Methodological Proposal for the Adequate Use of the Osteotechnics Technique / Propuesta Metodológica para el uso Adecuado de la Técnica Osteotécnica

SUMMARY: Osteotechnics is one of the different anatomical preservation techniques and can be defined as the technique designed to prepare, clean, obtain and preserve bone structures that can be used in the teaching, museographic or research field. The osteotechnical technique procedure consists of the following phases: debulk and disjoint, maceration, cooking, cleaning, degreasing, bleaching, and labeling to obtain bone material. Seven phases will be explained in detail, as well as the materials, instruments, quantities of the substances used, and the time required to obtain human bone material. We consider that this article can serve as a guide, given that all the experimentation was carried out with human biological material. This methodological proposal could be consolidated and established based on the experience acquired during the creation of the contemporary skeletal collection of the department of innovation in human biological material (DIMBIH). Therefore, the purpose of our proposal is to provide tools that facilitate the work of those who carry out this work and fundamentally to avoid irreversible or irreparable damage to the osteological material, since it is of great value and difficult to acquire for disciplines as anatomy, veterinary, physical and forensic anthropology, medicine, dentistry and biology.

La osteotecnia es una de las técnicas diferentes de conservación anatómica y puede definirse como la técnica destinada a preparar, limpiar, obtener y conservar estructuras óseas que pueden ser utilizadas en el ámbito docente, museográfico o de investigación. El procedimiento de la técnica osteotécnica consta de las siguientes fases: descarnado y desarticulado, maceración, cocción, limpieza, desengrase, blanqueo y marcaje para la obtención de material óseo. Se explicarán en detalle siete fases, así como los materiales, instrumentos, cantidades de las sustancias utilizadas y el tiempo necesario para obtener material óseo humano. Consideramos que este artículo puede servir de guía, dado que toda la experimentación se realizó con material biológico humano. Esta propuesta metodológica pudo consolidarse y establecerse a partir de la experiencia adquirida durante la creación de la colección esquelética contemporánea del Departamento de Innovación en Material Biológico Humano (DIMBIH). Por lo tanto, el propósito de nuestra propuesta es brindar herramientas que faciliten el trabajo de quienes realizan este trabajo y fundamentalmente evitar daños irreversibles o irreparables en el material osteológico, ya que es de gran valor y difícil adquisición para las disciplinas como la anatomía, veterinaria, antropología física y forense, medicina, odontología y biología.

Research status of insect infestation of Chinese medicinal materials during storage / 中国中药杂志

During the storage process, Chinese medicinal materials are susceptible to insect infestation due to their own nature and external storage factors. Infestation by insects can have varying impacts on the materials. In mild cases, it affects the appearance and reduces consumer purchasing power, while in severe cases, it affects the quality, reduces medicinal value, and introduces impurities such as insect bodies, excrement, and secretions, resulting in significant contamination of the medicinal materials. This study reviewed the rele-vant factors influencing insect infestation in Chinese medicinal materials and the compositional changes that occur after infestation and summarized maintenance measures for preventing insect infestation. Additionally, it provided an overview of detection techniques applicable to identifying insect infestation during the storage of Chinese medicinal materials. During the storage process, insect infestation is the result of the combined effects of biological factors(source, species, and population density of insects), intrinsic factors(moisture, chemical composition, and metabolism), and environmental factors(temperature, relative humidity, and oxygen content). After infestation, there are significant changes in the content of constituents in the medicinal materials. By implementing strict pre-storage inspections, regular maintenance after storage, and appropriate storage and maintenance methods, the occurrence of insect infestation can be reduced, and the preservation rate of Chinese medicinal materials can be improved. The storage and maintenance of Chinese medicinal materials are critical for ensuring their quality. Through scientifically standardized storage and strict adherence to operational management standards, the risk of insect infestation can be minimized, thus guaranteeing the quality of Chinese medicinal materials.

Evaluation of an alternative technique for preserving crustaceans in dry conditions with joint mobility: a proposal for didactic purposes

Although crustaceans are traditionally preserved in liquids (formaldehyde and/or ethyl alcohol), those substances tend to alter their morphological aspects. Glycerin, used in human anatomy, is considered a good substitute for formaldehyde, as it preserves animals in states similar to in vivo conditions. There are no records in the literature, however, concerning the use of glycerin for conserving invertebrates. The objective of this work was to elaborate and evaluate alternative techniques for conserving the crustacean Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763). Six fixatives (1, 3, 4 and 5% formaldehyde, 70% alcohol, and dietrich solution) and two controls (positive and negative) were tested, as well as the effects of freezing before fixation on the integrity of U. cordatus specimens. Our results were evaluated with respect to nine variables. The treatments that demonstrated the best aesthetic results were 4% formaldehyde and 70% ethyl alcohol. The freezing of the animals resulted in brittle organs in all treatments tested. The technique discussed here is extremely promising for the conservation of animals for educational purposes, as it produces preserved specimens that are aesthetically similar to their in vivo conditions.

Preservação de ovos de helmintos e cistos de protozoários em iodo-mercurato de potássio. Revisitando experimentos realizados há cerca de 40 anos / Preservation of helminth eggs and protozoan cysts in potassium iodine-mercurate. Revisiting experiments carried out about 40 years ago

Foi realizada reavaliação sobre o estado de preservação de ovos de helmintos e cistos de protozoários mantidos por cerca de 40 anos em solução de iodo‑mercurato de potássio a 0,2%. Foi observado que ovos de Schistosoma mansoni, Ancylostomidae e Trichuris trichiura e oocistos de Isospora belli mantiveram‑se em condições adequadas para a sua identificação ao microscópio ótico comum. No material examinado, foi possível verificar a presença de miracídio em ovo de Schistosoma mansoni, forma larvada em ovo de T. trichiura e esporozoitos em oocistos de I. belli.

A reassessment was carried out on the preservation status of helminth eggs and protozoan cysts maintained for about 40 years in 0.2% potassium iodine‑mercurate solution. It was observed that Schistosoma mansoni, Ancylostomidae and Trichiuris trichiura eggs and Isospora belli oocysts were kept in conditions suitable for their identification under a common light microscope. In the examined material, it was possible to verify the presence of miracidium in S. mansoni egg, larvae in T. trichiura egg and sporozoites in I. belli oocysts.

Development of a new protocol for freeze-drying preservation of Pseudoalteromonas nigrifaciens and its protective effect on other marine bacteria

Background: Freeze-drying is known as one of the best methods to preserve bacterial strains. Protectant is the key factor affecting the survival rate of freeze-dried strains. In addition, salinity, bacterial suspension concentration, drying time, and other factors can also affect the survival rate of strains to varying degrees. At present, there are relatively few studies on freeze-drying preservation of marine bacteria. In the present study, we performed the freeze-drying protectant screening and optimized the preservation conditions for Pseudoalteromonas nigrifaciens, which is widely distributed in marine environment. The protective effects of the screened protectants were verified by 18 other marine bacterial strains. Results: The results indicated that the combination of 5.0% (w/v) lactose, 5.0% (w/v) mannitol, 5.0% (w/v) trehalose, 10.0% (w/v) skim milk powder, 0.5% (w/v) ascorbic acid and 0.5% (w/v) gelatin was the best choice for the preservation of P. nigrifaciens. The suggested salinity and concentration of initial cell suspension were 10 g/L NaCl and 1.0 × 109 CFU/mL, respectively. Furthermore, stationary-phase cells were the best choice for the freeze-drying process. The highest survival rate of P. nigrifaciens reached 52.8% when using 5­10% (w/v) skim milk as rehydration medium. Moreover, the other 18 marine strains belonging to Pseudoalteromonas, Vibrio, Photobacterium, Planomicrobium, Edwardsiella, Enterococcus, Bacillus, and Saccharomyces were freezedried under the abovementioned conditions. Their survival rates were 2.3­95.1%. Conclusion: Collectively, our results supported that the protectant mixture and parameters were beneficial for lyophilization of marine bacteria

National production of certified reference fungal cultures / Producción nacional de cultivos fúngicos de referencia certificados

Reference fungal cultures (RFCs) are essential for the internal quality control of laboratories. The production of these cultures requires standardized procedures (IRAM 14950:2016 and ISO 17034:2016 standards) carried out by a recognized and accredited laboratory. The aim of this work was to produce RFC in paper disks of autochthonous strains, characterized by two, homogeneous and stable reference methods traceable at species level. RFC were produced using 14 regional species (7 yeasts and 7 filamentous fungi) from the fungal culture collection (DMic). Paper disks were impregnated with a culture suspension, dried and packed. Homogeneity, viability, identity and purity were verified. Short-and long-term stability at different temperatures and storage times were studied. Characterization of each strain allowed to confirm its identity and to ensure its traceability at international level. Produced batches were homogeneous and stable at -20 ±5 °C for 30 months. This method of production was adequate to produce homogeneous and stable RFC with phenotypic and genotypic characteristics correctly defined and internationally traceable. Standardized procedures were developed for the production of certified RFC that could be transferred to other microorganisms. Providing RFC that represent regional strains allows laboratories to produce more reliable results with a favorable impact on medical diagnosis, the environment or the food industry.

Los cultivos microbianos de referencia (CR) son imprescindibles para el control de calidad interno de los laboratorios. Asegurar su producción requiere de procedimientos estandarizados (IRAM 14950:2016 e ISO 17034:2016) realizados en un laboratorio reconocido y acreditado. El objetivo de este estudio fue producir cultivos fúngicos de referencia en discos de papel, a partir de un panel de cultivos autóctonos caracterizados por dos métodos de referencia, trazables a nivel taxonómico de especie, homogéneos y estables. Se produjeron CR de 14 especies circulantes en Argentina (7 de levaduras y 7 de hongos miceliales), depositadas en la colección de hongos de interés médico (DMic). Los discos de papel fueron embebidos con una suspensión del cultivo por producir, secados y envasados. Se verificó la homogeneidad, viabilidad, identidad y pureza de cada lote. Se evaluó la estabilidad a corto y largo plazo a distintas temperaturas y tiempos de almacenamiento. La caracterización de cada CR nos permitió confirmar su identidad y asegurar su trazabilidad a nivel internacional. Los lotes producidos fueron homogéneos y estables durante 30 meses conservados a -20 ±5 °C. Este método resultó adecuado para producir CR homogéneos y estables, con características fenotípicas y genotípicas correctamente definidas y trazables a nivel internacional. Los procedimientos estandarizados desarrollados en este trabajo pueden ser transferidos para producir CR certificados de otros microorganismos. La provisión de CR que represente cepas regionales permite a los laboratorios producir resultados más confiables con un impacto favorable en el diagnóstico médico, los estudios ambientales y la industria alimenticia.

Conceptos fundamentales del protocolo modificado de plastinación a temperatura ambiente con silicona, con posterior pigmentación, y su aplicación para la conservación de placenta humana / Fundamental concepts of the modified room temperature plastination protocol with silicone, with subsequent pigmentation, and its application for the conservation of human placenta

RESUMEN: El auge experimentado en los últimos años en la aplicación de las técnicas anatómicas para la conservación de muestras anatómicas está directamente relacionado con la necesidad de preservación de los escasos especímenes con que cuentan las instituciones universitarias en relación a aumentar el tiempo de utilización del mismo. En este sentido, la plastinación es la técnica anatómica que más se destaca y que permite preservar por tiempo indeterminado, sin toxicidad, las preparaciones anatómicas. Presentamos el protocolo modificado de plastinación a temperatura ambiente con silicona, desarrollado en el Laboratorio de Plastinación y Técnicas Anatómicas de la Universidad de La Frontera, con el objetivo de aplicarla a la conservación de una placenta humana, la cual posteriormente fue pigmentada para otorgarle un aspecto más cercano a lo real.

SUMMARY: The surge experienced in recent years in the application of anatomical techniques for the conservation of anatomical samples is directly related to the need to preserve the few specimens that university institutions have in relation to increase the time of use of the same. In this sense, the plastination is the anatomical technique that stands out and that allows to preserve indefinitely, without toxicity, the anatomical preparations. We present the modified plastination protocol at room temperature with silicone, developed in the Laboratory of Plastination and Anatomical Techniques of the University of La Frontera, with the aim of applying it to the conservation of a human placenta, which was subsequently pigmented to give it an appearance closer to the real.

Screening of endophytic fungi stored in a culture collection for taxol production

Abstract In this work, four isolates of endophytic fungi (Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum gloesporioides, Glomerella cingulata and Nigrospora sphaerica), deposited in the culture collection 'University Recife Mycologia' (URM) at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, were characterized for the genes ITS 1 and 4 (region 5.8 S) and evaluated for taxol production.

Impacto de métodos de preservação na caracterização por taxonomia polifásica de isolados de sporothrix spp / Impact of preservation methods on polyphasic taxonomy characterization of sporothrix spp isolates

Os métodos de preservação empregados em micologia buscam manter a viabilidade e a estabilidade das características fenotípicas e genéticas. Entretanto, alterações podem ocorrer dependendo da metodologia empregada. Atualmente são escassos os dados da estabilidade dos isolados de Sporothrix spp., incluindo perfis fenotípicos, genotípicos e proteômicos após o armazenamento. Com a recente descrição das novas espécies patogênicas, para o homem e outros mamíferos, torna-se necessário o armazenamento desses fungos em coleções de culturas para estudos futuros, possibilitando maior conhecimento sobre a taxonomia, fisiologia e virulência de Sporothrix spp. Portanto, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar métodos de preservação que permitam manter a estabilidade dos perfis fenotípicos, genotípicos e proteômicos dos isolados de Sporothrix spp.. Com esse propósito foram utilizados 8 isolados de Sporotrix spp., armazenados por três diferentes métodos. Preservação em água destilada, sob refrigeração a 4ºC e criopreservação a -80°C, por períodos de 6, 12, 18 e 24 meses de armazenamento. Os isolados foram identificados pelo sequenciamento parcial dos genes calmodulina e ß-tubulina e pela PCR fingerprinting. A estabilidade do fenótipo foi realizada, por meio das provas fenotípicas sugeridas na chave de identificação das espécies de Sporothrix spp. que incluem: morfologia dos conídios, diâmetro da colônia a 30°C, teste de termotolerância a 37°C e assimilação de carboidratos, glicose sacarose e rafinose. O dimorfismo também foi avaliado após a preservação. A estabilidade genotípica foi realizada por meio do sequenciamento parcial do gene codificador da ß-tubulina

A estabilidade proteômica foi realizada por espectrometria de massa (MALDI-TOF MS), após 24 meses de preservação. Todos os isolados foram recuperados dos três métodos em todos os períodos avaliados. No entanto, os isolados preservados em água destilada apresentaram contaminações. Alterações morfológicas foram observadas após preservação a -80°C, um isolado deixou de apresentar colônia pigmentada e conídios demáceos. O diâmetro das colônias assim como a termotolerância permaneceram estáveis nos três métodos. A principal alteração ocorreu com o perfil de assimilação de carboidratos e essa variação modificou a identificação das espécies pela chave taxonômica. A estabilidade genotípica para o gene codificador da ß-tubulina foi preservada após 24 meses em ambos os métodos de armazenamento. Entretanto, baixo polimorfismo foi detectado após preservação em água destilada. Os isolados foram identificados corretamente por espectometria de massa após o armazenamento, porém alterações no perfil protéico foram observadas. O método de preservação a 4°C foi o mais efetivo para preservar os isolados de Sporothrix spp., manteve estável a maioria das características fenotípicas, como também a estabilidade do genótipo por até 24 meses de armazenamento. Esse é um método simples e de baixo custo que pode seu usado em laboratórios de recursos limitados como, um método alternativo de preservação. (AU)

Evaluation of the gelatin technique for the preservation of phytopathogenic fungi / Avaliação da técnica da gelatina para preservação de fungos fitopatogênicos

The preservation methods for fungi have great importance in ex situ collections, representing important biological heritage, useful for mycologists and plant pathologists in several scientific works. However, there is a lack of studies for a suiTable and efficient preservation method for the different groups of fungi. Although, the most appropriate is the one that maintain, even after long periods, the original characteristics of culture: viability, sporulation and pathogenicity, excluding mutations and undesirable contamination. The choice will depend of the laboratory infrastructure, microorganism, objectives, preferences and knowledge of the researcher. We conducted this study inside the Laboratory of Mycology and Plant Protection (LAMIP) in UFU (Universidade Federal de Uberlândia), localized in Uberlândia (MG), Brazil. The objective was to evaluate the gelatin preservation method (17 cultures), never used before for phytopathogenic fungi. Other classical methods were concomitantly evaluated, such as sterile soil (68 cultures), resistant structures (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) in 4°C (10 strains) and mineral oil (31 cultures). We examined the time for maintaining the viability, sporulation and colonization in host tissues preserved in different dates. The gelatin method remained viability in 10 cultures; this method is suiTable for preservation of the genera and species: Colletotrichum spp., Septoria spp., Fusarium spp., F. moniliforme var. subglutinans, Macrophomina spp., Phomopsis spp. and Verticillium spp. The viability remained in 38 strains of sterile soil, three of mineral oil, and one strain of sclerotia reached a maximum preservation time in 4°C of four years.

Os métodos de preservação de fungos têm grande importância em coleções ex situ, representando importante patrimônio biológico, útil para micologistas e fitopatologista como suporte para vários trabalhos científicos. Não existe um método de preservação adequado e eficiente para os diferentes grupos de fungos, entretanto, o mais apropriado é o que mantém, mesmo após longos períodos, as características originais da cultura: viabilidade, esporulação e patogenicidade, excluindo mutações e contaminação indesejável. A escolha dependerá da infra-estrutura laboratorial, microorganismo, objetivos, preferências e conhecimentos do pesquisador. Este trabalho foi realizado no Laboratório de Micologia e Proteção Vegetal (LAMIP) da UFU (Universidade Federal de Uberlândia), localizado em Uberlândia (MG), Brasil. O objetivo foi avaliar o método de preservação da gelatina (17 culturas), nunca testado antes para fungos fitopatogêncios. Concomitantemente foram avaliados métodos clássicos, como solo estéril (68 culturas), escleródios (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) em 4 ° C (10 isolados) e óleo mineral (31 culturas). Avaliou-se a manutenção na viabilidade, esporulação e patogenicidade dos isolados. O método da gelatina manteve a viabilidade em 10 culturas, sendo adequado para a preservação dos gêneros e espécies: Colletotrichum spp., Septoria spp., Fusarium spp., F. moniliforme var. subglutinans, Macrophomina spp., Phomopsis spp. e Verticillium spp. A viabilidade foi mantida em 38 isolados em solo estéril, três isolados em óleo mineral e um apenas um isolado de escleródio atingiu um tempo máximo de preservação de quatro anos.

Organización y conservación de la colección de hongos patógenos y simbiontes de insectos y otros artrópodos del CEPAVE (CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Argentina / Organization and preservation of the collection of pathogenic and fungal symbionts of insects and other arthropods from CEPAVE (CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Argentina

La colección de hongos patógenos y simbiontes de insectos y otros artrópodos del Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores es única por sus características específicas en la Argentina y por preservar hongos en cultivo, in vitro e in vivo. Esta colección está abierta para actividades de investigación, docencia, servicios y asesoramiento público y privado. Un total de 421 aislamientos pertenecientes a 23 géneros (Ascomycota: 16, Entomophthoromycotina: 4 Glomeromycota: 2 y Oomycota: 1) son preservados en la colección mediante diversos métodos: criopreservación en freezer a −20 °C y −70 °C, agua destilada estéril, papel, arena y liofilización. Las cepas que integran la colección fueron aisladas de insectos y de otros artrópodos; y a partir de suelo (usando insectos trampa o aislamiento directo en medios selectivos). La identificación se realizó mediante estudios de caracterización morfológicos y, en algunos casos, por taxonomía molecular. Esta colección se utiliza como centro de referencia para identificación de especies, certificaciones, estudios de investigación y docencia, transferencia tecnológica, servicios a terceros, depósito de cepas y preservación de la diversidad y conservación del germoplasma. Las cepas preservadas son, en su mayor parte, nativas de distintas regiones de la Argentina. La colección fue originada en el año 1988 y está registrada en la base de la Federación Latinoamericana de Colecciones de Cultivos y en la World Federation of Culture Collections.

The collection of fungal pathogens and symbionts of insects and other arthropods of the Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, La Plata, Argentina, is unique because it preserves in vivo and in vitro cultures of fungal pathogens. This culture collection is open for research, teaching, consulting services, and strain deposit. It contains 421 strains belonging to 23 genera (16 Ascomycota, 4 Entomophthoromycotina, 2 Glomeromycota and 1 Oomycota), and the cultures are preserved by different methods such as cryopreservation in freezer at −20 °C and −70 °C, paper, distilled water and lyophilization. Fungi were isolated from insects, other arthropods, and soil (by using insect baits and selective media). Species were identified by morphological features and in a few strains by molecular taxonomy (PCR of rDNA). This collection is a reference center for species identification/certifications, research and teaching purposes, strain deposit, transference and consultancy services, and its overall goal is to preserve the fungal germplasm and ex situ diversity. Most of the strains are native of Argentina. The collection was originated in 1988 and is registered in the Latin American Federation for Culture Collections and in the World Federation of Culture Collections.

Mycotic aneurysm in pregnancy: A case report / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Reported is a case of a 20-year old G2P1 (1001) Pregnancy Uterine 22 weeks age of gestation (AOG), who suffered three episodes of aneurysmal rupture over a period of almost 8 weeks, the last being fatal occurring on the 27th week AOG, despite aggressive antimicrobial treatment, insertion of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and clinically improving neurologic status. The patient succumbed to subarachnoid hemorrhage resulting from the third aneurysmal rupture. Mycotic aneurysm is a serious and catastrophic clinical condition, more so in a pregnant patient wherein management options are limited in order to preserve pregnancy.This report will discuss the first documented case in the Philippines of mycotic aneurysm in pregnancy secondary to a valvular heart disease, to increase awareness on such cases for timely diagnosis and management.

Alternative approaches to preserve MSC progenitor potency

No abstract available.

Proposta para governança ambiental ante os dilemas socioambientais urbanos / Proposal for environmental governance in the face of urban social and environmental dilemmas

Dados a complexidade socioambiental característica da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo e os problemas e conflitos decorrentes da forma de uso e ocupação do espaço, que gerou novos dilemas, iniquidades e desigualdades sociais, como pensar no enfrentamento de questões complexas e caóticas à luz do paradigma atual de conhecimentos? Como se colocar diante desse cenário de degradação socioambiental? Como pensar no desenvolvimento de políticas públicas ambientalmente efetivas e socialmente justas? Discutiremos aqui uma proposta de governança que promove a conservação ambiental, patrimonial e a sustentabilidade local considerando as relações entre diferentes tipos de saberes, por meio do diálogo e da participação na construção de políticas públicas. Estudos realizados no Geoparque Ciclo do Ouro, em Guarulhos (SP), mostraram serem possíveis alternativas de governabilidade em sistemas complexos diante de dilemas socioambientais urbanos contemporâneos. O Geoparque como proposta de gestão e governança ambiental contribui para preservação e geração de serviços ecossistêmicos com implicações diretas para o lugar e, consequentemente, para o seu entorno.(AU)

Given the environmental complexity characteristic of the city of São Paulo and its environs, the problems and conflicts deriving from use and occupation of space and generating new dilemmas, inequities and inequalities, how does one face the complex and chaotic issues in light of the current knowledge paradigm? How does one place oneself before a scenario of environmental degradation? How does one think about the development of environmentally effective and socially just public policies? This paper discusses a proposal of environmental governance that promotes environmental, heritage conservation and local sustainability by considering the relationships between different types of knowledge through dialogue and participation. Studies carried out at the Ciclo de Ouro Geopark in Guarulhos (SP) show that there are alternatives to the governance of complex systems in face if contemporary urban environmental dilemmas. The Geopark as model for the environmental management and governance contributes to preservation and generation of ecosystem services with direct implications to the site and, consequently, to its surroundings.(AU)

The chilean network of microbial culture collections: establishment and operation / Red chilena de colecciones de cultivos microbianos: establecimiento y operación

According to the data available at the World Data Center for Microorganism-WDCM from the World Federation for Culture Collection-WFCC, Chile has four registered culture collections that preserve 2777 microbial strains. At the global point of view, the culture collections in Chile are in different level of operation regarding its own infrastructure and compliancy with quality standards for preservation of strains and for services provide. The absence of funding to support the preservation of the Chilean microbial assets is a key issue for the development of the Chilean bioeconomy. Considering this, the Chilean culture collections started working together to establish the Chilean Network of Microbial Culture Collections (RCCCM, acronym in Spanish). In this note, the establishment and operation of the RCCCM is presented and discussed.

De acuerdo con los datos disponibles en el World Data Center for Microorganism-WDCM de la Federación Mundial para la Colección de Cultivos - WFCC, Chile tiene cuatro colecciones de cultivos registradas que preservan 2777 cepas microbianas. Desde el punto de vista global, las colecciones de cultivos en Chile se encuentran en diferentes niveles de operación con respecto a su propia infraestructura y cumplimiento con estándares de calidad para la preservación de las cepas y para los servicios que proporcionan. La ausencia de financiamiento para apoyar la preservación de los activos microbianos chilenos es un tema clave para el desarrollo de la bioeconomía chilena. Considerando esto, las colecciones chilenas de cultivos comenzaron a trabajar conjuntamente para establecer la Red Chilena de Colecciones de Cultivos Microbianos (RCCCM). En esta nota se presenta y discute el establecimiento y funcionamiento de la RCCCM.

Evaluation of a fungal collection as certified reference material producer and as a biological resource center

Abstract Considering the absence of standards for culture collections and more specifically for biological resource centers in the world, in addition to the absence of certified biological material in Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate a Fungal Collection from Fiocruz, as a producer of certified reference material and as Biological Resource Center (BRC). For this evaluation, a checklist based on the requirements of ABNT ISO GUIA34:2012 correlated with the ABNT NBR ISO/IEC17025:2005, was designed and applied. Complementing the implementation of the checklist, an internal audit was performed. An evaluation of this Collection as a BRC was also conducted following the requirements of the NIT-DICLA-061, the Brazilian internal standard from Inmetro, based on ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17025:2005, ABNT ISO GUIA 34:2012 and OECD Best Practice Guidelines for BRCs. This was the first time that the NIT DICLA-061 was applied in a culture collection during an internal audit. The assessments enabled the proposal for the adequacy of this Collection to assure the implementation of the management system for their future accreditation by Inmetro as a certified reference material producer as well as its future accreditation as a Biological Resource Center according to the NIT-DICLA-061.

Socio-environmental and microbiological assessment of the river Piancó, Pombal, Brazil / Avaliação socioambiental e microbiológica do rio Piancó, Pombal-Paraíba

The River Piancó in the municipality of Pombal on the western stretch of the state of Paraíba, Brazil, receives contaminated effluents. Current assay evaluates the microbiological quality of the river water and analyzes the social and environmental aspects of the riverine community with regard to the water and its use of the river. The water´s microbiological quality was verified at four sites on the river in five two- monthly collections throughout the year (totaling 20 samples) for the following analyses: Most Probably Number (MPN), Total (TC) and Fecal Coliform (FC) and identification of Escherichia coli. The social and environmental aspects were assessed by a 15-question questionnaire given to thirty homes. Results report Fecal Coliforms (> 240 to > 1,100 MPN 100 mL-1), Total (> 93 to > 1,100 MPN 100 mL-1) and high concentrations of E. coli (> 898 to > 1,100 UFC 100 mL-1) in all the sampling sites. The river is frequented by the riverine people for home consumption, recreation and fishing. Conditions of the River Piancó, especially in the stretch that margins the town of Pombal, are highly critical and exceed the limits of current Brazilian legislation with regard to drinking and swimming conditions.

O Rio Piancó, na sua porção oeste do Estado da Paraíba, no município de Pombal, recebe efluentes que têm causado a sua contaminação. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade microbiológica deste rio e analisar aspectos socioambientais da comunidade ribeirinha sobre a água e o uso do rio. A qualidade microbiológica foi verificada em quatro pontos do rio, em cinco coletas bimestrais ao longo do ano (20 amostras no total), para análises do Número Mais Provável (NMP), Coliformes Totais (CT) e Fecais (CF) e identificação da Escherichia coli. A avaliação socioambiental foi por meio da aplicação de um questionário socioambiental constituído por 15 perguntas, aplicados a uma população de 30 residências. Os resultados reportaram a presença de Coliformes Fecal (> 240 a > 1.100 NMP 100 mL-1), Total (> 93 a > 1.100 NMP 100 mL-1) e altas concentrações de E. coli (> 898 a > 1.100 UFC 100 mL-1) em todos os pontos amostrais. O rio é utilizado pelos moradores ribeirinhos, principalmente, para o consumo doméstico, a recreação primária e a pesca. A atual situação do Rio Piancó, na porção em que margeia a cidade de Pombal é crítica, ultrapassando todos os limites da legislação brasileira vigente quanto à potabilidade e balneabilidade da água do rio.

Physiologic parameters in female red-billed curassows (Crax blumenbachii) in rehabilitation / Parâmetros fisiológicos em fêmeas de mutum do Sudeste (Crax blumenbachii) em reabilitação

The present paper reports blood gas analysis, hematologic and micro bacteriologic information on four female Red-billed curassows, rescued from illegal wild animal trading, that were undergoing habilitation for reintroduction into the wild through Projeto Centrofauna/Botucatu-SP. There is a lack of physiological data on this species, endemic to the region of Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica), now under threat of extinction. This lack of information makes the clinical evaluation of these birds very difficult and has a direct and adverse effect on any of these birds received for medical treatment in hospitals, veterinary clinics and centers for research and conservation, as well as in reintroduction centers.

O presente artigo reporta dados inéditos de análise hemogasométrica, hematológica e bacteriológica de quatro fêmeas de Mutum do Sudeste, resgatadas do tráfico ilegal de animais silvestres e em processo de habilitação e reintrodução para vida-livre pelo Projeto Centrofauna, Botucatu/SP. Na literatura há uma falta de dados fisiológicos sobre esta espécie, endêmica da região da Mata Atlântica e ameaçada de extinção. Esta falta de informação faz com que avaliações clínicas nesta espécie aviária sejam muito difíceis de interpretar, causando um efeito direto e negativo nestas aves para a realização de tratamento médico em hospitais, clínicas veterinárias, centros de pesquisa e/ou conservação, bem como centros de reintrodução.

Relationship between gene polymorphism and milk production traits in Teleorman Black Head sheep breed / Relación entre el polimorfismo de genes y rasgos de producción de leche en la ovejas Teleorman cabeza negra

Objective. This study is a preliminary step of a larger national program aimed to develop a strategy for "in situ" preservation of Teleorman Black Head sheep population. In this paper we estimated the effect of β-lactoglobulin, casein and prolactin on some quantitative and qualitative milk traits in this local sheep population. Material and methods. Genotyping methodology included PCR for CSN3 (A and B alleles) and PCR-RFLP for LGB (A and B alleles) and PRL (T and C alleles), respectively. Repeated milking and milk composition analysis were used for the polymorphism effect estimation. Results. No association between CSN3 polymorphism and milk traits was found. Effect of LGB on production traits was quite constant. Genotype AA performed better than AA. PRL marker effect showed small differences than LGB. Concerning milk, fat and protein yield, AA genotype for PRL had a smaller positive impact than AA genotype for LGB. Regarding fat and protein content, PRL showed a negative effect for AA and positive for AA genotype, respectively. Conclusions. Positive association between LGB and milk yield and composition recommend this candidate gene like marker for a future MAS program. Although PRL gene is also associated with an increased milk quantity, inverse response over milk composition must be considered in MAS strategy. Our study demonstrated that both LGB and PRL markers could became an advent of MAS utilization in Romanian dairy sheep breeding industry.

Objetivo. Este estudio es un paso preliminar de un programa nacional más amplio destinado a desarrollar una estrategia para la conservación "in situ"de la población de ovejas Cabeza Negra de Teleorman. En este trabajo se estimó el efecto de la β-lactoglobulina, caseína y prolactina en algunos rasgos cuantitativos y cualitativos de la leche en esta población de ovejas locales. Material y métodos. Metodología de PCR para genotipificación incluido CSN3 (A y B alelos) y PCR-RFLP para LGB (A y B alelos) y PRL (T y C alelos). Análisis y composición de la leche de ordeños repetidos se utilizaron para estimación el efecto del polimorfismo. Resultados. No se encontró asociación entre el polimorfismo y la leche rasgos CSN3. Efecto de LGB en los rasgos de producción era bastante constante. Genotipo AA obtenido mejores resultados que AA. Efecto marcador PRL mostró pequeñas diferencias que LGB. En cuanto a la leche grasa y proteína el genotipo AA para PRL tuvo un impacto positivo más pequeño que el genotipo AA para LGB. En cuanto a contenido de grasa y proteína, PRL mostró un efecto negativo para AA y positivo para AA genotipo. Conclusiones. La asociación positiva entre LGB y la producción de leche y la composición recomienda este gen candidato como marcador para un futuro programa de MAS. Aunque gen PRL también se asocia con un incremento en la cantidad de leche, la respuesta inversa sobre composición de la leche debe ser considerado en la estrategia de MAS. Nuestro estudio demostró que los marcadores tanto LGB y PRL podrían venir a ser utilizados en MAS en la industria rumana de cría de ovejas lecheras.

Maintenance of brazilian biodiversity by germplasm bank / Manutenção da biodiversidade brasileira através de bancos de germoplasma

Currently the importance of using alternative strategies for biodiversity conservation is emphasized and since the establishment of germplasm bank is an alternative to the conservation of endangered species. This is a technique of great importance for the maintenance of Brazilian fauna. Since the early70'sthere was a growing concern about the need to preserve essential genetic resources for food and agriculture, mainly for conservation of genetic material from farm animals. Thus was created the Brasilia Zoo, in July 2010, the first Germplasm Bank of Wild Animals in Latin America, as an alternative strategy for the conservation of threatened or endangered species, using both gametes and somatic cells and stem cells. Then we argue to create new banks or research networks among different regions with aimed to tissue preservation.

Atualmente, a importância do uso de estratégias alternativas para a preservação da biodiversidade é ressaltada e, visto que a criação de bancos de germoplasma é uma alternativa para a conservação de espécies ameaçadas, esta é uma técnica de suma importância para a manutenção da fauna brasileira. Desde o começo da década de 70 houve uma crescente preocupação sobre a necessidade de se preservar recursos genéticos essenciais para alimentação e agricultura, voltados principalmente, para a conservação de material genético de animais de produção. Deste modo, foi criado pelo Jardim Zoológico de Brasília, em julho de 2010, o primeiro Banco de Germoplasma de Animais Selvagens da América Latina, como uma estratégia alternativa para a conservação de espécies ameaçadas ou em perigo de extinção, utilizando tanto gametas como células somáticas e células-tronco. Com isto ponderamos na criação de novos bancos ou redes de pesquisa inter-regionais que foquem nesta preservação tecidual.