Positive selection over the mitochondrial genome and its role in the diversification of gentoo penguins in response to adaptation in isolation.

Although mitochondrial DNA has been widely used in phylogeography, evidence has emerged that factors such as climate, food availability, and environmental pressures that produce high levels of stress can exert a strong influence on mitochondrial genomes, to the point of promoting the persistence of certain genotypes in order to compensate for the metabolic requirements of the local environment. As recently discovered, the gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) comprise four highly divergent lineages across their distribution spanning the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. Gentoo penguins therefore represent a suitable animal model to study adaptive processes across divergent environments. Based on 62 mitogenomes that we obtained from nine locations spanning all four gentoo penguin lineages, we demonstrated lineage-specific nucleotide substitutions for various genes, but only lineage-specific amino acid replacements for the ND1 and ND5 protein-coding genes. Purifying selection (dN/dS < 1) is the main driving force in the protein-coding genes that shape the diversity of mitogenomes in gentoo penguins. Positive selection (dN/dS > 1) was mostly present in codons of the Complex I (NADH genes), supported by two different codon-based methods at the ND1 and ND4 in the most divergent lineages, the eastern gentoo penguin from Crozet and Marion Islands and the southern gentoo penguin from Antarctica respectively. Additionally, ND5 and ATP6 were under selection in the branches of the phylogeny involving all gentoo penguins except the eastern lineage. Our study suggests that local adaptation of gentoo penguins has emerged as a response to environmental variability promoting the fixation of mitochondrial haplotypes in a non-random manner. Mitogenome adaptation is thus likely to have been associated with gentoo penguin diversification across the Southern Ocean and to have promoted their survival in extreme environments such as Antarctica. Such selective processes on the mitochondrial genome may also be responsible for the discordance detected between nuclear- and mitochondrial-based phylogenies of gentoo penguin lineages.

Antimicrobial resistance in enteric bacteria: current state and next-generation solutions.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the largest threats to global health and imposes substantial burdens in terms of morbidity, mortality, and economic costs. The gut is a key conduit for the genesis and spread of antimicrobial resistance in enteric bacterial pathogens. Distinct bacterial species that cause enteric disease can exist as invasive enteropathogens that immediately evoke gastrointestinal distress, or pathobionts that can arise from established bacterial commensals to inflict dysbiosis and disease. Furthermore, various environmental reservoirs and stressors facilitate the evolution and transmission of resistance. In this review, we present a comprehensive discussion on circulating resistance profiles and gene mobilization strategies of the most problematic species of enteric bacterial pathogens. Importantly, we present emerging approaches toward surveillance of pathogens and their resistance elements as well as promising treatment strategies that can circumvent common resistance mechanisms.

Comparação dos parâmetros bioquímicos entre gestação única e gemelar de ovelhas da raça Dorper durante gestação, parto e pós-parto / Comparison of biochemical parameters between single and twin pregnancies of Dorper breed ewes during gestation, lambing and postpartum

Nas ovelhas, a demanda de nutrientes aumenta durante a gestação, especialmente nas últimas seis semanas, quando ocorre maior desenvolvimento do feto. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estudar o perfil bioquímico de ovelhas durante a gestação e no periparto imediato, comparando-se gestação única com gemelar. Foram utilizadas 60 ovelhas, Dorper, divididas em dois grupos experimentais com base no diagnóstico de gestação ultrassonográfico: grupo 1: 30 ovelhas com feto único; grupo 2: 30 ovelhas com gestação gemelar. Em nove momentos de coleta, foram mensurados no soro sanguíneo: ureia, creatinina, proteína total (PT), albumina, globulina, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), gamaglutamiltransferase, fosfatase alcalina, colesterol e triglicérides. O peso vivo das ovelhas do G2 foi maior que do G1 em todos os momentos, inclusive quando estavam vazias. Houve diferença entre as ovelhas do G1 e do G2 nos valores de PT, albumina, AST e triglicérides. A partir de 120 dias de gestação, o perfil proteico se modificou, com menores níveis de ureia, PT, albumina e globulina, mostrando que a demanda metabólica se intensificou no último mês da gestação. Os níveis de colesterol e triglicérides diminuíram de 140 dias de gestação para o parto. Este trabalho mostrou que a gestação proporcionou mudanças significativas no metabolismo da ovelha, principalmente no terço final da gestação, quando há maior necessidade de acompanhamento para evitar a incidência de doenças metabólicas.(AU)

In sheep, nutrient demand increases during gestation, particularly in the last six weeks, when the fetuses develop. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the biochemical profile of ewes during pregnancy and in the immediate peripartum comparing single with twin pregnancies. Sixty ewes of Dorper breed were divided into two groups by pregnancy ultrasonographic diagnosis: 1 - 30 ewes with single fetus gestation; 2 - 30 ewes with twin pregnancy. In nine collection moments the following parameters were measured: urea, creatinine, total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and triglycerides. The weight of G2 sheep was higher than G1 since they were empty. There were differences in G1 and G2 sheep metabolism in TP, Albumin, AST and Triglycerides. From 120 days of pregnancy, the protein profile changed, with lower levels of urea, TP, albumin and globulin, showing that the metabolic demand intensified in the last month of pregnancy. The levels of cholesterol and triglycerides decreased from 140 days of pregnancy to lambing day. This study showed that gestation provided significant changes in the ewe's metabolism, especially in the final third of gestation, when there is a greater need to follow the animals to avoid the incidence of metabolic diseases.(AU)

Contrasting phylogeographic pattern among Eudyptes penguins around the Southern Ocean.

Since at least the middle-Miocene, the Antarctic Polar Front (APF) and the Subtropical Front (STF) appear to have been the main drivers of diversification of marine biota in the Southern Ocean. However, highly migratory marine birds and mammals challenge this paradigm and the importance of oceanographic barriers. Eudyptes penguins range from the Antarctic Peninsula to subantarctic islands and some of the southernmost subtropical islands. Because of recent diversification, the number of species remains uncertain. Here we analyze two mtDNA (HVRI, COI) and two nuclear (ODC, AK1) markers from 13 locations of five putative Eudyptes species: rockhopper (E. filholi, E. chrysocome, and E. moseleyi), macaroni (E. chrysolophus) and royal penguins (E. schlegeli). Our results show a strong phylogeographic structure among rockhopper penguins from South America, subantarctic and subtropical islands supporting the recognition of three separated species of rockhopper penguins. Although genetic divergence was neither observed among macaroni penguins from the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands nor between macaroni and royal penguins, population genetic analyses revealed population genetic structure in both cases. We suggest that the APF and STF can act as barriers for these species. While the geographic distance between colonies might play a role, their impact/incidence on gene flow may vary between species and colonies.

blaIMP-27 on transferable plasmids in Proteus mirabilis and Providencia rettgeri.

OBJECTIVES: A carbapenem-resistant Providencia rettgeri (PR1) isolate was recovered from a wound infection in Missouri, USA. This isolate possessed an EDTA-inhibitable carbapenemase that was unidentified using the Xpert CARBA-R assay. Our objective was to elucidate the molecular determinant of carbapenem resistance in this isolate. We then sought to test the transmissibility of blaIMP-27 loci in clinical P. rettgeri and Proteus mirabilis isolates. METHODS: In October 2016 the novel ambler Class B carbapenemase blaIMP-27, was reported in two different Proteus mirabilis (PM185 and PM187) isolates. Broth mating assays for transfer of carbapenemase activity were performed for the three clinical isolates with recipient sodium azide-resistant Escherichia coli J53. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and phenotypic carbapenemase activity testing were performed on the clinical isolates, J53 and transconjugants using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. Plasmid DNA from PM187, PR1 and their transconjugants were used as input for Nextera Illumina sequencing libraries and sequenced on a NextSeq platform. RESULTS: PR1 was resistant to both imipenem and meropenem. PM187 and PR1 could transfer resistance to E. coli through plasmid conjugation (pPM187 and pPR1). pPM187 had a virB/virD4 type IV secretion system whereas pPR1 had a traB/traD type IV secretion system. CONCLUSION: Two of three blaIMP-27-bearing clinical isolates tested could conjugate resistance into E. coli. The resulting transconjugants became positive for phenotypic carbapenemase production but did not pass clinical resistance breakpoints. blaIMP-27 can be transmitted on different plasmid replicon types that rely on distinct classes of type IV secretion system for horizontal transfer.

Effect of pregnancy and correlation of weight and heart rate with electrocardiographic parameters in the American Miniature Horse / Efeito da prenhez e correlação do peso e frequência cardíaca com os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos de equinos Mini-horse

There are studies on electrocardiogram (ECG) in several breeds of horses, which highlights the growing importance of cardiology in this species. But few authors have addressed the influence of pregnancy on the cardiac physiology of the mare, and specifically, there are no studies on the Mini-horse breed, as well as no correlation of body weight (BW) and heart rate (HR) with electrocardiographic parameters in this breed. The aims of this study were to determine the effects of pregnancy on ECG parameters and to examine the relationships between these variables and body weight (BW) and heart rate (HR). A total of 203 animals were used, including 143 females (66 pregnant) and 60 males. Electrocardiographic examinations were performed by computerized electrocardiogram (TEB), and the parameters were evaluated in six leads in the frontal plane (Lead I, II, III, aVR, aVL and aVF) and base-apex (BA). BW was inversely proportional to HR, which in turn showed an inverse relationship with the duration of the P-wave and the PR and QT intervals. The P-wave amplitude (lead II) was higher in pregnant animals than in non-pregnant animals. The effect of reproductive status should be monitored by ECG throughout the entire gestational period. The 66 pregnant mares in this study were examined during the first third of their pregnancies, thus, few differences were observed between pregnant and non-pregnant animals.(AU)

Existem estudos sobre eletrocardiograma (ECG) em diversas raças de equinos, o que ressalta a crescente relevância da cardiologia nessa espécie. Porém, poucos autores abordaram a influência da gestação na fisiologia cardíaca da égua, e, especificamente, não há trabalhos sobre a raça Mini-horse, assim como não há correlação do peso vivo (PV) e frequência cardíaca (FC) com os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos nessa raça. O objetivo deste estudo foi estudar a influência da prenhez sobre os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos, além de verificar a correlação do PV e FC com essas variáveis. Utilizaram-se 203 animais dessa raça, hígidos, sendo 143 fêmeas (66 prenhes) e 60 machos. Os exames eletrocardiográficos foram realizados por eletrocardiograma computadorizado (TEB), e os parâmetros foram avaliados em seis derivações do plano frontal (I, II, III, aVR, aVL e aVF) e base-ápice. O PV foi inversamente proporcional à FC, que também mostrou relação inversa com a duração da onda P e os intervalos PR e QT. Na derivação II, a amplitude da onda P foi maior nos animais prenhes do que vazios. No entanto, sugere-se que a influência do estado reprodutivo seja estudada de forma progressiva pelo acompanhamento de todo o período gestacional, visto que as 66 éguas estudadas se apresentavam no terço inicial da prenhez, portanto poucas diferenças foram observadas entre animais prenhes e vazios.(AU)

Tiopental altera a resposta nociceptiva de ratos jovens em longo prazo / Thiopental alters long term nociceptive response of young rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the long term nociceptive response determined by use of two general anesthetics, one intravenous and the other inhalatory, in young animals. In the first experiment, the animals of 21 days of age were divided into control (saline) and thiopental (35 mg/kg, i.p.) groups. In the second experiment, rats of the same age were divided in two groups ­ halothane (2%) and control. In experiment 1, there was difference between groups ­ reduction of tail-flick latency in the group thiopental (P< 0.05). In experiment 2, there were no differences between groups or interaction between time versus group (F(1,19)=0.11 for groups, P>0.05; F(1,19)=0.032 for the interaction, P>0.05). The results obtained in this study showed that halothane did not alter the nociceptive response in young animals. However, the thiopental induced hyperalgesic response in rats. (AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a resposta nociceptiva a longo prazo relacionada ao uso de dois anestésicos gerais ­ um intravenoso e outro inalatório, em animais jovens. No primeiro experimento, os animais de 21 dias de idade foram divididos nos grupos controle (solução salina) e tiopental sódico (35 mg/kg, i.p.). No segundo experimento, animais de mesma idade foram divididos em dois grupos ­ halotano (2%) e controle. No Experimento 1, houve redução da latência de retirada da cauda no grupo tiopental (P<0,05). No Experimento 2, não houve diferença entre os grupos ou interação entre grupo x tempo (F(1,19)=0,11 para grupos, P>0,05; F(1,19)=0,032 para a interação, P>0,05). Os resultados obtidos nesse estudo demonstraram que o halotano não altera a resposta nociceptiva em animais jovens. Entretanto, o tiopental induziu resposta hiperalgésica nestes ratos.(AU)

Comparative in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity of the indole alkaloids ellipticine, olivacine, cryptolepine and a synthetic cryptolepine analog.

Indole alkaloids ellipticine (1), cryptolepine triflate (2a), rationally designed 11-(4-piperidinamino)cryptolepine hydrogen dichloride (2b) and olivacine (3) (an isomer of 1) were evaluated in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum and in vivo in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. 1-3 inhibited P. falciparum (IC50≤1.4 µM, order of activity: 2b>1>2a>3). In vitro toxicity to murine macrophages was evaluated and revealed selectivity indices (SI) of 10-12 for 2a and SI>2.8×10² for 1, 2b and 3. 1 administered orally at 50mg/kg/day was highly active against P. berghei (in vivo inhibition compared to untreated control (IVI)=100%, mean survival time (MST)>40 days, comparable activity to chloroquine control). 1 administered orally and subcutaneously was active at 10 mg/kg/day (IVI=70-77%; MST=27-29 days). 3 exhibited high oral activity at ≥50 mg/kg/day (IVI=90-97%, MST=23-27 days). Cryptolepine (2a) administered orally and subcutaneously exhibited moderate activity at 50mg/kg/day (IVI=43-63%, MST=24-25 days). At 50 mg/kg/day, 2b administered subcutaneously was lethal to infected mice (MST=3 days) and moderately active when administered orally (IVI=45-55%, MST=25 days). 1 and 3 are promising compounds for development of antimalarials.

Spatial and temporal variability of canopy cover and understory light in a Cerrado of Southern Brazil.

Canopy cover has significant effects on the understory environment, including upon light availability for seedling growth. The aim of the present study was to verify spatial heterogeneity and seasonal changes in the canopy cover of a dense Cerrado area, and their relationship to understory photosynthetic active radiation availability. Leaf area index (LAI) values in the rainy season varied from 0.9 to 4.83, with 40% of the values ranging from 4.0 to 5.0, while in the dry season LAI varied from 0.74 to 3.3, with 53% of the values oscillating from 2.0 to 3.0. Understory light (Q(i)) and the Lambert-Beer ratio (Q(i)/Q(o)) were taken around noon on sunny days (between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM). They were also statistically different (p < 0.01) between the dry and wet seasons, with 72% of sampled points in the rainy season presenting photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) values lower than 250 micromol x m(-2)/s around noon, whereas in the dry season, most PPFD values varied from 1500 to 1817 micromol x m(-2)/s, thus providing high light availability for understory plants. In most of the studied sites, understory plants did not even receive enough light for 50% of their photosynthetic capacity in the wet season. In contrast during the dry season, Q(i)/Q(o) values of 0.8 to 1.0 were observed in more than 50% of the points, thereby allowing for photosynthetic light saturation. Thus, light variability around noon was higher during the dry season than in the wet season, its heterogeneity being related to spatial complexity in the canopy cover.

Obesity and shift work: chronobiological aspects.

The present review has the objective of summarising chronobiological aspects of shift work and obesity. There was a systematic search in PubMed databases, using the following descriptors: shift work; obesity; biological clock. Shift work is extremely frequent in several services and industries, in order to systematise the needs for flexibility of the workforce, necessary to optimise productivity and business competitiveness. In developing countries, this population represents a considerable contingent workforce. Recently, studies showed that overweight and obesity are more prevalent in shift workers than day workers. In addition, the literature shows that shift workers seem to gain weight more often than those workers submitted to a usual work day. In conclusion, there is considerable epidemiological evidence that shift work is associated with increased risk for obesity, diabetes and CVD, perhaps as a result of physiological maladaptation to chronically sleeping and eating at abnormal circadian times. The impact of shift work on metabolism supports a possible pathway to the development of obesity and its co-morbities. The present review demonstrated the adverse cardiometabolic implications of circadian misalignment, as occurs chronically with shift workers.

Genetic variability of Conopophaga lineata (Conopophagidae) (Wied-Neuwied, 1831) in Atlantic Forest fragments

Forest fragmentation affects bird populations in many ways, modifying the composition of communities and favouring open country species. The Atlantic Forest is considered one of the most important biomes in the world, due to its great biodiversity, accelerated rates of deforestation, and high endemism. Despite these characteristics, few studies have evaluated the effects of forest fragmentation in the genetic structure of Atlantic forest bird populations. So, this study aims to verify the effects of forest fragmentation in the genetic population structure of Conopophaga lineata, through RAPD markers. To achieve this goal, 89 C. lineata individuals were captured in nine Atlantic Forest fragments in Minas Gerais State. The RAPD data indicate that forest fragmentation has not affected the genetic variation of C. lineata populations (Mann-Whitney U = 3.50; p = 0.11). Great part of the genetic variability of this species is found within populations and it was not observed a correlation between genetic and geographic distance (Mantel test t = 0.6250; p = 073). UPGMA analyses did not show defined clades and all branches showed low statistical support. The low population differentiation observed in this species can be due to a high gene flow among populations or a recent fragmentation. Thus, the current diversity status of C. lineata populations indicates that this species is not significantly affected by fragmentation. However, more genetic studies are essential to improve conservation strategies of Brazilian Atlantic Forest birds.

A fragmentação florestal afeta populações de aves de muitas maneiras, modificando a composição das comunidades e favorecendo espécies de áreas abertas. A Mata Atlântica é considerada um dos biomas mais importantes do mundo, devido à sua grande biodiversidade, aos altos níveis endemismo e de desmatamento. Apesar destas características, poucos estudos avaliaram os efeitos da fragmentação florestal na estrutura genética de populações de aves desse ecossistema. Dessa forma, este estudo visa verificar os efeitos da fragmentação florestal na variabilidade genética de Conopophaga lineata, através de marcadores RAPD. Assim, foram capturados 89 indivíduos de C. lineata em nove fragmentos florestais da Mata Atlântica do Estado de Minas Gerais. Os dados de RAPD indicam que a fragmentação florestal não afetou a variabilidade genética de Conopophaga lineata (Mann-Whitney U = 3,50; p = 0,11). Grande parte da variabilidade dessa espécie se encontra dentro das populações e não foi observada correlação entre a distância geográfica e a distância genética (Teste de Mantel t = 0,6250; p = 0.73). A análise UPGMA não mostrou clados definidos e todos os ramos apresentaram baixo suporte estatístico. A reduzida diferenciação populacional observada nessa espécie pode ser devida a intenso fluxo gênico entre as populações ou à recente fragmentação na região. Assim, a situação atual das populações de C. lineata indica que essa espécie não é significativamente afetada pela fragmentação. Entretanto, futuros estudos genéticos são essenciais para melhorar as estratégias de conservação da avifauna da Mata Atlântica do Brasil.

Genetic variability of Conopophaga lineata (Conopophagidae) (Wied-Neuwied, 1831) in Atlantic Forest fragments.

Forest fragmentation affects bird populations in many ways, modifying the composition of communities and favouring open country species. The Atlantic Forest is considered one of the most important biomes in the world, due to its great biodiversity, accelerated rates of deforestation, and high endemism. Despite these characteristics, few studies have evaluated the effects of forest fragmentation in the genetic structure of Atlantic forest bird populations. So, this study aims to verify the effects of forest fragmentation in the genetic population structure of Conopophaga lineata, through RAPD markers. To achieve this goal, 89 C. lineata individuals were captured in nine Atlantic Forest fragments in Minas Gerais State. The RAPD data indicate that forest fragmentation has not affected the genetic variation of C. lineata populations (Mann-Whitney U=3.50; p=0.11). Great part of the genetic variability of this species is found within populations and it was not observed a correlation between genetic and geographic distance (Mantel test t=0.6250; p=073). UPGMA analyses did not show defined clades and all branches showed low statistical support. The low population differentiation observed in this species can be due to a high gene flow among populations or a recent fragmentation. Thus, the current diversity status of C. lineata populations indicates that this species is not significantly affected by fragmentation. However, more genetic studies are essential to improve conservation strategies of Brazilian Atlantic Forest birds.

Neonatal handling alters feeding behavior of adult rats.

Stress during the neonatal period leads to a large number of behavioral and biochemical alterations in adult life. The aim of this study is to verify the effects of handling and tactile stimulation during the first 10 days of life on feeding behavior in adult rats. Litters were divided into (1). intact; (2). handled (10 min/day); and (3). handled and tactile stimulated (10 min/day). Procedures were performed on Days 1-10 after birth. When adults, rats were tested for ingestion of sweet and savory snacks. We also measured body weight, ingestion of standard lab chow, and consumption of water and 1% glucose and 1.5% NaCl solutions. Stressed rats (handling and handling+tactile stimulation groups) consumed more sweet (two-way ANOVA, P=.008) or savory snacks (P=.001) than intact ones. This effect was observed in males and females. There were no differences in body weight, ingestion of standard lab chow, water, or in the ingestion of sweetened or salty solutions between groups. The same animals were tested later in life (15 months of age), and the effect was still evident. We suggest that handling during the neonatal period leads to alterations in the CNS of rats, causing an increased ingestion of palatable food in adult life, and this alteration probably persists throughout the whole life.

Synthesis of polyazamacrocyclic compounds via modified Richman-Atkins cyclization of beta-trimethylsilylethanesulfonamides.

The Richman-Atkins cyclization remains one of the most widely used methods for the preparation of macrocyclic polyamines. The use of beta-trimethylsilylethanesulfonamides (SES-sulfonamides) for the preparation of polyazamacrocyclic compounds is described. This expands existing Richman-Atkins sulfonamide macrocyclization methodology, and it successfully enables preparation of labile polyaza[n](1,4)naphthalenophanes and polyaza[n](9,10)anthracenophanes, not previously available in appreciable quantities.

Experimental intoxication of pregnant goats with Tetrapterys multiglandulosa A. Juss. (Malpighiaceae)

Green leaves of Tetrapterys multiglandulosa A. Juss were fed to pregnant goats from day 35 of pregnancy. Five goats received 10g/kgBW (group I), five received 20g/kgBW (group II) and five were used as control (group III), and received only hay, fresh grass and commercial ration. All animals were clinically examined daily and submitted to ultrasonography every three days. Fetal death and vulvar catarrhal discharge with subsequent abortion were observed at the end of the second month of pregnancy in group II and at the third month of pregnancy in group I. Animals from groups I and II were slaughtered after abortion and necropsied. Goats from the control group were necropsied at the same time. The main lesions in the aborted goats were focal placentitis with early involution (apoptosis) and placentary coagulation necrosis, acute focal endometritis and vulvo-vaginal petechiae. All aborted fetuses were underdeveloped when compared to control fetuses, probably due to fetal malnutrition, since no congenital malformations could be noted. The majority of aborted fetuses showed some degree of autolysis, as fetal death occurred five and three days before abortion, in groups I and II, respectively. The most remarkable fetal lesions were focal or diffuse hemorrhages in the skin, meninges and visceral serosae