Transgenerational inheritance of methylmercury and vitamin A-induced toxicological effects in a Wistar rats environmental-based model.

Mercury (Hg) and vitamin A (VitA) are two environmental factors with potential health impacts, especially during pregnancy and early childhood. Fish and seafood may present elevated levels of methylmercury (MeHg), the major Hg derivative, and VitA. This study aimed to evaluate the transgenerational effects of exposure to MeHg and/or VitA on epigenetic and toxicological parameters in a Wistar rat model. Our findings revealed persistent toxicological effects in generations F1 and F2 following low/mild doses of MeHg and/or VitA exposure during dams' (F0) gestation and breastfeeding. Toxicological effects observed in F2 included chronic DNA damage, bone marrow toxicity, altered microglial content, reduced neuronal signal, and diminished male longevity. Sex-specific patterns were also observed. Co-exposure to MeHg and VitA showed both synergistic and antagonistic effects. Additionally, the study demonstrated that MeHg and VitA affected histone methylation and caused consistent effects in F2. While MeHg exposure has been associated with transgenerational inheritance effects in other organisms, this study provides the first evidence of transgenerational inheritance of MeHg and VitA-induced toxicological effects in rodents. Although the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood, these findings suggest that MeHg and VitA may perpetuate their impacts across generations. The study highlights the need for remedial policies and interventions to mitigate the potential health problems faced by future generations exposed to MeHg or VitA. Further research is warranted to investigate the transgenerational effects beyond F2 and determine the matrilineal or patrilineal inheritance patterns.

Histone 3 Trimethylation Patterns are Associated with Resilience or Stress Susceptibility in a Rat Model of Major Depression Disorder.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a severe and multifactorial psychiatric condition. Evidence has shown that environmental factors, such as stress, significantly explain MDD pathophysiology. Studies have hypothesized that changes in histone methylation patterns are involved in impaired glutamatergic signaling. Based on this scenario, this study aims to investigate histone 3 involvement in depression susceptibility or resilience in MDD pathophysiology by investigating cellular and molecular parameters related to i) glutamatergic neurotransmission, ii) astrocytic functioning, and iii) neurogenesis. For this, we subjected male Wistar rats to the Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) model of depression. We propose that by evaluating the sucrose consumption, open field, and object recognition test performance from animals submitted to CUMS, it is possible to predict with high specificity rats with susceptibility to depressive-like phenotype and resilient to the depressive-like phenotype. We also demonstrated, for the first time, that patterns of H3K4me3, H3K9me3, H3K27me3, and H3K36me3 trimethylation are strictly associated with the resilient or susceptible to depressive-like phenotype in a brain-region-specific manner. Additionally, susceptible animals have reduced DCx and GFAP and resilient animals present increase of AQP-4 immunoreactivity. Together, these results provide evidence that H3 trimethylations are related to the development of the resilient or susceptible to depressive-like phenotype, contributing to further advances in the pathophysiology of MDD and the discovery of mechanisms behind resilience.

Sodium Butyrate Protects Against Intestinal Oxidative Damage and Neuroinflammation in the Prefrontal Cortex of Ulcerative Colitis Mice Model.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) cause increased inflammatory signalling and oxidative damage. IBDs are correlated with an increased incidence of brain-related disorders suggesting that the gut-brain-axis exerts a pivotal role in IBD. Butyrate is one of the main microbial metabolites in the colon, and it can cross the blood-brain barrier, directly affecting the brain. We induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice utilizing dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in the drinking water for 7 days. Animals were divided into four groups, receiving water or DSS and treated with saline or 0,066 g/kg of Sodium Butyrate for 7 days. We also used an integrative approach, combining bioinformatics functional network and experimental strategies to understand how butyrate may affect UC. Butyrate was able to attenuate colitis severity and intestinal inflammation. Butyrate protected the colon against oxidative damage in UC and protected the prefrontal cortex from neuroinflammation observed in DSS group. Immunocontent of tight junction proteins Claudin-5 and Occludin were reduced in colon of DSS group mice and butyrate was able to restore to control levels. Occludin and Claudin-5 decrease in DSS group indicate that an intestinal barrier disruption may lead to the increased influx of gut-derived molecules, causing neuroinflammation in the prefrontal cortex, observed by increased IBA-1 marker. The probable protection mechanism of butyrate treatment occurs through NRF2 through Nrf2 and HIF-1α activation and consequent activation of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Our data suggest that systemic inflammation associated with intestinal barrier disruption in UC leads to neuroinflammation in the prefrontal cortex, which was atenuated by butyrate.

Calorie restriction mitigates metabolic, behavioral and neurochemical effects of cafeteria diet in aged male rats.

Besides metabolic dysfunctions, elderly individuals with obesity are at special risk of developing cognitive decline and psychiatric disturbances. Restricted calorie consumption could be an efficient strategy to improve metabolic function after obesity. However, its effects on anxiety-like behaviors in aged rats submitted to an obesogenic diet are unknown. For this purpose, 42 Wistar rats (18-months old) were divided into four groups: Control (CT), calorie restriction (CR), cafeteria diet (CAF), and CAF+CR (CAF/CR). CT, CR, and CAF groups received the diets for 8 weeks. CAF/CR group was submitted to the CAF menu for 7 weeks and then switched to a standard diet on a CR regimen, receiving 30% lower calories than consumed by the CT, for another 5 weeks. CAF's menu consisted of ultra-processed foods such as cookies, chocolate, sausage, and bologna. Body weight, visceral adiposity, and biochemical blood analysis were evaluated for obesity diagnosis. The profile of gut microbiota was investigated, along with circulating levels of LPS. Neurochemical parameters, such as neurotransmitter levels, were dosed. Anxiety-like behaviors were accessed using open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. As expected, CR reduced weight gain and improved glucose homeostasis. Gut microbiome disturbance was found in CAF-fed animals accompanied by increased levels of LPS. However, CR after CAF mitigated several harmful responses. The obesogenic diet triggered anxiety-like manifestations in the OF and EPM tests that were not evidenced in the CAF/CR group. These findings indicate that CR can be a promising strategy for the neurological effects of obesity in aged rats.

Effects of coconut oil long-term supplementation in Wistar rats during metabolic syndrome - regulation of metabolic conditions involving glucose homeostasis, inflammatory signals, and oxidative stress.

This study was designed to evaluate the long-term effects of Fructose (20%) feeding in rats, simulating metabolic syndrome (MetS), and the effects of coconut oil (C.O.) supplementation when administered in a MetS context. MetS is a cluster of systemic conditions that represent an increased chance of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes in the future. C.O. has been the target of media speculation, and recent studies report inconsistent results. C.O. improved glucose homeostasis and reduced fat accumulation in Fructose-fed rats while decreasing the levels of triglycerides (TGs) in the liver. C.O. supplementation also increased TGs levels and fructosamine in serum during MetS, possibly due to white adipose tissue breakdown and high fructose feeding. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and TNF-α were also increased in rats treated with Fructose and C.O. Oxidative stress marker nitrotyrosine is increased in fructose-fed animals, and C.O. treatment did not prevent this damage. No significant changes were observed in lipoperoxidation marker 4-Hydroxynonenal; however, fructose feeding increased total conjugated dienes and caused conjugated dienes to switch their conformation from cis-trans to trans-trans, which was not prevented by C.O. treatment. Potential benefits of C.O. have been reported with inconsistent results, and indeed we observed some benefits of C.O. supplementation in aiding weight loss, fat accumulation, and improving glucose homeostasis. Nonetheless, we also demonstrated that long-term C.O. supplementation could present some problematic effects with higher risk for individuals suffering MetS, including increased TGs and fructosamine levels and conformational changes in dienes.

Impact of cafeteria diet and n3 supplementation on the intestinal microbiota, fatty acids levels, neuroinflammatory markers and social memory in male rats.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of omega-3 (n3) supplementation on intestinal microbiota, fatty acids profile, neuroinflammation, and social memory of cafeteria diet (CAF)-fed rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were fed with CAF for 20 weeks. Omega-3 (500 mg/kg/day) was supplemented between the 16th and 20th week. Colon morphology, intestinal microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the plasma, fatty acids profile, TLR-4 and claudin-5 expressions in the brain, and social memory were investigated. RESULTS: CAF reduced colon length, crypts' depth, and microbiota diversity, while n3 increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. CAF increased SCFA plasma levels, but n3 reduced butyrate and isobutyrate in obese rats. LPS was increased in CAF-fed rats, and n3 decreased its levels. In the cerebral cortex, n3 increased caprylic, palmitic, stearic, tricosanoic, lignoceric, myristoleic, and linoleic acids. CAF increased palmitic acid and TLR-4 expression in the cerebral cortex while decreasing claudin-5 in the hippocampus. In the social memory test, CAF-fed animals showed greater social interaction with no effect of n3. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of n3 effect in some of the evaluated parameters may be due to the severity of the obesity caused by CAF. However, n3 reduced LPS levels, suggesting its ability to reverse endotoxemia.

Dimethyl acetamide and dimethyl sulfoxide associated at glucose and egg yolk for cryopreservation of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans semen

This study aimed to develop a protocol for the cryopreservation of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans semen. For this, mature males were hormonally induced with a single dose of carp pituitary extract (5 mg/kg body weight). Semen was collected and evaluated. Two cryoprotectants were tested to compose the diluents: dimethyl acetamide (DMA) and dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO), in two concentrations (8% and 10%), + 5.0% glucose + 10% egg yolk. The semen was diluted in a 1: 4 ratio (semen: extender), packed in 0.5 mL straws and frozen in a dry shipper container in liquid nitrogen vapors. After thawing, sperm kinetics, sperm morphology and DNA integrity of cryopreserved sperm were evaluated. Pseudoplatystoma corruscans males produced semen with sperm motility > 80%. After thawing, all treatments provided semen with total sperm motility > 40%, with no significant difference (P < 0.05) between them, as well as between the other sperm kinetic parameters evaluated. The treatments with DMA provided a smaller fragmentation of the DNA of the gametes. Sperm malformations were identified in both fresh and cryopreserved semen, with a slight increase in these malformations being identified in sperm from thawed P. corruscans semen samples.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver um protocolo para a criopreservação do sêmen de Pseudoplatystoma corruscans. Para tal, machos maduros foram induzidos hormonalmente com uma dose única de extrato de hipófise de carpa (5 mg/kg de peso vivo). O sêmen foi coletado e avaliado. Sendo testados para compor os diluentes, dois crioprotetores: dimetil acetamida (DMA) e dimetil sulfóxido (Me2SO), em duas concentrações (8% e 10%), + 5,0% glicose + 10% gema de ovo. O sêmen foi diluído na proporção 1: 4 (sêmen: extensor), embalado em palhetas de 0,5 mL e congelado em container dryshipper em vapores de nitrogênio líquido. Após o descongelamento, foram avaliados os aspectos cinéticos espermáticos, a morfologia espermática e a integridade do DNA dos espermatozoides criopreservados. Os machos de P. corruscans produziram sêmen com motilidade espermática > 80%. Todos os tratamentos proporcionaram após o descongelamento sêmen com motilidade espermática total > 40%, sem diferença significativa (P < 0,05) entre eles, como também entre os demais parâmetros cinéticos espermáticos avaliados. Os tratamentos com DMA proporcionaram uma menor fragmentação do DNA dos gametas. Malformações espermáticas foram identificadas, tanto no sêmen fresco, como no criopreservado, sendo identificado um aumento discreto dessas malformações nos espermatozoides das amostras de sêmen descongeladas de P. corruscans.(AU)

Zinc Supplementation Partially Decreases the Harmful Effects of a Cafeteria Diet in Rats but Does Not Prevent Intestinal Dysbiosis.

Zinc (Zn) plays an important role in metabolic homeostasis and may modulate neurological impairment related to obesity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Zn supplementation on the intestinal microbiota, fatty acid profile, and neurofunctional parameters in obese male Wistar rats. Rats were fed a cafeteria diet (CAF), composed of ultra-processed and highly caloric and palatable foods, for 20 weeks to induce obesity. From week 16, Zn supplementation was started (10 mg/kg/day). At the end of the experiment, we evaluated the colon morphology, composition of gut microbiota, intestinal fatty acids, integrity of the intestinal barrier and blood-brain barrier (BBB), and neuroplasticity markers in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Obese rats showed dysbiosis, morphological changes, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) reduction, and increased saturated fatty acids in the colon. BBB may also be compromised in CAF-fed animals, as claudin-5 expression is reduced in the cerebral cortex. In addition, synaptophysin was decreased in the hippocampus, which may affect synaptic function. Our findings showed that Zn could not protect obese animals from intestinal dysbiosis. However, an increase in acetate levels was observed, which suggests a partial beneficial effect of Zn. Thus, Zn supplementation may not be sufficient to protect from obesity-related dysfunctions.

Development of a large-scale rainfall simulator for urban hydrology research / Desenvolvimento de um simulador de chuva de grande escala para pesquisa em hidrologia urbana

ABSTRACT This work presented the development and testing of a large-scale rainfall simulator (LSRS) to be used as a research tool on rainfall-runoff and associated transport processes in urban areas. The rainfall simulator consists of a pressurized water supply system which supplies a set of 16 full-cone nozzles. Artificial rainfall with different rainfall intensities can be produced over an area of 100 m2 in a V shape. The assembly is housed in a tailor-made acrylic structure to eliminate the influence of wind and natural rainfall. Runoff is measured and collected at the outlet of the drainage basin, from where it is pumped to a storage tank that enables the reuse of water. Runoff hydrographs and pollutographs are presented as examples of possible outcomes from this facility. The LSRS is showed to be able to reproduce the rainfall-runoff and pollutant transport processes under simulated rainfall events with intensity and spatial uniformity similar to other experiments described in the literature.

RESUMO Este trabalho apresentou o desenvolvimento e teste de um simulador de chuva em larga escala (large-scale rainfall simulator — LSRS) para utilização em pesquisa sobre o processo de chuva-vazão e processos associados em áreas urbanas. O simulador é composto por um sistema pressurizado de abastecimento de água que abastece um conjunto de 16 bicos aspersores. Chuvas artificiais com diferentes intensidades de precipitação podem ser produzida sobre uma bacia de drenagem com área de 100.0 m2 em forma de V. O simulador é protegido por uma estrutura em acrílico que elimina a influência do vento e da chuva natural. A vazão é medida e coletada no exutório da bacia de drenagem, de onde é bombeada para um reservatório de armazenamento que permite a reutilização da água. Hidrogramas de vazão e polutogramas são apresentados como exemplos de possíveis resultados de ensaios a serem realizados com este equipamento. O LSRS demonstrou ser possível reproduzir o processo de chuva-vazão e processos associados sob eventos de chuva simulada com intensidade e distribuição espacial semelhantes a outros experimentos descritos na literatura.

Calibração do modelo hidrológico SWMM para a bacia do ribeirão vai e volta — Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais / Calibration of SWMM's hydrological model for the watershed vai e volta stream — Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais

RESUMO A impermeabilização de áreas em centros urbanos, resultante do processo de ocupação desordenada do solo, contribui para o aumento e a aceleração do escoamento superficial e, consequentemente, para a ocorrência de enchentes e inundações em bacias urbanas. Nesse contexto, atualmente, modelos hidrológicos vêm sendo empregados no desenvolvimento de políticas públicas de gestão das águas urbanas, com vistas à drenagem urbana sustentável. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo usar um modelo hidrológico para a bacia do ribeirão Vai e Volta, localizada no município de Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais, para simular o hidrograma de cheia em um canal urbano. Utilizou-se o software Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) calibrando o modelo a dados de chuva e vazão medidos. Realizou-se a calibração manual do modelo para dois eventos de precipitação com a obtenção do coeficiente de eficiência de Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE) médio de 0,73 e erros da vazão de pico e do volume escoado inferiores a 15%. O modelo foi validado para outros três eventos distintos e obteve-se ajuste NSE médio de 0,79 e erros da vazão de pico e do volume escoado inferiores a 5%.

ABSTRACT The waterproofing of areas in urban centers, resulting from the disorderly occupation of the soil, contributes to increase and accelerate the runoff and, consequently, to the occurrence of floods and inundation in urban watersheds. In this context, hydrological models are currently being used in the development of public policies for urban water management, related to sustainable urban drainage. The present work aimed to use a hydrological model for the watershed of the Vai e Volta stream, located in the city of Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais, to simulate the flood hydrograph in an urban open channel. The Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) software was used, calibrating the model to measured rainfall and flow data. The model was manually calibrated for two rainfall events with an average Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (NSE) of 0.73 and errors in peak flow and runoff volume below 15%. The model was validated for three other distinct events and an average NSE adjustment of 0.79 was obtained and errors in peak flow and runoff volume below 5%.

Naturally-Occurring Radioactive Materials at water treatment plant on the Poços de Caldas Plateau Region, Brazil / Materiais Radioativos de Ocorrência Natural em estações de tratamento de água no Planalto de Poços de Caldas, Brasil

ABSTRACT Oil and gas, mining, among others, are examples of facilities where naturally occurring radioactive materials can be found. This study aims to evaluate the presence of natural radioactive series, especially those of 238U and 232Th, in the water treatment plants of Poços de Caldas City, Minas Gerais. The presence of these series was investigated in samples of raw water, treated water, sludge from decanters, and scale from Parshall gutters. The sludge, input, and scale samples were submitted to the gamma spectrometry technique to determine the 226Ra, 228Ra, and 210Pb radionuclides. For U and Th, ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry was performed, and for the alpha and beta total values, radiochemical separation and subsequent alpha and beta total counts were performed. The results indicate that water samples are within the Ministry of Health Ordinance n° 5 (2017). Due to the different concentrations of radionuclide activity in the sludge, it was not possible to affirm the same order of magnitude with the sediment from the catchments. However, the values are in accordance with those established by the European Union Council for Naturally-Occurring Radioactive Materials. In the scale, the contents of 1192, 1704, and 301 Bq kg−1 were identified for 226Ra, 228Ra, and 210Pb, respectively. In the inputs of aluminum sulfate and calcium hydroxide, no relevant activities were identified. The results obtained in the study can serve as an indicative regarding the need for a more detailed evaluation of the radiological issue in question concerning public water supplies.

RESUMO Petróleo e gás, mineração, estações de tratamento de água, entre outros, são exemplos de instalações que podem apresentar Materiais Radioativos de Ocorrência Natural. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a presença de séries radioativas naturais, especialmente as de 238U e 232Th nas estações de tratamento de água da cidade de Poços de Caldas/MG. Foram investigadas as presenças dessas séries em amostras de água bruta, de água tratada, no lodo dos decantadores e nas incrustações das calhas Parshall, além dos principais insumos utilizados. As amostras de lodo, insumos e incrustações foram submetidas à técnica de espectrometria gama para a determinação dos radionuclídeos 226Ra, 228Ra e 210Pb. Para U e Th, realizou-se espectrofotometria ultravioleta-visível, e para os valores de Alfa e Beta totais foram realizadas separação radioquímica e posterior contagem Alfa e Beta total. Os resultados indicaram que as amostras de águas estão em conformidade com a Portaria de Consolidação n° 5 de 2017 do Ministério da Saúde. Dadas as diferentes concentrações de atividade dos radionuclídeos no lodo, não foi possível afirmar a mesma ordem de magnitude com o sedimento das captações. Entretanto, os valores estão consonantes com o estabelecido pelo conselho da União Europeia para Materiais Radioativos de Ocorrência Natural. Nas incrustações foram identificados teores de 1.192 Bq.kg-1, 1.704 Bq.kg-1 e 301 Bq.kg-1 para 226Ra, 228Ra e 210Pb, respetivamente. Já para os insumos Sulfato de Alumínio (Al4(SO4)3) e Hidróxido de Cálcio Ca(OH)2 não foram identificadas atividades relevantes. Os resultados obtidos no estudo podem servir como indicativos da necessidade de uma avaliação mais detalhada sobre a questão radiológica em foco, em relação ao abastecimento público de águas.

Gut microbiota modulation by prednisolone in a rat kindling model of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure.

The gut microbiota is a complex community composed by several microorganisms that interact in the maintenance of homeostasis and contribute to physiological processes, including brain function. The relationship of the taxonomic composition of the gut microbiota with neurological diseases such as autism, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, anxiety, and depression is widely recognized. The immune system is an important intermediary between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system, being one of the communication routes of the gut-brain axis. Although the complexity of the relationship between inflammation and epilepsy has not yet been elucidated, inflammatory processes are similar in many ways to the consequences of dysbiosis and contribute to disease progression. This study aimed to analyze the taxonomic composition of the gut microbiota of rats treated with prednisolone in a kindling model of epilepsy. Male Wistar rats (90 days, n = 24) divided into four experimental groups: sodium chloride solution 0.9 g%, diazepam 2 mg/kg, prednisolone 1 mg/kg, and prednisolone 5 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days. The kindling model was induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) 25 mg/kg i.p. on alternate days. The taxonomic profile was established by applying metagenomic DNA sequencing. There was no change in alpha diversity, and the composition of the gut microbiota between prednisolone and diazepam was similar. The significant increase in Verrucomicrobia, Saccharibacteria, and Actinobacteria may be related to the protective activity against seizures and inflammatory processes that cause some cases of epilepsy. Further studies are needed to investigate the functional influence that these species have on epilepsy and the inflammatory processes that trigger it.

Intranasal HSP70 administration protects against dopaminergic denervation and modulates neuroinflammatory response in the 6-OHDA rat model.

HSP70 is one of the main molecular chaperones involved in the cellular stress response. Besides its chaperone action, HSP70 also modulates the immune response. Increased susceptibility to toxic insults in intra- and extracellular environments has been associated with insufficient amounts of inducible HSP70 in adult neurons. On the other hand, exogenous HSP70 administration has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in experimental models of age-related disorders. In this regard, this study investigated the effects of exogenous HSP70 in an animal model of dopaminergic denervation of the nigrostriatal axis. After unilateral intrastriatal injection with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), the animals received purified recombinant HSP70 through intranasal administration (2 µg/rat/day) for 15 days. Our results indicate a neuroprotective effect of intranasal HSP70 against dopaminergic denervation induced by 6-OHDA. Exogenous HSP70 improved motor impairment and reduced the loss of dopaminergic neurons caused by 6-OHDA. Moreover, HSP70 modulated neuroinflammatory response in the substantia nigra, an important event in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. Specifically, HSP70 treatment reduced microglial activation and astrogliosis induced by 6-OHDA, as well as IL-1ß mRNA expression in this region. Also, recombinant HSP70 increased the protein content of HSP70 in the substantia nigra of rats that received 6-OHDA. These data suggest the neuroprotection of HSP70 against dopaminergic neurons damage after cellular stress. Finally, our results indicate that HSP70 neuroprotective action against 6-OHDA toxicity is related to inflammatory response modulation.

Gonadal morphology and difference in reproductive development of two isolated populations of Astyanax rivularis (Teleostei, Characidae).

Individuals of the same species may present different reproductive tactics depending on the environment in which they develop and mature. The present study aimed to define the gonadal development phases of males and females of Astyanax rivularis and to carry out a comparative analysis of the reproductive development of specimens captured in two isolated environments of the São Francisco River basin in Serra da Canastra, Brazil (Point 1: low vegetation and river showing calm and crystalline waters with small well formations; Point 2: current waters, and well-established areas of arboreal vegetation). Thus, the gonads of A. rivularis specimens were collected, fixed and processed with techniques for light microscopy. Five maturation phases of the females' reproductive cycle were established: immature, developing, spawning capable, regressing and regenerating. Three maturation phases of the males' reproductive cycle were observed: spawning capable, regressing, and regenerating. There are differences in the phases of gonadal development of A. rivularis between the two sampling points so that, possibly, animals upstream of the waterfall demonstrate a delay in the reproductive cycle in relation to animals downstream.

Geometrical frustration and cluster spin glass with random graphs.

We develop a based on a sparse random graph to account for the interplay between geometric frustration and disorder in cluster magnetism. Our theory allows introduction of the cluster network connectivity as a controllable parameter. Two types of inner cluster geometry are considered: triangular and tetrahedral. The theory was developed for general, nonuniform intracluster interactions, but in the present paper the results presented correspond to uniform, antiferromagnetic (AF) intraclusters interaction J_{0}/J. The clusters are represented by nodes on a finite connectivity random graph, and the intercluster interactions are randomly Gaussian distributed. The graph realizations are treated in replica theory using the formalism of order parameter functions, which allows one to calculate the distribution of local fields and, as a consequence, the relevant observable. In the case of triangular cluster geometry, there is the onset of a classical spin liquid state at a temperature T^{*}/J and then, a cluster spin glass (CSG) phase at a temperature T_{/}J. The CSG ground state is robust even for very weak disorder or large negative J_{0}/J. These results does not depend on the network connectivity. Nevertheless, variations in the connectivity strongly affect the level of frustration f_{p}=-Θ_{CW}/T_{f} for large J_{0}/J. In contrast, for the nonfrustrated tetrahedral cluster geometry, the CSG ground state is suppressed for weak disorder or large negative J_{0}/J. The CSG boundary phase presents a reentrance which is dependent on the network connectivity.

Preliminary study on testicular germ cell isolation and transplantation in an endangered endemic species Brycon orbignyanus (Characiformes: Characidae).

We aimed to develop a simplified protocol for transplantation of Brycon orbignyanus spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) into Astyanax altiparanae testes. Brycon orbignyanus testes were enzymatically digested and SSC purified by a discontinuous density gradient. Endogenous spermatogenesis was suppressed in A. altiparanae using busulfan or by incubation at 35 °C water, and SSCs from B. orbignyanus labeled with PKH26 were injected into their testes via the urogenital papilla. Twenty-two hours post-transplantation, labeled spermatogonia were observed in A. altiparanae tubular lumen. After 7 days, spermatogonia proliferated in the epithelium, and 21 days post-transplantation, sperm was observed in the lumen. Of surviving host fish, nearly 67% of those treated with busulfan and 85% of those held in warm water showed labeled cells in host germinal epithelium. The present study standardized, by a simple and accessible method, germ cell transplantation between sexually mature Characiformes fish species. This is the first report of xenogenic SSC transplantation in this fish order.

The influence of increased water temperature on the duration of spermatogenesis in a neotropical fish, Astyanax altiparanae (Characiformes, Characidae).

In view of the established climate change scenario and the consequent changes in global temperature, it is essential to study its effects on animal spermatogenesis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the duration of spermatogenesis at different temperatures. For this purpose, 96 male and adult specimens of Astyanax altiparanae were kept in a closed circulation system with water temperature stabilized at 27 °C and 32 °C. Subsequently, the specimens received pulses of BrdU (bromodeoxyuridine) at a concentration of 100 mg/kg/day for 2 consecutive days, and the samples were collected daily for a period of 15 days. Their testes were removed, fixed, processed in historesin, and sectioned in 3 µm, submitted to hematoxylin/eosin staining and to bromodeoxyuridine immunodetection. Partial results of the optimum temperature experiments allowed the classification of A. altiparanae spermatogenic cells in Aund, Adiff, and type B spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa. The duration of spermatogenesis was determined as approximately 6 days for animals at a temperature of 27 °C and 1 day for animals at 32 °C. The elevated temperature was also responsible for increasing cell proliferation, resulting in an increase in the number of spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoa, and cell death (cell pyknotic). The duration of spermatogenesis in A. altiparanae was directly affected by the elevated water temperature, causing a reduction in the estimated time of spermatogenesis.

Perfil epidemiológico dos casos notificados de sífilis em gestantes em Minas Gerais, de 2013 a 2017 / Epidemiological profile of notificated cases of syphilis in Minas Gerais, 2013-2017

Introdução: A sífilis durante a gravidez é um grave problema de saúde pública. Em 2016, foram notificados 37.436 casos de sífilis em gestantes e 20.474 casos de sífilis congênita, com 185 óbitos no Brasil. O fator determinante para a diminuição dos casos é o pré-natal de qualidade. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil dos casos notificados de sífilis em gestante no estado de Minas Gerais, entre 2013 a 2017. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal descritivo sobre o perfil epidemiológico dos casos notificados de sífilis em gestante em Minas Gerais entre 2013 a 2017. Os dados foram obtidos no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, a partir do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde e categorizados quanto ao número de casos, ano de diagnóstico, faixa etária, nível de escolaridade, raça, região e estágio clínico ao diagnóstico. Resultados: Em 2017 foi demonstrado um aumento de 132% dos casos de gestantes com sífilis, em comparação com 2013. Houve predomínio na região central do estado (43,30%). 92,50% se referem a gestantes moradoras da zona urbana. A faixa etária mais acometida foi 20 a 39 anos. A maior parte (46,3%) se declara como parda. E a escolaridade 5ª a 8ª série incompleto do ensino fundamental foi a mais prevalente (16,05%). A classificação clínica mais comum da sífilis materna foi a primária (34,7%). Conclusão: A assistência pré-natal adequada deve ser iniciada precocemente. É necessária a capacitação das equipes das Unidades Básicas para garantirem ações educativas, identificação de situações de risco, diagnóstico e tratamento oportuno.

Introduction: Syphilis during pregnancy is a serious public health problem. In 2016, 37,436 cases of syphilis in pregnant women and 20,474 cases of congenital syphilis were reported, with 185 deaths in Brazil. The determining factor for the decrease in cases is the prenatal quality. Objective: To evaluate the profile of notified cases of syphilis in pregnant women in Minas Gerais, between 2013 to 2017. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study on the epidemiological profile of notified cases of syphilis in pregnant women in Minas Gerais from 2013 to 2017. Data were obtained from the Notification of Disease Information System, the from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System and categorized according to the number of cases, year of diagnosis, age group, level of education, race, region and clinical stage at diagnosis. Results: In 2017 there was a 132% increase in cases of pregnant women with syphilis compared to 2013. There was a predominance in the central region of the state (43.30%). 92.50% refer to pregnant women living in urban areas. The most affected age group was 20 to 39 years. Most (46.3%) declare themselves as brown. And the 5th to 8th grade incomplete elementary schooling was the most prevalent (16.05%). The most common clinical classification of maternal syphilis was primary (34.7%). Conclusion: Appropriate prenatal care should be started as early as possible. The training of Basic Units teams is necessary to ensure educational actions, identification of risk situations, diagnosis and timely treatment.

You Talking to Me? Says the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) to the Microbe. How Intestinal Microbes Interact with the ENS.

Mammalian organisms form intimate interfaces with commensal and pathogenic gut microorganisms. Increasing evidence suggests a close interaction between gut microorganisms and the enteric nervous system (ENS), as the first interface to the central nervous system. Each microorganism can exert a different effect on the ENS, including phenotypical neuronal changes or the induction of chemical transmitters that interact with ENS neurons. Some pathogenic bacteria take advantage of the ENS to create a more suitable environment for their growth or to promote the effects of their toxins. In addition, some commensal bacteria can affect the central nervous system (CNS) by locally interacting with the ENS. From the current knowledge emerges an interesting field that may shape future concepts on the pathogen-host synergic interaction. The aim of this narrative review is to report the current findings regarding the inter-relationships between bacteria, viruses, and parasites and the ENS.

Osmoregulatory profiles and gill histological changes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin.

Lambda-cyhalothrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that mimics the structure and insecticidal properties of pyrethrin, a natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemums. In fish, it disrupts the nervous system, causing motor paralysis and several other alterations associated with varying levels of mortality. This study aimed to evaluate osmoregulatory responses and histological changes in the gills of Oreochromis niloticus chronically exposed to a sublethal dosage (0.86 µg/L) of lambda-cyhalothrin. The mean serum values for Na2+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+, pH, lactate, H+, HCO3, and glucose along to degree of tissue change (DTC) at 24, 96, 168, and 240 h post-exposure (hpe) were evaluated. Lambda-cyhalothrin affected the neuronal motor function at 24 hpe, followed by the increase of the K+, Ca2+, H+, and glucose levels in the exposed group, compared to the control group. Lactate and H+ levels in the exposed group were higher than those in the control group at 168 and 240 hpe respectively. HCO3, and Cl- levels increased at 240 hpe, although there was no change in the pH values. DTC was higher in treated fish than in control fish, but there were no significant differences among time-exposure. The changes detected ranged from hyperemia of the branchial vasculature, eosinophilic granulocytic cell infiltration, mucous cell hyperplasia, and partial fusion of secondary lamellae at 24 hpe to vascular aneurysm formation, and necrosis of the lamellar epithelium at 240 hpe. Thus, a sublethal dosage of lambda-cyhalothrin in the long-term is toxic for Nile tilapia, characterized by hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, hyperglycemia, and respiratory alkalosis, followed by time-dependent histological changes.