Superovulating cattle with corifollitropin-alpha, a long-acting recombinant human FSH (rhFSH): Dose-response, half-life, effects on the ovaries, and embryo outcomes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the superestimulatory and superovulatory responses of cattle treated with corifollitropin-alpha, a long-acting human recombinant FSH (rhFSH). In the first and second experiments, we used Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers previously submitted to follicular wave suppression by active immunization against GnRH. In Experiment 1 (a dose-response study), heifers (n = 20) were randomly allocated into five groups, which received placebo (saline) or a single sc dose of 7.5, 15.0, 22.5 or 30.0 µg rhFSH. The heifers were subjected to daily ovarian scan and blood sampling during 11 days. We observed group, time, and group x time effects (P<0.0001) for both average follicle size and circulating FSH concentrations, with a strong correlation (R = 0.82, P<0.0001) between the area under curve (AUC) for both parameters. The peak concentration of FSH 24h after treatment and average follicle size at all timepoints, however, were similar (P>0.05) between groups 22.5 and 30.0 µg. In Experiment 2, heifers (n = 18) were allocated into three groups, which received (0h) either placebo (control), 25 µg rhFSH or 130 mg pFSH (Folltropin). There was no difference (P>0.05) in average follicle size at any moment, as well as in intrafollicular E2 at 120h or in plasma P4 seven days later between groups rhFSH and pFSH. In Experiment 3, cycling Nelore heifers (n = 20) were subjected to a wave synchronization protocol and superovulated (day 0) using a standard pFSH protocol (120 mg split in eight decreasing im doses) or with a single sc injection of 20 µg rhFSH. The number of follicles >7 mm on day 4 did not differ (P=0.4370). Heifers receiving rhFSH had greater average follicle size on day 4 (P=0.0005), ovulation rate (P<0.0001), and number of CL (P=0.0155), as well as a trend towards a greater number of ova (P=0.07) and viable embryos (P=0.0590). In Experiment 4, superovulation was induced with a single sc injection of 25 µg rhFSH in Girolando and Nelore cows and heifers (n = 20). None of the embryo yield endpoints differed between the two breeds (P>0.05). In conclusion, cattle superstimulation and superovulation can be successfully induced with a single dose of a long-acting rhFSH (corifollitropin-alpha).

RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL OF ASPIRIN AS PROPHYLAXIS FOR THROMBOEMBOLISM IN HIP ARTHROPLASTY.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate aspirin as a chemical prophylaxis (200 mg) in total hip arthroplasty. Methods: the study compared two groups and used ultrasonography (USG) to screen for low-deep venous thrombosis. Group 1 received 600 mg (control), and Group 2 received 200 mg of (intervention), associated with the use of elastic compression stockings and early walking. Results: fourteen patients were allocated to Group A (200mg), and 16 to Group B (600mg); in group A (200mg), 3 cases with thrombus below the popliteal vein were detected at the first USG examination. All of them are in the left lower limb (21.4%). In group B (600 mg), 5 cases were identified after the first exam (31.2%). All cases were asymptomatic and followed the protocol with prophylaxis only with Aspirin. Conclusion: In the statistical data, there were no differences in the presence of thrombus between the 200- and 600 mg groups, which is credited to using low-dose aspirin in low doses (200mg). Hematimetric levels returned to baseline levels and suggested there was no chronic or acute bleeding related to the use of aspirin. The manuscript was prepared according to the CONSORT guideline 2010. Level of Evidence I; Longitudinal Randomized Comparative Clinical Study.

Objetivo: Este estudo pretende avaliar a aspirina como profilaxia química (200 mg) na artroplastia total do quadril. Métodos: estudo comparando dois grupos com diferentes doses de aspirina e utilizando a ultrassonografia (USG) para rastreamento da trombose venosa profunda baixa. O grupo 1, 650 mg ao dia de aspirina (controle) e o grupo 2, 200 mg de aspirina ao dia na mesma posologia (intervenção) e associados ao uso de meias elásticas de compressão e deambulação precoce. Resultados: quatorze pacientes foram alocados no grupo A (200 mg) e 16 no grupo B (650 mg). No grupo A foram detectados 3 casos com trombos abaixo da veia poplítea ao USG sendo 21,4%. Já no grupo B, 5 casos foram identificados após o primeiro exame (31,2%). Todos assintomáticos e sem sinais de sangramento ativo ou queda da hematimetria no momento da detecção dos trombos. Conclusão: os dados sugerem não haver diferença na incidência de trombo em ambos os grupos, não sendo a profilaxia com a aspirina dose-dependente. Os níveis hematimétricos retornaram aos níveis iniciais o que sugere não ter havido sangramento crônico ou agudo relacionado ao uso. Nível de Evidência I; Estudo Clínico Randomizado Longitudinal Comparativo.

Randomized clinical trial of aspirin as prophylaxis for thromboembolism in hip arthroplasty / Ensaio randomizado da aspirina na profilaxia do tromboembolismo em artroplastia do quadril

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to evaluate aspirin as a chemical prophylaxis (200 mg) in total hip arthroplasty. Methods: the study compared two groups and used ultrasonography (USG) to screen for low-deep venous thrombosis. Group 1 received 600 mg (control), and Group 2 received 200 mg of (intervention), associated with the use of elastic compression stockings and early walking Results: fourteen patients were allocated to Group A (200mg), and 16 to Group B (600mg); in group A (200mg), 3 cases with thrombus below the popliteal vein were detected at the first USG examination. All of them are in the left lower limb (21.4%). In group B (600 mg), 5 cases were identified after the first exam (31.2%). All cases were asymptomatic and followed the protocol with prophylaxis only with Aspirin. Conclusion: In the statistical data, there were no differences in the presence of thrombus between the 200- and 600 mg groups, which is credited to using low-dose aspirin in low doses (200mg). Hematimetric levels returned to baseline levels and suggested there was no chronic or acute bleeding related to the use of aspirin. The manuscript was prepared according to the CONSORT guideline 2010. Level of Evidence I; Longitudinal Randomized Comparative Clinical Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo pretende avaliar a aspirina como profilaxia química (200 mg) na artroplastia total do quadril. Métodos: estudo comparando dois grupos com diferentes doses de aspirina e utilizando a ultrassonografia (USG) para rastreamento da trombose venosa profunda baixa. O grupo 1, 650 mg ao dia de aspirina (controle) e o grupo 2, 200 mg de aspirina ao dia na mesma posologia (intervenção) e associados ao uso de meias elásticas de compressão e deambulação precoce. Resultados: quatorze pacientes foram alocados no grupo A (200 mg) e 16 no grupo B (650 mg). No grupo A foram detectados 3 casos com trombos abaixo da veia poplítea ao USG sendo 21,4%. Já no grupo B, 5 casos foram identificados após o primeiro exame (31,2%). Todos assintomáticos e sem sinais de sangramento ativo ou queda da hematimetria no momento da detecção dos trombos. Conclusão: os dados sugerem não haver diferença na incidência de trombo em ambos os grupos, não sendo a profilaxia com a aspirina dose-dependente. Os níveis hematimétricos retornaram aos níveis iniciais o que sugere não ter havido sangramento crônico ou agudo relacionado ao uso. Nível de Evidência I; Estudo Clínico Randomizado Longitudinal Comparativo.

Precision and accuracy of common coral reef sampling protocols revisited with photogrammetry.

The rapid decline of coral reefs calls for cost-effective benthic cover data to improve reef health forecasts, policy building, management responses and evaluation. Reef monitoring has been largely based on divers' observations along transects, and secondarily on quadrat-based protocols, video and photographic records. However, the accuracy and precision of the most common sampling approaches are not yet fully understood. Here, we compared benthic cover estimates from three common sampling protocols: Reef Check (RC), Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) and photoquadrats (PQ). The reef cover of two contrasting sites was reconstructed with ∼450 m2 orthomosaics built with high resolution Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry, which were used as references for comparisons among protocols. In addition, we explored sample size requirements for each protocol and provided cost-effectiveness comparisons. Our results evidenced between-reef differences in the accuracy and precision of estimates with the different protocols. The three protocols performed similarly in the reef with low macroalgal cover (<0.5%), but PQ were more accurate and precise in the reef with relatively high (∼20%) macroalgal cover. The sample size for estimating coral cover with a 20% error margin and a 0.05 significance level was lower for PQ, followed by AGRRA and RC. Considering performance, cost surrogates and equipment needs, cost-effectiveness was higher for PQ. We also discuss costs, limitations and advantages/disadvantages of SfM photogrammetry as a sampling approach for coral reef monitoring.

Incised valleys drive distinctive oceanographic processes and biological assemblages within rhodolith beds.

Continental shelves encompass gently sloped seascapes that are highly productive and intensively exploited for natural resources. Islands, reefs and other emergent or quasi-emergent features punctuate these shallow (<100 m) seascapes and are well known drivers of increased biomass and biodiversity, as well as predictors of fishing and other human uses. On the other hand, relict mesoscale geomorphological features that do not represent navigation hazards, such as incised valleys (IVs), remain poorly charted. Consequently, their role in biophysical processes remains poorly assessed and sampled. Incised valleys are common within rhodolith beds (RBs), the most extensive benthic habitat along the tropical and subtropical portions of the mid and outer Brazilian shelf. Here, we report on a multi-proxy assessment carried out in a tropical-subtropical transition region (~20°S) off Eastern Brazil, contrasting physicochemical and biological variables in IVs and adjacent RBs. Valleys interfere in near bottom circulation and function as conduits for water and propagules from the slope up to the mid shelf. In addition, they provide a stable and structurally complex habitat for black corals and gorgonians that usually occur in deeper water, contrasting sharply with the algae-dominated RB. Fish richness, abundance and biomass were also higher in the IVs, with small planktivores and large-bodied, commercially important species (e.g. groupers, snappers and grunts) presenting smaller abundances or being absent from RBs. Overall, IVs are unique and vulnerable habitats that sustain diverse assemblages and important ecosystem processes. As new IVs are detected by remote sensing or bathymetric surveys, they can be incorporated into regional marine management plans as conservation targets and priority sites for detailed in situ surveys.

Physiological response of Symbiodiniaceae to thermal stress: Reactive oxygen species, photosynthesis, and relative cell size.

This study investigates the physiological response to heat stress of three genetically different Symbiodiniaceae strains isolated from the scleractinian coral Mussismilia braziliensis, endemic of the Abrolhos Bank, Brazil. Cultures of two Symbiodinium sp. and one Cladocopium sp. were exposed to a stepwise increase in temperature (2°C every second day) ranging from 26°C (modal temperature in Abrolhos) to 32°C (just above the maximum temperature registered in Abrolhos during the third global bleaching event-TGBE). After the cultures reached their final testing temperature, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, single cell attributes (relative cell size and chlorophyll fluorescence), and photosynthetic efficiency (effective (Y(II)) and maximum (Fv/Fm) quantum yields) were measured within 4 h and 72 h. Non-photochemical coefficient (NPQ) was estimated based on fluorescence values. Population average ROS production was variable across strains and exposure times, reaching up a 2-fold increase at 32°C in one of the Symbiodinium sp. strains. A marked intrapopulation difference was observed in ROS production, with 5 to 25% of the cells producing up to 10 times more than the population average, highlighting the importance of single cell approaches to assess population physiology. Average cell size increases at higher temperatures, likely resulting from cell cycle arrest, whereas chlorophyll fluorescence decreased, especially in 4 h, indicating a photoacclimation response. The conditions tested do not seem to have elicited loss of photosynthetic efficiency nor the activation of non-photochemical mechanisms in the cells. Our results unveiled a generalized thermotolerance in three Symbiodiniaceae strains originated from Abrolhos' corals. Inter and intra-specific variability could be detected, likely reflecting the genetic differences among the strains.

Evaluation of the effects of the recommended oral dose of diflubenzuron on bovine sperm and oocyte quality using CASA and OPU-IVEP.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate potential effects of diflubenzuron on the production and quality of gametes, and on in vitro embryo production (IVEP) outcomes, in cattle. Methods: Two experiments were performed, the first to evaluate effects on semen, and the second on cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) and on IVEP. Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) bulls (n = 14) or heifers (n = 16) were allocated into control (CG) or treatment (DIF) groups. All groups received a mineral mix supplement added (DIF) or not (CG) with diflubenzuron (30 mg/head/day), during 8 weeks. Animals were weighed and blood samples were collected throughout the experimental period. Every other week, bulls were subjected to semen collection and heifers to transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration sessions. Semen underwent physical and morphological evaluation, and samples were stored for further computer-assisted sperm analysis. The COC recovered were evaluated according to morphology and those classified as viable were sent to an IVEP laboratory. Results: Diflubenzuron had no effect (P > 0.05) on average body weight or in any blood hematological or biochemical endpoints, regardless of gender. In experiment 1, there was no difference (P > 0.05) between DIF and CG groups for sperm concentration, morphology, or kinetics. In experiment 2, there was also no effect of diflubenzuron on the number of total, viable, or grade I oocytes, as well as on cleavage or blastocyst rates (P > 0.05). Discussion: In summary, the oral administration of diflubenzuron, within the recommended dose, has no short-term negative effects on sperm production and quality or on oocyte yield and developmental potential in vitro, in cattle.

Smelling Peppers and Pout Submitted to Convective Drying: Mathematical Modeling, Thermodynamic Properties and Proximal Composition.

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is among the oldest and most cultivated crops on the planet. Its fruits are widely used as natural condiments in the food industry for their color, flavor, and pungency properties. Peppers have abundant production; on the other hand, their fruits are perishable, deteriorating within a few days after harvesting. Therefore, they need adequate conservation methods to increase their useful life. This study aimed to mathematically model the drying kinetics of smelling peppers (Capsicum chinense) and pout peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) to obtain the thermodynamic properties involved in the process and to determine the influence of drying on the proximal composition of these peppers. Whole peppers, containing the seeds, were dried in an oven with forced air circulation, at temperatures of 50, 60, 70, and 80 °C, with an air speed of 1.0 m/s. Ten models were adjusted to the experimental data, but the Midilli model was the one that provided the best values of coefficient of determination and lowest values of the mean squared deviation and chi-square value in most of the temperatures under study. The effective diffusivities were well represented by an Arrhenius equation, appearing in the order of 10-10 m2·s-1 for both materials under study, since the activation energy of the smelling pepper was 31.01 kJ·mol-1 and was 30.11 kJ·mol-1 in the pout pepper, respectively. Thermodynamic properties in both processes of drying the peppers pointed to a non-spontaneous process, with positive values of enthalpy and Gibbs free energy and negative values of entropy. Regarding the influence of drying on the proximal composition, it was observed that, with the increase in temperature, there was a decrease in the water content and the concentration of macronutrients (lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates), providing an increase in the energy value. The powders obtained in the study were presented as an alternative for the technological and industrial use of peppers, favoring obtaining a new condiment, rich in bioactives, providing the market with a new option of powdered product that can be consumed directly and even adopted by the industry as a raw material in the preparation of mixed seasonings and in the formulation of various food products.

Physicochemical Aspects, Bioactive Compounds, Phenolic Profile and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Tropical Red Fruits and Their Blend.

The combination of fruit pulps from different species, in addition to multiplying the offer of flavors, aromas and textures, favors the nutritional spectrum and the diversity of bioactive principles. The objective was to evaluate and compare the physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds, profile of phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activity of pulps of three species of tropical red fruits (acerola, guava and pitanga) and of the blend produced from the combination. The pulps showed significant values of bioactive compounds, with emphasis on acerola, which had the highest levels in all parameters, except for lycopene, with the highest content in pitanga pulp. Nineteen phenolic compounds were identified, being phenolic acids, flavanols, anthocyanin and stilbene; of these, eighteen were quantified in acerola, nine in guava, twelve in pitanga and fourteen in the blend. The blend combined positive characteristics conferred by the individual pulps, with low pH favorable for conservation, high levels of total soluble solids and sugars, greater diversity of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity close to that of acerola pulp. Pearson's correlation between antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid content, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids for the samples were positive, indicating their use as a source of bioactive compounds.

Combined antibodies against internalins A and B proteins have potential application in immunoassay for detection of Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne bacterium that causes listeriosis upon the ingestion of contaminated food. Traditional methods to detect L. monocytogenes require pre-enrichment broths to increase its concentration. To improve the screening of contaminated food and prevent listeriosis outbreaks, rapid, specific and sensitive assays are needed to detect L. monocytogenes. This study developed a prototype lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA) employing antibodies against L. monocytogenes Internalin A (InlA) and Internalin B (InlB) proteins, that are involved in non-phagocytic cell invasion. The following antibodies were used to capture L. monocytogenes antigenic targets: mouse anti-Internalin A monoclonal antibody (MAb-2D12) conjugated to colloidal gold nanoparticles and a mouse anti-Internalin B polyclonal antibody. This test was able to detect pure L. monocytogenes from culture with a limit of detection (LOD) ranging from 5.9 × 103 to 1.5 × 104 CFU/mL. In milk artificially contaminated with L. monocytogenes, the LOD was 1 × 105 CFU/mL. This prototype test discriminated L. monocytogenes from other bacterial species (Listeria innocua, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus cereus). Results indicate that this LFIA developed using antibodies against L. monocytogenes InlA and InlB proteins is a sensitive and specific tool that can be potentially useful to rapidly detect L. monocytogenes in contaminated food. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05597-9.

First record of mating behaviour and induced parturition of the Brazilian endemic Lutz's stingray Hypanus berthalutzae.

The recently described Lutz's stingray Hypanus berthalutzae is endemic to the Brazilian Province, including oceanic islands. Although it is expected to have life-history traits similar to the southern stingray H. americanus, little is known about its reproductive biology. Here we present the first observations of courtship behaviour (n = 4), copulation (n = 3) and an induced parturition of H. berthalutzae at the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, an insular Marine Protected Area from the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean. The mating event records included (1) 'chasing/close following', (2) 'biting/precopulatory biting', (3) 'insertion/copulation' and (4) 'separation'. These results are especially relevant considering that records of reproductive behaviour in the wild are rare for elasmobranchs in general. Mating events occurred in different months, suggesting that the reproductive cycle of H. berthalutzae in this insular system is asynchronous, as observed for other stingray species in regions with favourable environmental conditions and abundant food throughout the year. The opportunistic documentation of the induced parturition allowed for direct nonlethal observation of the two pups at or near full term in late May. Although preliminary, these observations should be considered in future management plans as they provide relevant data about the life-history traits and mating behaviour of this endemic and threatened species.

Economic, social, and environmental assessment of farming Nile tilapia in net-cages in a reservoir in hot semi-arid region during an extended drought event.

Water reservoirs have been constructed in hot semi-arid regions, which may be used to produce fish. The present study described major features of the economic, social, and environmental characteristics of a net-cage Nile tilapia production system, stocked with 100 and 120 fish/m3, implemented in a reservoir in the hot semi-arid region of Brazil during an extended drought event. The production cycle was reduced from 6-8 to 4 months because of the lack of water in the reservoir. This resulted in the harvest of small fish weighting ~300-350 g that reached a low value in the market. As a consequence, indicators of financial feasibility showed low values, which were not attractive for entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, for both stocking densities, the monthly income was about US$ 1,500.00, which is 5-fold the minimum wage in the region. In general, the activity has a positive social impact, despite the low contribution to development of the local economy and food security because most supply came from outside and fish were sold to distant regions. Various age and ethnic groups were represented among the employees, but the enterprise was operated only by men. Phosphorus accumulations in the reservoir were 2.1 and 2.0 kg/t of fish produced and particulate material accumulations of 110 and 100 kg/t of fish production for 125 fish/m3 and 100 fish/m3, respectively. The study indicated that the Nile tilapia culture in hot semi-arid region is strongly affected by long drought events and adaptations in the planning and management should be done when implementing the systems. However, it seems that the activity has some resilience to still provide food, generate wealth, and promote social development for local population with low environmental impact.

Voluntary physical activity mitigates alveolar bone loss in mice with ligature-induced experimental periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of voluntary physical activity (VPA) on inflammatory profile and the progression of experimental periodontal disease (PD) in mice. METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly distributed into Control; VPA; PD and PD/VPA groups. We registered VPA (total volume of revolutions) and average speed (revolutions/minute) in a free running wheel for 30 days. On the 15th day, animals from the PD and PD/VPA groups received ligatures on the upper second molars bilaterally. On the 30th day animals were euthanized, and PD progression was assessed by measuring alveolar bone loss (ABL - the linear distance between the cemento-enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest on the teeth buccal surface). Gene expression of RANKL (kappa nuclear factor B receptor) OPG (osteoprotegerin), IL-1ß (interleukin 1 beta), IL-6 (interleukin 6) and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) were evaluated by real-time PCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction - relative gene expression). RESULTS: The total volume of physical activity and the activity speed decreased along the seven days after ligature-placement (p < 0.05), returning to a similar pattern in relation to VPA group. Ligature placement produced significant bone resorption, and increased RANKL, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α expression. VPA reduced ABL (p < 0,05) and the expression of TNF-α and IL-1ß, whereas increased OPG expression. CONCLUSION: Animals induced to PD with access to the VPA wheel presented both lower gingival inflammation and less alveolar bone resorption in comparison to animals without access to the wheel.

"O supremo tribunal das encrencas sportivas que é a liga mineira" e o cenário futebolístico em Belo Horizonte (1904 a 1933) / "The supreme court of sporting troubles that is the liga mineira" and the football scene in Belo Horizonte (1904 to 1933)

O presente artigo pretende analisar as tramas que contribuíram para a construção da entidade máxima do futebol mineiro, as Ligas Mineiras de futebol, no período de 1904 a 1933. Entendo que a história social de Belo Horizonte e os diferentes indícios encontrados na imprensa no período analisado demonstram a importância das entidades que regulavam o esporte em questão, num contexto de muitas disputas entre pessoas e instituições que pertenciam ao campo esportivo na cidade. As fontes consultadas foram os jornais disponíveis na capital mineira no período em questão, e que possibilitaram através da análise seriada dos documentos construir uma narrativa das experiências das pessoas que se envolviam no cenário futebolístico de Belo Horizonte nas primeiras décadas do século XX.

This article intends to analyze the plots that contributed to the construction of the maximum entity of Minas Gerais football, the Minas Gerais football leagues, in the period from 1904 to 1933. I understand that the social history of Belo Horizonte and the different signs found in the press in the analyzed period demonstrate the importance of the entities that regulated the sport in question, in a context of many disputes between people and institutions that belonged to the sports field in the city. The sources consulted were the newspapers available in the capital of Minas Gerais in the period in question, which made it possible, through the serial analysis of the documents, to build a narrative of the experiences of people who were involved in the football scene in Belo Horizonte in the first decades of the 20th century.

Coral growth bands recorded trace elements associated with the Fundão dam collapse.

In November 2015, the collapse of the Fundão dam (Minas Gerais, Brazil) carried over 40 × 106 m3 of iron ore tailings into the Doce river and caused massive environmental and socioeconomic impacts across the watershed. The downstream mudslide scavenged contaminants deposited in the riverbed, and several potentially toxic elements were further released through reduction and solubilization of Fe oxy-hydroxides under estuarine conditions. A turbidity plume was formed off the river mouth, but the detection of contaminants' dispersion in the ocean remains poorly assessed. This situation is specially concerning because Southwestern Atlantic's largest and richest reefs are located 70-250 km to the north of the Doce river mouth, and the legal dispute over the extent of monitoring, compensation and restoration measures are based either on indirect evidence from modeling or on direct evidence from remote sensing and contaminated organisms. Coral skeletons can incorporate trace elements and are considered good monitors of marine pollution, including inputs from open cut mining. Here, we studied a Montastraea cavernosa (Linnaeus 1767) coral colony collected 220 km northward to the river mouth, using X-rays for assessing growth bands and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry to recover trace elements incorporated in growth bands formed between 2014 and 2018. A threefold positive Fe anomaly was identified in early 2016, associated with negative anomalies in several elements. Variation in Ba and Y was coherent with the region's sedimentation dynamics, but also increased after 2016, akin to Pb, V and Zn. Coral growth rates decreased after the disaster. Besides validating M. cavernosa as a reliable archive of ocean chemistry, our results evidence wide-reaching sub-lethal coral contamination in the Abrolhos reefs, as well as different incorporation mechanisms into corals' skeletons.

Behavioral, neuroplasticity and metabolic effects of 7,8-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin associated with physical activity in mice.

The search for strategies to develop resilience against metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders has motivated the clinical and experimental assessment of early life interventions such as lifestyle-based and use of unconventional pharmacological compounds. In this study, we assessed the effects of voluntary physical activity and 7,8-Dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (DHMC), independently or in combination, over mice physiological and behavioral parameters, adult hippocampal and hypothalamic neurogenesis, and neurotrophic factors expression in the hypothalamus. C57Bl/6J mice were submitted to a 29-day treatment with DHMC and allowed free access to a running wheel. We found that DHMC treatment alone reduced fasting blood glucose levels. Moreover, physical activity showed an anxiolytic effect in the elevated plus maze task and DHMC produced additional anxiolytic behavior, evidenced by reduced activity during the light cycle in the physical activity group. Although we did not find any differences in hypothalamic or hippocampal adult neurogenesis, DHMC increased gene expression levels of VEGF, which was correlated to the reduced fasting glucose levels. In conclusion, our data emphasize the potential of physical activity in reducing development of neuropsychiatric conditions, such as anxiety, and highlights DHMC as an attractive compound to be investigated in future studies addressing neuropsychiatric disorders associated with metabolic conditions.

Calcium carbonate production in the southernmost subtropical Atlantic coral reef.

Emerging evidence have been supporting the idea that the better known South Atlantic coral reefs (located between 18°S and 24°S) are now essentially senescent structures that have experienced little or no additional vertical reef growth over the past millennia. This has often coincided with a shift to a dominance of non-coral calcifying organisms becoming the main CaCO3 producers in these high latitude and marginal marine settings. Here, we used Calcification Accretion Units (CAUs) and census-based methods to measure non-coral rates of CaCO3 production on the geologically senescent reef and adjacent rhodolith beds within the southernmost subtropical Atlantic reef (i.e., Queimada Grande Reef, QGR). The reef habitat is currently producing CaCO3 at rates of ∼126 g m-2 yr-1. In contrast, fragments of dead corals skeletons deposited adjacent to the reef over the last ∼2000 years are now colonized by crustose coralline red algae. These form a rhodolith bed that produces CaCO3 at rates of 858 g m-2 yr-1. Our results indicate that, whilst not sufficient to promote active net framework accumulation, CaCO3 production by coralline algae and bryozoans on the QGR appears to be sufficient to at least limit net large-scale erosion of the underlying reef structure, allowing the reef structure to persist in a state close to budgetary stasis. Finally, our results are also of relevance for providing insights regarding the balance of CaCO3 production/dissolution/erosion processes in coral reefs, especially in these less understood marginal reefs.

Isobolographic analysis reveals antinociceptive synergism between Phα1ß recombinant toxin and morphine in a model of cancer pain in C57BL/6J mice.

BACKGROUND: Phoneutria nigriventer venom contains Phα1ß. This toxin and its recombinant form have a remarkable analgesic potential that is associated with blockage of voltage-gated calcium channels and TRPA1 receptors. Although morphine is a mainstay drug to treat moderate and severe pain related to cancer, it has serious and dose-limiting side effects. Combining recombinant Phα1ß and morphine to treat pain is an interesting approach that has been gaining attention. Therefore, a quantitative and reliable method to establish the strength of the antinociceptive interaction between these two substances is necessary. The present study was designed to investigate the nature of the functional antinociceptive (analgesic) interaction between Phα1ß recombinant toxin and morphine in a model of cancer pain. METHODS: Melanoma was produced by intraplantar inoculation of B16-F10 cells into the right paw of C57BL/6J mice. Von Frey filaments measured the paw-withdrawal threshold after intrathecal administration of morphine, recombinant Phα1ß, and their combination. Thermal hyperalgesia was assessed using Hargreaves apparatus. The degree of interaction was evaluated using isobolographic analysis. Spontaneous and forced motor performance was assessed with the open-field and rotarod tests, respectively. RESULTS: Co-administration of recombinant Phα1ß and morphine synergistically reverses the melanoma-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. The potency of the mixture, measured as the effective dose to reach 50% of maximum possible effect (MPE) in ameliorating mechanical hyperalgesia, was about twice fold higher than expected if the interaction between morphine and recombinant Phα1ß was merely additive. Treatment with the combination at doses necessary to reach 50% of MPE caused no spontaneous nor forced motor alterations. CONCLUSION: The combinatorial use of recombinant Phα1ß and morphine allows significant and effective dose reduction of both agents, which has translational potential for opioid-sparing approaches in pain management related to cancer.

A new species of viviparous brotula genus Pseudogilbia (Ophidiiformes: Dinematichthyidae) from Brazilian reefs, with an updated diagnosis of the genus.

In this study, a new species of Pseudogilbia Møller, Schwarzhans & Nielsen 2004 is described based on two male specimens (40-44 mm LS ) from shallow reefs of Bahia, Brazil. Pseudogilbia australis sp. nov. is distinguished from its only congener, Pseudogilbia sanblasensis Møller, Schwarzhans & Nielsen 2004 from Caribbean Panama, by having: two lower preopercular pores (vs. one); dorsal-fin rays 65-67 (vs. 69); anal-fin rays 51-53 (vs. 56); pectoral-fin rays 18 (vs. 20); caudal vertebrae 27-28 (vs. 30); pectoral-fin length 15.0%-15.9% LS (vs. 14.3); pelvic-fin length 13.5% LS (vs. 16.4) and a different morphology of the male copulatory organ. Pseudogilbia australis sp. nov. is the only dinematichthyid so far recorded in the South Atlantic. An updated diagnosis for the genus is also provided.

Antinociceptive synergism upon the joint use of methadone and Phα1ß in a model of cancer-related pain in C57BL/6J mice.

Opioids are the first-line treatment for cancer pain. Incomplete pain relief and the high rate of adverse effects of these compounds bring a need to combine them with other drugs acting on different targets. AIMS: We here evaluate the antinociceptive interaction and adverse events of methadone combined with recombinant Phα1ß, an analgesic toxin from Phoneutria nigriventer. MAIN METHODS: Melanoma was produced by intraplantar inoculation of B16-F10 cells into the right paw. von Frey filaments measured the paw-withdrawal threshold after administration of methadone, Phα1ß, and their combination. The degree of interaction was evaluated using isobolographic analysis. Spontaneous performance and forced motor performance were assessed with the open-field and rotarod tests, respectively. Intestinal function was evaluated by the distance traveled by charcoal and opioid tolerance was induced by daily morphine injections. KEY FINDINGS: Co-administration of Phα1ß with methadone synergistically reverses the melanoma-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. No motor alterations were observed but mild alterations on intestinal function after treatment with the combination that was also capable of restoring morphine analgesia in the tail-flick test after an opioid-induced tolerance. SIGNIFICANCE: Combinatorial treatment with Phα1ß and methadone produces synergistic analgesic potentiation with potential implications to pain treatment even under opioid tolerance conditions.