Isolation of Pantoea ananatis from sugarcane and characterization of its potential for plant growth promotion.

Each year, approximately 170 million metric tons of chemical fertilizer are consumed by global agriculture. Furthermore, some chemical fertilizers contain toxic by-products and their long-term use may contaminate groundwater, lakes, and rivers. The use of plant growth-promoting bacteria may be a cost-effective strategy for partially replacing conventional chemical fertilizers, and may become an integrated plant nutrient solution for sustainable crop production. The main direct bacteria-activated mechanisms of plant growth promotion are based on improvement of nutrient acquisition, siderophore biosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and hormonal stimulation. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify bacteria with growth-promoting activities from sugarcane. We extracted the bacterial isolate SCB4789F-1 from sugarcane leaves and characterized it with regard to its profile of growth-promoting activities, including its ability to colonize Arabidopsis thaliana. Based on its biochemical characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence analysis, this isolate was identified as Pantoea ananatis. The bacteria were efficient at phosphate and zinc solubilization, and production of siderophores and indole-3-acetic acid in vitro. The isolate was characterized by Gram staining, resistance to antibiotics, and use of carbon sources. This is the first report on zinc solubilization in vitro by this bacterium, and on plant growth promotion following its inoculation into A. thaliana. The beneficial effects to plants of this bacterium justify future analysis of inoculation of economically relevant crops.

First Report of a 16SrII-C Phytoplasma Associated with Asymptomatic Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) in Brazil.

At present, the principal bacterial disease of citrus in Brazil is Huanglongbing, caused by the alpha-proteobacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter spp.' (although a phytoplasma of the 16SrIX group is also associated with this disease [4]). While there is a wide diversity of phytoplasmas in crop species in Brazil (3), there have been no reports of symptoms associated with phytoplasma in Brazilian citrus. Asymptomatic infections of citrus cannot be excluded as a possibility and such plants could serve as a reservoir of phytoplasma inoculum. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of phytoplasma in asymptomatic Citrus aurantifolia (acid lime) in Brazil. Thirty-three leaf samples (young leaves from the upper canopies) were randomly collected from different plants in the states of Minas Gerais (n = 23), Santa Catarina (n = 2), and São Paulo (n = 8). Two additional samples of C. limonia ('Rangpur' lime) and one of C. latifolia ('Persian' or 'Tahiti' lime) were collected in Minas Gerais. Total DNA extraction was performed using NucleoSpin Plant II Kit (Macherey-Nagel) according to the manufacturer's recommendations. PCR was carried out with a universal P1/P7 primer set followed by nested primers R16F2n/R16R2 (2). Additionally, direct PCR was performed using primers specific for phytoplasma immune-dominant membrane protein IMP3F/IMP3R (1). 'Rangpur' and 'Tahiti' lime were not infected with phytoplasma. Of the C. aurantifolia samples, 52% were positive for phytoplasma in the direct and nested PCR assays. The numbers of positive samples in Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo states were 12, 1, and 4, respectively. Of these, five were selected for DNA purification and 1,246-bp fragments were ligated to the pGEM T-easy vector (Promega) and partial 16Sr DNA was sequenced. Nucleotide sequences of Brazilian phytoplasma strains BR:MG:FNS10:2011, BR:MG:FNS53:2011, BR:SP:FNS73:2011, BR:SC:FNS86:2011, and BR:MG:FNS126:2012 (GenBank Accession Nos. KJ158173, KJ158174, KJ158175, KJ158176, and KJ158177, respectively) were subjected to RFLP analyses. The 16S rDNA RFLP in silico patterns for the five strains were identical to each other and to Cactus witches'-broom phytoplasma (16SrII-C subgroup, AJ293216). In addition, the highest similarity coefficient (5) and nucleotide sequence identity of Brazilian phytoplasma strains were 0.99 and 99%, respectively, with Cactus witches'-broom phytoplasma. PCR-RFLP analyses using the enzymes Bstu I, EcoR I, and Hpa II were consistent with RFLP in silico results, showing the same pattern as the 16SrII-C subgroup. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rDNA sequences (1,246 bp) demonstrated that all the Brazilian strains grouped in the same clade with other representative sequences from the 16S rDNAII group. To confirm the absence of any macroscopic symptoms, morphological characteristics of 10 uninfected and 10 phytoplasma-infected plants randomly selected from a single field in Minas Gerais were analyzed. There were no significant differences in leaf area, stalk diameter, or numbers of leaves, flowers, or fruits per branch. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the 16SrII-C subgroup phytoplasma associated with C. aurantifolia in Brazil, and the first report of asymptomatic citrus plants infected with phytoplasma. References: (1) N. Askari et al. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 21:81, 2011. (2) I. M. Lee et al. Phytopathology 84:559, 1994. (3) H. G. Montano et al. Bull. Insectol. 60:129, 2007. (4) D. C. Teixeira et al. Phytopathology 98:977, 2008. (5) Y. Zhao et al. Meth. Mol. Biol. 938:329, 2013.

The essential oil of Hyptis crenata Pohl ex Benth. presents an antiedematogenic effect in mice.

Hyptis crenata, commonly known as "salva-do-Marajó", "hortelã-do-campo", and "hortelãzinha", is used in folk medicine in Northeast Brazil as tea or infusion to treat inflammatory diseases. Due to the pharmacological efficacy and the low toxicity of the essential oil of Hyptis crenata (EOHc), we decided to investigate the EOHc antiedematogenic effect in experimental models of inflammation. EOHc was administrated orally at doses of 10-300 mg/kg to male Swiss albino mice. Paw edema was induced by subcutaneous injection in the right hind paw of inflammatory stimuli (carrageenan, dextran, histamine, serotonin, and bradykinin) 60 min after administration of EOHc. EOHc significantly inhibited the induced edema. The inhibitory effect of EOHc on dextran-induced edema extended throughout the experimental time. For the 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg doses of EOHc, the inhibition was of 40.28±1.70, 51.18±2.69, and 59.24±2.13%, respectively. The EOHc inhibitory effect on carrageenan-induced edema started at 10 mg/kg at the second hour (h) and was maintained throughout the observation period. At 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg doses the inhibition started earlier, from 30 min. At the edema peak of 180 min, 56, 76, and 82% inhibition was observed for 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg doses, respectively. Additionally, the effect of EOHc on carrageenan-induced paw edema was influenced by the time of administration. The EOHc also inhibited myeloperoxidase activity. In conclusion, the EOHc showed a potent effect, both preventing and reversing the edema, consistent with its anti-inflammatory use in folk medicine.

Growth performance and carcass traits of steers finished on three different systems including legume-grass pasture and grain diets.

Inclusion of legume in grass pastures optimizes protein values of the forage and promotes improved digestibility. Therefore, we hypothesized that finishing steers on a novel combination of legumes and grass pasture would produce carcasses with acceptable traits when compared to carcasses from steers finished in feedlot systems. In this study, we evaluated the effects of finishing steers on three systems including: grazing legume-grass pasture containing oats, ryegrass, white and red clover (PAST), grazing PAST plus supplementation with whole corn grain (14 g/kg BW (SUPP)), and on a feedlot-confined system with concentrate only (28 g/kg BW, consisting of 850 g/kg of whole corn grain and 150 g/kg of protein-mineral-vitamin supplement (GRAIN)) on growth performance of steers, carcass traits and digestive disorders. Eighteen steers were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments and finished for 91 days. Data regarding pasture and growth performance were collected during three different periods (0 to 28, 29 to 56 and 57 to 91 days). Subsequently, steers were harvested to evaluate carcass traits, presence of rumenitis, abomasitis and liver abscesses. The legume-grass pasture provided more than 19% dry matter of protein. In addition, pasture of paddocks where steers were assigned to SUPP and PAST treatments showed similar nutritional quality. When compared to PAST, finishing on SUPP increased total weight gain per hectare, stocking rate, daily and total weight gains. The increase of weight gain was high to GRAIN than SUPP and PAST. Steers finished on GRAIN had high hot carcass weight, fat thickness and marbling score when compared to PAST. However, these attributes did not differ between GRAIN and SUPP. Abomasum lesions were more prevalent in steers finished on GRAIN when compared to PAST. Results of this research showed that it is possible to produce carcasses with desirable market weight and fat thickness by finishing steers on legume-grass pasture containing oats, ryegrass, white and red clover. Moreover, supplementing steers with corn when grazing on legume-grass pasture produced similar carcass traits when compared to beef fed corn only.

Oxidative stability of beef from steers finished exclusively with concentrate, supplemented, or on legume-grass pasture.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three finishing systems based on concentrate and legume-grass pasture on beef. Steers were finished for 91 days with an exclusively whole corn grain-based (GRAIN) diet, grazed on legume-grass pasture plus 1.4% of body weight of whole corn grain supplementation (SUPP), or grazed on legume-grass pasture (PAST) only. Lipid and myoglobin oxidation, pH, objective color, and α-tocopherol concentrations were evaluated on M. longissimus thoracis steaks. Dietary treatments did not affect pH and minimally affected protein carbonylation. Steaks from steers fed GRAIN were less red, showed higher lipid oxidation during retail display, and higher metmyoglobin formation from day 7 to 13 when compared to PAST. Levels of α-tocopherol were higher in steaks from steers fed diets containing legume and grass. Inclusion of roughage in finishing diets is essential to maintain retail color and prevent lipid and myoglobin oxidation.

Effects of feeding legume-grass pasture and different concentrate levels on fatty acid profile, volatile compounds, and off-flavor of the M. longissimus thoracis.

Pasture-finished beef is becoming more popular among consumers due to concerns related to fatty acid content and sustainable practices. The effects of finishing crossbred steers on legume-grass pasture comprised of oats, ryegrass, and clover (PAST), legume-grass pasture plus whole corn grain (WCG) supplementation (SUPP), and only with WCG (GRAIN) on fatty acids profile, volatile compounds, sensory, and texture attributes were studied. Pasture diets (PAST and SUPP) led to lower n-6/n-3 ratio (P < 0.001), and highest deposition of C18:2 cis-9 trans-11 (P < 0.001) in the lean. Beef from steers fed GRAIN had the highest values of volatile compounds associated with lipid oxidation. Off-flavor intensity was significantly greater on beef from steers fed GRAIN when compared to PAST. Overall, muscles from steers finished on PAST and SUPP showed similar attributes but differ when compared to GRAIN. The presence of forage is essential to improve fatty acid profile, decrease volatile compounds associated with lipid oxidation, and minimize off-flavor.

Essential oil of Pterodon polygalaeflorus Benth attenuates nociception in mice.

Essential oils (EO) are volatile liquids responsible for the aroma of plants. Pterodon polygalaeflorus seeds have received widespread use in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. For this reason and because Pterodon polygalaeflorus seeds have great EO content, which is frequently pharmacologically active, the present study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of EO from Pterodon polygalaeflorus (EOPPgfl) and its acute toxic effects. The EEOPPgfl sample, which was extracted by steam distillation of the seeds, had a yield of 2.4% of the seeds weight and had, as major constituents, beta-elemene (48.19%), trans-caryophyllene (19.51%), and epi-bicyclosesquiphellandrene (12.24%). The EOPPgfl sample showed mild acute toxicity and its calculated median lethal dose (LD50) was 3.38 g/kg. EOPPgfl (20-60 mg/kg) showed antinociceptive activity as evidenced by several tests and inhibited writhing induced by acetic acid. The maximum effect was obtained with the 30 mg/kg dose and at 60 min after its administration. EOPPgfl also decreased formalin-induced nociception, as verified by the inhibition of the first and second phase of the formalin test. At 30 mg/kg, EOPPgfl also decreased thermally stimulated nociception. Nociception may be related to inflammatory and antiedematogenic activity and at doses ranging 10-100 mg/kg, EOPPgfl blocked dextran- and carrageenan-induced edema. The results demonstrated that EOPPgfl presented, at doses approximately 100 times smaller than LD50, an antinociceptive effect that probably was due to anti-inflammatory activities.

The essential oil of Hyptis crenata Pohl ex Benth. presents an antiedematogenic effect in mice

Hyptis crenata, commonly known as "salva-do-Marajó", "hortelã-do-campo", and "hortelãzinha", is used in folk medicine in Northeast Brazil as tea or infusion to treat inflammatory diseases. Due to the pharmacological efficacy and the low toxicity of the essential oil of Hyptis crenata (EOHc), we decided to investigate the EOHc antiedematogenic effect in experimental models of inflammation. EOHc was administrated orally at doses of 10-300 mg/kg to male Swiss albino mice. Paw edema was induced by subcutaneous injection in the right hind paw of inflammatory stimuli (carrageenan, dextran, histamine, serotonin, and bradykinin) 60 min after administration of EOHc. EOHc significantly inhibited the induced edema. The inhibitory effect of EOHc on dextran-induced edema extended throughout the experimental time. For the 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg doses of EOHc, the inhibition was of 40.28±1.70, 51.18±2.69, and 59.24±2.13%, respectively. The EOHc inhibitory effect on carrageenan-induced edema started at 10 mg/kg at the second hour (h) and was maintained throughout the observation period. At 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg doses the inhibition started earlier, from 30 min. At the edema peak of 180 min, 56, 76, and 82% inhibition was observed for 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg doses, respectively. Additionally, the effect of EOHc on carrageenan-induced paw edema was influenced by the time of administration. The EOHc also inhibited myeloperoxidase activity. In conclusion, the EOHc showed a potent effect, both preventing and reversing the edema, consistent with its anti-inflammatory use in folk medicine.

Vertical forces assessment according to radiographic hip grade in German shepherd dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between radiographic hip grade and kinetic parameters in German shepherd dogs. METHODS: Dogs were distributed into five groups of eight dogs each according to hip grade (A, B, C, D or E). Dogs were submitted to clinical evaluation and kinetic analysis. Five valid passages were analysed using data collected from a pressure walkway. Peak vertical force, vertical impulse and stance phase duration were evaluated at velocity (1 · 2 to 1 · 4 m/s) ±0 · 1 m/s(2) acceleration. Kinetic data between groups were compared. RESULTS: In pelvic limbs, mean peak vertical force decreased progressively from grade C (mild) to grade E (severe) hip dysplasia. The vertical impulse was decreased in groups C and E compared to groups A, B and D; stance phase duration did not differ significantly between groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mean peak vertical force was lower in dogs with severe hip dysplasia compared with mildly dysplastic dogs. These results suggest that hip dysplasia degree can affect lameness severity.

Antinociceptive effects of the essential oil of Croton zehntneri in mice.

Croton zehntneri is an aromatic plant native to Northeastern Brazil, where it is often used in folk medicine. In the present study the antinociceptive effects of the essential oil of Croton zehntneri (EOCz) were evaluated in mice. EOCz administered orally at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg reduced paw licking time in the second phase of the formalin test from the control value of 41.61 +/- 8.62 to 12.01 +/- 7.97 and 6.57 +/- 3.42 s, respectively. During the first phase of the formalin test only 300 mg/kg induced a significant alteration (from 58.2 +/- 7.02, control, to 28.7 +/- 4.73 s). The number of contortions in response to intraperitoneal injections of acetic acid did not differ significantly between controls (80.6 +/- 9.01) and experimental (300 mg/kg body weight) animals (89.1 +/- 9.53% of the control numbers; P > or =0.05, Student t-test). In the hot-plate test, EOCz at doses > or =100 mg/kg significantly increased the latency time with respect to controls (11.2 +/- 0.80). At 100 and 300 mg/kg this increase persisted for 180 and 240 min, respectively. The data show that EOCz is effective as an antinociceptive agent.

Antinociceptive effects of the essential oil of Croton nepetaefolius on mice.

Croton nepetaefolius Baill., is an aromatic plant native to the northeast of Brazil where it is extensively used in folk medicine as a sedative, orexigen and antispasmodic agent. In the present study the antinociceptive effects of the essential oil of C. nepetaefolius (EOCn), administered orally, were evaluated in male Swiss mice (20-25 g). In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, EOCn (100 and 300 mg/kg; N = 14 and N = 12, respectively) was effective at the highest dose. In the hot-plate test, EOCn at 30 and 300 mg/kg, but not at 3 mg/kg, significantly increased the latency at all observation times up to the 180th min (N = 12 for each dose). In the formalin test, EOCn significantly reduced paw licking in the second phase of the test at 100 mg/kg (N = 12), but decreased it in both phases at 300 mg/kg (N = 12). At 30 mg/kg, the effect of EOCn did not differ from control values in either phase of the formalin test (N = 6). Pretreatment with naloxone (5 mg/kg, ip) significantly reversed the analgesic effect of morphine (5 mg/kg, sc) on both phases, but not that of EOCn at 300 mg/kg (N = 6) on both phases of the formalin test. The data show that orally administered EOCn promotes a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect whose mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

Effects of estragole on the compound action potential of the rat sciatic nerve.

Estragole, a relatively nontoxic terpenoid ether, is an important constituent of many essential oils with widespread applications in folk medicine and aromatherapy and known to have potent local anesthetic activity. We investigated the effects of estragole on the compound action potential (CAP) of the rat sciatic nerve. The experiments were carried out on sciatic nerves dissected from Wistar rats. Nerves, mounted in a moist chamber, were stimulated at a frequency of 0.2 Hz, with electric pulses of 50-100-micros duration at 10-20 V, and evoked CAP were monitored on an oscilloscope and recorded on a computer. CAP control parameters were: peak-to-peak amplitude (PPA), 9.9 +/- 0.55 mV (N = 15), conduction velocity, 92.2 +/- 4.36 m/s (N = 15), chronaxy, 45.6 +/- 3.74 micros (N = 5), and rheobase, 3.9 +/- 0.78 V (N = 5). Estragole induced a dose-dependent blockade of the CAP. At 0.6 mM, estragole had no demonstrable effect. At 2.0 and 6.0 mM estragole, PPA was significantly reduced at the end of 180-min exposure of the nerve to the drug to 85.6 +/- 3.96 and 13.04 +/- 1.80% of control, respectively. At 4.0 mM, estragole significantly altered PPA, conduction velocity, chronaxy, and rheobase (P < or = 0.05, ANOVA; N = 5) to 49.3 +/- 6.21 and 77.7 +/- 3.84, 125.9 +/- 10.43 and 116.7 +/- 4.59%, of control, respectively. All of these effects developed slowly and were reversible upon a 300-min wash-out. The data show that estragole dose-dependently blocks nerve excitability.

A novel approach for solving constrained nonlinear optimization problems using neurofuzzy systems.

A neural network model for solving constrained nonlinear optimization problems with bounded variables is presented in this paper. More specifically, a modified Hopfield network is developed and its internal parameters are computed using the valid-subspace technique. These parameters guarantee the convergence of the network to the equilibrium points. The network is shown to be completely stable and globally convergent to the solutions of constrained nonlinear optimization problems. A fuzzy logic controller is incorporated in the network to minimize convergence time. Simulation results are presented to validate the proposed approach.

[Laser coronary angioplasty. Critical analysis of the first patients]. / Angioplastia coronária com o uso do laser. Análise crítica dos primeiros pacientes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the success rate and complications, as well as the technical difficulties involved catheter laser coronary angioplasty, making evident the unsuccessful cases. METHODS: Twenty eight patients were treated with laser from August to November, 1993. The treatment was complemented with balloon angioplasty. Lesions were complex: 10 (36%) were type B and 18 (64%), type C. Concerning the obstruction grade, 18 (64%) were > or = 95%. Laser generator CVX 300(TM) Spectranectics as well as Extreme(TM) and Vitesse(TM) catheters with 1.4, 1.7 and 2.0mm in diameter, concentric and excentric, were used. Laser procedure success was defined as a reduction > 20% in the obstruction grade. The procedure success was attended when the residual stenosis was < 50% after a 15-minute observation, after balloon complementation. RESULTS: The unsuccess rate with laser catheter (Lc) was 34% (10 lesions) of which 3 cases were solved by other methods, 5 were not successful because of anatomic difficulties in surpassing the lesion and, in the two others the success criterium in the reduction of the obstruction grade of the coronary artery was not achieved, although the lesion surpassing was possible with the use of balloon catheter. The final success reached 89% (21 lesions). The procedure complications were a case of thrombosis, a perforation accompanied by a myocardial infarction and another myocardial infarction (non-Q wave), all with good outcome. CONCLUSION: The use of laser in the treatment of coronary artery obstructive lesions is a viable method. Nonetheless, more experience is necessary to demonstrate its actual value, optimizate the results and may be reduce restenosis rate.

[Prevalence of residual shunt after closure of patent ductus arteriosus with Rashkind umbrellas]. / Prevalência do shunt residual após fechamento de canal arterial persistente com umbrellas de Rashkind.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of residual left-to-right shunt in patients submitted to closure of patent ductus arteriosus with use of Rashkind double-disc ductal occluding device, analyzing predictive factors that determine short and long-term prevalence of residual shunt. METHODS: Thirteen patients were submitted to percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus with use of Rashkind double-disc device. Ten patients were male with mean age of 5.7 years. A 12mm diameter device was used in 7 cases and a 17mm device in the remaining six patients. All patients had clinical, radiological and echocardiographic follow up, after 24h, 1 month, 6 months and one year after the procedure. Morphology and length of the ductus arteriosus and the presence of residual shunt after 15 min, 24h and one year after the procedure, were correlated. RESULTS: In one case, embolization of the device to the pulmonary artery determined the in success of the procedure. Residual shunt was present in 75% of the patients after 15 min of the procedure, in 33.3% after 24h, in 25% after 1 month and 6 months and in 16.6% after 1 year. The most important and isolated predictive factor leading to a high prevalence of residual shunt after 24h and after 1 year of the procedure was the presence of ductus arteriosus diameter > or = 4.5mm at the site of its insertion in the pulmonary artery. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of residual left-to-right shunt decreases over the time, with a low incidence after one year follow-up. A higher incidence of residual shunt at 24h and 1 year after the procedure occurred in the cases where the diameter of the ductus arteriosus was > or = 4.5mm, at the site of its insertion in the pulmonary artery.

[Health education--knowledge and sources of information about acquired immunodeficiency or AIDS]. / Educando para la salud--conocimiento y fuente de información sobre sindrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida 0 SIDA.

Questionnaires were answered by 151 students, 10 to 19 years old, from an elementary, Jr. and Senior-high State School in Florianópolis, State of Santa Catarina-Brazil. The objectives were: to identify information sources; transmission mechanisms; prevention forms and the interest shown by students in acquiring new knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Based on the responses, authors found out that 90.06% of the students had heard about AIDS on TV, 29.13% had been informed about the theme through a teacher. It was also observed that 45.03% would seek for orientation from their parents, and 9.93% from their teachers.

Predictions of x-ray scattering spectra for warm dense matter.

We present calculations of x-ray scattering spectra based on ionic and electronic structure factors that are computed from a new model for warm dense matter. In this model, which has no free parameters, the ionic structure is determined consistently with the electronic structure of the bound and free states. The x-ray scattering spectrum is thus fully determined by the plasma temperature, density and nuclear charge, and the experimental parameters. The combined model of warm dense matter and of the x-ray scattering theory is validated against an experiment on room-temperature, solid beryllium. It is then applied to experiments on warm dense beryllium and aluminum. Generally good agreement is found with the experiments. However, some significant discrepancies are revealed and appraised. Based on the strength of our model, we discuss the current state of x-ray scattering experiments on warm dense matter and their potential to determine plasma parameters, to discriminate among models, and to reveal interesting and difficult to model physics in dense plasmas.

Evaluation of vertical forces in the pads of German Shepherd dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate vertical forces in the pads of German Shepherd dogs by relative percentage among total limb vertical forces using a pressure sensitive walkway. PROCEDURE: A pressure sensitive walkway was used to collect vertical force data for each pad of the limbs of 16 healthy client-owned German Shepherd dogs used for kinetic gait analysis. The vertical force for each pad was evaluated as a percentage of total limb vertical force. Weight distribution among limbs was also recorded. Velocity and acceleration were within a range of 1.3 and 1.6 ± 0.1 m/s². The ANOVA test was used to compare data and the paired t-test was used to assess symmetry (p <0.05). RESULTS: The peak vertical force was higher on the metacarpal pad than on the metatarsal pad. Peak vertical force was highest on the metacarpal pad and metatarsal pad followed by the digital pads 3, 4 and 5 of the forelimb, and on the hindlimb by digital pads 3 and 4. Vertical impulse was greatest in the metacarpal pad and digital pads 3 and 4 of the forelimb and hindlimb respectively, followed by digital pads 3, 4, and 5 of the forelimb and the metatarsal pad. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A vertical force distribution pattern was observed on the pads of the German Shepherd dogs. These data are important for improving the understanding of vertical force distribution during gait and to assess orthopaedic conditions.

Estragole blocks neuronal excitability by direct inhibition of Na+ channels.

Estragole is a volatile terpenoid, which occurs naturally as a constituent of the essential oils of many plants. It has several pharmacological and biological activities. The objective of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of action of estragole on neuronal excitability. Intact and dissociated dorsal root ganglion neurons of rats were used to record action potential and Na+ currents with intracellular and patch-clamp techniques, respectively. Estragole blocked the generation of action potentials in cells with or without inflexions on their descendant (repolarization) phase (Ninf and N0 neurons, respectively) in a concentration-dependent manner. The resting potentials and input resistances of Ninf and N0 cells were not altered by estragole (2, 4, and 6 mM). Estragole also inhibited total Na+ current and tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ current in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 of 3.2 and 3.6 mM, respectively). Kinetic analysis of Na+ current in the presence of 4 mM estragole showed a statistically significant reduction of fast and slow inactivation time constants, indicating an acceleration of the inactivation process. These data demonstrate that estragole blocks neuronal excitability by direct inhibition of Na+ channel conductance activation. This action of estragole is likely to be relevant to the understanding of the mechanisms of several pharmacological effects of this substance.

Essential oil of Pterodon polygalaeflorus Benth attenuates nociception in mice

Essential oils (EO) are volatile liquids responsible for the aroma of plants. Pterodon polygalaeflorus seeds have received widespread use in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. For this reason and because Pterodon polygalaeflorus seeds have great EO content, which is frequently pharmacologically active, the present study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of EO from Pterodon polygalaeflorus (EOPPgfl) and its acute toxic effects. The EEOPPgfl sample, which was extracted by steam distillation of the seeds, had a yield of 2.4% of the seeds weight and had, as major constituents, beta-elemene (48.19%), trans-caryophyllene (19.51%), and epi-bicyclosesquiphellandrene (12.24%). The EOPPgfl sample showed mild acute toxicity and its calculated median lethal dose (LD50) was 3.38 g/kg. EOPPgfl (20-60 mg/kg) showed antinociceptive activity as evidenced by several tests and inhibited writhing induced by acetic acid. The maximum effect was obtained with the 30 mg/kg dose and at 60 min after its administration. EOPPgfl also decreased formalin-induced nociception, as verified by the inhibition of the first and second phase of the formalin test. At 30 mg/kg, EOPPgfl also decreased thermally stimulated nociception. Nociception may be related to inflammatory and antiedematogenic activity and at doses ranging 10-100 mg/kg, EOPPgfl blocked dextran- and carrageenan-induced edema. The results demonstrated that EOPPgfl presented, at doses approximately 100 times smaller than LD50, an antinociceptive effect that probably was due to anti-inflammatory activities.