Recreational activities trigger changes in meiofauna and free-living nematodes on Amazonian macrotidal sandy beaches.

Sandy beaches are key economic assets worldwide, however, recreational activities are an important source of disturbance in these ecosystems. Intensive human use of beaches has a negative effect on benthic communities as it alters species abundance, diversity, and/or distribution. Here, we report the impacts of recreational activities (trampling and vehicles) on meiobenthic communities and nematode assemblages on Amazonian sandy beaches for the first time. For this purpose, samples were carried out in four consecutive months encompassing a period of high visitation peak (one month Before Vacation, During Vacation, and two months After Vacation) on three contrasting beaches regarding disturbances (Urban: Atalaia; Intermediary: Farol-Velho; and Protected: Corvinas) at seven equidistant sampling stations (50 m apart) from the high tide water mark to the swash zone. At each sampling station, three biological samples and sediments samples were collected haphazardly. Also, in each station, the sediment compaction was determined using a manual penetrometer. Overall, physical sediment variables (grain size, sorting) were constant over time in all beaches, whereas differences in intensity of recreational activities and sediment compaction were found between beaches and months. Sediment compaction was considered the most important factor for the differences observed in meiofauna community structure in the study areas, and it was related to intensity of recreational activities. Variations in density and changes in richness between periods were observed in Atalaia and Farol-Velho beaches. On the other hand, Corvinas beach remained the same throughout the study. In the first month after vacation, density and richness were similar to those in the period before vacation, thus indicating that the beaches had recovered in one month. Furthermore, vulnerabilities of Tardigrada and Copepoda, as well as of the Nematoda genera Daptonema, and Chromadorita, indicate that they might be potential indicators of recreational activities.

Pregnancy swimming prevents early brain mitochondrial dysfunction and causes sex-related long-term neuroprotection following neonatal hypoxia-ischemia in rats.

Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is a major cause of cognitive impairments in infants. Antenatal strategies improving the intrauterine environment can have high impact decreasing pregnancy-derived intercurrences. Physical exercise alters the mother-fetus unity and has been shown to prevent the energetic challenge imposed by HI. This study aimed to reveal neuroprotective mechanisms afforded by pregnancy swimming on early metabolic failure and late cognitive damage, considering animals' sex as a variable. Pregnant Wistar rats were submitted to daily swimming exercise (20' in a tank filled with 32 °C water) during pregnancy. Neonatal HI was performed in male and female pups at postnatal day 7. Electron chain transport, mitochondrial mass and function and ROS formation were assessed in the right brain hemisphere 24 h after HI. From PND45, reference and working spatial memory were tested in the Morris water maze. MicroPET-FDG images were acquired 24 h after injury (PND8) and at PND60, following behavioral analysis. HI induced early energetic failure, decreased enzymatic activity in electron transport chain, increased production of ROS in cortex and hippocampus as well as caused brain glucose metabolism dysfunction and late cognitive impairments. Maternal swimming was able to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and to improve spatial memory. The intergenerational effects of swimming were sex-specific, since male rats were benefited most. In conclusion, maternal swimming was able to affect the mitochondrial response to HI in the offspring's brains, preserving its function and preventing cognitive damage in a sex-dependent manner, adding relevant information on maternal exercise neuroprotection and highlighting the importance of mitochondria as a therapeutic target for HI neuropathology.

Nanostructured functionalized magnetic platforms for the sustained delivery of cisplatin: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation.

Cisplatin has demonstrated extraordinary anticancer activity against a variety of solid tumors. However, its clinical efficacy is contrasted by its toxicity profile. Having in mind the need to reduce the toxicity, promote a sustained release and enhance the body-circulation time of cisplatin, herein novel nanocarriers consisting of core-shell silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with dicarboxylic acid groups were prepared and characterized. Cisplatin was conjugated with the functionalized nanoparticles by surface tethering. Controlled release of cisplatin was observed without burst effect and in a sustained profile for up to 3 days. In vitro studies showed cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of the cisplatin nanoconjugates against a human pancreatic cancer cell line. Importantly, when compared with free cisplatin, nanoconjugates exhibited lower cytotoxic effects regarding nonmalignant human duct pancreatic cells.

The evolution of ADAM gene family in eukaryotes.

The ADAM (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease) gene family encodes proteins with adhesion and proteolytic functions. ADAM proteins are associated with diseases like cancers. Twenty ADAM genes have been identified in humans. However, little is known about the evolution of the family. We analyzed the repertoire of ADAM genes in a vast number of eukaryotic genomes to clarify the main gene copy number expansions. For the first time, we provide compelling evidence that early-branching green algae (Mamiellophyceae) have ADAM genes, suggesting that they originated in the last common ancestor of eukaryotes, before the split of plants, fungi and animals. The ADAM family expanded in early metazoans, with the most significative gene expansion happening during the first steps of vertebrate evolution. We concluded that most of mammal ADAM diversity can be explained by gene duplications in early bone fish. Our data suggest that ADAM genes were lost early in green plant evolution.

Congenital Zika syndrome is associated with maternal protein malnutrition.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy is associated with a spectrum of developmental impairments known as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). The prevalence of this syndrome varies across ZIKV endemic regions, suggesting that its occurrence could depend on cofactors. Here, we evaluate the relevance of protein malnutrition for the emergence of CZS. Epidemiological data from the ZIKV outbreak in the Americas suggest a relationship between undernutrition and cases of microcephaly. To experimentally examine this relationship, we use immunocompetent pregnant mice, which were subjected to protein malnutrition and infected with a Brazilian ZIKV strain. We found that the combination of protein restriction and ZIKV infection leads to severe alterations of placental structure and embryonic body growth, with offspring displaying a reduction in neurogenesis and postnatal brain size. RNA-seq analysis reveals gene expression deregulation required for brain development in infected low-protein progeny. These results suggest that maternal protein malnutrition increases susceptibility to CZS.

Nandrolone decanoate in induced fracture nonunion with vascular deficit in rat model: morphological aspects.

BACKGROUND: The nonunion fracture is a relatively frequent complication in both human and veterinary medicine. Specifically, atrophic fracture nonunions are difficult to treat, with revision surgery usually providing the best prognosis. Anabolic steroids, such as nandrolone decanoate (ND), have been reported to have beneficial clinical effects on bone mass gain during osteoporosis; however, their utility in promoting regeneration in atrophic nonunions has not been documented. Our objective was to examine morphological changes induced by the ND in experimental fracture nonunion with vascular deficit in the rat model. METHODS: Fourteen adult Wistar rats had an atrophic fracture nonunion induced in the diaphysis of their left femur. Rats were allocated into two groups: control group and nandrolone decanoate group. Rats in the latter group were given nandrolone decanoate (1.5 mg/kg IM, once a week, during 4 weeks after confirmation of fracture nonunion radiographically). Radiographic and anatomopathological examination, micro-tomography and histological analysis were assessed to characterize the morphological changes promoted by the nandrolone decanoate use. RESULTS: Based on radiology, anatomopathological evaluation, computed micro-tomography and conventional microscopy, nandrolone decanoate promoted bone regeneration at the fracture nonunion site by increasing the cellularity at the fracture site. Percentage of collagen was not significantly different between groups, consistent with high-quality regenerated bone. CONCLUSION: The anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate improved bone mass and regeneration without affecting collagen production and therefore has potential for improving outcomes for atrophic fracture nonunion.

Chronic mild hyperhomocysteinemia induces anxiety-like symptoms, aversive memory deficits and hippocampus atrophy in adult rats: New insights into physiopathological mechanisms.

In the last decade, increased homocysteine levels have been implicated as a risk factor for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. We have developed an experimental model of chronic mild hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in order to observe metabolic impairments in the brain of adult rodents. Besides its known effects on brain metabolism, the present study sought to investigate whether chronic mild HHcy could induce learning/memory impairments associated with biochemical and histological damage to the hippocampus. Adult male Wistar rats received daily subcutaneous injections of homocysteine (0.03 µmol/g of body weight) twice a day, from the 30th to the 60th day of life or saline solution (Controls). After injections, anxiety-like and memory tests were performed. Following behavioral analyses, brains were sliced and hippocampal volumes assessed and homogenized for redox state assessment, antioxidant activity, mitochondrial functioning (chain respiratory enzymes and ATP levels) and DNA damage analyses. Behavioral analyses showed that chronic mild HHcy may induce anxiety-like behavior and impair long-term aversive memory (24 h) that was evaluated by inhibitory avoidance task. Mild HHcy decreased locomotor and/or exploratory activities in elevated plus maze test and caused hippocampal atrophy. Decrease in cytochrome c oxidase, DNA damage and redox state changes were also observed in hippocampus of adult rats subjected to mild HHcy. Our findings show that chronic mild HHcy alters biochemical and histological parameters in the hippocampus, leading to behavioral impairments. These findings might be considered in future studies aiming to search for alternative strategies for treating the behavioral impairments in patients with mild elevations in homocysteine levels.

Caracterização microbiológica, físico-química e das condições de produção e comercialização da carne de sol de Salinas, Minas Gerais / Microbiological and physical-chemical characterization and conditions of production and commercialization of sun-dried meat from Salinas, Minas Gerais

Para avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias e tecnológicas (HST) de produção e comercialização da carne de sol no município de Salinas, na região Norte do estado de Minas Gerais, foram coletadas 40 amostras no comércio local para a realização de análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas. A carne de sol é produzida artesanalmente em estabelecimentos comerciais e considerada uma tradição da região. Nas análises físico-químicas de umidade, proteína, gordura, cinzas, cloretos e pH, foram encontrados valores médios de 70,13%, 22,35%, 2,25%, 5,09%, 3,63% e 5,8, respectivamente. Duas amostras (5%) foram positivas para Salmonella spp. e 16 (40%) apresentaram contagens de S. aureus superiores a 103UFC/g. Os valores encontrados nas análises de mesófilos aeróbicos, bolores e leveduras e coliformes totais e termotolerantes foram de 2,50x107 UFC/g, 1,73x104 UFC/g, 9,1NMP/g e 4,3NMP/g, respectivamente. A carne de sol produzida em Salinas é um produto artesanal, portanto heterogêneo quanto às características de produção, comercialização e de qualidade microbiológica e físico-química. A importância socioeconômica da carne de sol na região é considerável, o que justifica a necessidade de se conhecer melhor suas características para auxiliar no desenvolvimento de eventuais políticas públicas regionais visando ao controle sanitário desse produto.(AU)

In order to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary and technological conditions (HST) of production and commercialization of sun-dried meat, in the city of Salinas, in the North of Minas Gerais, 40 samples of the product were collected in the local commerce for carrying out physicochemical and microbiological analyses. The sun-dried meat is produced in the commercial establishments and considered a tradition of the region. In the physicochemical analyzes of moisture, protein, fat, ash content, chlorides and pH were found values of 70.13%, 22.35%, 2.25%, 5.09%, 3.63% and 5.8, respectively. Two samples (5%) were positive for Salmonella spp. and 16 (40%) had Staphylococcus aureus counts higher than 10 3 CFU/g. The values found for the analyses of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, yeasts and molds and total and thermotolerant coliforms were 2.50 x 10 7 CFU/g, 1.73 x 10 4 CFU/g, 9.1MPN/g and 4.3MPN/g, respectively. The sun-dried meat from Salinas is a handmade product, therefore heterogeneous in terms of production, and physicochemical and microbiological quality. The socioeconomic importance of the sun-dried-meat in the region is considerable, which justifies the need to know its characteristics better to help in the development of regional public policies aiming at sanitary control of the product.(AU)

Zika virus impairs the development of blood vessels in a mouse model of congenital infection.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is associated with brain development abnormalities such as primary microcephaly, a severe reduction in brain growth. Here we demonstrated in vivo the impact of congenital ZIKV infection in blood vessel development, a crucial step in organogenesis. ZIKV was injected intravenously in the pregnant type 2 interferon (IFN)-deficient mouse at embryonic day (E) 12.5. The embryos were collected at E15.5 and postnatal day (P)2. Immunohistochemistry for cortical progenitors and neuronal markers at E15.5 showed the reduction of both populations as a result of ZIKV infection. Using confocal 3D imaging, we found that ZIKV infected brain sections displayed a reduction in the vasculature density and vessel branching compared to mocks at E15.5; altogether, cortical vessels presented a comparatively immature pattern in the infected tissue. These impaired vascular patterns were also apparent in the placenta and retina. Moreover, proteomic analysis has shown that angiogenesis proteins are deregulated in the infected brains compared to controls. At P2, the cortical size and brain weight were reduced in comparison to mock-infected animals. In sum, our results indicate that ZIKV impairs angiogenesis in addition to neurogenesis during development. The vasculature defects represent a limitation for general brain growth but also could regulate neurogenesis directly.

X-ray microtomography system for small and light samples using a flat panel detector.

A low-cost system able to perform microtomography of samples such as teeth, insects, or other small materials and low atomic numbers is presented. For this, a small flat panel type sensor was used. The process of characterization of the detector is detailed, as well as its main characteristics. The electromechanical control and the software used are also described. The advantages, some limitations, and comparisons with commercial systems are presented along with some three-dimensional volumetric reconstruction of different materials that served as samples during the development of the system.

Co-transplantation of Xenogeneic Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviates Rejection of Pancreatic Islets in Non-obese Diabetic Mice.

Bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have generated a great perspective in the field of regenerative medicine, and also in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in the past decade due to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we investigated the effect of xenogeneic BM-MSCs and pancreatic islets co-transplantation obtained from Wistar rats in preventing rejection or inducing tolerance to islet transplantation in non-obese diabetic mice. Non-obese diabetic mice were treated with co-transplantation of pancreatic islets and BM-MSCs (islet + MSCs group) or pancreatic islets only (islet group). Compared to the islet group, islet + MSCs had a lower expression of inflammatory markers, such as, tumor necrosis factor- α (13.40 ± 0.57 vs. 9.90 ± 0.12, P = .01), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (51.30 ± 6.80 vs. 9.00 ± 1.80, P = .01), and interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) (16.2 ± 1.65 vs. 6.80 ± 1.00, P = .04). Comparing the expression of immune tolerance markers, it is noted that animals receiving the co-transplantation showed a significantly higher expression than the islet group of IL-4 (25.60 ± 1.96 vs. 2.80 ± 0.20, P = .004), IL-10 (188.40 ± 4.60 vs. 4.55 ± 0.12, P = .0001), and forkhead box P3 (34.20 ± 1.3 vs. 1.30 ± 0.2, P = .004), respectively. These results suggest an immunomodulatory action of BM-MSC in islet xenotransplantation showing that these stem cells have the potential to mitigate the early losses of grafts, due to the regulation of the inflammatory process of transplantation.

Morphological characterization of pollens from three Apiaceae species and their ingestion by twelve-spotted lady beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) / Caracterização morfológica de três espécies de Apiaceae e sua ingestão pela joaninha de doze pintas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract Larvae and adults of certain species of predator lady beetles feed on pollen, guaranteeing their survival, and at times, reproduction in the absence of preferred prey. Palynology, therefore, may contribute in the investigation of botanical families visited by these predators in order to obtain this floral resource. There are records of the visitation of Apiaceae flowers by Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer, 1775 (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), but not the ingestion of their pollen grains by this lady beetle. The external morphology of pollen grains of three Apiaceae aromatic species (Anethum graveolens L., Coriandrum sativum L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) was characterized, and it was evaluated the ingestion of these pollens by fourth instar larvae and adults of C. maculata upon confinement along with flowers of these Apiaceae for 24 and 48 hours. The pollen grains of those species presented similar external morphology. In the two times of exposure, the larvae ingested the same amount of pollen from the three Apiaceae species, and the amount of C. sativum pollen ingested was the same between larvae and adults. The amount of A. graveolens pollen grains ingested by the adults was significantly greater than the pollens of C. sativum and F. vulgare, in 24 hours, with the opposite occurring in 48 hours. In the first 24 hours, the adults ingested more A. graveolens pollen than the larvae, with the opposite occurring with F. vulgare. There was no significant difference in the amount of Apiaceae pollen ingested between larvae and adults in 48 hours. The results suggest that the pollen-eating habits of certain aphidophagous lady beetles may be crucial in their preservation within agro-ecosystems.

Resumo Larvas e adultos de certas espécies de joaninhas predadoras podem se alimentar de pólen, garantindo a sua sobrevivência, e, às vezes, a reprodução na ausência da presa preferencial. Palinologia, portanto, pode contribuir na investigação de famílias botânicas visitadas por estes predadores a fim de obter esse recurso floral. Há registros da visitação de flores de Apiaceae por Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer, 1775 (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), mas não da ingestão de seus grãos de pólen por essa joaninha. A morfologia externa de grãos de pólen de três espécies aromáticas de Apiaceae (Anethum graveolens L., Coriandrum sativum L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) foi caracterizada e avaliou-se a ingestão desses polens por larvas de quarto instar e adultos de C. maculata em confinamento com flores dessas Apiaceae por 24 e 48 horas. Os grãos de pólen dessas espécies apresentaram morfologia externa semelhante. Nos dois tempos de exposição, as larvas ingeriram a mesma quantidade de pólen das três espécies de Apiaceae, e a quantidade de pólen de C. sativum ingerida foi semelhante entre as larvas e adultos. A quantidade de grãos de pólen de A. graveolens ingerida pelos adultos foi significativamente maior do que a dos polens de C. sativum e F. vulgare, em 24 horas, com o oposto ocorrendo em 48 horas. Nas primeiras 24 horas, os adultos ingeriram mais pólen de A. graveolens do que as larvas, ocorrendo o oposto com F. vulgare. Não houve diferença significativa na quantidade de pólen de Apiaceae ingerida entre as larvas e adultos em 48 horas. Os resultados sugerem que o hábito de alimentar de pólen de certas joaninhas afidófagas pode ser crucial para a sua preservação dentro dos agroecossistemas.

Synthesis, structural characterization, cytotoxic properties and DNA binding of a dinuclear copper(II) complex.

In this study a novel dinuclear copper(II) complex with adenine and phenanthroline has been synthesized and its structure determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the dinuclear complex [Cu2(µ-adenine)2(phen)2(H2O)2](NO3)4·0.5H2O (phen=1,10-phenanthroline) (1) the two Cu(II) centres exhibit a distorted square pyramidal coordination geometry linked by two nitrogen donors from adenine bridges leading to a Cu-Cu distance of 3.242(3)Å. Intramolecular and intermolecular π⋯π interactions as well as an H-bonding network were observed. The antitumor capacity of the complex has been tested in vitro against human cancer cell lines, cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), by metabolic tests, using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide as reagent. The complex 1 has remarkable low IC50 values of 0.87±0.06µM (HeLa) and 0.44±0.06µM (Caco-2), when compared with values for cisplatin against the same cell lines. The interaction of complex 1 with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) was further investigated by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic methods. A binding constant of 5.09×10(5)M(-1) was obtained from UV-vis absorption studies.

Morphological characterization of pollens from three Apiaceae species and their ingestion by twelve-spotted lady beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

Larvae and adults of certain species of predator lady beetles feed on pollen, guaranteeing their survival, and at times, reproduction in the absence of preferred prey. Palynology, therefore, may contribute in the investigation of botanical families visited by these predators in order to obtain this floral resource. There are records of the visitation of Apiaceae flowers by Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer, 1775 (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), but not the ingestion of their pollen grains by this lady beetle. The external morphology of pollen grains of three Apiaceae aromatic species (Anethum graveolens L., Coriandrum sativum L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) was characterized, and it was evaluated the ingestion of these pollens by fourth instar larvae and adults of C. maculata upon confinement along with flowers of these Apiaceae for 24 and 48 hours. The pollen grains of those species presented similar external morphology. In the two times of exposure, the larvae ingested the same amount of pollen from the three Apiaceae species, and the amount of C. sativum pollen ingested was the same between larvae and adults. The amount of A. graveolens pollen grains ingested by the adults was significantly greater than the pollens of C. sativum and F. vulgare, in 24 hours, with the opposite occurring in 48 hours. In the first 24 hours, the adults ingested more A. graveolens pollen than the larvae, with the opposite occurring with F. vulgare. There was no significant difference in the amount of Apiaceae pollen ingested between larvae and adults in 48 hours. The results suggest that the pollen-eating habits of certain aphidophagous lady beetles may be crucial in their preservation within agro-ecosystems.

The effects of urban particulate matter on the nasal epithelium by gender: An experimental study in mice.

Nose is the first portion of the respiratory system into contact with air pollution particles, including organic compounds that could act as endocrine releasers. The objective was to identify and quantify estrogenic receptor-ß (ERß), aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A1, 1A2, 1B1, and mucus profile in the nasal epithelium of mice. BALB/c mice male (n = 32) and female (n = 82) in proestrus, estrus and diestrus were divided into two groups: 1) exposed to ambient air; 2) concentrated ambient particles (CAPs) to achieve an accumulated dose (concentration vs. time product) of 600 µg/m(3), the time of the exposure was controlled to ensure the same concentration for all groups (5 days per week for 40-51 days). RT-PCR (Erß-1, Erß-2, Ahr, Cyp1a1, Cyp1a2, Cyp1b1), immunohistochemistry and morphometry (ERß, AhR) were used to analyze. The mucus profiles were examined using acid (Alcian Blue) and neutral (periodic acid Schiff's) stains. Exposed females had significantly lower levels of Erß-2 mRNA than exposed males (p = 0.036). Cyp1b1 mRNA in diestrus females was significantly lower in the CAP-exposed group compared with the ambient air group (p ≤ 0.05). ERß expression in the epithelium and submucosa nucleus was lower in estrus exposed to CAPs compared with ambient air. CAPs increases AhR in the epithelium (p = 0.044) and submucosa (p = 0.001) nucleus of female when compared with male mice. Exposure to CAPs, also led to relatively increased acidic content in the mucus of males (p = 0.048), but decreased acidic content in that of females (p = 0.04). This study revealed sex-dependent responses to air pollution in the nasal epithelium that may partially explain the predisposition of females to airway respiratory diseases.

Diagnóstico do complexo teníase-cisticercose bovina em São João Evangelista, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Diagnosis of Bovine Taeniasis-Cysticercosis Complex in São João Evangelista, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Com o objetivo de diagnosticar a situação do complexo teníase-cisticercose bovina em Minas Gerais, Brasil, foi selecionado o município de São João Evangelista, onde foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 339 bovinos em 15 propriedades rurais, sorteadas aleatoriamente. Em cada propriedade, foi aplicado um questionário socioeconômico para a análise de fatores que favorecem a manutenção do complexo teníase-cisticercose bovina. Foi realizado também o diagnóstico de teníase humana por meio de exame coproparasitológico dos habitantes das propriedades. Encontrou-se a prevalência de 4,1% para cisticercose bovina e a frequência de 2,94% para teníase humana. Entre os fatores de risco para a manutenção do complexo teníase-cisticercose analisados, foi observada uma relação estatisticamente significativa (P=0,042) entre a ocorrência de cisticercose bovina e a ingestão de carne malpassada pelos entrevistados. Concluiu-se que a cisticercose bovina está presente no município de São João Evangelista, MG, em índices considerados endêmicos, sendo o consumo de carne malpassada e não inspecionada o principal fator de risco para a manutenção do complexo teníase-cisticercose, o que reforça a necessidade da adoção de medidas de controle com contínua vigilância epidemiológica e sanitária.

In order to diagnose the situation of bovine taeniasis-cysticercosis complex in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, the city of São João Evangelista was selected, and blood samples were collected from 339 cattle in 15 randomly selected farms. A socioeconomic questionnaire was filled in each property for the analysis of the factors that favor the maintenance of the taeniasis-cysticercosis complex. Additionally, there was the diagnosis of human taeniasis verified by stool examinations of the properties' inhabitants. A prevalence of 4.1% for bovine cysticercosis and the frequency of 2.94% for human taeniasis were found. Among the risk factors, a statistically significant relation (p = 0.042) was found between the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis and the ingestion of undercooked meat. It was concluded that bovine cysticercosis is broadly distributed in the city of São João Evangelista, with rates considered endemic, being the consumption of raw and not-inspected meat the main risk factors for the maintenance of complex taeniasis-cysticercosis, reinforcing the need to adopt control measures with continuous epidemiological and health surveillance.

Improving plant transformation using Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Here, we report a quick and low-cost method to improve plant transformation using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This method involves the use of physical wounding, ultrasound, and an increase in exposure time to the bacteria. We show how the transformation rate increased from 0 to 14% when an ultrasound pulse of 10 s was used in conjunction with 96 h of bacterial exposure in Eclipta alba explants.

Extracellular HSP70 levels in diabetic environment in rats.

The expression of HSP70 in embryonic cells of mammals and its role for their normal development and protection is an important aspect to be investigated in pregnancy and/or mild diabetes. In this sense, the present study evaluated the effects of mild diabetes on maternal reproductive parameters and HSP70 levels in Wistar rats at different stages of life and in their offspring. Mild diabetes was induced by a beta-cytotoxic drug (streptozotocin) at birth. Four experimental groups were evaluated: at 90 days of age: nonpregnant nondiabetic (ND90) and nonpregnant mild diabetic (D90) female rats, and at term pregnancy: pregnant female rats of both glycemic status were examined (NDP and DP, respectively). The rats were submitted to oral glucose tolerance test, and blood samples were collected for determination of HSP70 levels. In addition, the reproductive performance of pregnant rats was assessed and HSP70 levels determined in their offspring blood samples. The HSP70 levels and maternal reproductive performance presented no difference between ND and D rats, regardless of the life stage. The HSP70 levels were increased in D90 rats and lower in offspring from D rats. Maternal HSP70 levels were positively correlated to the number of dead embryos. In conclusion, mild diabetes did not affect maternal reproductive performance, but high maternal HSP70 levels compromised embryo development. In addition, offspring from D rats exhibited lower HSP70 levels, showing that this protein can be used as an indicator of metabolic consequences of diabetes and predictor of related disorders in adulthood.

Novel rat model of nonunion fracture with vascular deficit.

Nonunion fractures occur frequently in humans, with profound implications (medical and non-medical). Although there are numerous animal models to study pathogenesis and treatment of nonunion fractures, there is apparently the lack of a definitive model for atrophic nonunion fracture. Therefore, the objective was to develop a low-cost rat model of nonunion fracture with a vascular deficit that enabled standardized quantitative analysis of bone growth and regeneration. The model was developed with two surgeries, performed apart. The first involved osteotomy of the femur diaphysis, removal of periosteum and endosteum, isolation of the fracture site using a latex artefact (Penrose drain tube), and reduction of the fracture using an intramedullary pin, whereas the second surgery was to remove the latex artefact. Based on radiographic imaging, micro-CT and histological analyses done 125 days after the fracture was induced, there was clear evidence of atrophic nonunion fracture, without pin migration or specimen loss. Perceived advantages of this model included low cost, ease of reproducibility, lack of specimen loss, and, finally, the potential to assess bone growth and regeneration under poor vascular conditions.

Environmental stimulation improves performance in the ox-maze task and recovers Na+,K+-ATPase activity in the hippocampus of hypoxic-ischemic rats.

In animal models, environmental enrichment (EE) has been found to be an efficient treatment for alleviating the consequences of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). However the potential for this therapeutic strategy and the mechanisms involved are not yet clear. The aim of present study is to investigate behavioral performance in the ox-maze test and Na+,K+-ATPase, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in the hippocampus of rats that suffered neonatal HI and were stimulated in an enriched environment. Seven-day-old rats were submitted to the HI procedure and divided into four groups: control maintained in standard environment (CTSE), control submitted to EE (CTEE), HI in standard environment (HISE) and HI in EE (HIEE). Animals were stimulated with EE for 9 weeks (1 h/day for 6 days/week) and then behavioral and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Present results indicate learning and memory in the ox-maze task were impaired in HI rats and this effect was recovered after EE. Hypoxic-ischemic event did not alter the Na+,K+-ATPase activity in the right hippocampus (ipsilateral to arterial occlusion). However, on the contralateral hemisphere, HI caused a decrease in this enzyme activity that was recovered by EE. The activities of GPx and CAT were not changed by HI in any group evaluated. In conclusion, EE was effective in recovering learning and memory impairment in the ox-maze task and Na+,K+-ATPase activity in the hippocampus caused by HI. The present data provide further support for the therapeutic potential of environmental stimulation after neonatal HI in rats.