Somatostatin neuron contributions to cortical slow wave dysfunction in adult mice exposed to developmental ethanol.

Introduction: Transitions between sleep and waking and sleep-dependent cortical oscillations are heavily dependent on GABAergic neurons. Importantly, GABAergic neurons are especially sensitive to developmental ethanol exposure, suggesting a potential unique vulnerability of sleep circuits to early ethanol. In fact, developmental ethanol exposure can produce long-lasting impairments in sleep, including increased sleep fragmentation and decreased delta wave amplitude. Here, we assessed the efficacy of optogenetic manipulations of somatostatin (SST) GABAergic neurons in the neocortex of adult mice exposed to saline or ethanol on P7, to modulate cortical slow-wave physiology. Methods: SST-cre × Ai32 mice, which selectively express channel rhodopsin in SST neurons, were exposed to ethanol or saline on P7. This line expressed similar developmental ethanol induced loss of SST cortical neurons and sleep impairments as C57BL/6By mice. As adults, optical fibers were implanted targeting the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and telemetry electrodes were implanted in the neocortex to monitor slow-wave activity and sleep-wake states. Results: Optical stimulation of PFC SST neurons evoked slow-wave potentials and long-latency single-unit excitation in saline treated mice but not in ethanol mice. Closed-loop optogenetic stimulation of PFC SST neuron activation on spontaneous slow-waves enhanced cortical delta oscillations, and this manipulation was more effective in saline mice than P7 ethanol mice. Discussion: Together, these results suggest that SST cortical neurons may contribute to slow-wave impairment after developmental ethanol.

Epidemiologia e avaliação de risco associado à presença de ácaros hematófagos em galpões de granjas avícolas de postura / [Epidemiological and risk assessment associated with the presence of hematophagous mites in poultry farms]

Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a epidemiologia da presença de ácaros hematófagos em granjas de postura no estado de Minas Gerais. Foi utilizado um banco de dados secundário, com informações de 402 galpões de 42 propriedades comerciais. As variáveis utilizadas para compor o modelo de correspondência foram selecionadas por meio do teste qui-quadrado (P≤0,05). Foi construído um índice para a presença de ácaros hematófagos, considerando alguns fatores de risco. Além disso, um estudo da análise espacial foi realizado para avaliar a presença de ácaros hematófagos em Minas Gerais. Observou-se a presença de ácaros hematófagos em 48% dos galpões, sendo a de O. sylviarum de 45,5%, O. bursa de 17,4% e D. gallinae de 2,7%. Houve associação entre o índice de risco com os intervalos de remoção de fezes e com a presença ou a ausência de aves sinantrópicas. Verificou-se que granjas mais tecnificadas não utilizam acaricida em seus galpões. A presença de ácaros hematófagos foi observada na mesorregião Sul/Sudoeste de Minas Gerais e entre as mesorregiões Oeste de Minas e Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte. Esses resultados fornecem conhecimento sobre a epidemiologia desses ectoparasitos e podem contribuir na tomada de decisões, reduzindo os riscos de possíveis infestações em aves de postura.(AU)

This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology of the presence of hematophagous mites in posture farms in the state of Minas Gerais. Was used a secondary database with information from 402 chicken houses in 42 commercial properties. The variables used to compose the correspondence model were selected through chi-square tests (P≤0.05). A risk index was built to the presence of hematophagous mites considering some risk factors. Additionally, a study of the spatial analysis was done to evaluate the presence of hematophagous mites in Minas Gerais. Was observed the presence of hematophagous mites in 48% of chicken houses, the presence of O. sylviarum was 45.5%, O. bursa 17.4% and D. gallinae 2.7%. There was an association between the risk index with the intervals for the removal of manure and the presence or absence of synanthropic birds. It was verified that more technified farms do not use acaricide in their chicken houses. The presence of hematophagous mites was observed in the Messoregions South/Southwest of Minas Gerais and between the West and Metropolitan Mesoregion of Belo Horizonte. These results provide knowledge about the epidemiology of these ectoparasites and may contribute to decision making by reducing the risks of possible infestations in poultry.(AU)

Stability and adaptability of soybean cultivars in Minas Gerais.

Genotypes x environment (G x E) interaction consists of different behavior of genotypes cultivated in different environments. This interaction occurs due to the performance variation of each genotype in different environments. To reduce the effect of the interaction in soybean crops, some studies have been reported in the literature to study their adaptability and stability. However, these studies are still scarce in Minas Gerais State. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the adaptability and stability of soybean cultivars and identify the cultivars that contribute least to the G x E interaction in Minas Gerais. Six soybean cultivars were evaluated in 9 different environments. The plots were composed of 4 rows of 5 m with a spacing of 0.5 m between rows, and only the two central rows were harvested. The inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum was performed through sowing furrow. The fertilization followed the recommendations of the Soil Fertility Commission of Minas Gerais. Grain yield was evaluated in kg/ha after conversion to 13% moisture. After individual analysis, the joint analysis was performed by grouping the phenotypic means by the Scott and Knott (1974) test. Wricke's ecovalence methodologies and the Annicchiarico confidence index were applied for the adaptability and stability analysis. The interaction was decomposed into a simple and a complex part. The cultivars BRSMG 820RR and BRSMG 760SRR have wide adaptability and stability. The first one presents a better index of confidence and a small contribution to the interaction.

Adaptability and phenotypic stability of soybean cultivars for grain yield and oil content.

The aim of this study was to verify the adaptability and stability of soybean cultivars with regards to yield and oil content. Data of soybean yield and oil content were used from experiments set up in six environments in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 crop seasons in the municipalities of Patos de Minas, Uberaba, Lavras, and São Gotardo, Minas Gerais, Brazil, testing 36 commercial soybean cultivars of both conventional and transgenic varieties. The Wricke method and GGE biplot analysis were used to evaluate adaptability and stability of these cultivars. Large variations were observed in grain yield in relation to the different environments studied, showing that these materials are adaptable. The cultivars exhibited significant differences in oil content. The cultivars BRSGO204 (Goiânia) and BRSMG (Garantia) exhibited the greatest average grain yield in the different environments studied, and the cultivar BRSMG 760 SRR had the greatest oil content among the cultivars evaluated. Ecovalence was adopted to identify the most stable cultivars, and the estimates were nearly uniform both for grain yield and oil content, showing a variation of 0.07 and 0.01%, respectively. The GGE biplot was efficient at identifying cultivars with high adaptability and phenotype stability.

Epidemiological aspects of lice (Menacanthus species) infections in laying hen flocks from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The epidemiology of chicken lice species such as Menacanthus stramineus, M. cornutus and M. pallidulus were studied during an observational, analytical and sectional survey, to determine predisposing factors for their occurrence in laying hen farms in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 431 houses on 43 farms were visited in 2012. M. cornutus, M. stramineus and M. pallidulus occurred in 20.9%, 11.6% and 11.6% of farms, respectively. The frequencies of occurrence of M. cornutus, M. stramineus and M.pallidulus in poultry houses were 10.4%, 8.8% and 3.7%, respectively. The epidemiological determinants for the occurrence of these species were investigated using Poisson or logistic regression models. The region of the farm, the recent use of acaricides and the presence of birds, such as saffron finch (Sicalis flaveola), feral pigeon (Columba livia) and Guira cuckoo (Guira guira) around the farms were related to the epidemiology of M. cornutus. Infestation by M. stramineus was associated with age of birds, number of birds per cage and the presence of Guira cuckoo and Chopi blackbird (Gnorimopsar chopi) near the poultry houses. The occurrence of M. pallidulus was influenced by the type of facilities, presence of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) and free-range domestic hens around the farm. The use of wire mesh nets in the houses and of forced moulting did not influence lice infestation.

Dopamine and serotonin signaling during two sensitive developmental periods differentially impact adult aggressive and affective behaviors in mice.

Pharmacologic blockade of monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) or serotonin transporter (5-HTT) has antidepressant and anxiolytic efficacy in adulthood. Yet, genetically conferred MAOA or 5-HTT hypoactivity is associated with altered aggression and increased anxiety/depression. Here we test the hypothesis that increased monoamine signaling during development causes these paradoxical aggressive and affective phenotypes. We find that pharmacologic MAOA blockade during early postnatal development (P2-P21) but not during peri-adolescence (P22-41) increases anxiety- and depression-like behavior in adult (>P90) mice, mimicking the effect of P2-21 5-HTT inhibition. Moreover, MAOA blockade during peri-adolescence, but not P2-21 or P182-201, increases adult aggressive behavior, and 5-HTT blockade from P22-P41 reduced adult aggression. Blockade of the dopamine transporter, but not the norepinephrine transporter, during P22-41 also increases adult aggressive behavior. Thus, P2-21 is a sensitive period during which 5-HT modulates adult anxiety/depression-like behavior, and P22-41 is a sensitive period during which DA and 5-HT bi-directionally modulate adult aggression. Permanently altered DAergic function as a consequence of increased P22-P41 monoamine signaling might underlie altered aggression. In support of this hypothesis, we find altered aggression correlating positively with locomotor response to amphetamine challenge in adulthood. Proving that altered DA function and aggression are causally linked, we demonstrate that optogenetic activation of VTA DAergic neurons increases aggression. It therefore appears that genetic and pharmacologic factors impacting dopamine and serotonin signaling during sensitive developmental periods can modulate adult monoaminergic function and thereby alter risk for aggressive and emotional dysfunction.

GSK-3ß overexpression causes reversible alterations on postsynaptic densities and dendritic morphology of hippocampal granule neurons in vivo.

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) is crucial for the maintenance of hippocampal function. Several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are accompanied by memory deficits that could be related to alterations in AHN. Here, we took advantage of a conditional mouse model to study the involvement of glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß) overexpression (OE) in AHN. By injecting GFP- and PSD95-GFP-expressing retroviruses, we have determined that hippocampal GSK-3ß-OE causes dramatic alterations in both dendritic tree morphology and post-synaptic densities in newborn neurons. Alterations in previously damaged neurons were reverted by switching off the transgenic system and also by using a physiological approach (environmental enrichment) to increase hippocampal plasticity. Furthermore, comparative morphometric analysis of granule neurons from patients with AD and from GSK-3ß overexpressing mice revealed shared morphological alterations. Taken together, these data indicate that GSK-3ß is crucial for hippocampal function, thereby supporting this kinase as a relevant target for the treatment of AD.

Registration of Alfvén resonances in TCABR tokamak by the scanning reflectometer at sideband frequencies.

A frequency scanning O-mode reflectometer was used for studies of plasma density oscillations during local Alfvén wave (LAW) excitation in the Tokamak Chauffage Alfvén Brésilien (TCABR) at the frequency f(A) = 5 MHz. It was found that the spectrum of the reflectometer output signal, which consists mainly of the "beat" frequency f(B), is modified by the LAW excitation, and two additional frequency peaks appear, which are symmetrical in relation to the LAW excitation frequency f = f(A) ± f(B). This result opens the possibility to improve the efficiency of studying the LAW induced density oscillations. The symmetry of these frequency peaks yields the possibility of finding the microwave frequency at which the reflectometer cutoff layer coincides with radial position of the LAW resonance zone in the TCABR tokamak.

Host-parasite relationships in flatfish (Pleuronectiformes)--the relative importance of host biology, ecology and phylogeny.

The extent to which host biology, ecology and phylogeny determine the diversity of macroparasite assemblages has been investigated in recent years in several taxa, including fish. However, consensus has not been reached probably as a result of data being collected from different sources, different temporal scales or host and parasite biogeography and phylogeny having greater influence than expected. The present study evaluates the relative importance of 27 biological, ecological and phylogenetic characteristics of 14 flatfish species on the diversity of their ecto- and endoparasite assemblages, comprising a total of 53 taxa. Redundancy analyses were applied to the mean abundance of each parasite taxa infecting each host and to the richness, taxonomic distinctness and variance in taxonomic distinctness calculated for each assemblage within each host. Only a few host characteristics contributed significantly to the observed patterns: host distribution was more important in determining the type and mean abundance of ectoparasites present in an assemblage, whereas diversity of these assemblages were mainly related to the host's maximum size. Endoparasite mean abundance and diversity were mostly influenced by the number of food items ingested and by the presence of Crustacea and Polychaeta in the diet. However, the sympatric occurrence of related hosts also played an important role in the diversity values found in macroparasite assemblages. Results showed that a host characteristic has different importance according to the host-parasite relationship being examined, suggesting an important role for host-parasite co-evolution on the diversity of extant macroparasite assemblages.

Efeito do tempo após a ingestão de leite sobre o equilíbrio ácido-básico de bezerros / Effect of the time after milk feeding on the acid-base balance of calves

Blood pH, carbon dioxide and oxygen partial pressures, bicarbonate, total carbon dioxide, base excess, standard bicarbonate and oxygen saturation concentrations were measured by blood gas analyses in a study of assessment of the acid-base status in young calves. Venous blood samples were taken from 80 healthy female Holstein calves, from four to 30 days of age. The calves were divided in two groups based on the interval between the morning milk feeding and the blood sample collection (up to 30 minutes or over two hours). Greater alkali reserve and higher carbon dioxide pressure values were observed later than 2h after milk feeding, supporting the influence of the diet on the acid-base balance of calves during the milk feeding phase

Use of primers derived from a new sequence of the bovine Y chromosome for sexing Bos taurus and Bos indicus embryos.

A bovine male-specific marker was identified in our laboratory through random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. This fragment of 3216 bp was cloned, sequenced and mapped by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on the taurine Yq. Primers derived from this sequence were initially screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for their ability to detect Y-specific segments in zebu and taurine genomic DNA. Two of these primers amplified a 655 bp Y-specific sequence present in taurine and zebu male genomic DNA. These primers were then used for detecting the 655 bp male sequence in DNA from 173 zebu and 30 taurine embryos, which had been previously sexed using primers for the sequence BC 1.2. The results revealed an accuracy of 100%.

The enzymology of lysine catabolism in rice seeds--isolation, characterization, and regulatory properties of a lysine 2-oxoglutarate reductase/saccharopine dehydrogenase bifunctional polypeptide.

In plant, the catabolism of lysine has only been studied in some detail in maize. The enzymes lysine 2-oxoglutarate reductase (also known as lysine alpha-ketoglutarate reductase; LOR) and saccharopine dehydrogenase (SDH), which convert lysine into saccharopine, and saccharopine into glutamic acid and 2-aminoadipate 6-semialdehyde, respectively, were isolated from immature rice seeds and partially purified through a three-step purification procedure involving ammonium sulphate precipitation, and anion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatographies, leading to a final yield of 30% for LOR and 24% for SDH. The molecular masses estimated by gel-filtration chromatography on a Sephacryl S200 column and by native non-denaturing PAGE using Ferguson plots were 203 kDa for both enzymes by gel-filtration and 202 kDa for both enzymes by native non-denaturing PAGE. A second band of LOR and SDH activities on native gels was observed for both enzymes with an estimated molecular mass of 396 kDa, which indicated a multimeric structure. Kinetic studies were consistent with an ordered sequence mechanism for LOR, where 2-oxoglutarate is the first substrate and saccharopine is the last product. The results observed for the LOR/SDH activity ratios during purification, the copurification in all three steps, the molecular masses, the relative mobilities on native non-denaturing gels and the pI estimated for LOR and SDH suggest the existence of a bifunctional polypeptide containing LOR and SDH activities.

Adaptation of chondrocytes to low oxygen tension: relationship between hypoxia and cellular metabolism.

In endochondral bone, the growth cartilage is the site of rapid growth. Since the vascular supply to the cartilage is limited, it is widely assumed that cells of the cartilage are hypoxic and that limitations in the oxygen supply regulate the energetic state of the maturing cells. In this report, we evaluate the effects of oxygen tension on chondrocyte energy metabolism, thiol status, and expression of transcription elements, HIF and AP-1. Imposition of an hypoxic environment on cultured chondrocytes caused a proportional increase in glucose utilization and elevated levels of lactate synthesis. Although we observed a statistical increase in the activities of phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase after exposure to lowered oxygen concentrations, the effect was small. The cultured cells exhibited a decreased utilization of glutamine, possibly due to down regulation of mitochondrial function and inhibition of oxidative deamination. With respect to total energy generation, we noted that these cells are quite capable of maintaining the energy charge of the cell at low oxygen tensions. Indeed, no changes in the absolute quantity of adenine nucleotides or the energy charge ratio was observed. Hypoxia caused a decrease in the glutathione content of cultured chondrocytes and a concomitant rise in cell and medium cysteine levels. It is likely that the fall in cell glutathione level is due to decreased synthesis of the tripeptide under reduced oxygen stress and the limited supply of glutamate. The observed rise in cellular and medium cysteine levels probably reflects an increase in the rate of degradation of glutathione and a decrease in synthesis of the peptide. To explore how cells transduce these metabolic effects, gel retardation assays were used to study chondrocyte HIF and AP-1 binding activities. Chondrocyte nuclear preparations bound an HIF-oligonucleotide; however, at low oxygen tensions, no increase in HIF binding was observed. In addition, we found that AP-1 binding activities in chondrocytes exposed to low oxygen tensions was elevated, although the response was lower than that exhibited by fibroblasts exposed to the same range of oxygen concentrations. We compared these results to HIF and AP-1 binding by cells in the growth plate. There was strong HIF and AP-1 binding throughout the plate, but no evidence of selective binding to any one zone. The results of the study lend strong support to the view that chondrocytes are very well adapted to low oxygen tensions; thus, under hypoxic conditions, there is a high level of expression of both HIF and AP-1, and energy conservation appears to be near-maximum.

[Living with parents of adolescents: proposal for a course to facilitate the relationship]. / Vivência com pais de adolescentes: uma proposta de curso que facilita o relacionamento.

The author describes an experience of a short term course for parents of adolescents and professionals, who deal with this age group. Participants were mothers of different professions: a principal of an elementary school, a pedagogic coordinator of an elementary and a high school, pedagogues, a student of pedagogy and students of phsyco pedagogy. The reasons for the choice presented by the participants centred in difficulties in the relationship between parents and their children and in the search for more satisfactory and functional forms of the parents--children dyad. The author made use of systemic referential about the adolescence and the phsyco dramatic methodology with the objective of making easier the understanding of the thematic in question. The course not only offered information about the aspects of adolescence, its repercussion in the family context, but also propitiated exchanges of opinions, sharing of doubts, odd feelings of insecurity faced with the task of being parents of adolescents allowing the construction of new ways for the parents to perceive, feel and express their friendship.

Survey of bovine mycotic mastitis in dairy herds in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

The purpose of this study was to isolate fungi from the quarter milk of cow udders from several dairy herds and to identify the different genera and species involved in mastitis. A total of 2078 milk samples from normal, clinical and subclinical mastitis quarters from 22 dairy herds of 16 districts in the State of São Paulo, Brazil was utilized in this survey. Two hundred and fifty one (12.07%) fungi were isolated from the samples. Two hundred and eight of these (82.86%) were yeasts and 30 (11.95%) were moulds. The fungi were isolated in pure culture (24.77%) or in cultures mixed with bacteria (72.22%). The yeasts isolated were: Cryptococcus spp. (71 strains), Rhodotorula spp. (40), Candida spp. (68), Trichosporon cutaneum (21), Aureobasidium pullulans (7), and Pichia ohmeri (1). Moulds classified in following genera were also isolated: Aspergillus (3), Penicillium (3), Alternaria (3), Phoma (3), Epicoccum (2), and Geotrichum (16).