Aqueous extract OF Moringa oleifera Lam leaves added to freezing extenders damages goat sperm membranes.

BACKGROUND: Semen cryopreservation is a biotechnology used frequently in animal production; however, there are some obstacles, such as those caused by high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moringa oleifera (MO) is known as a potent source of antioxidants and might be an important adjuvant. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different concentrations of MO extract supplementation on goat semen cryopreservation efficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ejaculates (n=6) from four goat breeders were pooled and diluted in skimmed milk (SM) or Tris-egg yolk (TEY)-based extenders and supplemented with different concentrations of MO extract (0, 1, 2 and 5 mg/mL). After the freeze-thaw cycle, sperm kinetics and viability were assessed. RESULTS: With the SM extender, straightness, wobble and plasma membrane integrity were lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). With the TEY extender, wobble was lower in with 5 mg/mL MO extract than in the control group (P < 0.05). As regards sperm ultrastructure, evaluated by SEM, the MO extract, regardless of the diluent used, damaged the membrane of sperm cells in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The addition of aqueous extract of MO leaves in both diluents at all concentrations tested affects the parameters of sperm progressivity and damages the plasma membrane in a dose-dependent manner. DOI: 10.54680/fr23310110712.

Anti-staphylococcal effects of Myracrodruon urundeuva lectins on nonresistant and multidrug resistant isolates.

AIMS: To evaluate the anti-staphylococcal effects of lectins isolated from bark (MuBL), heartwood (MuHL) and leaves (MuLL) of Myracrodruon urundeuva. METHODS AND RESULTS: The lectins were evaluated for: effects on growth, aggregation, haemolytic activity and biofilm-forming ability of Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates nonresistant (8325-4) and multidrug resistant (LAC USA300); interference with the expression of virulence genes (hla, rnaIII and spa) of the Agr system of S. aureus; and synergistic effect with the antibiotics cefoxitin and cefotaxime. MuBL, MuHL and MuLL reduced growth (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC): 12·5-50 µg ml-1 ) and viability (minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC): 100 µg ml-1 ) of 8325-4 and LAC USA300 cells. MuLL (at ½MIC and MIC) reduced LAC USA300 agglutination. The lectins did not interfere with haemolytic activity and expression of hla, rnaIII and spa genes. Only MuHL was able to reduce the biofilm production by 8325-4 (50-400 µg ml-1 ) and LAC USA300 (400 µg ml-1 ). CONCLUSION: The M. urundeuva lectins showed antibacterial activity against nonresistant and resistant clinical isolates of S. aureus and synergistic effects with antibiotics in reducing growth and biofilm formation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work reports bioactive molecules capable of acting as anti-staphylococcal agents, since there are increasing reports of multiresistant isolates of this bacterium.

Antibacterial effects of the lectin from pomegranate sarcotesta (PgTeL) against Listeria monocytogenes.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of the lectin from Punica granatum sarcotesta (PgTeL) on growth, viability, cell structure, biofilm formation and chitinase activity of Listeria monocytogenes. In addition, the effect of PgTeL on the adhesion and invasion of human cells (HeLa) was determined. METHODS AND RESULTS: PgTeL showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on the strains L. monocytogenes N53-1 and EGD-e, causing morphometric alterations, cell aggregation, strong deformation and cell disruption. PgTeL inhibited biofilm formation by EGD-e and N53-1 and also interfered with the adhesion and invasion processes of EGD-e and N53-1 in HeLa cells. Finally, the chitinase activity of L. monocytogenes EGD-e was reduced in the presence of PgTeL, which can be involved in the inhibition of adhesion process. CONCLUSION: PgTeL is an antibacterial agent against L. monocytogenes, inhibiting growth and promoting cell death, as well as impairing biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion and invasion into human cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results stimulate future investigations on the potential of PgTeL for protection of contamination in food products.

Generation of immortalized human endometrial stromal cell lines with different endometriosis risk genotypes.

Endometriotic lesions are composed in part of endometrial-like stromal cells, however, there is a shortage of immortalized human endometrial stromal cultures available for research. As genetic factors play a role in endometriosis risk, it is important that genotype is also incorporated into analysis of pathological mechanisms. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) immortalization (using Lenti-hTERT-green fluorescent protein virus) took place following genotype selection; 13 patients homozygous for either the risk or non-risk 'other' allele for one or more important endometriosis risk single nucleotide polymorphism on chromosome 1p36.12 (rs3820282, rs56318008, rs55938609, rs12037376, rs7521902 or rs12061255). Short tandem repeat DNA profiling validated that donor tissue matched that of the immortalized cell lines and confirmed that cultures were genetically novel. Expression of morphological markers (vimentin and cytokeratin) and key genes of interest (telomerase, estrogen and progesterone receptors and LINC00339) were examined and functional assays for cell proliferation, steroid hormone and inflammatory responses were performed for 7/13 cultures. All endometrial stromal cell lines maintained their fibroblast-like morphology (vimentin-positive) and homozygous endometriosis-risk genotype following introduction of hTERT. Furthermore, the new stromal cultures demonstrated positive and diverse responses to hormones (proliferation and decidualisation changes) and inflammation (dose-dependent response), while maintaining hormone receptor expression. In conclusion, we successfully developed a range of human endometrial stromal cell lines that carry important endometriosis-risk alleles. The wider implications of this approach go beyond advancing endometriosis research; these cell lines will be valuable tools for multiple endometrial pathologies offering a level of genetic and phenotypic diversity not previously available.

Endometrial uNK cell counts do not predict successful implantation in an IVF population.

STUDY QUESTION: Are uterine natural killer (uNK) cell numbers and their distribution relative to endometrial arterioles altered in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) compared to women with embryo implantation success (IS)? SUMMARY ANSWER: uNK cell numbers and their distribution relative to endometrial arterioles are not significantly different in women with RIF compared to women in whom embryo implantation occurs successfully following IVF. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN: uNK cells are regulators of decidual angiogenesis and spiral arteriole remodelling during early pregnancy. Although some studies have shown that uNK cell numbers may be altered in women with RIF, the methods used to measure uNK cell numbers have proven inconsistent, making reproduction of these results difficult. It is unclear, therefore, whether the results reported so far are reproducible. Moreover, it is not known how uNK cell numbers may impact IVF outcomes. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, uNK cell numbers are often evaluated as a prognostic criterion in women undergoing assisted reproductive procedures. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Endometrial pipelle biopsies were collected 6-8 days post-LH surge in natural cycles from women with RIF (n = 14), women with IS (n = 11) and women with potential RIF at the time of the study (PRIF; n = 9) from 2013 to 2015. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: uNK cells (i.e. CD56+ and/or CD16+ phenotypes) and their distribution relative to endometrial arterioles were investigated by standard immunohistochemistry protocols and quantified using Aperio ScanScopeXT images digitized by ImageJ and deconvoluted into binary images for single cell quantification using a Gaussian Blur and Yen algorithm. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: There was no significant difference in the cell density of CD56+ or CD16+ uNK cells in women with RIF compared to women with IS or PRIF. There was a higher proportion of uNK cells in the distal regions compared to the regions closest to the arterioles in all patient groups. Further, we identified a significant reduction in uNK cell density in women who had a previous pregnancy compared to those who had not, regardless of their current implantation status. LARGE SCALE DATA: Not applicable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Spiral arterioles could not always be accurately identified by digital image analysis; therefore, all endometrial arterioles were selected and analysed. Patient numbers for the study were low. However, as the clinical phenotypes of each patient were well defined, and endometrial dating was accurately determined by three independent pathologists, differences between patient groups with respect to the uNK numbers and distribution should have been measurable if uNK cell counts were to be useful as a prognostic marker of RIF. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our findings demonstrate that CD56+ and CD16+ uNK cell numbers are not significantly different in women with RIF in a typical cohort of women undergoing IVF. Further, prior pregnancy was associated with a significantly reduced number of uNK cells in both the RIF and IS patient groups, suggestive of a long-term pregnancy induced suppression of uNK cells. Combined, these findings do not support the clinical value of using uNK cell numbers as a prognostic indicator of implantation success with IVF treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): Funding for this work was provided by Royal Women's Hospital Foundation. P.P. was supported by an NHMRC Early Career Fellowship [TF 11/14] and W.T.T. was supported by an NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarship [1055814]. The authors do not have any competing interests with this study.

Lectins as antimicrobial agents.

The resistance of micro-organisms to antimicrobial agents has been a challenge to treat animal and human infections, and for environmental control. Lectins are natural proteins and some are potent antimicrobials through binding to carbohydrates on microbial surfaces. Oligomerization state of lectins can influence their biological activity and maximum binding capacity; the association among lectin polypeptide chains can alter the carbohydrate-lectin binding dissociation rate constants. Antimicrobial mechanisms of lectins include the pore formation ability, followed by changes in the cell permeability and latter, indicates interactions with the bacterial cell wall components. In addition, the antifungal activity of lectins is associated with the chitin-binding property, resulting in the disintegration of the cell wall or the arrest of de novo synthesis from the cell wall during fungal development or division. Quorum sensing is a cell-to-cell communication process that allows interspecies and interkingdom signalling which coordinate virulence genes; antiquorum-sensing therapies are described for animal and plant lectins. This review article, among other approaches, evaluates lectins as antimicrobials.

Recent and emerging reproductive biology research in Australia and New Zealand: highlights from the Society for Reproductive Biology Annual Meeting, 2017.

Research in reproductive science is essential to promote new developments in reproductive health and medicine, agriculture and conservation. The Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB) 2017 conference held in Perth (WA, Australia) provided a valuable update on current research programs in Australia and New Zealand. This conference review delivers a dedicated summary of significant questions, emerging concepts and innovative technologies presented in the symposia. This research demonstrates significant advances in the identification of precursors for a healthy pregnancy, birth and child, and discusses how these factors can influence disease risk. A key theme included preconception parental health and its effect on gametogenesis, embryo and fetal development and placental function. In addition, the perturbation of key developmental checkpoints was shown to contribute to a variety of pathological states that have the capacity to affect health and fertility. Importantly, the symposia discussed in this review emphasised the role of reproductive biology as a conduit for understanding the transmission of non-communicable diseases, such as metabolic disorders and cancers. The research presented at SRB 2017 has revealed key findings that have the prospect to change not only the fertility of the present generation, but also the health and reproductive capacity of future generations.

Multi-effect of the water-soluble Moringa oleifera lectin against Serratia marcescens and Bacillus sp.: antibacterial, antibiofilm and anti-adhesive properties.

AIMS: To evaluate the antibiofilm potential of water-soluble Moringa oleifera seed lectin (WSMoL) on Serratia marcescens and Bacillus sp. METHODS AND RESULTS: WSMoL inhibited biofilm formation by S. marcescens at concentrations lower than 2·6 µg ml-1 and impaired bacterial growth at higher concentrations, avoiding biofilm formation. For Bacillus sp., the lectin inhibited bacterial growth at all concentrations. The antibiofilm action of WSMoL is associated with damage to bacterial cells. WSMoL did not disrupt preformed S. marcescens biofilms but was able to damage cells inside them. On the other hand, the lectin reduced the number of cells in Bacillus sp. biofilm treated with it. WSMoL was able to control biofilm formation when immobilized on glass surface (116 µg cm-2 ), damaging S. marcescens cells and avoiding adherence of Bacillus sp. cells on glass. The Bacillus sp. isolate is member of Bacillus subtilis species complex and closely related to species of the conspecific 'amyloliquefaciens' group. CONCLUSION: WSMoL prevented biofilm development by S. marcescens and Bacillus sp. and the antibiofilm effect is also observed when the lectin is immobilized on glass. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Taking together, our results provide support to the potential use of WSMoL for controlling biofilm formation by bacteria.

Water-soluble Moringa oleifera lectin interferes with growth, survival and cell permeability of corrosive and pathogenic bacteria.

AIMS: This work evaluated the antibacterial activity of a water-soluble Moringa oleifera seed lectin (WSMoL) by evaluating its effect on growth, survival and cell permeability of Bacillus sp., Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumillus, Bacillus megaterium, Micrococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas stutzeri and Serratia marcescens. In addition, the effect of lectin on membrane integrity of most sensitive species was also evaluated. All the tested bacteria are able to cause biocorrosion and some are also responsible for human infections. METHODS AND RESULTS: WSMoL inhibited the bacterial growth, induced agglutination and promoted the leakage of proteins from cells of all strains. Bactericidal effect was detected against Bacillus sp., B. pumillus, B. megaterium, Ps. fluorescens and Ser. marcescens. The bacteriostatic effect of lectin was evident with only 6 h of incubation. Fluorescence microscopy of Ser. marcescens showed that WSMoL caused loss of cell integrity and indicated an anti-biofilm activity of the lectin. CONCLUSIONS: WSMoL was active against the bacteria by inhibiting growth and affecting cell permeability. The lectin also interfered with membrane integrity of Ser. marcescens, the most sensitive species. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The study indicates that WSMoL was active against bacteria that cause serious problems in both industrial and health sectors. Also, the study contributes for the 'state-of-art' on antibacterial mechanisms of lectins.

Antimicrobial lectin from Schinus terebinthifolius leaf.

AIMS: Schinus terebinthifolius leaves are used for treating human diseases caused by micro-organisms. This work reports the isolation, characterization and antimicrobial activity of S. terebinthifolius leaf lectin (SteLL). METHODS AND RESULTS: The isolation procedure involved protein extraction with 0.15 mol l(-1) NaCl, filtration through activated charcoal and chromatography of the filtrate on a chitin column. SteLL is a 14-kDa glycopeptide with haemagglutinating activity that is inhibited by N-acetyl-glucosamine, not affected by ions (Ca(2+) and Mg(2+)) and stable upon heating (30-100 °C) as well as over the pH 5.0-8.0. The antimicrobial effect of SteLL was evaluated by determining the minimal inhibitory (MIC), bactericide (MBC) and fungicide (MFC) concentrations. Lectin was active against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus. Highest bacteriostatic and bactericide effects were detected for Salm. enteritidis (MIC: 0.45 µg ml(-1)) and Staph. aureus (MBC: 7.18 µg ml(-1)), respectively. SteLL impaired the growth (MIC: 6.5 µg ml(-1)) and survival (MFC: 26 µg ml(-1)) of Candida albicans. CONCLUSIONS: SteLL, a chitin-binding lectin, purified in milligram quantities, showed antimicrobial activity against medically important bacteria and fungi. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: SteLL can be considered as a new biomaterial for potential antimicrobial applications.

Successful everolimus therapy for SEGA in pediatric patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.

PURPOSE: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is associated with hamartomatous growths including subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs). Although, SEGAs are slow-growing glioneuronal tumors, they represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality due to the risk of sudden death from acute hydrocephalus. Neurosurgical resection has been the mainstay of therapy, since radiotherapy and chemotherapy were proved inefficient in those tumors. Recent studies support the use of everolimus for subependymal giant cell astrocytomas associated with tuberous sclerosis and suggest it might represent a disease-modifying treatment for other aspects of tuberous sclerosis. METHODS: We describe the clinical and radiological progression of three pediatric patients with definitive diagnosis of TSC and SEGA, which have been treated with everolimus. RESULTS: Up to 34 % sustained SEGA decrease was observed in the three cases. All three patients have experienced seizure control and two of them have showed cognitive and behavioral improvement. Everolimus has been well tolerated by all. No severe adverse events have been observed to date. CONCLUSION: Everolimus offers significant promise in treating SEGAs. Studies are required to explore optimal therapy duration and management upon discontinuing therapy.

Eugenia uniflora: a promising natural alternative against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

This work aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities from crude extract and fractions from leaves of Eugenia uniflora Linn. The crude extract was obtained by turbo extraction and their fractions by partitioning. Chromatographic analysis were performed, and the antioxidant capacity was verified by two methods (DPPH• and ABTS•+). The Minimal Inhibitory/Bactericidal Concentration were conducted against twenty-two bacteria, selecting five strains susceptible to extract/fractions and resistant to the antibiotics tested. Ampicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin were associated with Ethyl Acetate Fraction (EAF) against multidrug-resistant strains in modulatory and checkerboard tests. The chromatographic data showed gallic acid, ellagic acid, and myricitrin in crude extract, with enrichment in the EAF. The electron transfer activity demonstrated in the antioxidant tests is related to the presence of flavonoids. The Gram-positive strains were more susceptible to EAF, and their action spectra were improved by association, comprising Gram-negative bacilli. Synergisms were observed to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa colistin-resistant. The results demonstrate that the extract and enriched fraction obtained from the leaves of E. uniflora act as a promising natural alternative against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

A novel antimicrobial lectin from Eugenia malaccensis that stimulates cutaneous healing in mice model.

OBJECTIVE: The present work reports the purification and partial characterization of an antibacterial lectin (EmaL) obtained from Eugenia malaccensis seeds as well as the evaluation of its effect in the daily topical treatment of repairing process of cutaneous wounds in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cutaneous wound was produced by the incision of the skin and use of lectin in the treatment of mice cutaneous wounds was evaluated. Surgical wounds were treated daily with a topical administration of EmaL and parameters such as edema, hyperemia, scab, granulation and scar tissues as well as contraction of wounds were analyzed. RESULTS: A novel lectin, with a molecular mass of 14 kDa, was isolated from E. malaccensis using affinity chromatography. The lectin (EmaL) agglutinated glutaraldehyde-treated rabbit and human erythrocytes; the lectin-induced rabbit erythrocyte agglutination was inhibited by glucose, casein, ovalbumin and fetuin. Also, Emal was very effective in the inhibition of bacterial growth, with the best inhibition results obtained for Staphylococcus aureus. Inflammatory signals such as edema and hyperemia were statistically less intense when EmaL was applied compared to the control. The histopathological analysis showed that the treated injured tissue presented reepithelialization (complete or partial) and areas of transition more evidenced than those of the control group, especially due to well organized pattern of collagen fibers presented in the granulation fibrous tissue. CONCLUSION: Presented results are a preliminary indication of the pharmacological interest in using EmaL as antimicrobial agent and in the repairing process of cutaneous wounds.

Left atrial ejection fraction is an indicator of left ventricular diastolic function.

Left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF) has been previously shown to accurately distinguish between patients with and without clearly defined left ventricle diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) by ASE/EACVI criteria, but indeterminate cases were excluded. We sought to determine if LAEF could accurately distinguish between normal, indeterminate and LVDD patients. A retrospective cohort of 125 patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography was studied. Comprehensive echocardiographic study was performed with measurement of validated diastolic parameters. Subjects were assigned LVDF ASE/EACVI categories. ANOVA test was used to compare means between groups and binary logistic regression and ROC curves to assess diagnostic accuracy. Mean LAEF was statistically different between groups (p < 0.001): 56.3% ± 4.5 for normal patients, 50.2% ± 5.5 for indeterminate patients and 44% ± 8.5 for patients with LVDD. LAEF distinguished LVDD from patients without diastolic dysfunction (OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.63-0.65, p < 0.001) and ROC curve reveals excellent discriminative power (AUC 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.97, p < 0.001). LAEF also distinguished indeterminate patients from LVDD (OR = 0.9, 95% CI 0.83-0.95, p < 0.001) and ROC curve revealed good discriminative power (AUC 0.72, 95% CI 0.62-0.82, p < 0.001). LAEF can accurately differentiate between normal, indeterminate and LVDD patients and could be considered as an additional parameter in the study of diastolic function.

Human chorionic gonadotrophin regulates FGF2 and other cytokines produced by human endometrial epithelial cells, providing a mechanism for enhancing endometrial receptivity.

BACKGROUND: Preimplantation cross-talk between a functional blastocyst and the endometrium is critical for successful blastocyst implantation. This interaction is mediated in part by endometrial cytokines/growth factors secreted by glandular epithelium into the uterine cavity. Recent evidence suggests that blastocyst-derived hCG may influence the endometrial milieu in conception cycles thereby enhancing receptivity and implantation success. This study investigated the effect of hCG on the secretory profile of a select cohort of 44 cytokines/growth factors from primary human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs). These factors included those with both known and unknown roles during receptivity and implantation. The expression of one previously unknown hCG-regulated factor, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), in human endometrium and its effects on hEEC function were further examined. METHODS: hEECs isolated from endometrial biopsies collected from fertile cycling women (n = 15) were treated ± recombinant hCG (0.2-20 IU/ml) for 48 h and conditioned media was quantitatively analysed using Luminex™ multiplex technology. FGF2 was further investigated by immunohistochemistry, western blot and cell-adhesion assays. RESULTS: Of 44 cytokines/growth factors examined, 39 were produced by hEECs with a distinct profile. hCG (2 IU/ml) significantly increased the production of six factors, including those with known roles in receptivity and trophoblast function (interleukin-11), blastocyst migration and adhesion (CXCL10), blastocyst development (granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor) and one unknown with respect to receptivity and implantation (FGF2). Up-regulation of known hCG-regulated proteins, vascular endothelial growth factor and leukaemia inhibitory factor, validated this study. Immunoreactive epithelial FGF2 increased across the menstrual cycle, being highest in secretory and first trimester pregnancy endometrium in vivo. FGF2 (100 ng/ml) stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in hEEC with no effect on ERK1/2 abundance and stimulated hEEC adhesion to fibronectin and collagen IV (components of blastocyst/trophectoderm extracellular matrix). CONCLUSIONS: These findings clearly support roles for hCG and FGF2 in the blastocyst-endometrial cross-talk important for endometrial receptivity and blastocyst implantation.

Coagulant and antibacterial activities of the water-soluble seed lectin from Moringa oleifera.

AIMS: The aim of this work was to analyse the coagulant and antibacterial activities of lectin isolated from Moringa oleifera seeds that are used for water treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: The water-soluble M. oleifera lectin (WSMoL) was separated from nonhemagglutinating components (NHC) by chitin chromatography. WSMoL fluorescence spectrum was not altered in the presence of ions that are often present in high concentrations in polluted waters. Seed extract, NHC and WSMoL showed coagulant activity on a turbid water model. Both NHC and WSMoL reduced the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, but only WSMoL caused a reduction in Escherichia coli. WSMoL was also more effective in reducing the growth of ambient lake water bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained from this study indicate that WSMoL is a potential natural biocoagulant for water, reducing turbidity, suspended solids and bacteria. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Moringa oleifera seeds are a material effective in the treatment of water.

Spatio-temporal sublittoral macrobenthic distribution and dominant species in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Soft-bottom macrobenthic invertebrates are sensitive to natural or anthropogenic changes in aquatic ecosystems. The distribution patterns of sublittoral macrobenthic species in Guanabara Bay were studied from 2005 to 2007. Samples were collected at ten stations during six surveys throughout the rainfall regime (dry, early and late rainy). Ten replicates were collected at each station by Gravity corer or skin diving. Van Dorn bottles (bottom water) and by Ekman sediment sampler (granulometry) provided material for abiotic data. Stations were grouped into sectors (Entrance, Intermediary and Inner) based on abiotic data and location. The Redundancy Analysis (RDA) and Parsimonious RDA for all years and each annual cycle showed indicator taxa with high dominance in each sector. PERMANOVA indicated a regular seasonality between the surveys for the first annual cycle (p <0.05), and an atypical pattern for the second (p> 0.05), possibly due the low rainfall observed during this period. The mosaic of soft-bottom substrates infers structural variables, and patterns of temporal distribution were basically influenced by parameters those indicating pollution and the SACW (South Atlantic Central Water) intrusion, as well as ecological attributes among species, such as: predation, competition. The Ervilia concentrica and Cypridinidae could be used as indicators for anthropic and natural impacts in the Guanabara Bay for the Entrance sector, while Cyprideis salebrosa and Cyprideis sp. for the Intermediary sector and Heleobia australis for the Inner sector.

Anti-Candida activity of the water-soluble lectin from Moringa oleifera seeds (WSMoL).

This work reports the effects of the water-soluble lectin from Moringa oleifera seeds (WSMoL) on growth and survival of Candida species. In addition, cellular alterations linked to the antifungal effect were investigated. The minimal inhibitory (MIC) and fungicidal (MFC) concentrations were determined and 24-h growth curves in absence and presence of lectin were established. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the induction of apoptosis/necrosis, alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and occurrence of lysosomal damage. WSMoL inhibited the growth of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis with MIC of 20µg/mL. The lowest MFC (20µg/mL) was detected for C. glabrata and the highest (80µg/mL) for C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. The inhibitory effect started from the ninth to nineteenth hour of incubation depending on the fungal species. Incubation with the lectin at the MIC for 24h increased the number of cells undergoing apoptosis and necrosis. Hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane was detected after 12-h treatment, followed by reduction of ΔΨm or depolarization after 24h. No lysosomal damage was detected in treated cells. In conclusion, WSMoL is a fungistatic and fungicide agent against Candida with differential effects depending on the species.

Three new species of Aricidea (Acmira) (Annelida: Paraonidae) from the Continental Shelf of Eastern Brazil, Southwestern Atlantic.

Three new species of the Paraonidae genus Aricidea (Acmira) are described from the Southwestern Atlantic, East Brazilian Continental Shelf (from depths between 11 and 44 m) in the Espírito Santo Basin. The species Aricidea (Acmira) filamentosa sp. nov., Aricidea (Acmira) pearti sp. nov. and Aricidea (Acmira) bbkingi sp. nov. are clearly different from all known species in the genus through its chaetal morphology, number of branchiate chaetigers and shape of antenna. These three species were found in only a few sampling stations, geographically and bathymetrically restricted within a much wider sampled area.

Intra-annual variation in rainfall and it's influence of the adult's Cyprideis spp (Ostracoda, Crustacea) on a eutrophic estuary (Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).

Spatial and temporal distribution of two species of adult´s ostracods (Cyprideis sp. and Cyprideis salebrosa) were studied as a function of the rainfall patterns in the Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Samples were taken in ten stations, along six surveys representing three periods (Dry, Early and Late Rainy) for two years. Stations were nested in four areas (Outer, Central, EPA Guapimirim and Impacted). The bottom water (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and oxygen saturation) were measured in each area to characterize the influence of seasonal variations by rainfall. Cyprideis sp. and Cyprideis salebrosa showed patterns distribution to seasonality/surveys (p = 0,002 and p <0,001, respectly). The spatial distribution of Cyprideis sp was significantly different areas studied (p <0.001) indicated well defined areas and distribution in along of the surveys. However, C. salebrosa showed homogeneous distribution in along of the areas within of each survey (p <0.001). Redundancy Analysis (RDA) for the two years evidenced environment preference of the Cyprideis sp. for areas with marine conditions (high influence for channel central) and C. salebrosa for brackish water (high influence of the rivers). This observation reinforces of the existence of areas created by the seasonality of pluviometric regime, a possible dispersion of the adult's ostracods and possibility the use with bioindicators.