Phase Separation and Aggregation of α-Synuclein Diverge at Different Salt Conditions.

The coacervation and structural rearrangement of the protein alpha-synuclein (αSyn) into cytotoxic oligomers and amyloid fibrils are considered pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease. While aggregation is recognized as the key element of amyloid diseases, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and its interplay with aggregation have gained increasing interest. Previous work showed that factors promoting or inhibiting amyloid formation have similar effects on phase separation. Here, we provide a detailed scanning of a wide range of parameters including protein, salt and crowding concentrations at multiple pH values, revealing different salt dependencies of aggregation and phase separation. The influence of salt on aggregation under crowded conditions follows a non-monotonic pattern, showing increased effects at medium salt concentrations. This behavior can be elucidated through a combination of electrostatic screening and salting-out effects on the intramolecular interactions between the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of αSyn. By contrast, we find a monotonic salt dependence of phase separation due to the intermolecular interaction. Furthermore, we observe the time evolution of the two distinct assembly states, with macroscopic fibrillar-like bundles initially forming at medium salt concentration but subsequently converting into droplets after prolonged incubation. The droplet state is therefore capable of inhibiting aggregation or even dissolving the aggregates through a variety of heterotypic interactions, thus preventing αSyn from its dynamically arrested state.

Climate change effects on the distribution of yellow-breasted capuchin monkey (Sapajus xanthosternos (Wied-Neuwied, 1826)).

The magnitude of recent climatic changes has no historical precedent and impacts biodiversity. Climatic changes may displace suitable habitats (areas with suitable climates), leading to global biodiversity decline. Primates are among the most affected groups. Most primates depend on forests and contribute to their maintenance. We evaluated the potential effects of climatic change on the distribution of Sapajus xanthosternos, a critically endangered primate whose geographical range encompasses three Brazilian biomes. We evaluated changes between baseline (1970-2000) and future (2081-2100) climates using multivariate analysis. Then, we compared current and future (2100) climatic suitability projections for the species. The climatic changes predicted throughout the S. xanthosternos range differed mostly longitudinally, with higher temperature increases in the west and higher precipitation reductions in the east. Climatic suitability for S. xanthosternos is predicted to decline in the future. Areas with highest current climatic suitability occur as a narrow strip in the eastern part of the geographic range throughout the latitudinal range. In the future, areas with highest values are projected to be located as an even narrower strip in the eastern part of the geographical range. A small portion of forest remnants larger than 150 ha located in the east has larger current and future suitability values. At this large scale, the spatial heterogeneity of the climate effects reinforce the importance of maintenance of current populations in different areas of the range. The possibility that phenotypic plasticity helps primates cope with reduced climatic suitability may be mediated by habitat availability, quality, and connectivity.

Primates facing climate crisis in a tropical forest hotspot will lose climatic suitable geographical range.

Global climate changes affect biodiversity and cause species distribution shifts, contractions, and expansions. Climate change and disease are emerging threats to primates, and approximately one-quarter of primates' ranges have temperatures over historical ones. How will climate changes influence Atlantic Forest primate ranges? We used habitat suitability models and measured potential changes in area and distributions shifts. Climate change expected in 2100 may change the distribution area of Atlantic Forest primates. Fourteen species (74%) are predicted to lose more than 50% of their distribution, and nine species (47%) are predicted to lose more than 75% of their distribution. The balance was negative, indicating a potential future loss, and the strength of the reduction in the distribution is related to the severity of climate change (SSP scenarios). Directional shifts were detected to the south. The projected mean centroid latitudinal shift is ~ 51 km to the south for 2100 SSP5-8.5 scenario. The possibility of dispersal will depend on suitable routes and landscape configuration. Greenhouse gas emissions should be urgently reduced. Our results also emphasize that no more forest loss is acceptable in Atlantic Forest, and restoration, canopy bridges, friendly agroecosystems, and monitoring of infrastructure projects are urgent to enable dealing with climate change.

Fish movement in an Atlantic Forest stream

Given the importance of fish movement to the dynamics and maintenance of stream dwelling fish communities from the Atlantic Forest, we analysed patterns of fish movement in a coastal stream from Southeastern Brazil, using mark-recapture technique. Displacement distance of each species were presented and discussed considering seasonal (rainy and dry) and body size patterns. We marked 10 species along the stream and recaptured 440 (34.6%) of the 1,270 marked fishes. The species with significant number of upstream moving individuals were Astyanax janeiroensis, Characidium interruptum, Astyanax hastatus, Parotocinclus maculicauda and Awaous tajasica. Only Pimelodella lateristriga presented significant differences between resident and moving individuals. Characidium interruptum and A. tajasica demonstrated greater downstream and upstream movement, respectively, moving up to 2,100 m. Even after controlling for species identity we found no significant correlation between fish length and individual displacement distance. Fishes moved longer distances during the rainy season, in accordance to the breeding season. Patterns of fish movement were in agreement to life-history traits of many of the studied species and can be reflecting specific behaviour and morphologies.(AU)

Considerando-se a importância do movimento de peixes para a dinâmica e manutenção das comunidades de peixes de riachos da mata Atlântica, nós analisamos os padrões de movimento de peixes de um riacho costeiro do sudeste do Brasil, usando a técnica da marcação e recaptura. Avaliamos a distância do deslocamento de cada espécie e também se os padrões de movimento apresentavam alguma relação com a estação do ano (chuva e seca) e o tamanho do corpo. Marcamos 10 espécies ao longo do riacho e recapturamos 400 (34.6%) dos 1.270 peixes marcados. As espécies com número significativo de indivíduos se movendo para cima foram Astyanax janeiroensis, Characidium interruptum, Astyanax hastatus, Parotocinclus maculicauda e Awaous tajasica. Apenas Pimelodella lateristriga apresentou diferenças significativas entre os indivíduos residentes e em movimento. Characidium interruptum e A. tajasica foram as espécies com maior movimento tanto para baixo como para cima, respectivamente, se movendo até mais de 2.100 m. Mesmo após controlar a identidade das espécies, não registramos correlação significativa entre o comprimento e a distância individual do deslocamento. Registramos maiores densidades de peixes se movendo para montante durante a época de chuvas, em coincidência com a estação reprodutiva. Os padrões de movimento registrados estão de acordo com os componentes da história de vida de várias das espécies estudadas, e podem estar refletindo componentes morfológicos e comportamentais específicos.(AU)

Bioactivities of the ethanol extract from Ageratum fastigiatum branches: antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory.

The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract from Ageratum fastigiatum branches. Phytochemical screening and total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined. The antioxidant activity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrilhydrazin (DPPH) and iron reducing power methods. The antinociceptive effect was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, hot plate and tail immersion assays; while the carrageenan-induced paw edema and pleurisy tests were performed to examine the anti-inflammatory activity against acute inflammation. The extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, terpenes, sterols and saponins. Expressive levels of total phenols and flavonoids and a promising antioxidant effect were quantified. At the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, the extract inhibited the writhing, reduced both phases of paw licking time and increased the reaction time on the hot plate. In the tail immersion test, the extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) caused a significant inhibition of pain. In these doses, the paw edema, exudate volume and leucocyte mobilization were significantly reduced. These results suggest that A. fastigiatum can be an active source of substances with antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, adding scientific support to the appropriate use in the Brazilian folk medicine.

The Role of Competition in Structuring Primate Communities under Different Productivity Regimes in the Amazon.

The factors responsible for the formation of Amazonian primate communities are not well understood. Here we investigated the influence of interspecific competition in the assembly of these communities, specifically whether they follow an assembly rule known as "favored states". According to this rule, interspecific competition influences final species composition, resulting in functional groups that are equally represented in the community. We compiled presence-absence data for primate species at 39 Amazonian sites in Brazil, contrasting two regions with distinct productivity regimes: the eutrophic Juruá River basin and the oligotrophic Negro River basin. We tested two hypotheses: that interspecific competition is a mechanism that influences the structure of Amazonian primate communities, and that competition has had a greater influence on the structure of primate communities in regions with low productivity, where resources are more limited. We used null models to test the statistical significance of the results, and found a non-random pattern compatible with the favored states rule in the two regions. Our findings suggest that interspecific competition is an important force driving primate community assembly regardless of productivity regimes.

Invasion and Colonisation of a Tropical Stream by an Exotic Loricariid Fish: Indices of Gradual Displacement of the Native Common Pleco (Hypostomus punctatus) by the Red Fin Dwarf Pleco (Parotocinclus maculicauda) over Fifteen Years.

The introduction of invasive species represents a major threat to the integrity of stream-dwelling fish populations worldwide, and this issue is receiving increasing attention from scientists, in particular because of potential impact on biodiversity. In this study, we analysed the dispersal of an exotic loricariid fish the red fin dwarf pleco (Parotocinclus maculicauda) in a stream of the Atlantic Forest biome in coastal south-eastern Brazil and evaluated the effects of this invasion on the native loricariid common pleco (Hypostomus punctatus). Specimens were collected at eight sites located along the course of the stream over a 15-year period. The distribution and density of the two species were determined by the Successive Removal Method. The introduction of P. maculicauda occurred in the medium sector of the stream, and during the course of the study, the species dispersed to new sites further upstream. By the end of the study, it was found at all points upstream from the original site. Hypostomus punctatus was registered at all sample sites both before and after the introduction of P. maculicauda, but its density decreased at all upstream sites after the arrival of the exotic species. Our analysis shows that colonisation by P. maculicauda seems to have a negative effect on H. punctatus densities. The maintenance of H. punctatus densities at the sites not colonised by P. maculicauda reinforces the conclusion that the colonisation of the stream by the exotic species had deleterious effects on the density of the resident H. punctatus populations, either by direct or indirect action.

Relationship between viral detection and turbidity in a watershed contaminated with group A rotavirus.

Enteric viruses are present in aquatic environments due to contamination by raw sewage, even in the absence of fecal coliforms, which are considered to be significant indicators when it comes to microbial water quality assessment. This study investigated the presence of group A rotavirus (RVA) in surface water from a river basin in Minas Gerais, Brazil, assessing the influence of the urbanization, the rainfall, and the microbiological and physico-chemical parameters regarding water quality. Forty-eight surface water samples collected in urbanized and non-urbanized areas, both in dry and rainy periods, were obtained throughout the study. The viral particles were concentrated by adsorption-elution in a negatively charged membrane. Fecal coliforms, as well as physico-chemical water parameters were determined at each point in all collections. The RVA was detected in 62.5 % (30/48) of the water samples through a real-time PCR assay. All the sequenced RVA strains belonged to genotype I1. The RVA was detected in 50.0 % (11/22) of the water samples regarded as being acceptable by current microbiological standards. The presence of the RVA and the viral load were influenced by the collection area (p < 0.05). It was also observed a significant association between the RVA and detecting the turbidity of water (p < 0.05). The collected data showed a high level of contamination in this watershed by the discharge of raw sewage, highlighting the need for urgent measures to improve water quality, ensuring the safe use of this matrix.

Multi-scales analysis of primate diversity and protected areas at a megadiverse region.

In this paper, we address the question of what proportion of biodiversity is represented within protected areas. We assessed the effectiveness of different protected area types at multiple scales in representing primate biodiversity in the Brazilian Legal Amazon. We used point locality data and distribution data for primate species within 1°, 0.5°, and 0.25° spatial resolution grids, and computed the area of reserves within each cell. Four different approaches were used - no reserves (A), exclusively strict use reserves (B), strict and sustainable use reserves (C), and strict and sustainable use reserves and indigenous lands (D). We used the complementarity concept to select reserve networks. The proportions of cells that were classified as reserves at a grid resolution of 1° were 37%, 64%, and 88% for approaches B, C and D, respectively. Our comparison of these approaches clearly showed the effect of an increase in area on species representation. Representation was consistently higher at coarser resolutions, indicating the effect of grain size. The high number of irreplaceable cells for selected networks identified based on approach A could be attributed to the use of point locality occurrence data. Although the limited number of point occurrences for some species may have been due to a Wallacean shortfall, in some cases it may also be the result of an actual restricted geographic distribution. The existing reserve system cannot be ignored, as it has an established structure, legal protection status, and societal recognition, and undoubtedly represents important elements of biodiversity. However, we found that strict use reserves (which are exclusively dedicated to biodiversity conservation) did not effectively represent primate species. This finding may be related to historical criteria for selecting reserves based on political, economic, or social motives.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the sesame oil and sesamin.

Sesame oil is widely consumed as nutritious food, cooking oil, and in pharmaceuticals and food. In this study, the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the sesame oil and sesamin were investigated. The sesame oil and sesamin reduced the number of abdominal contortions at the doses 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg. The first and second phases of the time paw licking were inhibited by sesame oil and sesamin (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg). After 90 min of treatment, sesame oil and sesamin increased the reaction time on a hot plate (200 or 400 mg/kg). Considering the tail-immersion assay, the sesame oil and sesamin produced significant effect after 60 min at the doses of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg. After 4 h of application of the carrageenan, the sesame oil and sesamin were effective against the paw edema. The exudate volume and leucocyte migration were also reduced by sesame oil and sesamin. These results suggest that sesamin is one of the active compounds found in sesame oil and justify the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of this product.

Ammonium removal from anaerobically treated effluent by Chlamydomonas acidophila.

Several batch culture studies were carried out to evaluate an anaerobically treated effluent as a low-cost growth medium for the microalga Chlamydomonas acidophila and to study the effectiveness of the microalga in removing NH4-N from the effluent. An initial decrease in the effluent pH to 3 was required for adequate growth of C. acidophila and removal of NH4-N. Growth of the microalgae was inhibited at high light intensity (224µmolphotonsm(-2)s(-1) at the surface of the vessels). However, the growth was not greatly affected by the high solid content and turbidity of the effluent. The microalga was able to grow in media containing NH4-N at concentrations of up to 1000mgL(-1) (50% of effluent) and to remove 88mg of NH4-NL(-1) in 10days. C. acidophila therefore appears a promising agent for the removal of NH4-N from anaerobically treated effluents.

Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils of Eremanthus erythropappus (DC) McLeisch (Asteraceae).

The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of different parts of Eremanthus erythropappus, including leaves, branches and inflorescences, was investigated by Gas Chromatography and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of the oils was assessed by the disc diffusion and microdilution methods, while the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and reducing power tests. The main compounds found in the essential oils derived from the inflorescences and leaves were ß-caryophyllene, germacrene-D, α-copaene and ß-pinene. α-Bisabolol was the major component in the branches. The oils were active against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and fungi, but not Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The MIC values ranged from 0.01 to 0.50 mg/mL. Using the DPPH test, the IC50 values ranged from 38.77 ± 0.76 to 102.24 ± 1.96 µg/mL, while the reducing power test produced IC50 values between 109.85 ± 1.68 and 169.53 ± 0.64 µg/mL. The results revealed that the E. erythropappus oils are new promising potential sources of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds with good future practical applications for human health.

Chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oils from Duguetia lanceolata St. Hil. barks.

Essential oils of Duguetia lanceolata barks, obtained at 2 (T2) and 4 h (T4), were identified by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. ß-elemene (12.7 and 14.9%), caryophyllene oxide (12.4 and 10.7%) and ß-selinene (8.4 and 10.4%) were the most abundant components in T2 and T4, respectively. The essential oils inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The essential oils were cytotoxic against brine shrimp. The extraction time influenced the chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils obtained from the barks of D. lanceolata.

Preparation of dry extract of Mikania glomerata Sprengel (Guaco) and determination of its coumarin levels by spectrophotometry and HPLC-UV.

Guaco (Mikania glomerata Sprengel) syrup is one of the most popular herbal medicines used to treat the symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis, cough and hoarseness. The coumarin 2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, is one of the major constituents of Guaco and contributes to its pharmacological effects. The pharmaceutical capsule form of dry extract of Guaco is recommended by the Brazilian Program of Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines and used in primary health care. In order to identify a new protocol to obtain the raw material for Guaco capsule production we evaluated two methods, including a freezedrying process (lyophilization) and the spray-dryer technique, as well as the use of two adjuvants, Maltodextrins and Aerosil®, in different concentrations. The coumarin levels of the dried extracts were analyzed by UV-spectrophotometry and HPLC-UV/DAD. The adjuvant Aerosil® 8% showed better dry powder physical appearance. Lyophilization was observed to be the best process to obtain the dry extract of Guaco based on the measured coumarin levels.

Nitrogen dynamics in soil amended with manures composted in dynamic and static systems.

The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the stability of three different composts and to study the N dynamics in soil incubated with the composts under laboratory conditions. The composts were produced from sheep manure processed by static pile composting (C1) and from cattle and sheep manure processed by dynamic pile composting (C2 and C3 respectively). Laboratory incubation assays were carried out at 28 °C to determine the amount of N mineralized and N leached under extreme rainfall conditions in the first 30 days after application of doses of each compost equivalent to 170 and 450 kg ha(-1) of N. There were no differences in the values of these parameters in samples of the composts produced by the static (C1) and dynamic (C3) systems, and both composts behaved in the same way when applied to soil. The chemical characteristics of the three final composts, the respiration rates and the lack of stimulation of total microbial biomass indicated that the composts were stable. However, the final C/N ratio was slightly higher in C2 than in C1 and C3 (14 compared with 10 and 11) as was the respiration rate of the high dose of C2 indicating that C2 was more labile, and thus less stable than C1 and C3. Compost C2 generated the highest N mineralization rates after application of different doses (6.5 and 13.1%), as well as the highest N supplying potential (54.7 and 36.2%), and thus the highest rate of mineral N leaching (16.8 and 16.5 mg L(-1) of NO(3)-N), probably as a result of the slight difference in lability. The N release after compost application was very low and thus the leaching potential was also low, indicating that high doses of mature compost (>170 kg ha(-1) of N) could be applied to soil.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract from Vernonia polyanthes leaves in Rodents.

The ethanol extract from Vernonia polyanthes leaves (EEVP) was investigated for antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects at the doses (p.o.) of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg in animal models. The extract reduced the number of abdominal contortions by 16.75% and 31.44% at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. The results obtained showed that EEVP exerted a significant antinociceptive effect in the two phases of formalin. The EEVP increased the reaction time on a hot plate at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg after 90 min of treatment. The paw edema was reduced by EEVP at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg after 4 h of application of carrageenan. Doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, administered 4 h before the carrageenan injection, significantly reduced the exudate volume (29.25 and 45.74%, respectively) and leukocyte migration (18.19 and 27.95%, respectively). These results suggest that V. polyanthes can be an active source of substances with antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.

Reações adversas dos adjuvantes farmacêuticos presentes em medicamentos para uso pediátrico / Adverse reactions of pharmaceutical adjuvants present in drugs for pediatric use

Excipientes são substâncias auxiliares que compõem as formas farmacêuticas e, normalmente, são consideradas inertes. No entanto, mesmo em baixas concentrações, esses constituintes podem desencadear efeitos indesejáveis que podem comprometer a terapêutica medicamentosa. Neste sentido, o presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar possíveis excipientes indutores de reação adversa contidos em medicamentos para uso oral pediátrico. Para realização desta pesquisa, foi adotada a técnica de análise de documentos a partir de bulas de medicamentos de formulações líquidas pediátricas constantes no Dicionário de Especialidades Farmacêuticas. Acebrofilina, dimeticona, dipirona e paracetamol foram os medicamentos selecionados para identificação dos excipientes. Em 40 apresentações farmacêuticas pesquisadas, foram identificados 23 excipientes dos quais seis foram considerados como possíveis causadores de reações adversas. Das formulações analisadas, 97,5% continham excipientes de risco que foram relacionados da seguinte forma: 24 continham metilparabeno, 20 propilparabeno, 11 sorbitol, nove benzoato de sódio, cinco tartrazina e dois bissulfito de sódio. Esses excipientes podem ocasionar urticária, asma brônquica, transtornos gastrointestinais, náuseas, vômitos, entre outros efeitos. Portanto, os excipientes têm um papel importante no aparecimento dos efeitos adversos, especialmente na Pediatria.

Excipients are auxiliary substances involved in the composition of pharmaceuticals. Although excipients are defined as inert substances, this definition has been proved inadequate. Most excipients are used in low concentrations, although they can lead to untoward effects. In clinical practice, such reactions are wrongly attributed to the active drug, leaving out of account the fact that excipients are considered responsible for adverse effects. The objective of the present study was identify the presence of excipients which can possibly induce adverse reactions, present in drugs marketed for pediatric use in Brazil. This qualitative and exploratory study used the technique of document analysis to assess drug labels of liquid formulations listed in the Pharmaceutical Dictionary and directed at the pediatric population. Four pharmaceuticals were selected: acebrophylline, dimethicone, dipyrone and paracetamol. The excipients cited in the literature as possible inducers of adverse reactions were selected for this study from their identification in the pharmaceutical formulations studied. In 40 presentations assessed, 23 excipients were identified as possible inducers of adverse reactions. The presence of a risk excipient was identified in 97.5% of the formulations assessed, according to the following distribution: 24 contained methyl paraben, 20 propyl paraben, 11 sorbitol, 9 sodium benzoate, 5 tartrazine and 2 sodium bisulfite. Pediatric patients are exposed to adverse effects such as urticaria, bronchial asthma, gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting and others, due to the presence of the excipients methylparaben and propylparaben, sodium benzoate, sulfites in general, tartrazine yellow dye and sorbitol, in most liquid formulations assessed, most of them marketed as over-the-counter drugs.

Estirpes bacterianas-padrão, formas de obtenção de doação e sua manutenção em laboratórios de ensino e pesquisa / Estirpes standard bacterial strains, ways of obtaining donation and maintenance in teaching and research

Boas Práticas de Laboratório (BPL) referem-se ao sistema da qualidade que contribui para a garantia da qualidade dos resultados. Essas práticas incluem o uso de estipes padrão para o controle do desempenho de meios de cultura, corantes e de reações. Estirpes padrão ou bactérias de referência são culturas provenientes de uma coleção de culturas reconhecida nacional e/ou internacionalmente, acompanhadas de um certificado com a descrição de suas características fenotípicas e genotípicas e outras informações relevantes. A conservação de suas características originais e viabilidade são requisitos essenciais para a sua reprodução em processos industriais e em experimentos de pesquisa. O objetivo deste trabalho foi reunir e disponibilizar informações sobre as formas de obtenção de doação de estipes-padrão para laboratórios de ensino e pesquisa e sobre a sua manutenção. Foram reunidas informações por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica sobre instituições doadoras de estirpes padrão, e formas de reativação e manutenção. A disponibilização deste material possibilita o cumprimento das BPL e a qualidade em trabalhos desenvolvidos.

Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) refer to the quality system that contributes to guarantee the quality of research results, including the use of standard strains to control the performance of culture media, dyes, and reactions. Standard strains or reference bacteria are cultures originated from a collection of cultures nationally and/or internationally recognized, followed by a certificate describing their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics and other relevant information. The preservation of their original characteristics is one of the essential requirements for their viability, important for their reproduction in industrial processes and in pure and applied research experiments. The objective of this work was to compile and disseminate information on the ways of obtaining donation of standard strains to teaching and research laboratories and their maintenance in microbiological analysis laboratories. Through a bibliographic survey, information was compiled on institutions that donate reference material and on methods of standard strain reactivation and adequate maintenance. The availability of this material through donations and adequate maintenance according to laboratory conditions allow fulfilling GLP requirements and the quality of the works developed.

Padrões espaciais da riqueza de espécies de viperídeos na Américado Sul: temperatura ambiental vs. cinética-bioquímica / Spatial patterns of viperid species richness in South America: environmental temperature vs. biochemical kinetics

Este estudo tem por objetivo testar a influência da temperatura na taxametabólica de viperídeos como um mecanismo básico de origem dos padrões espaciais deriqueza desse grupo na América do Sul, como proposto por Allen et al. (2002) dentro daTeoria Metabólica em Ecologia. Para isso, testamos a relação entre o logaritmo natural dariqueza de espécies de viperídeos e o inverso da temperatura (em Kelvin, 1000*K-1), apóscorrigir os efeitos da autocorrelação espacial, e verificamos se a reta estimada apresentainclinação de -9,0*T. As variáveis apresentaram baixo índice de correlação (r2 = 0,216; p <0,0001), com uma inclinação da reta de -3,737*T (C.I. (95%) ± 0,379). Os resultadosindicaram que os viperídeos não respondem à variação de temperatura da mesma forma queos demais grupos testados, uma vez que o intervalo de confiança para o ângulo da retaestimada não contempla o valor -9,0*T, como predito pelo modelo. O presente estudosugere que o padrão espacial da riqueza de espécies de viperídeos na América do Sul éestruturado por outros parâmetros além da temperatura, não contemplados no modelo deAllen et al. (2002).

The aim of this study was to testthe influence of temperature on metabolic rates of viperid species as the underlyingmechanism to explain the richness pattern of this group in South America, following theMetabolic Theory of Ecology (MTE) proposed by Allen et al. (2002). We tested MTEpredictions by considering the relationship between the natural logarithm of viperid speciesrichness and the inverse of temperature (in Kelvin, 1000*K-1) after to correct for spatialautocorrelation effects and to check whether the linear function presents a slope of -9.0*T.The relationship between variables presented low correlation coefficient (r2 = 0.216; P <0.0001) and a slope of -3.737*T (C.I. (95%) ± 0.379).These results showed that viperidsrespond in a different way to the temperature gradient in comparison with other taxa andthe prediction of Allen et al. (2002), since the confidence interval of slope in this case doesnot include the value of -9.0*T. This study demonstrates that temperature is not the soledriver of broad-scale spatial pattern of viperid species richness in South America.

Aplicação terapêutica de Saccharomyces boulardii em diarreias: uma revisão / Therapeutic application of Saccharomyces boulardii in diarrheas: a review

Saccharomyces boulardii é uma levedura não patogênica, termotolerante e resistente à ação dos sucos gástrico, entérico e pancreático. Esta levedura atua no intestino por três mecanismos: efeito antagonista direto, imunoestimulação e efeito trófico na mucosa intestinal. O objetivo deste trabalho de revisão é contribuir para uma atualização dos profissionais de saúde sobre as indicações terapêuticas e as formas de uso da levedura S. boulardii como agente probiótico. S. boulardii é utilizada sob a forma de medicamentos como agente terapêutico na diarreia, com eficácia comprovada em muitas condições patológicas que cursam com diarreias agudas e crônicas. Além de não alterar a morfologia intestinal nem a microbiota colônica residente como os antibióticos, esta levedura tem resultados equivalentes aos medicamentos padrões utilizados. Devido a esses fatores, é vantajosa a utilização de medicamentos à base deste probiótico.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a nonpathogenic yeast which is thermotolerant and resistant to gastric, pancreatic and enteric secretions. This yeast works in the bowel by three ways: direct antagonist effect, immunostimulation and trophic effect upon the intestinal mucosa. The objective of this revision is to contribute to an upgrade of health professionals about the therapeutic indications and ways of using the yeast S.boulardii as a probiotic. S. boulardii is employed in the form of medicines as therapeutic agent on the treatment of diarrhea with proven efficiency in pathological conditions that develop with acute and chronic diarrhea. Neither interfering in intestinal morphology nor in the colonic microbiota like antibiotics, this yeast has shown efficacy equivalentto standard medicines employed. Due to these factors it is very profitable the use of this probiotic-based medicines.