Presence of the anther gland is a key feature in pollination of the early-branching papilionoids Dipteryx alata and Pterodon pubescens (Leguminosae).

The presence of glandular appendages in the anthers is a rare condition in angiosperms. In Leguminosae it occurs in species of the Mimosoid clade and in early-branching clades of papilionoids such as Dipterygeae. In Dipterygeae such appendages surprisingly exhibit a secretory cavity instead of secretory emergences as is the case for the Mimosoid clade. Thus, the objective of this study was to elucidate the function of anther glands in Dipteryx alata and Pterodon pubescens, species in the Dipterygeae clade that exhibit a pollen release mechanism that is intermediate between the explosive and valvular types. Flower buds and flowers were processed for surface, anatomical, histochemical and ultrastructural analyses. Anther glands consist of a cavity secreting sticky substances (oleoresins and polysaccharides) that play a key role during the flower's lifespan by aggregating pollen grains and attaching them to the floral visitor's body. Other floral features that are important for understanding the pollen release mechanism that is intermediate between the valvular and the explosive types are: (i) keel petals intertwined with tector trichomes; (ii) glandular appendages in the abaxial and lateral sepals and in petals composed of secretory ducts; and (iii) a continuous secretion process of the anther glands followed by an asynchronous dehiscence of anthers. The well-adapted papilionoid flag blossom with anther glands and keel petals intertwined with trichomes provided the foundation for a successful canalisation toward a pollen release mechanism intermediate between the explosive and valvular types inside early-branching papilionoids.

Assistive devices: an effective strategy in non-pharmacological treatment for hand osteoarthritis-randomized clinical trial.

This study aims to evaluate the use of assistive devices as a strategy in non-pharmacological treatment for hand osteoarthritis (HOA). This is a randomized, prospective, parallel, assessor-blinded clinical trial, in which patients with a diagnosis of HOA were randomly allocated to an intervention group (IG), where they received assistive devices for daily life activities, or to a control group (CG), where they received a guideline leaflet with information on joint protection and disease features. The primary outcomes considered were occupational performance, measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and hand function was evaluated through the Score for the Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands (SACRAH). The secondary outcomes were pain, measured by the visual analog scale (VAS), and quality of life, measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF). We compared both outcomes before and after interventions and outcomes between groups. Participants from the two groups were assessed at the time of inclusion in the study, 30, and 90 days after initial evaluation. Out of the 39 patients included, 19 were allocated to the IG and 20 to the CG. Only two patients from the CG did not complete the follow-up period. The patients' hand function and occupational performance improved after intervention (30 days-SACRAH-p < 0.05; COPM-p < 0.05; VAS-p < 0.05). When comparing results between the groups, there was a statistical difference in COPM (performance-p < 0.001; and satisfaction-p < 0.001), in the first reevaluation carried out. The use of assistive devices has proved to be an effective alternative in non-pharmacological treatment for HOA. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02667145.

Effects of Maytenus ilicifolia on reproduction and embryo-fetal development in Wistar rats.

Maytenus ilicifolia (Celastraceae), popularly known as espinheira-santa, is a native plant from the Atlantic forest and is commonly used in popular medicine to treat inflammation and as an abortifacient. To evaluate the effects of M. ilicifolia on pregnant rats during the organogenic period (T1) or throughout the gestational period (T2), an extract obtained using an acetone-water mixture at a 70:30 ratio was administered via gavage at a dose of 15.11 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1) over 2 treatment periods (T1 and T2). No clinical signs of maternal toxicity were observed. Term fetuses did not present malformations or anomalies as the number of implantations, reabsorptions, live, and dead fetuses were similar to the control group. In conclusion, M. ilicifolia hydroacetonic extract is non-toxic to pregnant rats and appears to not interfere with the progress of embryo-fetal development.

Chemical composition and dry matter digestibility of sugar cane oxide treated with calcium / Composição química e digestibilidade da matéria seca da cana-de-açúcar tratada com óxido de cálcio

The aim of this study was to identify the most adequate level of calcium oxide (CaO) in the treatment of sugar cane by evaluating the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of dry matter. The sugar cane was homogenized with CaO levels 0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, 3.0, 3.75 and 4.5 percent, in natura matter, for 24 hours. The dry matter and mineral matter increased, while the organic matter of the sugar cane decreased (P <0.05) linearly as a result of the CaO levels. The CaO had no effect on the levels of crude protein and ether extract. The phosphorus concentration remained unchanged, but there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the calcium content. The contents of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and cellulose decreased linearly with the levels of CaO. The average levels of indigestible dry matter and indigestible neutral detergent fiber significantly decreased with increasing levels of CaO. The results showed that the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was different between fresh sugar cane and sugar cane with added levels of CaO from 1.5 percent. The IVDMD and nutritional value of the sugar cane was improved by adding 1.5 percent CaO based on fresh content...

O objetivo foi identificar o nível mais adequado de óxido de cálcio (CaO) no tratamento da cana-de-açúcar por meio da avaliação da composição química e a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca. A cana-de-açúcar foi homogeneizada adicionando os níveis de CaO 0; 0,75; 1,5; 2,25; 3,0; 3,75 e 4,5 por cento em porcentagem de matéria natural, por 24 horas. Os teores de matéria seca e matéria mineral aumentaram, ao passo que o teor de matéria orgânica da cana-de-açúcar diminuiu (P<0,05) de forma linear em função dos níveis de CaO. Não houve efeito dos níveis do CaO sobre o teor de proteína bruta e extrato etéreo. Os teores médios de fósforo mantiveram-se inalterados, porém ocorreu um aumento (P<0,05) no teor de cálcio. Os teores de fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e celulose diminuíram linearmente em função dos níveis de CaO. Os teores médios da matéria seca indigestível e da fibra em detergente neutro indigestível tiveram redução significativa com o aumento dos níveis de CaO. Os resultados da digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVDM) mostraram-se diferentes entre cana-de-açúcar in natura e a com níveis de CaO. Níveis de CaO a partir de 1,5 por cento melhoram o valor nutritivo e a DIVDM da cana-de-açúcar...

Chemical composition and dry matter digestibility of sugar cane oxide treated with calcium / Composição química e digestibilidade da matéria seca da cana-de-açúcar tratada com óxido de cálcio

The aim of this study was to identify the most adequate level of calcium oxide (CaO) in the treatment of sugar cane by evaluating the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of dry matter. The sugar cane was homogenized with CaO levels 0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, 3.0, 3.75 and 4.5 percent, in natura matter, for 24 hours. The dry matter and mineral matter increased, while the organic matter of the sugar cane decreased (P <0.05) linearly as a result of the CaO levels. The CaO had no effect on the levels of crude protein and ether extract. The phosphorus concentration remained unchanged, but there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the calcium content. The contents of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and cellulose decreased linearly with the levels of CaO. The average levels of indigestible dry matter and indigestible neutral detergent fiber significantly decreased with increasing levels of CaO. The results showed that the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was different between fresh sugar cane and sugar cane with added levels of CaO from 1.5 percent. The IVDMD and nutritional value of the sugar cane was improved by adding 1.5 percent CaO based on fresh content.(AU)

O objetivo foi identificar o nível mais adequado de óxido de cálcio (CaO) no tratamento da cana-de-açúcar por meio da avaliação da composição química e a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca. A cana-de-açúcar foi homogeneizada adicionando os níveis de CaO 0; 0,75; 1,5; 2,25; 3,0; 3,75 e 4,5 por cento em porcentagem de matéria natural, por 24 horas. Os teores de matéria seca e matéria mineral aumentaram, ao passo que o teor de matéria orgânica da cana-de-açúcar diminuiu (P<0,05) de forma linear em função dos níveis de CaO. Não houve efeito dos níveis do CaO sobre o teor de proteína bruta e extrato etéreo. Os teores médios de fósforo mantiveram-se inalterados, porém ocorreu um aumento (P<0,05) no teor de cálcio. Os teores de fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e celulose diminuíram linearmente em função dos níveis de CaO. Os teores médios da matéria seca indigestível e da fibra em detergente neutro indigestível tiveram redução significativa com o aumento dos níveis de CaO. Os resultados da digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVDM) mostraram-se diferentes entre cana-de-açúcar in natura e a com níveis de CaO. Níveis de CaO a partir de 1,5 por cento melhoram o valor nutritivo e a DIVDM da cana-de-açúcar.(AU)

Calcium transport in gill cells of Ucides cordatus, a mangrove crab living in variable salinity environments.

Crustaceans show discontinuous growth and have been used as a model system for studying cellular mechanisms of calcium transport, which is the main mineral found in their exoskeleton. Ucides cordatus, a mangrove crab, is naturally exposed to fluctuations in calcium and salinity. To study calcium transport in this species during isosmotic conditions, dissociated gill cells were marked with fluo-3 and intracellular Ca(2+) change was followed by adding extracellular Ca(2+) as CaCl2 (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.50, 1.0 and 5mM), together with different inhibitors. For control gill cells, Ca(2+) transport followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics with Vmax=0.137±0.001 ∆Ca(2+)i (µM×22.10(4)cells(-1)×180s(-1); N=4; r(2)=0.99); Km=0.989±0.027mM. The use of different inhibitors for gill cells showed that amiloride (Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange inhibitor) inhibited 80% of Ca(2+) transport in gill cells (Vmax). KB-R, an inhibitor of Ca influx in vertebrates, similarly caused a decrease in Ca(2+) transport and verapamil (Ca(2+) channel inhibitor) had no effect on Ca(2+) transport, while nifedipine (another Ca(2+) channel inhibitor) caused a 20% decrease in Ca(2+) affinity compared to control values. Ouabain, on the other hand, caused no change in Ca(2+) transport, while vanadate increased the concentration of intracellular calcium through inhibition of Ca(2+) efflux probably through the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase. Results show that transport kinetics for Ca(2+) in these crabs under isosmotic conditions is lower compared to a hyper-regulator freshwater crab Dilocarcinus pagei studied earlier using fluorescent Ca(2+) probes. These kinds of studies will help understanding the comparative mechanisms underlying the evolution of Ca transport in crabs living in different environments.

Fracionamento de carboidratos e degradabilidade ruminal da cana-de-açúcar tratada com óxido de cálcio / Fractioning Fractioning of carbohydrates and rumen degradability of sugar cane treated with calcium oxide

Avaliaram-se o fracionamento de carboidratos e a degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca (MS) e da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) da cana-de-açúcar tratada com óxido de cálcio (CaO). Foram testadas as porcentagens de 0; 0,75; 1,5; 2,25; 3,0; 3,75 e 4,5% de CaO, e o material testemunha (cana-de-açúcar in natura) para a avaliação do fracionamento de carboidratos, e as porcentagens de 0; 1,5; 3,0 e 4,5% de CaO para a avaliação da degradabilidade in situ da MS e da FDN. O CaO foi adicionado em pó na cana-de-açúcar, em porcentagem da matéria natural, por 24 horas. A porcentagem de inclusão de CaO na cana-de-açúcar proporcionou valores mais baixos para teores de carboidratos totais (CT) comparados aos valores da cana-de-açúcar in natura. Observou-se crescimento linear das frações A+B1 e B2, e redução na fração C da cana-de-açúcar em função da porcentagem de CaO. Os maiores valores de fração insolúvel potencialmente degradável da MS e menores de fração indigestível (Ip) da FDN foram observados na cana-de-açúcar com 3,0 e 4,5% de CaO. A adição de 3,0 e 4,5% de CaO na cana-de-açúcar promove diminuição da fração indigestível dos carboidratos e melhores taxas de degradação ruminal tanto da MS quanto da FDN.

Were evaluated the fractioning of carbohydrates and in situ dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of sugarcane treated with calcium oxide (CaO). Levels 0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, 3.0, 3.75 and 4.5% CaO, and the material witness (sugarcane in nature) were tested for the assessment of fractioning of carbohydrates and levels 0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5% CaO for the evaluation of in situ DM and NDF. The levels of CaO were added in powder form, as a percentage of natural matter in sugarcane for 24 hours. The inclusion levels of CaO in sugarcane showed lower values for the total carbohydrates (TC) when compared with sugarcane in natura. A linear growth of the fractions A + B1 and B2 was observed, as well as a decrease in C fraction of sugarcane depending on the levels of CaO. The highest values of insoluble fraction potentially degradable in rumen and the lower values of NDF indigestible fraction (Ip) were observed in sugarcane with 3.0 and 4.5% CaO. The addition of 3.0 and 4.5% CaO to sugarcane decreased the indigestible carbohydrates fraction and promotes better rates of ruminal degradation of both DM and NDF.

The characterization of a thermostable and cambialistic superoxide dismutase from Thermus filiformis.

UNLABELLED: The superoxide dismutase (TfSOD) gene from the extremely thermophilic bacterium Thermus filiformis was cloned and expressed at high levels in mesophilic host. The purified enzyme displayed approximately 25 kDa band in the SDS-PAGE, which was further confirmed as TfSOD by mass spectrometry. The TfSOD was characterized as a cambialistic enzyme once it had enzymatic activity with either manganese or iron as cofactor. TfSOD showed thermostability at 65, 70 and 80°C. The amount of enzyme required to inhibit 50% of pyrogallol autoxidation was 0·41, 0·56 and 13·73 mg at 65, 70 and 80°C, respectively. According to the circular dichroism (CD) spectra data, the secondary structure was progressively lost after increasing the temperature above 70°C. The 3-dimensional model of TfSOD with the predicted cofactor binding corroborated with functional and CD analysis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This manuscript describes the expression and characterization of a superoxide dismutase (SOD) from Thermus filiformis with thermophilic and cambialistic characteristics. The SODs are among the most potent antioxidants known in nature, and their stability and pharmacokinetics can vary widely in accordance to their biological source. Although the currently clinical research work has been focused on human and bovine SODs, alternative sources may become more biotechnological attractive in the near future. Our study brings new insights for the research field of antioxidant enzymes with potential application on pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food formulations.

Fracionamento de carboidratos e degradabilidade ruminal da cana-de-açúcar tratada com óxido de cálcio / Fractioning Fractioning of carbohydrates and rumen degradability of sugar cane treated with calcium oxide

Avaliaram-se o fracionamento de carboidratos e a degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca (MS) e da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) da cana-de-açúcar tratada com óxido de cálcio (CaO). Foram testadas as porcentagens de 0; 0,75; 1,5; 2,25; 3,0; 3,75 e 4,5% de CaO, e o material testemunha (cana-de-açúcar in natura) para a avaliação do fracionamento de carboidratos, e as porcentagens de 0; 1,5; 3,0 e 4,5% de CaO para a avaliação da degradabilidade in situ da MS e da FDN. O CaO foi adicionado em pó na cana-de-açúcar, em porcentagem da matéria natural, por 24 horas. A porcentagem de inclusão de CaO na cana-de-açúcar proporcionou valores mais baixos para teores de carboidratos totais (CT) comparados aos valores da cana-de-açúcar in natura. Observou-se crescimento linear das frações A+B1 e B2, e redução na fração C da cana-de-açúcar em função da porcentagem de CaO. Os maiores valores de fração insolúvel potencialmente degradável da MS e menores de fração indigestível (Ip) da FDN foram observados na cana-de-açúcar com 3,0 e 4,5% de CaO. A adição de 3,0 e 4,5% de CaO na cana-de-açúcar promove diminuição da fração indigestível dos carboidratos e melhores taxas de degradação ruminal tanto da MS quanto da FDN.(AU)

Were evaluated the fractioning of carbohydrates and in situ dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of sugarcane treated with calcium oxide (CaO). Levels 0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, 3.0, 3.75 and 4.5% CaO, and the material witness (sugarcane in nature) were tested for the assessment of fractioning of carbohydrates and levels 0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5% CaO for the evaluation of in situ DM and NDF. The levels of CaO were added in powder form, as a percentage of natural matter in sugarcane for 24 hours. The inclusion levels of CaO in sugarcane showed lower values for the total carbohydrates (TC) when compared with sugarcane in natura. A linear growth of the fractions A + B1 and B2 was observed, as well as a decrease in C fraction of sugarcane depending on the levels of CaO. The highest values of insoluble fraction potentially degradable in rumen and the lower values of NDF indigestible fraction (Ip) were observed in sugarcane with 3.0 and 4.5% CaO. The addition of 3.0 and 4.5% CaO to sugarcane decreased the indigestible carbohydrates fraction and promotes better rates of ruminal degradation of both DM and NDF.(AU)

Use of pulse pressure variation to estimate changes in preload during experimental acute normovolemic hemodilution.

BACKGROUND: Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) is an alternative to blood transfusion in surgeries involving blood loss. This experimental study was designed to evaluate whether pulse pressure variation (PPV) would be an adequate tool for monitoring changes in preload during ANH, as assessed by transesophageal echocardiography. METHODS: Twenty-one anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs were randomized into three groups: CTL (control), HES (hemodilution with 6% hydroxyethyl starch at a 1:1 ratio) or NS (hemodilution with saline 0.9% at a 3:1 ratio). Hemodilution was performed in animals of groups NS and HES in two stages, with target hematocrits 22% and 15%, achieved at 30-minute intervals. After two hours, 50% of the blood volume withdrawn was transfused and animals were monitored for another hour. Statistical analysis was based on ANOVA for repeated measures followed by multiple comparison test (P<0.05). Pearson's correlations were performed between changes in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and PPV, central venous pressure (CVP) and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP). RESULTS: Group NS received a significantly greater amount of fluids during ANH (NS, 900 ± 168 mL vs. HES, 200 ± 50 mL, P<0.05) and presented greater urine output (NS, 2643 ± 1097 mL vs. HES, 641 ± 338 mL, P<0.001). Significant decreases in LVEDV were observed in group NS from completion of ANH until transfusion. In group HES, only increases in LVEDV were observed, at the end of ANH and at transfusion. Such changes in LVEDV (∆LVEDV) were better reflected by changes in PPV (∆PPV, R=-0.62) than changes in CVP (∆CVP, R=0.32) or in PAOP (∆PAOP, R=0.42, respectively). CONCLUSION: Changes in preload during ANH were detected by changes in PPV. ∆PPV was superior to ∆PAOP and ∆CVP to this end.

Follow-up after acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by influenza a (H1N1) virus infection.

BACKGROUND: There are no reports on the long-term follow-up of patients with swine-origin influenza A virus infection that progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome. METHODS: Four patients were prospectively followed up with pulmonary function tests and high-resolution computed tomography for six months after admission to an intensive care unit. RESULTS: Pulmonary function test results assessed two months after admission to the intensive care unit showed reduced forced vital capacity in all patients and low diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide in two patients. At six months, pulmonary function test results were available for three patients. Two patients continued to have a restrictive pattern, and none of the patients presented with abnormal diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide. All of them had a diffuse ground-glass pattern on high-resolution computed tomography that improved after six months. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the marked severity of lung disease at admission, patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by swine-origin influenza A virus infection presented a late but substantial recovery over six months of follow-up.

Histopathology of experimental myiasis in mice as a result of infestation and experimental implantation of Dermatobia hominis larvae.

A laboratory model of myiasis as a result of Dermatobia hominis (L.) larvae was developed using mice as hosts. Mice in three groups were each infested with one newly hatched larva and skin biopsies processed for histopathology at 4, 12, and 20 d postinfestation (dpi). Mice in three other groups were each subjected to implantation of one larva collected from an infested (donor) mouse at 4, 12, and 20 dpi. Skin lesions of these receptor mice were then assessed at 10, 14, and 6 d postimplantation (dpimp), respectively. The inflammatory process in infested mice at 4 dpi was discrete, consisting of a thin necrotic layer around the larva, edema, many neutrophils, few eosinophils, mast cells, and proliferation of fibroblasts. At 12 dpi, there was a thicker necrotic layer, edema, many neutrophils and eosinophils, few mast cells, neoformation of capillaries, proliferation of the endothelium and fibroblasts, and early stages of fibrosis. These histopathological characteristics together with fibrosis were observed over a large area of the lesion at 20 dpi. Mice submitted to larval implantations demonstrated similar skin histopathology to that seen in the infested rodents, 10 dpimp corresponding to 12 dpi and 6 or 14 dpimp to 20 dpi. In all mice, the progressive acute inflammatory process followed a sequence linked to factors such as size of larvae and presence of secretory-excretory products. Both infested mice and those implanted experimentally with D. hominis larvae were shown to be suitable models for the study of the parasite-host relationship in this important zoonotic myiasis.

Baffled primary facultative ponds with inlets and outlets set at different levels treating domestic wastewater in northeast Brazil.

This study evaluates the performance of four 2.3 m deep pilot-scale, independently loaded, primary facultative ponds treating predominantly domestic sewage in northeast Brazil. The ponds contained longitudinal baffles giving different length to width ratios from 3.55 to 32.4. The ponds had mean hydraulic retention times of ~15 days, and mean surface organic loadings of 330 kg BOD(5).ha.d(-1) during the first experimental phase and 375 kg BOD(5).ha.d(-1) in the second. The vertical inlets and outlets pipes were positioned at 1.8 m and 5 cm respectively below the pond surface in the first phase and at 50 cm and 1.8 m respectively in the second. All the ponds functioned as efficient primary facultative ponds but statistical analysis demonstrated no differences in effluent quality for most of the parameters measured for the various configurations of baffles and inlet and outlet depths. All behaved similarly to the unbaffled pond. The only exceptions were suspended solids and chlorophyll a concentrations which tended to be lower for all combinations of baffles with the outlets set 1.8 m below the surface. This study suggested that the longitudinal baffling of primary facultative ponds when using vertical inlets and outlets may well not significantly improve pond performance.

The removal of ammonia from sanitary landfill leachate using a series of shallow waste stabilization ponds.

This study evaluated the efficiency of a shallow (0.5 m deep) waste stabilization pond series to remove high concentrations of ammonia from sanitary landfill leachate. The pond system was located at EXTRABES, Campina Grande, Paraiba, Northeast Brazil. The pond series was fed with sanitary landfill leachate transported by road tanker to the experimental site from the sanitary landfill of the City of Joao Pessoa, Paraiba. The ammoniacal-N surface loading on the first pond of the series was equivalent to 364 kg ha(-1) d(-1) and the COD surface loading equivalent to 3,690 kg ha(-1) d(-1). The maximum mean ammonia removal efficiency was 99.5% achieved by the third pond in the series which had an effluent concentration of 5.3 mg L(-1) ammoniacal-N for an accumulative HRT of 39.5 days. The removal process was mainly attributed to ammonia volatilization (stripping) from the pond surfaces as a result of high surface pH values and water temperatures of 22-26°C. Shallow pond systems would appear to be a promising technology for stripping ammonia from landfill leachate under tropical conditions.

Follow-up after acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by influenza a (H1N1) virus infection

BACKGROUND: There are no reports on the long-term follow-up of patients with swine-origin influenza A virus infection that progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome. METHODS: Four patients were prospectively followed up with pulmonary function tests and high-resolution computed tomography for six months after admission to an intensive care unit. RESULTS: Pulmonary function test results assessed two months after admission to the intensive care unit showed reduced forced vital capacity in all patients and low diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide in two patients. At six months, pulmonary function test results were available for three patients. Two patients continued to have a restrictive pattern, and none of the patients presented with abnormal diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide. All of them had a diffuse ground-glass pattern on high-resolution computed tomography that improved after six months. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the marked severity of lung disease at admission, patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by swine-origin influenza A virus infection presented a late but substantial recovery over six months of follow-up.

Soluble inflammatory markers as predictors of liver histological changes in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Host immune response seems to be mainly responsible for the progression of liver disease among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Immune activation involves the release of cytokines and their receptors that can be measured in plasma samples. The study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma levels of chemokines and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR) and liver histological changes among patients with chronic HCV infection. Seventy-one treatment-naive patients were included. Plasma levels of CCL2, CCL3, CCL11, CCL24, CXCL9, CXCL10, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were measured and liver histological findings were reviewed. Plasma levels of CXCL9, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were significantly associated with liver fibrosis, with higher median levels found among patients with moderate/severe fibrosis (F >or= 2) if compared to those with no or mild fibrosis (p = 0.014; p = 0.012; p = 0.009, respectively). Plasma sTNFR2 levels were significantly associated with necroinflammatory activity, with higher median levels among patients with moderate/severe activity (A >or= 2) if compared to those with no or mild activity (2.34 ng/mL vs. 1.99 ng/mL; p = 0.019). In conclusion, plasma levels of CXCL9, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were independently associated with liver histological changes, suggesting a role of TNF activation and Th1-type cell-mediated immune response in the pathogenesis of HCV infection.

Calcium transport and homeostasis in gill cells of a freshwater crab Dilocarcinus pagei.

Crustaceans present a very interesting model system to study the process of calcification and calcium (Ca(2+)) transport because of molting-related events and the deposition of CaCO(3) in the new exoskeleton. Dilocarcinus pagei, a freshwater crab endemic to Brazil, was studied to understand Ca(2+) transport in whole gill cells using a fluorescent probe. Cells were dissociated, all of the gill cell types were loaded with fluo-3 and intracellular Ca(2+) change was monitored by adding Ca as CaCl(2) (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.50, 1.0 and 5 mM), with a series of different inhibitors. For control gill cells, Ca(2+) transport followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics with K(m) = 0.42 +/- 0.04 mM and V(max) = 0.50 +/- 0.02 microM (Ca(2+) change x initial intracellular Ca(-1) x 180 s(-1); N = 14, r (2) = 0.99). Verapamil (a Ca(2+) channel inhibitor) and amiloride (a Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger [NCX] inhibitor) completely reduced intracellular Ca(2+) transport, while nifedipine, another Ca(2+) channel inhibitor, did not. Vanadate, a plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor (PMCA), increased intracellular Ca(2+) in gill cells through a decrease in the efflux of Ca(2+). Ouabain increased intracellular Ca(2+), similar to the effect of KB-R, a specific NCX inhibitor for Ca(2+) in the influx mode. Alterations in extracellular [Na] in the saline did not affect intracellular Ca(2+) transport. Caffeine, responsible for inducing Ca release from sarcoplasmic reticulum in vertebrate muscle, increased intracellular Ca(2+) compared to control, suggesting an effect of this inhibitor in gill epithelial cells of Dilocarcinus pagei, probably through release of intracellular stores. We also demonstrate here that intracellular Ca(2+) in gill cells of Dilocarcinus pagei was kept relatively constant in face of an extracellular Ca concentration of 50-fold, suggesting that crustaceans are able to display Ca(2+) homeostasis through various Ca(2+) intracellular sequestration mechanisms and/or plasma membrane Ca(2+) influx and outflux that are highly regulatory. In summary, studies using whole gill cells are an interesting approach for working with real regulatory Ca(2+) mechanisms in intact cells under physiological Ca levels (mM range), compared to earlier work using isolated vesicles of various epithelial cells.

Lymphadenopathy and expression of nodal mast cells and eosinophils in the myiasis by human bot fly.

Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) infested with Dermatobia hominis (L. Jr., 1781) had their axillary lymph nodes removed and histopathologically processed. Follicular hyperplasia in the germinal center was noted from 2 d postinfestation (dpi), exhibiting a high number of centerblasts, mitotic and apoptotic cells, and a thin parafollicular area. The paracortex showed hyperplasia rich in dendritic cells, immunoblasts, and endothelial venules, with diapedesis seen from 4 dpi onward. Hyperplasia of the medullar sinus also was first observed at this point, as well as dilated lymphatic sinus, lymph, macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, and eosinophils. Medullar strings were expanded and filled with immunoblasts, mitotic cells, and plasmocytes. Lymphadenitis was not observed. The expression of mast cells was similar for both myiasis-affected and control rats but increased significantly (mastocytosis) at 7 and 15 d postlarval emergence (dple). Eosinophilia was observed at 4, 10, 15, 20, and 28 dpi as well as at 2, 7, and 15 dple, particularly on the last three observations of dpi and the earliest dple. This experimental approach allowed progressive tissue reactions in the lymph nodes to be monitored during myiasis, particularly those involving mast cells and eosinophils. These reactions abated and complete repair was observed at 60 dple.

Acute and subacute toxicity of Schinus terebinthifolius bark extract.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae) has long been used in traditional Brazilian medicine, especially to treat inflammatory and haemostatic diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity (45 days) of Schinus terebinthifolius via the oral route in Wistar rats of both sexes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the acute toxicity test, the dried extract of Schinus terebinthifolius bark was administered in doses from 0.625 to 5.0 g/kg (n=5/group/sex) and in the subacute toxicity test the following doses were used: 0.25, 0.625 and 1.5625 g/kg/day (n=13/group/sex), for 45 consecutive days. RESULTS: In the acute toxicity test, Schinus terebinthifolius did not produce any toxic signs or deaths. The subacute treatment with Schinus terebinthifolius did not alter either the body weight gain or the food and water consumption. The hematological and biochemical analysis did not show significant differences in any of the parameters examined in female or male groups, except in two male groups, in which the treatment with Schinus terebinthifolius (0.25 and 0.625 g/kg) induced an increase of mean corpuscular volume values (2.9 and 2.6%, respectively). These variations are within the physiological limits described for the specie and does not have clinical relevance. CONCLUSION: The acute and subacute administration of the dried extract of Schinus terebinthifolius bark did not produced toxic effects in Wistar rats.

Avaliação da capacitação espermática in vitro pela reação acrossômica e viabilidade, em sêmen de touros Guzerá

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a capacitação espermática pela reação acrossômica e viabilidade espermática de sêmende touros Guzerá. Utilizou-se sêmen de diferentes touros adquiridos de centrais de inseminação artificial. Após o descongelamento,o sêmen foi incubado inicialmente com 0 (T1) e 10 mg/ml (T2) de heparina por quatro horas a 39ºC e 95% deumidade, e posteriormente com lisofosfatidilcolina por mais 15 minutos, para indução da reação acrossômica. Antes e apóso período de incubação foram feitas lâminas para a análise da viabilidade espermática e reação acrossômica. Verificou-seque o tratamento com heparina aumentou a taxa de espermatozóides com reação acrossômica (p 0,05), e que houve diferençasna fertilidade entre os touros após a capacitação espermática. Conclui-se que o teste de reação acrossômica e viabilidadeespermática pode ser utilizado para avaliação da capacitação espermática in vitro de touros da raça Guzerá.