Enhancing Titanium Disk Performance through In-Pack Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment.

While titanium dental implants have already been clinically established, ongoing research is continuously being conducted to advance the fields of osseointegration and bacterial resistance, seeking further improvements in these areas. In this study, we introduce an innovative method for treating titanium surfaces within tightly sealed packaging. Specifically, titanium discs, enclosed in surgical-grade packaging, underwent treatment using cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). The surfaces were thoroughly characterized in terms of wettability, crystalline structure, and chemical composition. Hemocompatibility analyses were conducted using blood diluted in sodium citrate (1:9) exposed to titanium discs for 30 min inside a CO2 incubator at 37 °C. Subsequently, various blood parameters were evaluated, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and platelet adhesion. Microbiological analyses were also performed using Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) for 4 h at 37 °C. The treatment with CAP Jet resulted in a reduction in contact angle without causing any changes in the crystalline structure. No statistically significant differences were observed in the blood parameters. The plasma-treated samples exhibited lower PT and APTT values compared to those of the control group. The surfaces treated with CAP Jet showed increased platelet activation, platelet density, and thrombus formation when compared with the untreated samples. Moreover, the treated surfaces demonstrated lower bacterial colony formation compared with other surfaces.

Gonadal Morphology of Stillborn Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Hatchlings.

This study aimed to investigate sexual dimorphism in stillborn hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) through gonadal morphological characterizations. Macroscopic, light microscopy, and transmission electron analyses were performed for 30 gonad-mesonephros complexes. Female gonads were spindle-shaped and present a translucent whitish appearance with a grainy texture. Male gonads were approximately ovoid with a smooth opaque white surface. A primary sexual difference concerns different marrow structures, with females presenting organized cellularity featuring oocytes, lacunae, and blood vessels, while males presented a distinct organizational medulla pattern marked by testicular cords extending throughout the gonad length. Ultrastructurally, female's stroma presented interstitial cells and an abundant cytoplasm rich in electrodense droplets and large oval germline cells, with a conspicuous and noncentral nucleus. Males, on the other hand, presented testicular cord cells containing small amounts of heterochromatin and approximately triangular apical and basal cytoplasms with an evident nucleolus characteristic of support cells. Additionally, there were cells with a large spherical nucleus compared with the cell size and a relatively scarce cytoplasm, identified as gonocytes. These findings indicate that macroscopic, microscopic, and ultrastructural evaluations are effective and reliable techniques for the sexual identification of stillborn E. imbricata hatchlings.

Diversity and distribution of the genus Tetmemorus (Desmidiaceae, Zygnematophyceae) in Brazil.

In the present study, a taxonomic review was conducted on representatives of the genus Tetmemorus (Desmidiaceae, Zygnematophyceae) documented within Brazilian territory. This review involved compiling data from the literature and analyzing samples collected throughout the Bahia State, updating our knowledge about this genus in Brazil. For each identified taxon, we provided information such as description, distribution across biomes and states, watersheds, ecological aspects (including habitat and community types), a list of examined (and excluded) materials, and taxonomic comments. Additionally, a taxonomic key for all species reported in Brazil was provided. Through this comprehensive review, we identified a total of eight Tetmemorus taxa occurring in Brazilian territory, comprising five species (T. brebissonii, T. furcatus, T. granulatus, T. laevis, T. planctonicus) and three non-typical varieties (T. brebissonii var. minor, T. laevis var. borgei, T. laevis var. minutus).

In vitro biomechanical analysis of a locking self-compression screw model applied to Pauwels III and comminuted femoral neck fractures.

Femoral neck fractures (FNFs) affect the young adult population and are intimately related to high-energy trauma. Despite innovations in osteosynthesis materials, the rate of complications remains at 10%-59% in Pauwels type III (PIII) fractures. The authors thus propose a fixation model with a novel self-compression screw, comparing it to a sliding hip screw plate associated with a derotation screw in the fixation of a PIII fracture with posterior inferior comminution. The finite element method (FEM) was used in this comparison along with a virtual femur model with structural characteristics similar to those of a healthy young human bone. We formed 4 groups: Group 1 (GC), intact bone; Group 2 (SHS+S), sliding hip screw plate with derotation screw; Group 3 (XS), X-pin + SS (self-compression model with superior positioning screw); Group 4 (XI), X-pin + IS (self-compression model with inferior positioning screw). A 700 N monotonic load was applied to the apex of the femur head towards the ground so that stress was mainly focused on the fracture site and osteosynthesis. Analyses included total displacement and maximum principal stress and were performed for all groups. Fracture displacement, rotation, and von Mises were assessed only in groups that underwent osteosynthesis. Total displacement values in groups with self-compression screws (XS and XI) were closer to those for healthy femurs, with a 38.5% reduction when comparing the XS group with the SHS+S group. Fracture displacement and rotation values presented reductions of over 60% when comparing the XS and XI groups with the SHS+S group. Equivalent Von Mises stress values were similar between XS and XI and presented a reduction of approximately 5.25% when compared with the SHS+S group. Our FEM analyses demonstrated that the self-compression screw model has potential biomechanical advantages over the SHS+S model.

Placental development in the early stages of red-rumped agouti pregnancy (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758).

BACKGROUND: Hystricomorpha rodents display a similar placentation model to humans. The present study was carried out considering the scarcity of information concerning the placental development in agouti. OBJECTIVE: Describe the microscopy of the placenta, subplacenta and yolk sac of agoutis in early pregnancy and report on the inversion of the yolk sac. METHODS: Fifteen females between the 14th-32nd day of gestation were used following euthanasia. Gestational buttons were collected, fixed, processed, stained to optical microscopy or immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Chorioallantoic placenta (CP) ranged from conical to a half-sphere, as follows: from the 14th to 17th day, the CP displays an inverted "V" shape, predominantly formed by cytotrophoblasts; from 20 to 22 days, formed almost entirely by cytotrophoblasts; at 28 days, a half sphere, with distinct lobes and interlobular area, numerous maternal gaps delimited by syncytiotrophoblasts and trophoblast giant cells; at 32 days, globose and undergoing the maturation process. Subplacenta, located between decidua and CP, initially presents septa consisting of simple columnar epithelium and after 17 days, comprising stratified epithelium. Visceral yolk sac (VYS) is attached to two CP projections between 14 and 17 days, formed by a simple cubic epithelium and inverted. Between 20 and 22 days, the epithelium displays apical villous projections with cytoplasmic vacuoles and a vascularized mesoderm. After the 24th day, the VYS near the placenta is pleated, very vascularized and villous, with decreased villi sizes further away from the placenta. CONCLUSION: The agouti CP displays similar characteristics to other hystricomorpha, including placenta lobulation, a subplacenta and an inverted vitelline placenta.

Comparative analysis of the biocompatibility of endothelial cells on surfaces treated by thermal plasma and cold atmospheric plasma.

In recent years, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is used for surface disinfection. However, little is known about its ability to improve biocompatibility of metallic surfaces when compared to thermal plasma methods. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the response of human endothelial cells (Ea.hy926) on titanium surfaces treated by non-thermal plasma method and thermal plasma method under nitriding atmosphere. The wettability was characterized by the sessile drop method, the topography and roughness were evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the microstructure by grazing angle X-ray diffraction (GIXRD). Endothelial cells were cultured and evaluated for morphology by scanning electron microscopy and viability by an MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. CAP treatment reduced the contact angle of the Ti surface (13.43° ± 1.48; p<0.05), increasing hydrophilicity. Rz roughness was higher on the nitrided surface (220.44±20.30; p< 0.001) compared to the CAP treated surfaces (83.29 ± 11.61; p< 0.001) and polished (75.98 ±34.21a); p<0.001). The different applied plasma treatments created different titanium surfaces improving the biocompatibility of endothelial cells, however CAP results demonstrate its potential for biomedical applications, considering the low cost and ease of use of the technique, allowing surface treatments before clinical procedures.

Clinical disease activity index applicability in lupus arthropathy: Unraveling underdiagnosed joint activity.

INTRODUCTION: Lupus arthropathy (LA) ranges from arthralgia and non-deforming arthritis to severe forms such as Jaccoud-type deformities and mutilating arthritis. Considering the evolving concept of LA, measuring arthritis activity in lupus patients may require a more practical and sensitive tool other than the classical composite scores. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the articular pattern of a sample of SLE patients which were divided into those that scored in articular domain on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and those with activity arthritis using the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). After all, we analyzed the association between CDAI and arthritis by SLEDAI-2K as well as its association with the presence or not of Jaccoud-type arthropathy (JA). RESULTS: A total of 127 patients with SLE were evaluated. According to SLEDAI-2K, 17 (13.4%) patients have scored in its joint criteria and 32 patients (25.19%) were considered to have some articular activity by CDAI. A total of 16 patients (50%) who scored some activity on CDAI did not score in articular domain of SLEDAI-2K. Also, the presence of Jaccoud-type arthropathy was significantly associated with arthritis activity according to the CDAI score (p = .014) but not with SLEDAI-2K joint criteria (p = .524). CONCLUSION: The CDAI was not directly associated with the presence of arthritis by the joint criteria of SLEDAI-2K and the presence of JA was significantly associated with the CDAI but not with arthritis at SLEDAI-2K.

Extraembryonic membrane morphology in greater rheas (Rhea americana americana Linnaeus, 1758).

The greater rhea, Rhea americana, is a wild ratite of high scientific importance and significant and zootechnical value, especially considering the current development state of Brazilian poultry production, where research aimed at increasing the productivity of these animals has become extremely relevant. Studies concerning fetal attachments and embryonic development are paramount, as they can provide essential information concerning reproductive and nutritional animal management. However, a lack of information on greater rhea fetal morphology is noted. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to establish a standard model for fetal attachments in this species. Greater rhea eggs were incubated from 0 to 36 days, and macroscopic and microscopic embryonic attachment characterizations were performed. Histologically, all embryonic annexes exhibit germ layers, namely the ectoderm (outer layer), mesoderm (middle layer) and endoderm (inner layer). The findings indicate that greater rhea development patterns are similar to other birds.

Use of Cold Atmospheric Plasma in the Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma: in vitro Effects and Clinical Application in Feline Tumors: A Pilot Study.

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has shown promising results against squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in both in vivo and in vitro assays, mainly in humans and mice. Its applicability for treatment of feline tumors, however, remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer effects of CAP on a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lineage and against a clinical case of cutaneous SCC in a cat. Control and treatment groups employing the HNSCC cell line (SCC-25) were used, the latter exposed to CAP for 60 seconds, 90 seconds, or 120 seconds. The cells were subjected to the MTT assay nitric oxidation assay and thermographic in vitro analyses. The clinical application was performed in one cat with cutaneous SCC (3 sites). The lesions were treated and evaluated by thermographic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations (caspase-3 and TNF-alpha). Treatment of the SCC-25 cells for 90 seconds and 120 seconds resulted in a significant nitrite concentration increase. Decreased cell viability was observed after 24 hours and 48 hours, regardless of exposure time. However, the cell viability reduction observed at 72 hours was significant only in the 120 seconds treatment. In vitro, the temperature decreased for all treatment times, while the plasma induced a slight increase in mean temperature (0.7°C) in the in vivo assay. Two of the 3 clinical tumors responded to the treatment: one with a complete response and the other, partial, while the third (lower lip SCC) remained stable. Both remaining tumors displayed apoptotic areas and increased expression of caspase-3 and TNF-alpha. Adverse effects were mild and limited to erythema and crusting. The CAP exhibited an in vitro anticancer effect on the HNSCC cell line, demonstrated by a dose-dependent cell viability reduction. In vivo, the therapy appears safe and effective against feline cutaneous SCC. The treatment did not result in a clinical response for 1 of 3 lesions (proliferative lower lip tumor), however, a biological effect was still demonstrated by the higher expression of apoptosis indicators.

Heart morphology during the embryonic development of Podocnemis unifilis Trosquel 1948 (Testudines: Podocnemididae).

Cardiogenesis is similar in all vertebrates, but differences in the valvuloseptal morphogenesis among non-crocodilian reptiles, birds, and mammals are noted. The origin of mesenchymal structures such as valves that regulate the passage of blood and the formation of partial septa that prevent the complete mixing of oxygen-rich and low-oxygen blood present in adult chelonians are essential in the evolutionary understanding of complete septation, endothermy and malformations, even in mammals. In this context, this study analyzed the heart morphogenesis of Podocnemis unifilis (Testudines: Podocnemididae) from the 4th to the 60th day of incubation. We identified the tubular heart stage, folding of the cardiac tube and expansion of the atrial and ventricular compartments followed by atrial septation by the septum primum, ventricle septation by partial septa, outflow tract septation and the formation of bicuspid valves with cartilage differentiation at the base. The formation of the first atrial septum with the mesenchymal cap is noted during the development of the atrial septum, joining the atrioventricular cushion on the 17th day and completely dividing the atria. Small secondary perforations appeared in the mid-cranial part, observed up to the 45th day. Partial ventricle septation into the pulmonary, venous, and arterial subcompartments takes place by trabeculae carneae thickening and grouping on the 15th day. The outflow tract forms the aorticopulmonary and interaortic septa on the 16th day and the bicuspid valves, on the 20th day. Therefore, after the first 20 days, the heart exhibits a general anatomical conformation similar to that of adult turtles.

Oropharyngeal cavity floor morphology in Eretmochelys imbricata (Testudines: Cheloniidae) hatchlings and evolutionary implications.

Morphological studies of the oropharyngeal cavity of chelonians have become an interesting tool in the understanding of evolutionary processes associated with feeding habits in aquatic animals and the transition from aquatic to terrestrial forms. In this context, the aim of the present study was to describe the oropharyngeal cavity floor morphology of hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) hatchlings. Ten dead hatchlings of undefined sex were obtained from nests hatched on the coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The heads of each specimen were fixed, dissected, and analyzed at the macroscopic and microscopic levels. The oropharyngeal cavity floor of the hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings is formed by the tongue, pharynx, floor muscles, and hyolingual skeleton, delimited in the rostral and lateral directions by a keratinized beak, called the rhamphotheca, and in the caudal region at the limit between the pharynx and the esophagus. The tongue muscles and the muscles that support the floor of the oral cavity comprise the following: m. hypoglossohyoideus, m. hypoglossoglossus, m. hyoglossus, m. genioglossus, m. constrictor laryngis, m. geniohyoideus pars lateralis, and m. intermandibularis. The oropharyngeal cavity floor mucosa is formed by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and the lamina propria is formed by loose connective tissue. The floor mucosa is devoid of taste buds. We believe that the basic oropharyngeal cavity floor characteristics in hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings may comprise indications that these animals are plesiomorphic and that semiaquatic and terrestrial turtles may have undergone adaptations to feed out of water.

Pronephros and mesonephros characterization during the embryonic development of the giant South American river turtle, Podocnemis expansa (Podocnemididae: Testudines).

This study aimed to describe pronephros and mesonephros morphology during the embryonic development of Podocnemis expansa. Eggs were collected on an artificial beach at Balbina, Amazonas, Brazil, during the entire incubation period (mean of 59 days). The kidney-gonad complex was processed using light microscopy and the mesonephros using transmission electron microscopy. The pronephros was present for the first time on stage 4, composed of external glomeruli devoid of a capsule, protruding into the coelomic cavity, and internally composed of a capillary network. The pronephros degenerated after development stage 15. The first sign of the appearance of the mesonephros occurred around stage 8, indicated by the early formation of renal corpuscles. The mesonephros comprised an renal corpuscles, neck segment, proximal tubule, intermediate segment, distal tubule, collector tubule, and collector duct. Ultrastructural analysis of the mesonephros brush border was done in the proximal tubule, and the presence of cells with structural characters indicative of secretory activity was detected in the juxtatubular region. Renal corpuscles and proximal tubules were the main components that underwent morphological alterations during mesonephros degeneration. The pronephros is a transient kidney, and the mesonephros became the functional embryonic kidney in P. expansa. Mesonephros degeneration occurs in the cranial-caudal direction, and histologically, the degeneration is identified by changes in the morphology of the renal corpuscle and proximal tubule. However, the mesonephros is still present after hatching.

Associação entre sedentarismo e nívelsocioeconômicoemadolescentes / Association between physical inactivity and socioeconomic status in adolescents

Introdução: O sedentarismo em adolescentes contribui para a ocorrência de diferentes doenças, sendo relevante investigar sobre fatores associados. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre sedentarismo e nível socioeconômico em adolescentes de escolas públicas. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado com 347 adolescentes matriculados em escolas públicas do ensino médio do município de Divinópolis, Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados ocorreu no ano de 2017. O sedentarismo foi avaliado utilizando-se o International Physical Activity Questionnaire e o nível socioeconômico pelo critério da Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisa. Foi realizada estatística descritiva e analítica através de modelo de regressão logística multivariada. Resultados: Participaram da investigação 347 adolescentes. A média de idade do grupo foi de 16,4 ± 1,0 anos. Os indivíduos caracterizados como sedentários constituíram 38,9% da amostra, sendo que, destes, 66,7% eram do sexo feminino. Possuir maior nível socioeconômico diminui a probabilidade de ser sedentário (OR=0,235; p=0,021), assim como ser estudante das escolas públicas da região sudoeste aumenta essa chance(OR=2,680; p=0,04). Discussão: Os motivos pelos quais as condições socioeconômicas podem influenciar o sedentarismo são variados. A ausência de espaços públicos pode contribuir para a elevação do sedentarismo em adolescentes com menor nível socioeconômico. Conclusão: Esta investigação sinaliza a importância de investimentos públicos em políticas de estímulo à prática de atividade física para os adolescentes, em especial para os do sexo feminino e de menor nível socioeconômico.

Introduction: A sedentary lifestyle in adolescents contributes to the occurrence of different diseases, making it relevant to investigate associated factors. Objective: To analyze the association between sedentary lifestyle and socioeconomic status in adolescents from public schools. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out with 347 adolescents enrolled in public high schools in the city of Divinópolis, Minas Gerais. Data collection took place in 2017. Sedentary lifestyle was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and socioeconomic status using the criteria of the Brazilian Association of Research Companies. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: 347 adolescents participated in the investigation. The mean age of the group was 16.4 ± 1.0 years. Individuals characterized as sedentary constituted 38.9% of the sample, of which 66.7% were female. Having a higher socioeconomic level decreases the probability of being sedentary (OR = 0,235; p = 0.021), just as being a student in public schools in the southwest region increases this chance (OR = 2,680; p = 0.04). Discussion: The reasons why socioeconomic conditions can influence a sedentary lifestyle are varied. The absence of public spaces can contribute to the increase in sedentary lifestyles in adolescents with lower socioeconomic status. Conclusion: This investigation highlights the importance of public investments in policies to encourage the practice of physical activity for adolescents, especially for females and lower socioeconomic status.

Introducción: El sedentarismo en los adolescentes contribuye a la ocurrencia de diferentes enfermedades, por lo que es relevante investigar los factores asociados. Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre sedentarismo y nivel socioeconómico en adolescentes de escuelas públicas. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal, realizado con 347 adolescentes matriculados en escuelas secundarias públicas de la ciudad de Divinópolis, Minas Gerais. La recolección de datos tuvo lugar en 2017. El estilo de vida sedentario se evaluó mediante el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física y el nivel socioeconómico según los criterios de la Asociación Brasileña de Empresas de Investigación. La estadística descriptiva y analítica se realizó mediante un modelo de regresión logística multivariante. Resultados: 347 adolescentes participaron en la investigación. La edad media del grupo fue de 16,4 ± 1,0 años. Los individuos caracterizados como sedentarios constituyeron el 38,9% de la muestra, de los cuales el 66,7% eran mujeres. Tener un nivel socioeconómico más alto disminuye la probabilidad de ser sedentario (OR = 0,235; p = 0,021), al igual que ser alumno de escuelas públicas de la región suroeste aumenta esta posibilidad (OR = 2,680; p = 0,04). Discusión: Las razones por las que las condiciones socioeconómicas pueden influir en un estilo de vida sedentario son variadas. La ausencia de espacios públicos puede contribuir al aumento de estilos de vida sedentarios en adolescentes de menor nivel socioeconómico. Conclusión: Esta investigación destaca la importancia de la inversión pública en políticas para incentivar la práctica de actividad física en adolescentes, especialmente en mujeres y estrato socioeconómico más bajo.

Intertubular morphometric and ultrastructural testes analyses in mdx mice.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) reproductive alterations and the influence of antioxidant treatments may aid in understanding morphometry testicular quantification. In this context, the aim of the present study was to characterize the intertubular compartment (ITC) morphometry of animal testes in mdx mice supplemented with ascorbic acid (AA). Sixteen mice were used, namely the C57BL/10 (non-dystrophic) and C57BL/10Mdx (dystrophic) lineages, distributed into the following groups: Control (C60), Dystrophic (D60), Control supplemented with AA (CS60), Dystrophic supplemented with AA (DS60). A total of 200 mg/kg of AA were administered to mice for 30 days. Subsequently, the testicles were collected, weighed, and fragmented. The obtained fragments were fixed in Karnovsky's solution (pH 7.2) and embedded in historesin for morphometric and transmission electron microscopy assessments. Leydig cells were hypertrophic in the D60 group, but was reverted by AA supplementation in the DS60 group. The DS60 group also exhibited increased intertubular volume compared to the CS60 group. The ultrastructural images identified multilamellar bodies in dystrophic animals (lipid storage) and telocyte cells (transport substances) in both control and dystrophic animals. Morphometric alterations were, therefore, noted in the intertubular compartment due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with AA administration capable of altering Leydig cells in this condition.

Morphology and immunolocalization of intertubular steroidogenic cell in mesonephros of Podocnemis expansa during gonadal differentiation.

Sex steroid hormones are critical in gonadal differentiation in turtles. The gonads are not the only organs responsible for producing these hormones during this phase. Mesonephros play an important role in steroidogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of steroidogenic cells in mesonephros of Podocnemis expansa during gonadal differentiation and to evaluate their morphology and ultrastructure. Ten embryos of P. expansa were collected from 5 nests on day 36 of incubation, during spawning period on an artificial beach. Embryos were extracted from eggs by slicing the shell and euthanized. They were dissected under a stereoscopic microscope to collect the gonad-mesonephro complex, in which were fixed and subsequently processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy analysis. During histological analysis was observed mesonephros has typical morphological structure. Immunohistochemistry showed immunoreaction to aromatase in cells of intertubular space. Confirming these findings, it was possible to observe a type of intertubular cell in several regions of mesonephro, being more predominant in region close to blood vessels, distal and proximal tubules. In ultrastructural analysis these cells were characterized by having a clear, large, and rounded nucleus with evident nucleolus and cytoplasm rich in electron-dense droplets. This study demonstrated for the first time the presence of cells with morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characteristics similar to steroid-producing cells in P. expansa mesonephrons, suggesting that this organ may contribute to gonadal differentiation in this species.

Morphological characterization of the digestive tube of hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) hatchlings.

Morphological studies concerning the digestive system can further information on animal diets, thus aiding in the understanding of feeding behavior. Given the scarcity of information on sea turtle digestive system morphology, the aim of the present study was to describe the digestive tube (DT) morphology of Eretmochelys imbricata hatchlings to further understand the diet of these individuals in the wild. DT samples from 10 stillborn turtles (undefined sex) were analyzed at the macro and microscopic levels. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine (SI), and large intestine (LI) are described. Histologically, the DT is formed by four tunics, the mucosa, submucosa, muscular, and adventitia or serosa. The esophagus is lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, while the remainder of the DT is lined by a simple columnar epithelium. The esophagus mucosa is marked by conical, pointed papillae. The stomach comprises three regions, the cardiac, fundic, and pyloric and is covered by neutral mucous granular cells. The intestinal mucosa presents absorptive cells with microvilli, neutral and acidic goblet cells, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. The SI is significantly longer than the LI (p value = 0.006841). These morphological findings are strong indications of adaptations to a carnivorous diet in this hawksbill turtle age group.

Comparison among several vibronic coupling methods.

A comparison of four approaches to account the vibronic coupling in photoabsorption is performed. The methods considered are nuclear ensemble (NE), direct vibronic coupling (DVC), adiabatic Hessian (AH), and vertical gradient (VG). The case study is the symmetry-forbidden [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text] (n [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]) transition in formaldehyde. Being forbidden in the equilibrium geometry, this transition is entirely induced by vibronic coupling and constitutes an appropriate case to study the performance of different methods. From DVC, it is found that mode 1 (C=O out-of-plane bending) is the most inducing, followed by mode 6 (in-plane C-H asymmetric stretching) and finally by mode 2 (in-plane C-H asymmetric bending). We were able to correlate 17 out of 20 structures obtained from NE with these modes, showing that these two methods, although different in principle, give comparable results. The simulated spectra were obtained for all methods and compared, and each one has its own advantage. In what concerns the transition studied, NE gives the best description of the spectrum, DVC is the only one that easily gives an absolute value for OOS, and AH and VG are the computationally less expensive methods. From the latter two, VG is the less demanding on computational grounds, since it does not require the excited state Hessian.

Collateral aortic branches in the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758).

The determination of arterial vascular distribution patterns can contribute to more detailed knowledge on arterial systems. In this context, the aim of the present study was to describe the collateral aortic branches in the collared peccary, aiming to define a standard model for this species, providing information through comparative anatomy for analysis of some evolutionary aspects of the order Artiodactyla. Ten young male animals were employed. The vascular system was washed with a saline solution and then perfused with Neoprene 450 latex coloured with red or yellow pigment, followed by collateral aorta branch dissections and analyses. The contrasted digital radiography technique was applied to two animals, which were initially perfused with a barium sulphate solution (1 g/ml) and Neoprene 450 latex at a 1:3 ratio, and subsequently, the digital radiographic examination was performed. The aortic arch of the collared peccary emitted the brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery, while eight symmetric pairs of dorsal intercostal arteries originated from the thoracic aorta. The abdominal aorta, in turn, exhibited the celiac, cranial mesenteric, renal, caudal mesenteric, testicular, external iliac, internal iliac and sacral arteries as the collateral branches in all studied animals. Therefore, no relevant variations were observed regarding the arrangement of the arterial distribution of the aorta, thus suggesting a static standard model in the collared peccary.