Potential of the Blue Calm® food supplement in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by a set of behavioral, cognitive, nutritional, and physiological phenomena derived from the uncontrolled use of alcoholic beverages. There are cases in which AUD is associated with anxiety disorder, and when untreated, it requires careful pharmacotherapy. Blue Calm® (BC) is a food supplement indicated to aid restorative sleep, which has traces of medicinal plant extracts, as well as myo-inositol, magnesium bisglycinate, taurine, and L-tryptophan as its main chemical constituents. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of the BC in the treatment alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety in adult zebrafish (aZF). Initially, BC was submitted to antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical. Subsequently, the aZF (n = 6/group) were treated with BC (0.1 or 1 or 10 mg/mL; 20 µL; p.o.), and the sedative effect and acute toxicity (96 h) were evaluated. Then, the anxiolytic-like effect and the possible GABAergic mechanism were analyzed through the Light & Dark Test. Finally, BC action was evaluated for treating alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety in aZF. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the interaction of the major chemical constituents of BC with the GABAA receptor. BC showed antioxidant potential, a sedative effect, was not toxic, and all doses of BC had an anxiolytic-like effect and showed potential for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety in aZF. In addition to the anxiolytic action, the main chemical constituents of BC were confirmed in the molecular docking, thus suggesting that BC is an anxiolytic that modulates the GABAergic system and has pharmacological potential for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety.

An unexpected cause of proximal small intestinal obstruction.

A 63-year-old caucasian male with history of tonsil cancer, under induction chemotherapy, reported food intolerance and vomiting with duration of one month. Symptoms had increased over the last days and were associated with a weight loss of 10 Kg during the past three months. The patient lived all of is life in an urban environment. General physical examination revealed cachexia and dehydration. Gastrointestinal symptoms persisted despite intravenous pantoprazole, prokinetic drugs and nasogastric tube insertion. On investigation, patient presented normocytic and normochromic anemia (9.2 g/dL), lymphocytosis (11.78 x109/L) with neutrophilia (70.7%) and eosinophilia (7.7%), hypoalbuminemia (2.8 g/dL) and elevated C-reactive protein (25.5 mg/dL). Upper endoscopy revealed deformation of bulb and second part of the duodenum with mucosal edema, superficial ulceration and friability (Figure 1a). Biopsies were taken from the bulb and second portion of the duodenum. Computer tomography demonstrated gastric distention, duodenal wall thickening and lumen narrowing in the second and third portion of the duodenum (Figure 2). These findings were indicative of a functionally relevant duodenum stenosis. Histopathologic evaluation of biopsy specimens from the duodenum revealed moderate accumulation of eosinophilic granulocytes and nematode larvae within mucosal crypts (Figure 1b). What is the diagnosis?

Exosomal glypican-1 discriminates pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) diagnosis can be difficult in a chronic pancreatitis (CP) background, especially in its mass forming presentation. We aimed to assess the accuracy of glypican-1-positive circulating exosomes (GPC1+crExos) to distinguish PDAC from CP versus the state-of-the-art CA 19-9 biomarker. METHODS: This was a unicentric prospective cohort. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration or biopsy and blood tests (GPC1+crExos and serum CA 19-9) were performed. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 60 PDAC and 29 CP (7 of which mass forming - MF) patients. Median levels of GPC1+crExos were significantly higher in PDAC (99.7%) versus CP (28.4%; p<0.0001) with an AUROC of 0.96 with 98.3% sensitivity and 86.2% specificity for a cut-off of 45.0% (p<0.0001); this outperforms CA 19-9 AUROC of 0.82 with 78.3% sensitivity and 65.5% specificity at a cut-off of 37 U/mL (p<0.0001). The superiority of% GPC1+crExos over CA 19-99 in differentiating PDAC from CP was observed in both early (stage I) and advanced tumors (stages II-IV). CONCLUSION: Levels of GPC1+crExos coupled to beads enable differential diagnosis between PDAC and CP including its mass-forming presentation.

Bioecological aspects of triatomines and marsupials as wild Trypanosoma cruzi reservoirs in urban, peri-urban and rural areas in the Western Brazilian Amazon.

In the Amazon region, Trypanosoma cruzi transmission cycles involve a great diversity of Triatominae vectors and mammal reservoirs. Some Rhodnius spp. mainly inhabit palm trees that act as microhabitats for hosts and vectors. The current study aimed to describe aspects of the bio-ecology of the vectors and reservoirs of T. cruzi in relation to human populations resident near areas with large quantities of palm trees, in rural, peri-urban and urban collection environments, located in the Western Brazilian Amazon. Rhodnius pictipes and Didelphis marsupialis were respectively the most predominant vector and reservoir, with rates of 71% for R. pictipes and 96.5% for D. marsupialis. The vast majority of T. cruzi isolates clustered with TcI. The most prevalent haplotype was TcI COII1 (69.7%). Mauritia flexuosa and Attalea phalerata were the main ecological indicators of infestation by triatomines. Birds were the most common food source (27,71%). T. cruzi isolated from R. robustus has the haplotype HUM-13, previously detected in a chronic Chagas patient living in the same area. Our results demonstrate the relevance of this study, with the occurrence of elevated infection rates in animals, and suggest the importance of the Amazon zones where there is a risk of infection in humans.

Acute endometritis induced by Escherichia coli in mares evaluated through color doppler ultrasonography / [Endometrite aguda induzida por Escherichia coli em éguas avaliadas por ultrassonografia com Doppler colorido]

The objectives of this study were to characterize the endometritis induced in mares using color Doppler ultrasonography and traditional exams. Experiment 1. Mares (n=20) were submitted to intrauterine inoculation with Escherichia coli. Uterine evaluation was performed at M0 and M1. Experiment 2. Animals were divided into two groups: control group (n=10), and treated group (n=10) using phytotherapeutic solution. In both groups, the uterine evaluation was performed at time T1, T2, and T3. Experiment 3: Uterine evaluation was compared after antibiotic therapy, phytotherapy, and M0. For statistical analysis, the Tukey test, t Student, and Anova test were applied. Experiment 1. The mean values of vascularization at M1 were significantly higher than those obtained at M0 (P<0.05). Bacterial growth was observed in all samples collected. Experiment 2. The mean value of vascularization at time T1 in both groups was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to M2 and M3. Experiment 3. After antibiotic therapy, the vascularization of the body and uterine horns was not equivalent to the vascularization presented at M0. We can conclude that it was not possible to correlate results obtained by color Doppler ultrasonography with the traditional findings for the diagnosis of endometritis.(AU)

Os objetivos deste estudo foram caracterizar a endometrite induzida em éguas utilizando-se a ultrassonografia com Doppler colorido e exames tradicionais. Experimento 1: as éguas (n=20) foram submetidas à inoculação intrauterina com Escherichia coli. A avaliação uterina foi realizada em M0 e M1. Experimento 2: os animais foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo controle (n=10) e grupo tratado (n=10), sendo usada solução fitoterápica. Nos dois grupos, a avaliação uterina ocorreu nos momentos T1, T2 e T3. Experimento 3: a avaliação uterina foi comparada após antibioticoterapia, fitoterapia e M0. Para análise estatística, foram aplicados os testes de Tukey, t de Student e ANOVA. Experimento 1: os valores médios de vascularização em M1 foram significativamente maiores que os obtidos no M0 (P<0,05). Houve crescimento bacteriano em todas as amostras coletadas. Experimento 2: o valor médio da vascularização no tempo T1 nos dois grupos foi significativamente maior (P<0,05) do que o obtido em M2 e M3. Experimento 3: após antibioticoterapia, a vascularização do corpo e dos cornos uterinos não era equivalente à vascularização apresentada em M0. Pode-se concluir que não foi possível correlacionar os resultados obtidos pela ultrassonografia com Doppler colorido com os achados tradicionais para o diagnóstico de endometrite.(AU)

Ultrassonografia testicular no modo color Doppler∕ espectral e avaliação andrológica de garanhões tratados com gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG) em diferentes estações do ano / [Testicular ultrasonography in the doppler / spectral color mode and andrological evaluation of stallions treated with human corionic gonadotrofin (hCG) in different seasons of the year]

Utilizaram-se quatro garanhões nos meses de janeiro, abril, julho e outubro de 2016, em dois protocolos, em que: GI (n=4; 5mL de solução salina, i.v.) e GII (n=4; 5000UI de hCG, i.v.) e subdividiram-se esses protocolos em ciclos (C1 e C2), seguindo o esquema crossover, sendo: CI=animais 1 (GI) e 2 (GII), avaliados nos dias D1, D3 e D5, e animais 3 (GI) e 4 (GII), em D2, D4 e D6; CII= animais 1 (GII) e 2 (GI), em D1, D3, D5, e animais 3 (GII) e 4 (GI), em D2, D4 e D6. Realizou-se o tratamento em D1 e D2 de cada ciclo e a ultrassonografia testicular no modo color Doppler e Doppler espectral, uma hora antes de cada coleta de sêmen e imediatamente após. Avaliou-se: número de reflexo de Flehmen, de montas sem ereção, início da monta, tempo de reação à ereção e total da monta e análises de qualidade seminal. Estatisticamente foram utilizados os testes de qui-quadrado e ANOVA. Não houve diferenças estatísticas (P>0,05) entre os parâmetros analisados. Concluiu-se que uma única dose de 5000UI de hCG em garanhões não causou alterações significativas nos parâmetros avaliados em diferentes estações do ano.(AU)

Four stallions were used in January, April, July and October 2016 in two protocols: GI (n=4; 5ml saline, iv) and GII (n=4; 5000 hCG, iv), and these protocols were subdivided into cycles (C1 and C2) following the cross over scheme, as follows: CI=animal 1 (GI) and 2 (GII) evaluated on days D1, D3 and D5 and animal 3 (GI) and 4 (GII) at D 2, D 4 and D 6; CII=animal 1 (GII) and 2 (GI) at D1, D3, D5 and animal 3 (GII) and 4 (GI) at D2, D4 and D6. Treatment was performed on D1 and D2 of each cycle and testicular ultrasound in color Doppler and spectral Doppler mode, one hour before each semen collection and immediately after. We evaluated: Flehmen's reflex number, mounts without erection, start of the mount, reaction time to erection and total mount and seminal quality analyzes. Statistically, the Chi-square and ANOVA tests were used. There were no statistical differences (P>0.05) between the analyzed parameters. It was concluded that a single dose of 5000IU hCG in stallions did not cause significant changes in the parameters evaluated in different seasons of the year.(AU)

Bioactive glass ceramic can improve the bond strength of sealant/enamel?

AIM: Evaluate the influence of enamel pre-treatment using Biosilicate, associated or not to other treatments; on the bond strength (BS) of pit-and-fissure sealant, with or without saliva contamination. METHODS: Ninety slices (4 mm × 4 mm) were obtained from 30 bovine incisors. Each slice was embedded in acrylic resin with their buccal surface exposed and polished to obtain a flat enamel surface. Half of them were contaminated with human saliva. All specimens were randomly divided into five groups (n = 9) according to the surface pre-treatment tested: acid etching (AE); AE + Biosilicate (B); AE + B + total-etch adhesive (Ad); Biosilicate; control (no treatment). Then, a 1 mm layer of sealant (Clinpro XT Varnish, 3M ESPE) was applied; and to provide support, a composite resin (Opallis, FGM) block was built up over it. Samples were thermocycled (500 cycles/5-55 °C) and sectioned obtaining sticks (1 × 1 × 10 mm) for microtensile BS testing (0.5 mm/min). Data were analysed with two-way ANOVA, Bonferroni test, p < 0.05. Failure patterns were evaluated using a stereomicroscope. RESULTS: There was no difference among contaminated and non-contaminated groups, and between non-contaminated groups (p > 0.05). When contaminated, AE + B + Ad Group showed the highest BS values, differing (p < 0.05) from B Group and Control; similar between them (p > 0.05). Cohesive fractures were found in AE + B + Ad Group, submitted or not to contamination. CONCLUSIONS: Since a surface pre-treatment was used, whether Biosilicate was applied or not, the sealant/enamel BS was the same in saliva-contaminated or non-contaminated enamel.

Application of bioelectrical impedance analysis in prediction of light kid carcass and muscle chemical composition.

Carcass data were collected from 24 kids (average live weight of 12.5±5.5 kg; range 4.5 to 22.4 kg) of Jarmelista Portuguese native breed, to evaluate bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a technique for prediction of light kid carcass and muscle chemical composition. Resistance (Rs, Ω) and reactance (Xc, Ω), were measured in the cold carcasses with a single frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer and, together with impedance (Z, Ω), two electrical volume measurements (VolA and VolB, cm2/Ω), carcass cold weight (CCW), carcass compactness and several carcass linear measurements were fitted as independent variables to predict carcass composition by stepwise regression analysis. The amount of variation explained by VolA and VolB only reached a significant level (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively) for muscle weight, moisture, protein and fat-free soft tissue content, even so with low accuracy, with VolA providing the best results (0.326⩽R 2⩽0.366). Quite differently, individual BIA parameters (Rs, Xc and Z) explained a very large amount of variation in dissectible carcass fat weight (0.814⩽R 2⩽0.862; P<0.01). These individual BIA parameters also explained a large amount of variation in subcutaneous and intermuscular fat weights (respectively 0.749⩽R 2⩽0.793 and 0.718⩽R 2⩽0.760; P<0.01), and in muscle chemical fat weight (0.663⩽R 2⩽0.684; P<0.01). Still significant but much lower was the variation in muscle, moisture, protein and fat-free soft tissue weights (0.344⩽R 2⩽0.393; P<0.01) explained by BIA parameters. Still, the best models for estimation of muscle, moisture, protein and fat-free soft tissue weights included Rs in addition to CCW, and accounted for 97.1% to 99.8% (P<0.01) of the variation observed, with CCW by itself accounting for 97.0% to 99.6% (P<0.01) of that variation. Resistance was the only independent variable selected for the best model predicting subcutaneous fat weight. It was also selected for the best models predicting carcass fat weight (combined with carcass length, CL; R 2=0.943; P<0.01) and intermuscular fat weight (combined with CCW; R 2=0.945; P<0.01). The best model predicting muscle chemical fat weight combined CCW and Z, explaining 85.6% (P<0.01) of the variation observed. These results indicate BIA as a useful tool for prediction of light kids' carcass composition.

Liver transplant recipients have a higher prevalence of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions.

BACKGROUND: Anal squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASIL) are precancerous lesions of anal squamous cell carcinoma, with a higher prevalence in immunosuppressed patients. There are some studies in kidney transplant recipients, but there is no information regarding prevalence in liver transplantation. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of ASIL in this setting. METHODS: Prospective case-control study involving liver transplant recipients without any other known risk factor for ASIL (n=59), which were compared with a healthy control group (n=57). All were submitted to anal cytology and high-resolution anoscopy was performed in those with abnormal results. RESULTS: Ten (17%) of liver transplant recipients had abnormal cytological results, seven patients had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), one patient had atypical squamous cells that cannot exclude high-grade (ASC-H) and two patients had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). In the control group, one patient (2%) had an ASC-US result (P=0.005). Anal squamous intraepithelial lesions were confirmed in 7 out of 10 of liver transplant patients and 0 out of 1 in the controls (P=0.013) by high-resolution anoscopy with biopsies. Current smoking was the only risk factor for abnormal cytology (odds ratio=5.87, 95% confidence intervals=1.22-28.12, P=0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplant patients have a higher risk of ASIL. Screening should be considered, especially in smokers.

Spatial patterns of fish standing biomass across Brazilian reefs.

A large fish-count dataset from the Brazilian province was used to describe spatial patterns in standing biomass and test if total biomass, taxonomic and functional trophic structure vary across nested spatial scales. Taxonomic and functional structure varied more among localities and sites than among regions. Total biomass was generally higher at oceanic islands and remote or protected localities along the coast. Lower level carnivores comprised a large part of the biomass at almost all localities (mean of 44%), zooplanktivores never attained more than 14% and omnivores were more representative of subtropical reefs and oceanic islands (up to 66% of total biomass). Small and large herbivores and detritivores varied greatly in their contribution to total biomass, with no clear geographical patterns. Macrocarnivores comprised less than 12% of the biomass anywhere, except for two remote localities. Top predators, such as sharks and very large groupers, were rare and restricted to a few reefs, suggesting that their ecological function might have already been lost in many Brazilian reefs.

Acute heart failure and rhabdomyolysis: a clue for the diagnosis of polymyositis with cardiac involvement.

Polymyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, characterized by proximal muscle weakness and sometimes extramuscular manifestations. We report the case of a 51-year-old male, with history of complete heart block, which required pacemaker implantation, and subsequently heart failure, presenting to the emergency department with worsening of dyspnea and peripheral edema. He was admitted to the Internal Medicine ward with acute heart failure and started on diuretic therapy. During hospitalization, he was discovered to have marked rhabdomyolysis. Examination revealed proximal symmetrical muscle weakness and arthralgia. The immunological study, electromyography and muscle biopsy confirmed polymyositis. The patient was started on prednisolone with clinical improvement and resolution of rhabdomyolysis. The presence of conduction defect, ventricular dysfunction, mitral valve regurgitation, segmental hypokinesia (myocardial scintigraphy without perfusion defects) and pulmonary hypertension, as well as elevated troponin with improvement after specific therapy, points to cardiac involvement. Polymyositis is a rare entity, with an insidious evolution and a myriad of extramuscular features that can mimic other conditions. In particular, cardiac involvement may be the first and only recognized manifestation. The key point for the diagnosis is to contemplate the possibility of polymyositis.

Antagonistic regulation of spermatogonial differentiation in zebrafish (Danio rerio) by Igf3 and Amh.

Fsh-mediated regulation of zebrafish spermatogenesis includes modulating the expression of testicular growth factors. Here, we study if and how two Sertoli cell-derived Fsh-responsive growth factors, anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh; inhibiting steroidogenesis and germ cell differentiation) and insulin-like growth factor 3 (Igf3; stimulating germ cell differentiation), cooperate in regulating spermatogonial development. In dose response and time course experiments with primary testis tissue cultures, Fsh up-regulated igf3 transcript levels and down-regulated amh transcript levels; igf3 transcript levels were more rapidly up-regulated and responded to lower Fsh concentrations than were required to decrease amh mRNA levels. Quantification of immunoreactive Amh and Igf3 on testis sections showed that Fsh increased slightly Igf3 staining but decreased clearly Amh staining. Studying the direct interaction of the two growth factors showed that Amh compromised Igf3-stimulated proliferation of type A (both undifferentiated [Aund] and differentiating [Adiff]) spermatogonia. Also the proliferation of those Sertoli cells associated with Aund spermatogonia was reduced by Amh. To gain more insight into how Amh inhibits germ cell development, we examined Amh-induced changes in testicular gene expression by RNA sequencing. The majority (69%) of the differentially expressed genes was down-regulated by Amh, including several stimulators of spermatogenesis, such as igf3 and steroidogenesis-related genes. At the same time, Amh increased the expression of inhibitory signals, such as inha and id3, or facilitated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling. Evaluating one of the potentially inhibitory signals, we indeed found in tissue culture experiments that PGE2 promoted the accumulation of Aund at the expense of Adiff and B spermatogonia. Our data suggest that an important aspect of Fsh bioactivity in stimulating spermatogenesis is implemented by restricting the different inhibitory effects of Amh and by counterbalancing them with stimulatory signals, such as Igf3.

Comparison of two methods of seminal plasma removal on buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) sperm cryopreservation.

Cryopreservation causes damage to spermatozoa, and methods minimizing this damage are therefore needed. Although much discussed, seminal plasma removal has become an alternative to improve sperm quality and viability after freezing and has been applied to different species in attempt to obtain good results. The objective of this study was to evaluate semen quality in buffaloes submitted to two methods for seminal plasma removal (filtration and centrifugation). Semen samples were collected from seven Murrah buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) once a week for 8 weeks. Each ejaculate was divided into three groups: control (presence of seminal plasma), centrifugation and filtration. Sperm kinetics was evaluated with the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. Plasmalemma and acrosomal membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by flow cytometry, and lipid peroxidation was evaluated by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. Seminal plasma removal did not improve sperm kinetics compared to the control group. Centrifugation increased the number of cells with damaged acrosomal membranes (0.77 ± 0.05) and filtration caused greater plasmalemma and acrosomal membrane damage (22.18 ± 1.07). No difference in the mitochondrial membrane potential was observed between groups. In contrast, ROS production was higher in the centrifugation group compared to the control and filtration groups, although no differences in TBARS formation were detected. In conclusion, seminal plasma removal did not improve the quality of thawed buffalo semen compared to control in terms of sperm kinetics, membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential or lipid peroxidation.

Anthocyanin extraction from plant tissues: A review.

Anthocyanins have gathered the attention of the scientific community mostly due to their vast range of possible applications. They have been the center point of the research in many different fields, among which is food development, where their innate coloring, antioxidant capacity, and biological potential open interesting venues to the development of new food additives and functional foodstuffs. As the range of application grows, so does the necessity to obtain these compounds, and since they are naturally occurring, the most common way to obtain anthocyanins is to extract them from different plant sources, such as fruits and flowers. Several efforts have been made to develop methods that allow for better extraction yields and higher purification rates therefore this review aims to compile the information regarding extraction and purification procedures in a comprehensive manner.

Antimicrobial, antiadhesive and antibiofilm activity of an ethanolic, anthocyanin-rich blueberry extract purified by solid phase extraction.

AIMS: The present work aimed to characterize the impact of an anthocyanin-rich blueberry extract upon the growth, adhesion and biofilm formation of several pathogens including some multiresistant bacteria. METHODS AND RESULTS: A group comprised of reference strains and clinical multiresistant isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus, were used to screen for antimicrobial activity. Microbial growth was determined through the measurement of the optical density while adhesion and biofilm formation was determined using the standard crystal violet staining procedure. The results showed that, while blueberry extract was only effective in hindering the growth of Staph. aureus and E. coli, it was capable of significantly inhibiting biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion for all micro-organisms tested. CONCLUSIONS: The extract demonstrated a considerable potential as a natural, alternative antimicrobial capable of either interfering with microbial growth or hamper the adhesion to surfaces, with Staph. aureus proving to be the most susceptible micro-organism. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The overall study demonstrates the potential of anthocyanin extracts as natural effective alternative antimicrobial agents. Additionally, the extract's capacity to reduce adhesion without reducing bacterial growth reduces the likeliness of resistance development while reducing the probability of infection.

INSL3 stimulates spermatogonial differentiation in testis of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

INSL3 (insulin-like peptide 3) is a relaxin peptide family member expressed by Leydig cells in the vertebrate testis. In mammals, INSL3 mediates testicular descent during embryogenesis but information on its function in adults is limited. In fish, the testes remain in the body cavity, although the insl3 gene is still expressed, suggesting yet undiscovered, evolutionary older functions. Anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh), in addition to inhibiting spermatogonial differentiation and androgen release, inhibits the Fsh (follicle-stimulating hormone)-induced increase in insl3 transcript levels in zebrafish testis. Therefore, the two growth factors might have antagonistic effects. We examine human INSL3 (hINSL3) effects on zebrafish germ cell proliferation/differentiation and androgen release by using a testis tissue culture system. hINSL3 increases the proliferation of type A undifferentiated (Aund) but not of type A differentiating (Adiff) spermatogonia, while reducing the proliferation of Sertoli cells associated with proliferating Aund. Since the area occupied by Aund decreases and that of Adiff increases, we conclude that hINSL3 recruits Aund into differentiation; this is supported by the hINSL3-induced down-regulation of nanos2 transcript levels, a marker of single Aund spermatogonia in zebrafish and other vertebrates. Pulse-chase experiments with a mitosis marker also indicate that hINSL3 promotes spermatogonial differentiation. However, hINSL3 does not modulate basal or Fsh-stimulated androgen release or growth factor transcript levels, including those of amh. Thus, hINSL3 seems to recruit Aund spermatogonia into differentiation, potentially mediating an Fsh effect on spermatogenesis.

Between-Habitat Variation of Benthic Cover, Reef Fish Assemblage and Feeding Pressure on the Benthos at the Only Atoll in South Atlantic: Rocas Atoll, NE Brazil.

The Southwestern Atlantic harbors unique and relatively understudied reef systems, including the only atoll in South Atlantic: Rocas atoll. Located 230 km off the NE Brazilian coast, Rocas is formed by coralline red algae and vermetid mollusks, and is potentially one of the most "pristine" areas in Southwestern Atlantic. We provide the first comprehensive and integrative description of the fish and benthic communities inhabiting different shallow reef habitats of Rocas. We studied two contrasting tide pool habitats: open pools, which communicate with the open ocean even during low tides, thus more exposed to wave action; and closed pools, which remain isolated during low tide and are comparatively less exposed. Reef fish assemblages, benthic cover, algal turfs and fish feeding pressure on the benthos remarkably varied between open and closed pools. The planktivore Thalassoma noronhanum was the most abundant fish species in both habitats. In terms of biomass, the lemon shark Negaprion brevirostris and the omnivore Melichtys niger were dominant in open pools, while herbivorous fishes (mainly Acanthurus spp.) prevailed in closed pools. Overall benthic cover was dominated by algal turfs, composed of articulated calcareous algae in open pools and non-calcified algae in closed pools. Feeding pressure was dominated by acanthurids and was 10-fold lower in open pools than in closed pools. Besides different wave exposure conditions, such pattern could also be related to the presence of sharks in open pools, prompting herbivorous fish to feed more in closed pools. This might indirectly affect the structure of reef fish assemblages and benthic communities. The macroalgae Digenea simplex, which is uncommon in closed pools and abundant in the reef flat, was highly preferred in herbivory assays, indicating that herbivory by fishes might be shaping this distribution pattern. The variations in benthic and reef fish communities, and feeding pressure on the benthos between open and closed pools suggest that the dynamics in open pools is mostly driven by physical factors and the tolerance of organisms to harsh conditions, while in closed pools direct and indirect effects of species interactions also play an important role. Understanding the mechanisms shaping biological communities and how they scale-up to ecosystem functioning is particularly important on isolated near-pristine systems where natural processes can still be studied under limited human impact.

Fontes proteicas alternativas oriundas da cadeia produtiva do biodiesel para alimentação de ruminantes / Alternative protein sources derived from the biodiesel production chain for feeding to ruminants

Objetivou-se avaliar a degradação e a produção de gás de diferentes fontes proteicas geradas na cadeia produtiva do biodiesel em substituição à silagem de milho. Os tratamentos foram: coprodutos de Gossyypium hirsutum, Ricinus communis, Moringa oleifera, Jatropha curcas, Helianthus annus. Os produtos foram analisados mediante a técnica semiautomática de produção de gases in vitro. O coproduto da moringa apresentou maior taxa de degradação, quando comparado aos demais alimentos, porém apresentou baixa produção de gás e se tornou mais eficiente, sendo, portanto, indicado como o melhor nível (27,06%) de substituição à silagem de milho. O coproduto da mamona e o do algodão produziram a maior quantidade de gás em 48h de incubação. Todos os coprodutos estudados podem ser utilizados na dieta de ruminantes como alimento proteico até 30% de substituição à silagem de milho.(AU)

This study aimed to assess the degradation and gas production of different protein sources generated in the biodiesel production chain replacing corn silage. The treatments were byproducts Gossyypium hirsutum, Ricinus communis, Moringa oleifeira, Jatrophacurcas, and Helianthusannus. The products were analyzed by semi-automated technique of gas production in vitro. The coproduct moringa showed higher degradation rate compared to other foods, but showed low gas production, making it more efficient, being nominated as the best level of 27.06% by replacing corn silage. The byproducts of castor oil and cottonseed produced the largest amount of gas in 48 h of incubation. All studied byproducts can be used in the diet of ruminants as a protein food up to 30% by substitution of corn silage.(AU)

Physiological performance of quails that underwent dietary and pharmacological manipulation of cholesterol.

The present work evaluated whether dietary and pharmacological interference on cholesterol synthesis were capable of inducing alterations in blood and yolk cholesterol levels and the secretion of corticosterone metabolites. Forty-five 40-day-old quails were divided into three experimental groups: vegetal fat diet, 2% beef fat (tallow) diet and vegetal fat diet with simvastatin administration (3.13 mg/kg/day). During all experiments, the animal weights and food consumption were recorded and blood and faecal samples (days 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60), as well as eggs (days 30, 45 and 60), were collected. Analysis of serum and yolk cholesterol was performed and faecal corticosterone levels were measured. No differences were observed on blood cholesterol or faecal corticosterone between all treatments, despite a tendency of increased cholesterol in the group with the animal fat diet. However, quails submitted to an animal fat diet displayed an increase in yolk cholesterol at day 30 of the treatment and the egg yolks of quails treated with simvastatin exhibited a decrease in cholesterol content by the end of the treatment at 60 days. These results improved the knowledge regarding the physiology of quails and offered support to other studies concerning the consequences of the pharmacological treatment and the dietary manipulation of cholesterol levels.

Influence of oily vehicles on fetal testis and lipid profile of rats exposed to di-butyl phthalate.

It has been hypothesized that oils containing high levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as canola and fish oil, could counteract some of the adverse effects induced by phthalates. In the present study, the influence of different oily vehicles on di-butyl phthalate (DBP)-induced testicular toxicity and lipid profile was investigated. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated by oral gavage from gestation days 13 to 20 with DBP (500 mg/kg/day) diluted in three different vehicles: corn, canola or fish oil. Male fetuses were analyzed on gestation day 20. DBP exposure lowered intratesticular testosterone levels and anogenital distance, regardless of the vehicle used. The percentage of seminiferous cords containing multinucleated gonocytes and cord diameter was increased in DBP-exposed groups, compared with vehicle controls, with no difference between the three DBP-exposed groups. Clustering of Leydig cells was seen in all DBP groups. Lipid profile indicated that administration of canola and fish oil can increase the content of omega-3 fatty acids in rat testis. However, content of omega-3 was diminished in DBP-treated groups. Overall, our results indicate that different oily vehicles did not alter fetal rat testicular toxicity induced by a high DBP dose.