Diversity of Anopheles spp. (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Amazonian Urban Area.

The genus Anopheles encompasses several species considered as vectors of human infecting Plasmodium. Environmental changes are responsible for behavior changes in these vectors and therefore the pattern of malaria transmission. To better understand the dynamics of malaria transmission, this study aimed at identify the species of adult anophelines found in a malaria endemic urban area of the Amazon region, Mâncio Lima, located in the Acre State Brazil. Using Shannon-type light traps installed at 11 collection points near fish ponds, a total of 116 anophelines were collected belonging to nine species. Anopheles darlingi Root 1926 and An. albitarsis s.l. Lynch-Arribalzaga 1878 were the most abundant and predominant species. Despite the low number of captured adult anophelines, the occurrence of An. darlingi throughout all urban area and the presence of secondary vectors reinforce the need of a permanent and continuous entomological surveillance.

Hiperplasia fibroepitelial mamária felina (HFMF): novas perspectivas de regulação endócrina / Feline mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia (FMFH): new perspectives of endocrine control

O controle da mamogênese, que inicia na fase embrionária e continua ao longo das várias etapas reprodutivas da fêmea, ainda não foi totalmente elucidado. Pesquisas nessa área geralmente são conduzidas com espécies produtoras de leite para fins comerciais, mas podem auxiliar nas investigações sobre a patogenia da hiperplasia fibroepitelial mamária felina (HFMF). Caracterizada como um fenômeno de crescimento anabólico que ocorre somente em algumas gatas, com proliferação celular nas estruturas alveolares, tanto no epitélio luminal quanto no mioepitélio, a HFMF pode exacerbar ao ponto de romper a pele e expor o parênquima mamário. Do ponto de vista endócrino, observa-se o envolvimento da progesterona, tanto endógena quanto exógena, aliada a uma sinergia com Hormônio do Crescimento (GH) e Fator de crescimento semelhante a insulina-1 (IGF-1). Todavia, a interação com outros hormônios envolvidos na mamogênese ainda é um campo aberto à pesquisa. Objetiva-se com esta revisão discorrer sobre os hormônios e fatores de crescimento celular relacionados à mamogênese e ocorrência de HFMF.

The control of mamogenesis, which starts on embryonic phase and continues throughout many female reproductive phases, was not fully understood. Researches on this field are commonly performed with dairy species, but support investigations focused on Feline mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia (FMFH) pathogenesis. Characterized as a phenomenon of anabolic growth that occurs in few female cats, with alveolar proliferation in both luminal and myoepithelial cells, the FMFH can exacerbated and expose mammary parenchyma due to skin disruption. Endocrinologically it is observed participation of endogenous and exogenous progesterone, associated to synergism with Growth hormone (GH) and Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). However, interaction with other hormones enrolled on mammogenesis remains an open field to research. The goal of this review is to discuss about hormones and cellular growth factors related to mammogenesis and FMFH occurrence.

Hiperplasia fibroepitelial mamária felina (HFMF): novas perspectivas de regulação endócrina / Feline mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia (FMFH): new perspectives of endocrine control

O controle da mamogênese, que inicia na fase embrionária e continua ao longo das várias etapas reprodutivas da fêmea, ainda não foi totalmente elucidado. Pesquisas nessa área geralmente são conduzidas com espécies produtoras de leite para fins comerciais, mas podem auxiliar nas investigações sobre a patogenia da hiperplasia fibroepitelial mamária felina (HFMF). Caracterizada como um fenômeno de crescimento anabólico que ocorre somente em algumas gatas, com proliferação celular nas estruturas alveolares, tanto no epitélio luminal quanto no mioepitélio, a HFMF pode exacerbar ao ponto de romper a pele e expor o parênquima mamário. Do ponto de vista endócrino, observa-se o envolvimento da progesterona, tanto endógena quanto exógena, aliada a uma sinergia com Hormônio do Crescimento (GH) e Fator de crescimento semelhante a insulina-1 (IGF-1). Todavia, a interação com outros hormônios envolvidos na mamogênese ainda é um campo aberto à pesquisa. Objetiva-se com esta revisão discorrer sobre os hormônios e fatores de crescimento celular relacionados à mamogênese e ocorrência de HFMF.(AU)

The control of mamogenesis, which starts on embryonic phase and continues throughout many female reproductive phases, was not fully understood. Researches on this field are commonly performed with dairy species, but support investigations focused on Feline mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia (FMFH) pathogenesis. Characterized as a phenomenon of anabolic growth that occurs in few female cats, with alveolar proliferation in both luminal and myoepithelial cells, the FMFH can exacerbated and expose mammary parenchyma due to skin disruption. Endocrinologically it is observed participation of endogenous and exogenous progesterone, associated to synergism with Growth hormone (GH) and Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). However, interaction with other hormones enrolled on mammogenesis remains an open field to research. The goal of this review is to discuss about hormones and cellular growth factors related to mammogenesis and FMFH occurrence.(AU)

Murine melanoma cells incomplete reprogramming using non-viral vector.

OBJECTIVES: The reprogramming of cancer cells into induced pluripotent stem cells or less aggressive cancer cells can provide a modern platform to study cancer-related genes and their interactions with cell environment before and after reprogramming. Herein, we aimed to investigate the reprogramming capacity of murine melanoma B16F10 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The B16F10 was transfected using non-viral circular DNA plasmid containing the genes Sox-2, Oct4, Nanog, Lin28 and green fluorescent protein (GFP). These cells were characterized by immunofluorescence, analysis RT-PCR and cell cycle. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated for the first time that reprogramming of B16F10 may be induced using non-viral minicircle DNA containing the four reprogramming factors Oct4, Sox2, Lin 28, Nanog (OSLN) and the GFP reporter gene. The resulting clones are composed by epithelioid cells. These cells display characteristics of cancer stem cells, thus expressing pluripotent stem cell markers and dividing asymmetrically and symmetrically. Reprogrammed B16F10 cells did not form teratomas; however, they showed the suppression of tumourigenic abilities characterized by a reduced tumour size, when compared with parental B16F10 cell line. In contrast to parental cell line that showed accumulation of the cells in S phase of cell cycle, the cells of reprogrammed clones are accumulated in G1 phase. Long-term cultivation of reprogrammed B16F10 cells induces regression of their reprogramming. CONCLUSIONS: Our data imply that in result of reprogramming of B16F10 cells less aggressive Murine Melanoma Reprogrammed Cancer Cells may be obtained. These cells represent an interesting model to study mechanism of cells malignancy as well as provide a novel tool for anti-cancer drugs screening.

Sperm dimorphism in the Triatoma brasiliensis species complex and its applications.

Morphological and structural features of the sperm of the Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva, 1911 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) species complex were examined in this first study investigating the sperm of Heteroptera and the genus Triatoma. Males were dissected and their seminal vesicles removed. For measurement, seminal vesicles were squashed on glass slides, spread, fixed and observed under a photomicroscope. The images were analysed and measures of sperm were made. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test to detect differentiation among taxa. Furthermore, seminal vesicles were prepared for studies of transmission electron microscopy. All taxa studied showed polymorphic (short and long) sperm. The sperm of Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma was significantly longer (in total length) than that of the other four members of the complex, which supports the hypothesis of hybrid speciation of this member of the complex as an increase in the size of typical hybrids under heterosis was previously shown. The sperm cells of the five taxa have similar ultrastructural morphology. The ultrastructural features observed confirm the hypothesis, raised by previous studies, that they are synapomorphic to the suborder Heteroptera.

Role of the Na+/K+-ATPase ion pump in male reproduction and embryo development.

Na+/K+-ATPase was one of the first ion pumps studied because of its importance in maintaining osmotic and ionic balances between intracellular and extracellular environments, through the exchange of three Na+ ions out and two K+ ions into a cell. This enzyme, which comprises two main subunits (α and ß), with or without an auxiliary polypeptide (γ), can have specific biochemical properties depending on the expression of associated isoforms (α1ß1 and/or α2ß1) in the cell. In addition to the importance of Na+/K+-ATPase in ensuring the function of many tissues (e.g. brain, heart and kidney), in the reproductive tract this protein is essential for embryo development because of its roles in blastocoel formation and embryo hatching. In the context of male reproduction, the discovery of a very specific subunit (α4), apparently restricted to male germ cells, only expressed after puberty and able to influence sperm function (e.g. motility and capacitation), opened a remarkable field for further investigations regarding sperm biology. Therefore, the present review focuses on the importance of Na+/K+-ATPase on male reproduction and embryo development.

Influence of catalase and pre-freezing equilibration on post-thaw semen quality and conception rate in ewes laparoscopically inseminated

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of catalase and pre-freezing equilibration during ram sperm cryopreservation on motility and membrane and acrosomal integrity of frozen-thawed semen, as well as conception rate following laparoscopic timedinsemination. Semen was collected from four mature Dorper rams, pooled and diluted in Tris egg-yolk extender basic solution (CON), or this solution supplemented with catalase (CAT; 20 U/100 × 106 sperm). Extended semen was packaged in 0.25 ml mini straws (25 × 106 sperm/straw), chilled (to 5°C), and then either frozen immediately (CON and CAT) or maintained at 5°C for 12 h of pre-freezing equilibration (CON12 and CAT12). Immediately after thawing and at 1 h after incubation at 37°C, kinematic parameters (CASA), plasma membrane integrity (PI-FITC), and acrosomal status (FITC-PNA) of sperm were assessed. There were no significant differences among the four groups on sperm traits evaluated immediately postthaw. However, after 1 h of incubation, total motility (46.7 and 25.0%) and plasma membrane integrity (38.7 and 25.7%) were higher (P < 0.05) in CAT12 than CON. When these two treatments were used for laparoscopic timed artificial insemination of ewes (with synchronized ovulation), conception rate was similar for CAT12 and CON (32.8%, n = 61 vs. 27.3%, n = 55). In conclusion, the combination of catalase and pre-freezing equilibration resulted in significantly improved quality of post-thawed ram semen without affecting conception rate in fixed-time laparoscopically intrauterine inseminated ewes.

Influence of catalase and pre-freezing equilibration on post-thaw semen quality and conception rate in ewes laparoscopically inseminated

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of catalase and pre-freezing equilibration during ram sperm cryopreservation on motility and membrane and acrosomal integrity of frozen-thawed semen, as well as conception rate following laparoscopic timedinsemination. Semen was collected from four mature Dorper rams, pooled and diluted in Tris egg-yolk extender basic solution (CON), or this solution supplemented with catalase (CAT; 20 U/100 × 106 sperm). Extended semen was packaged in 0.25 ml mini straws (25 × 106 sperm/straw), chilled (to 5°C), and then either frozen immediately (CON and CAT) or maintained at 5°C for 12 h of pre-freezing equilibration (CON12 and CAT12). Immediately after thawing and at 1 h after incubation at 37°C, kinematic parameters (CASA), plasma membrane integrity (PI-FITC), and acrosomal status (FITC-PNA) of sperm were assessed. There were no significant differences among the four groups on sperm traits evaluated immediately postthaw. However, after 1 h of incubation, total motility (46.7 and 25.0%) and plasma membrane integrity (38.7 and 25.7%) were higher (P < 0.05) in CAT12 than CON. When these two treatments were used for laparoscopic timed artificial insemination of ewes (with synchronized ovulation), conception rate was similar for CAT12 and CON (32.8%, n = 61 vs. 27.3%, n = 55). In conclusion, the combination of catalase and pre-freezing equilibration resulted in significantly improved quality of post-thawed ram semen without affecting conception rate in fixed-time laparoscopically intrauterine inseminated ewes.(AU)

Fluoride gel supplemented with sodium hexametaphosphate reduces enamel erosive wear in situ.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of fluoride gels, supplemented or not with sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP), on enamel erosive wear in situ. METHODS: Twelve healthy volunteers wore palatal appliances containing four bovine enamel discs. Subjects were randomly allocated into four experimental phases (double-blind, crossover protocol) according to the gels: Placebo (no fluoride or HMP), 1% NaF, 2% NaF, and 1% NaF+9% HMP. Enamel discs were selected after polishing and surface hardness analysis, and treated only once with the respective gels prior to each experimental phase. Erosion (ERO) was performed by extra-oral immersion of the appliance in 0.05M citric acid, pH 3.2 (four times/day, five minutes each, 5 days). Additional abrasion (ERO+ABR) was produced on only two discs by toothbrushing with fluoridated dentifrice after ERO (four times/day, 30s, 5 days). The specimens were submitted to profilometry and hardness analysis. The results were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and the Student-Newman-Keuls test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The 1% NaF+9% HMP gel promoted significantly lower enamel wear for ERO compared to the other groups, being statistically lower than 1% NaF and Placebo for ERO+ABR. Similarly, the lowest values of integrated lesion area were found for 1% NaF+9% HMP and 2% NaF, respectively, for ERO and ERO+ABR. CONCLUSION: The addition of HMP to the 1% NaF gel promoted greater protective effect against ERO and ERO+ABR compared to the 1% NaF gel, achieving similar protective levels to those seen for the 2% NaF gel. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Gel containing 1% NaF+9% HMP showed a high anti-erosive potential, being a safer alternative when compared to a conventional 2% NaF gel.

Canine testicular disorders and their influence on sperm morphology

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of testicular disease on sperm morphology. The reproductive tracts of 33 dogs were evaluated clinically and with ultrasound, followed by orchiectomy and harvesting of fluid from the vas deferens to evaluate sperm morphology. A section from each testis was used to conduct histological analyses. Histological changes were noted in 71.2% of testes (47/66). Regardless of dog age, the most frequent pathology was testicular degeneration (80.8%; 38/47), whereas testicular tumors were observed only in adult and old dogs (25.9%; 7/27). Harvesting fluid from the vas deferens for sperm morphology assessment was effective in 87.9% of cases (58/66), and severe testicular degenerative processes induced an increase (P < 0.05) in the percentage of abnormal sperm when compared with normal testes or those with moderate testicular degeneration (special attention given to detached heads). In conclusion, regardless of dog age, breed or origin, a severe testicular degeneration process led to a significant increase in detached heads. Furthermore, the collection of sperm from the vas deferens proved to be an alternative and reliable technique for future research.

Canine testicular disorders and their influence on sperm morphology

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of testicular disease on sperm morphology. The reproductive tracts of 33 dogs were evaluated clinically and with ultrasound, followed by orchiectomy and harvesting of fluid from the vas deferens to evaluate sperm morphology. A section from each testis was used to conduct histological analyses. Histological changes were noted in 71.2% of testes (47/66). Regardless of dog age, the most frequent pathology was testicular degeneration (80.8%; 38/47), whereas testicular tumors were observed only in adult and old dogs (25.9%; 7/27). Harvesting fluid from the vas deferens for sperm morphology assessment was effective in 87.9% of cases (58/66), and severe testicular degenerative processes induced an increase (P < 0.05) in the percentage of abnormal sperm when compared with normal testes or those with moderate testicular degeneration (special attention given to detached heads). In conclusion, regardless of dog age, breed or origin, a severe testicular degeneration process led to a significant increase in detached heads. Furthermore, the collection of sperm from the vas deferens proved to be an alternative and reliable technique for future research.(AU)

Mechanism of the vasodilator effect of Euxanthone in rat small mesenteric arteries.

In the present work we investigated the mechanism involved in the vasodilator effect induced by euxanthone in rat small mesenteric arteries. We observed that euxanthone induced concentration-dependent vasodilatation in arteries by a mechanism independent on the release of endothelial factors, such as nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase-derived factors. In addition our results also suggest that euxanthone induced its vasodilator effect through inhibition of calcium-sensitive mechanisms activated by protein kinase C, rather than by inhibition of contractions dependent on the release of the intracellular calcium stores or by inhibition of voltage-operated calcium channels.

Carcinoma gastrico com estroma linfoide. / Gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma

Os autores relatam um caso de carcinoma gastrico com estroma linfoide, ressaltando a sinonimia, a incidencia, os criterios diagnosticos (macro e microscopicos), os diagnosticos diferenciais e o prognostico.Concordam que este tipo especial de neoplasia possui certas peculiaridades e por isto devera ser classificado separadamente