Intra and inter populational genetic variability in Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reiss. 1861, through RAPD markers.

Maytenus ilicifolia is a medicinal plant largely used in the South Brazilian folk medicine. The aim of this study was to quantify the intra and inter populational genetic variability in three populations of M. ilicifolia, focusing on the genetic conservation of this species, which has been threatened by anthropic action. RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers were used to analyze 30 plants of each of the three populations collected in the Alto Uruguai Gaúcho region. Fourteen selected primers generated a total of 158 bands, 71.5% of which were polymorphic. The comparison of Jaccards distances showed that the intra populational variation was higher than the inter populational variability, and cluster analysis allowed the separation of the three populations. Just 7.6% of the bands were specific of at least two populations. Data indicate that the analyzed M. ilicifolia populations represent a single genetic pool, and therefore any of the population thoroughly can represent the overall genetic variability of the species in the sampled region.

Comparative bioavailability of two losartan formulations in healthy human volunteers after a single dose administration.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the bioavailability of two potassic losartan immediate release tablet (50 mg) formulations (Losartan from Laboratórios Cristália Ltd., Brazil, as a test formulation and Cozaar from Merck Sharp & Dohme Farmacêutica Ltd., Brazil, as a reference formulation) in 25 volunteers of both sexes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in an open, randomized, 2-period crossover design and a 1-week washout period. Plasma samples were obtained over a 24-hour interval. The concentrations of losartan and its active metabolite losartan acid were analyzed by combined reversed phase liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) with negative ion electrospray ionization using a selected ion monitoring method. From the losartan and losartan acid plasma concentrations vs. time curves the following pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained: AUClast, AUC0-inf and Cmax. RESULTS: The geometric mean and respective 90% confidence interval (CI) of Losartan/Cozaar losartan percent ratios were 92.9% (82.2-105.0%) for Cmax, 99.0% (92.5-105.9%) for AUClast, and 99.1% (92.7-105.8%) for AUC0-inf. Furthermore, the geometric mean and respective 90% CI of Losartan/Cozaar losartan acid percent ratios were 98.5% (91.5-106.0%) for Cmax, 97.9% (93.3 102.7%) for AUClast, and 98.1% (93.6-102.9%) for AUC0-inf. CONCLUSION: Since the 90% CI for Cmax, AUClast and AUC0-inf were within the 80-125% interval proposed by the US Food and Drug Administration, it was concluded that the potassic losartan immediate release 50 mg tablet was bioequivalent to the Cozaar immediate release 50 mg tablet, according to both the rate and extent of absorption. While there were no significant differences in the bioequivalence assessed by either losartan or losartan acid, future bioequivalence studies on losartan may be performed by quantifying losartan alone as the parent compounds are more discriminative.

Oocyte development and fecundity type of the Brazilian Snapper Lutjanus alexandrei Moura & Lindeman, 2007 (Perciformes: Lutjanidae).

Lutjanid species exhibit multiple spawning behaviour during an extended spawning season in warm months, asynchronous oocyte development and indeterminate fecundity. Although early studies have contributed to knowledge of the reproductive cycle of many species within the group, they have not considered aspects about the number of cortical alveoli oocyte stage throughout maturity phases along spawning season. The latter aspect is also considered very important to confirm indeterminate fecundity hypothesis. In the present study, were analyzed 154 Brazilian snapper Lutjanus alexandrei female gonads obtained from artisanal fisheries in Pernambuco State (Brazil) between October 2010 and March 2011. Were measured oocyte size frequency distribution for maturity phases (developing, spawning capable and actively spawning), and oocyte development stage (unyolked oocytes, cortical alveoli, primary, secondary and tertiary vitellogenic oocytes and hydrated oocytes), and also the oocyte stage frequency during spawning season. The frequency of cortical alveoli oocyte stage was constantly found in the spawning period (>37%), showing slight variation throughout maturity phases. The absence of gap in the oocyte size frequency distribution between primary and secondary oocyte growth stages during spawning season is a strong indicator of continuous oocyte recruitment from reserve stocks. In addition, co-occurrence of tertiary vitellogenic oocytes, hydrated oocytes, post-ovulatory follicles and yellow-brown bodies in the histological sections of ovaries reinforce indeterminate fecundity hypothesis.

Survey of acarin fauna in dust samplings of curtains in the city of Campinas, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to investigate the mite fauna present in 33 living room and 22 bedroom curtain dust samples from 41 different homes in the southern Brazilian city of Campinas, SP. A total of 148 mite bodies were found. Of these, 83 were found in living-room curtain samples (56.1% of total) and 65 were in bedroom curtain dust samples (43.9%). The most frequently observed mite suborders were: Acaridida (n = 79; 53.4%), Actinedida (n=53; 35.8%), Oribatida (n=14; 9.5%), and Gamasida (n=2; 1.3%). The most frequent families were Pyroglyphidae (n=61; 41.2%), Eriophyidae (n=25; 16.9%), Tarsonemidae (n=15; 10.1%), and Glycyphagidae (n=13; 8.8%). No statistical difference was observed between the number of mites found in the samples from living room and bedroom curtains.

Metabolic stress and reproductive features in post-partum goats supplemented for a long period with detoxified castor meal as the source of dietary nitrogen / Estresse metabólico e características reprodutivas em cabras pós-parto suplementadas por longo período com mamona desintoxicada como fonte de nitrogênio na dieta

This study evaluated the effect of detoxified castor meal on the reproductive performance, metabolic stress, milk production, and kid development in peripartum goats. The diet of the animals were with (DCM, n= 20) or without (WDCM, n= 21) detoxified castor meal during the entire gestation and until weaning, 60 days post-birth. No differences were observed in the gestation period, litter size, rate of multiple births, and mortality between the two groups. The postpartum plasma concentrations of progesterone remained below 1ng/mL in all animals, thus, confirming the absence of active corpora lutea. The thickness of sternum adipose tissue and loin area, levels of urea and cholesterol, milk production, and daily weight gain in the kids were low in the DCM group when compared to those in the WDCM group (P< 0.05). To conclude, the use of detoxified castor meal in peripartum goats resulted in lower level of performance in the kids because of reductions in the amount of milk received from their mothers during lactation. In addition, the diet containing detoxified castor meals was not efficient in recovering from the loss of stored body reserves able to initiate the recovery of the cyclic activity of the goats.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou o efeito da torta de mamona desintoxicada na reprodução, no estresse metabólico, na produção de leite e no desenvolvimento de cabritos no periparto de cabras. Um grupo foi alimentado com torta de mamona (DCM, n=20), e o outro (WDCM, n=21) não recebeu tal suplemento , durante a gestação até o desmame, 60 dias pós-parto. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no período de gestação, no número de cabritos, na taxa de partos múltiplos e na mortalidade entre os dois grupos. Em todos os animais, a concentração plasmática de progesterona ficou abaixo de 1ng/mL, confirmando a ausência de atividade lútea. A espessura da gordura subcutânea do esterno e da área de olho-de-lombo, a concentração de ureia e colesterol, a produção de leite e o ganho de peso dos cabritos foram menores no grupo DCM (P<0,05). Conclui-se que o uso de torta de mamona desintoxicada no periparto de cabra resultou em cabritos mais leves devido à redução na produção de leite das matrizes e as cabras não retornaram ao cio, pois não recuperaram a massa corporal.(AU)

Meat quality assessment from young goats fed for long periods with castor de-oiled cake.

Diet can influence both the qualitative and quantitative traits of ruminant meat. This study evaluated the effects of castor de-oiled cake on the meat of mixed-breed male goat kids. After 165days of diet treatment, no alterations (p>0.05) were observed in the in vivo performance, anatomic components, dissection and proximate composition of the Longissimus dorsi muscle, as well as in the color and pH of the carcasses. However, diet had an effect (p<0.05) on energy metabolites, fatty acid profile, and expression of certain proteins of the Longissimus dorsi muscle. To conclude, this study showed that the establishment of castor de-oiled cake diet for a long period to goats led to alterations in meat quality, without compromising its consumption qualities.

Growth, testis size, spermatogenesis, semen parameters and seminal plasma and sperm membrane protein profile during the reproductive development of male goats supplemented with de-oiled castor cake.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of de-oiled castor cake on reproductive traits of crossbreed goats. Fourteen males were grouped into two lots (n = 7/group), as described: group without de-oiled castor cake (WCC) and group fed with de-oiled castor cake (CC). Goats received two diets containing a mixture of Bermudagrass hay and concentrates with the same energy (73% total digestive nutrients) and protein content (15% crude protein) during 150 days, corresponding to ages from 40 (puberty) to 60 weeks. Blood plasma concentrations of urea, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase and testosterone were determined. We also evaluated scrotal circumference, sperm parameters, quantitative aspects of spermatogenesis and daily sperm production (DSP), as well as the proteome of seminal plasma and sperm membrane. Seminal fluid and sperm proteins were analyzed by 2D SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. After 150 days of castor cake feeding, animals had no changes in the biochemical composition of blood plasma, suggesting the absence of intoxication by ingestion of ricin. There were no alterations in dry mater intake, weight gain, testis size, peripheral concentrations of testosterone, sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Sertoli and germ cell populations in the testis and DSP were not affected either. However, there were significant variations in the expression of five seminal plasma proteins and four sperm membrane proteins. In conclusion, the replacement of soybean meal by castor cake (with ricin concentrations of 50mg/kg) did not interfere with the growth and core reproductive development of male goats. However, the diet with ricin altered the expression of certain seminal plasma and sperm membrane proteins, which play roles in sperm function and fertilization. Lower expression of these proteins may impair the ricin-fed animals to perform as high-fertility sires.

Comparative bioavailability of 4 amoxicillin formulations in healthy human volunteers after a single dose administration.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the bioavailability of two amoxicillin oral suspension (250 mg/5 ml) formulations and two amoxicillin capsule (500 mg) formulations (Amoxicilina from Medley S/A Indústria Farmaceûtica, Brazil, as test formulations and Amoxil from SmithKline Beecham Laboratórios Ltda., Brazil, as reference formulations) in 48 volunteers of both sexes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted open with a randomized two-period crossover design and a one-week washout period. Plasma samples were obtained over a 12-hour interval. Amoxicillin concentrations were analyzed by combined reversed phase liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) with positive ion electrospray ionization using the selected ion monitoring method. From the amoxicillin plasma concentration vs. time curves the following pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained: AUC(last), AUC(0-infinity) and Cmax. RESULTS: Geometric mean of Amoxicilina/Amoxil 250 mg/5 ml individual percent ratio was 103.70% for AUC(last), 103.15% for AUC(0-infinity) and 106.79% for Cmax. The 90% confidence intervals were 97.82-109.94%, 97.40 to 109.24%, and 96.38-118.33%, respectively. Geometric mean of Amoxicilina/Amoxil 500 mg capsule individual percent ratio was 93.26% for AUC(last), 93.27% for AUC(0-infinity) and 90.74% for Cmax. The 90% confidence intervals were 85.0-102.33%, 85.12-102.31%, and 80.14-102.73%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Since the 90% CI for both Cmax, AUC(last) and AUC(0-inifnity) were within the 80-125% interval proposed by the Food and Drug Administration, it was concluded that Amoxicilina 250 mg/5 ml oral suspension and Amoxicilina 500 mg capsule were bioequivalent to Amoxil 250 mg/5 ml oral suspension and to Amoxil capsule 500 mg, respectively, with regard to both the rate and extent of absorption.

Bioequivalence study of two fluconazole capsule formulations in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the bioavailability of a fluconazole 150 mg capsule formulation from Laboratório Teuto Brasileiro Ltd., Brazil (test formulation), and Zoltec 150 mg capsule from Laboratórios Pfizer Ltd., Brazil (reference formulation), in 24 volunteers of both sexes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted open with randomized 2-period crossover design and a 2-week washout period. Plasma samples were obtained over a 168-hour interval. Fluconazole concentrations were analyzed by combined reversed-phase liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with positive ion electrospray ionization using selected ion monitoring method. From the fluconazole plasma concentration vs. time curves the following pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained: AUC(last), AUC(0-inf) and C(max). RESULTS: Geometric mean of fluconazole/Zoltec 150 mg individual percent ratio was 102.6% for AUC(last), 102.2% for AUC(0-inf) and 109.4% for C(max). The 90% confidence intervals were 97.3-108.2%, 97.0-107.8%, and 103.1-116.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Since the 90% CI for both Cmax, AUC(last) and AUC(0-inf) were within the 80-125% interval proposed by the Food and Drug Administration, it was concluded that fluconazole 150 mg capsule was bioequivalent to Zoltec 150 mg, according to both the rate and extent of absorption.

Cyclosporine bioequivalence study: quantification using fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was to compare the bioavailability of 2 cyclosporine capsule formulations (100 mg; Sigmasporin Microoral from Novaquímica Divisão Nature's Plus Farmacêutica Ltd., Brazil, as test formulation and Sandimmune Neoral from Novartis Biociências S.A., Brazil, as reference formulation) in 24 healthy male volunteers. METHODS: The study was open, randomized, with a 2-period crossover, a 1-week washout interval between doses. Blood samples were obtained over a 12-hour interval after each oral administration of cyclosporine (2 capsules of 100 mg of each formulation). Cyclosporine blood concentrations were quantified using a fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) method provided by Abbott Axsym System and Cyclo-Trac SP. Whole-blood radioimmuoassay (RIA) kit was provided by DiaSorin. These assays provided concentration-time curves for cyclosporine in blood concentration from which the following pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained: AUC(last), AUC(inf), Cmax. RESULTS: Geometric mean and 90% confidence intervals (CI) of Microoral/Neoral as percent ratios were 94.5% (90.8-98.4%) for AUC(last), 93.8% (89.7-98.1%) for AUC(inf), and 98.1% (94.5-101.8%) for Cmax when cyclosporine was determined using FPIA and 96.1% (91.9 to 100.6%) for AUC(last), 95.2% (90.2-100.5%) for AUC(inf), and 99.4% (96.4-102.4%) for Cmax using RIA. CONCLUSION: Since the 90% CI for Cmax, AUC(last) and AUC(inf) ratio were within the 80-125% interval proposed by US-FDA, it is concluded that Sigmasporin Microoral 100 mg capsule formulation is bioequivalent to Sandimmune Neoral 100 mg capsule formulation with regard to both rate and the extent of absorption.

Comparative expression profiles of genes related to oocyte development in goats after long-term feeding with biodiesel castor industry residues.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the consumption of detoxified castor meal (DCM) by goats over a long period of time affects mRNA levels in oocytes, and in mural granulosa and cumulus cells. A total of 41 adult does were supplemented (DCM group, n=21) or not (control group, n=20) with detoxified castor meal (DCM) for a period of 500 days. Then, 13 and 12 does were randomly selected for slaughter from the DCM and control treatments groups, respectively, for the determination of the number of visible ovarian follicles, retrieved cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), and viable and non-viable oocytes. The relative expression levels for distinct genes were determined by quantitative PCR in viable immature oocytes prior to in vitro maturation (IVM), in oocytes attaining or not the metaphase stage after IVM, as well as in granulosa cells obtained upon oocyte collection, and in cumulus cells obtained after IVM. The number of follicles ≥4 mm did not differ between treatments (overall mean 23.3 ± 2.0) and no significant differences were observed in the recovery of viable, non-viable, or total mean numbers of oocytes (control group: 44.7 ± 4.6, DCM group: 54.9 ± 5.9, respectively) between control and DCM fed goats. The maturation rate was significantly higher for control than DCM oocytes (58.0% vs. 45.3%; P<0.05). The mRNA levels in immature COC for controls were significantly higher for GLUT1 and lower for HSP70 (P<0.05) than for DCM. Following maturation, MII oocytes from both treatments had mRNA levels that were significantly higher for GDF9 and lower for BMP15 than for NC oocytes (P<0.05). In cumulus cells, the mRNA levels were significantly higher for LHR, FSHR, LeptinR, and IGF1, and lower for MnSOD in the control group compared with the DCM group (P<0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of DCM in goat feed for long periods of time changed gene expression in immature oocytes and in cumulus cells. This was reflected by a decrease in the in vitro oocyte maturation rate.

Goat oocyte quality and competence to undergo IVM and embryo development after parthenogenetic activation from goats fed with different levels of cashew nut bran as source of dietary lipids.

Lipid-rich and energy-dense diets can have significant effects on the reproductive physiology, including the ovarian function and fertility. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of cashew nut bran supplementation as a lipid source on follicle development, plasma and intrafollicular concentrations of cholesterol, and developmental competence of in vitro-matured goat oocytes. The inclusion of cashew nut bran as 24% of the goats' diet for 28 days increased the percentage and number of degenerated oocytes compared with the control (P < 0.05), and also the plasma cholesterol levels and the proportion of grade IV oocytes compared with all other treatments (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant reduction was observed in the proportion of viable oocytes compared with the control and in the percentage of grade II oocytes compared with all other treatments (P < 0.05). Oocyte maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst rates after parthenogenetic activation of viable oocytes were not affected by the type of diet. In conclusion, the inclusion of cashew nut bran as 24% of the diet of adult goats for 28 days changed plasma cholesterol levels and reduced the proportion of viable immature oocytes; however, the 12% and 24% diet supplementations with cashew nut bran did not interfere with competence of resulting viable oocytes to reach the metaphase II stage after IVM, and to develop after parthenogenetic activation.

Hepatic photosensitization in buffaloes intoxicated by Brachiaria decumbens in Minas Gerais state, Brazil.

The aim of this paper is to report the study of hepatogenous photosensitization in buffaloes during two outbreaks provoked by ingestion of Brachiaria decumbens in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Ten young buffaloes in outbreak 1 and seven buffaloes in outbreak 2 were intoxicated by B. decumbens. Nine clinically healthy buffaloes raised under the same conditions as the sick animals served as the control group. All animals were subjected to clinical examination, and serum was collected to measure gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), direct bilirubin (DB), indirect bilirubin (IB) and total bilirubin (TB) as indicators of liver function and urea and creatinine as indicators of renal function. Histopathology of liver fragments from five different animals was carried out. During the outbreaks and every two months for one year, samples of grass from paddocks where the animals got sick were collected for quantitative evaluation of the saponin protodioscin, combined with observations of pasture characteristics and daily rainfall. Clinical signs included apathy, weight loss, restlessness, scar retraction of the ears and intense itching at the skin lesions, mainly on the rump, the tail head, neck and hindlimbs, similar to the signs observed in other ruminants. Only the GGT enzyme presented significantly different (P < 0.01) serum levels between intoxicated animals (n = 17) and healthy animals (n = 9), indicating liver damage in buffaloes bred in B. decumbens pastures. Microscopy of the liver showed foamy macrophages and lesions of liver disease associated with the presence of crystals in the bile ducts, which have also been found in sheep and cattle poisoned by grasses of the genus Brachiaria. During the outbreaks, protodioscin levels were higher than 3%, and shortly after, these levels were reduced to less than 0.80%, suggesting a hepatic injury etiology. The outbreaks took place at the beginning of the rainy season, and there was a positive correlation between saponin and the amount of rainfall, as well as between saponin and the amount of green leaves in the pasture. These findings indicate that the grass was more toxic in this period. This is the first report of photosensitization by B. decumbens in buffalo.

Oocyte development and fecundity type of the Brazilian Snapper Lutjanus alexandrei Moura & Lindeman, 2007 (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) / Desenvolvimento ovocitário e tipo de fecundidade da baúna de fogo Lutjanus alexandrei Moura & Lindeman, 2007 (Perciformes: Lutjanidae)

Abstract Lutjanid species exhibit multiple spawning behaviour during an extended spawning season in warm months, asynchronous oocyte development and indeterminate fecundity. Although early studies have contributed to knowledge of the reproductive cycle of many species within the group, they have not considered aspects about the number of cortical alveoli oocyte stage throughout maturity phases along spawning season. The latter aspect is also considered very important to confirm indeterminate fecundity hypothesis. In the present study, were analyzed 154 Brazilian snapper Lutjanus alexandrei female gonads obtained from artisanal fisheries in Pernambuco State (Brazil) between October 2010 and March 2011. Were measured oocyte size frequency distribution for maturity phases (developing, spawning capable and actively spawning), and oocyte development stage (unyolked oocytes, cortical alveoli, primary, secondary and tertiary vitellogenic oocytes and hydrated oocytes), and also the oocyte stage frequency during spawning season. The frequency of cortical alveoli oocyte stage was constantly found in the spawning period (>37%), showing slight variation throughout maturity phases. The absence of gap in the oocyte size frequency distribution between primary and secondary oocyte growth stages during spawning season is a strong indicator of continuous oocyte recruitment from reserve stocks. In addition, co-occurrence of tertiary vitellogenic oocytes, hydrated oocytes, post-ovulatory follicles and yellow-brown bodies in the histological sections of ovaries reinforce indeterminate fecundity hypothesis.

Resumo Os lutjanídeos apresentam um comportamento de desovas parceladas ao longo de uma extensa estação reprodutiva nos meses mais quentes do ano, desenvolvimento assincrônico dos ovócitos e padrão de regulação de fecundidade indeterminado. Embora muitos estudos anteriores tenham contribuído no conhecimento do ciclo reprodutivo das espécies do grupo, não foram considerados os aspectos relacionados ao percentual dos ovócitos em estágio de cortical alveoli entre as fases de maturidade sexual durante a estação reprodutiva. Este último aspecto, considerado importante para confirmação da hipótese de fecundidade do tipo indeterminada. Para isso, no presente trabalho foram analisadas 154 gônadas de fêmeas da baúna de fogo Lutjanus alexandrei obtidas da pesca artesanal em Pernambuco entre o período de outubro de 2010 a março de 2011. Foram mensurados os diâmetros dos ovócitos nas fases de maturidade sexual (desenvolvimento, capaz de desovar e ativamente desovando), e para todos os estágios ovocitários (ovócitos pre-vitelogênicos, cortical alveolar, vitelogênese primária, secundária, terciária e ovócitos hidratados), e avaliada a frequência de ocorrência ao longo do período de desova. O percentual de ovócitos em estágio cortical alveoli permaneceu constante durante o período de reprodutivo (> 37%), apresentando pouca variação entre as fases de maturidade sexual. A ausência de um intervalo na frequência de diâmetro dos ovócitos em crescimento primário e secundário entre todas as fases de maturidade sexual é um forte indicador de recrutamento contínuo de ovócitos do estoque de reserva. Além disso, a presença conjunta de ovócitos em vitelogênese terciária, ovócitos hidratados, folículos pós-ovulatórios e corpos amarelados nos cortes histológicos reforçam a hipótese de fecundidade do tipo indeterminada.

Cholesterol addition protects membrane intactness during cryopreservation of stallion sperm.

Addition of cholesterol to sperm membranes improved equine sperm stability during semen cryopreservation; however, it also reduced in vivo fertility. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of adding cholesterol to stallion sperm prior to freezing, and subsequently removing it from frozen-thawed sperm. Semen from 12 stallions was subjected to four treatments: (T1) control, semen was diluted with Kenney extender, centrifuged, and resuspended to 100 x 10(6)spermatozoa/mL in INRA 82 freezing extender, packaged into 0.5-mL straws, cooled to 5 degrees C, and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen; (T2) T1 with the addition of cholesterol before cooling (the cholesterol was incorporated to the sperm membranes with the methyl-beta-cyclodextrin-cholesterol complex); (T3) T2 with post-thaw removal of the cholesterol with 0.052 mg methyl-beta-cyclodextrin/50 x 10(6) sperm; and (T4) T3 with 0.156 mg methyl-beta-cyclodextrin/50 x 10(6) sperm. Sperm progressive motility and functional integrity of sperm plasma membranes were evaluated microscopically and by the hyposmotic swelling test, respectively. Using flow cytometry, physical integrity of sperm plasma membranes was assessed with propidium iodide, acrosomal integrity with fluoresceinated lectin peanut agglutinin, and rate of sperm acrosome reaction induced with of the calcium ionophore A23187. Cholesterol inclusion (T2) increased the proportion of frozen-thawed sperm with intact plasma membrane. Nevertheless, sperm from T2 (9.3+/-5.9%) had a lower rate of acrosome reaction after induction, compared to the control group (16.5+/-11.0%). After cholesterol removal, there was no increase in the induced acrosome reaction rate (T3: 11.3+/-7.1% and T4: 11.8+/-9.9%). Perhaps the cyclodextrin concentrations used were too low to remove sufficient cholesterol from sperm membranes to restore the ability of cryopreserved sperm to undergo an acrosome reaction. Regardless, the addition of cholesterol to improve post-thaw sperm integrity, and its subsequent removal, still has potential for cryopreservation of stallion sperm.

Expressão gênica de adipocinas em ovelhas alimentadas com resíduos da indústria do biodiesel da mamona / Adipokine gene expression in ewes fed with residues from the biodiesel castor industry

A expressão de RNAm para leptina, receptor de leptina (obRb), adiponectina, receptor de adiponectina (AdipoR1) e resistina foi avaliada por meio da técnica de PCR em tempo real, em tecidos ovariano, hipofisário, adiposo do omento e da região perirrenal, em ovelhas alimentadas sem farelo de mamona ou com farelo de mamona detoxificada durante 14 meses. O tipo de dieta não afetou os níveis de RNAm para leptina, obRb, adiponectina, AdipoR1 e resistina nos diferentes tecidos avaliados (P>0,05). Nos tecidos ovariano e hipofisário, não foi verificada a expressão da adiponecina e da resistina, respectivamente. Como consequência, pode-se concluir que o farelo de mamona detoxificada pode ser utilizado como fonte proteica na dieta de ovelhas, sem afetar a expressão do gene resistina e dos genes leptina e adiponectina, bem como de seus receptores...

The expression of leptin, leptin receptor (obRb), adiponectin, adiponectin receptor (AdipoR1) and resistin was assessed by real-time PCR technique in ovarian, pituitary, and the omental adipose perirenal tissue in sheep feed without castor meal or with detoxified castor meal. The type of diet did not affect mRNA levels for leptin, obRb, adiponectin, resistin AdipoR1 evaluated in different tissues (P>0.05). However, in pituitary and ovarian tissues there was no expression of resistin and adiponectin, respectively. The detoxified castor meal can be used in sheep diets as alternative food protein without affecting the expression of leptin and adponectin as well as their receptors and resistin...

Atividade folicular ovariana em avestruz (Struthio camelus) avaliada por ultrassonografia e sua relação com fotoperíodo e postura / Follicular activity in ostriches (Struthio camelus) evaluated by ultrasonography, and its relation with the photoperiod and egg laying

The objective of the experiment was to verify, through ultrasonography, the follicular activity of ostriches in different seasons of the year, correlating them with photoperiod, number of rainy days in each month and egg laying. Eight females were evaluated monthly, during 12 consecutive months in an ostrich farm located in the Center-West of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It was found that the time of the year for egg laying lasts for eight months, from June to January. The egg laying was positively correlated (r = 0.48; P<0.01) with photoperiod. However, there was no correlation between the egg laying and the follicular activity with the amount of rain. Considering the technique adopted, the right antimere offered better ultrasonographic access. The method was efficient for ovary follicular evaluation in the ostrich, offering adequate subsidies for the evaluation of the reproductive activity of the female.

Persistent allergic rhinitis and indoor air quality perception--an experimental approach.

In order to compare patterns of indoor air perception, including perceptions of temperature, air movement, indoor air quality (IAQ), mental concentration, and comfort, 33 subjects either with persistent allergic rhinitis or controls were exposed to different temperatures and constant relative humidity in an experimental office environment. Results were obtained by means of a self-administered visual analogue scale, analyzed using mean score comparisons and principal component analysis. At 14 degrees C, the rhinitis group reported higher scores for sensations of air dryness than controls. At 18 degrees C, in the rhinitis group, there was a correlation between dry, stagnant air, and difficult mental concentration. This group also correlated heat, dry air, and poor IAQ, in contrast to the control group, which correlated comfort, easy mental concentration, and freshness. At 22 degrees C, the rhinitis group correlated heat, dryness, stagnant air, and overall discomfort. This group also correlated non-dry air, freshness, and comfort, whereas the control group correlated heat, humidity, good indoor air, freshness, and comfort. This study suggests that the rhinitis group perceives indoor temperatures of 14 degrees C as dryer than controls do, and that at 18 and 22 degrees C this group positively correlates different adverse perceptions of IAQ. By means of a self-administered questionnaire in an experimental condition, the present study compares subjective patterns of indoor air perception from individuals with respiratory allergy (allergic rhinitis) to control individuals. It reports different patterns of perception of indoor air quality (IAQ) between the two groups, suggesting that allergic individuals could have different IAQ perception.

Association of air-conditioning with respiratory symptoms in office workers in tropical climate.

UNLABELLED: To evaluate the association of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) and respiratory symptoms in a tropical city, self-administered questionnaires were given to 2000 individuals working in air-conditioned office buildings and to 500 control workers in naturally ventilated buildings. Reported symptoms from the two populations were analyzed using chi-square tests, univariate and multiple logistic regressions models. Symptoms were the outcome variable and the odds ratios were adjusted by gender, age, accumulated work time, smoking habits and atopic background. There was a 79.8% response rate and there was a positive association of nasal symptoms (odds ratio, OR = 1.59, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.11-2.28), naso-ocular symptoms (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.05-2.38), persistent cough (OR = 3.04, 95% CI = 2.00-4.63) sinusitis symptoms (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.27-2.71) and building-related worsening of the symptoms (OR = 4.92, 95% CI = 2.93-8.27) with working in air-conditioned buildings. In conclusion, our study suggests that artificial air-conditioning is a matter of concern for respiratory symptoms in cities with hot and humid climate. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study suggests that indoor air-related respiratory symptoms are a matter of concern in places with hot and humid climate. The regression models were adjusted by confounders that could be used in further reanalysis of indoor air quality related symptoms and ventilation systems with expanded variety of climatic conditions.

Placental and fetal candidiasis. Presentation of a case of an abortus.

The authors present a case of intrauterine fetal infection by candida, in an abortion of four months, associated with an I.U.D. In the placenta and adnexa we observed an acute inflammation consisting of extraplacental membranitis, omphalitis, chorio-amnionitis and choriovasculitis with a marked villitis and intervillitis. In the fetus, involvement of the skin, lungs and pharynx was observed. This case represents, probably the 15th reported instance of congenital fetal candidiasis, and the first case of a candida hematogenic placental infection acquired from the fetal blood. The fetus undoubtedly acquired its infection by an ascending route, through the contamined amniotic fluid.