Interactions among sucrose and concentrations of serum fetal bovine on the cryopreservation of somatic cells derived from red-rumped agoutis.

BACKGROUND: The synergistic action among the different extracellular cryoprotectants could improve somatic cell quality after thawing and provide bases for the formation of biobanks for red-rumped agoutis. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the interactions among sucrose (SUC) and concentrations of serum fetal bovine (FBS) on the cryopreservation of somatic cells derived from red-rumped agoutis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells were cryopreserved with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide and different concentrations of FBS (10%, 40%, and 90%) with or without 0.2 M SUC, totaling six comparison groups. Non-cryopreserved cells were used as a control. Cells were evaluated for viability, metabolic activity, proliferative activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis levels. RESULTS: No difference was observed among cryopreserved with DMSO containing (10FBS, 10FBS-SUC, 40FBS, 40FBS-SUC, 90FBS, 90FBS-SUC) and non-cryopreserved groups for viability, metabolic activity, proliferative activity, and ROS levels. Interestingly, only cells cryopreserved with 90% FBS and SUC maintained the mitochondrial membrane potential like the control. This indicates that at high concentrations of FBS, SUC contributes to the maintenance of this parameter in cryopreserved cells. Moreover, at concentrations of 10% and 40% of FBS, SUC contributed to the maintenance of viability evaluated by the levels of apoptosis evaluated after thawing. In summary, we verified that 90% FBS and 0.2 M SUC promote greater ability of cells after thawing. Additionally, SUC positively acts in cryopreservation solutions containing 10% and 40% FBS. CONCLUSION: This information is essential to an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the interactions of extracellular cryoprotectants in somatic cell cryopreservation solutions of red-rumped agoutis. DOI: 10.54680/fr23210110212.

HIV-related non-Hodgkin lymphomas affecting the oral cavity: a clinicopathologic study of 11 cases.

BACKGROUND: HIV-related non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the oral cavity are rare lesions with aggressive clinical behaviour. The aim of this study is to describe the clinicopathological features of a series of HIV-related oral non-Hodgkin lymphomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven cases of oral lymphomas affecting HIV-positive patients were retrieved from 2012 to 2019. Clinicopathological features regarding age, sex, tumour location, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, disease stage and follow-up were obtained. Histologic, immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization for EBV detection were done for diagnosis confirmation. Overall survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier curve. RESULTS: Males predominated, with a mean age of 40.3 years-old. Maxilla and mandible were the mostly affected. Plasmablastic lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (NOS) were the main histological types. Lesions presented as reddish ulcerated swellings, representing the first sign of AIDS in six cases. Stage IV were common (7 cases) and the mean HIV viral load was 10,557 copies/mL, with a mean of 266 CD4+ cells/mm3, 1,278 CD8+ cells/mm3 and a CD4+/CD8+ ratio of 0.26. Eight patients died of the disease (72.7%). Overall survival revealed that 78.2% of the patients died after 21 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-related oral lymphomas present a poor prognosis usually diagnosed in advanced stages and in our series plasmablastic lymphoma was the most common subtype.

Predicting the chemical composition of the body and the carcass of hair sheep using body parts and carcass measurements.

Determination of the chemical composition in the body and carcass of ruminants is important for both nutritional requirement studies and the meat industry. This study aimed to develop equations to predict the body and carcass chemical composition of hair sheep using the chemical composition of body parts, carcass measurements and shrunk BW as predictors. A database containing 107 individual records for castrated male hair sheep ranging from 24 to 43 kg BW was gathered from two body composition studies. The empty body, carcass and body parts were analyzed for water, ash, fat and protein contents (%). The body parts used to estimate body and carcass composition were fore leg, hind leg and 9-11th rib section. The carcass measurements used were leg length, thoracic circumference, hind circumference, hind width, thoracic width, thoracic depth and chest width. Each model performance was evaluated using a leave-one-out cross-validation. Multiple regression analysis considering the study as a random effect revealed that body parts in association with carcass measurements were significant for predicting the chemical composition in the body of castrate male sheep. However, the use of the chemical composition of hind leg produced the best models for predicting the ash and fat contents in the empty body, whereas the water and protein contents in the empty body were better predicted when using the chemical compositions of 9-11th rib section and fore leg, respectively. Multiple regression analysis also revealed that most body parts were suitable for predicting the carcass composition, except for 9-11th rib section whose chemical composition did not produce significant prediction equations for ash and protein carcass contents. The use of the chemical composition of hind leg in association with carcass measurements produced the best models for predicting the water and fat contents in the carcass, while the ash and protein contents in the carcass were better predicted when using the chemical composition of fore leg. In conclusion, precision, accuracy and goodness-of-fit of the equations drove the selection of the chemical composition of hind leg and carcass measurements in a multivariate approach, as the most suitable predictors of the chemical composition of the body and carcass of hair sheep. However, the chemical composition of fore leg may be used as well. The developed equations could improve the accuracy of the empty body and carcass composition estimations in sheep, optimizing the estimation of nutrient requirements, as well as the carcass quality evaluation for this species.

Sazonalidade e rotas de coleta influenciam a ocorrência de leite instável não ácido, a densidade e a crioscopia do leite fornecido a um laticínio no Norte de Minas Gerais / [Seasonality and collection routes influence the occurrence of non-acid unstable milk, the density and cryoscopy of milk supplied to a dairy industry in northern Minas Gerais]

Objetivou-se avaliar, nos meses, nas estações do ano e nas rotas de coleta, a ocorrência de leite instável não ácido (LINA) e de outras classes de leite, de acidez titulável, densidade e crioscopia em 10.654 resultados de laticínio localizado em Montes Claros, MG. Em rotas de coleta, agruparam-se:a)Bocaiúva; Brasília de Minas, Coração de Jesus e São João da Lagoa; b) Capitão Enéas e Janaúba; Francisco Sá; c) Icaraí de Minas e São Francisco; d)Juramento e Glaucilândia; e) Montes Claros; f) Pedras de Maria da Cruz, Japonvar, Lontra e São João da Ponte;e g) Ubaí. Foram avaliados frequências das classes de leite, teste do álcool, acidez titulável, densidade e crioscopiapor mês, estação do ano e rota. Com testes de qui-quadrado e análises de variância, verificou-se influência de mês, estação do ano e rota em acidez titulável, densidade e crioscopia. Análises de correspondência múltipla descreveram a associação de classes de leite e mês ou rotas e de teste do álcool, acidez titulável, densidade e crioscopia em relação às estações do ano.Por regressão logística, calculou-se probabilidade de ocorrência de LINA por grupos de meses e de rotas. Houve maior porcentagem de amostras dentro da normalidade. Resultados normais, LINA, amostras alcalinas e ácidas foram, respectivamente, 79,46%; 12,93%; 4,14% e 3,48% de 10.271 resultados. Positividade ao teste do álcool (n=10.561) foi mais frequente no final do inverno. LINA associou-se à transição da seca para chuva, com maior chance de ocorrência em setembro e janeiro. As rotas de Brasília de Minas, Icaraí de Minas e Ubaí apresentaram maiores desconformidades e probabilidades para ocorrência de LINA.(AU)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in the months, seasons and collection routes, the occurrence of non-acidic unstable milk (UNAM) and other milk categories, titratable acidity, density and cryoscopy in 10,654 samples from a dairy industry located in Montes Claros, MG, Brazil. Municipalities were grouped in collection routes: a) Bocaiúva; Brasília de Minas, Coração de Jesus and São João da Lagoa; b) Capitão Enéas and Janaúba; c) Francisco Sá; Icaraí de Minas and São Francisco; d) Juramento and Glaucilândia; e) Montes Claros; f) Pedras de Maria da Cruz, Japonvar, Lontra and São João da Ponte and g) Ubaí. The milk category frequencies and alcohol test, titratable acidity, density and cryoscopy of milk by months, season and routes were evaluated. Chi-square tests and variance analysis showed the influence of month, season and route on titratable acidity, density and cryoscopy. Multiple correspondence analyzes described the association of milk and month or routes and alcohol test categories, titratable acidity, density and cryoscopy in relation to the seasons. The probability of occurrence of LINA by month and route groups was calculated by logistic regression. There were a higher percentage of samples within the normal range. Normal, UNAM, alkaline and acid milk results were respectively 79.46, 12.93, 4.14 and 3.48% of 10,271 results. Alcohol test positivity (n=10,561) was more frequent in late winter. UNAM was associated with the transition from drought to rainy season, most likely to occur in September and January. The Brasília de Minas, Icaraí de Minas and Ubaí routes presented higher nonconformities and probabilities for UNAM occurrence.(AU)

Cryopreservation of Bovine Semen Using Extract of Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil Nuts).

BACKGROUND: Semen cryopreservation is essential in animal breeding programs for improving the availability of genetic resources from animals with high breeding value. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the addition of Brazil nut extract as a replacement for egg yolk in bovine semen cryopreservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semen was collected from five Nelore bulls and cryopreserved with the addition (treatments) of 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% Brazil nut extract in the cryoprotectant medium. After thawing, spermatic cells were evaluated for morphology, plasma membrane integrity, spermatic kinetics, and in vitro fertilization. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, and the data were submitted to regression analysis. RESULTS: The minor-type and total defects, and plasma membrane integrity were affected (P < 0.05) as a function of egg yolk substitution with Brazil nut extract. There was a significant effect (P < 0.05) of Brazil nut extract addition on the spermatic kinetics and cleavage rate. CONCLUSION: The addition of Brazil nut extract in the cryoprotective medium as a substitute of egg yolk for freezing bovine semen negatively affects sperm quality and fertility.

Performance and digestibility of confined lambs fed with Babassu cake (Orbignya speciosa) as a substitute for elephant grass silage / Desempenho e digestibilidade de cordeiros confinados alimentados com torta de babaçu (Orbignya speciosa) em substituição à silagem de capim-elefante

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the partial replacement of elephant grass silage with babassu (Orbignya speciosa) on the performance, intake, digestibility, and carcass weight gain of sheep. Fifty-four castrated male lambs (19.08±2.76kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design and administered one of the following treatments: 0.0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 or 50% dry matter (%DM) replacement of elephant grass silage with babassu cake. No difference (P> 0.05) was observed in the dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber intake, but the ether extract intake increased (P< 0.05). The digestibility of the dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrients were unaffected. The crude protein digestibility decreased (P< 0.05), and the ether extract digestibility increased with the replacement of the elephant grass. There were no changes in mean daily weight gain and carcass weight gain. In the carcasses, a linear increase was observed in the proportion of the ether extract, and the crude protein decreased. The replacement of the silage with the babassu cake by up to 50% did not change the performance of sheep, however it led to an increase in fat deposit in the carcass.

Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição parcial da silagem de capim elefante por torta de babaçu (Orbignya speciosa) sobre o desempenho, consumo, digestibilidade, composição química e ganho em peso de carcaça de ovinos. Cinquenta e quatro machos, castrados (19,08±2,76kg) foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e administrado um dos seguintes tratamentos: 0.0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 e 50% (%MS) de substituição da silagem pela torta de babaçu. Não houve diferença (P> 0.05) na ingestão de matéria seca, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro, porém o consumo de extrato etéreo aumentou (P< 0.05). A digestibilidade da matéria seca, fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais não foram alterados, no entanto, os coeficientes de digestibilidade da proteína bruta reduziu (P< 0.05) e do extrato etéreo aumentou (P< 0.05), com a substituição. Não houve alterações no ganho de peso médio diário e ganho de peso em carcaça. Nas carcaças, observou-se aumento linear na proporção do extrato etéreo, no entanto a porcentagem de proteína bruta diminuiu. O aumento no extrato etéreo da carcaça mostrou uma tendência linear. A substituição da silagem pela torta de babaçu em até 50% não alterou o desempenho de ovinos, porém levou a aumento na deposição de gordura na carcaça.

The Addition of AçaÍ Palm Fruit Extract in the Cryopreservation Diluent of Bull's Semen with Low Performance on Freezing.

BACKGROUND: Semen freezing is of great importance for animal production because it allows the use and the rapid diffusion of the genetic material from economically important animals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of açai (Euterpe oleracea; Arecaceae family) extract addition to the semen cryopreservation diluent on the morphology, sperm motility parameters, and plasma membrane integrity of spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ejaculates, obtained from five bulls with low performance on semen freezing, were fractionated and distributed according to the experimental group. The control samples did not have açaí extract added, whereas to the treated groups were added 5, 10, 15 or 20 mg ml-1 of açaí extract into the semen diluent. The sperm morphology was evaluated with a formalin-saline-buffered solution. The plasma membrane integrity was evaluated by the epifluorescent test, while the cellular kinetics was assessed by an automated analysis of the spermatic movement. RESULTS: The sperm defects showed a linearly decreasing effect (P < 0.05) with the addition of different concentrations of açaí extract. The plasma membrane integrity was higher (P < 0.05) after the açaí addition to the cryopreservation diluent. There was no significant effect (P > 0.05) of the açaí extract on the kinetics of spermatozoa. CONCLUSION: The addition of açaí extract to the cryopreservation diluent provided better preservation of the structural integrity of the sperm plasma membrane in the bull's semen with low tolerance to the cryopreservation process.

Penetration of sodium hypochlorite into root canal dentine: effect of surfactants, gel form and passive ultrasonic irrigation.

AIM: To assess the penetration of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) gel or NaOCl solutions with surfactants, and the effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) on penetration into dentinal tubules. METHODOLOGY: Bovine incisor root canals were instrumented, the roots sectioned and the dentine blocks obtained were stained with crystal violet. Dentine blocks (n = 10 per group) were exposed to 3% NaOCl gel or 3% NaOCl solution for 10 and 20 min. Other dentine blocks (n = 10 per group) were exposed to Chlor-Extra (6% NaOCl + surfactant), 6% NaOCl, 2.5% NaOCl with 0.2% cetrimide and 2.5% NaOCl for 10 and 20 min. The penetration depth of irrigants into dentinal tubules was measured in micrometres by viewing the bleached crystal violet under a stereomicroscope. Additionally, bovine incisor root canals, instrumented and stained with crystal violet, were distributed into two groups (n = 10) and irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl with PUI or conventional syringe irrigation (CSI). The penetration depth of irrigants into dentinal tubules was assessed 3 and 7 mm from the apex. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There was significantly greater penetration of 3% NaOCl solution into dentinal tubules compared with the gel form (P < 0.05). There was no difference (P > 0.05) between 6% NaOCl and Chlor-Extra, and between 2.5% NaOCl and 2.5% NaOCl + cetrimide. PUI significantly increased the penetration depth of NaOCl into dentinal tubules when compared with CSI (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In extracted bovine incisors, NaOCl gel penetrated less into dentinal tubules than NaOCl solution. The addition of surfactants did not increase the penetration depth. The use of PUI significantly increased NaOCl penetration into dentinal tubules.

Flared Roots Reinforced With Bulk-fill Flowable Composite - Case Report.

This article presents a case report for the treatment of a patient with a flared root. The patient was treated with a bulk-fill flowable composite. This innovative approach seems to be efficient in reinforcing flared roots. The advantages and disadvantages of the technique are presented.

Stability of complete blood count in different storage conditions using the ABX PENTRA 60 analyzer.

INTRODUCTION: Sample stability is essential to obtain reliable results in the clinical laboratory. This study was conducted to investigate the reliability of hematological parameters using ABX Pentra 60 in samples stored for up to 72 hours at different temperatures. METHODS: A total of 651 blood samples were analyzed at different analysis times: 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours and forms and storage: room temperature (25°C) and at 4°C. The imprecision of the results was evaluated by the analytical coefficient of variation (CVa%) obtained by the typical error (TE) and Kruskal-Wallis analysis, to compare the averages. The reliability of the results was evaluated by the CVa (%) within the maximum allowable analytical variation and by the difference of means of the results in relation to the baseline sample (2 hours). RESULTS: Red blood count, hemoglobin, and MCH parameters showed stability up to 72 hours at room temperature and at 4°C. The other complete blood count parameters showed imprecision results emitted by the ABX Pentra 60 from 24 hours of sample storage, independent of the storage temperature. In addition, there were significant oscillations in the mean values, particularly for the samples stored at room temperature, with the exception of platelet parameters that exhibited mean changes also at 4°C. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the importance of the clinical analyst's knowledge about the behavior of the CBC parameters over time under different storage conditions, and mainly the imprecision of the hematological equipment used, for the suitable interpretation of the results.

Lacaziosis-like disease in Tursiops truncatus from Brazil: a histopathological and immunohistochemical approach

ABSTRACT: Cetacean lacaziosis-like disease or lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) is a chronic skin condition caused by a non-cultivable yeast of the order Onygenales, which also includes Lacazia loboi, as well as Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii, respectively responsible for lacaziosis and paracoccidioidomycosis in humans. Complete identification and phylogenetic classification of the LLD etiological agent still needs to be elucidated, but preliminary phylogenetic analyses have shown a closer relationship of the LLD agent to Paracoccidioides spp. than to L. loboi. Cases of LLD in South American cetaceans based on photographic identification have been reported; however, to date, only 3 histologically confirmed cases of LLD have been described. We evaluated multiple tissue samples from 4 Tursiops truncatus stranded in the states of Santa Catarina (n = 3) and Rio Grande do Sul (n = 1), southern Brazil. Macroscopically, all animals presented lesions consistent with LLD. Hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, Grocott's methenamine silver, and Mayer's mucicarmin stains were used for histological evaluation. Microscopically, numerous refractile yeasts (4-9 µm in diameter) were observed in skin samples (4/4), and for the first time in dolphins, also in a skeletal muscle abscess (1/4). Immunohistochemistry using anti-P. brasiliensis glycoprotein gp43 as a primary antibody, which is known to cross-react with L. loboi and the LLD agent, was performed and results were positive in all 4 cases. We describe 3 new cases of LLD in cetaceans based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. This is the first report of LLD in the muscle of cetaceans.

A simple stochastic model for the feedback circuit between p16INK4a and p53 mediated by p38MAPK: implications for senescence and apoptosis.

The mechanisms leading to the cell fate decision between apoptosis and senescence upon DNA damage are still unclear and have stochastic features. Cellular oxidative stress can generate DNA damage and activate the important mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (p38MAPK) that is involved in pathologies like Alzheimer's disease. Based on experimental evidence we propose a simple network that might operate at the core of the cell control machinery for the choice between apoptosis and senescence involving the cross-talk between p38MAPK, the tumor suppressor protein p53 and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p16INK4a). We have performed two types of analyses, deterministic and stochastic, exploring the system's parameter space, in the first, we calculated the fixed points of the deterministic model and, in the second, we numerically integrated the master equation for the stochastic version. The model shows a variety of behaviors dependent on the parameters including states of high expression levels of p53 or p16INK4a that can be associated with an apoptotic or senescent phenotype, respectively, in agreement with experimental data. In addition, we observe both monostable and bistable behavior (where bistability is a phenomenon in which two stable steady states coexist for a fixed set of control parameter values) which here we suggest to be involved in the cell fate decision problem.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Synthesium pontoporiae (Digenea, Brachycladiidae) linked to its definitive host stocks, the endangered Franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei (Pontoporiidae) off the coast of Brazil and Argentina.

Pontoporia blainvillei (Gervais and d'Orbigny, 1844) is an endangered small cetacean endemic to South America with four Franciscana Management Areas (FMA) recognized as different population stocks. The role of the intestinal parasite Synthesium pontoporiae (Digenea: Brachycladiidae) as a possible biological marker to differentiate P. blainvillei stocks was evaluated using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers. Internal transcribed sequence 1 and 2 (ITS1 and ITS2) regions of S. pontoporiae did not show intraspecific variability. The mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (ND3) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences suggested lack of population structure in S. pontoporiae and population expansion. The apparent panmixia of S. pontoporiae may be due to the high mobility of one or more of its intermediary hosts. Alternatively, it may be due to the small sample size. This result is incongruent with the previously proposed FMA.

Lingual frenectomy and alveolar tap production: an acoustic and perceptual study.

In this phonetic study, productions of the consonant in the stressed syllable position of the word arara as produced by 13 subjects with short and/or anterior lingual frenulum were compared before and after lingual frenectomy. The results from the measurement of the stressed consonant duration and from the identification of the consonant manners of articulation based on the inspection of spectral characteristics are discussed and related to the answers to a perceptual identification test. After surgery, the number of tap productions did not increase, but alveolar productions did. These clinically relevant findings show frenectomy improved tongue mobility, but, as temporal controls were not totally re-established after surgery and 6-month speech therapy sessions, the production of the alveolar tap remained largely unchanged.

Anomalous colour in Neotropical mammals: a review with new records for Didelphis sp. (Didelphidae, Didelphimorphia) and Arctocephalus australis (Otariidae, Carnivora).

Anomalous colourations occur in many tropical vertebrates. However, they are considered rare in wild populations, with very few records for the majority of animal taxa. We report two new cases of anomalous colouration in mammals. Additionally, we compiled all published cases about anomalous pigmentation registered in Neotropical mammals, throughout a comprehensive review of peer reviewed articles between 1950 and 2010. Every record was classified as albinism, leucism, piebaldism or eventually as undetermined pigmentation. As results, we report the new record of a leucistic specimen of opossum (Didelphis sp.) in southern Brazil, as well as a specimen of South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) with piebaldism in Uruguay. We also found 31 scientific articles resulting in 23 records of albinism, 12 of leucism, 71 of piebaldism and 92 records classified as undetermined pigmentation. Anomalous colouration is apparently rare in small terrestrial mammals, but it is much more common in cetaceans and michrochiropterans. Out of these 198 records, 149 occurred in cetaceans and 30 in bats. The results related to cetaceans suggest that males and females with anomolous pigmentation are reproductively successful and as a consequence their frequencies are becoming higher in natural populations. In bats, this result can be related to the fact these animals orient themselves primarily through echolocation, and their refuges provide protection against light and predation. It is possible that anomalous colouration occurs more frequently in other Neotropical mammal orders, which were not formally reported. Therefore, we encourage researchers to publish these events in order to better understand this phenomenon that has a significant influence on animal survival.

Atividade antiulcerogênica do extrato aquoso da Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam. ) Kurz / Antiulcerogenic activity of aqueous extract from Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam. ) Kurz

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz pertence a família Crassulaceae e é conhecida vulgarmente como coirama, folha-da-fortuna, ou folha-do-ar, sendo usada popularmente como antifúngico, no tratamento da hipertensão, em úlceras e em inflamações. O presente estudo objetivou analisar a atividade antiulcerogênica do extrato aquoso das folhas de Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz em modelo de úlcera gástrica induzida por indometacina em Rattus norvegicus, machos (150 a 250 g) com idade de 70 dias. Os animais receberam por via oral: água, extrato aquoso de Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz (1 e 2 g Kg-1 ) ou ranitidina (60 mg Kg-1 ), fármaco com ação gastroprotetora conhecida que atua bloqueando os receptores de histamina H2. Após uma hora dos tratamentos, todos animais receberam indometacina via intraperitoneal. Os resultados demonstraram que o extrato aquoso da Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz possui ação gastroprotetora; na dose de 1 g Kg-1 inibiu 45,49% o índice de ulceração induzido pela indometacina, e, na dose de 2 g Kg-1, inibiu 49,50%. Sugere-se o envolvimento de vários mecanismos na ação gastroprotetora dessa planta e não somente uma possível participação das prostaglandinas nesse efeito. Estudos futuros com diferentes modelos de indução de úlcera gástrica tornam-se necessários para melhor avaliar a atividade antiulcerogênica do extrato aquoso de Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz.

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz belongs to the family Crassulaceae, is popularly known as "coirama", "folha-da-fortuna", or "folha-do-ar" and has been commonly used as antifungal, in the treatment of hypertension, ulcers and inflammation. The present study aimed to analyze the antiulcerogenic activity of aqueous extract from the leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz using indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models in Rattus norvegicus, males (150-250 g) aged 70 days old. The animals received by the oral route: water, aqueous extract from Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz (1 and 2 g Kg-1) or ranitidine (60 mg Kg-1), a drug with known gastroprotective action, blocking histamine H2-receptors. After one hour of treatments, all animals received indomethacin by the intraperitoneal route. Results demonstrated that the aqueous extract from Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz has gastroprotective action; at 1g kg-1 it inhibited 45.49% of the indomethacin-induced ulcer index, while at 2g Kg-1 it inhibited 49.50%. Several mechanisms of actions are suggested to be involved in the gastroprotective action of this plant, besides the possible participation of prostaglandins in this effect. Further studies using different gastric ulcer-induction models are needed to better evaluate the antiulcerogenic activity of aqueous extract from Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz.

Organ tropism during the acute and chronic phases of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in BALB/c mice

The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi in the heart, liver, lung, and kidneys, using hemoculture and PCR analysis, of mice infected with different parasite strains during the acute and chronic phases of infection. Parasitemia curves revealed strain-specific biological behaviors. For the Y and JLP strains, the acute phase of infection started at days six and ten post-infection, parasitemia peaked at days seven and 15 post-infection, the chronic phase started at days nine and 28 post-infection, and animals started dying at days 19 and 120 post-infection, respectively. When the two strains were compared, the JLP strain exhibited reduced and slower replication rates associated with a delayed peak of parasitism and reduced parasite burdens. However, parasites were detected in all studied organs using PCR analysis. The capacity of both strains to infect different organs likely influences disease pathogenesis.

Prognostic significance of immunohistochemical biomarkers in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Advances in understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have resulted in an increasing number of biomarkers that can be used to predict the behaviour of this disease. The authors conducted a literature review of studies examining the role of immunohistochemistry-based protein biomarkers in predicting OSCC outcome. Only articles published in PubMed-indexed journals over the past 5 years were considered. 22 molecular biomarkers were identified and classified into five groups based on their biological functions: cell cycle acceleration and proliferation; tumour suppression and apoptosis; hypoxia; angiogenesis; and cell adhesion and matrix degradation. The cell cycle acceleration and proliferation biomarkers showed the most divergent prognostic findings. Studies on tumour suppression and apoptosis biomarkers were the most prevalent. There were only a few studies examining molecular biomarkers of hypoxia and angiogenesis, and studies examining cell adhesion and matrix degradation biomarkers have shown that this group has the greatest potential for assessing prognostic parameters. Amongst the several proteins analysed, the immunohistochemical expression levels of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), p53, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have demonstrated the greatest potential for survival prediction in OSCC, but this review demonstrates that their prognostic relevance is debatable and requires further standardisation.

Novel exon nucleotide deletion causes adrenoleukodystrophy in a Brazilian family.

Adrenoleukodystrophy is a neurodegenerative X-linked recessive disorder. It is characterized by abnormal function of peroxisomes, which leads to an accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids in plasma and tissues, especially in the cortex of adrenal glands and white matter of the central nervous system, causing demyelinating disease and adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease). It is caused by a mutation in the ABCD1 gene (ATP-binding cassette, subfamily D, member 1), which encodes the protein adrenoleukodystrophy that is involved in the transport of fatty acids into the peroxisome for degradation. Variable expression has been recognized in families of patients who have this disease. A Brazilian family from Minas Gerais State, Brazil, was studied. The proband is an adult living in Minas Gerais State, Brazil; he had adrenomyeloneuropathy, adrenocortical insufficiency and a stable cerebral form. DNA was extracted from a blood sample and was sequenced to identify the mutation. The patient's exons were cloned for confirmation. A new mutation was found in exon 5 of the ABCD1 gene (c.1430delA), as well as a single-nucleotide polymorphism in exon 6. The mutation causes a frame shift, resulting in a truncated protein with almost total absence of the ATP binding domain.