Ampliación de la distribución geográfica y estado de conservación de Ctenoblepharys adspersa (Tschudi, 1845)

Ampliamos la distribución geográfica de Ctenoblepharys adspersa (Liolaemidae), una especie de saurio endémico y amenazado del desierto peruano. Nuestro nuevo registro extiende la distribucion de esta especie en 60 km (línea recta) de la localidad más oriental previamente conocida, la Reserva Nacional de Paracas. Registramos dos tipos de hábitat nuevos para C. adspersa al interior de las estribaciones andinas e identificamos las plantas nativas asociadas a sus hábitats. Además, revisamos el estado de conservación de esta especie y los desafíos que implican su conservación, resaltando que la mayoría de las poblaciones son vulnerables a los impactos en su hábitat producto del desarrollo de infraestructura urbana y/o agrícola.

We extend the geographical distribution of Ctenoblepharys adspersa (Liolaemidae) an endemic and threatened lizard species from the Peruvian desert. Our new record extends the known species distribution ca. 60 km (straight line) east-southeastern from the eastemost record at Paracas National Reserve. We recorded two new type of habitat for C. adspersa that reach to the Pacific foothills and identified the native plants associated to its habitats. Moreover, we review the conservation status and the challenges that facing it, highlighted that most of its populations are vulnerable to the impacts on their habitat caused by the development of urban and agricultural infrastructure.

Diferentes momentos de aplicação de gonadotrofina coriônica equina em protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo para vacas de leite / Different times of application of equine chorionic gonadotropin in fixed-time artificial insemination protocols for dairy cows

Avaliaram-se diferentes momentos de aplicação da gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) em protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) para vacas de leite. Foram utilizadas 76 fêmeas, as quais receberam, no dia zero (D0) do protocolo, dispositivos intravaginais de progesterona, sendo esses retirados no D9, e os animais foram, então, distribuídos aleatoriamente em três tratamentos: T1 - aplicação de eCG no momento da retirada dos dispositivos; T2 e T3 - aplicação de eCG 48h e 24h antes da retirada dos dispositivos, respectivamente. No D10 os animais receberam 1mg de GnRH, e a IATF foi realizada 52 horas após a retirada do implante. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) para intervalo entre a retirada do implante à ovulação (72,56±3,92h), o diâmetro do maior folículo no D9 (10,88±1,49mm), o diâmetro do folículo ovulatório (15,15±1,16mm) e do segundo maior folículo (7,49±0,52mm), a taxa de crescimento folicular (1,38±0,04mm/dia), a taxa de ovulação (96,67%), o intervalo entre diâmetro final e inicial do folículo dominante (73,49±3,84h), a área de corpo lúteo (2,27±0,43cm²), a porcentagem de CL no ovário direito (53,00%) e no esquerdo (26,33%) e a taxa de gestação (33,33%). O momento da aplicação da eCG não influenciou na eficiência do protocolo. Recomenda-se a utilização da eCG no momento da retirada do implante por otimização do manejo.(AU)

Different times of application of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) in Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) protocols for dairy cows were evaluated. A total of 76 females were used, which received intravaginal progesterone devices on day zero (D0) of the protocol, which were withdrawn on D9, and the animals were then randomly distributed in three treatments: T1- application of eCG at the time of device withdrawal; T2 and T3 - application of eCG 48h and 24h before withdrawal of the devices, respectively. On D10 the animals received 1mg of GnRH and the FTAI was carried out 52 hours after the removal of the implant. There was no difference (P>0.05) for interval from implant removal to ovulation (72.56±3.92h), diameter of the largest follicle of D9 (10.88±1.49mm), diameters of ovulatory follicle (15.15±1.16mm) and of the second largest follicle (7.49±0.52mm), follicle growth rate (1.38±0.04mm/day), ovulation rate (96.67%), interval between final diameter and initial diameter of dominant follicle (73.49±3.84h), corpus luteum area (2.27±0.43cm²), percentage of CL in right ovary (53.00%) and in left ovary (26.33%) and pregnancy rate (33.33%). The time of the application of eCG did not influence the efficiency of the protocol. We recommend the use of eCG at the time of the removal of the implant for management optimization.(AU)

Farmacopuntura utilizando os acupontos Hou Hai e Bai Hui em protocolos de sincronização de estro em cabras / Pharmacopuncture using acupoints Hou Hai and Bai Hui in estrous synchronization protocols in goats

Avaliou-se a eficiência da administração de subdoses de eCG nos acupontos Bai Hui e Hou Hai em protocolos de sincronização de estro em cabras. Na primeira etapa, 57 cabras foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em quatro tratamentos: T1- 300UI de eCG intramuscular (IM); T2- 60UI de eCG no acuponto Hou Hai; T3- 60UI de eCG no acuponto Bai Hui e T4- 60UI de eCG IM; e na segunda etapa, 28 cabras foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em três tratamentos: T1- 300UI de eCG IM; T2- 30UI de eCG no acuponto Bai Hui e T3- 30UI de eCG IM. Ao final do tratamento hormonal, as cabras foram monitoradas para detecção do estro, realização das coberturas e avaliação do comportamento reprodutivo. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de normalidade, seguida dos testes estatísticos adequados para cada variável. Na primeira etapa experimental, obteve-se maior duração de estro nas cabras do T1 (P=0,009). Na segunda etapa experimental, obteve-se maior número de animais em estros no T1 (P=0,03). As demais variáveis para ambas as etapas não sofreram influência dos tratamentos (P>0,05), demonstrando que a administração de subdoses de eCG nos acupontos Bai Hui e Hou Hai foi eficiente para sincronizar o estro.(AU)

The efficiency of administration of subdoses of eCG in the Bai Hui and Hou Hai acupoints in oestrus synchronization protocols in goats was evaluated. In the first stage, 57 goats were randomly assigned to four treatments: T1- 300UI of intramuscular eCG (IM); T2- 60UI of eCG in acupoint Hou Hai; T3- 60UI of eCG in the Bai Hui acupoint and T4- 60UI of eCG IM; and in the second stage, 28 goats were randomly assigned to three treatments: T1-300UI of eCG IM; T2-30UI of eCG in the Bai Hui acupoint and T3- 30UI of eCG IM. At the end of the hormonal treatment the goats were monitored for estrus detection, and evaluation of reproductive behavior. The data were submitted to normality analysis, followed by appropriate statistical tests for each variable. In the first experimental stage, a longer duration of estrus in the T1 goats (P= 0.009) was obtained. In the second experimental stage, a greater number of animals were obtained in estrus at T1 (P= 0.03). The other variables for both experiments were not influenced by the treatments (P> 0.05), demonstrating that administration of eCG subdoses in the Bai Hui and Hou Hai acupoints was efficient to synchronize the estrus.(AU)

Persistencia, internalización y translocación de Escherichia coli O157:H7, O157:H16 y O105ab en plantas y frutos de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) / Persistence, internalization and translocation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, O157:H16 and O105ab in plants and tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

La presencia de bacterias patógenas, como Escherichia coli, afecta la calidad e inocuidad de las hortalizas que se consumen en fresco y se relaciona con graves problemas de salud. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar si 3 cepas diferentes de E. coli tienen la capacidad de penetrar y permanecer en plantas y frutos de tomate. Se siguió un diseño experimental completamente al azar, para lo cual se estableció un cultivo de tomate (variedad «Cid¼) en condiciones de invernadero y se evaluaron 3 tratamientos, T1 (E. coli O157: H7), T2 (E. coli de cultivo de tomate -#91;EcT-#93; O157: H16), T3 (E. coli de cultivo de espinaca -#91;EcH-#93; EcH O105ab) y un testigo T4, con 100 plantas cada uno y 4 formas de inoculación: en el sustrato, en el tallo, en el pecíolo y en el pedúnculo. Se realizaron muestreos en etapa vegetativa, floración, fructificación y madurez fisiológica para cuantificar en placa las UFC/g y saber si las bacterias lograban moverse y recuperarse en la raíz, el tallo, la flor y el fruto. Los grupos filogenéticos a los que correspondieron las bacterias recuperadas fueron confirmados mediante pruebas bioquímicas, serotipificación y PCR. A los 120 días la recuperación de bacterias en la planta fue del 23% (E. coli O157: H7), 28% (EcT O157: H16) y 55% (EcH O105ab) con la inoculación al sustrato, mientras que con la inoculación por punción la recuperación fue (en igual orden) del 5%, 3% y 4% a los 30 días; del 37%, 35% y 30% a los 90 días; y del 42%, 39% y 13% a los 65 días. Las cepas utilizadas mostraron la capacidad de entrar en la planta de tomate y de permanecer en ella y transportarse hasta llegar al fruto, sin producir síntomas que indiquen su presencia.

The presence of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli affects the quality and safety of vegetables that are consumed fresh and is associated with serious health problems. The objective of this study was to determine if three different strains of E. coli can penetrate and remain in plants and tomato fruits. A completely randomized experimental design was followed for which a tomato crop ("Cid" variety) was established under greenhouse conditions and three treatments were evaluated, T1 (E. coli O157: H7), T2 (E. coli from tomato cultivation -#91;EcT-#93; O157: H16), T3 (E. coli from spinach cultivation -#91;EcH-#93; O105ab) and a T4 control, with 100 plants each and four forms of inoculation: in the substrate, steam, petiole and the peduncle. Samples were carried out in vegetative stage, flowering, fruiting and physiological maturity to quantify in petri dish CFU/g and know if the bacteria managed to move around and recover in root, stem, flower and fruit. The phylogenetic groups that corresponded to the bacteria recovered were confirmed by biochemical tests, serotyping and PCR. At 120 days the recovery of bacteria in the plant was 23% (E. coli O157: H7), 28% (EcT O157: H16) and 55% (EcH O105ab) whit inoculation to the substrate while the inoculation by puncture the recovery was (in the same order) of 5%, 3%, and 4% at 30 days; 37%, 35% and 30% at 90 days; and 42%, 39% and 13% at 65 days. The strains submit the ability to enter the tomato plant and to stay in it and transported to the fruit, without producing that indicate their presence.

Expression of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) and the GDNF Family Receptor Alpha Subunit 1 in the Paravaginal Ganglia of Nulliparous and Primiparous Rabbits / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its receptor, GDNF family receptor alpha subunit 1 (GFRα-1) in the pelvic (middle third) vagina and, particularly, in the paravaginal ganglia of nulliparous and primiparous rabbits. METHODS: Chinchilla-breed female rabbits were used. Primiparas were killed on postpartum day 3 and nulliparas upon reaching a similar age. The vaginal tracts were processed for histological analyses or frozen for Western blot assays. We measured the ganglionic area, the Abercrombie-corrected number of paravaginal neurons, the cross-sectional area of the neuronal somata, and the number of satellite glial cells (SGCs) per neuron. The relative expression of both GDNF and GFRα-1 were assessed by Western blotting, and the immunostaining was semiquantitated. Unpaired two-tailed Student t -test or Wilcoxon test was used to identify statistically significant differences (P≤0.05) between the groups. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrated that the ganglionic area, neuronal soma size, Abercrombie-corrected number of neurons, and number of SGCs per neuron were similar in nulliparas and primiparas. The relative expression of both GDNF and GFRα-1 was similar. Immunostaining for both GDNF and GFRα-1 was observed in several vaginal layers, and no differences were detected regarding GDNF and GFRα-1 immunostaining between the 2 groups. In the paravaginal ganglia, the expression of GDNF was increased in neurons, while that of GFRα-1 was augmented in the SGCs of primiparous rabbits. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest an ongoing regenerative process related to the recovery of neuronal soma size in the paravaginal ganglia, in which GDNF and GFRα-1 could be involved in cross-talk between neurons and SGCs.

The peculiar breeding biology of the Amazonian frog Allobates subfolionidificans (Aromobatidae)

ABSTRACT Allobates subfolionidificans is a vulnerable and endemic leaf-litter frog from the state of Acre, Brazilian Amazonia. We monitored a population of A. subfolionidificans through regular censuses and mark-recapture of 181 individuals during an entire breeding season to characterize its reproductive behavior. The space use of A. subfolionidificans individuals differed between sexes, with males using smaller and more segregated spaces. Males defended territories and were aggressive against same-sex individuals, which was not the case in females. The daily cycle of calling activity showed peaks in the morning and in the afternoon, and the occurrence of reproductive events was positively correlated with monthly rainfall. The breeding behavior comprised vocal and tactile interactions, although the species lacked reproductive amplexus. Egg and larvae attendance, as well as tadpole transport to water environments was performed mostly by males but occasionally by females, probably in cases of desertion by the father. This species is characterized by performing courtship, mating, oviposition, as well as egg and larvae attendance exclusively on the under surface of leaves, a unique behavior among members of the superfamily Dendrobatoidea.

Perceção do apoio familiar do idoso institucionalizado com dependência funcional / Perception on the family support given to institutionalized aged in a state of functional dependency / Percepción del apoyo familiar del adulto mayor institucionalizado con dependencia funcional

Introdução: Os cuidados formais, prestados aos idosos dependentes, não podem ser desligados do apoio que os familiares proporcionam. Neste aspeto, os cuidados prestados por profissionais de saúde concorrem, lado a lado, com os cuidados informais prestados pelos familiares, para um apoio holístico ao idoso. Por conseguinte, o maior conhecimento do grau de dependência do idoso e do tipo de apoio prestado pela família poderá contribuir para uma melhor adequação dos cuidados ao idoso. Objetivos: Avaliar o apoio prestado pela família a idosos com dependência institucionalizados; descrever o grau de dependência dos idosos. Método: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo exploratório de corte, com idosos dependentes e institucionalizados, de uma região do Norte de Portugal; recorreu-se a uma amostra não probabilística racional (n=111). Foi utilizado um questionário organizado em três grupos: grupo I - caracterização sociodemográfica; grupo II- índice de Barthel; grupo III- Inventário da Perceção de Suporte Familiar. Resultados: Evidenciou-se que a maior parte dos idosos recebem sempre, ou quase sempre, apoio das suas famílias e esse apoio salientou-se na dimensão adaptação familiar. O perfil dos participantes caracteriza-se pela predominância de mulheres com grau grave ou moderado de dependência. Conclusões: Idosos dependentes institucionalizados têm apoio das suas famílias. Salientou-se a continuidade de laços afetivos com os idosos mesmo não coabitando com as suas famílias.

Introduction: Formal care offered to dependent old adults cannot be unlinked from the support which family members provide. In this sense, the care provided by health professionals converges with the informal care provided by family members, creating a holistic support to the old adult. Therefore, a greater knowledge on the degree of dependence of the old adult and on the characteristics of the informal care provided by the family members can contribute to a better care for these adults. Objectives: To assess the support provided by the family members of institutionalized old adults in a state of dependency, and describe the degree of this dependency. Methods: This is a descriptive and cut-exploratory study on institutionalized old adults in a state of dependency, from a region of northern Portugal. The sample was non-random rational (n = 111). The used questionnaire-instrument was organized in three areas: group I included the demographic characterization; the group II included the Barthel index, and the group III included the Family Support Perception Inventory. Results: It was evidenced that the majority of old adults always, or almost always, receive support from their families, which highlighted the dimension of Family Adaptation. The profile of the participants is characterized by a predominance of women with a severe or moderate degree of dependency. Conclusions: Institutionalized old adults in a state of dependency have support from their families. Though living separately, the continuity of affective links between these adults and their families was highlighted.

Introducción: Los cuidados formales ofrecidos a los adultos mayores dependientes, no se pueden desligar del apoyo que los familiares proporcionan. En este aspecto, los cuidados ofrecidos por profesionales de la salud convergen, lado a lado, con los cuidados informales prestados por los familiares, para un apoyo holístico al adulto mayor. Por consiguiente, el mayor conocimiento sobre el grado de dependencia del adulto mayor y del tipo de apoyo dado por la familia, podrá contribuir para una mejor adecuación de los cuidados del adulto mayor. Objetivos: Evaluar el apoyo prestado por la familia a los adultos mayores con dependencia institucionalizados; describir el grado de dependencia de los adultos mayores. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo exploratorio de corte, con adultos mayores dependientes institucionalizados, de una región del norte de Portugal, se recurrió a una muestra no probabilística racional (n=111). Fue utilizado un cuestionario organizado en tres grupos: grupo I caracterización demográfica; grupo II índice de Barthel; grupo III Inventario de Percepción de Apoyo Familiar. Resultados: Se evidenció que la mayor parte de los adultos mayores siempre reciben, o casi siempre, apoyo de sus familias y ese tipo de apoyo sobresalió en la dimensión de adaptación familiar. El perfil de los participantes se caracteriza por la predominancia de mujeres con un grado grave o moderado de dependencia. Conclusiones: Los Adultos mayores dependientes institucionalizados tienen apoyo de sus familias. Se destacó la continuidad de los lazos afectivos con los adultos mayores, a pesar de no cohabitar con sus familias.

Determinación de la dureza total en agua con EDTA empleando una solución amortiguadora inodora de borato / Total hardness water determination by EDTA using a olorless buffer borate

La determinación de Dureza Total con EDTA en agua usando una solución amortiguadora de amonio pH 10 tiene la desventaja de generar vapores de gas amoníaco que suelen ser molestos o ser potencialmente dañinos para el sistema respiratorio del operario. El objetivo de este estudio fue utilizar una solución amortiguadora inodora de borato pH 10 en sustitución de una solución amortiguadora de amonio a pH 10 para la determinación de la dureza total en agua por la metodología de la norma COVENIN 2408-86 y determinar si existía diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre ambos procedimientos. Se determinó la Dureza Total usando la solución amortiguadora inodora de borato en 13 muestras de agua con diferentes grados de dureza (suave, dura y muy dura); los resultados obtenidos se compararon con los valores del procedimiento de referencia. La solución amortiguadora permitió una visualización rápida y definida del punto final durante la ejecución de la determinación volumétrica, los resultados mostraron que no existe diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p≤0,05) en los valores de dureza al emplear ambas soluciones amortiguadoras. Se concluyó que el empleo de la solución amortiguadora inodora de borato para la cuantificación de dureza total en agua es una alternativa a la solución amortiguadora de amonio.

Total Hardness determination EDTA in water using ammonium buffer solution pH 10 has the disadvantage of generating ammonia gas vapors are usually upset or be potentially harmful to the respiratory system operator. The aim of this study was to use a buffer solution pH 10 borate odorless replacing ammonium buffer solution at pH 10 for the determination of total water hardness in the methodology of COVENIN 2408-86 standard and determine whether there was difference statistically significant between the two procedures. Total Hardness was determined using borate buffer odorless in 13 water samples with different degrees of hardness (soft, hard and very hard); the results obtained were compared with the reference method values. The buffer allowed rapid and sharp display of the end point during the execution of the volumetric determination, the results showed that there was no statistically significant difference (p≤ 0,05) in hardness values by using two buffers. It was concluded that the use of borate buffer odorless for quantification of total hardness water is an alternative to the ammonium buffer.

Reproductive evaluation of red deer (Cervus elaphus) stags under tropical conditions / Evaluación reproductiva del ciervo rojo (Cervus elaphus) macho bajo condiciones tropicales / Avaliação reprodutiva do cervo rojo (Cervus elaphus) macho sob condições tropicais

Background: evaluation of reproductive traits of red deer is important to understand its performance. Objective: to evaluate seminal traits of red deer (Cervus elaphus) at three different stages of the breeding season (beginning, middle, and end) and to relate semen quality traits with pregnancy rate of hinds. Methods: scrotal circumference, semen volume, mass motility, individual motility, sperm concentration, morphology, and intact acrosomes were evaluated in seven stags. After evaluation, each of five stags was bred to 23 to 30 hinds. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out using ultrasonography 45 days after the breeding season. Data were analyzed using the Student's t and chi-square tests, and simple correlation procedures. Results: scrotal circumference was reduced 5.4 cm (p<0.05) from the beginning to the end of the reproductive season, although semen volume was similar at the three different stages of the season. Sperm concentration (194 vs. 622.7/10(6)), mass motility (1.6 vs. 2.8), individual motility (28.6 vs. 63.3%), and intact acrosome (52.7 vs. 75.5%) were greater (p<0.05) at the middle of the breeding season in comparison with values found at the beginning. Percentage of abnormal spermatozoa was similar at the beginning and middle of the breeding season (p>0.05). No spermatozoa were found in stags at the end of the breeding season. Pregnancy rates were similar among bucks (p>0.05), ranging from 80% to 91.3%, and there was no relationship between pregnancy rate and semen traits. Conclusions: there was a clear seasonality of semen traits of red deer and no relationship between semen traits and pregnancy rate.

Antecedentes: la evaluación reproductiva de los ciervos es de suma importancia para entender su comportamiento reproductivo bajo el sistema en el cual se producen. Objetivo: evaluar algunos rasgos seminales del venado rojo (Cervus elaphus) en diferentes momentos de la estación reproductiva (inicio, medio y final) y relacionar la calidad seminal con la tasa de preñez de las hembras. Métodos: se utilizaron siete machos para medir la circunferencia escrotal, volumen seminal, motilidad masal, motilidad individual, concentración de espermatozoides, morfología y acrosomas intactos. Después de la evaluación, cinco machos fueron apareados con 23 a 30 hembras cada uno. El diagnóstico de preñez se realizó por ultrasonografía, 45 días después de la estación de apareamiento. Los datos se analizaron mediante las pruebas de t de Student y chi cuadrado, y procedimientos de correlación simple. Resultados: la circunferencia escrotal se redujo 5,4 cm (p<0,05) del inicio al final de la estación reproductiva, aunque el volumen de semen fue similar en los tres momentos de la estación reproductiva. La concentración de espermatozoides (194 vs 622,7/106), motilidad masal (1,6 vs 2,8), motilidad individual (28,6 vs 63,3%) y acrosomas intactos (52,7 vs 75,5%) fueron mejores (p<0,05) en la mitad de la estación reproductiva que en comparación con los valores del inicio de la misma. El porcentaje de espermatozoides anormales fue similar al inicio y en la mitad de la estación reproductiva (p>0,05). No se encontraron espermatozoides al final de la estación reproductiva. Las tasas de preñez fueron similares entre machos (p>0,05) variando de 80 a 91,3%, y no se encontró relación entre la tasa de preñez y los rasgos seminales. Conclusiones: hubo una clara estacionalidad de los rasgos seminales del venado rojo bajo las condiciones tropicales y una falta de relación entre los rasgos seminales y la tasa de preñez.

Antecedentes: a avaliação reprodutiva do cervo rojo é muito importante para entender seu comportamento reprodutivo no sistema em que eles são produzidos. Objetivo: avaliar algumas caraterísticas do sêmen do cervo rojo (Cervus elaphus) em diferentes momentos da estação reprodutiva (inicio, meio e final) e relacionar a qualidade seminal com a taxa de prenhez das fêmeas. Métodos: foram utilizados sete machos para medir a circunferência escrotal, volume seminal, motilidade masal, motilidade individual, concentração de espermatozóides, morfologia e acrossomas intactos. Depois da avaliação, cinco machos foram acasalados com 23-30 fêmeas cada um. El diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado por ultrassonografia, 45 dias depois da estação de acasalamento. Os dados foram analisados usando provas de t de Student e chi-quadrado, e procedimentos de correlação simples. Resultados: a circunferência escrotal se reduz 5,4 cm (p<0,05) do inicio ao final da estação reprodutiva, ainda o volume de sêmen foi similar nos três momentos da estação reprodutiva. A concentração de espermatozoides (194 vs 622,7/10(6)), motilidade masal (1,6 vs 2,8), motilidade individual (28,6 vs 63,3%) e acrossomas intactos (52,7 vs 75,5%) foram melhores (p<0,05) na parte meia em comparação com os valores do inicio da estação reprodutiva. A porcentagem de espermatozoides anormais foi similar ao inicio e em meio da estação reprodutiva (p>0,05). No se encontraram espermatozoides ao final da estação reprodutiva. As taxas de prenhez foram similares entre machos (p>0,05) variando de 80 a 91,3%, e não se encontrou relação entre a taxa de prenhez e os rasgos seminais. Conclusões: houve uma clara estacionalidade dos rasgos seminais do cervo rojo sob as condiciones tropicais e uma falta de relação entre os rasgos seminais e a taxa de prenhez.

Comparison of different protocols for the extraction of microbial DNA from reef corals

This study aimed to test different protocols for the extraction of microbial DNA from the coral Mussismilia harttii. Four different commercial kits were tested, three of them based on methods for DNA extraction from soil (FastDNA SPIN Kit for soil, MP Bio, PowerSoil DNA Isolation Kit, MoBio, and ZR Soil Microbe DNA Kit, Zymo Research) and one kit for DNA extraction from plants (UltraClean Plant DNA Isolation Kit, MoBio). Five polyps of the same colony of M. harttii were macerated and aliquots were submitted to DNA extraction by the different kits. After extraction, the DNA was quantified and PCR-DGGE was used to study the molecular fingerprint of Bacteria and Eukarya. Among the four kits tested, the ZR Soil Microbe DNA Kit was the most efficient with respect to the amount of DNA extracted, yielding about three times more DNA than the other kits. Also, we observed a higher number and intensities of DGGE bands for both Bacteria and Eukarya with the same kit. Considering these results, we suggested that the ZR Soil Microbe DNA Kit is the best adapted for the study of the microbial communities of corals.

Comparison of different protocols for the extraction of microbial DNA from reef corals

This study aimed to test different protocols for the extraction of microbial DNA from the coral Mussismilia harttii. Four different commercial kits were tested, three of them based on methods for DNA extraction from soil (FastDNA SPIN Kit for soil, MP Bio, PowerSoil DNA Isolation Kit, MoBio, and ZR Soil Microbe DNA Kit, Zymo Research) and one kit for DNA extraction from plants (UltraClean Plant DNA Isolation Kit, MoBio). Five polyps of the same colony of M. harttii were macerated and aliquots were submitted to DNA extraction by the different kits. After extraction, the DNA was quantified and PCR-DGGE was used to study the molecular fingerprint of Bacteria and Eukarya. Among the four kits tested, the ZR Soil Microbe DNA Kit was the most efficient with respect to the amount of DNA extracted, yielding about three times more DNA than the other kits. Also, we observed a higher number and intensities of DGGE bands for both Bacteria and Eukarya with the same kit. Considering these results, we suggested that the ZR Soil Microbe DNA Kit is the best adapted for the study of the microbial communities of corals.

Descripción de las larvas de tercer instar de Melolonthidae (Coleoptera) asociadas al cultivo de Agave tequilana var. Azul y su fluctuación poblacional en Jalisco, México / Description of Melolonthidae (Coleoptera) third instar larvae associated to Agave tequilana var. Azul and their population fluctuation in Jalisco, Mexico

Third instars of white grubs of six species associated to agave tequilero in Jalisco, México were described from 1,145 specimens collected from soil samples from September 2006 to August 2007, in the municipalities of Ixtlahuacán del Río, Tepatitlán de Morelos and San Juan de Escobedo, Jalisco, México. Diagnostic characters were illustrated and a key was also included. Cyclocephala comata (Bates) was the most abundant species (63.2 percent), followed by Phyllophaga ravida (Blanchard) (21.9 percent), Phyllophaga polyphylla (Bates) (9.4 percent), Phyllophaga misteca (Bates) (4.1 percent), Strategus aloeus (L.) (1.1 percent) and Anomala hoepfneri (Bates) (0.3 percent). Phyllophaga ravida and A. hoepfneri are reported for the first time on the agave plant and the latter is a new record for the State of Jalisco. All Melolonthidae species showed a marked seasonality with lower number of larvae in June 2007 and high number in August 2007, which is associated with the region's rainy season and the agave plant age, respectively.

Se describen las larvas de tercer instar de seis especies de gallinas ciegas asociadas al cultivo de agave tequilero en el estado de Jalisco, México, con base en 1,145 especimenes, de muestras de suelo, colectados de Septiembre de 2006 a Agosto de 2007, en los municipios de Ixtlahuacán del Río, Tepatitlán de Morelos y San Juan de Escobedo, Jalisco, México. Se incluyen ilustraciones diagnósticas y una clave para el reconocimiento de las especies. Cyclocephala comata (Bates) fue la especie más abundante (63.2 por ciento), seguida por Phyllophaga ravida (Blanchard) (21.9 por ciento), Phyllophaga polyphylla (Bates) (9.4 por ciento), Phyllophaga misteca (Bates) (4.1 por ciento), Strategus aloeus (L.) (1.1 por ciento) y Anomala hoepfneri (Bates) (0.3 por ciento). Phyllophaga ravida y A. hoepfneri se reportan por primera vez asociadas al agave tequilero y esta última es nuevo registro para el estado de Jalisco. Las especies de melolóntidos presentaron una marcada estacionalidad, con un más bajo número de larvas en Junio de 2007 y mayor en el mes de Agosto de 2007, lo que coincidió con el periodo de lluvias en la región y edad de las plantas, respectivamente.

Neurobiological pathways to Alzheimers disease: Amyloid-beta, Tau protein or both? / Trajetórias neurobiológicas para a doença de Alzheimer: beta-amilóide, proteína Tau ou ambas?

Abstract: Alzheimers disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline, including memory loss, behavioral and psychological symptoms and personality changes. The neuropathological hallmarks of AD are the presence of neuritic (senile) plaques (NP) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), along with neuronal loss, dystrophic neurites, and gliosis. Neuritic plaques are extracellular lesions and their main constituent is the amyloid-beta42 peptide (A- beta42). Neurofibrillary tangles are intracellular lesions that are mainly composed of hyperphosphorylated ta u protein. In this article, we review the major hypotheses concerning the physiopathology of AD, focusing on the beta-amyloid cascade as primary events (supported by the "beta-aptists") and cytoskeletal abnormalities secondary to the hyperphosphorylation of protein Tau (as advocated by the "Tauists"). We further provide an integrative view of the physiopathology of AD.

Resumo: A doença de Alzheimer (DA) é uma desordem neurodegenerativa progressiva que cursa comprometimento da memória e outras funções cognitivas, alterações comportamentais, psíquicas e da personalidade. Os achados neuropatológicos característicos da DA são as placas neuríticas (senis) e os emaranhados neurofibrilares, também ocorrendo distrofia de neuritos, gliose e perda neuronal. As placas neuríticas são lesões extracelulares que têm no peptídeo beta-amilóide (A beta42) seu principal constituinte. Os emaranhados neurofibrilares são lesões intraneuronais compostas por agregados de proteína TAU em estado hiperfosforilado. Neste artigo de revisão, apresentamos as principais hipóteses relacionadas à fisiopatologia da DA, com foco na cascata do amilóide como evento inicial (hipótese preconizada pelos "beta-aptistas") e nas alterações do citoesqueleto neuronal, decorrentes da fosforilação anormal da TAU (conforme proposto pelos "beta-tauístas"). Os achados são discutidos numa leitura integrada desses dois mecanismos fisiopatológicos.

Contenido de sulforafano (1-isotiocianato-4-(metilsulfinil)-butano) en vegetales crucíferos: [revisión] / Sulforaphane (1-isothiocyanato-4-(methylsulfinyl)-butane) content in cruciferous vegetables: [review]

El sulforafano es un isotiocianato con propiedades antimicrobianas y anticarcinogénicas, se encuentra en una amplia variedad de vegetales del género Brassica oleracea, considerándose las más importantes el brócoli y repollo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue cuantificar sulforafano en las partes comestibles de brócoli y en hojas de repollo por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC). La preparación de la muestra para la cuantificación del sulforafano incluye la conversión de glucorafanina a sulforafano (45 ± 2°C durante 2,5 h), extracción con diclorometano, purificación del extracto en columnas de extracción de fase sólida, y detección por HPLC-UV. En brócoli la concentración de sulforafano está en el rango de 214 µg/g bs (tallos) a 499 µg/g bs (inflorescencias). El repollo morado (101,99 µg/g bs) presentó valores mayores de sulforafano que el repollo verde (7,58 µg/g bs). Las inflorescencias de brócoli y las hojas de repollo morado son ricos en sulforafano.

Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate which has antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties, this compound is found in a wide variety of plants from genus Brassica oleracea, being the most important broccoli and cabbage. The objective of this research was to quantify sulforaphane in the edible parts of broccoli and cabbage leaves by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sample preparation for the quantification of sulforaphane include the conversion of glucoraphanin to sulforaphane (45 ± 2 °C for 2.5 h), extracted with dichloromethane, purification of the extract in columns of solid phase extraction and detection by HPLC- UV. Sulforaphane concentration in broccoli is in the range of 214 µg/g DW (stems) to 499 µg/g DW (inflorescences). The purple cabbage (101.99 µg/g DW) has values greater than the green cabbage (7.58 µg/g DW). The inflorescences of broccoli and red cabbage leaves are rich in sulforaphane.

Neurovascular pedicles of the tibialis anterior muscle in children / Pedículos neurovasculares del músculo tibial anterior en niños

The importance of the tibialis anterior muscle in infantile orthopedic transposition surgeries, as in myelomemngoceles, it bases this research about the neurovascular pedicles of the tibialis anterior muscle. The study was conducted on 34 legs of human cadavers that were one year old or younger at the time of death. It was observed that the tibialis anterior muscle most frequently presented from 7 to 10 arterial branches (52.4 percent). In 97.1 percent of cases these branches were derived from the anterior tibial artery. In one case the anterior tibial artery was missing and the muscle was supplied by the fibular artery. Thirty-nine and seven tenths percent of arterial branches entered the superior third of the muscle; the middle third received 40.1 percent of the branches and the inferior third received 20.2 percent of the branches. The deep fibular nerve exclusively supplied the innervation, which in91.2 percent of cases, gave off from 2 to 4 branches to the muscle, mainly to the superior (46.2 percent) and middle third (43.0 percent). Most frequently, there were two neurovascular pedicles supplying the superior third and one supplying the middle third.

La importancia del músculo tibial anterior en cirugías de transposición ortopédica en niños, así como en casos de mielomeningocele, fundamenta su estudio respecto a sus pedículos neurovasculares. El estudio se realizó en 34 miembros inferiores de cadáveres de niños de un año o menos de edad. Se observó que el músculo tibial anterior presentaba con frecuencia 7 a 10 ramas arteriales (52,4 por ciento). En 97,1 por ciento de los casos estos ramos eran derivados de la arteria tibial anterior. En dos casos, la arteria tibial anterior estaba ausente y el músculo suplió su irrigación con la arteria fibular. En relación a la entrada de las ramas, 39,7 por ciento lo hacen en el tercio superior del músculo. El tercio medio recibe 40,1 por ciento de las ramas y el tercio inferior recibe 20,2 por ciento de ellas. El nervio fibular profundo es la fuente principal de inervación, en 91,2 por ciento de los casos provee 2 a 4 ramos para el músculo, de ellos el 46,2 por ciento termina en el tercio superior y el 43 por ciento en el tercio medio. Con mayor frecuencia, existen dos pedículos neurovasculares supliendo el tercio superior y uno supliendo el tercio medio del músculo tibial anterior.

Epidemiología del carcinoma broncogénico en España en los comienzos del siglo XXI / Epidemiology of bronchogenic carcinoma in the early XXI century in Spain

In the early 1990s the Spanish lung cancer incidence and mortality rates where clearly lower than European rates. But recently, in 2002, the incidence and mortality rates where 55.8 and 49.2 cases/100 000 respectively in men (similar to the mean of Southern European countries) and 5.4 y 4.7 cases/100 000 in women (very low rates although growing). This tumor is the most frequent in men and responsible of the highest mortality (15 995 deaths in 2002, 26.2% of all tumor deaths). 2 119 women also died (5.8% of tumor derived deaths). The men from Extremadura, Asturias and Cantabria, and the women from País Vasco, Castilla-León and Navarra showed the highest mortality rates among Spanish communities. Absolute survival in five years time is around 8% based on clinical and epidemiological Spanish studies and the age-adjusted relative survival is 12.4% in men and 12.8% in women based in the Eurocare-3 study

A pesar de que a principios de los '90 las tasas ajustadas de incidencia y mortalidad del carcinoma broncogénico se encontraban en España claramente por debajo de las correspondientes a los países de su entorno europeo, en el año 2002 llegaron a 55.8 y 49.2 casos por 100 000, respectivamente, en hombres, similares ya a la media de los países del sur de Europa. En las mujeres alcanzaron 5.4 y 4.7 por 100 000, valores muy bajos en el contexto continental pero que se encuentran en continuo crecimiento actualmente. El carcinoma broncogénico es el tumor diagnosticado con mayor frecuencia en los hombres españoles y el que ocasiona mayor mortalidad (15 995 fallecimientos en 2002; 26.2% de todas las muertes por tumores). Fue también causa de muerte en 2 119 mujeres (5.8% de las causadas por tumores). Por comunidades autónomas, las tasas brutas de mortalidad más altas las presentan los hombres extremeños, asturianos y cántabros, junto con las mujeres del País Vasco, Castilla-León y Navarra. Según estudios clínico-epidemiológicos españoles, la supervivencia absoluta a los 5 años se halla próxima al 8%, pero la supervivencia relativa (ajustada por edad según otras causas de muerte en una población similar) alcanza el 12.4% en hombres y el 12.8% en mujeres, de acuerdo con los resultados del estudio Eurocare-3