The Phytosociology of Weeds in Agroforestry Systems in Different Types of Amazonian Forest Cover

Agroforestry systems are examples of soil exploration that is closer to the natural form of the forest, with intercropping of several species within an area, thus being sustainable alternatives. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the weed community in agroforestry systems in two ecosystems: solid ground and floodplain in the state of Pará. Such collections were made in eight areas, with about one hectare each, cultivated in agroforestry systems, four of which are on dry land and four on floodplains, in the rural area of Cametá-PA. Four plots of one square meter per area were randomly sampled, where the species were identified, counted, and taken to weigh to evaluate the weed community. Among the evaluated environments, the species that stood out the most in the solid ground environment was Kyllinga brevifolia, leading most of the evaluated indices. In the lowland ecosystem, the Brachiaria species purpuracens were the most relevant.

Polymorphisms of leptin, beta-lactoglobulin and pituitary transcription factor have no effect on milk characteristics in crossbred cows / Polimorfismos da leptina, beta-lactoglobulina e fator de transcrição da hipófise não afetam as características do leite em vacas mestiças

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar polimorfismos genéticos de leptina, ß-lactoglobulina e fator de transcrição pituitária (PIT1) e avaliar seus efeitos na composição química e na contagem de células somáticas de leite de vacas leiteiras mestiças que vivem em um clima quente. Um total de 291 vacas leiteiras mestiças foram investigadas. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue para extração de DNA e amostras de leite. As amostras foram classificadas em três grupos genéticos: 12/ (42), 34/ (83) e 78/ (166) Holandês x Guzerá. As frequências de alelos e genótipos foram determinadas e o equilíbrio Hardy-Weinberg foi avaliado. Foram realizadas análises da composição do leite (gordura, proteína, lactose e extracto seco desengordurado), contagem de células somáticas e rendimento leiteiro. Os grupos genéticos e os polimorfismos genéticos para cada gene foram utilizados como efeitos fixos na análise. O único polimorfismo encontrado em equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg foi para o genótipo da ß-lactoglobulina. No presente estudo, era esperado que a maioria das variáveis de composição variasse entre os genótipos. Já se sabe que os cruzamentos dão origem a animais com características fenotípicas e genotípicas. No entanto, os polimorfismos não influenciaram a composição e a qualidade do leite nas vacas 12/ , 34/ e 78/ Holstein x Guzerá mantidas em um clima quente.(AU)

Índice de normalidade da distância atlantoaxial dorsal em cães / Normal index of dorsal atlantoaxial distance in dogs

Foram utilizados 30 cães neurologicamente saudáveis e realizadas radiografias da coluna cervical, sendo mensurada a menor distância atlantoaxial dorsal e outros parâmetros anatômicos vertebrais. Esses dados foram avaliados por meio do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Após detecção do melhor parâmetro de correlação, utilizou-se a fórmula de coeficiente de correlação dimensional (CCD). Na segunda etapa desta pesquisa, foram utilizadas imagens radiográficas de 33 cães com subluxação atlantoaxial (SAA) e aplicou-se a fórmula CCD. Todas as imagens atlantoaxiais normais e subluxadas foram distribuídas aleatoriamente e submetidas à análise subjetiva. Observou-se que o parâmetro anatômico de maior correlação foi o comprimento do processo espinhoso do áxis, obtendo-se valor de índice médio de 0,056 e desvio-padrão de 0,019. O valor de índice médio obtido em cães com SAA foi de 0,287, e o desvio-padrão de 0,123. A análise subjetiva revelou acerto de 88,89% a 95,24%, enquanto a avaliação por meio da fórmula CCD demonstrou ser 100% eficiente no diagnóstico da SAA. Sugeriu-se a utilização da fórmula CCD para obtenção do índice de normalidade da distância atlantoaxial com valor de normalidade médio de 0,056 e limite máximo de 0,098, sendo esse índice eficaz no diagnóstico da subluxação entre o atlas e o áxis.(AU)

Thirty healthy dogs had their cervical spines radiographed, and the dorsal atlantoaxial distance and others vertebral anatomical parameters were measured. These data were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. After detection of the best correlation parameter, we used the dimensional correlation coefficient of formula (CCD). In the second stage of the study, radiographs of the 33 dogs with atlantoaxial subluxation (SAA) were used. In each radiographic image, the CCD formula was applied. All normal and subluxation radiographic images were randomized, and submitted to subjective analysis. It was observed that the anatomical parameter with the highest correlation is the length of the spinous process of the axis, obtaining a mean value of 0.056 index and 0.019 standard deviation. Index mean value obtained in dogs with the disease of 0.287 and standard deviation of 0.123. The subjective analysis revealed 88.89% to 95.24% agreement, while the result obtained by the CCD formula was shown to be 100% effective in the diagnosis of SAA. We suggest the use of the CCD formula to obtain the index of normality of the atlantoaxial distance with a mean value of 0.056 and maximum of 0.098, and it is concluded that the index is highly effective in the diagnosis of subluxation between the atlas and the axis.(AU)

35 years of the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research

The authors pay homage to the three founders of the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research Profs. Lewis Joel Greene, Sérgio Henrique Ferreira and Eduardo Moacyr Krieger for their vision and commitment to divulge the scientific production of developing countries.

Rediscovering hermaphroditism in Grammatidae with the description of the testicular gland in Brazilian Basslet Gramma brasiliensis / Redescobrindo o hermafroditismo em Grammatidae com a descrição da glândula testicular de Gramma brasiliensis

Abstract Many aspects of sex change in reef fishes have been studied, including behavior and social organization. However, gonad histology remains the most robust way to identify sexual patterns in fishes. Some uncommon tissues remain poorly described, such as the accessory gonadal structures found in species from the Gobiidae family, which are rare in other bony fishes. This is the first report of the testicular gland in Gramma brasiliensis and for the Grammatidae family. Between April 2011 and February 2012 eighty specimens were collected during four dive campaigns on the Taipus de Fora reef (13°56’20”S 38°55’32”W), Bahia, Northeast Brazil, and their sex was determined. Thirteen per cent of the active-females and 90% of the active-males had testicular gland tissue in their ovotestis. This discovery led to additional research into the characteristics of the gland tissue and its relationship with gonadal maturation. Three patterns of testicular gland development were found in Brazilian basslet ovotestis. Both ova and sperm-producing gonad contained testicular gland tissue, and the appearance of this tissue seems to be the first modification of ovotestis tissue marking the beginning of the protogynous sex-change process in G. brasiliensis.

Resumo Diversos aspectos da troca de sexo em peixes recifais vem sendo estudados, incluindo comportamentos e organização social. Entretanto, a histologia das gônadas continua sendo a maneira mais robusta para se identificar padrões sexuais em peixes. Alguns tecidos incomuns, tais como as estruturas anexas a gônada encontradas em espécies da família Gobiidae e raras em outras espécies são pouco estudados. Este trabalho é a primeira descrição da glândula testicular em Gramma brasiliensis e para a família Grammatidae. Entre abril de 2011 e fevereiro de 2012, oitenta espécimes foram coletados durante quatro amostragens no recife de Taipus de Fora (13°56’20”S 38°55’32”W), Bahia, Brasil, e tiveram seus sexos determinados. Treze por cento das fêmeas ativas e noventa por cento dos machos ativos apresentaram tecido da glândula testicular em suas gônadas. Esta descoberta levou ao estudo da características dessa estrutura e sua relação com a maturação gonadal. Foram identificados três padrões de desenvolvimento da glândula testicular nas gônadas do Gramma brasiliensis. Tanto as gônadas produtoras de espermatozoides quanto as de oócitos apresentaram tecido da glândula testicular, e o surgimento desse tecido parece ser a primeira modificação gonadal do início da troca de sexo protogínica em G. brasiliensis.

Aloe vera na criopreservação do sêmen de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) / Aloe vera in the cryopreservation of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) sperm

This study aimed to evaluate the extract of Aloe vera (AV) associated or not with 10% Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in cryopreservation of tambaqui semen. For the formation of the pools (n= 14), 30 males were hormonally induced twice. Each pool had the objective motility, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, average path velocity and morphology analyzed before and after cryopreservation of semen. The means for cryopreservation were constituted of Powder Coconut Water-104 diluent added DMSO and/or AV (5 or 10%). After cryopreservation, motility, velocities and morphology were reduced significantly when compared to fresh semen. For sperm motility the best treatment was that using only DMSO (20,86±8,31) and DMSO + 5% AV (15.71±9.77). For the velocities, the worse treatment was DMSO+10% AV. Treatment with only the addition of DMSO had a significantly higher effect than others on percentage of morphologically normal sperm. The mean correlation found was between motilityand the rate of morphologically normal sperm (r = 0.687). In conclusion, the addition of AV does not provide greater protection for spermatozoa during cryopreservation.

Nanoencapsulação de um peptídeo isolado de anuros: citotoxicidade in vitro em células tumorais humanas / Nanoencapsulation of a peptide isolated from anurans: in vitro cytotoxicity in human tumor cells

A terapia antineoplásica tradicional apresenta algumas limitações que podem ser superadas através da utilização dos lipossomas. Estes nanossistemas de carreamento possibilitam o direcionamento de fármacos e reduzem efeitos secundários. Alguns peptídeos catiônicos sintetizados na pele de anuros apresentam atividade citotóxica seletiva (microorganismos e/ou tumores). Neste sentido, espécies do gênero Phyllomedusa secretam as dermaseptinas. Objetivou-se neste estudo, avaliar a citotoxicidade in vitro da dermaseptina 01 (DS 01) livre e encapsulada em lipossomas unilamelares pequenos (SUVs) em células tumorais humanas. Os lipossomas foram preparados pelo método de hidratação do filme lipídico seguido de sonicação. Foram produzidas formulações neutras e catiônicas, convencionais e furtivas. A citotoxicidade foi analisada em células tumorais de pulmão (NCI-H292), cólon (HT-29) e laringe (HEp-2), pelo ensaio de redução do sal tetrazólio (MTT) em placas de 96 poços. Os lipossomas foram submetidos a testes de estabilidade acelerada e em longo prazo. Em NCI-H292, a DS 01 livre apresentou efeito citostático médio de 35,6%. A encapsulação do peptídeo em lipossomas convencionais neutros aumentou o efeito, ao contrário dos furtivos. Para HT-29 e HEp-2, a DS 01 livre inibiu o crescimento celular em aproximadamente 50%, em média. A encapsulação em lipossomas catiônicos potencializou o efeito; os lipossomas convencionais inibiram na faixa de 80% e os furtivos, mais que 95% para as duas linhagens celulares. A DS 01, um peptídeo catiônico antimicrobiano, apresentou efeito citotóxico in vitro para células tumorais humanas que foi potencializado com a nanoencapsulação...

The conventional anticancer therapies show some limitations that can be overcome by using liposomes. This type of nanocarriers allows preferential targeting of drugs and reduces undesirable secondary effects. Some cationic peptides synthesized by the skin of anurans exhibit selective cytotoxicity (to pathogens and/or tumors). Species of Phyllomedusa secrete dermaseptins (DSs). The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro cytotoxicity of free and small unilamellar vesicle (SUV)-encapsulated dermaseptin 01 (DS 01) in various human tumor cells. Liposomes were prepared by lipid film hydration followed by sonication. Neutral and cationic, conventional and stealth liposomes were produced. Cytotoxicity was analyzed in lung (NCI-H292), colon (HT-29) and larynx (HEp-2) cancer cells, by the tetrazolium reduction method (MTT) carried out in 96-well microplates. Liposomes were tested for accelerated and long-term stability. In NCI-H292, free DS 01 showed a medium cytostatic effect of 36.5%. The conventional neutral liposome encapsulation of peptide increased this effect, whereas the stealth did not. In HT-29 and HEp-2, free DS 01 inhibited the cell growth by approximately 50% on average. The cationic liposome encapsulation was synergic, inhibition being about 80% in conventional and higher than 95% in stealth liposomes for both celllines. Thus, DS 01, an antimicrobial cationic peptide, showed in vitro cytotoxicity to human tumor cells that was potentiated by nanoencapsulation...

Avaliação fitoquímica e atividade antioxidante, antimutagênica e toxicológica do extrato aquoso das folhas de Ocimum gratissimum L / Phytochemical Assessment And Antioxidant, Antimutagenic And Toxicological Activity Of Ocimum gratissimum L. Leaf aqueous extract

A espécie Ocimum gratissimum L., popularmente conhecida como alfavaca, é uma planta muito usada na medicina tradicional brasileira, à qual são atribuídas diversas atividades terapêuticas quando usada na forma de infuso de suas folhas. Neste estudo foi realizada a caracterização fitoquímica, a avaliação da ação antioxidante e a investigação dos efeitos antimutagênico e antigenotóxico, além do efeito mutagênico e genotóxico potencial do extrato aquoso liofilizado a parir das folhas de O. gratissimum (EAOG). O conteúdo de polifenóis totais no extrato foi determinado pelo método Folin-Ciocalteu, sendo encontrado 11,3 µg EAG/mg de EAOG. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada pelo teste do 1,1-difenil-2-picril hidrazil (DPPH•), apresentando IC50 de 83,0 µg/mL. A antimutagenicidade e mutagenicidade foram avaliadas em cepas de Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 e TA100) utilizando o teste Salmonella/microssoma (Salmonella typhimurium/microssomas) em diferentes concentrações. EAOG induziu a atividade antimutagênica para a cepa TA98. A mutagenicidade não foi observada para o extrato em ambas as linhagens. Adicionalmente, a ação antigenotoxica avaliada pelo teste de clivagem do DNA-plasmidial também foi observada para EAOG. Os resultados também demonstraram que o extrato não foi capaz de induzir a genotoxicidade pelo teste empregado. Este estudo relata, pela primeira vez, as propriedades antimutagênica e antigenotóxica do extrato aquoso de O. gratissimum.

The species Ocimum gratissimum L., popularly known as Clove Basil, is a plant widely used in traditional Brazilian medicine, and several therapeutic activities are attributed to it when used as infusion of its leaves. In this study, we carried out a phytochemical characterization and the assessment evaluation and investigation of the antioxidant action of the antimutagenic and antigenotoxic effects and the potential mutagenic and genotoxic effects of the freeze-dried aqueous extract of the O. gratissimum (EAOG) leaves. The total polyphenol content in the extract was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and we found 11.3 µg EAG/mg of EAOG. The antioxidant activity was assessed by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hidrazil (DPPH·), with IC50 of 83.0 µg/mL. Antimutagenicity and mutagenicity were assessed in Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 and TA100) strains using the Salmonella/microsome (Salmonella typhimurium/microsome) test in different concentrations. EAOG induced antimutagenic activity for strain TA98. Mutagenicity was not observed for the extract in both strains. Additionally, antigenotoxic action, assessed by cleavage of the DNA-damage, was also observed for EAOG. The results also show that the extract was not able to induce genotoxicity by the test used. This study reports for the first time the antimutagenic and antigenotoxic properties of the O. gratissimum aqueous extract.

Fitodefensivos em plantas medicinais: macromoléculas hidrofílicas de folhas de mil folhas (Achillea millefolium L. ) inibem o crescimento in vitro de bactérias fitopatogênicas / Agrochemicals in medicinal plants: hydrophilic macromolecules from leaves of "mil folhas" (Achillea millefolium L. ) inhibit in vitro growth of phytopathogenic bacteria

Extratos aquosos da planta medicinal Achillea millefolium contêm macromoléculas de interesse para desenvolver fitodefensivos para a agricultura. Duas frações de mil folhas foram obtidas por ultrafiltração, E1 (contendo moléculas maiores que 30 kDa), e E3 (peptídeos entre 1 e 10 kDa) que inibiram o crescimento das bactérias fitopatogênicas Ralstonia solanacearum, gram-negativa, e Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, gram-positiva, com dependência de concentração. Os valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) para ambos os extratos e bactérias foram baixos, entre 20 e 80µM. A CIM relativa à proteína total evidenciou a presença de macromoléculas muito ativas em E3, embora com baixa concentração proteica. E3 se aplica à prospecção de peptídeos antimicrobianos. Estimar a CIM relativa à quantidade de amostra vegetal valorizou o potencial antimicrobiano natural de E1, que contém alta concentração proteica. E1e E3 se aplicam ao desenvolvimento de fitodefensivos para uso biotecnológico. A ultrafiltração fracionou as amostras de forma nativa, rápida, e com baixo custo; além de dessalinizar, clarificar, purificar, e concentrar E1 e E3. Esse estudo inédito sobre a separômica e a ação antimicrobiana de extratos macromoleculares aquosos de mil folhas sugere que plantas cicatrizantes podem apresentar grande potencial para desenvolver fitodefensivos agrícolas naturais não danosos, à semelhança de medicamentos fitoterápicos.

Aqueous extracts from the medicinal plant Achillea millefolium contain macromolecules of interest to develop agrochemicals for agriculture. Two fractions of "mil folhas" were obtained by ultrafiltration, E1 (containing molecules larger than 30 kDa) and E3 (peptides between 1 and 10 kDa), which inhibited the growth of phytopathogenic bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum, gram-negative, and Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, gram-positive, concentration-dependent. The values of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for both extracts and both bacteria were low, ranging from 20 to 80µM. The MIC relative to total protein evidenced the presence of very active macromolecules in E3, although showing low protein concentration. E3 applies to the prospection of antimicrobial peptides. The estimated MIC relative to the amount of plant sample valued the natural antimicrobial potential of E1, which contains high protein concentration. E1 and E3 can be used in the development of agrochemicals for biotechnological purposes. The ultrafiltration procedure fractionated the samples in a rapid and native way and at a low cost; it also desalted, clarified, concentrated and purified both E1 and E3. This pioneering study on the separomics and on the antimicrobial activity of macromolecular aqueous extracts from "mil folhas" suggests that healing plants have great potential to develop non-harmful agricultural natural agrochemicals, similarly to the available phytotherapic drugs.

Produtos naturais ativadores de PPAR e marcadores associados ao processo inflamatório na Síndrome Metabólica / The inflammatory process in the metabolic syndrome: PPAR activators of natural products and markers associated with metabolic disorders

O processo inflamatório é o elo entre a síndrome metabólica e as doenças cardiovasculares. Para verificar a presença e o grau da inflamação, vários biomarcadores têm sido propostos e investigados. Este trabalho tem como objetivo revisar as recentes pesquisas que associam alguns marcadores expressos no tecido adiposo, enfatizando, dentre eles, a adiponectina, a resistina, a leptina e o transportador de glicose GLUT-4 na síndrome metabólica, a relação da inflamação decorrente desse conjunto de desordens metabólicas sob os receptores proliferadores peroxissomais (PPARs), bem como o efeito de diferentes extratos vegetais e produtos naturais bioativos na ativação desses receptores.

The inflammatory process is the link between metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. To verify the presence and degree of inflammation, several biomarkers have been proposed and different receptors have been investigated. This study aims to review recent researches involving some markers expressed in the adipose tissue, emphasizing, among them, adiponectin, resistin, leptin and glucose transporter GLUT-4 in the metabolic syndrome, the relationship of inflammation arising from this set of metabolic disorders on the peroxisome proliferator receptors (PPARs) and the effect of different bioactive compounds in the activation of these receptors.

Analysis of the NMDA in focal cerebral ischemia in rats / Análisis del NMDA en isquemia cerebral focal en ratas

NMDAR (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) is one subtype of ionotrophic glutamate receptor which is extensively distributed in the central nervous system (CNS). In the mammalian CNS, NMDAR serves prominent roles in the pathophysiologic process of cerebral ischemia. This study aimed to investigate the pattern of expression of protein and gene of the excitatory neurotransmitter NMDAR in experimental focal cerebral ischemia and the hole of neuroprotection with hypothermia and ketoprofen. 120 rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (20 animals each): control - no surgery; sham - simulation of surgery; ischemic - focal ischemia for 1 hour, without reperfusion; ischemic + intraischemic hypothermia; ischemic + previous intravenous ketoprofen, and ischemic + hypothermia and ketoprofen. Ten animals from each experimental group were used to establish the volume of infarct. Transient focal cerebral ischemia was obtained in rats by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery with an intraluminal suture. The infarct volume was measured using morphometric analysis of infarct areas defined by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride and the patterns of expression of the protein and gene NMDA were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. Increases in the protein and gene NMDA receptor in the ischemics areas were observed and these increases were reduced by hypothermia and ketoprofen. The increase in the NMDA receptor protein and gene expression observed in the ischemic animals was reduced by neuroprotection (hypothermia and ketoprofen). The NMDA receptor increases in the ischemic area suggests that the NMDA mediated neuroexcitotoxicity plays an important role in cell death and that the neuroprotective effect of both, hypothermia and ketoprofen is directly involved with the NMDA...

NMDAR (N-metil-D-aspartato) es un tipo de receptor de glutamato ionotrópico y está ampliamente distribuido en el sistema nervioso central (SNC). En el SNC de mamíferos, NMDAR se destaca de manera importante en el proceso fisiopatológico de la isquemia cerebral. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el patrón de expresión de proteínas y genes para el NMDA neurotransmisor excitatorio experimental de la isquemia cerebral focal y el vacío en la neuroprotección con hipotermia y ketoprofeno. Se dividieron 120 ratas aleatoriamente en grupos de 6 animales cada uno (20): Control - sin cirugía; Sham - simulación de cirugía; isquémicas - isquemia focal durante 1 hora, sin reperfusión isquémica; hipotermia intra-isquémica; isquemia; previa aplicación de ketoprofeno intravenoso, e hipotermia isquémica y ketoprofeno. Diez animales de cada grupo experimental fueron utilizados para establecer el volumen de infarto.La isquemia cerebral focal transitoria fue obtenida en ratas mediante oclusión de la arteria cerebral media con una sutura intraluminal. El volumen de infarto fue medido mediante análisis morfométrico de las áreas de infarto definidas por cloruro de trifenil tetrazolio y patrones de expresión de la proteína y el gen de NMDA, fueron evaluados por inmunohistoquímica y PCR cuantitativa en tiempo real, respectivamente. Se observaron aumentos en la proteína y en el gen del receptor de NMDA en las áreas isquémicas y estos aumentos fueron reducidos por la hipotermia y ketoprofeno. El aumento de la proteína del receptor de NMDA y la expresión génica observada en los animales isquémicos fue reducido mediante hipotermia y ketoprofeno. Los aumentos del receptor de NMDA en el área isquémica sugiere que la neuro excitotoxicidad mediada por NMDA desempeña un papel importante en la muerte celular y que el efecto neuroprotector de ambos, hipotermia y ketoprofeno está directamente relacionado al NMDA...

Paradoxical effect of a pequi oil-rich diet on the development of atherosclerosis: balance between antioxidant and hyperlipidemic properties

Pequi is the fruit of Caryocar brasiliense and its oil has a high concentration of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids, which are anti- and pro-atherogenic agents, respectively, and of carotenoids, which give it antioxidant properties. Our objective was to study the effect of the intake of a cholesterol-rich diet supplemented with pequi oil, compared to the same diet containing soybean oil, on atherosclerosis development, and oxidative stress in atherosclerosis-susceptible LDL receptor-deficient mice (LDLr-/-, C57BL/6-background). Female mice were fed a cholesterol-rich diet containing 7% soybean oil (Soybean group, N = 12) or 7% pequi oil (Pequi group, N = 12) for 6 weeks. The Pequi group presented a more atherogenic lipid profile and more advanced atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root compared to the Soybean group. However, the Pequi group presented a less advanced lesion in the aorta than the Soybean group and showed lower lipid peroxidation (Soybean group: 50.2 ± 7.1; Pequi group: 30.0 ± 4.8 µmol MDA/mg protein) and anti-oxidized LDL autoantibodies (Soybean group: 35.7 ± 9.4; Pequi group: 15.6 ± 3.7 arbitrary units). Peritoneal macrophages from the Pequi group stimulated with zymosan showed a reduction in the release of reactive oxygen species compared to the Soybean group. Our data suggest that a pequi oil-rich diet slows atherogenesis in the initial stages, possibly due to its antioxidant activity. However, the increase of serum cholesterol induces a more prominent LDL migration toward the intimae of arteries, increasing the advanced atherosclerotic plaque. In conclusion, pequi oil associated with an atherogenic diet worsens the lipid profile and accelerates the formation of advanced atherosclerotic lesions despite its antioxidant action.

Efeito da endogamia sobre características morfométricas em cavalosda raça Mangalarga Marchador / Effect of inbreeding on morfhometric traits in Mangalarga Marchador horses

Estimou-se o coeficiente de endogamia e avaliou-se seu efeito sobre características morfométricas dos animais em um criatório no norte de Minas Gerais. As características estudadas foram alturas da cernelha e da garupa, comprimentos da cabeça, do pescoço, do dorso-lombo, da garupa e do corpo, larguras do peito e da garupa. O arquivo continha 2186 informações de parentesco de animais do arquivo zootécnico da fazenda, desde o início da formação da raça, 1951, até o ano de 2006. Calculou-se o coeficiente de endogamia (F) e avaliou-se seu efeito por meio de regressão linear simples sobre as medidas morfométricas. Do total de animais, 27,6% mostraram-se endogâmicos, sendo o F médio da população igual a 1,4%. Considerando-se apenas os animais endogâmicos, a consanguinidade média atingiu 5,3%, mínimo de 0,1 e máximo de 28,1%. Não se verificaram efeitos negativos da endogamia sobre as características morfométricas, exceto para largura da garupa, em que se observou que para cada 10% de acréscimo de F houve aumento de 0,576cm na largura da garupa. Possivelmente, devido ao baixo valor encontrado, a endogamia não influenciou as demais características avaliadas.

The coefficient of inbreeding was estimate and its effect on linear traits of the Mangalarga Marchador horses reared in a ranch in the North of Minas Gerais was evaluated. The characteristics studied were morphometric traits such as wither and hip height, length of head, neck, back-loin, hip and body, as well as chest and hip width. The archive had 2186 data on the genealogy of animals from the herd register of the Catuni Farm. The coefficient of inbreeding (F) was calculated and its effect was evaluated by means of simple linear regression on the linear traits. Of all animals, 27.6% showed inbreeding, with an F average of 1.4% in the population. Considering only the inbred animals, the average consanguinity reached 5.3% minimum of 0.1 and maximum of 28.1%. Negative effects of inbreeding on the morphometric traits were not seen, except for hip width, where for each 10% increase in F there was increase of 0.576cm. Possibly due to the low value found, inbreeding did not influence the other evaluated characteristics.

Aspectos clínicos e radiográficos de caprino com megaesôfago / Clinical and radiographic analyses of a goat with megaesophagus

A seven month old female goat showed neck swelling, apathy, appetite and weight loss, restlessness, increased salivation, cough, and regurgitation episodes which occurred post feeding. The animal was evaluated through both clinical and radiographic examinations. Plain radiography was performed and contrasted X-ray was done using barium sulfate. For radiological examination, the lateral projection was used for analysis. The results showed a radiopaque content in the esophageal lumen dorsally positioned to heart with density and appearance similar to the rumen. A dilation of the esophagus was reported and a diagnosis of megaesophagus was made. In conclusion, contrast esophagography must be included in the diagnosis of megaesophagus in goats.

A clinical gamma camera-based pinhole collimated system for high resolution small animal SPECT imaging

The main objective of the present study was to upgrade a clinical gamma camera to obtain high resolution tomographic images of small animal organs. The system is based on a clinical gamma camera to which we have adapted a special-purpose pinhole collimator and a device for positioning and rotating the target based on a computer-controlled step motor. We developed a software tool to reconstruct the target’s three-dimensional distribution of emission from a set of planar projections, based on the maximum likelihood algorithm. We present details on the hardware and software implementation. We imaged phantoms and heart and kidneys of rats. When using pinhole collimators, the spatial resolution and sensitivity of the imaging system depend on parameters such as the detector-to-collimator and detector-to-target distances and pinhole diameter. In this study, we reached an object voxel size of 0.6 mm and spatial resolution better than 2.4 and 1.7 mm full width at half maximum when 1.5- and 1.0-mm diameter pinholes were used, respectively. Appropriate sensitivity to study the target of interest was attained in both cases. Additionally, we show that as few as 12 projections are sufficient to attain good quality reconstructions, a result that implies a significant reduction of acquisition time and opens the possibility for radiotracer dynamic studies. In conclusion, a high resolution single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system was developed using a commercial clinical gamma camera, allowing the acquisition of detailed volumetric images of small animal organs. This type of system has important implications for research areas such as Cardiology, Neurology or Oncology.

Partial VP2 sequencing of canine parvovirus (CPV) strains circulating in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: detection of the new variant CPV-2c

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is the most important enteric virus for dogs and it seems to be undergoing continuous evolution, generating new genetic and antigenic variants throughout the world. The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution of CPV variants from 1995 to 2009 and to investigate the circulation of the new variant CPV-2c in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In addition, the clinical features of CPV infection were also reported. After CPV laboratorial confirmation by HA/HI and PCR, thirty-two fecal samples were analyzed by sequencing a 583-bp fragment of the VP2 gene. One sample, collected in 2008 was typed as the new type CPV-2c. All samples from 1995 to 2003 were identified as "new CPV-2a". From 2004 to 2006, both "new CPV-2a" and CPV-2b were observed. From 2006 to 2009, most of the samples were characterized as CPV-2b. The classical signs of CPV enteritis were observed in 16/18 CPV-2a and 5/13 CPV-2b infected puppies. These results show that continuous epidemiological surveillance of CPV strain distribution is essential for studying the patterns of CPV-2a and 2b spread and for determining whether the new variant CPV-2c has become permanently established in Brazilian canine population.

Differential patterns of myosin Va expression during the ontogenesis of the rat hippocampus

Myosin Va is an actin-based, processive molecular motor protein highly enriched in the nervous tissue of vertebrates. It has been associated with processes of cellular motility, which include organelle transport and neurite outgrowth. The in vivo expression of myosin Va protein in the developing nervous system of mammals has not yet been reported. We describe here the immunolocalization of myosin Va in the developing rat hippocampus. Coronal sections of the embryonic and postnatal rat hippocampus were probed with an affinity-purified, polyclonal anti-myosin Va antibody. Myosin Va was localized in the cytoplasm of granule cells in the dentate gyrus and of pyramidal cells in Ammon's horn formation. Myosin Va expression changed during development, being higher in differentiating rather than already differentiated granule and pyramidal cells. Some of these cells presented a typical migratory profile, while others resembled neurons that were in the process of differentiation. Myosin Va was also transiently expressed in fibers present in the fimbria. Myosin Va was not detected in germinative matrices of the hippocampus proper or of the dentate gyrus. In conclusion, myosin Va expression in both granule and pyramidal cells showed both position and time dependency during hippocampal development, indicating that this motor protein is under developmental regulation.

Methodological approaches to planar and volumetric scintigraphic imaging of small volume targets with high spatial resolution and sensitivity

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a non-invasive imaging technique, which provides information reporting the functional states of tissues. SPECT imaging has been used as a diagnostic tool in several human disorders and can be used in animal models of diseases for physiopathological, genomic and drug discovery studies. However, most of the experimental models used in research involve rodents, which are at least one order of magnitude smaller in linear dimensions than man. Consequently, images of targets obtained with conventional gamma-cameras and collimators have poor spatial resolution and statistical quality. We review the methodological approaches developed in recent years in order to obtain images of small targets with good spatial resolution and sensitivity. Multipinhole, coded mask- and slit-based collimators are presented as alternative approaches to improve image quality. In combination with appropriate decoding algorithms, these collimators permit a significant reduction of the time needed to register the projections used to make 3-D representations of the volumetric distribution of target’s radiotracers. Simultaneously, they can be used to minimize artifacts and blurring arising when single pinhole collimators are used. Representation images are presented, which illustrate the use of these collimators. We also comment on the use of coded masks to attain tomographic resolution with a single projection, as discussed by some investigators since their introduction to obtain near-field images. We conclude this review by showing that the use of appropriate hardware and software tools adapted to conventional gamma-cameras can be of great help in obtaining relevant functional information in experiments using small animals.