Phylogeny and historical biogeography of neotropical catfishes Trichomycterus (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from eastern Brazil.

The catfish subfamily Trichomycterinae is widely distributed in South America inhabiting several habitats, but specially mountain streams. Trichomycterus is the most speciose trichomycterid genus and recently due to his paraphyletic condition has been restricted to a clade from eastern Brazil called Trichomycterus sensu stricto comprising around 80 valid species distributed in seven areas of endemism of eastern Brazil. This paper aims to analyse the biogeographical events responsible for the distribution of Trichomycterus s.s., by reconstructing the ancestral data based on a time-calibrated multigene phylogeny. A multi-gene phylogeny was generated using 61 species of Trichomycterus s.s. and 30 outgroups, with divergence events calculated based on the estimated origin of Trichomycteridae. Two event-based analyses were applied to investigate the biogeographical events responsible the present distribution of Trichomycterus s.s. and suggest that the modern distribution of the group is a result of different vicariance and dispersal events. The diversification of Trichomycterus s.s. subgenera occurred in the Miocene, except for Megacambeva, with different biogeographical events shaping its distribution in eastern Brazil. An initial vicariant event split up the Fluminense ecoregion from the Northeastern Mata Atlantica + Paraíba do Sul + Fluminense + Ribeira do Iguape + Upper Paraná ecoregions. Dispersal events occurred mainly between Paraíba do Sul and neighboring river basins, with additional dispersal events from Northeastern Mata Atlantica to Paraíba do Sul, from São Francisco to Northeastern Mata Atlântica, and from Upper Paraná to São Francisco.

Phytochemical prospection and evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant and antibiofilm activities of extracts and essential oil from leaves of Myrsine umbellata Mart. (Primulaceae).

The species Myrsine umbellata is a native plant of Brazil, whose barks are traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat liver disorders and combat leprosy. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify the phytochemical prospection of ethanolic (EE) and acetonic (EA) extracts by colorimetric tests and by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the essential oil (EO) of M. umbellata leaves; evaluate the antimicrobial activity in front of standard ATCC strains by the broth microdilution technique; the antioxidant potential by DPPH reduction method and antibiofilm action by crystal violet assay and cell viability was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) based on optical density. Phytochemical prospection of EE and EA detected the presence of free steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids (flavones, flavononoids, flavonols and xanthons) and tannins in both extracts (EE and EA) and saponins only in EE. In EO, the majority compounds identified were elixene, caryophyllene (E), spatulenol, d-Cadinene and aromadendrene. EA showed antimicrobial activity with MIC and MBC/MFC values ranging from 3.12 to 100 mg.mL-1, highlighting its efficiency on the Gram-positive strain S. epidermidis. EE showed antimicrobial potential in the range of 3.12 to 200 mg.mL-1, and the Gram-negative E. coli strain was the most susceptible. However, OE showed bacteriostatic potential against S. Typhimurium, S. Abaetetuba, P. aeruginosa, and S. epidermidis strains. The ability to sequester free radicals was evident in EA extract with antioxidant activity of 89.55% and in EE with 63.05%. The antibiofilm potential was observed in EE extract which eradicated the mature biofilm biomass of all tested bacteria with high activity (50% to 84.28%) and EO also showed antibiofilm effect on mature biofilm of UEL enteroaggregative E. coli, S. aureus and S. Enteritidis strains with biomass reduction percentage of 63.74%, 68.04% and 86.19%, respectively. These results indicate the potential of M. umbellata extracts and as a source of plant bioactivity for the development of new alternative strategies for the control of planktonic or biofilm-resistant microorganisms.

Effects of estradiol cypionate dose as an ovulatory stimulus on reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows during the summer season.

This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of increasing doses of estradiol cypionate (ECP) on reproductive function of lactating dairy cows during the summer. In Exp. 1, 643 lactating Holstein cows were blocked by parity and assigned to receive 1) an intravaginal P4 device (1.9 g of P4) and 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate on day -11, 25 mg (i.m.) of dinoprost tromethamine on day -4, 1.0 mg (i.m.) of estradiol cypionate and CIDR withdrawal on day -2, followed by TAI on day 0 (n = 326; ECP-1) or 2) the same synchronization protocol with 2.0 mg of ECP on day -2 (n = 317; ECP-2). In both treatments, cows were TAI on day 0 of the protocol, and cow rectal temperature was measured on days -2, 0, and 7. In Exp. 2, 608 lactating crossbred Holstein × Gir dairy cows were blocked by parity and enrolled to the same treatments as in Exp. 1, but on day 7, cows received one viable embryo into the uterine horn. In Exp. 1, a greater percentage of ECP-2 cows were detected on estrus (81.3 vs. 91.1%, respectively). A treatment × body condition score (BCS) interaction was observed on day 60 pregnancy per AI (P/AI), as ECP-2 cows with a BCS <2.75 had a greater P/AI vs. ECP-1, but an opposite result was observed in cows with a BCS ≥2.75. Regardless of treatment, there were effects of mean rectal temperature and heat stress events on P/AI. Treatment affected the diameter of the ovulatory follicle at TAI (ECP-1 = 15.3 mm vs. ECP-2 = 14.8 mm) and a greater percentage of ECP-1 cows had larger follicles (≥16.5 mm), but ECP-2 resulted in a greater incidence of early ovulatory cows (ovulating before day 0). Therefore, follicle diameter at TAI affected P/AI on day 60 in cows receiving ECP-2 and tended to affect ECP-1 cows. A treatment effect was observed on time to estrus following ECP treatments and a reduced proportion of ECP-2 cows showed estrus at TAI. Regardless of treatment, cows detected on estrus 48 h after ECP administration had a greater P/AI on day 60 vs. cows detected on estrus 24 h. In Exp. 2, a greater percentage of ECP-2 cows were detected on estrus (68.3 vs. 81.4%, respectively). In summary, a greater dose of ECP increased the percentage of animals expressing estrus, but it did not benefit the reproductive function of lactating dairy cows during the summer, regardless if animals were assigned to a TAI or timed-embryo transfer (TET) protocol.

Genotypic variation of the interactive effects of elevated temperature and CO2 on leaf gas exchange and early growth of sugarcane.

Increased atmospheric CO2 and consequent increases in temperature are two prominent features of climate change, a major challenge to crops. Here, our objectives were to determine: (1) the responses of sugarcane during the first 90 days of elevated CO2 (ECO2 ) and elevated temperature (ETem), both individually and together, and (2) the genotypic variation of these responses. Eight varieties were grown both in open-top chambers in a factorial combination of ambient/ECO2 concentrations (344-351/777-779 ppm) and ambient/ETem (34.9-35.6/36.6-38.4°C) and in open fields. Significant treatment × variety interaction effects were observed on leaf net photosynthetic rate (An ), stomatal conductance (gs ), transpiration rate (El ), and instantaneous transpiration efficiency (TE ). In most varieties, ECO2 alone did not affect An, but the combination of ECO2 and ETem decreased An . ECO2 decreased gs and El while increasing TE in all varieties. These effects were amplified when ETem was combined with ECO2 . ETem alone had variable effects on An and gs depending on variety, while it increased El and did not affect TE in a majority of varieties. Germination, tillering and stem diameter were not affected by treatments and did not show varietal variation. Leaf water potential, chlorophyll (spad), leaf area, and aboveground dry weight per plant showed varietal variations but were not affected by treatments. The variable responses to ETem and the significant genotypic variation to ECO2 and elevated temperature (ETem) observed in this work, both individually and together, demonstrate a considerable scope to breed sugarcane varieties for a future high-CO2 and warmer climate.

Diving into the unknown: identification of antimicrobial resistance hotspots in a tropical urban estuary.

Antimicrobial resistance is widely studied and well-characterized from a clinical perspective. However, considerably less information is available regarding resistance in environmental settings, especially in aquatic habitats. This study presents data regarding the occurrence, distribution and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of bacteria isolated from Guanabara Bay (GB), a heavily polluted tropical urban estuary and an important tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Water samples from sites characterized by growing degrees of pollution were analysed by culture-dependent methods, revealing the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and clinically relevant indicators of antimicrobial resistance, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. Isolates were identified by mass spectrometry, which indicated the presence of potential human pathogens such as Aeromonas spp. and Vibrio spp. Bacteria harbouring beta-lactam resistance genes were also detected. Although GB is widely used as a recreational and fishing area, there is a substantial knowledge gap regarding the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and the risk that exposure to these waters poses to public health. Thus, this study reveals new information that calls for better comprehension of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic environments, especially those used for recreational purposes.

Lung consolidation caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae has a negative effect on productive performance and economic revenue in finishing pigs.

This study aimed to measure the impact of productivity and the consequent economic losses related to lung lesions caused by M. hyopneumoniae. Five-hundred 75 days-old pigs were selected and weighed at the beginning and at the end of the finishing phase to assess the average daily gain (ADG). These animals were evaluated at the slaughter, and samples were collected for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of M. hyopneumoniae DNA. The lungs of each pig were examined and classified into groups based on the extension of macroscopic lung lesions. Four-hundred eighty-six lungs were examined and 68.5% (n = 333) had macroscopic lung lesions. All pigs with lesions were positive for M. hyopneumoniae in qPCR. Linear mixed regression models (proc Glimmix) were performed on SAS to estimate the effect of macroscopic lung lesion scores on the ADG of finishing pigs. All pairwise comparisons among lesion score groups were performed using p < 0.05. For each increase of one percent in the lesion area, there was a decrease of 1.8 g in the daily weight gain. All the groups had a numerically lower ADG when compared to Group 1 (no lesions). The economic analysis was performed by simulation on Excel to estimate and compare the financial performance of the different lung lesion score groups. The negative correlation found between the group with no lung lesions and the group with more than 15.1% of lesions, showed a statistical difference in ADG, which could mean an opportunity to gain up to $ 6.55 per pig at slaughter. The presence of lesions causes the animals to decrease their productive potential, causing financial loss and generating impacts on the production system.

Congenital Uterine Malformation by Experts (CUME): diagnostic criteria for T-shaped uterus.

OBJECTIVES: To identify uterine measurements that are reliable and accurate to distinguish between T-shaped and normal/arcuate uterus, and define T-shaped uterus, using Congenital Uterine Malformation by Experts (CUME) methodology, which uses as reference standard the decision made most often by several independent experts. METHODS: This was a prospectively planned multirater reliability/agreement and diagnostic accuracy study, performed between November 2017 and December 2018, using a sample of 100 three-dimensional (3D) datasets of different uteri with lateral uterine cavity indentations, acquired from consecutive women between 2014 and 2016. Fifteen representative experts (five clinicians, five surgeons and five sonologists), blinded to each others' opinions, examined anonymized images of the coronal plane of each uterus and provided their independent opinion as to whether it was T-shaped or normal/arcuate; this formed the basis of the CUME reference standard, with the decision made most often (i.e. that chosen by eight or more of the 15 experts) for each uterus being considered the correct diagnosis for that uterus. Two other experienced observers, also blinded to the opinions of the other experts, then performed independently 15 sonographic measurements, using the original 3D datasets of each uterus. Agreement between the diagnoses made by the 15 experts was assessed using kappa and percent agreement. The interobserver reliability of measurements was assessed using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). The diagnostic test accuracy was assessed using the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC) and the best cut-off value was assessed by calculating Youden's index, according to the CUME reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive likelihood ratios (LR- and LR+) and post-test probability were calculated. RESULTS: According to the CUME reference standard, there were 20 T-shaped and 80 normal/arcuate uteri. Individual experts recognized between 5 and 35 (median, 19) T-shaped uteri on subjective judgment. The agreement among experts was 82% (kappa = 0.43). Three of the 15 sonographic measurements were identified as having good diagnostic test accuracy, according to the CUME reference standard: lateral indentation angle (AUC = 0.95), lateral internal indentation depth (AUC = 0.92) and T-angle (AUC = 0.87). Of these, T-angle had the best interobserver reproducibility (CCC = 0.87 vs 0.82 vs 0.62 for T-angle vs lateral indentation depth vs lateral indentation angle). The best cut-off values for these measurements were: lateral indentation angle ≤ 130° (sensitivity, 80%; specificity, 96%; LR+, 21.3; LR-, 0.21), lateral indentation depth ≥ 7 mm (sensitivity, 95%; specificity, 77.5%; LR+, 4.2; LR-, 0.06) and T-angle ≤ 40° (sensitivity, 80%; specificity, 87.5%; LR+, 6.4; LR-, 0.23). Most of the experts diagnosed the uterus as being T-shaped in 0% (0/56) of cases when none of these three criteria was met, in 10% (2/20) of cases when only one criterion was met, in 50% (5/10) of cases when two of the three criteria were met, and in 93% (13/14) of cases when all three criteria were met. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of T-shaped uterus is not easy; the agreement among experts was only moderate and the judgement of individual experts was commonly insufficient for accurate diagnosis. The three sonographic measurements with cut-offs that we identified (lateral internal indentation depth ≥ 7 mm, lateral indentation angle ≤ 130° and T-angle ≤ 40°) had good diagnostic test accuracy and fair-to-moderate reliability and, when applied in combination, they provided high post-test probability for T-shaped uterus. In the absence of other anomalies, we suggest considering a uterus to be normal when none or only one criterion is met, borderline when two criteria are met, and T-shaped when all three criteria are met. These three CUME criteria for defining T-shaped uterus may aid in determination of its prevalence, clinical implications and best management and in the assessment of post-surgical morphologic outcome. The CUME definition of T-shaped uterus may help in the development of interventional randomized controlled trials and observational studies and in the diagnosis of uterine morphology in everyday practice, and could be adopted by guidelines on uterine anomalies to enrich their classification systems. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Histopathological Characteristics of the Orbicularis Oculi Muscle After Lower Blepharoplasty With or Without Myotomy.

Lower blepharoplasty is a challenging aesthetic procedure. Despite advances in clinical and neuroanatomical studies related to orbicularis oculi muscle innervation, no study has examined its histopathological aspects in different lower blepharoplasty procedures. This study aimed to assess changes in the pretarsal muscle complex in patients treated with transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty with orbicularis myotomy versus those treated with transconjunctival blepharoplasty without myotomy. METHODS: A total of 268 patients underwent blepharoplasty performed by a single surgeon: transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty in 112 (41.7%) and transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty with retroseptal access in 156 (58.2%). Subsequent minor blepharoplasty procedures were performed in 32 patients with lower pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle biopsy. Connective tissue, fibrillar elastic system, nerves, blood vessels, fiber diameter, and sarcomeres were analyzed. RESULTS: Without myotomy: collagen, 9.46 ± 0.41%; elastin, 7.03 ± 0.62%; blood vessels, 4.25 ± 0.06%; nerves, 5.2 ± 0.55%; fiber diameter, 62 ± 8.0 µm; and sarcomere, 1.9 ± 0.11 µm. With myotomy: collagen, 19.02 ± 1.66%; elastin, 7.88 ± 1.10%; blood vessels, 5.13 ± 0.70%; nerves, 2.9 ± 0.48%; fiber diameter, 49 ± 6.5 µm; and sarcomere, 1.8 ± 0.17 µm. DISCUSSION: Excess endomysial connective tissue, particularly between muscle fibers, should be considered pathological. The pathological changes in the pretarsal muscle complex after blepharoplasty with myotomy may have resulted from innervation interruptions as well as vascularization blockages. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeries with myotomy caused significant changes in collagen, nerves, and muscle fiber diameter. These observations strongly suggest the superiority of a technique that preserves orbicularis oculi muscle integrity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of the essential oil of Guarea kunthiana A. Juss / Composição química, potencial antimicrobiano e antioxidante do óleo essencial de Guarea kunthiana A. Juss

Abstract The essential oils are extracted from plant compounds and can present activities antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The goals of the present study were: (a) to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil of Guarea kunthiana A. Juss using the method of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS); (b) to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of this oil using the broth microdilution method against different microorganisms: five Gram-negative bacteria, four Gram-positive bacteria and a yeast and (c) to determine the antioxidant activity of the oil using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical assay. The GC-MS analyses allowed identifying 13 constituents, representing 96.52% of the essencial oil composition. The main compounds identified were α-zingiberene (34.48%), β-sesquiphellandrene (22.90%), and α-curcumene (16.17%). With respect to the antimicrobial activity, the essential oil was effective against all the microorganisms tested, except for the bacteria E. coli and K. pneumoniae, which were resistant to the action of the oil. From a general point of view, Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to the action of the essential oil than Gram-negative bacteria. The essential oil exhibited antioxidant potential.

Resumo Os óleos essenciais são compostos extraídos de plantas e podem apresentar propriedades antimicrobianas e antioxidantes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi (a) determinar a composição química do óleo essencial de Guarea kunthiana A. Juss pelo método de cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG-EM); (b) avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano deste óleo pelo método de microdiluição em caldo frente a diferentes micro-organismos, sendo cinco bactérias Gram-negativas, quatro Gram-positivas uma levedura e (c) por fim, determinar a atividade antioxidante do óleo pelo método de captura do radical livre 2,2-difenil-1-picril hidrazil (DPPH). As análises de CG-EM resultaram na identificação de 13 constituintes, representando 96,52% da composição do óleo essencial. Os principais compostos identificados foram α-Zingibereno (34,48%), β-Sesquifelandreno (22,90%) e α-Curcumeno (16,17%). Em relação à atividade antimicrobiana, o óleo essencial foi efetivo frente a todos os micro-organismos testados exceto para as bactérias E. coli e K. pneumoniae, as quais se apresentaram resistentes à ação do óleo. Em geral, as bactérias Gram-positivas foram mais suscetíveis à ação do óleo essencial em relação às Gram-negativas. O óleo essencial apresentou potencial.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of the essential oil of Guarea kunthiana A. Juss.

The essential oils are extracted from plant compounds and can present activities antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The goals of the present study were: (a) to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil of Guarea kunthiana A. Juss using the method of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS); (b) to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of this oil using the broth microdilution method against different microorganisms: five Gram-negative bacteria, four Gram-positive bacteria and a yeast and (c) to determine the antioxidant activity of the oil using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical assay. The GC-MS analyses allowed identifying 13 constituents, representing 96.52% of the essencial oil composition. The main compounds identified were α-zingiberene (34.48%), ß-sesquiphellandrene (22.90%), and α-curcumene (16.17%). With respect to the antimicrobial activity, the essential oil was effective against all the microorganisms tested, except for the bacteria E. coli and K. pneumoniae, which were resistant to the action of the oil. From a general point of view, Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to the action of the essential oil than Gram-negative bacteria. The essential oil exhibited antioxidant potential.

Effects of elevated carbon dioxide on stomatal characteristics and carbon isotope ratio of Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes originating from an altitudinal gradient.

Stomatal functioning regulates the fluxes of CO2 and water vapor between vegetation and atmosphere and thereby influences plant adaptation to their habitats. Stomatal traits are controlled by external environmental and internal cellular signaling. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of CO2 enrichment (CE) on stomatal density (SD)-related properties, guard cell length (GCL) and carbon isotope ratio (δ13 C) of a range of Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes originating from a wide altitudinal range [50-1260 m above sea level (asl)], and grown at 400 and 800 ppm [CO2 ], and thereby elucidate the possible adaptation and acclimation responses controlling stomatal traits and water use efficiency (WUE). There was a highly significant variation among ecotypes in the magnitude and direction of response of stomatal traits namely, SD and stomatal index (SI) and GCL, and δ13 C to CE, which represented a short-term acclimation response. A majority of ecotypes showed increased SD and SI with CE with the response not depending on the altitude of origin. Significant ecotypic variation was shown in all stomatal traits and δ13 C at each [CO2 ]. At 400 ppm, means of SD, SI and GCL for broad altitudinal ranges, i.e. low (<100 m), mid (100-400 m) and high (>400 m), increased with increasing altitude, which represented an adaptation response to decreased availability of CO2 with altitude. δ13 C was negatively correlated to SD and SI at 800 ppm but not at 400 ppm. Our results highlight the diversity in the response of key stomatal characters to CE and altitude within the germplasm of A. thaliana and the need to consider this diversity when using A. thaliana as a model plant.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of the essential oil of Guarea kunthiana A. Juss

Abstract The essential oils are extracted from plant compounds and can present activities antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The goals of the present study were: (a) to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil of Guarea kunthiana A. Juss using the method of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS); (b) to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of this oil using the broth microdilution method against different microorganisms: five Gram-negative bacteria, four Gram-positive bacteria and a yeast and (c) to determine the antioxidant activity of the oil using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical assay. The GC-MS analyses allowed identifying 13 constituents, representing 96.52% of the essencial oil composition. The main compounds identified were -zingiberene (34.48%), -sesquiphellandrene (22.90%), and -curcumene (16.17%). With respect to the antimicrobial activity, the essential oil was effective against all the microorganisms tested, except for the bacteria E. coli and K. pneumoniae, which were resistant to the action of the oil. From a general point of view, Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to the action of the essential oil than Gram-negative bacteria. The essential oil exhibited antioxidant potential.

Resumo Os óleos essenciais são compostos extraídos de plantas e podem apresentar propriedades antimicrobianas e antioxidantes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi (a) determinar a composição química do óleo essencial de Guarea kunthiana A. Juss pelo método de cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG-EM); (b) avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano deste óleo pelo método de microdiluição em caldo frente a diferentes micro-organismos, sendo cinco bactérias Gram-negativas, quatro Gram-positivas uma levedura e (c) por fim, determinar a atividade antioxidante do óleo pelo método de captura do radical livre 2,2-difenil-1-picril hidrazil (DPPH). As análises de CG-EM resultaram na identificação de 13 constituintes, representando 96,52% da composição do óleo essencial. Os principais compostos identificados foram -Zingibereno (34,48%), -Sesquifelandreno (22,90%) e -Curcumeno (16,17%). Em relação à atividade antimicrobiana, o óleo essencial foi efetivo frente a todos os micro-organismos testados exceto para as bactérias E. coli e K. pneumoniae, as quais se apresentaram resistentes à ação do óleo. Em geral, as bactérias Gram-positivas foram mais suscetíveis à ação do óleo essencial em relação às Gram-negativas. O óleo essencial apresentou potencial.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of essential oil and different plant extracts of Psidium cattleianum Sabine.

The goals of the study were to determinethe antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oil and plant extracts aqueous and ethanolic of Psidium cattleianum Sabine; the chemical composition of the essential oil of P. cattleianum; and the phytochemical screening of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the same plant. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, the ethanolic extract exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity with respect to bacteria K. pneumoniae and S. epidermidis, whereas, regarding other microorganisms, it showed activity considered weak. The aqueous extract and the essential oil showed activity considered weak, although they inhibited the growth of microorganisms. About the antioxidant potential, the ethanolic and aqueous extracts exhibited a scavenging index exceeding 90%, while the essential oil didn´t show significant antioxidant activity. Regarding the phytochemical composition, the largest class of volatile compounds identified in the essential oil of P. cattleianum included the following terpenic hydrocarbons: α-copaene (22%); eucalyptol (15%), δ-cadinene (9.63%) and α-selinene (6.5%). The phytochemical screening of extracts showed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids for aqueous and ethanolic extracts. The extracts and essential oils inhibit the growth of microrganisms and plant extracts showed significant antioxidant activity. Also, the phytochemical characterization of the essential oil showed the presence of compounds interest commercial, as well as extracts showed the presence of important classes and compounds with biological activities.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of essential oil and different plant extracts of Psidium cattleianum Sabine / Atividade antimicrobiana e antioxidante do óleo essencial e diferentes extratos vegetais de Psidium cattleianum Sabine

Abstract The goals of the study were to determinethe antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oil and plant extracts aqueous and ethanolic of Psidium cattleianum Sabine; the chemical composition of the essential oil of P. cattleianum; and the phytochemical screening of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the same plant. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, the ethanolic extract exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity with respect to bacteria K. pneumoniae and S. epidermidis, whereas, regarding other microorganisms, it showed activity considered weak. The aqueous extract and the essential oil showed activity considered weak, although they inhibited the growth of microorganisms. About the antioxidant potential, the ethanolic and aqueous extracts exhibited a scavenging index exceeding 90%, while the essential oil didn´t show significant antioxidant activity. Regarding the phytochemical composition, the largest class of volatile compounds identified in the essential oil of P. cattleianum included the following terpenic hydrocarbons: α-copaene (22%); eucalyptol (15%), δ-cadinene (9.63%) and α-selinene (6.5%). The phytochemical screening of extracts showed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids for aqueous and ethanolic extracts. The extracts and essential oils inhibit the growth of microrganisms and plant extracts showed significant antioxidant activity. Also, the phytochemical characterization of the essential oil showed the presence of compounds interest commercial, as well as extracts showed the presence of important classes and compounds with biological activities.

Resumo Os objetivos do trabalho foram determinar as atividades antimicrobiana e antioxidante do óleo essencial e dos extratos vegetais aquoso e etanólico de Psidium cattleianum Sabine; a composição química do óleo essencial P. cattleianum e a triagem fitoquímica dos extratos vegetais aquoso e etanólico da mesma planta. Quanto à atividade antimicrobiana, o extrato etanólico apresentou atividade antimicrobiana moderada frente as bactérias K. pneumonieae e S. epidermidis, enquanto frente aos demais micro-organismos apresentou atividade considerada fraca. O extrato aquoso e o óleo essencial apresentaram atividade considerada fraca, embora tenham inibido o crescimento dos micro-organismos. Em relação ao potencial antioxidante, os extratos etanólico e aquoso apresentaram índice de sequestro superior a 90%, enquanto o óleo essencial não apresentou atividade antioxidante significativa. Para a composição fitoquímica, a maior classe de compostos voláteis identificados no óleo essencial de P. cattleianum foram os hidrocarbonetos terpênicos, sendo eles: α-copaeno (22%), eucaliptol (15%), δ-cadineno (9,63%) e α-selineno (6,5%). Na triagem fitoquímica dos extratos verificou-se a presença de taninos, flavonóides e triterpenóides tanto para o extrato aquoso quanto etanólico. Os extratos e óleo essencial inibiram o crescimento dos micro-organismos e os extratos vegetais apresentaram atividade antioxidante significativa. Também, a caracterização fitoquímica do óleo essencial mostrou a presença de compostos de interesse comercial, assim como os extratos apresentaram a presença de classes e compostos com importantes atividades biológicas.

Dairy heifers benefit from the presence of an experienced companion when learning how to graze.

Pasture remains important on many dairy farms, but the age of first contact with pasture varies depending on the month of birth, weaning age, and farm management. Regardless of age, naïve dairy heifers must learn to graze when first introduced to pasture. This study investigated whether being grouped with experienced dairy cows would affect the development of grazing behaviors. Sixty-three Holstein heifers (mean ± SD 14.2 ± 1.3 mo; 546 ± 60.7 kg) and 21 dry Holstein cows (2.6 ± 0.8 lactations; 751 ± 53.9 kg) were assigned into 7 groups of 12 animals (3 dry cows and 9 naïve heifers), and each was divided and assigned to an experienced (3 cows and 3 heifers) and nonexperienced (6 heifers) sub-group. Sub-groups were introduced to pasture in different paddocks without visual contact with any other cattle. No difference was found in the time after introduction to the paddock for heifers to first attempt to nibble grass [experienced: 0:23 (0:17-0:43) vs. nonexperienced 0:40 (0:35-0:46); median (quartile 1 - quartile 3), h:mm]. However, heifers grouped with experienced cows showed a shorter latency to begin grazing [experienced: 0:47 (0:28-00:52) vs. nonexperienced 2:13 (1:25-2:30)]. During the first hour after introduction to pasture, heifers in the experienced treatment showed fewer stomping events [experienced: 2.5 (1.25-4) vs. nonexperienced: 6.5 (4-8)] and vocalized less often [experienced: 3.5 (1.25-5.75) vs. nonexperienced: 7 (5-8.75)]. After this initial period, animals in both subgroups began to graze normally; treatments did not differ in grazing behaviors over the 3-d observation period. These results indicate that grouping heifers with pasture-experienced cows improves grazing behavior of dairy heifers in the first hours following introduction to pasture.

Effect of adding a gonadotropin-releasing-hormone treatment at the beginning and a second prostaglandin F2α treatment at the end of an estradiol-based protocol for timed artificial insemination in lactating dairy cows during cool or hot seasons of the year.

Our hypothesis was that fertility could be increased in a timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol based on estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) by combining GnRH with E2-benzoate at the start of the protocol to increase circulating P4 during preovulatory follicle development and by using 2 prostaglandin F2α (PGF) treatments at the end to decrease P4 near TAI. Lactating Holstein cows (n=1,808) were randomly assigned during the cool or hot season of the year to receive TAI (d 0) following 1 of 3 treatments: (1) control: controlled internal drug-release insert + 2mg of E2-benzoate on d -11, PGF on d -4, controlled internal drug-release insert withdrawal + 1.0mg of E2-cypionate on d -2, and TAI on d 0; (2) 2PGF: identical to control protocol with addition of a second PGF treatment on d -2; (3) GnRH: identical to 2PGF protocol with addition of a 100-µg GnRH treatment on d -11. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed on d 32 and 60 after TAI. Season had major effects on many reproductive measures, with cool season greater than hot season in percentage of cows with corpus luteum (CL) at PGF (62.9 vs. 56.2%), ovulatory follicle diameter (15.7 vs. 14.8mm), expression of estrus (86.7 vs. 79.9%), ovulation following the protocol (89.7 vs. 84.3%), and pregnancies per artificial insemination (P/AI; 45.4 vs. 21.4%). The GnRH protocol increased percentage of cows with CL (control=56.9%; 2PGF=55.8%; GnRH=70.5%) and P4 at PGF (control=3.28±0.22; 2PGF=3.35±0.22; GnRH=3.70±0.21ng/mL), compared with control and 2PGF protocols. The GnRH protocol increased P/AI at the pregnancy diagnosis at 32d [37.3% (219/595)] and 60d [31% (179/595)] after TAI, compared with control [30.0% (177/604); 25.1% (145/604)], with intermediate results with 2PGF protocol [33.2% (196/609); 28.0% (164/609)]. The positive effects of GnRH treatment on P/AI were only detected during the cool season (GnRH=50.9%; 2PGF=44.2%; control=41.0%) and not during the hot season. In addition, the effect of GnRH was only observed in cows with low P4 (<3ng/mL) at the start of the protocol and not in cows that began the protocol with high P4. Furthermore, presence of CL at PGF interacted with follicle diameter such that cows with a CL at PGF had greater P/AI if they ovulated larger rather than smaller follicles near TAI. Thus, fertility to TAI can be improved by inducing ovulation at the beginning of an E2/P4-based protocol using GnRH treatment, particularly during the cool season of the year and in cows with low P4 at the start of the protocol.

Morphology of the fetal bladder during the second trimester: comparing genders.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine, by histological and stereological analysis, whether there are between-gender structural differences in the bladder in the second gestational trimester in human fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty bladders, which were obtained from 40 human fetuses (20 males and 20 females) ranging in age from 13 to 23 weeks post-conception (WPC), were studied. The fetuses were macroscopically well preserved, without anomalies of the urinary and genital systems; the cases with syndromes were abandoned. The bladders were dissected and embedded in paraffin, from which 5-µm thick sections were obtained and stained with: Masson's trichrome, to quantify connective and smooth muscle tissue; Weigert's resorcin fuchsin, to observe elastic fibers; picrosirius red with polarization, to observe collagen; and anti-beta III tubulin antibody, to observe the bladder nerves. The images were captured with an Olympus BX51 microscope and Olympus DP70 camera. The stereological analysis was performed with the Image Pro and Image J programs, using a grid to determine volumetric densities (Vv). Means were statistically compared using simple linear regression and the paired t-test (P<0.05). RESULTS: The fetuses weighed between 60 and 490 g, and had crown-rump lengths between 9.5 and 20.4 cm. No elastic system fibers were observed in any bladders. Quantitative analysis indicated no differences in the Vv of the smooth muscle cells in the male bladders (26.19-50.16%; mean=35.66%) compared to the female ones (30.60-45.63%; mean=38.73%) (P=0.740) and there were also no differences in the Vv of the connective tissue in females (40.52-60.40%; mean=50.69%) and males (38.84-70.16%; mean=57.04%) (P=0.0506). There were no differences observed in the distribution of the nerves and collagen between the genders. CONCLUSION: The histological analysis of the smooth muscle, collagen, nerves and connective tissue of the developing bladders revealed that there are no gender differences during weeks 13-23 of gestation.

Protective effects of nutritional supplementation with arginine and glutamine on the penis of rats submitted to pelvic radiation.

Radiotherapy is widely used to treat pelvic malignancies, but normal tissues near the target tumour are often affected. Our aims were thus to determine whether the structural organization of the rat penis is altered by radiation, and whether supplementation with L-arginine (ARG) or L-glutamine (GLN) would have protective effects against these alterations. Groups of rats were treated with: no intervention (CONTR); pelvic radiation, followed by sacrifice 7 (RAD7) or 15 (RAD15) days later; and pelvic radiation, daily supplementation with ARG or GLN, followed by sacrifice 7 (RAD7+ARG, RAD7+GLN) or 15 (RAD15+ARG, RAD15+GLN) days after radiation. Structural components in the corpus cavernosum (CC), tunica albuginea of the corpus spongiosum (TACS) and urethral epithelium (UE) were analysed using stereological and immunohistochemical methods. The results showed that in the CC, connective tissue was increased by 18% in RAD15 (p < 0.04), but this change was partially prevented in RAD15+GLN (p < 0.05) and RAD15+ARG (p < 0.04). The fibrous matrix of the CC trabeculae stained evenly for collagen type I. In RAD15, the intensity of the labelling was increased, whereas in RAD15+GLN and RAD15+ARG the staining was similar to that of CONTR. No staining changes were seen in the groups that were sacrificed 7 days after radiation. Cavernosal elastic fibre content in RAD15 was increased by 61% (p < 0.004), and this was prevented in RAD15+ARG (p < 0.004) but not in RAD15+GLN. In TACS, the amino acids protected (p < 0.02) against the radiation-induced 92% increase in elastic fibre content, but only in RAD15. Cell density in the UE, as well as UE thickness, were reduced by 30% in RAD15 (p < 0.004), and there were protective effects of both amino acids. In conclusion, radiation-induced alterations in penile structures tend to be more pronounced 15 days after radiation session. Both ARG and GLN have protective effects against these changes, with the former being slightly more effective.

Oral granulomatosis-like lesions in liver-transplanted pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated oral mucosal lesions in liver-transplanted children. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation between 2002 and 2009, at A.C. Camargo Hospital, Sao Paulo-SP. Alterations, such as polypoid lesions over the dorsum of the tongue, lip swelling, angular cheilitis, fissures of the lips, mucosal tags, cobblestone appearance, and fissures of the tongue, were considered as orofacial granulomatosis (OFG)-like lesions. All clinical data were collected from medical records. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression were used to characterize and identify OFG-like lesion predictors. RESULTS: Of the 265 transplanted children, 56.6% were female, and 64.1% had biliary atresia. Fourteen patients died as a consequence of the transplantation surgery and were therefore excluded from the analysis related to oral lesions. Hence, among 251 patients, 64 showed OFG-like lesions. The lesions occurred around 26 months after transplantation, and the only therapy that all the patients were receiving in common was tacrolimus. Furthermore, patients aged 12 months old or less at transplantation presented higher risk to present oral lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This study described specific oral mucosal lesions in liver-transplanted children. Such lesions have recently been described as a novel entity. Although young age at transplantation has been associated to its development, the etiology of this condition is uncertain.

Extended preoperative chemotherapy, extent of liver resection and blood transfusion are predictive factors of liver failure following resection of colorectal liver metastasis.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and prognostic factors of postoperative liver failure in patients submitted to liver resection for colorectal metastases. METHOD: Patients with CLM who underwent hepatectomy from 1998 to 2009 were included in retrospective analysis. Postoperative liver failure was defined using either the 50-50 criteria or the peak of serum bilirubin level above 7 mg/dL independently. RESULTS: Two hundred and nine (209) procedures were performed in 170 patients. 120 surgeries were preceded by chemotherapy within six months. The overall morbidity rate was 53.1% and 90-day mortality was 2.3%. Postoperative liver failure occurred in 10% of all procedures, accounting for a mortality rate of 9.5% among this group of patients. In multivariate analysis, extent of liver resection, need of blood transfusion and more than eight preoperative chemotherapy cycles were independent prognostic factors of postoperative liver insufficiency. This complication was not related with the chemotherapy regimen used. CONCLUSION: We conclude that postoperative liver failure has a relatively low incidence (10%) after CLM resection, but a remarkable impact on postoperative mortality rate. The amount of liver resected, the need of blood transfusion and extended preoperative chemotherapy are independent predictors of its occurrence and this knowledge can be used to prevent postoperative liver failure in a multidisciplinary approach.