Meat quality of chicken of different crossings in alternative system / Qualidade da carne de frangos de diferentes cruzamentos em sistema alternativo

The purpose was to evaluate the effects of gender and of different genotypes of chickens on the physicochemical parameters and centesimal composition, related to the quality of meat. The design was completely randomized arranged in 5x2 factorial scheme, five genotypes (Índio Gigante - IG; New Hampshire - NHS; Gigante Negra de Jersey - GNJ; poultry from the crossing between the IG and NHS breeds - IG x NHS; and between the IG and GNJ breeds - IG x GNJ) and two genders, with five repetitions and each one represented by three poultry, totaling 150 animals, slaughtered at 105 days. The parameters evaluated on the breast and thigh were: centesimal composition (moisture, ether extract - EE, protein and ash), ultimate pH, color (L*- luminosity, a*- redness, b* -yellowness, C* - chroma index and h* - hue angle), weight loss by cooking (WLC) and shear force (SF). The IG genotype had the highest average of ultimate pH of the breast (6.03). The NHS and IG x NHS genotypes showed, respectively, higher average of L * (58.93) and a* (1.92) of the breast. The IG, IG x NHS and IG x GNJ showed the highest values of b* of the breast (12.53, 13.37 and 12.69, respectively). The IG poultry showed high average of SF of the breast and thigh (4.79 and 5.01kgf, respectively). The IG x NHS and IG x GNJ genotypes showed the lowest ultimate pH values of the thigh (6.13 and 6.02, respectively). The IG x GNJ genotype showed a high average of b* of the thigh (14.94) and the NHS had a high average of WCL (24.65%). The females showed higher averages of EE on the breast and ash on the thigh (1.03 and 1.11%, respectively). The IG x NHS and IG x GNJ poultry showed higher averages of EE of the breast (1.21 and 1.38 %, respectively). The poultry of IG breed and those from the crossing with NHS and GNJ presented meat quality characteristics more desirable by the consumer in relation to physicochemical parameters and centesimal composition, while genders showed no influence on these aspects.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de sexo e de diferentes genótipos de frangos sobre os parâmetros físico-químicos e a composição centesimal, relacionados à qualidade da carne. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, disposto em esquema fatorial (5x2), sendo cinco genótipos (Índio Gigante - IG; New Hampshire - NHS; Gigante Negra de Jersey - GNJ; aves oriundas do cruzamento entre as raças IG e NHS - IG x NHS; e entre as raças IG e GNJ - IG x GNJ) e dois sexos, com cinco repetições, sendo cada uma representada por três aves, totalizando 150 animais, abatidos aos 105 dias. Os parâmetros avaliados no peito e na coxa foram: composição centesimal (umidade, extrato etéreo - EE, proteína e cinzas), pH final, cor (L*- luminosidade, a*- teor de vermelho, b*- teor de amarelo, C*- índice de croma e h*- ângulo de tonalidade), perda de peso por cozimento (PPC) e força de cisalhamento (FC). O genótipo IG apresentou a maior média de pH final do peito (6,03). Os genótipos NHS e IG x NHS apresentaram, respectivamente, médias elevadas de L* (58,93) e a* (1,92) do peito. Os IG, IG x NHS e IG x GNJ apresentaram os maiores valores de b* do peito (12,53, 13,37 e 12,69, respectivamente). As aves IG apresentaram médias elevadas de FC do peito e da coxa (4,79 e 5,01Kgf, respectivamente). Os genótipos IG x NHS e IG x GNJ apresentaram os menores valores de pH final da coxa (6,13 e 6,02, respectivamente). O genótipo IG x GNJ apresentou média elevada de b* da coxa (14,94), e o NHS média elevada de PPC (24,65%). As fêmeas apresentaram maiores médias de EE no peito e de cinzas na coxa (1,03 e 1,11%, respectivamente). As aves IG x NHS e IG x GNJ apresentaram maiores médias de EE do peito (1,21 e 1,38%, respectivamente). As aves da raça IG e as oriundas de seu cruzamento com NHS e GNJ apresentaram características de qualidade de carne mais desejáveis pelo consumidor em relação aos parâmetros físico-químicos e de composição centesimal, enquanto o sexo não revelou influência sobre esses aspectos.(AU)

Action time and feed frequency of Lactobacillus plantarum for Nile tilapia / Tempo de ação e frequência alimentar do Lactobacillus plantarum para tilápia-do-nilo

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o tempo de ação do Lactobacillus plantarum no trato intestinal, assim como em qual frequência esse probiótico deve ser oferecido para tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochomis niloticus). Quarenta e oito tilápias foram alimentadas com ou sem probiótico, durante 14 dias. Após esse período, os peixes foram esviscerados, e amostras do trato intestinal foram semeadas em ágar TCBS, cetrimide e MRS. Esse procedimento foi repetido dois, quatro e seis dias após o 14º dia. Depois disso, 252 tilápias foram divididas em quatro tratamentos, peixes alimentados com probiótico suplementado em 100%, 50%, 25% e 0% (controle) das alimentações. Após nove semanas, os índices zootécnicos foram avaliados. No dia zero, verificou-se maior concentração de bactérias ácido-lácticas e menor concentração de Vibrios spp. e de Pseudomonas spp. no trato intestinal dos alevinos alimentados com probiótico. Peixes alimentados com 100% e 50% das alimentações suplementadas com probiótico apresentaram melhores índices zootécnicos que os peixes alimentados com 25% de suplementação e sem suplementação. O L. plantarum atuou por quatro dias após a última alimentação, e, para obter os melhores índices, essa cepa deve ser suplementada em 50% das alimentações por dia para tilápia-do-nilo (O. niloticus).(AU)

Performance and parasite control of different genetic groups of lambs finished in irrigated pasture / Desempenho e controle parasitário de diferentes grupos genéticos de cordeiros terminados em pastagem irrigada

The aim of this study was to compare the following four genetic groups of hair sheep: Santa Inês (SI), Morada Nova (MN), Brazilian Somali (BS), and the F1 1/2Dorper x 1/2Morada Nova crossbreed on traits related to growth and parasitic infection. Thirty-three male lambs of the same age and of simple birth, under the same pre-weaning management conditions were used in the experiment. After weaning the animals were housed in a completely randomized design in paddocks made of Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania. Along the course of the research, the performance of the four groups of sheep was observed to be negatively affected by gastrointestinal parasites, but there was a genotype effect to the average daily weight gain (ADWG), where the SI and F1 genotypes presented higher values. The effects of genotype, time and genotype x time interaction were significant in weight and corporal score (CS) measurements. The BS lambs had the highest CS values throughout the experiment despite not presenting greater weight gain when compared to the SI and F1 breeds. There were also significant effects of time and genotype x time interaction for packed cell volume (PCV) and FAMACHA© score (FAM) and only the time effect was significant in the total number of eggs per gram (EPG) and total plasma protein (TPP). The MN lambs showed higher PCV values and unlike the other groups, presented a FAMACHA© score below 3 and PCV above 23% even having a higher EPG tendency, especially in the initial phase, indicating a possible higher resilience to infection caused by gastrointestinal parasites.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar quatro grupos genéticos de ovinos: Santa Inês (SI), Somalis Brasileira (SB), Morada Nova (MN) e 1/2 Dorper - 1/2 Morada Nova (F1) quanto às características de crescimento e de infecção parasitária. Trinta e três cordeiros machos, de mesma idade, nascidos de parto simples e submetidos às mesmas condições de manejo pré-desmame foram utilizados no experimento. Após o desmame, os animais foram alojados em piquetes de capim Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia, em um sistema rotativo de pastejo sob um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. Os resultados mostraram que, ao longo do experimento, o desempenho ponderal dos quatro grupos genéticos foi negativamente afetado pela infecção por endoparasitas, mas o efeito de genótipo foi significativo para ganho de peso médio diário, e os grupos SI e F1 apresentaram melhores médias. O efeito do genótipo, tempo e interação genótipo x tempo foi significativo para o peso e o escore corporal. Os cordeiros da raça SB apresentaram maiores escores corporais ao longo do experimento, apesar do menor ganho de peso quando comparados aos dos grupos SI e F1. Houve efeito significativo do tempo e da interação genótipo x tempo para o hematócrito e para o grau FAMACHA©. Somente efeito do tempo foi verificado para as características OPG e proteína plasmática total. Os cordeiros da raça Morada Nova, ao contrário dos demais grupos, mantiveram o grau FAMACHA© inferior a 3 e hematócrito inferior a 23%, mesmo com tendência de maior OPG, principalmente na fase inicial, indicando uma possível maior capacidade de adaptação à infecção por endoparasitas.

Fenóis totais, atividade antioxidante e inibição da enzima tirosinase de extratos de Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All. (Anacardiaceae) / Total phenolics, antioxidant activity and tyrosinase enzyme inhibition by Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All. (Anacardiaceae) extracts

RESUMOOs radicais livres e outros oxidantes demonstram ser parcialmente responsáveis pelo envelhecimento e pelas doenças degenerativas associadas à produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio. Além disto, os compostos fenólicos são reconhecidamente detentores de elevada atividade antioxidante, que geralmente estão envolvidos em tratamentos de problemas de pigmentação da pele, que resultam em hiperpigmentações. Sendo assim este trabalho foi realizado para avaliar o conteúdo de fenóis totais, atividade antioxidante e a capacidade de inibição da tirosinase dos extratos das folhas e cascas do caule da espécie Myracrodruonurundeuva Fr. All. Para determinação do conteúdo de fenóis totais dos extratos orgânicos de M. urundeuva utilizou-se o reativo Folin-Ciocalteau, na avaliação da atividade antioxidante empregando o radical livre DPPH, enquanto que os testes de inibição da enzima tirosinase foram realizados utilizando L-tirosina. A concentração de fenóis totais foi de 77 mg EAG g-1 e 194 mg EAG g-1 nos extratos hexânico e metanólico das folhas e de 45 mg EAG g-1 e 193 mg EAG g-1 nos extratos hexânico e metanólico das cascas do caule. O potencial antioxidante dos extratos indicaram que o extrato metanólico das cascas do caule (10,9 ± 0,5 µg mL-1), em comparação ao hexânico (12,9 ± 0,2 µg mL-1) e ao BHT (220 ± 7,0 µg mL-1), possui atividade antioxidante levemente mais acentuada. No ensaio de inibição da tirosinase, o extrato metanólico das cascas do caule demonstrou a inibição da enzima em 42% após uma hora.

ABSTRACTFree radicals and other oxidants had demonstrated to be partially responsible for aging and for degenerative diseases associated with the production of reactive oxygen species. In addition, the phenolic compounds are recognized as holders of high antioxidant activity, which usually are involved in the treatment of pigmentation problems, resulting in hyper pigmentation. So this study was carried out in order to evaluate the content of total phenols, antioxidant activity and capacity inhibition of tyrosinase in extracts from leaves and stem barks of the species Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All. In order to determine the content of total phenols from organic extracts of M. urundeuva, a Folin-Ciocalteau reagent was employed in the evaluation of antioxidant activity,using the DPPH free radical, while the enzyme tyrosinase inhibition tests were performed using L-tyrosine. The amount of total phenols was 77 mg EAG g-1 and 194 in the hexane and methanolic extracts from the leaves and 45 mg EAG g-1 and 193 mg EAG g-1in the hexane and methanolic extracts of the stem barks. The antioxidant potential of extracts indicated that the methanolic extract of stem bark (10.9 ± 0.5 µg mL-1), when compared to the hexane (12.9 ± 0.2 µg mL-1) and BHT (220 ± 7.0 µg mL-1), presented a slightly higher antioxidant activity. For the tyrosinase inhibitiontrial , the methanolic extract ofstem barks indicated anenzyme inhibition of 42% after an hour.

Plantas medicinais conhecidas por especialistas locais de uma comunidade rural maranhense / Known medicinal plants by local experts in a rural community in Maranhão

RESUMO Este trabalho objetivou realizar o inventário das plantas medicinais de uma comunidade rural maranhense, analisando o valor de uso e a importância relativa das espécies, assim como o consenso dos informantes quanto às doenças tratadas. Foram realizadas 50 entrevistas semiestruturadas utilizando-se o método de amostragem “bola-de-neve” e usou-se a técnica “turnê-guiada” para coletar as espécies citadas. Os especialistas locais citaram 63 espécies pertencentes a 44 famílias, das quais Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, Lamiaceae e Myrtaceae apresentaram o maior número de espécies. A planta que obteve maior valor de uso foi Morinda citrifolia L.. Himatanthus drasticus (Müll.Arg.) Woodson foi a espécie que apresentou maior importância relativa. Dentre os sistemas corporais tratados com os recursos vegetais, os que obtiveram maior consenso entre os informantes foram os relacionados às doenças do estômago, esôfago e duodeno e infecções virais caracterizadas por lesões na pele (ambas com FCI = 0,83). Em virtude da riqueza de conhecimento sobre plantas medicinais em um Estado do Brasil onde o sistema de saúde é bastante precário e onde os estudos de cunho etnobotânico ainda são escassos, sugere-se que novos estudos etnobotânicos sejam realizados afim de evidenciar a dinâmica de conhecimento local e suas implicações ecológicas e sociais.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to conduct an inventory of medicinal plants in a rural community in Maranhão, analyzing the use value and the relative importance of species as well as the consensus of the informants about the treated diseases. Fifty semi-structured interviews were conducted using the sampling method “snow-ball” and the technique “guided tour” was employed in order to collect the species mentioned. Local experts mentioned 63 species belonging to 44 families, from which Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae represented the highest number of species. The plant which had the highest use value was the Morinda citrifolia L.. The Himatanthus drasticus (Müll.Arg.) Woodson was the species with the highest relative importance. Among the body systems treated with plant resources, those who had the most consensus among the informants were related to stomach, esophagus and duodenum diseases and viral infections characterized by skin lesions (both ICF = 0.83). Because of the abundance of knowledge about medicinal plants in this state of Brazil, where the health system is quite precarious and where the nature of ethnobotanical studies are still scarce, it is suggested that new ethnobotanical studies are conducted in order to show the dynamics of local knowledge and its ecological and social implications.

Genotype effect on carcass and meat quality of lambs finished in irrigated pastures in the semiarid Northeastern Brazil / Efeito do genótipo sobre características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de cordeiros terminados em pastagem irrigada no semiárido do Nordeste do Brasil

The aim of this study was to compare four genetic groups of sheep on the carcass and meat quality traits. Thirty-three contemporary and unrelated male lambs, all of single birth were used in the experiment, being thirteen from the Santa Inês (SI) breed, seven from the Brazilian Somali breed (BS), six from the Morada Nova (MN) breed and seven from the ½ Dorper - ½ Morada Nova (F1) crossbreed. The genotypes SI, BS and F1 presented similar performances in relation to hot and cold carcass weights, which values were 10.76±0.53kg and 10.46±0.52kg for SI, 9.20±0.73kg and 8.99±0.71kg for BS, and 9.35±0.73kg and 9.13±0.71kg for F1, respectively. The BS had a better hot carcass yield (47.10±0.88%) and cold carcass yield (46.00±0.87%). Better carcass conformation was observed in SI and F1 (2.73±0.12 and 2.50±0.17, respectively) while the BS presented a better finishing (3.29±0.20). The average for the rib eye area (REA) was 9.94±0.49cm², 8.66±0.67cm², 7.18±0.72cm² and 9.8±0.67cm², and for the carcass compactness index (CCI) it was 0.17±0.01kg/cm, 0.17±0.01kg/cm, 0.11±0.01kg/cm and 0.16±0,01kg/cm, for SI, SB, MN and F1, respectively. There were no significant differences between SI, BS and F1 regarding REA and CCI. Although, in general, the MN presented a relatively lower performance than the other genotypes, this breed had similar carcass yields and fat thickness when compared to SI and F1 and similar conformation and REA in comparison to the BS. Regarding meat quality, no differences were observed between genotypes, except for redness and cooking losses. It is concluded that no one group had a higher or lower performance in all traits analyzed. Moreover, for the management conditions employed in this study, there was evidence of greater specialization in meat production for genotypes SI, BS and F1 when compared to MN, although there are no substantial differences between the four groups regarding meat quality.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar quatro grupos genéticos de ovinos quanto às características de carcaça e de qualidade da carne. Trinta e três cordeiros, contemporâneos, nascidos de parto simples e sem relação de parentesco, foram utilizados no experimento, sendo 13 da raça Santa Inês (SI), sete da raça Somalis Brasileira (SB), seis da raça Morada Nova (MN) e sete ½ Dorper - ½ Morada Nova (F1). Os genótipos SI, SB e F1 apresentaram desempenhos similares quanto ao peso das carcaças quente e fria, cujos valores foram 10,76±0,53kg e 10,46±0,52kg para o SI, 9,20±0,73kg e 8,99±0,71kg para o SB, 9,35±0,73kg e 9,13±0,71kg para o F1, respectivamente. A raça SB apresentou melhor rendimento de carcaça quente (47,10 ±0,88%) e de carcaça fria (46,00±0,87%). Os genótipos SI e F1 apresentaram melhores conformações (2,73±0,12 e 2,50±0,17, respectivamente), enquanto o SB apresentou melhor acabamento (3,29±0,20). As médias para área de olho de lombo (AOL) foram 9,94±0,49cm², 8,66±0,67cm², 7,18±0,72cm² e 9,8±0,67cm² e para o índice de compacidade da carcaça (ICC) foram 0,17±0,01kg/cm, 0,17±0,01kg/cm, 0,11±0,01kg/cm e 0,16±0,01kg/cm, para SI, SB, MN e F1, respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa entre os genótipos SI, SB e F1 quanto à AOL e ao ICC. Apesar de, no geral, a raça MN apresentar desempenho relativamente inferior aos demais genótipos quanto às características de carcaça analisadas, essa raça apresentou rendimentos de carcaça e espessura de gordura similar ao SI e F1 e conformação e AOL similar ao SB. Não houve um grupo superior ou inferior para todas as características analisadas. Por outro lado, para as condições de manejo empregadas neste estudo, evidenciou-se maior especialização para produção de carne dos genótipos SI, SB e F1 em relação ao grupo MN. Não houve diferenças importantes entre os diferentes genótipos quanto à qualidade da carne.

New records, threatens and conservation status for Dichotomius schiffleri Vaz-de-Mello, Louzada & Gavino (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): an endangered dung beetle species from Brazilian atlantic forest ecosystems

Dichotomius schiffleri Vaz-de-Mello et al is often cited as endemic to the preserved coastal sandy-dune vegetation (restinga) of Guriri Island, Espírito Santo state, and is included in the Brazilian List of Endangered Fauna as "critically endangered" (CR). However, we recorded its occurrence in twelve additional sites along the coasts of Espírito Santo, Bahia, Sergipe and Pernambuco. The geographic distribution of D. schiffleri is limited to the coastal Atlantic Forest domain, mainly in preserved restinga patches. We recommend that D. schiffleri remains in the List of Endangered species, but in the "endangered" (EN) category, according to the IUCN criteria.

Skeletogenesis of the pectoral girdle and forelimbs in embryos of Caiman yacare (Daudin, 1802) (Crocodylia, Alligatoridae)

Embryos of Caiman yacare were collected and subjected to the bone clearing and staining protocol in orderto analyze the ontogenetic patterns of ossification of the pectoral girdle and forelimb skeleton. The osseousstructure of the girdle and forelimbs of C. yacare begins to ossify starting at 30 days of incubation, withthe presence of dye retention in the scapula, coracoids, humerus, radius and ulna bones. During embryonicdevelopment, the autopodio of C. yacare has four bones in the carpus, the radial, ulnar, pisiform and carpaldistal 4+5 bone. Their ossification begins at 39 days of incubation with the radial, followed by the ulnar, and at54 days, the pisiform and the distal carpal 4 + 5. Each mesopodio has 5 metacarpi and are present 15 phalanges,two in digits I and V, three in digits II and IV, and four in digit III (phalangeal formula 2:3:4:3:2). Ossificationof the metacarpi starts at 27 days of incubation, following the sequence MCII=MCIII=MCIV>MCI>MCV.The first phalanges begin the process of ossification on day 36, continuing up to the last day of incubation.The sequence of ossification of the proximal phalanges is PPI=PPII=PPIII>PPIV=PPV, that of the medialphalanges is MPII>MPpIII>MPdIII>MPIV, and that of the distal phalanges is DPI>DPII>DPIII>DPV>DPIV.The ontogenetic pattern of the bones of the forepaw of C. yacare generally differs from that of other reptiles,although there are some similarities.

Description of embryonic stages in Melanosuchus niger(Spix, 1825) (Crocodylia: Alligatoridae)

The determination of embryonic stages is very useful in comparative and evolutionary anatomy, experimentalresearch and ecological studies. Although tables of development stages already exist for some crocodilianspecies, no table has yet been published for Melanosuchus niger. Therefore, the aim of this work is to monitorthe development of this species of Alligatoridae and characterize its stages based on the main morphologicaltransformations the embryo undergoes during the incubation process. Under natural conditions, two sampleswere collected daily in the Lake Cuniã Extractive Reserve in Rondônia, Brazil, making a total of 186 eggs.The incubation period was 90 days at an ambient temperature varying from 25.2 to 31.7 °C. We established24 embryonic stages between the formation of the pharyngeal arch and hatching. Primordia for the sensoryorgans and somites were observed in the early stages. The buds of the pelvic and thoracic limbs emergedsimultaneously, also in the early stages. An analysis of these structures showed evidence of considerableevolutionary modifications when compared with embryos of different species. In stage 12 we observed subtlepigmentation in the region of the head and, in stage 25, the pigmentation and striped pattern were typical ofthe newly hatched specimen. The eyetooth was visible in stage 18, disappearing within the first few weeks afterhatching. The vitellus was completely absorbed in the penultimate stage. Direct comparisons of the table ofembryonic stages were made between M. niger and other crocodilian taxa, and the main differences identifiedwere chronological variations.

Treatment of venous ulcers with fibrin sealant derived from snake venom

Venous ulcers of the lower limbs complicated by infection or chronicity represent a serious public health problem. The elevated number of those afflicted burdens the health services, interferes in quality of life and causes absenteeism. Although there are 2,500 items on the market, ranging from the simplest dressing up to the most complex types of dressing, treatment remains a challenge. Among the substances used, fibrin sealant is the one that promotes diminution of bacterial colonization and of edema, controls hemorrhaging, alters the pain threshold by protecting the nerve endings, hydrates the wound bed and forms granulation tissue that favors healing. Its disadvantages include higher cost and utilization of human fibrinogen that can transmit infectious diseases. The Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) at São Paulo State University (UNESP) developed a new sealant made up of fibrinogen extracted from large animals and from an enzyme obtained from snake venom. The present study, developed in the Health Education Clinic (CEPS) of Sacred Heart University (USC) aimed to evaluate the effect of the new sealant on the healing process of venous ulcers in 24 adult patients, seven of whom were male and 17 female. Two study groups were formed as follows: Group 1 (G1) - control group of 11 patients treated with essential fatty acid (EFA) and Unna's boot, and Group 2 (G2) - 13 patients treated with essential fatty acid (EFA), fibrin sealant and Unna's boot. The follow-up lasted eight weeks and the sealant was applied at only the first and fourth weeks. The results showed that Group 2 presented worse lesion conditions as to healing, but, when comparing the two groups, it was noteworthy that the the sealant was effective in healing venous ulcers...

Increased levels of glutamate in the central nervous system are associated with behavioral symptoms in experimental malaria

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe complication resulting from Plasmodium falciparum infection. This condition has been associated with cognitive, behavioral and motor dysfunctions, seizures and coma. The underlying mechanisms of CM are incompletely understood. Glutamate and other metabolites such as lactate have been implicated in its pathogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of glutamate in the behavioral symptoms of CM. Seventeen female C57BL/6 mice (20-25 g) aged 6-8 weeks were infected with P. berghei ANKA by the intraperitoneal route using a standardized inoculation of 10(6) parasitized red blood cells suspended in 0.2 mL PBS. Control animals (N = 17) received the same volume of PBS. Behavioral and neurological symptoms were analyzed by the SmithKline/Harwell/Imperial College/Royal Hospital/Phenotype Assessment (SHIRPA) battery. Glutamate release was measured in the cerebral cortex and cerebrospinal fluid of infected and control mice by fluorimetric assay. All functional categories of the SHIRPA battery were significantly altered in the infected mice at 6 days post-infection (dpi) (P ≤ 0.05). In parallel to CM symptoms, we found a significant increase in glutamate levels in the cerebral cortex (mean ± SEM; control: 11.62 ± 0.90 nmol/mg protein; infected at 3 dpi: 10.36 ± 1.17 nmol/mg protein; infected at 6 dpi: 26.65 ± 0.73 nmol/mg protein; with EGTA, control: 5.60 ± 1.92 nmol/mg protein; infected at 3 dpi: 6.24 ± 1.87 nmol/mg protein; infected at 6 dpi: 14.14 ± 0.84 nmol/mg protein) and in the cerebrospinal fluid (control: 128 ± 51.23 pmol/mg protein; infected: 301.4 ± 22.52 pmol/mg protein) of infected mice (P ≤ 0.05). These findings suggest a role of glutamate in the central nervous system dysfunction found in CM.

Caracterização molecular do vírus da raiva isolado de Desmodus rotundus capturados no Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Molecular characterization of rabies virus isolated from Desmodus rotundus captured in Rio de Janeiro State

Caracterizou-se filogeneticamente o vírus da raiva, isolado de morcegos hematógafos (Demodus rotundus). Cento e noventa e nove D. rotundus foram capturados em cinco abrigos, no Norte e Noroeste do Estado do Rio de Janeiro e sul do Espírito Santo. Sete deles foram positivos para a raiva. Amostras desses vírus foram sequenciadas e comparadas com sequências provenientes de diversos estados brasileiros. As sequências de vírus da raiva isoladas, na região norte do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, mostraram características que as distinguem de amostras de vírus isoladas em outras regiões do país, no entanto foram idênticas às isoladas de bovinos no noroeste do Rio de Janeiro.

Rabies samples isolated from vampire bats captured in the Rio de Janeiro State were phylogenetically analyzed. One hundred and ninety nine vampire bats were captured from five shelters from North and Northwest of Rio de Janeiro and South of Espírito Santo States. Seven of them were positive for rabies. Theses samples were sequenced and compared with rabies virus sequences from several Brazilian states. The sequences of rabies virus, isolated in the present work, from North of Rio de Janeiro State, showed characteristics that differ of the sequences isolated from bats from other Brazilian regions. However, they were identical to samples isolated from cattle in Northwest of Rio de Janeiro state.

Composition and distribution of Darwinulidae (Crustacea, Ostracoda) in the alluvial valley of the upper Paraná River, Brazil / Composição e distribuição de Darwinulidae (Crustacea, Ostracoda) no vale aluvial do alto rio Paraná, Brasil

The occurrence and abundance of darwinulid ostracods, as well as environmental factors influencing these patterns, were investigated in the alluvial valley of the upper Paraná River. Ostracods were sampled from several substrates, like littoral sediments and pleuston, which included several aquatic macrophytes species, from 31 localities (lentic and lotic) belonging to different riverine systems. Eight darwinulid species were found, representing all genera from this family. Alicenula serricaudata, Vestalenula pagliolii, and Penthesilenula brasiliensis were the most common species. Cluster analysis based on the composition and abundance of darwinulid communities revealed the presence of five associations. Darwinula stevensoni, Vestalenula botocuda, and Penthesilenula aotearoa were almost exclusive to lotic environments. A Mantel multiple test showed that the occurrence and distribution of darwinulid ostracods were significantly related to types of habitat and systems, but not to abiotic variables. It thus seems that the hydrodynamic fluctuations of these environments are probably more important to darwinulid distribution than the limnological characteristics.

A ocorrência e abundância de ostrácodes darwinulídeos, bem como os fatores ambientais que influenciam estes padrões, foram investigadas no vale aluvial do alto rio Paraná. Os ostrácodes foram coletados em vários substratos, como sedimentos litorâneos e plêuston, o qual incluiu várias espécies de macrófitas aquáticas, de 31 ambientes (lênticos e lóticos) pertencentes a diferentes sistemas fluviais. Oito espécies de darwinulídeos foram encontradas, representando todos os gêneros desta família. Alicenula serricaudata, Vestalenula pagliolii e Penthesilenula brasiliensis foram as espécies mais comuns. A análise de agrupamento, baseada na composição e abundância das comunidades de darwinulídeos, revelou a presença de cinco associações. Darwinula stevensoni, Vestalenula botocuda e Penthesilenula aotearoa foram praticamente exclusivas de ambientes lóticos. O teste de Mantel múltiplo evidenciou que a ocorrência e distribuição de ostrácodes estiveram significantemente relacionadas aos tipos de hábitat e sistema, mas não às variáveis abióticas. Desta forma, parece que as flutuações hidrodinâmicas destes ambientes atuam mais fortemente na distribuição de darwinulídeos que as características limnológicas.

Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 induces type 1 cytokine production by mouse cells in vitro and in vivo

Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 has been shown to increase clearance of bacteria injected into the blood of germ-free mice. Moreover, it induces the production of type 1 cytokines by human peripheral mononuclear cells. The objective of the present study was to investigate the production of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-12 (IL-12 p40), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)] triggered in vitro by live, heat-killed or lysozyme-treated L. delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 and in vivo by a live preparation. Germ-free, L. delbrueckii-monoassociated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-resistant C3H/HeJ mice were used as experimental models. UFV-H2b20 induced the production of IL-12 p40 and TNF-α by peritoneal cells and IFN-γ by spleen cells from germ-free or monoassociated Swiss/NIH mice and LPS-hyporesponsive mice (around 40 ng/mL for IL-12 p40, 200 pg/mL for TNF-α and 10 ng/mL for IFN-γ). Heat treatment of L. delbrueckii did not affect the production of these cytokines. Lysozyme treatment decreased IL-12 p40 production by peritoneal cells from C3H/HeJ mice, but did not affect TNF-α production by these cells or IFN-γ production by spleen cells from the same mouse strain. TNF-α production by peritoneal cells from Swiss/NIH L. delbrueckii-monoassociated mice was inhibited by lysozyme treatment. When testing IL-12 p40 and IFN-γ levels in sera from germ-free or monoassociated Swiss/NIH mice systemically challenged with Escherichia coli we observed that IL-12 p40 was produced at marginally higher levels by monoassociated mice than by germ-free mice (40 vs 60 ng/mL), but IFN-γ was produced earlier and at higher levels by monoassociated mice (monoassociated 4 and 14 ng/mL 4 and 8 h after infection, germfree 0 and 7.5 ng/mL at the same times). These results show that L. delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 stimulates the production of type 1 cytokines in vitro and in vivo, therefore suggesting...

Reflexões sobre o processo de inclusão escolar na perspectiva da família / Considerations on school inclusion in family´s perspective

Este trabalho analisou sete casos de insucesso na inclusão escolar de alunos com necessidades educativas especiais e buscou identificar os fatores que contribuíram para este resultado. Foram realizadas entrevistas com famílias e com alunos. As entrevistas enfocaram três fatores: a socialização do aluno na escola, a participação da família no processo educativo, e as redes de apoio ao professor e ao aluno. As professoras da escola especial que receberam esses alunos fizeram um relatório sobre a sua sociabilidade. Os resultados evidenciaram que algumas das causas do insucesso foram: rejeição dos alunos por parte dos colegas da escola, principalmente entre os adolescentes; falta de estímulo à participação da família no processo; ausência de redes de apoio para os professores e alunos nas escolas. Concluiu-se que, para que ocorra sucesso no processo de inclusão escolar, é imprescindível a mudança no sistema educacional, preparando e adequando as escolas para receber este alunado.

Seven cases of failure in the scholar inclusion of students with special educational needs were analyzed, in an attempt to identify the factors that have contributed for this result. Interviews with families and students were carried out focusing on the student sociability in the school; the participation of the family in the educational process; and the support nets provided by the school to teachers and students. The teachers who got these students wrote a report about their sociability. The results showed some failure causes as: rejection against the student by their classmates, mainly among teenagers; lack of stimulation for the participation of the family in the process; and absence of support to teachers and students. It was concluded that the success in this scholar inclusion process depends on changing the educational system in order to prepare and adjust the schools to work with these special students.

Effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii on cholesterol metabolism in germ-free mice and on atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E knock-out mice

Elevated blood cholesterol is an important risk factor associated with atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Several studies have reported a decrease in serum cholesterol during the consumption of large doses of fermented dairy products or lactobacillus strains. The proposed mechanism for this effect is the removal or assimilation of intestinal cholesterol by the bacteria, reducing cholesterol absorption. Although this effect was demonstrated in vitro, its relevance in vivo is still controversial. Furthermore, few studies have investigated the role of lactobacilli in atherogenesis. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii on cholesterol metabolism in germ-free mice and the possible hypocholesterolemic and antiatherogenic action of these bacteria using atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E (apo E) knock-out (KO) mice. For this purpose, Swiss/NIH germ-free mice were monoassociated with L. delbrueckii and fed a hypercholesterolemic diet for four weeks. In addition, apo E KO mice were fed a normal chow diet and treated with L. delbrueckii for 6 weeks. There was a reduction in cholesterol excretion in germ-free mice, which was not associated with changes in blood or liver cholesterol concentration. In apo E KO mice, no effect of L. delbrueckii was detected in blood, liver or fecal cholesterol. The atherosclerotic lesion in the aorta was also similar in mice receiving or not these bacteria. In conclusion, these results suggest that, although L. delbrueckii treatment was able to reduce cholesterol excretion in germ-free mice, no hypocholesterolemic or antiatherogenic effect was observed in apo E KO mice.