RESUMO
Scrotal surface thermography is a non-invasive method for assessing testicular thermoregulation in stallions; however, few studies have explored the application of this technique concerning the thermal physiology of equine reproductive systems. This study aimed to evaluate the consistency of testicular thermoregulation in stallions over a year using thermography to measure the scrotal surface temperature (SST). Moreover, we assessed the best region for measuring the surface body temperature compared with the SST. Ten light-breed stallions were used in the experiment. Thermographic images of the scrotal and body surfaces (neck and abdomen) were captured. Fresh, cooled and frozen-thawed semen samples were evaluated to verify the impact of thermoregulation on semen quality. Testicular thermoregulation was maintained throughout the year in stallions amidst changes in the external temperature, as evidenced by the weak correlation between the SST and ambient temperature. A lower correlation was observed between the environmental temperature and body surface temperature (BTS) obtained from the abdomen (BTS-A; R = .4772; p < .0001) than with that obtained from the neck (BTS-N; R = .7259; p < .0001). Moreover, both BTS-A and SST were simultaneously captured in a single image. The consistent quality of the fresh, cooled and frozen semen suggests efficient thermoregulation in stallions throughout the year.
Assuntos
Análise do Sêmen , Termografia , Animais , Cavalos , Masculino , Temperatura , Termografia/veterinária , Termografia/métodos , Análise do Sêmen/veterinária , Escroto/fisiologia , Testículo/fisiologia , Sêmen/fisiologiaRESUMO
This study describes the implications of cardiac ventricular microscopy in Chelonia mydas relating to its ability to dive. For this work, 11 specimens of the marine turtle species C. mydas found dead on the coast of Rio Grande do Norte (Northeast Brazil) were used. After necropsy, fragments of the cardiac ventricular wall were fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde solution for 24 h and then subjected to routine processing for light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ventricle in this species is formed by the epicardium, myocardium and endocardium. The subepicardial layer consists of highly vascularised connective tissue that emits septa to reinforce the myocardium surface. There is an abundant and diffuse subepicardial nerve plexus shown by immunostaining technique. The thickness of the spongy myocardium and the nature of its trabeculae varied between the heart chambers. The endocardium shows no characteristic elements of the heart conduction system. The valves have a hyaline cartilage skeleton, coated by dense irregular connective tissues characterised by elastic fibres. These findings in the green turtle ventricular microscopy are related to hypoxia resistance during diving.
Assuntos
Ventrículos do Coração/anatomia & histologia , Imuno-Histoquímica/veterinária , Tartarugas/anatomia & histologia , Animais , Endocárdio/anatomia & histologia , Valvas Cardíacas/anatomia & histologia , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura/veterinária , Miocárdio , Pericárdio/anatomia & histologiaRESUMO
Genomic imprinting is an important epigenetic phenomenon, wherein genes or gene clusters are marked by DNA methylation during gametogenesis. This plays a major role in several functions of normal cells, including cell differentiation, X chromosome inactivation, and the maintenance of chromatin structure, in mammalian development. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible differences in SNRPN gene methylation profiles in non-obese and obese individuals, and in children and adults. Our results did not reveal any statistical correlations between the DNA methylation profiles of the SNRPN gene in children or adult obese and non-obese groups. However, a comparison of the methylation levels with the chronological age revealed statistically significant differences between the means of methylation in adults and children (46.20 ± 5.88 and 39.40 ± 2.87, respectively; P < 0.001). Pearson's correlation analysis indicated a positive association between the level of DNA methylation and the chronological age (R2 = 0.326; P < 0.001). Therefore, we concluded that the methylation profile of the SNRPN promoter (in blood) is not a useful biomarker for determining the predisposition of an individual to obesity. Additionally, we have confirmed that SNRPN methylation increases with age, which raises further questions regarding the role of SNRPN expression during the aging process.
Assuntos
Peso Corporal/genética , Metilação de DNA , Estudos de Associação Genética , Proteínas Centrais de snRNP/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Criança , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Obesidade/genética , Adulto Jovem , Proteínas Centrais de snRNP/químicaRESUMO
Genipa americana is a tropical tree species that is widely distributed in the humid tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. This study investigated Mendelian inheritance, genetic linkage, and genotypic disequilibrium at six microsatellite loci developed for G. americana. Adult trees (188) and regenerants (163) were sampled and genotyped in a fragmented population of the species. We also genotyped open-pollinated seeds from 12 seed-trees during reproductive events in 2010 and 2011. Significant deviations from the expected 1:1 Mendelian segregation were detected in 29.5% of the tests. Significant genetic linkage between pairwise loci was detected in 54.4% of the tests, but no genotypic disequilibrium was detected between pairwise loci for adult trees and regenerants. Overall, the results indicate that the six loci analyzed may be used in studies of G. americana's genetic diversity and structure, its mating system, and in parentage analyses.
Assuntos
Loci Gênicos , Padrões de Herança/genética , Desequilíbrio de Ligação/genética , Repetições de Microssatélites/genética , Rubiaceae/genética , Segregação de Cromossomos/genética , Genótipo , Funções VerossimilhançaRESUMO
High-resolution melting (HRM) is considered an inexpensive, rapid, and attractive methodology for methylation analysis. In the application of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to methylation analysis, amplification efficiencies are biased towards unmethylated, rather than methylated, templates: a phenomenon known as PCR bias. To overcome PCR bias, primers that include CpG site(s) and are fully complementary to the methylated sequence have been proposed. However, genes mapped within imprinted regions usually present higher methylation levels, and an unusual PCR bias towards the methylated template can therefore arise. The manipulation of primer affinity attempts to overcome this problem. We attempted to show that mismatches at the primer's methylated binding sites increase the area between the 50 and 100% methylation plots on the melting curves, and may increase HRM accuracy for samples that have high methylation levels. Sets of primers for imprinted genes that included CpG sites at their binding sequences were designed, and were complementary to methylated or unmethylated templates. Primers fully complementary to methylated templates produced a very small area between the 50 and 100% methylation plots. When using primers that were fully complementary to the unmethylated sequence, we were able to increase the area between the 50 and 100% methylation plots. Therefore, when samples are highly methylated, such as targets in genes mapped in imprinted regions, we propose that primers should favor amplification of the rarest, unmethylated sequence. Primers may be designed to include one CpG at its binding site and be fully complementary to the unmethylated template.
Assuntos
Primers do DNA/metabolismo , Impressão Genômica/genética , Desnaturação de Ácido Nucleico/genética , Adulto , Humanos , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Regiões Promotoras Genéticas/genética , Proteínas/genéticaRESUMO
Generally, the medicinal plants have antifungal substances that can be used for the plant protection against phytopathogens. The objective of this study was to know the efficiency of aqueous extracts from medicinal plants against the major etiological agents of coffee tree. The aqueous extracts used were extracted from bulbs of Allium sativum, leaves of Vernonia polysphaera, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon nardus, Cordia verbenacea, Eucalyptus citriodora, Ricinus communis, Azadirachta indica, Piper hispidinervum and flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum. The etiological agents considered for this study were Cercospora coffeicola, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Phoma tarda, Rhizoctonia solani and Hemileia vastatrix. The screening for harmful extracts was done based on mycelial growth and conidial germination inhibition. All experiments performed were in vitro conditions. The inhibition of mycelial growth was performed mixing the extracts with the PDA. This mixture was poured in Petri dishes. On the center of the dishes was added one PDA disc with mycelium. It was incubated in a chamber set to 25ºC. The evaluation was done daily by measuring the mycelial growth. The germination assessment was also performed with Petri dishes containing agar-water medium at 2%. These were incubated at 25ºC for 24 hours. After this period the interruption of germination was performed using lactoglycerol. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design. The most effective plant extracts against the micelial growth and conidial germination were V. polysphaera, S. aromaticum and A. sativum.
Geralmente, as plantas medicinais têm substâncias antifúngicas que podem ser utilizadas para a proteção das plantas contra fitopatógenos. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer a eficiência de extratos aquosos de plantas medicinais contra os principais agentes etiológicos do cafeeiro. Os extratos aquosos utilizados foram extraídos de bulbos de Allium sativum, folhas de Vernonia polysphaera, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon nardus, Cordia verbenacea, Eucalyptus citriodora, Ricinus communis, Azadirachta indica, Piper hispidinervum e botões florais de Syzygium aromaticum. Os agentes etiológicos considerados neste estudo foram Cercospora coffeicola, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Phoma tarda, Rhizoctonia solani e Hemileia vastatrix. A triagem dos extratos foi realizada com base no crescimento micelial e na inibição da germinação de conídios. Todos os experimentos foram realizados em condições in vitro. A inibição do crescimento micelial foi realizada misturando-se os extratos com PDA. Esta mistura foi vertida em placas de Petri. No centro das placas foi adicionado um disco de PDA com micélio. Incubou-se em câmara programada para 25°C. A avaliação foi feita diariamente através da medição do crescimento micelial. O experimento sobre a germinação também foi realizado com placas com meio ágar-água a 2%. Estas foram incubadas durante 24 horas. Após este período, a interrupção da germinação foi realizada utilizando lactoglicerol. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os extratos de plantas mais eficazes contra o crescimento micelial e germinação de conídios foram V. polysphaera, S. aromaticum e A. sativum.
Assuntos
Plantas Medicinais/efeitos adversos , Extratos Vegetais/análise , Coffea/metabolismo , Antifúngicos/classificação , Controle de Pragas/instrumentaçãoRESUMO
Cariniana legalis is one of the largest tropical trees with a wide distribution in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. We investigated the Mendelian inheritance, genetic linkage, and genotypic disequilibrium at seven microsatellite loci specifically isolated for C. legalis, and at two previously developed heterologous microsatellite loci. Forty to 100 open-pollinated seeds were collected from 22 seed-trees in two populations. Using the Bonferroni correction, no remarkable deviations from the expected Mendelian segregation, linkage, or genotypic disequilibrium were detected in the nine loci studied. Only 3.7% of the tests were significant for investigations of the Mendelian proportions. On the other hand, only 2.8% of tests for linkage detection showed significance. In addition, among all pairwise tests used for investigating linkage disequilibrium, significance was found in 9.7% of the locus pairs. Our results show clear evidence that the nine simple sequence repeat loci can be used without restriction in genetic diversity, mating system, and parentage analyses.
Assuntos
Lecythidaceae/genética , Desequilíbrio de Ligação , Repetições de Microssatélites , Genes de PlantasRESUMO
PURPOSE: To study the efficacy and the safety of ultrasound biomicroscopy assisted canaloplasty in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) METHODS: A prospective study of uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma patients, or patients with cataracts associated with controlled or uncontrolled OAG under maximal medical therapy who had been subjected to canaloplasty alone or combined with cataract surgery, respectively. Complications, Goldmann intraocular pressure (IOP) and mean number of drugs (ND) were evaluated at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and every 3 months. RESULTS: Thirty five surgeries were performed (11 canaloplasties, 24 phaco-canaloplasties). The mean IOP (mmHg) dropped from 24.5±5.1, in canaloplasty, and from 19.8±6.4, in phacocanaloplasty, preoperatively, to medium-low levels at all follow-up periods (13.5±1.0 and 11.0±4.2, at 1 year in canaloplasty and phaco-canaloplasty, respectively). The number of grugs used dropped from 3.3±0.5 before surgery to less than of 1 in all follow-up periods (0.5±0.8 at 1 year). The complications were 2 microruptures of the trabeculodescemetic window, 5 entries in the collector channels, 5 choroidal space/anterior chamber passages, 10 hyphemas, 3 hypotonies, one peripheral Descemet detachment, one intracorneal hematoma, two peripheral anterior synechia, one internal iris prolapse, and two suture extrusions to the anterior chamber. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy assisted Canaloplasty, alone or combined, provided a sustained IOP reduction to medium-low levels, led to a decrease in the number of drugs and had a good safety profile, making this a good alternative to trabeculectomy.
Assuntos
Glaucoma de Ângulo Aberto/cirurgia , Esclera/cirurgia , Técnicas de Sutura , Idoso , Feminino , Glaucoma de Ângulo Aberto/diagnóstico por imagem , Humanos , Masculino , Microscopia Acústica , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Oftalmológicos/métodos , Estudos Prospectivos , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Over the past century, the Brazilian Atlantic forest has been reduced to small, isolated fragments of forest. Reproductive isolation theories predict a loss of genetic diversity and increases in inbreeding and spatial genetic structure (SGS) in such populations. We analysed eight microsatellite loci to investigate the pollen and seed dispersal patterns, genetic diversity, inbreeding and SGS of the tropical tree Copaifera langsdorffii in a small (4.8 ha), isolated population. All 112 adult trees and 128 seedlings found in the stand were sampled, mapped and genotyped. Seedlings had significantly lower levels of genetic diversity (A=16.5±0.45, mean±95% s.e.; H(e)=0.838±0.006) than did adult trees (A=23.2±0.81; H(e)=0.893±0.030). Parentage analysis did not indicate any seed immigration (m(seeds)=0) and the pollen immigration rate was very low (m(pollen)=0.047). The average distance of realized pollen dispersal within the stand was 94 m, with 81% of the pollen travelling <150 m. A significant negative correlation was found between the frequency and distance of pollen dispersal (r=-0.79, P<0.01), indicating that short-distance pollinations were more frequent. A significant SGS for both adults (â¼50 m) and seedlings (â¼20 m) was also found, indicating that most of the seeds were dispersed over short distances. The results suggested that the spatial isolation of populations by habitat fragmentation can restrict seed and pollen gene flow, increase SGS and affect the genetic diversity of future generations.
Assuntos
Fabaceae/genética , Fluxo Gênico , Variação Genética , Pólen/genética , Sementes/genética , Árvores/genética , Brasil , População , Plântula/genética , Plântula/fisiologiaRESUMO
Este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a presença de lesäo e seu efeito sobre a competência funcional do mecanismo da anticoagulaçäo natural. Foram analizadas 45 amostras de sangue de pacientes com angina de peito (n=11), indivíduos com alto risco para desenvolverem essas doenças, porém, assintomáticos (n=16) e de indivíduos sadios empregados como controle (n=10). Foram realizadas a avaliaçäo de trombomodulina (marcador de lesäo endotelial), da agregaçäo plaquetária, do fibrinogênio, do fator VIII e da proteína C, essa envolvida no sistema da anticoagulaçäo natural. Os níveis de trombomodulina, fator VIII e fibrinogênio se mostraram elevados nos pacientes com infarto e angina, ao contrário da proteína C, que se mostrou diminuída nesses pacientes, quando comparados ao controle. Diferenças entre os grupos controle e de risco foram observadas apenas para o teste da agregaçäo plaquetária, cujos resultados foram similares para os grupos de risco, angina e infarto, sugerindo que este teste pode ser utilizado como um parâmetro preditivo de risco para doença coronariana. Uma interpretaçäo dos resultados permite estabelecer a ocorrência de lesäo endotelial e sua consequência sobre a competência funcional do sistema da anticoagulaçäo em pacientes com tais doenças, resultando em um desequilíbrio entre procoagulantes e anticoagulantes, o que favorece a formaçäo de trombo.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fármacos Hematológicos , Testes de Coagulação Sanguínea , Doença das Coronárias/sangue , Fator VIII/análise , Fibrinogênio/análise , Agregação Plaquetária , Proteína C , Trombomodulina/sangue , Angina Pectoris , Endotélio Vascular/lesões , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Infarto do Miocárdio/diagnóstico , Transtornos Hemostáticos/diagnóstico , Trombose Coronária/diagnósticoRESUMO
As atividades colinesterases no sangue säo utilizadas como bioindicadores na exposiçäo aos inseticidas organofosforatos. Neste trabalho foram estudadas as atividades da pseudocolinesterases plasmática (chE-P) e da acetilcolinesterase eritrocitária (chE-E) em 101 indivíduos considerados sadios, näo expostos ocupacionalmente às substâncias anticolinesterásicas, para se estabelecer valores de referência destes indicadores. As atividades enzimáticas foram determinadas pelo método de Ellman e cols. modificado. Para atestar o estado de saúde dos voluntários, foram também realizadas análises de alguns parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos. Os valores médios (intervalo de confiança 95 porcento) dos indicadores pesquisados foram de 8,8 DA/min/mL (8,4 - 9,3) e de 54,9 (52,9 - 56,9), respectivamente para a chE-P e a chE-E. Os resultados deste trabalho podem ser utilizados como de referência das atividades enzimáticas, quando valores de pré-exposiçäo individual näo forem disponíveis, situaçäo comum, principalmente, em casos de intoxicaçäo por inseticidas organofosforados. Näo foi notada diferença estatisticamente significativa nos resultados quando a populaçäo foi subdividida de acordo com o sexo e a faixa etária. O uso do tabaco, o local de morada e o tipo de trabalho, entre outros, näo afetaram os níveis enzimáticos da colinesterases
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adolescente , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Colinesterases/sangue , Eritrócitos , Inseticidas Organofosforados , Plasma/enzimologia , Fatores Etários , Inseticidas/intoxicação , Valores de Referência , Fatores SexuaisRESUMO
The authors report the case of a patient with severe Guillain-Barré syndrome (tetraplegic and on mechanical ventilation), that was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), 2 g/Kg. At first, there was clinical improvement, followed by clinical deterioration two weeks later. On the second course of IVIg there was, again, clinical improvement and then deterioration, 65 days after treatment. Finally, on the third course of treatment definitive recovery was achieved and no more relapses happened so far (three years after the treatment). The authors review the literature about fluctuations related to treatment with IVIg. Conclusions are that these patients should be closely observed during the first weeks after IVIg treatment, and that further studies are still necessary to elaborate alternative protocols on the prevention of these cases.
Assuntos
Imunoglobulinas Intravenosas/uso terapêutico , Polirradiculoneuropatia/tratamento farmacológico , Adulto , Eletromiografia , Humanos , Imunoglobulinas Intravenosas/farmacologia , Masculino , Músculo Esquelético/efeitos dos fármacos , Músculo Esquelético/fisiologia , Recidiva , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
PIP: This study determines knowledge, attitude, and practice of diet and nutrition during pregnancy among women in Karachi, Pakistan. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained from a randomized convenience sample of 150 pregnant women from outpatient clinics of 3 hospitals: Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi Adventist Hospital, and Civil Hospital. Daily caloric intake was based on a single day. Two dietary patterns were observed. Meals among individuals with monthly income under Rs. 5000 consisted of flatbread, lentils, and/or vegetables. Meat was eaten under twice/week. Calories came primarily from flatbread, cereals, and cooking oil. Those with income over Rs. 10,000/month ate a great variety of foods and meat frequently. The source of calories was diverse and more balanced. The women preferred milk and fresh fruit during pregnancy. Milk was desired for fetal bone development, enhanced lactation, good skin, and a settled stomach. Desired foods were described as cold and justified since the womb was a source of heat production. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) groups did not trust their judgment about beneficial foods and could not afford the foods they desired. Many women had food avoidances, such as hot foods. The percentage of women with food avoidances increased with increased SES. Most women valued increased food consumption during pregnancy, but 68% did not increase their caloric intake and 40% decreased caloric intake. The mean caloric intakes, from low to high SES, were 1087, 1656, and 1750 kcal/day/woman, respectively.^ieng
Assuntos
Países em Desenvolvimento , Comportamento Alimentar/psicologia , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Necessidades Nutricionais , Gravidez/psicologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Registros de Dieta , Feminino , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Paquistão , Estudos de AmostragemRESUMO
Complex iron compounds are being used as iron suppliers. Bioavailability of their iron was tested through several parameters. A biological iron prophylactic study in rats was simultaneously carried out with three of these iron complexes products: ferric orthophosphate, iron sodium EDTA and iron glycine chelate. Their iron biodisponibility was compared to that of ferrous sulfate. Five low iron diets were prepared according to AOAC method. Four of them were enriched to a level of 20 mg Fe/kg, with ferrous sulfate and the 3 iron complexes salts under study. These diets were offered to 5 groups of 6 weanling rats each in an iron prophylactic test. Food intake was measured during 5 weeks, weight checked weekly, blood and liver collected for analyses. Weight gain, hemoglobin, hematocrit, transferrin saturation, iron hemoglobin, biodisponibility and relative iron biological values were calculated. The prophylactic iron rat assay proved to be a feasible and practical model to test and compare iron salts biodisponibility. NaFeEDTA and iron aminochelate produced similar results as ferrous sulfate and their iron has a high biological value for the rats. Orthophosphate iron had lower biological value when compared to the reference standard ferrous sulfate and the other complex products studied.
Assuntos
Compostos de Ferro/farmacocinética , Animais , Disponibilidade Biológica , Dieta , Ácido Edético/farmacocinética , Compostos Férricos/farmacocinética , Compostos Ferrosos/farmacocinética , Glicina/análogos & derivados , Glicina/farmacocinética , Hematócrito , Hemoglobinas/metabolismo , Ferro/administração & dosagem , Masculino , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Transferrina/metabolismo , DesmameRESUMO
Fifty eight patients with spontaneous lobar hemorrhage of a 264 patients series with intracerebral hemorrhage seen during a six years period are reviewed. Twenty nine had arterial hypertension, 9 had other etiologies, and in the remaining 20 cases no apparent etiology was detected. Headache was a prominent symptom and occurred in 56%. Seizures occurred in 12%. Coma was infrequent. Clinical findings on admission depended on the location of the hematoma. Lobar hemorrhage occurred most commonly in the parietal region. Mortality rate was 8.6%. Size of hematoma (larger than 4 cm) on CT and altered consciousness on admission correlated with poor outcome.
Assuntos
Hemorragia Cerebral/diagnóstico , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Angiopatia Amiloide Cerebral/complicações , Hemorragia Cerebral/etiologia , Hemorragia Cerebral/fisiopatologia , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Hipertensão/complicações , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Lobo Parietal/fisiopatologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios XRESUMO
Fifty eight patients with spontaneous lobar hemorrhage of a 264 patients series with intracerebral hemorrhage seen during a six years period are reviewed. Twenty nine had arterial hypertension, 9 had other etiologies, and in the remaining 20 cases no apparent etiology was detected. Headache was a prominent symptom and occurred in 56%. Seizures occurred in 12%. Coma was infrequent. Clinical findings on admission depended on the location of the hematoma. Lobar hemorrhage occurred most commonly in the parietal region. Mortality rate was 8.6%. Size of hematoma (larger than 4 cm) on CT and altered consciousness on admission correlated with poor outcome.