery was tested with the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scale at 2, 7, 14, 21, 28 ,35 and 42 days after injury. Moreover, on day 42, all rats underwent a motor-evoked potential test (MEP); then, after euthanasia, histopathological evaluation was conducted in the area of SCI. RESULTS: Based on the BBB scale, the combined treatment group showed significantly greater improvement compared with the other three groups, from the 14th to the 42nd day of observation. The MEP revealed that all treated groups showed significant improvement compared with the control group (P<0.02 for latency and P<0.01 for amplitude). CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that a combination of antidepressant and treadmill gait training was superior to either treatment alone for improving functional deficits in rats with experimental, acute SCI.

Isotopic traceability in body tissues and in different breeding periods of broilers / Rastreabilidade isotópica em tecidos corporais e em diferentes períodos de criação de frangos de corte

The inclusion of poultry viscera meal (VM) in broiler diets to possibly replace it with strictly vegetable diet (VE) and vice-versa, using the technique of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in different tissues was traced. One hundred ninety-two one-day-old chicks that had been distributed randomly were used in twelve experimental treatments with four replications of four chicks each. The treatments consisted of vegetable diet (VG) for diets containing FV going after a certain age or the reverse, in which the birds began feeding VM on diet and then switched to VE diet. At 42 days of age, samples of pectoral muscle (Pectoralis major), keel and tibia were collected, with later determination of isotopic ratios (13C/12C and 15N/14N). The stable isotopes technique couldn't trace the use of VM in feeding broilers when this ingredient was part of broiler diets only in the first seven, 14 or 21 days of age. However, this technique can be applied to younger poultry that have been sampled before a possible change in diet, since they can have the isotopic signature of feeding stabilized around two weeks of age.

Rastrearam-se a inclusão de farinha de vísceras de aves (FV) em dietas de frangos por ocasião de eventual substituição de dieta contendo FV por dieta estritamente vegetal, e vice-versa, por isótopos estáveis de carbono e de nitrogênio. Foram distribuídos aleatoriamente 192 pintos de um dia de idade, em 12 tratamentos com quatro repetições de quatro aves. Os tratamentos constituíam-se de dieta de vegetais (VG) passando para dietas contendo FV, após certa idade, ou o inverso, em que as aves começaram se alimentando de dieta FV e depois passaram para dieta VG. Aos 42 dias de idade, foram coletadas amostras de músculo peitoral (Pectoralis major), quilha e tíbia, para determinação das razões isotópicas (13C/12C e 15N/14N). A técnica dos isótopos estáveis somente não foi capaz de rastrear a utilização de FV na alimentação de frangos de corte, quando esse ingrediente fez parte da dieta das aves apenas nos primeiros sete, 14 ou 21 dias de idade. Entretanto, há a possibilidade da aplicação dessa técnica em aves mais jovens, amostradas antes de eventual mudança de dieta, pois elas podem ter a assinatura isotópica da alimentação estabilizada em torno de duas semanas de idade.

Comparative analysis of the leaf anatomy in two Parodiolyra species (Poaceae: Olyreae) occurring on forests in Eastern Brazil.

Parodiolyra is a member of Olyreae, a tribe of herbaceous bamboo species within the Poaceae. The genus has five species, four of which were previously regarded as belonging to Olyra L. Parodiolyra has a Neotropical distribution and only two species occur on forests in Eastern Brazil: P. micrantha (Kunth) Zuloaga & Davidse and P. ramosissima (Trin.) Soderstr. & Zuloaga, the first widely distributed in the Neotropics while the second is endemic to the state of Bahia. Leaf anatomy of the two species was analysed with the aid of an optical microscope. The objective was to describe the microscopic characters and evaluate if they can be useful for the taxonomy of the genus. The observed anatomical structures did not differ from other genera of herbaceous bamboos, however some characters, both from the mesophyll and the epidermis, were useful to delimit the two species.

Evaluation of the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for spinal cord lesion in correlation with the moment of intervention.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, controlled, animal study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the functional effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy administered shortly, one day after, and no intervention (control) in standardized experimental spinal cord lesions in Wistar rats. SETTING: São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: In all, 30 Wistar rats with spinal cord lesions were divided into three groups: one group was submitted to hyperbaric oxygen therapy beginning half an hour after the lesion and with a total of 10 one-hour sessions, one session per day, at 2 atm; the second received the same treatment, but beginning on the day after the lesion; and the third received no treatment (control). The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scales were used for functional evaluation on the second day after the lesion and then weekly, until being killed 1 month later. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in the functional analysis on the second day after the lesion. There was no functional difference comparing Groups 1 and 2 (treated shortly after or one day after) in any evaluation moment. On the 7th day, as well as on the 21st and 28th postoperative days, the evaluation showed that groups 1 and 2 performed significantly better than the control group (receiving no therapy). CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric chamber therapy is beneficial in the functional recovery of spinal cord lesions in rats, if it is first administered just after spinal cord injury or within 24 h.

Ageing down-modulates liver inflammatory immune responses to schistosome infection in mice.

Ageing is associated with several alterations in the immune system. Our aim in this study was to compare the development of immunity to Schistosoma mansoni infection in young versus aged C57Bl/6 mice using the liver as the main organ to evaluate pathological alterations and immune responses. In the acute phase, young mice had large liver granulomas with fibrosis and inflammatory cells. Chronic phase in young animals was associated with immunomodulation of granulomas that became reduced in size and cellular infiltrate. On the other hand, aged animals presented granulomas of smaller sizes already in the acute phase. Chronic infection in these mice was followed by no alteration in any of the inflammatory parameters in the liver. In concert with this finding, there was an increase in activated CD4+ T, CD19+ B and NK liver cells in young mice after infection whereas old mice had already higher frequencies of activated B, NK and CD4+ T liver cells and infection does not change these frequencies. After infection, liver production of inflammatory and regulatory cytokines such as IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 increased in young but not in old mice that had high levels of IL-4 and IL-10 regardless of their infection status. Our data suggest that the unspecific activation status of the immune system in aged mice impairs inflammatory as well as regulatory immune responses to S. mansoni infection in the liver, where major pathological alterations and immunity are at stage. This poor immune reactivity may have a beneficial impact on disease development.

Potentializing the effects of GM1 by hyperbaric oxygen therapy in acute experimental spinal cord lesion in rats.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, controlled, animal study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of GM1 ganglioside, hyperbaric oxygen and both in combination, in the treatment of experimental spinal cord lesions in rats. SETTING: Brazil. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats with spinal cord lesions were divided into four groups: one group received GM1 ganglioside, one was submitted to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the third received both treatments and the fourth received no treatment (control). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in the histological analysis, for any of the variables (necrosis, hemorrhage, hyperemia, cystic degeneration, P>0.06). Neither were there any significant differences in the comparison of left and right sides in the functional tests (P>0.06 for all). No significant differences were found in the locomotor ratings, in the comparison of groups at 2, 7, 21 and 28 days after the surgical procedure. However, in the evaluation on day 14, group 3, which received the combined therapy, showed a significantly higher Basso Beattie and Bresnahan score than the other groups (P=0.015). CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effect of GM1 in locomotor evaluation of rats submitted to spinal cord lesion is anticipated by HBOT.

Biogas production and valorization by means of a two-step biological process.

The scope of this research work was to investigate biogas production and purification by a two-step bench-scale biological system, consisting of fed-batch pulse-feeding anaerobic digestion of mixed sludge, followed by methane enrichment of biogas by the use of the cyanobacterium Arthrospiraplatensis. The composition of biogas was nearly constant, and methane and carbon dioxide percentages ranged between 70.5-76.0% and 13.2-19.5%, respectively. Biogas yield reached a maximum value (about 0.4 m(3)(biogas)/kg COD(i)) at 50 days-retention time and then gradually decreased with a decrease in the retention time. Biogas CO(2) was then used as a carbon source for A. platensis cultivation either under batch or fed-batch conditions. The mean cell productivity of fed-batch cultivation was about 15% higher than that observed during the last batch phase (0.035+/-0.006 g(DM)/L/d), likely due to the occurrence of some shading effect under batch growth conditions. The data of carbon dioxide removal from biogas revealed the existence of a linear relationship between the rates of A. platensis growth and carbon dioxide removal from biogas and allowed calculating carbon utilization efficiency for biomass production of almost 95%.