In vitro efficacy of new synthetic benzimidazole-related compounds against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antischistosomal activity of two new synthetic benzimidazole-related compounds: NBTP-OH and NBTP-F. Methods: Schistosoma adult worms were recovered from mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercaria, washed and then incubated in the culture media with different concentrations of compounds NBTP-OH and NBTP-F up to 72 h. Scanning electron microscopy was conducted to report morphological changes. Results: Incubation of adult Schistosoma mansoni with 10 µg/mL of NBTP-OH for 48 h killed 81.25% of worms. The calculated LC50 and LC90 72 h post-incubation were 6.8 µg/mL and 9.8 µg/ mL, respectively. Exposure of worms to 10 µg/mL of NBTP-F killed 89.5% of worms after 48 h, mostly males (83.3%), the LC50 and LC90 after 72 h of incubation were 4.8 µg/mL and 6.9 µg/mL, respectively. Worms incubated for 72 h with these compounds revealed swelling and deformity of oral sucker, disorganization and erosion of the tegument when examined with scanning electron microscopy. Conclusions: NBTP-OH and NBTP-F possess in vitro antischistosomal activities; however, in vivo studies should be conducted to examine their antischistosomal effects.

In vitro efficacy of new synthetic benzimidazole-related compounds against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antischistosomal activity of two new synthetic benzimidazole-related compounds: NBTP-OH and NBTP-F. Methods: Schistosoma adult worms were recovered from mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercaria, washed and then incubated in the culture media with different concentrations of compounds NBTP-OH and NBTP-F up to 72 h. Scanning electron microscopy was conducted to report morphological changes. Results: Incubation of adult Schistosoma mansoni with 10 µg/mL of NBTP-OH for 48 h killed 81.25% of worms. The calculated LC50 and LC90 72 h post-incubation were 6.8 µg/mL and 9.8 µg/ mL, respectively. Exposure of worms to 10 µg/mL of NBTP-F killed 89.5% of worms after 48 h, mostly males (83.3%), the LC50 and LC90 after 72 h of incubation were 4.8 µg/mL and 6.9 µg/mL, respectively. Worms incubated for 72 h with these compounds revealed swelling and deformity of oral sucker, disorganization and erosion of the tegument when examined with scanning electron microscopy. Conclusions: NBTP-OH and NBTP-F possess in vitro antischistosomal activities; however, in vivo studies should be conducted to examine their antischistosomal effects.

Adaptability of brazilian beans cultivars to industrial canning / Adaptabilidade de cultivares brasileiras de feijão ao processamento industrial tipo enlatado

ABSTRACT: A current alternative for meeting the modern consumer's beans food demands is the industrial processing. This study evaluated the adaptability of eight Brazilian beans cultivars to industrial canning from commercial class cultivars of Carioca and of Black beans. The grains were processed in an industry sector using metallic cans with a capacity of 420 g, where the samples were conditioned without previous hydration. The cooking and sterilization process took place in a rotating autoclave. Quality parameters were evaluated in the canned beans. As a result, it was verified that, for the Carioca class, the Estilo cultivar differs from the rest of the genetic materials in terms of its low drained weight, which contributes to the increase in the total solids in the sauce, which have low hardness values. Estilo cultivar is not suitable for the type of processing used in this experiment. For the Black class, similar quality characteristics were observed between Esplendor and Uirapuru and between Esteio and Campeiro cultivars, where the latter stands out due to its lower damaged bean indices after processing. Finally, with the information present in this paper we intend to contribute to future researches on this subject and thereby increase the consumption and exportation of beans as processed product.

RESUMO: Atualmente uma alternativa alimentar que atende às demandas do consumidor moderno é o processamento industrial do feijão. Foi avaliada a adaptabilidade de oito cultivares de feijão ao processamento industrial. Os grãos foram processados em uma indústria do setor, utilizando-se embalagens metálicas com capacidade de 420 g, nas quais as amostras foram acondicionadas sem o emprego de hidratação prévia. O processo de cozimento e esterilização foi realizado em autoclave rotativa. No feijão enlatado foram então avaliados os parâmetros de qualidade. Como resultado, verificou-se que, na classe Carioca, o cultivar BRS Estilo diferencia-se dos demais, devido ao baixo peso drenado que contribuiu para o aumento de sólidos totais no caldo, com baixos valores de dureza, não se adaptando ao tipo de processo utilizado neste experimento. Na classe Preto, observaram-se características de qualidade semelhantes entre BRS Esplendor e IPR Uirapuru, e entre BRS Esteio e BRS Campeiro, destacando-se esta última por apresentar menores índices de grãos danificados após o processamento. Por fim, com as informações presentes neste trabalho pretende-se contribuir com pesquisas futuras sobre o tema e dessa forma incrementar o consumo do feijão e sua exportação na forma de produto processado.

Laboratory diagnosis of schistosomiasis mansoni: Current status and future trends

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects about 290 million patients worldwide. Children aged between 5 and 14 years represent 45.8% of the affected patients, in addition, schistosomiasis has been reported in Schistosoma-free areas, mostly because of tourism and immigration from endemic countries. Intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni is mainly diagnosed via direct stool examination for egg detection. Immunological methods are favoured for disease monitoring and preliminary checking for communities in areas with low infection rates, and for patients with light and chronic infections where parasitological tests are negative. PCR-based diagnostic techniques are more sensitive, but expensive. Tegument proteins and miRNAs are promising markers for diagnosis of schistosomiasis. Here we review the diagnostic methods for schistosomiasis mansoni aiming to reach a standardized technique for diagnosis of early infection to help better control of the disease.

Laboratory diagnosis of schistosomiasis mansoni: Current status and future trends

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects about 290 million patients worldwide. Children aged between 5 and 14 years represent 45.8% of the affected patients, in addition, schistosomiasis has been reported in Schistosoma-free areas, mostly because of tourism and immigration from endemic countries. Intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni is mainly diagnosed via direct stool examination for egg detection. Immunological methods are favoured for disease monitoring and preliminary checking for communities in areas with low infection rates, and for patients with light and chronic infections where parasitological tests are negative. PCR-based diagnostic techniques are more sensitive, but expensive. Tegument proteins and miRNAs are promising markers for diagnosis of schistosomiasis. Here we review the diagnostic methods for schistosomiasis mansoni aiming to reach a standardized technique for diagnosis of early infection to help better control of the disease.

Comparative Characterization of Four Calcium-Binding EF Hand Proteins from Opisthorchis viverrini

Four isoforms of calcium binding proteins containing 2 EF hand motifs and a dynein light chain-like domain in the human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, namely OvCaBP1, 2, 3, and 4, were characterized. They had molecular weights of 22.7, 21.6, 23.7, and 22.5 kDa, respectively and showed 37.2–42.1% sequence identity to CaBP22.8 of O. viverrini. All were detected in 2- and 4-week-old immature and mature parasites. Additionally, OvCaBP4 was found in newly excysted juveniles. Polyclonal antibodies against each isoform were generated to detect the native proteins in parasite extracts by Western blot analysis. All OvCaBPs were detected in soluble and insoluble crude worm extracts and in the excretory-secretory product, at approximate sizes of 21–23 kDa. The ion-binding properties of the proteins were analyzed by mobility shift assays with the divalent cations Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cu²+. All OvCaBPs showed mobility shifts with Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺. OvCaBP1 showed also positive results with Mg²⁺ and Cu²⁺. As tegumental proteins, OvCaBP1, 2, and 3 are interesting drug targets for the treatment of opisthorchiasis.

Germinação de sementes e emergência de plântulas de jutaí (Hymenaea parvifolia Huber. ) / Seed germination and emergence of jutai (Hymenaea parvifolia Huber. ) seedlings

RESUMO O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a influencia do tamanho e da temperatura na germinação das sementes, assim como, da posição de escarificação do tegumento e a profundidade de semeadura na emergência de plântulas de jutaí. As sementes foram separadas em três grupos: sementes pequenas, médias e grandes. A germinação das sementes foram realizadas nas temperaturas de 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 e 45 °C e com fotoperíodo de 12 horas. As sementes escarificadas foram colocadas para germinar em 0, 2, 4 e 6 cm de profundidade de semeadura. As sementes médias e grandes apresentaram maiores porcentagens e índices de velocidade de germinação. A faixa de temperatura ótima de germinação está entre 25 e 35°C. A escarificação no hilo da semente ou não é adequada para quebra de dormência de sementes de jutaí. Profundidades de semeadura iguais ou superiores a 4 cm são inadequadas para a emergência de plântulas de jutaí.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of seed size and temperature on seed germination, as well as the scarification position of the tegument and sowing depth on the emergence of jutai seedlings. The seeds were separated into three groups: large, medium and small. The temperatures to which the seeds were subjected for germination were 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45°C under a photoperiod of 12 hours. The scarified seeds were placed to germinate at depths of 0, 2, 4, and 6 cm. Seed germination was affected by seed size (large and medium seeds). The optimum temperature range was found to be between 25 and 35°C. The scarification in the hilum or the tegument was enough to break the dormancy of the jutai seeds. Sowing depths equal to or deeper than 4 cm were found to be inadequate for the emergence of jutai seedlings.

Tumor maligno derivado de melanocitos en piel de un bovino de presentación inusual: estudio de caso / Malignant Tumor Derived from Skin Melanocytes of a Bovine of Unusual Presentation: A Case Study / Tumor maligno derivado de melanócitos na pele de um bovino de apresentação incomum: estudo de caso

Los tumores melanocíticos o melanomas en los animales domésticos incluyen neoplasias compuestas por células productoras de melanina. En los bovinos, estos tumores son poco frecuentes y la mayoría son benignos; mientras que los malignos son de poca presentación. El artículo registra el caso de un bovino hembra mestizo de 38 meses de edad con una masa fluctuante, localizada entre el borde mandibular y la región parotídea izquierda, de aproximadamente tres meses de evolución, con crecimiento más evidente en los últimos treinta días. Después de su escisión quirúrgica, se remite una muestra conservada en formalina tamponada al 10 % al Laboratorio de Patología de la Universidad de Nariño, consistente en un fragmento de 7,0 x 10,5 x 8,0 cm, de forma elipsoide, con piel y pelo en una de sus caras, superficie irregular, color pardo negruzco, consistencia semiblanda al corte y presencia de contenido translúcido de aspecto viscoso para el procesamiento e inclusión en parafina y cortados a 5 de espesor y tincionados con coloración de hematoxilina-eosina. El tejido remitido se catalogó como una neoplasia de comportamiento maligno derivada de melanocitos, debido a sus características celulares: patrón de crecimiento, patrón de distribución, severo pleomorfismo celular, anisocitosis, megalocitosis, pleomorfismo nuclear, anisocariosis, megalocariosis y afectación de las paredes de los vasos sanguíneos; adicionalmente, al bloque de parafina se le realizó un corte para procesamiento inmunohistoquímico, empleando los marcadores monoclonales S-100 DAKO® y Melan A DAKO®, contrastado con hematoxilina de Meyer. Se evidencia fuerte inmunomarcación de las células neoplásicas, y se constituye en el primer caso registrado de esta patología en Nariño (Colombia).

Melanocytic tumors and melanomas in domestic animals include neoplasms composed of melanin-producing cells. In cattle, these tumors are rare and mostly benign, while malignant tumors are almost non-existent. The article reports the case of a female crossbred cow 38 months of age with a fluctuating mass located between the mandibular border and the left parotid region, about three months duration, with evident growth in the last thirty days. After surgical excision, a sample preserved in buffered formalin (10%) was sent to the Laboratory of Pathology (University of Nariño)-consisting of a fragment of 7.0 x 10.5 x 8.0 cm, ellipsoid, with skin and hair on one side, irregular surface, blackish brown, semi-soft consistency, and presence of shear translucent slimy content-for processing and inclusion in paraffin, cut to 5 µm thickness and stained with hematoxylin-eosin coloration. The forwarded tissue was classified as a neoplasm of malignant behavior derived from melanocytes, due to its cellular characteristics: growth pattern, pattern of distribution, severe cellular pleomorphism, anisocytosis, megalocytosis, nuclear pleomorphism, anisokaryosis, megalokaryosis, and involvement of blood vessel walls; additionally, the paraffin block was cut for immunohistochemical processing using monoclonal markers (S-100 DAKO® and Melan A DAKO®), contrasted with Mayer's hematoxylin. Strong immunostaining of neoplastic cells is evident, and it constitutes the first reported case of this disease in Nariño (Colombia).

Os tumores melanócitos ou melanomas nos animais domésticos incluem neoplasias compostas por células produtoras de melanina. Nos bovinos, estes tumores são pouco frequentes e na maioria das vezes são benignos; enquanto que os malignos são de pouca apresentação. O artigo relata o caso de uma fêmea bovino mestiça de 38 meses de idade com uma massa flutuante, localizada entre a borda da mandíbula e a região parotídea esquerda, de aproximadamente três meses de evolução, com crescimento mais evidente nos últimos trinta dias. Depois de sua excisão cirúrgica, se remete uma amostra conservada em formalina tamponada ao 10 % ao Laboratório de Patologia da Universidade de Nariño, consistente em um fragmento de 7,0 X 10,5 x 8,0 cm, de forma elipsoide, com pele e pelo em uma de suas caras, superfície irregular, color pardo enegrecido, consistência semi-suave ao corte e presença de conteúdo translúcido de aspecto viscoso para o processamento e inclusão em parafina e cortados a 5 de espessura e com coloração de hematoxilina-eosina. O tecido remetido se catalogou como uma neoplasia de comportamento maligno derivada de melanócitos, devido às suas características celulares: padrão de crescimento, padrão de distribuição, severo pleomorfismo celular, anisocitose, megalocitose, pleomorfismo nuclear, anisocariose, "megalocariose" e afetação das paredes dos vasos sanguíneos; adicionalmente, se realizou ao bloco de parafina um corte para processamento imuno-histoquímica, empregando os marcadores monoclonais S-100 DAKO® e Melam A DAKO®, contrastado com hematoxilina de Meyer. Evidencia-se forte imuno- marcação das células neoplásicas, e se constitui no primeiro caso reportado desta patologia em Nariño (na Colômbia).

Differential Regulation of NF-kappaB Signaling during Human Cytomegalovirus Infection

NF-kappaB transcription factors are key regulators of immune and stress responses, apoptosis, and differentiation. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) activates or represses NF-kappaB signaling at different times during infection. An initial increase in NF-kappaB activity occurs within a few hours of infection. The virus appears to adapt to this change since initial viral gene expression is promoted by the elevated NF-kappaB activity. Because NF-kappaB upregulates innate immune responses and inflammation, it has also been suggested that HCMV needs to downregulate NF-kappaB signaling. Recent studies have shown that HCMV has various mechanisms that inhibit NF-kappaB signaling. HCMV reduces cell surface expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) and blocks the DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB. Furthermore, some HCMV tegument proteins antagonize NF-kappaB activation by targeting the key components of NF-kappaB signaling at late stages of infection. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on the relationship between HCMV and NF-kappaB signaling, focusing, in particular, on the viral mechanisms by which the NF-kappaB signaling pathway is inhibited.

Tegumental Changes in Adult Schistosoma mansoni Induced by a New Imidazolidinic Derivative.

Aims: Verify the potential of the schistosomicidal imidazolidine derivative (5Z)-3-(4- bromo-benzyl)-5-(4-chloro-benzylidene)-4-thioxo-imidazolidin-2-one. Study Design: In this study, we tested the imidazolidinic derivative 3 through in vitro evaluations, cytotoxicity assay and analysis of Scanning Electron Microscopy to verify its therapeutic potential in the treatment of schistosomiasis. Place and Duration of Study: Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)/PE and (FIOCRUZ)/BA between January 2013 and march 2014. Methodology: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee on Animal Use Research Center Aggeu Magalhães/Oswaldo Cruz Fundação (CPqAM/FIOCRUZ) authorized by the license No. 21/2011. Male albino Swiss mice were used Mus musculus 25 days old weighing 50 grams. Compound 3 was assayed for its cytotoxicity through cell J774 macrophage lineage. The amount of inhibitory concentration (LC50) was determined by nonlinear regression using the Graph Pad Prism version 5.01. Then the compound was evaluated against adult worms of S. mansoni by performing the activity in vitro at doses 100-20μg/mL and ultrastructural investigation by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) at doses of 100 and 60μg/ml. The PZQ was the positive control of the experiment. Results: The derivative 3 showed LC50 of 29.7±3.9mM. Compound 3 was able to have decreased motility of S. mansoni culminating with a mortality rate of 100% at doses of 60 and 100μg/mL on the fourth day of observation of the experiment. In the SEM, the compound caused various soft tissue changes of S. mansoni parasites such as blistering, destruction of the integument with loss of spines and tubercles, body contraction and windy. Conclusion: The derivative imidazolidine 3 showed a promising schistosomicidal activity in vitro. However, conducting further studies with the completion of work in front of the live schistosomiasis is required.

Metagonimus yokogawai: a 100-kDa Somatic Antigen Commonly Reacting with Other Trematodes

This study was undertaken to characterize the properties of a 100 kDa somatic antigen from Metagonimus yokogawai. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced against this 100 kDa antigen, and their immunoreactivity was assessed by western blot analysis with patients' sera. The mAbs against the 100 kDa antigen commonly reacted with various kinds of trematode antigens, including intestinal (Gymnophalloides seoi), lung (Paragonimus westermani), and liver flukes (Clonorchis sinensis and Fasciola hepatica). However, this mAb showed no cross-reactions with other helminth parasites, including nematodes and cestodes. To determine the topographic distribution of the 100 kDa antigen in worm sections, indirect immunoperoxidase staining was performed. A strong positive reaction was observed in the tegumental and subtegumental layers of adult M. yokogawai and C. sinensis. The results showed that the 100 kDa somatic protein of M. yokogawai is a common antigen which recognizes a target epitope present over the tegumental layer of different trematode species.

Tegumentary manifestations of Noonan and Noonan-related syndromes

OBJECTIVES: Noonan and Noonan-related syndromes are common autosomal dominant disorders with neuro-cardio-facial-cutaneous and developmental involvement. The objective of this article is to describe the most relevant tegumentary findings in a cohort of 41 patients with Noonan or Noonan-related syndromes and to detail certain aspects of the molecular mechanisms underlying ectodermal involvement. METHODS: A standard questionnaire was administered. A focused physical examination and a systematic review of clinical records was performed on all patients to verify the presence of tegumentary alterations. The molecular analysis of this cohort included sequencing of the following genes in all patients: PTPN1, SOS1, RAF1, KRAS, SHOC2 and BRAF. RESULTS: The most frequent tegumentary alterations were xeroderma (46%), photosensitivity (29%), excessive hair loss (24%), recurrent oral ulcers (22%), curly hair (20%), nevi (17%), markedly increased palmar and plantar creases (12%), follicular hyperkeratosis (12%), palmoplantar hyperkeratosis (10%), café-au-lait spots (10%) and sparse eyebrows (7%). Patients with mutations in PTPN11 had lower frequencies of palmar and plantar creases and palmar/plantar hyperkeratosis compared with the other patients. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that patients with mutations in genes directly involved in cell proliferation kinase cascades (SOS1, BRAF, KRAS and RAF1) had a higher frequency of hyperkeratotic lesions compared with patients with mutations in genes that have a more complex interaction with and modulation of cell proliferation kinase cascades (PTPN11). .

Anti-inflammatory polysaccharides of Azadirachta indica seed tegument

Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Meliaceae, or Indian neem is a plant used to treat inûammatory disorders. Total polysaccharide (TPL) and FI (fractioned by ion exchange chromatography) from the seed tegument of A. indica were evaluated in models of acute inflammation (paw edema/peritonitis) using Wistar rats. Paw edema (measured by hydroplethysmometry) was induced s.c. by Λ-carrageenan (300 µg), histamine (100 µg), serotonin (20 µg), compound 48/80 (10 µg), prostaglandin (PGE2 30 µg) or L-arginine (15 µg). Peritonitis (analyzed for leukocyte counts/protein dosage) was induced i.p. by carrageenan (500 mg) or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP 50 ng). Animals were treated i.v. with TPL (1 mg/kg) or FI (0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/kg) 30 min before stimuli. FI toxicity (at 0.1 mg/kg, i.v. for seven days) was analyzed by the variation of body/organ mass and hematological/biochemical parameters. TPL extraction yielded 1.3%; FI, presenting high carbohydrate and low protein content, at 0.1 mg/kg inhibited paw edema induced by carrageenan (77%), serotonin (54%), PGE2 (69%) and nitric oxide (73%), and the peritonitis elicited by carrageenan (48%) or fMLP (67%), being well tolerated by animals. FI exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity, revealing to be important active component in traditionally prepared remedies to treat inflammatory states.

Electron Microscopy of the Separated Outer Tegument of the Sparganum and Its Antigenicity

The author reported previously on separation of the outer tegument of the spargana (plerocercoids of Spirometra mansoni) using high concentration of urea solution. To determine which layer of the tegument is separated by this method, an electron microscopic analysis has been processed in this study. It was confirmed that the basement layer of the tegument is separated from the parenchyme of the sparganum. In addition, the antigenicity of the separated outer tegument against the human sparganosis patient sera was evaluated. Numerous antigenic proteins, including 16 and 55 kDa proteins, were noticed in the separated tegument; however, there were no diagnostic 31/36 kDa molecules in this tegument. The molecules reactive with the patient sera in the tegument are to be characterized in future studies.

Qualidade para o cozimento e composição nutricional de genótipos de feijão com e sem armazenamento sob refrigeração / Cooking quality and nutritional composition of common bean genotypes with and without stored refrigeration

O feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) apresenta alto valor nutricional, entretanto, quando armazenado em condições não apropriadas torna-se endurecido e resistente ao cozimento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade para o cozimento e a qualidade nutricional de grãos de genótipos de feijão dos grupos preto (Macanudo, Guapo Brilhante e BRS Campeiro) e de cor (Carioca, Pérola e LH 5) armazenados sob refrigeração. Os seis genótipos de feijão foram avaliados imediatamente após a colheita e os grãos que foram avaliados após seis meses de armazenamento passaram por prévia secagem em estufa (65 a 70°C), até umidade média de 13 por cento, foram acondicionados em sacos de polietilieno e armazenados em câmara fria a 0°C e a 50 por cento de umidade relativa. Avaliou-se a qualidade para o cozimento (absorção de água, grãos normais, grãos hardshell e tempo de cozimento), a coloração do tegumento dos grãos e a qualidade nutricional (proteína, potássio, ferro e zinco). Os genótipos do grupo preto (Macanudo e BRS Campeiro) mantêm a qualidade para o cozimento, a claridade do tegumento dos grãos e a qualidade nutricional por seis meses de armazenamento refrigerado. Os genótipos do grupo de cor (Carioca, Pérola e LH 5) apresentam escurecimento do tegumento dos grãos, mas a qualidade nutricional não é alterada no armazenamento refrigerado por seis meses.

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) presents higher nutritional quality, however when stored in undesirable conditions, become hardened and resistant to cooking. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of refrigeration storage on the cooking and nutritional quality of common bean genotypes of the black (Macanudo, Guapo Brilhante and BRS Campeiro) and color (Carioca, Pérola and LH 5) group. The six genotypes were evaluated immediately after harvest time and the grains that were evaluated after six months of storage, were dried in hot-house until 13 percent moisture content. The grains were reserved in plastic bag and storaged in refrigeration under 0°C and at 50 percent of relative humidity. It was evaluated cooking quality (water absorption, normal grains, hardshell grains and cooking time), the color of grains tegument and the nutritional quality (protein, potassium, iron and zinc) were evaluated as well. The genotypes of black group (Macanudo and BRS Campeiro) keep the quality for cooking, the clarity of grains tegument and nutritional quality after six months of storage. The genotypes of the color group (Carioca, Pérola and LH 5) present darkening on the grains tegument, but the nutritional quality is not modified after six months of storage.

Observaciones al microscopio electrónico de barrido del interior de un proglótido de un parásito adulto de taenia solium / Scanning electron microscopy observations of the cross-section of a taenia solium adult tapeworm

No existen, hasta el momento, imágenes que muestren la disposición de la citoarquitectura de parásitos adultos de Taenia solium, parásitos los cuales se encuentran en el intestino de portadores humanos asintomáticos. Las causas de ello podrían tener como base el que cuando se recuperan los parásitos, ellos han sufrido alteraciones debidas a la respuesta inmune de sus hospederos o bien, por el efecto que han producido en los parásitos los fármacos antihelmínticos que hayan sido usados en el tratamiento de los pacientes. Una de las alternativas que se han encontrado para la obtención de parásitos adultos, es la obtención de tenias a partir del modelo de teniosis experimental en hámsteres dorados e inmunosuprimidos y que gracias a este modelo se han podido efectuar diferentes tipos de estudios de los parásitos de esta fase infectiva. El propósito de este reporte es presentar imágenes de ultraestructura, obtenidas mediante Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido, de un corte transversal obtenido de un proglótido de una tenia recuperada de una infección experimental. Las imágenes se obtuvieron a diferentes aumentos y muestran aspectos relacionados con la superficie tegumentaria, el tegumento sincicial continuo, la capa germinal que incluye el soma de algunas células subtegumentarias y los ductos del sistema protonefridial tanto vacíos como llenos con corpúsculos calcáreos. Las imágenes ultraestructurales obtenidas muestran una forma de observación de la anatomía microscopica de los parásitos en estudio y ello contribuye a ampliar el conocimiento de los mismos en relación a aspectos de su biología celular y su fisiología.

There are no clear morphological evidences of the cytoarchitecture of intestinal adult tapeworms of Taenia solium recovered from infected humans. Parasites could be altered because of the host´s immunological response or by the direct action of drugs used for antihelminthic treatment. Experimental taeniosis in immunosuppressed golden hamsters is a useful way for recovering and studying adult parasites. The purpose of this report is to show images, taken at the ultrastructural level by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), of a cross-sectioned strobilar chain from an adult tapeworm. The parasite was recovered from an experimental infection. Images were taken at several magnifications; they show the brush border tegumental surface, the syncytial tegument, the germinal layer, some cell bodies and the protonephridial system ducts: empty or filled with calcareous corpuscles. Ultrastructural images taken using SEM of T. solium adult parasites, recovered from experimental infections, could be a new way for observing the microscopic anatomy of these parasites and for increasing the knowledge of aspects related to their cellular biology and physiology.

Comportamento germinativo de sementes de diferentes cores de pariparoba [Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq.] / Germinative behavior of Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. seeds of different colors

A Pothomorphe umbellata (Piperaceae), é uma espécie medicinal nativa do Brasil, utilizada na indústria de cosméticos e protetores de pele contra raios UVA e UVB. Com o intuito de gerar informações aplicadas à propagação da espécie, o presente trabalho relacionou a coloração e a massa de sementes de P. umbellata a seu comportamento germinativo. A coloração e a massa de sementes de P. umbellata foram características adequadas para avaliar a homogeneidade fisiológica, o vigor, o potencial e o comportamento germinativo. Assim, conclui-se que, embora de germinação lenta, as sementes de coloração preta e mais densa devem ser as escolhidas quando de coleta ou de processo seletivo.

Pothomorphe umbellata (Piperaceae) is a medicinal species native to Brazil, which has been used in the cosmetic industry and in products that protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays. To generate information applied to the species propagation, the present work related the coloration and the mass of P. umbellata seeds to their germinative behavior. The coloration and the mass of seeds of P. umbellata were characteristic appropriate to evaluate physiologic homogeneity, vigor, potential and germinative behavior. Thus, although of slow germination, seeds of black and denser coloration should be chosen during collection or selective process.

A Multiple Functional Protein: the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Tegument Protein VP22 / 中国病毒学·英文版

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) VP22, is one of the most abundant HSV-1 tegument proteins with an average stoichiometry of 2 400 copies per virion and conserved among alphaherpesvirinae. Many functions are attributed to VP22, including nuclear localization, chromatin binding, microtubule binding, induction of microtubule reorganization, intercellular transport, interaction with cellular proteins, such as template activating factor I (TAF-I) and nonmuscle myosin II A (NMIIA), and viral proteins including tegument protein VP16, pUS9 and pUL46, glycoprotein E (gE) and gD. Recently, many novel functions performed by the HSV-1 VP22 protein have been shown, including promotion of protein synthesis at late times in infection, accumulation of a subset of viral mRNAs at early times in infection and possible transcriptional regulation function.

Separation of the Syncytial Layer of Spargana using Urea

The tegument of tapeworms is known to be composed of an outer syncytial cytoplasm layer which includes microtriches and cytoplasmic organelles (= syncytial layer), and a parenchymatous cytoplasm layer that contains subtegumental cell nuclei (= subtegumental layer) and organelles. In the present study, separation of the syncytial layer of the sparganum, the plerocercoid stage of Spirometra mansoni, was tried using urea as the chemical reagent. Histological sections were prepared to visualize the status of separation after staining with hematoxylin and eosin. The results showed that the syncytial layer of the sparganum tegument which includes microtriches and cytoplasmic organelles were successfully separated from the parenchyma using 3 M urea.

Métodos para a superação da dormência em sementes de sucupira-preta (Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth.) / Methods for dormancy overcoming of black sucupira (Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth.) seeds

Neste estudo foram avaliados diferentes métodos para a superação da dormência em sementes de sucupira-preta. O experimento foi realizado inteiramente ao acaso em esquema fatorial 3 x 7, correspondendo a três lotes de sementes e sete tratamentos, com 4 repetições de 25 sementes. Foram utilizados ácido sulfúrico por 4, 8 e 12 minutos, água a 80°C por 5 e 10 minutos, escarificação mecânica, mantendo-se uma testemunha. Foi observado que a espécie possui dormência tegumentar e que todos os tratamentos utilizados permitiram a entrada de água nas sementes. Contudo, alguns métodos estudados, como a água a 80°C por 10 minutos, resultou em um elevado número de sementes mortas. O método mais eficiente para a superação da dormência de sementes de sucupira-preta é a imersão em ácido sulfúrico, por 4, 8 ou 12 minutos, beneficiando a porcentagem e a velocidade de germinação.

This study evaluated diferent methods to overcome dormancy of black sucupira seeds. The experiment was installed in a fully randomized design composed by a factorial scheme 3x7, correspoding to three lots of seeds and seven treatments, with 4 replicates of 25 seeds. Sulfuric acid for 4, 8 and 12 minutes, water at 80°C for 5 and 10 minutes, sandpaper treatments were compared to the control. It was observed that this species has tegument dormancy and all treatments allowed seed imbibition. However in some of the methods used, such as like water at 80°C for 10 minutes, occurred a high number of dead seeds. The most suitable method for dormancy overcoming of black sucupira seeds was the imersion in sulfuric acid for 4, 8 and 12 minutes, that showed higher percentage and speed of germination.