Situating the parietal memory network in the context of multiple parallel distributed networks using high-resolution functional connectivity.

A principle of brain organization is that networks serving higher cognitive functions are widely distributed across the brain. One exception has been the parietal memory network (PMN), which plays a role in recognition memory but is often defined as being restricted to posteromedial association cortex. We hypothesized that high-resolution estimates of the PMN would reveal small regions that had been missed by prior approaches. High-field 7T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from extensively sampled participants was used to define the PMN within individuals. The PMN consistently extended beyond the core posteromedial set to include regions in the inferior parietal lobule; rostral, dorsal, medial, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex; the anterior insula; and ramus marginalis of the cingulate sulcus. The results suggest that, when fine-scale anatomy is considered, the PMN matches the expected distributed architecture of other association networks, reinforcing that parallel distributed networks are an organizing principle of association cortex.

Origin and population structure of Brazilian hair sheep breeds.

Brazilian hair sheep constitute a genetic diversity hotspot. These animals are found in the harsh environments of the Brazilian Northwest (semi-arid) region. Genotypes (50K SNP chip) from seven Brazilian sheep breeds (five hair and two coarse wool types) and 87 worldwide breeds were used to test for population structure, admixture and genetic diversity. Moreover, phylogenetic trees evaluating migration events between genetic groups were built. Brazilian Somali, a fat-tailed breed, had a close relationship with East African breeds and clustered distinctly from other Brazilian breeds. Brazilian Blackbelly and Barbados Blackbelly had a close relationship. The Morada Nova breed did not show close relationships with European or African breeds, revealing a single migration event from an Algerian hair breed. Brazilian Fat-tail and Morada Nova share a common ancestor, but the former showed introgressions from Brazilian Somali and Afrikaner breeds, explaining the fat-tail phenotype. The Santa Inês breed received a substantial contribution from Brazilian Bergamasca and showed an admixed origin with recent introgressions from other breeds, mainly from Suffolk. Furthermore, Brazilian Somali and Brazilian Fat-tail are the most endangered sheep genetic resources in Brazil and should be the focus for ex situ conservation programs. In conclusion, Brazilian hair sheep show an African origin and are characterized by diverse genetic composition, reinforcing the need for conservation of these genetic resources, and at the same time, this highly diverse group has variability that can be used in breeding programs.

Orofacial antinociceptive activity of (S)-(-)-perillyl alcohol in mice: a randomized, controlled and triple-blind study.

This study investigated the antinociceptive effects of (S)-(-)-perillyl alcohol (PA) on orofacial nociception in Swiss male mice using formalin-, capsaicin-, and glutamate-induced pain tests. For each test, eight animals per group were pre-treated intraperitoneally by a blinded investigator with PA (50 or 75mg/kg), morphine, or vehicle (saline+0.2% Tween 80). The treatment was performed before the induction of orofacial nociception by injecting formalin, capsaicin, or glutamate solution into the right area of the upper lip. The orofacial nociceptive behaviour was timed in all tests by an investigator who was blinded to the treatments. The statistical analysis was performed using confidence intervals (CI), the effect size, and power. PA blocked the orofacial nociceptive behaviour at both doses tested (P<0.05) similarly to morphine (P>0.05), in all tests. The effect size was high in the phase 1 formalin test for 50mg/kg PA (95% CI 0.48-2.31, power 84.6%) and 75mg/kg PA (95% CI 0.82-2.76, power 96.2%), in phase 2 for 75mg/kg PA (95% CI 0.44-2.26, power 82.3%), and in the glutamate test for 75mg/kg PA (95% CI 1.11-3.16, power 99.2%). These findings show strong evidence for the antinociceptive properties of PA in the orofacial region.

The energetic characterization of pineapple crown leaves.

Energetic characterization of biomass allows for assessing its energy potential for application in different conversion processes into energy. The objective of this study is to physicochemically characterize pineapple crown leaves (PC) for their application in energy conversion processes. PC was characterized according to ASTM E871-82, E1755-01, and E873-82 for determination of moisture, ash, and volatile matter, respectively; the fixed carbon was calculated by difference. Higher heating value was determined by ASTM E711-87 and ash chemical composition was determined by XRF. The thermogravimetric and FTIR analyses were performed to evaluate the thermal decomposition and identify the main functional groups of biomass. PC has potential for application in thermochemical processes, showing high volatile matter (89.5%), bulk density (420.8 kg/m(3)), and higher heating value (18.9 MJ/kg). The results show its energy potential justifying application of this agricultural waste into energy conversion processes, implementing sustainability in the production, and reducing the environmental liabilities caused by its disposal.

In vitro dissolution test of tamoxifen citrate preparations.

The Tamoxifen Citrate is available in oral tablet and is highly used as an endocrines therapy for breast cancer. Products from assorted makers bioavailability problems has been associated to the incomplete dissolution of the tablets. We determined the dissolution in vitro of five pharmaceutical preparations of the Tamoxifen Citrate available in the Brazilian market, Novaldex, Tecnotax, Zita, Tamoxifen (TEVA) and Tamoxifeno (PHARMACIA) all containing 10 mg of active drug. The methodology was conducted according to the in vitro dissolution test from USP XXIII. Other test such as mass uniformity, content uniformity and hardness were accomplished seeking to relate physical characteristics with the in vitro dissolution of these preparations. All the formulations presented liberation more than 75% of the active drug in 30 minutes. Any relationship was not observed between the in vitro dissolution, the average weight, the mass uniformity and the hardness of the tablets whereas the liberation was proportional to the tamoxifen citrate content. Although one of the tested products did present a higher dissolution profiles in comparison to the other tested preparation.