Neovascular Glaucoma Secondary to Bloch-Sulzberger Syndrome Documented by Retinography and Wide Field Angiography

Aims: To describe a Neovascular Glaucoma Secondary to Bloch-Sulzberger Syndrome.Presentation of Case: A.B.F. female, 23 years old, claimed significant pain sensation and hyperemia in the left eye (LE) for 45 days, without triggering factors. She came to the consultation with a previous diagnosis of Bloch-Sulzberger Syndrome with pigmented lesions in the lower limbs since childhood, being followed up by dermatology since then.Discussion: The diagnosis of IP (Incontinentia Pigmenti) is complex because it mimics other dermatoses. The impairment in other systems, such as the ophthalmic system, with the possibility of loss of vision and functional disability is a reality. The natural history of retinal lesions is not fully understood. Vascular changes seem to start in the first weeks of life and progress after birth for weeks or months, and may stabilize at any stage, leaving numerous sequelae.Conclusions: Incontinentia pigmenti is difficult to diagnose and, at each evolutionary stage, presents many differential diagnoses. Eye injuries can lead to blindness as a consequence of ischemic events that can start soon after birth.

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Secondary to Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

Aims: To describe a Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Secondary to Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria.Presentation of Case: A 25 years old, male, student, in regular follow-up in the Hematology sector due to Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria in regular use of Eculizumab. He reports a month ago that he suddenly noticed, upon waking up in the morning, blurring and decreased visual acuity in her left eye.Discussion: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired disorder characterized by hemolysis, thrombosis, and bone marrow failure caused by defective expression of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored (GPI-anchored) complement inhibitors. Most commonly, PNH is caused by the loss of PIGA function, which is necessary for GPI biosynthesis.Conclusions: Patients with hemolytic anemia, unexplained thrombosis, especially in uncommon sites, cytopenias and bone marrow failure syndromes, dysphagia, and unexplained abdominal pain should be screened for PNH. PNH patients can benefit greatly from the treatments available, with a reduction in the risk of serious sequelae and a considerable improvement in their quality of life. So that the patient continues to be followed up in the ophthalmology department, with decreased visual acuity ipsilateral to the lesion, with a relative afferent pupillary defect on that side.

Congenital Ocular Melanocytosis: Case Report

Aims: To describe Congenital Ocular Melanocytosis.Presentation of Case: LPC, 7 years old, male, brown, with no previous comorbidities, was taken to the ophthalmology outpatient clinic of the Hospital Universit醨io Ant鬾io Pedro, Brazil by parents who alleged the presence of bluish-looking lesions in the sclera of the child's right eye since birth.Discussion: Congenital Ocular Melanocytosis is a rare pathology characterized by an increase in the number, size and pigmentation of melanocytes. Its pathophysiological picture is unknown, but it is believed to be due to an alteration in the migration of melanocytes from the neural crest to the epidermis during the embryonic process. This condition can be complicated by glaucoma and uveal melanoma. Gonioscopy is essential in these cases to assess whether there is pigmentation of the trabeculae, so that the propaedeutics of investigation of glaucoma becomes essential in these patients, since 10% of cases can complicate this condition.Conclusions: Congenital Ocular Melanocytosis early in life and the importance of monitoring these patients should be emphasized. Comprehensive tests are important for early detection and treatment, in order to improve the prognosis and avoid more severe consequences than what can happen from melanocytosis.

Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome: Case Report

Aims:To describe a Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome.Presentation of Case: MCL, 7 years old, female, brown, was taken to the ophthalmology outpatient clinic of the Hospital Universit醨io Ant鬾io Pedro, Brazil by her parents, complaining of low visual acuity and malformation of the pupil perceived since birth.Discussion: Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome is a rare and hereditary disease. Clinically, Axenfeld's anomaly is characterized by the presence of posterior embryotoxon, and there may be adherence of iridian tissue in its periphery. In addition to Rieger's anomaly, posterior embryotoxon is added to iris hypoplasia and iris thickness defects, uveal ectropion and pupillary alterations, such as corectopia. Rieger's syndrome is associated with extraocular changes, of which hypodontia, myicrodontia, maxillary hypoplasia, telecanthus, hypertelorism and hypospadias stand out.Conclusions: Therefore, the importance of early diagnosis, follow-up and adequate treatment becomes evident in order to preserve the visual function of patients and thus avoid an unfavorable evolution.

Angioid Streaks and Systemic Pathologies: Is This Association Always There?

Aims :To describe Angioid Streaks and Systemic PathologiesPresentation of Case: T.A.N., male, 32 years old, lawyer, born in Rio de Janeiro, attends the routine ophthalmologic appointment without specific ophthalmologic complaints.In her previous pathological history, he claims not to have systemic comorbidities. Denies diabetes, eye trauma, previous eye surgeries and any eye pathologies. Denies previous ophthalmologic procedures, daily use of eye drops and family members with a history of glaucoma.Discussion: The patient in the report, up to the time of the consultation, claimed not to be aware of any systemic pathology and did not present any ocular complaints, not even knowing the findings of his fundus examination. Systemic associations should always be considered when diagnosing Angioid Streaks on funduscopy. Patients with Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum must have their follow-up done in parallel with the dermatology service. Patients with hemoglobinopathies should be immediately referred for diagnostic clarification with the medical clinic teamConclusions: It is essential that specialists are familiarized with the peculiar appearance , their potential to produce retinal and subretinal complications and, especially, remember that this finding in funduscopy can be unique without being associated with systemic diseases.

Lactate modulates cardiac gene expression in mice during acute physical exercise

The aim of the present study was to verify the role of lactate as a signaling molecule in cardiac tissue under physiological conditions. C57BL6/J male mice were submitted to acute running bouts on a treadmill at different exercise intensities (30, 60, and 90% of maximal speed - Smax) under the effect of two doses (0.5 and 5 mM) of α-cyano-4-hydroxycynnamate (CINN), a blocker of lactate transporters. Cardiac lactate levels, activity of the enzymes of glycolytic [hexokinase (HK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] and oxidative metabolism [citrate synthase (CS)], and expression of genes also related to metabolism [LDH, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2), cytochrome oxidase IV (COX-IV), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α)] were evaluated. Elevated cardiac lactate levels were observed after high intensity running at 90% of Smax, which were parallel to increased activity of the HK and CS enzymes and mRNA levels of PGC-1α and COX-IV. No changes were observed in cardiac lactate levels in mice running at lower exercise intensities. Interestingly, prior intraperitoneal administration (15 min) of CINN (0.5 mM) significantly reduced cardiac lactate concentration, activities of HK and CS, and mRNA levels of PGC-1α and COX-IV in mice that ran at 90% of Smax. In addition, cardiac lactate levels were significantly correlated to both PGC-1α and COX-IV cardiac gene expression. The present study provides evidence that cardiac lactate levels are associated to gene transcription during an acute bout of high intensity running exercise.

Evaluation of cell damage and modulation of cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in macrophages exposed to PpIX-mediated photodynamic therapy / Avaliação do dano celular e da modulação das citocinas TNF-α, IL-6 e IL-10 em macrófagos expostos à terapia fotodinâmica mediada pela PpIX

Abstract Little is known regarding whether photodynamic therapy (PDT)-induced cell death can substantially compromise macrophages (MΦ), which are important cells in PDT-induced immune responses. Here, parameters of PDT-mediated MΦ cytotoxicity and cytokine production in response to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) were evaluated. Peritoneal MΦ from BALB/c mice were stimulated in vitro with PDT, light, PpIX, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After that, cell viability, lipid peroxidation, Nitric Oxide (NO), DNA damage, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were evaluated. Short PDT exposure reduced cell viability by 10-30%. There was a two-fold increase in NO and DNA degradation, despite the non-increase in lipoperoxidation. PDT increased TNF-α and IL-10, particularly in the presence of LPS, and decreased the production of IL-6 to 10-fold. PDT causes cellular stress, induces NO radicals and leads to DNA degradation, generating a cytotoxic microenvironment. Furthermore, PDT modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in MΦ.

Resumo Pouco se sabe se a morte celular induzida pela terapia fotodinâmica (PDT) compromete os macrófagos (MΦ), envolvidos nas respostas imunes induzidas pela PDT. Neste estudo, foram avaliados parâmetros de citotoxicidade dos MΦ mediada pela PDT e a produção de citocinas, frente à protoporfirina IX (PpIX). MΦ peritoneais de camundongos BALB/c foram estimulados in vitro com PDT, luz, PpIX ou lipopolissacarídeo (LPS). Após isto, a viabilidade celular (VC), a lipoperoxidação, os níveis de óxido nítrico (NO), de DNA degradado, de TNF-α, IL-6 e IL-10 foram avaliados. A exposição curta à PDT reduziu a VC em 10-30%. Os níveis de NO e de DNA degradado duplicaram, sem aumento da lipoperoxidação. Houve aumento de TNF-α e IL-10, sendo maior na presença de LPS. Já a produção de IL-6 reduziu em dez vezes. A PDT induz estresse celular, gera radicais NO e causa dano ao DNA, tornando o microambiente citotóxico. Ainda, modula citocinas pró e anti-inflamatórias em MΦ.

Medidas lineares e angulares não influenciam o tipo de marcha em cavalos Campeiros / Linear and angular measures do not influence the type of march in Campeiro horses

A marcha é um andamento natural de algumas raças de equinos, o qual resulta de movimentos coordenados, e é o andamento característico dos cavalos Campeiros. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar relações entre medidas lineares e angulares com o tipo de marcha dos cavalos da raça Campeiro. Foram avaliados 113 equinos adultos, sendo realizadas 12 medidas lineares e 11 angulares de cada animal. Para obtenção das medidas lineares, utilizou-se hipômetro e fita métrica, e, para as medidas angulares, artrogoniômetro e podogoniômetro. Para avaliar e classificar a marcha, os animais foram montados e filmados por vista lateral. Dos 113 animais, 36 (32%) apresentaram marcha incompleta, 74 (65%) marcha completa, e três (3%) a guinilha. Dos equinos com marcha completa, 20 (27%) apresentaram marcha batida, 14 (19%) marcha de centro e 40 (54%) marcha picada. Apenas a medida linear, altura da garupa, apresentou diferença entre os tipos de andamentos (P<0,011). Pode-se concluir que as medidas lineares e angulares dos equinos Campeiros apresentam valores similares entre as variações da marcha, demonstrando equivalente morfologia independentemente da categoria da marcha.(AU)

The march is a natural gait of some breeds of horses, which results from coordinated movements, and is the characteristic gait of Campeiro horses. The objective of this study was to determine relationships between linear and angular measures with the type of march of the Campeiro racehorses. A total of 113 adult horses were evaluated and 12 linear and 11 angular measurements of each animal were performed. To obtain the linear measurements, we used a hypometer and a tape measure and for the angular measurements, an arthrogoniometer and podogoniometer. To evaluate and classify the gait the animals were mounted and filmed by lateral view. Of the 113 animals, 36 (32%) had an incomplete gait, 74 (65%) had a complete gait and three (3%) had a guinilha gait. Of the horses with complete gait, 20 (27%) presented batida quick march, 14 (19%) a central march and 40 (54%) a split march. Only the linear measure, the height of the rump, presented difference between the types of movements (P< 0.011). It can be concluded that the linear and angular measurements of the Campeiro equines present similar values between the march variations, demonstrating morphological equivalent regardless of the march category.(AU)

Accidentally catching of the catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri (Steindachner, 1876) larvae in aquariums with different colors / Interferência de cores de aquários nas larvas do bagre Lophiosilurus alexandri (Steindachner, 1876) e seu tratador

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different colors in development and survival of catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri larvae, as well as over the visual ability of the handler. Larvae were placed in 5 L-aquariums at a density of 7 larvae L-1 , and aquariums had different colors, and were: green and blue (light colors); brown and black (dark colors). The final development; survival, total and standard length, weight and biomass of the larvae were similar in all colored aquaria. The highest mortality occurred during the first days after hatching, declining over the period, when it is observed the larval development, indicating that care should be necessary in the first few days. During cleaning handling, the accidental catch of larvae was higher in black aquariums. In the first days of life, due to the fragility of the larvae, it is possible to verify that between the second and third day occur the greatest mortalities. The number of accidentally captured larvae was lower than the mortality, suggesting that the high mortality in early larval life is not influenced by the handler management. The catfish L. alexandri larvae should be cultivated in aquariums that allow a good contrast between the larvae and the background, to avoid accidental capture of larvae by the handler. It is suggested to avoid the use of dark and black aquariums.

Resumo O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes cores de aquários no desempenho e sobrevivência das larvas do bagre Lophiosilurus alexandri , bem como sobre a capacidade visual do tratador. As larvas foram colocadas em estocadas em 5 L-aquários na densidade de 7 larvas L-1, e aquários apresentaram cores diferentes e foram distribuídos a seguir: verde e azul (cores claras); marrom e preto (cores escuras). O desempenho final; a sobrevivência, comprimento total e padrão, peso e biomassa das larvas foram semelhantes entre os aquários coloridos. A maior mortalidade ocorreu durante os primeiros dias após a incubação, em declínio ao longo do período, quando se observa o desenvolvimento larval, indicando que os cuidados devem ser redobrados nos primeiros dias. Durante o manejo de limpeza, a captura acidental de larvas foi maior nos aquários pretos. Nos primeiros dias de vida, devido à fragilidade das larvas, é possível verificar que entre o segundo e o terceiro dia ocorrem as maiores mortalidades. O número de larvas capturadas acidentalmente foi menor do que a mortalidade, sugerindo que a alta mortalidade na vida larval não é influenciada pelo manejo do manipulador. As larvas de bagre L. alexandri devem ser cultivadas em aquários que permitem um bom contraste entre as larvas e o fundo, para evitar a captura acidental de larvas pelo manipulador. Sugere-se que evite o uso de aquários escuros e pretos.

Use of eugenol for anesthesia of lesser guitarfish Zapteryx brevirostris (Rhinobatidae) / Uso de eugenol para anestesia de raia-viola Zapteryx brevirostris (Rhinobatidae)

Abstract Anesthesia can be utilized as a non-lethal procedure to allow easy handling of teleosts and elasmobranchs in captivity or in the wild. For this, anesthetic protocols need to be established according to the species. The aim of this study was to determine the ideal concentration of eugenol for anesthesia of Zapteryx brevirostris. Four concentrations were tested: 21.25, 42.50, 85.00 and 170.00 mg L-1 (ratio of 1:5 with absolute ethanol). The perfect concentration of eugenol for this species was 85.0 mg L-1 , which enabled up to 300 seconds of work on the fish, without any response to handling.

Resumo A anestesia pode ser utilizada como um procedimento não letal que facilita o manejo de teleósteos e elasmobrânquios de cativeiro e de vida livre. Para isso, protocolos anestésicos devem ser estabelecidos de acordo com a espécie. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a concentração ideal do eugenol para anestesiar Zapteryx brevirostris. Foram testadas as concentrações de 21,25; 42,50; 85,00 e 170,00 mg L-1 (1:5 de álcool absoluto). A concentração de 85,0 mg L-1 de eugenol foi a mais adequada para a espécie, permitindo uma janela de trabalho de até trezentos segundos com o animal não respondendo ao manejo.

Methods of aril removal and lightness conditions on seeds physiological quality of sour passion fruits / Métodos de remoção do arilo e condições de luminosidade sobre a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de maracujá azedo

Abstract Passion fruits species presents a larger economic importance for in natura consumption and industry. The main way to propagate these species is by seeds; however, the aril presence and environmental conditions may inhibit the seeds germination. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aril removal methods and light conditions on P. edulis var. flavicarpa seeds quality and germination. There were used five methods to remove the seeds aril: (1) friction on steel mesh sieve for 5 minutes; (2) friction with coarse sand on steel mesh sieve for 5 minutes; (3) immersion in lime solution at 10% (w/v), for 30 minutes; (4) fermentation in sugar solution at 10% (w/v), during 48 hours; and (5) natural pulp fermentation, during five days. The seeds were submitted to germination test at darkness and lightness, as well as, to length seedlings and emergence test. Regardless the aril removal method, the germination percentage was lower at lightness than darkness highlighting the natural pulp fermentation treatment, which presented 86% of seeds germinated. On the other hand, the aril removal methods did not affect the seedlings emergence, with emergence percentages ranged from 88 to 94%.

Resumo As espécies de maracujá apresentam grande importância econômica, tanto para o consumo in natura, quanto para a indústria. A principal maneira de propagar essas espécies é por sementes; contudo, a presença de arilo e condições ambientais pode inibir a germinação. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se estudar o efeito de métodos de remoção do arilo e luminosidade na qualidade e germinação das sementes de Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa. Cinco métodos foram empregados para a remoção do arilo: (1) fricção em peneira de malha de aço por cinco minutos; (2) fricção com areia grossa em peneira de malha de aço por cinco minutos; (3) imersão em solução de cal a 10% (m/v), por 30 minutos; (4) fermentação da polpa em solução de açúcar a 10% (m/v), por 48 horas; e (5) fermentação natural da polpa, por cinco dias. As sementes foram submetidas ao teste de germinação no escuro e no claro, teste de comprimento de plântulas e teste de emergência. Independente do método de remoção do arilo, a porcentagem de germinação no claro apresentou-se menor em comparação ao escuro, com destaque para o tratamento de fermentação natural da polpa, o qual apresentou 86% de sementes germinadas. Por outro lado, os métodos de remoção do arilo não afetaram a emergência das plântulas, com porcentagem de emergência variando entre 88 a 94%.

Serum proteinogram of the Campeiro horse / Proteinograma sérico de equinos da raça Campeiro

The aim of this study to measure the fractions of the total serum proteins of the Campeiro horse and identify the influences of biological variants. Blood samples were taken in 138 horses of the breed Campeiro for measuring the concentration of total serum protein by the biuret method. Serum concentrations of protein fractions were measured by electrophoresis using agarose gel. Groups were formed according to age, sex and reproductive condition. The average values of serum fractions: albumin (2.85±0.36g/dl), alpha 1 (0.28±0.11g/dl), alpha 2 (0.26±0.08g/dL) beta 1 (0.57±0.15g/dl), beta 2 (0.89±0.28g/dL), gamaglobulinas (1.86±0.34g/dL), albumin/globulin ratio (0.75±0.18) and 2.5% percentile and 97.5% had slight differences in relation to the reference interval proposed for the species. They observed higher values of alpha 1 and 2 globulins in the group from that had six to eight years old and gammaglobulins in group above 13 years old. Serum protein concentrations were similar in horses and mares and between non-pregnant and pregnant. Sex and pregnancy status did not affect serum proteinogram. Alpha and gammaglobulins have higher values as the age increases. Serum proteinogram of Campeiro horses shows variations that have to be considered in the interpretation of laboratory tests.(AU)

Este trabalho tem por objetivo mensurar as frações das proteínas totais séricas de equinos Campeiros e identificar as influências de variantes biológicas. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 138 equinos, machos e fêmeas da raça Campeiro. A determinação da concentração de proteínas totais séricas foi realizada pelo método de biureto. As concentrações séricas das frações proteicas foram determinadas por eletroforese, utilizando-se gel de agarose. Formaram-se grupos em relação à idade, ao sexo e à condição reprodutiva. Os valores médios das frações séricas albumina (2,85±0,36g/dL), alfa 1 (0,28±0,11g/dL), alfa 2 (0,26±0,08g/dL), beta 1 (0,57±0,15g/dL), beta 2 (0,89±0,28g/dL), gamaglobulinas (1,86±0,34g/dL), relação albumina/globulina (0,75±0,18) e os percentis 2,5% e 97,5% apresentaram diferenças pontuais em relação aos intervalos propostos para a espécie. Observaram-se maiores valores de alfa 1, alfa 2 globulinas, no grupo de seis a oito anos, e de gamaglobulinas, no grupo acima de 13 anos de idade. O proteinograma sérico foi similar entre machos e fêmeas e entre fêmeas vazias e gestantes. Sexo e estado gestacional não afetaram o proteinograma sérico. Alfa e gamaglobulinas têm incrementos em função de idades crescentes. O proteinograma sérico de equinos Campeiros tem variações que devem ser consideradas em exames laboratoriais.(AU)

Eficácia dos colírios ciclosporina e tacrolimo no tratamento de ceratoconjuntivite seca em cães / Efficacy of cyclosporine and tacrolimus drops in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do tacrolimo e da ciclosporina na produção lacrimal de cães com ceratoconjuntivite seca (CCS) durante 90 dias. Para tanto, foram utilizados colírios de tacrolimo 0,02% (TcL) e ciclosporina 0,1% (CsA) em 14 cães com CCS. Os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos e avaliados antes do início do tratamento (T0) e aos 15 (T1), 30 (T2), 45 (T3), 60 (T4), 75 (T5) e 90 (T6) dias após o início do tratamento. Na avaliação clínica, observou-se maior redução da secreção ocular, da opacidade e do edema corneano e da vascularização conjuntival. no grupo tacrolimo. No teste de Schirmer, verificou-se produção basal de 6(4,07 e 5,86(2,85mm/min no TcL e CsA, respectivamente, com aumento significativo da produção lacrimal em ambos os grupos, contudo houve aumento significativo da produção lacrimal a partir dos 15 dias de tratamento no grupo TcL (17,88(5,51mm/min), mas apenas a partir dos 45 dias no grupo CsA (11,86(4,74mm/min). Conclui-se que o uso do colírio tacrolimo aumentou em 68,83% a produção lacrimal em 90 dias de tratamento, comparado com a ciclosporina (56,82%), além de diminuir as manifestações clínicas inerentes à CCS, quando comparado à terapia com ciclosporina.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tacrolimus and cyclosporine on the lacrimal production of dogs with ketaroconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) for 90 days. Tacrolimus 0.02% (TcL) and 0.1% cyclosporine (CsA) eye drops were used in 14 dogs with KCS. The animals were randomly assigned to two groups and evaluated before treatment (T0) and at 15 (T1), 30 (T2), 45 (T3), 60 (T4), 75 (T5) and 90 (T6) days after initiation of treatment. Clinical evaluation showed significant reduction of ocular secretion, corneal opacity and edema and conjunctival vascularization in the tacrolimus group. Schirmer test showed basal lacrimal production of 6(4.07 and 5.86(2.85mm/min for TcL and CsA, respectively, with significant increase in lacrimal production in both groups. There was a significant increase in lacrimal production after 15 days of treatment in the TcL group (17.88(5.51mm/min), but only after 45 days in the CsA group (11.86(4.74mm/min). Tacrolimus drops increased lacrimal production in 68.83% after 90 days of treatment, compared to cyclosporine (56.82%), and also reduced clinical manifestations related to KCS when compared to cyclosporine.(AU)

Lactate-upregulation of lactate oxidation complex-related genes is blunted in left ventricle of myocardial infarcted rats

Lactate modulates the expression of lactate oxidation complex (LOC)-related genes and cardiac blood flow under physiological conditions, but its modulatory role remains to be elucidated regarding pathological cardiac stress. The present study evaluated the effect of lactate on LOC-related genes expression and hemodynamics of hearts submitted to myocardial infarction (MI). Four weeks after MI or sham operation, isolated hearts of male Wistar rats were perfused for 60 min with Na+-lactate (20 mM). As expected, MI reduced cardiac contractility and relaxation with no changes in perfusion. The impaired cardiac hemodynamics were associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (Sham: 19.3±0.5 vs MI: 23.8±0.3 µM), NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity (Sham: 42.2±1.3 vs MI: 60.5±1.5 nmol·h−1·mg−1) and monocarboxylate transporter 1 (mct1) mRNA levels (Sham: 1.0±0.06 vs MI: 1.7±0.2 a.u.), but no changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, NADH oxidase (NADox), and xanthine oxidase activities. Lactate perfusion in MI hearts had no additional effect on ROS levels, NADox, and NOX activity, however, it partially reduced mct1 mRNA expression (MI-Lactate 1.3±0.08 a.u.). Interestingly, lactate significantly decreased SOD (MI-Lactate: 54.5±4.2 µmol·mg−1·min−1) and catalase (MI: 1.1±0.1 nmol·mg−1·min−1) activities in MI. Collectively, our data suggest that under pathological stress, lactate lacks its ability to modulate the expression of cardiac LOC-related genes and the perfused pressure in hearts submitted to chronic MI. Together, these data contribute to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of heart failure induced by MI.

The impact of edge effect on termite community (Blattodea: Isoptera) in fragments of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest / O impacto do efeito de borda na comunidade de cupins (Blattodea: Isoptera) em fragmentos de florestas da Mata Atlântica

Abstract Habitat fragmentation is considered to be one of the biggest threats to tropical ecosystem functioning. In this region, termites perform an important ecological role as decomposers and ecosystem engineers. In the present study, we tested whether termite community is negatively affected by edge effects on three fragments of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Termite abundance and vegetation structure were sampled in 10 transects (15 × 2 m), while termite richness, activity, and soil litter biomass were measured in 16 quadrants (5 × 2 m) at forest edge and interior of each fragment. Habitat structure (i.e. number of tree, diameter at breast height and soil litter biomass) did not differ between forest edge and interior of fragments. Termite richness, abundance and activity were not affected by edge effect. However, differences were observed in the β diversity between forest edge and interior as well as in the fragments sampled. The β diversity partitioning indicates that species turnover is the determinant process of termite community composition under edge effect. Our results suggest that conservation strategies should be based on the selection of several distinct sites instead of few rich sites (e.g. nesting).

Resumo A fragmentação do habitat é considerada uma das maiores ameaças para o funcionamento do ecossistema tropical. Nesta região, os cupins desempenham um papel ecológico importante como decompositores e engenheiros do ecossistema. No presente estudo, testamos se comunidades de cupins são negativamente afetadas pelo efeito de borda em três fragmentos de Mata Atlântica. Para isso, foram amostrados a abundância de cupins e a estrutura da vegetação em 10 transectos (15 × 2 m), enquanto a riqueza, abundância de cupins e biomassa da serrapilheira foram amostrados em 16 parcelas (5 × 2 m) na borda e no interior de cada um dos três fragmentos. A estrutura do habitat (número de árvores, diâmetro à altura do peito e biomassa da serrapilheira) não diferiu entre a borda e o interior dos fragmentos. A riqueza, abundância e atividade dos cupins também não foram afetados pelo efeito de borda. No entanto, foram observadas diferenças na diversidade β entre borda e interior dos fragmentos, bem como nos fragmentos amostrados. O particionamento da diversidade β indicou que a substituição de espécies ("turnover") é o processo determinante da composição da comunidade de cupins sob efeito de borda. Nossos resultados sugerem que as estratégias de conservação devem ser baseadas na seleção de locais distintos em vez de poucos locais (via processo de aninhamento - "nesting").

Methods of aril removal and lightness conditions on seeds physiological quality of sour passion fruits

Abstract Passion fruits species presents a larger economic importance for in natura consumption and industry. The main way to propagate these species is by seeds; however, the aril presence and environmental conditions may inhibit the seeds germination. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aril removal methods and light conditions on P. edulis var. flavicarpa seeds quality and germination. There were used five methods to remove the seeds aril: (1) friction on steel mesh sieve for 5 minutes; (2) friction with coarse sand on steel mesh sieve for 5 minutes; (3) immersion in lime solution at 10% (w/v), for 30 minutes; (4) fermentation in sugar solution at 10% (w/v), during 48 hours; and (5) natural pulp fermentation, during five days. The seeds were submitted to germination test at darkness and lightness, as well as, to length seedlings and emergence test. Regardless the aril removal method, the germination percentage was lower at lightness than darkness highlighting the natural pulp fermentation treatment, which presented 86% of seeds germinated. On the other hand, the aril removal methods did not affect the seedlings emergence, with emergence percentages ranged from 88 to 94%.

Resumo As espécies de maracujá apresentam grande importância econômica, tanto para o consumo in natura, quanto para a indústria. A principal maneira de propagar essas espécies é por sementes; contudo, a presença de arilo e condições ambientais pode inibir a germinação. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se estudar o efeito de métodos de remoção do arilo e luminosidade na qualidade e germinação das sementes de Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa. Cinco métodos foram empregados para a remoção do arilo: (1) fricção em peneira de malha de aço por cinco minutos; (2) fricção com areia grossa em peneira de malha de aço por cinco minutos; (3) imersão em solução de cal a 10% (m/v), por 30 minutos; (4) fermentação da polpa em solução de açúcar a 10% (m/v), por 48 horas; e (5) fermentação natural da polpa, por cinco dias. As sementes foram submetidas ao teste de germinação no escuro e no claro, teste de comprimento de plântulas e teste de emergência. Independente do método de remoção do arilo, a porcentagem de germinação no claro apresentou-se menor em comparação ao escuro, com destaque para o tratamento de fermentação natural da polpa, o qual apresentou 86% de sementes germinadas. Por outro lado, os métodos de remoção do arilo não afetaram a emergência das plântulas, com porcentagem de emergência variando entre 88 a 94%.

Use of eugenol for anesthesia of lesser guitarfish Zapteryx brevirostris (Rhinobatidae)

Abstract Anesthesia can be utilized as a non-lethal procedure to allow easy handling of teleosts and elasmobranchs in captivity or in the wild. For this, anesthetic protocols need to be established according to the species. The aim of this study was to determine the ideal concentration of eugenol for anesthesia of Zapteryx brevirostris. Four concentrations were tested: 21.25, 42.50, 85.00 and 170.00 mg L-1 (ratio of 1:5 with absolute ethanol). The perfect concentration of eugenol for this species was 85.0 mg L-1 , which enabled up to 300 seconds of work on the fish, without any response to handling.

Resumo A anestesia pode ser utilizada como um procedimento não letal que facilita o manejo de teleósteos e elasmobrânquios de cativeiro e de vida livre. Para isso, protocolos anestésicos devem ser estabelecidos de acordo com a espécie. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a concentração ideal do eugenol para anestesiar Zapteryx brevirostris. Foram testadas as concentrações de 21,25; 42,50; 85,00 e 170,00 mg L-1 (1:5 de álcool absoluto). A concentração de 85,0 mg L-1 de eugenol foi a mais adequada para a espécie, permitindo uma janela de trabalho de até trezentos segundos com o animal não respondendo ao manejo.