Diet of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) in two conservation units of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the diet of the free-living crab-eating fox by identifying the stomach contents of the 17 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) roadkilled in two conservation units, both located in the Amazon rainforest. The food items were quantified by frequency of occurrence (FO) and percentage of occurrence (PO). The stomach contents were analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), and mineral matter (MM). Nitrogen-free extractives (NFE), metabolisable energy (ME) values, as well as the energy need for maintenance were estimated. The composition of the diet for the crab-eating fox presented 29 food items from the different taxonomic groups, with a greater diversity of items of animal origin (n=22), although the highest frequency of occurrence was gramineae (Poaceae) (41.18%). Among the items of animal origin, 21% were mammals, 18% reptiles, 10% amphibians, 9% invertebrates and 3% birds. A high content of CF (62.76%) were determined. Nitrogen-free extractive and dry matter averages were 5.91% and 141.82 kcal/100g, respectively. The average maintenance energy was 447.01 kcal/day. These findings suggesting that the crab-eating foxes have a generalist diet with an omnivorous diet in the Amazon basin, feeding on gramineae, fruits, insects, snakes, amphibians, birds and small mammals and have the same feeding habit that present in other Brazilian biomes.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar a dieta do cachorro-do-mato, de vida livre, por meio da identificação do conteúdo estomacal de 17 Cerdocyon thous atropelados em duas unidades de conservação da Floresta Amazônica. O conteúdo estomacal foi analisado e os itens alimentares foram quantificados pela frequência de ocorrência (FO) e percentagem de ocorrência (PO). Também foram avaliados os teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra bruta (FB), extrato etéreo (EE) e, matéria mineral (MM). Foram estimados o extrativo não-nitrogenado (ENN), a energia metabolizável (EM) e a necessidade energética de manutenção. A composição da dieta do cachorro-do-mato apresentou 29 itens alimentares dos diferentes grupos taxonômicos, tendo uma maior diversidade de itens de origem animal (n=22), ainda que a maior FO tenha sido de gramíneas (Poaceae) (41.18%). Dentre os itens de origem animal, 21% eram mamíferos, 18% répteis, 10% anfíbios, 9% invertebrados e 3% aves. Determinou-se um alto teor de FB (62.76%). A média do ENN e da MS foi 5.91% e 141.82 kcal/100g, respectivamente. A média da energia de manutenção foi 447.01 kcal/dia. Estes achados sugerem que o cachorro-do-mato encontrado na Bacia Amazônica é um animal generalista com uma dieta onívora, se alimentando de gramíneas, frutos, insetos, serpentes, anfíbios, aves e pequenos mamíferos, portanto com o mesmo hábito alimentar relatado a esta espécie quando encontrada em outros biomas brasileiros.

Diet of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) in two conservation units of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil / Dieta do cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) em duas unidades de conservação da Floresta Amazônica, Brasil

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the diet of the free-living crab-eating fox by identifying the stomach contents of the 17 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) roadkilled in two conservation units, both located in the Amazon rainforest. The food items were quantified by frequency of occurrence (FO) and percentage of occurrence (PO). The stomach contents were analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), and mineral matter (MM). Nitrogen-free extractives (NFE), metabolisable energy (ME) values, as well as the energy need for maintenance were estimated. The composition of the diet for the crab-eating fox presented 29 food items from the different taxonomic groups, with a greater diversity of items of animal origin (n=22), although the highest frequency of occurrence was gramineae (Poaceae) (41.18%). Among the items of animal origin, 21% were mammals, 18% reptiles, 10% amphibians, 9% invertebrates and 3% birds. A high content of CF (62.76%) were determined. Nitrogen-free extractive and dry matter averages were 5.91% and 141.82 kcal/100g, respectively. The average maintenance energy was 447.01 kcal/day. These findings suggesting that the crab-eating foxes have a generalist diet with an omnivorous diet in the Amazon basin, feeding on gramineae, fruits, insects, snakes, amphibians, birds and small mammals and have the same feeding habit that present in other Brazilian biomes.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar a dieta do cachorro-do-mato, de vida livre, por meio da identificação do conteúdo estomacal de 17 Cerdocyon thous atropelados em duas unidades de conservação da Floresta Amazônica. O conteúdo estomacal foi analisado e os itens alimentares foram quantificados pela frequência de ocorrência (FO) e percentagem de ocorrência (PO). Também foram avaliados os teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra bruta (FB), extrato etéreo (EE) e, matéria mineral (MM). Foram estimados o extrativo não-nitrogenado (ENN), a energia metabolizável (EM) e a necessidade energética de manutenção. A composição da dieta do cachorro-do-mato apresentou 29 itens alimentares dos diferentes grupos taxonômicos, tendo uma maior diversidade de itens de origem animal (n=22), ainda que a maior FO tenha sido de gramíneas (Poaceae) (41.18%). Dentre os itens de origem animal, 21% eram mamíferos, 18% répteis, 10% anfíbios, 9% invertebrados e 3% aves. Determinou-se um alto teor de FB (62.76%). A média do ENN e da MS foi 5.91% e 141.82 kcal/100g, respectivamente. A média da energia de manutenção foi 447.01 kcal/dia. Estes achados sugerem que o cachorro-do-mato encontrado na Bacia Amazônica é um animal generalista com uma dieta onívora, se alimentando de gramíneas, frutos, insetos, serpentes, anfíbios, aves e pequenos mamíferos, portanto com o mesmo hábito alimentar relatado a esta espécie quando encontrada em outros biomas brasileiros.

Serratia nevei 9rpt1, a Potential Microorganism for Phosphorus Recovery

Aims: Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for life, finite and irreplaceable. Its constant exploration on a global scale has motivated frequent alerts regarding an eventual crisis due to the shortage of this nutrient. However, it is possible to recycle it and reintroduce it into the ecological cycle. One viable alternative is the microbial recovery of phosphate. Study design: This study is based on systematic bioprospection of bacteria in phosphate-deficient Amazon regions. Place and Duration of Study: Bacteria were isolated from black water samples, collected in the Rio Pretinho, located at Serra do Aracá, Barcelos, Amazonas, Brazil, from January to July 2019. Methodology: Microbial isolation was performed in Luria Bertani agar medium. For the genomic study, the isolate with the best performance in the phosphate uptake test was chosen. The WGS was carried out in a Illumina HiSeq 2500 System. The assembly of the draft genome was carried out with the SPAdes and the annotation by the NCBI Prokaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline (PGAP). Results: Serratia nevei 9rpt1 recovers 90% of the phosphate available in the culture medium. Its draft genome comprises 5.4 MB, the GC content is 59.52% and 4,922 coding sequences were identified, among these, two pst operons: one complete, containing the five pst genes and one missing pstS, pstC and phoU genes. Conclusion: Serratia nevei 9rpt1, isolated from an Amazonian environment poor in phosphate, is very efficient to uptake this nutrient in a Pi starvation condition. The genomic findings revealed this strain has an additional high affinity Pi uptake pst system containing the ATP-binding protein PstB, the canonical permease PstA, a putative permease other than PstC, upstream of the PstA and two essential enzymes in the polyphosphate metabolism: polyphosphate kinase 1 and exopolyphosphatase.

Histological evaluation and E-cadherin and ß-catenin expression in kidney of dogs submitted to renal ischemia and reperfusion after chlorpromazine administration / Avaliação histológica e imunomarcação de E-caderina e ß-catenina em rins de cães submetidos a isquemia e referfusão renal após administração de clorpromazina

Renal ischemia can be associated with some urological procedures, such as renovascular surgery or kidney transplantation, that are often followed by acute renal failure. The aim of this study was to verify the E-cadherin and ß-catenin localization in canine kidney in different times of renal ischemia and reperfusion after chlorpromazine application. Twelve dogs were randomly distributed equally into two groups. GroupA with ischemia and reperfusion without chlorpromazine and groupB with ischemia and reperfusion treated by chlorpromazine. GroupB received intravenous chlorpromazine, 15 min before the artery obstruction, which lasted 1 hour. After this period, the clamps in the renal arteries were released and the organ remained in reperfusion for 2 hours. In each group, anti-E-cadherin and anti-ß-catenin antibodies were made in six tissue samples from renal parenchyma. E-cadherin and ß-catenin are differentially expressed in segments from cortex and medulla in dog's kidneys and the use of chlorpromazine did not alter the expression of both proteins. Occlusion of the left renal artery in dogs causes morphological alterations mainly in proximal convoluted tubules, beginning 30min after the start of ischemia and being aggravated after two hours of reperfusion. These results reveal that chlorpromazine did not change kidneys' histological aspect nor E-cadherin and ß-catenin expression.(AU)

A lesão renal isquêmica pode estar associada a procedimentos urológicos, tais como cirurgia renovascular, cirurgia renal extracorpórea ou transplante renal. Essa injúria, muitas vezes, é seguida de insuficiência renal aguda. O objetivo deste trabalho foi observar a localização da E-caderina e da ß-catenina em rim de cães, além de relacionar a expressão dessas proteínas das junções de aderência em diferentes tempos de isquemia e reperfusão com ou sem a aplicação de clorpromazina. Para tanto, foram utilizados 12 cães, distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de seis indivíduos: grupo A, com isquemia e reperfusão sem tratamento por clorpromazina, e o grupo B, com isquemia e reperfusão tratado por clorpromazina. No procedimento cirúrgico, foi realizada uma incisão paracostal esquerda para identificação e isolamento do rim esquerdo e da artéria renal esquerda. Após o isolamento da artéria, os animais de todos os grupos tiveram o vaso ocluído. Os animais do grupo B receberam clorpromazina via endovenosa, na dose de 5mg/kg, 15min antes da clampagem do vaso, que durou uma hora. Após este período, as artérias renais foram desobstruídas e os órgãos permaneceram em reperfusão por duas horas. Em cada grupo, foram extraídas seis amostras de parênquima renal, com utilização de agulha tru-cut, para marcação com anticorpos anti-E-caderina e anti-ß-catenina por meio de imunoistoquímica. E-caderina e ß-catenina são diferencialmente expressas em segmentos do córtex e da medula em rim de cães e o uso da clorpromazina não alterou a expressão das duas proteínas.(AU)

Assessment of benthic macroinvertebrates at Nile tilapia production using artificial substrate samplers / Avaliação da comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em produção de tilápia-do-Nilo com uso de coletores com substrato artificial

Abstract Biomonitoring is a cheap and effective tool for evaluation of water quality, and infer on the balance of aquatic ecosystems. The benthic macroinvertebrates are bioindicators sensitive to environmental changes, and can assist in detecting and preventing impacts such as organic enrichment and imbalance in the food chain. We compared the structure of benthic communities on artificial substrate samplers located in places near and far from net cages for production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Samplers were manufactured with nylon net, using substrates such as crushed stone, gravel, loofah and cattail leaves. Samples were collected after 30 days of colonization, rinsed and then the specimens were identified and quantified. The following metrics were calculated: richness of Operational Taxonomic Units, Margalef richness, abundance of individuals, Shannon index and evenness index. The macrobenthic community structure was strongly modified according to the proximity of the net cages. Metrics showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between near and distant sites, for both periods (dry and rainy seasons). The position of the samplers significantly affected the structure of macroinvertebrate community, as near sites showed higher values for the community metrics, such as richness and diversity. Near sites presented a larger number of individuals, observed both in the dry and rainy seasons, with a predominance of Chironomidae (Diptera) in the dry season and Tubificidae (Oligochaeta) in the rainy season.

Resumo O biomonitoramento é uma ferramenta com custo relativamente baixo e eficaz para avaliação da qualidade da água, além de inferir sobre o equilíbrio dos ecossistemas aquáticos. Os macroinvertebrados bentônicos são bioindicadores sensíveis às mudanças ambientais, e podem auxiliar na detecção e prevenção de impactos como o enriquecimento orgânico e o desequilíbrio da cadeia alimentar. Como objetivo, foi comparada a estrutura das comunidades bentônicas em coletores com substrato artificial situados em locais próximos e distantes de tanques rede para produção de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Os coletores foram fabricados com rede de náilon, utilizando os substratos brita, cascalho, bucha vegetal e folhas de taboa. Foram realizadas coletas após 30 dias de colonização. As amostras foram lavadas e os espécimes identificados e quantificados. As métricas calculadas foram: riqueza de Unidades Taxonômicas Operacionais, riqueza de Margalef, abundância de indivíduos, índice de Shannon e índice de Pielou. A estrutura da comunidade macrobentônica foi fortemente modificada de acordo com a proximidade dos tanques-rede. As métricas apresentaram diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) entre os locais próximos e distantes, em ambos os períodos (estações seca e chuvosa). A posição dos amostradores afetou significativamente a estrutura da comunidade de macroinvertebrados, na medida em que locais próximos dos tanques rede apresentaram valores mais elevados para as métricas de comunidade, como riqueza e diversidade. Amostras próximas aos tanques rede apresentaram um maior número de indivíduos em ambas as estações do ano, com predomínio de Chironomidae (Diptera) na estação seca e Tubificidae (Oligochaeta) na estação chuvosa.

Comercialização de Plantas Medicinais no Município de Arapiraca-AL / Medicinal Plants commercialization in the city of Arapiraca-AL

RESUMO O comércio de plantas medicinais em feiras livres faz parte da cultura de muitas cidades da região Nordeste do Brasil. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa verificar a existência de padrões de comercialização de plantas medicinais nas feiras livres do município de Arapiraca-AL. A metodologia incluiu a realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas, aplicadas a vendedores de plantas medicinais, sendo estas gravadas em áudio após assinatura do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido, as técnicas da observação direta, “bola de neve” e lista livre. Os informantes indicaram 42 plantas medicinais, tendo Fabaceae com maior destaque em número de espécies. Do total de espécies identificadas, a maior parte é nativa (82%) e o hábito predominante é o arbóreo. Este estudo revelou que a produção e comercialização de plantas medicinais possuem um padrão local, com as plantas adquiridas através de terceiros, não havendo um padrão mínimo de qualidade, sendo necessária a implantação de políticas públicas voltadas a capacitação destes profissionais, agregando valor ao saber popular sobre plantas medicinais.

ABSTRACT The marketing of medicinal plants in street fairs is part of the culture of many cities in the Northeast of Brazil. The aim of this study was to identify the marketing patterns of medicinal plants in Arapiraca-AL city. The methodologies involved semi-structured interviews, givento the merchants of medicinal plants, t after a Free and Clear Consent Form, by which the survey participants were aware of the risks and benefits of it and can stop it if necessary to judge, the interviews were recorded. Snow-ball and free list techniques were also used. The informants indicated 42 species; Fabaceae had the highest number of species. From the total of identified medicinal plants, 80% were native and the predominant habitat was arboreous. This study revealed that the production and marketing of medicinal plants has a local pattern, with the plants being acquired through outsourcing, and there is no minimum quality standard, requiring the implementation of public policies for the training of these professionals, adding value to the common knowledge of medicinal plants.

Extratos aquosos de inhame (Dioscorea rotundata Poirr. ) e de mastruz (Chenopodium ambrosioides L. ) no desenvolvimento da lagarta-do-cartucho-do-milho Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) / Aqueous extracts of yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poirr. ) and chenopodium (Chenopodium ambrosioides L. ) in the development of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797)

RESUMO: Estudou-se o efeito de extratos aquosos de inhame (0; 5; 10; e 20% p/p) e de mastruz (0; 2; 4; 6; 8 e 10% p/p) na biologia da lagarta-do-cartucho. Secções de folhas de milho foram mergulhadas por 30 segundos em soluções de cada concentração; após a secagem, colocou-se em cada secção uma lagarta recém-eclodida. Foram avaliadas a viabilidade e a duração das fases larval e pupal, peso e comprimento das lagartas e pupas. Em relação ao extrato de inhame, a concentração de 20% causou maior influência na fase larval, sendo a viabilidade reduzida para 12%, com duração de 7 dias, diferindo da testemunha com 17 dias. O extrato da mesma planta a 10% causou 48% de mortalidade. Em todas as concentrações esse extrato também afetou a fase de pupa; na testemunha, 85% das pupas foram viáveis, enquanto nos demais tratamentos a viabilidade não excedeu a 25%. Para o peso e comprimento das lagartas, os resultados não foram significativos. Para o mastruz, o extrato a 20% causou influência na fase larval com baixa viabilidade e mortalidade logo nos primeiros seis dias de avaliação. Outras concentrações de mastruz não deferiram entre si nas fases larval e pupal. Verificou-se que a alimentação das lagartas com folhas tratadas com mastruz diminuiu o peso das pupas.

ABSTRACT: The effect of aqueous extracts of yam (0, 5, 10, and 20% h/h) and chenopodium (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% h/h) on the biology of fall armyworm was studied. Sections of maize leaves were dipped for 30 seconds in solutions of each concentration; after the section dried, a recently hatched caterpillar was placed onto each treated section. The viability and duration of the larval and pupal stages and the weight and length of the caterpillars and pupae were evaluated. For yam, the extract at 20% concentration caused the greatest influence on the larval stage of the insect, significantly reducing larval viability to 12%, with 7 day larval stage duration, differing from the control at 17 days. The extract of the same plant at 10% caused 48% larval mortality. At all concentrations, that extract also affected the pupal stage; in the control, pupal viability was 85%, whereas for the other concentrations the viability did not exceed 25%. No significant differences were observed for the weight and length of caterpillars. For chenopodium, the extract at 20% concentration caused influence on the larval stage, as it showed the lowest viability, causing mortality in six days. Other chenopodium concentrations did not show differences for the larval and pupal stages. Feeding caterpillars with leaves treated with the extract of chenopodium decreased pupal weight.

In vitro biological screening of the anticholinesterase and antiproliferative activities of medicinal plants belonging to Annonaceae

The aim of this research was to investigate the antiproliferative and anticholinesterase activities of 11 extracts from 5 Annonaceae species in vitro. Antiproliferative activity was assessed using 10 human cancer cell lines. Thin-layer chromatography and a microplate assay were used to screen the extracts for acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitors using Ellman's reagent. The chemical compositions of the active extracts were investigated using high performance liquid chromatography. Eleven extracts obtained from five Annonaceae plant species were active and were particularly effective against the UA251, NCI-470 lung, HT-29, NCI/ADR, and K-562 cell lines with growth inhibition (GI50) values of 0.04-0.06, 0.02-0.50, 0.01-0.12, 0.10-0.27, and 0.02-0.04 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the Annona crassiflora and A. coriacea seed extracts were the most active among the tested extracts and the most effective against the tumor cell lines, with GI50 values below 8.90 µg/mL. The A. cacans extract displayed the lowest activity. Based on the microplate assay, the percent AchE inhibition of the extracts ranged from 12 to 52%, and the A. coriacea seed extract resulted in the greatest inhibition (52%). Caffeic acid, sinapic acid, and rutin were present at higher concentrations in the A. crassiflora seed samples. The A. coriacea seeds contained ferulic and sinapic acid. Overall, the results indicated that A. crassiflora and A. coriacea extracts have antiproliferative and anticholinesterase properties, which opens up new possibilities for alternative pharmacotherapy drugs.

Anatomical aspects of the nerves of the leg and foot of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Linnaeus, 1758) / Aspectos anatômicos dos nervos da perna e pé do tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Linnaeus, 1758)

Although distal stifle joint nerve distribution has been well established in domestic animals, this approach is scarcely reported in wild animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the nerves of the leg and foot of Myrmecophaga tridactyla with emphasis on their ramification, distribution, topography and territory of innervation. For this purpose, six adult cadavers fixed and preserved in 10% formalin solution were used. The nerves of the leg and foot of the M. tridactyla were the saphenous nerve (femoral nerve branch), fibular and tibial nerves and lateral sural cutaneous nerve (branches of the sciatic nerve) and caudal sural cutaneous nerve (tibial nerve branch). The saphenous nerve branches to the skin, the craniomedial surface of the leg, the medial surface of the tarsal and metatarsal regions and the dorsomedial surface of the digits I and II (100% of cases), III (50% of cases) and IV (25% of cases). The lateral sural cutaneous nerve innervates the skin of the craniolateral region of the knee and leg. The fibular nerve innervates the flexor and extensor muscles of the tarsal region of the digits and skin of the craniolateral surface of the leg and dorsolateral surface of the foot. The tibial nerve innervates the extensor muscles of the tarsal joint and flexor, adductor and abductor muscles of the digits and the skin of the plantar surface. The caudal sural cutaneous nerve innervates the skin of the caudal surface of the leg. The nerves responsible for the leg and foot innervation were the same as reported in domestic and wild animals, but with some differences, such as the more distal division of the common fibular nerve, the absence of dorsal metatarsal branches of the deep fibular nerve and a greater involvement of the saphenous nerve in the digital innervation with branches to the digits III and IV, in addition to digits I and II...

Apesar de bem estabelecida nos animais domésticos, a abordagem da distribuição nervosa distal do joelho é rara em animais selvagens. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os nervos da perna e pé do Myrmecophaga tridactyla, com ênfase na sua ramificação, distribuição, topografia e território de inervação. Para tanto, foram utilizados seis cadáveres adultos, fixados e conservados em solução de formalina a 10%. A dissecação envolveu desde a formação dos nervos femoral e isquiático pelos ramos ventrais dos nervos espinhais lombares e sacrais até sua distribuição nos territórios propostos. Os nervos responsáveis pela inervação da perna e pé do M. tridactyla foram o N. safeno (ramo do N. femoral), os nervos fibular comum e tibial e o N. cutâneo lateral da sura (derivados do N. isquiático) e o N. cutâneo caudal da sura (ramo do N. tibial). O nervo safeno emite ramos cutâneos para a superfície craniomedial da perna, medial do tarso e metatarso e dorsomedial dos dedos I e II (100% dos casos), III (50% dos casos) e IV (25% dos casos). O nervo cutâneo lateral da sura inerva a região cutânea craniolateral do joelho e perna. O nervo fibular inerva os músculos flexores do tarso e extensores dos dedos e a região cutânea craniolateral da perna e dorsolateral do pé. O nervo tibial inerva os músculos extensores do tarso e flexores, adutores e abdutores dos dedos e região cutânea plantar. O nervo cutâneo caudal da sura inerva a pele da face caudal da perna. Pode-se concluir que os nervos responsáveis pela inervação da perna e pé foram os mesmos relatados em animais domésticos e selvagens, porém com algumas diferenças, como a divisão mais distal do nervo fibular comum, ausência de ramos metatarsianos dorsais do N. fibular profundo e uma maior participação do nervo safeno na inervação digital, contribuindo com ramos inclusive para os dedos III e IV, além dos dedos I e II...

Estudo anatômico do plexo lombossacral de Tamandua tetradactyla / Anatomical study of the lumbosacral plexus of the Tamandua tetradactyla

O tamanduá-mirim (Tamandua tetradactyla) é um xenartro da família Myrmecophagidae, encontrado da Venezuela ao sul do Brasil. Estudos apontam que essa é uma das espécies de animais selvagens mais vitimadas em número de atropelamentos, e, muitas vezes, o atendimento clínico adequado aos indivíduos feridos é dificultado pela carência de informações acerca dos mesmos. Visando contribuir com o conhecimento dessa espécie, este estudo teve como objetivo descrever seu plexo lombossacral. Para tanto, foram utilizados quatro cadáveres de Tamandua tetradactyla adultos e de ambos os sexos. O plexo lombossacral dessa espécie é formado pelos ramos ventrais dos nervos espinhais T18, L1, L2, L3, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5. Os nervos integrantes do plexo lombossacral do T. tetradactyla com suas formações mais frequentes foram os seguintes: genitofemoral (T18), cutâneo femoral lateral (T18-L1), femoral (T18, L1-L3), obturador (T18, L1-L3), glúteo cranial (L3-S1), isquiático (L3-S3), pudendo (S3-S4 ou S4-S5), retal caudal (S4 ou S5) e cutâneo femoral caudal (S4-S5). O plexo lombar e sacral dessa espécie é unido, sendo L3 o ponto de união entre eles. Devido ao pequeno número de vértebras lombares, a composição dos nervos do plexo lombossacral do T. tetradactyla apresenta características peculiares que se diferem das características das demais espécies já estudadas, quais sejam, a ausência dos nervos ílio-hipogástrico e ilioinguinal e participação de nervos torácicos na composição dos nervos do plexo lombar, presença de contribuição sacral na composição do nervo obturador e ausência de contribuição lombar na composição do nervo isquiático e um limite mais caudal na extensão do plexo sacral.

The lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) is a xenarthra of the Myrmecophagidae family found from Venezuela to southern Brazil. Studies have shown that this is one of the most numerous wildlife species victims of car collisions on roads, and often the appropriate clinical care to injured animals is hindered by the lack of information about them. In order to contribute to the knowledge of this species, this study aimed to describe its lumbosacral plexus. For this purpose, four cadavers of adult specimens of both sexes of T. tetradactyla were used. The lumbosacral plexus of the T. tetradactyla is formed by the ventral rami of spinal nerves T18, L1, L2, L3, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5. The lumbosacral plexus nerves with their most common formations in this species were as follows: genitofemoral (T18), lateral femoral cutaneous (T18-L1), femoral (T18, L1-L3), obturator (T18, L1-L3), cranial gluteal (L3-S1), ischiatic (L3-S3), pudendus (S3-S4 or S4-S5), caudal retal (S4 or S5), and caudal femoral cutaneous (S4-S5). The lumbar and sacral plexus of this species is joined, L3 being the link between them. Due to the small number of lumbar vertebrae, the arrangement of the lumbosacral plexus nerves of the T. tetradactyla showed peculiar characteristics that differ it from that of other previously studied species, such as the absence of iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves and contribution of thoracic nerves in the formation of all the nerves of the lumbar plexus, presence of sacral contribution in the formation of the obturator nerve, and the lack of lumbar contribution for sciatic nerve formation and a most caudal extent of the sacral plexus.

Utilização de plantas medicinais com atividade antimicrobiana por usuários do serviço público de saúde em Campina Grande - Paraíba / Use of medicinal plants with antimicrobial activity by users of the Public Health System in Campina Grande - Paraíba, Brazil

O estudo avalia a utilização de plantas medicinais com atividade antimicrobiana pelos usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde do município de Campina Grande- PB, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, cuja amostra constituiu-se de 220 usuários conduzido no período de Agosto de 2008 a Janeiro de 2009. A pesquisa foi realizada através de um roteiro de entrevistas não estruturada. Dentre os participantes do estudo, 65,0% utilizavam plantas medicinais, das quais Punica granatum L., Anacardium occidentale L., e Stryphnodendron adstringens foram as mais citadas. Observou-se que houve prevalência do gênero feminino na utilização. A maioria dos indivíduos obtém plantas medicinais no comércio local utilizando-as por indicação de familiares. Foi observado que 5,0% dos entrevistados afirmam já ter sofrido algum evento adverso decorrente do uso de plantas medicinais. Assim sugere-se que as informações sobre o uso da flora medicinal adquiridas nas comunidades locais, combinadas a estudos químicos/farmacológicos realizados em laboratórios especializados e a capacitação da equipe de saúde favorecerá a implementação da Portaria nº 971/2006, que tem como objetivo a garantia de acesso a plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos com segurança, eficácia e qualidade.

This study evaluates the use of medicinal plants with antimicrobial activity by users of the Unified Health System in Campina Grande Municipality, Paraíba, Brazil. This is a descriptive and transversal study with a quantitative approach, the sample of which consisted of 220 users, and was carried out from August 2008 to April 2009. The research was developed through an unstructured interview process. Among the study participants, 65.0% used medicinal plants, of which Punica granatum L., Anacardium occidentale L. and Stryphnodendron adstringens were most cited. There was prevalence of females. Most individuals obtain medicinal plants in the local market, using them as suggested by relatives. Results indicated that 5.0% of the interviewees stated to have suffered adverse event resulting from the use of medicinal plants. Thus, information about the use of medicinal plants, acquired in local communities, combined to chemical/pharmacological studies performed in specialized laboratories and the qualification of health professionals, will favor the implementation of Decree no. 971/2006, which aims to ensure access to medicinal plants and herbal medicines with safety, efficacy and quality.

Anatomia dos órgãos vegetativos de Hymenaea martiana Hayne (Caesalpinioideae-Fabaceae): espécie de uso medicinal em Caetité-BA / Anatomy of vegetative organs of Hymenaea martiana Hayne (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae): a species of medicinal use in Caetité-Bahia State, Brazil

Hymenaea martiana Hayne (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae) apresenta grande valor na medicina popular em Caetité. A casca, entrecasca do caule e a resina, são utilizadas no tratamento de diversos males. Neste estudo são apresentadas a caracterização anatômica e histoquímica dos órgãos vegetativos. Amostras foram coletadas e processadas segundo técnicas usuais em anatomia vegetal e histoquímica. Todos os órgãos apresentam, em visão transversal, epiderme unisseriada e cavidades secretoras. Cutícula espessa ocorre em todos os órgãos aéreos. A raiz é tetrarca. Colênquima lacunar foi encontrado no caule. Bainha de fibras esclerenquimáticas envolve os feixes vasculares dos órgãos aéreos. Células pétreas ocorrem no pecíolo. Tricomas tectores ocorrem em ambas as faces da folha. A folha é hipoestomática com estômatos paracíticos e o mesofilo é dorsiventral. Cristais de oxalato de cálcio ocorrem no caule, pecíolo e lâmina foliar. Compostos fenólicos ocorrem na raiz, pecíolo e nervura central da folha. Grãos de amido ocorrem na raiz, caule e pecíolo. Lipídios ocorrem em todos os órgãos. Acredita-se que compostos fenólicos e cavidades secretoras de resina podem justificar a utilidade medicinal da espécie pela população de Caetité.

Hymenaea martiana Hayne (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae) shows a great value in folk medicine in Caetité. Its bark, stem-bark and resin are used to treat various ailments. In this study, the anatomical and histochemical characterization of vegetative organs is reported. Samples were collected and processed according to usual techniques of plant anatomy and histochemistry. All organs have, by cross-sectional view, uniseriate epidermis and secretory cavities. Thick cuticle occurs in all aerial organs. The root is tetrarch. Lacunar collenchyma was found in the stem. Sclerenchymatic sheath of fibers surrounds the vascular bundles of the aerial organs. Stone cells occur in the petiole. Trichomes occur on both sides of the leaves. The leaf is hypostomatic with paracytic stomata and the mesophyll is dorsiventral. Calcium oxalate crystals occur in the stem, petiole and leaf blade. Phenolic compounds occur in the root, petiole and midrib of the leaf. Starch grains occur in the root, stem and petiole. Lipids occur in all organs. It is believed that phenolic compounds and resin secretory cavities may justify the use of medicinal species by the population of Caetité.

Angiotensin-II-induced reactive oxygen species along the SFO-PVN-RVLM pathway: implications in neurogenic hypertension

Neurogenic hypertension has been the subject of extensive research worldwide. This review is based on the premise that some forms of neurogenic hypertension are caused in part by the formation of angiotensin-II (Ang-II)-induced reactive oxygen species along the subfornical organ-paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus-rostral ventrolateral medulla pathway (SFO-PVN-RVLM pathway). We will discuss the recent contribution of our laboratory and others regarding the mechanisms by which neurons in the SFO (an important circumventricular organ) are activated by Ang-II, how the SFO communicates with two other important areas involved in sympathetic activity regulation (PVN and RVLM) and how Ang-II-induced reactive oxygen species participate along the SFO-PVN-RVLM pathway in the pathogenesis of neurogenic hypertension.

Determination of renal function in long-term heart transplant patients by measurement of urinary retinol-binding protein levels

Significant improvements have been noted in heart transplantation with the advent of cyclosporine. However, cyclosporine use is associated with significant side effects, such as chronic renal failure. We were interested in evaluating the incidence of long-term renal dysfunction in heart transplant recipients. Fifty-three heart transplant recipients were enrolled in the study. Forty-three patients completed the entire evaluation and follow-up. Glomerular (serum creatinine, creatinine clearance measured, and creatinine clearance calculated) and tubular functions (urinary retinol-binding protein, uRBP) were re-analyzed after 18 months. At the enrollment time, the prevalence of renal failure ranged from 37.7 to 54 percent according to criteria used to define it (serum creatinine > or = 1.5 mg/dL and creatinine clearance <60 mL/min). Mean serum creatinine was 1.61 ± 1.31 mg/dL (range 0.7 to 9.8 mg/dL) and calculated and measured creatinine clearances were 67.7 ± 25.9 and 61.18 ± 25.04 mL min-1 (1.73 m²)-1, respectively. Sixteen of the 43 patients who completed the follow-up (37.2 percent) had tubular dysfunction detected by increased levels of uRBP (median 1.06, 0.412-6.396 mg/dL). Eleven of the 16 patients (68.7 percent) with elevated uRBP had poorer renal function after 18 months of follow-up, compared with only eight of the 27 patients (29.6 percent) with normal uRBP (RR = 3.47, P = 0.0095). Interestingly, cyclosporine trough levels were not different between patients with or without tubular and glomerular dysfunction. Renal function impairment is common after heart transplantation. Tubular dysfunction, assessed by uRBP, correlates with a worsening of glomerular filtration and can be a useful tool for early detection of renal dysfunction.

Alkaloids and volatile constituents from the stem of Fusaea longifolia (Aubl.) Saff. (Annonaceae)

A phytochemical study of the ethanol extract and an extraction of the volatile compounds, performed by means of Clevenger apparatus were carried out with the stem of Fusaea longifolia (Aubl.) Saff. (Annonaceae). The ethanol extract yielded O-methylmoschatoline, isolated for the first time in this species, and stepholidine, reported for the first time in genus Fusaea. The structural identification of the alkaloids was made based on the analysis of their NMR spectra. Through the use of GC and GC-MS, two sesquiterpenoids, a-cadinol (12.5 percent) and spatulenol (12.0 percent) were identified as the major constituents of the essential oil.

Outros constituintes químicos de Diplotropis ferruginea Benth. (Fabaceae)

O extrato hexânico das cascas do caule de Diplotropis ferruginea Benth (Fabaceae), após procedimentos cromatográficos e fitoquímicos, forneceu o triterpeno lupeol, citado pela primeira vez em Diplotropis ferruginea, e etil-2-hidroxi-4-methoxi-6-propil-benzoate, descrito pela primeira vez em na literatura. As determinações estruturais desses compostos foram realizadas com base em análises espectroscópicas de ¹H e 13C NMR, bem como também por comparação com valores da literatura.

The hexane extract of the stem bark of Diplotropis ferruginea Benth (Fabaceae), after chromatografic and phytochemical procedures, yielded the triterpene lupeol, wich has been cited for the first time on Diplotropis ferruginea, and ethyl-2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-propyl-benzoate, described for the first time on literature. The structural determinations of these compounds were performed on the basis of ¹H and 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis as well as comparison with literature values.

Isolamento e identificação de novos alcalóides de Ocotea duckei Vattimo (Lauraceae)

Três alcalóides benzilisoquinolínicos, reticulina, coclaurina e N-acetilnorjuzifina foram isolados das cascas de caule de Ocotea duckei; do cálice foi isolado laureliptina, um alcalóide do tipo aporfínico. Essas substâncias foram isoladas por métodos cromatográficos e identificadas por espectroscopia de 1H e 13C NMR com o auxílio de técnicas 2-D como as de COSY, NOESY, HMQC e HMBC. Comparações com os dados de literatura foram também realizadas.

Three benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, reticuline, coclaurine, and N-acetyl norjuziphine, where isolated from the stem bark of Ocotea duckei, the calix yielded laurelliptine, an aporphine alkaloid. These substances were isolated by chromatographic methods and identified by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy with the aid of 2-D techniques such as COSY, NOESY, HMQC and HMBC. Comparison with literature data was also helpful.

Alcalóides de Duguetia trunciflora Maas (Annonaceae)

From the ethanolic extract of the leaves and thin branches of Duguetia trunciflora Maas (Annonaceae) six alkaloids were isolated, being one benzylisoquinoline: reticuline¹, four tetrahydroprotoberberine:,tetrahydro-palmatine², tetrahydrojathrorrizine³, discretamine4, thaicanine5, and one berberine: jathrorrizine6. These alkaloids were identified through ¹H and 13C NMR spectroscopic technics. The alkaloids 1, 3, 5 and 6 are being cited for the first time on Duguetia genus.

Alcalóides isolados Hornschuchia obliqua (Annonaceae)

The genus Hornschuchia obliqua belonging to the Annonaceae family. The family comprising ca 130 genera and 2300 species, located in the Magnoliales, a primitive order of plants, is known to produce isoquinoline alkaloids derivatives1. Indeed the great majority of alkaloidal constituents of these plants are isoquinoline-derived structures, along with a wide range of non-alkaloidal compounds of varied stuctural types2,3. The present paper describes the chemical investigation of the alkaloids from Hornschuchia obliqua, isolated until now.