Advances in Legume Systematics 14. Classification of Caesalpinioideae. Part 2: Higher-level classification.

Caesalpinioideae is the second largest subfamily of legumes (Leguminosae) with ca. 4680 species and 163 genera. It is an ecologically and economically important group formed of mostly woody perennials that range from large canopy emergent trees to functionally herbaceous geoxyles, lianas and shrubs, and which has a global distribution, occurring on every continent except Antarctica. Following the recent re-circumscription of 15 Caesalpinioideae genera as presented in Advances in Legume Systematics 14, Part 1, and using as a basis a phylogenomic analysis of 997 nuclear gene sequences for 420 species and all but five of the genera currently recognised in the subfamily, we present a new higher-level classification for the subfamily. The new classification of Caesalpinioideae comprises eleven tribes, all of which are either new, reinstated or re-circumscribed at this rank: Caesalpinieae Rchb. (27 genera / ca. 223 species), Campsiandreae LPWG (2 / 5-22), Cassieae Bronn (7 / 695), Ceratonieae Rchb. (4 / 6), Dimorphandreae Benth. (4 / 35), Erythrophleeae LPWG (2 /13), Gleditsieae Nakai (3 / 20), Mimoseae Bronn (100 / ca. 3510), Pterogyneae LPWG (1 / 1), Schizolobieae Nakai (8 / 42-43), Sclerolobieae Benth. & Hook. f. (5 / ca. 113). Although many of these lineages have been recognised and named in the past, either as tribes or informal generic groups, their circumscriptions have varied widely and changed over the past decades, such that all the tribes described here differ in generic membership from those previously recognised. Importantly, the approximately 3500 species and 100 genera of the former subfamily Mimosoideae are now placed in the reinstated, but newly circumscribed, tribe Mimoseae. Because of the large size and ecological importance of the tribe, we also provide a clade-based classification system for Mimoseae that includes 17 named lower-level clades. Fourteen of the 100 Mimoseae genera remain unplaced in these lower-level clades: eight are resolved in two grades and six are phylogenetically isolated monogeneric lineages. In addition to the new classification, we provide a key to genera, morphological descriptions and notes for all 163 genera, all tribes, and all named clades. The diversity of growth forms, foliage, flowers and fruits are illustrated for all genera, and for each genus we also provide a distribution map, based on quality-controlled herbarium specimen localities. A glossary for specialised terms used in legume morphology is provided. This new phylogenetically based classification of Caesalpinioideae provides a solid system for communication and a framework for downstream analyses of biogeography, trait evolution and diversification, as well as for taxonomic revision of still understudied genera.

Management of Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Application of Vitamins for Hydroponic Soybean Cultivation.

The exchange of technologies used in field cultivation for hydroponic systems can potentially increase plant development and grain production, requiring studies to verify the best management forms, such as growth-promoting bacteria and biostimulant compounds. With this in mind, the study aimed to evaluate the effect of the application of thiamine and niacin, alone and combined, to soybean plants in the absence and presence of inoculation with B. japonicum on the agronomic and physiological characteristics of the crop grown in an ebb and flow hydroponic system. Eight treatments were evaluated using t-test (LSD) and Tukey's test, both at 5% probability (P < 0.05), in addition to Pearson correlation and canonical variables. The treatments consist of inoculation with B. japonicum at 1 mL 500 g-1 seeds (with and without) and foliar application of four solutions (water, niacin (0.1 g·L-1), thiamine (0.1 g·L-1), and niacin + thiamine (0.05 g·L-1 + 0.05 g·L-1)). We found that inoculation significantly improved the parameters evaluated and resulted in a gain of approximately 84.8% in yield when compared by t-test (P < 0.05). In addition, the action of the vitamins was more significant when they were applied without the presence of B. japonicum, especially niacin, either alone or combined with thiamine, which increased yield parameters in this condition, identified when the Tukey's test (P < 0.05) was applied. We conclude that inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum in soybean seeds grown in a hydroponic system significantly benefits the development and grain yield, mainly when combined with vitamin solutions. Niacin also has the potential to be used alone or combined with thiamine in noninoculated or inoculated hydroponic soybean crops, respectively.

M13 phage grafted with peptide motifs as a tool to detect amyloid-ß oligomers in brain tissue.

Oligomeric clusters of amyloid-ß (Aß) are one of the major biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, proficient methods to detect Aß-oligomers in brain tissue are lacking. Here we show that synthetic M13 bacteriophages displaying Aß-derived peptides on their surface preferentially interact with Aß-oligomers. When exposed to brain tissue isolated from APP/PS1-transgenic mice, these bacteriophages detect small-sized Aß-aggregates in hippocampus at an early age, prior to the occurrence of Aß-plaques. Similarly, the bacteriophages reveal the presence of such small Aß-aggregates in post-mortem hippocampus tissue of AD-patients. These results advocate bacteriophages displaying Aß-peptides as a convenient and low-cost tool to identify Aß-oligomers in post-mortem brain tissue of AD-model mice and AD-patients.

UV-C Light: A Promising Preservation Technology for Vegetable-Based Nonsolid Food Products.

A variety of bioactive substances present in fruit- and vegetable-processed products have health-promoting properties. The consumption of nutrient-rich plant-based products is essential to address undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Preservation is paramount in manufacturing plant-based nonsolid foods such as juices, purees, and sauces. Thermal processing has been widely used to preserve fruit- and vegetable-based products by reducing enzymatic and microbial activities, thereby ensuring safety and prolonged shelf life. However, the nutritional value of products is compromised due to the deleterious effects of thermal treatments on essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. To prevent the loss of nutrients associated with thermal treatment, alternative technologies are being researched extensively. In studies conducted on nonsolid food, UV-C treatment has been proven to preserve quality and minimize nutrient degradation. This review compiles information on the use of UV-C technology in preserving the nutritional attributes of nonsolid foods derived from fruit and vegetables. The legislation, market potential, consumer acceptance, and limitations of UV-C are reviewed.

Sodium Selenate, Potassium Hydroxy-Selenide, Acetylselenide and Their Effect on Antioxidant Metabolism and Plant Nutrition and Yield in Sorghum Genotypes.

Agronomic biofortification with selenium (Se) effectively reduces hidden hunger and increases the nutritional intake of Se in people and animals. Because sorghum is a staple diet for millions of people and is used in animal feed, it becomes a crop with biofortification potential. Consequently, this study aimed to compare organoselenium compounds with selenate, which is effective in numerous crops, and to assess grain yield, the effect in the antioxidant system, and macronutrient/micronutrient contents of different sorghum genotypes treated with Se, via foliar spray. The trials used a 4 × 8 factorial design, with four Se sources (control-without Se supply, sodium selenate, potassium hydroxy-selenide, acetylselenide) and eight genotypes (BM737, BRS310, Enforcer, K200, Nugrain320, Nugrain420, Nugrain430, and SHS410). The Se rate used was 0.125 mg plant-1. All genotypes reacted effectively to foliar fertilization with Se through sodium selenate. In this experiment, potassium hydroxy-selenide and acetylselenide showed low Se levels and lower Se uptake and absorption efficiency than selenate. Selenium fertilization increased grain yield and altered lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde content, hydrogen peroxide content, catalase activity, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and macronutrients and micronutrients content of the studied genotypes. In sum, biofortification with selenium led to an overall yield increase of sorghum plants and supplementation with selenium through sodium selenate was more efficient than organoselenium compounds, yet acetylselenide had a positive effect on the antioxidant system. Sorghum can be effectively biofortified through the foliar application of sodium selenate; however, studying the interaction between organic and inorganic Se compounds in plants is necessary.

Individual differences in the effects of midazolam on anxiety-like behavior, learning, reward, and choice behavior in male mice.

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate the behavioral effects of the benzodiazepine midazolam in male mice, in models of anxiolysis, learning, and abuse-related effects. Methods: In a first set of experiments, male Swiss mice were submitted to the training session of a discriminative avoidance (DA) task on the elevated plus maze to evaluate anxiety-like behavior and learning after vehicle or midazolam (1, 2 or 5 mg/kg, i.g.) administration. The same animals were submitted to a conditioned place preference (CPP) protocol with midazolam (1, 2 or 5 mg/kg, i.g.). In a second experiment, outbred (Swiss) and inbred (C57BL/6) male mice were submitted to a two-bottle choice (TBC) oral midazolam drinking procedure. Animals were exposed to one sucrose bottle and one midazolam (0.008, 0.016 or 0.032 mg/ml) plus sucrose bottle. Results: Midazolam (1 and 2 mg/kg) induced anxiolytic-like effects, and all doses of midazolam prevented animals from learning to avoid the aversive closed arm during the DA training session. Assessment of midazolam reward via the CPP procedure and choice via the TBC procedure showed notable variability. A 2-step cluster analysis for the CPP data showed that midazolam data were well-fitted to 2 separate clusters (preference vs. aversion), albeit with the majority of mice showing preference (75%). Correlational and regression analyses showed no relationship between midazolam reward and anxiolytic-like effects (time spent in the open arms in the DA test) or learning/memory. Two-step cluster analysis of the TBC data also demonstrated that, regardless of strain, mice overall fell into two clusters identified as midazolam-preferring or midazolam-avoiding groups. Both midazolam preference and avoidance were concentration-dependent in a subset of mice. Discussion: Our findings show that midazolam preference is a multifactorial behavior, and is not dependent solely on the emergence of therapeutic (anxiolytic-like) effects, learning impairments, or on genetic factors (inbred vs. outbred animals).

Distinctive Neuroanatomic Regions Involved in Cocaine-Induced Behavioral Sensitization in Mice.

The present study aimed to characterize the phenomenon of behavioral sensitization to cocaine and to identify neuroanatomical structures involved in the induction and expression phases of this phenomenon. For this, in experiment 1 (induction phase), mice were treated with saline or cocaine every second day for 15 days (conditioning period), in the open-field or in their home-cages. In experiment 2 (expression phase), the same protocol was followed, except that after the conditioning period the animals were not manipulated for 10 days, and after this interval, animals were challenged with cocaine. Neuroanatomical structures involved in the induction and expression phases were identified by stereological quantification of c-Fos staining in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), nucleus accumbens core (NAc core and shell (NAc shell), basolateral amygdala (BLA), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Neuroanatomical analysis indicated that in the induction phase, cocaine-conditioned animals had higher expression of c-Fos in the dmPFC, NAc core, BLA, and VTA, whereas in the expression phase, almost all areas had higher expression except for the VTA. Therefore, environmental context plays a major role in the induction and expression of behavioral sensitization, although not all structures that compose the mesolimbic system contribute to this phenomenon.

Context-dependent effects of the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant on morphine-induced behavioral sensitization in female mice.

Introduction: The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in the neurobiology of opioid use disorder. While the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant has been shown to block some of the behavioral effects of opioids, studies suggest that the treatment environment (i.e., receiving treatment in the drug-associated environment, and/or novelty) can influence its effects. In the present study, we investigated the role of the treatment environment in the effects of rimonabant on the expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization. Methods: Adult female Swiss mice were submitted to a behavioral sensitization protocol, during which they received morphine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) in the open-field apparatus, and were subsequently treated with vehicle or rimonabant (1 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) either in the open-field, in the home-cage or in an activity box (novel environment). The expression of conditioned locomotion (increased locomotor activity in the open-field apparatus in the absence of morphine) and of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization (increased locomotor activity in animals sensitized to morphine) was evaluated during asubsequent saline and morphine challenge, respectively. Results: Animals treated with morphine expressed behavioral sensitization, showing a significant increase in locomotor activity over time. Animals sensitized to morphine and treated with vehicle in the home-cage expressed conditioned locomotion, an effect that was blocked by home-cage treatment with rimonabant. During a saline challenge, only animals sensitized to morphine and treated with saline in the home-cage expressed morphine-induced conditioned locomotion. All morphine-treated animals that received saline during the treatment phase (control groups) expressed behavioral sensitization during the morphine challenge. Treatment with rimonabant in the open-field and in the activity box, but not in the home-cage, blocked the expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization. Discussion: Our findings suggest that CB1 receptor antagonism can modulate conditioned responses to morphine even when administered in the home-cage. However, exposure to the drug-associated environment or to a novel environment is necessary for the expression of rimonabant's effects on morphine-induced behavioral sensitization during a morphine challenge.

Effects of physical distancing by COVID-19 pandemic on diet quality, neurological and immunological markers, and fecal microbiota of Brazilian older women.

Physical distancing was used to prevent transmission of COVID-19, however there are concerns that this may promote harmful impacts on health, such as reduced levels of physical practice and changes in food intake and gut microbiota composition. This study evaluated the impacts of 6 months physical distancing on Brazilian older women upon body mass index (BMI), strength, physical activity level (IPAQ), eating habits, neurological markers (brain-derived neurotrophic factor-BDNF and cortisol), cytokines (IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-TNF-α), aging-associated markers (vascular endothelial growth factor-VEGF, insulin-like growth factor-IGF-1, klotho and thymic stromal lymphopoietin-TSLP), besides specific groups of fecal microbiota. Fifteen women, over 60 years old, residents of São Paulo state (Brazil), were evaluated in March and in September 2020. The older adult women, with a mean age 66 ± 6.2 years presented significantly increased BMI and high effect size for non-protective foods consumption, reduced light physical activity and strength 6 months following the physical distancing. Furthermore, the serum concentration of IFN-γ, IGF-1, and IFN-γ/IL-5 were significantly higher, while lower concentration of IL-2 and IL-5 were observed 6 months after the physical distancing. Significant increase was noted only to Blautia spp. abundance after 6 months of physical distancing. Several correlations were observed at both before and after physical distancing, however, interestingly, many of them were lost or inverted 6 months following, while new ones emerged. Taken together, these results showed that lifestyle changes and stress conditions addressed by physical distancing from the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the health of older women included in the present study. Therefore, future follow-up studies are essential to propose interventions in order to restore the health conditions observed before the pandemic period, and thus to maintain the quality of life of older adults in different socioeconomic contexts.

Can central-venous oxygen saturation be estimated from tissue oxygen saturation during a venous occlusion test? / É possível estimar a saturação venosa de oxigênio central a partir da saturação tecidual de oxigênio durante o teste de oclusão venosa?

OBJECTIVE: To test whether tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) after a venous occlusion test estimates central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2). METHODS: Observational study in intensive care unit patients. Tissue oxygen saturation was monitored (InSpectra Tissue Spectrometer Model 650, Hutchinson Technology Inc., MN, USA) with a multiprobe (15/25mm) in the thenar position. A venous occlusion test in volunteers was applied in the upper arm to test the tolerability and pattern of StO2 changes during the venous occlusion test. A sphygmomanometer cuff was inflated to a pressure 30mmHg above diastolic pressure until StO2 reached a plateau and deflated to 0mmHg. Tissue oxygen saturation parameters were divided into resting StO2 (r-StO2) and minimal StO2 (m-StO2) at the end of the venous occlusion test. In patients, the cuff was inflated to a pressure 30mmHg above diastolic pressure for 5 min (volunteers' time derived) or until a StO2 plateau was reached. Tissue oxygen saturation parameters were divided into r-StO2, m-StO2, and the mean time that StO2 reached ScvO2. The StO2 value at the mean time was compared to ScvO2. RESULTS: All 9 volunteers tolerated the venous occlusion test. The time for tolerability or the StO2 plateau was 7 ± 1 minutes. We studied 22 patients. The mean time for StO2 equalized ScvO2 was 100 sec and 95 sec (15/25mm probes). The StO2 value at 100 sec ([100-StO2] 15mm: 74 ± 7%; 25mm: 74 ± 6%) was then compared with ScvO2 (75 ± 6%). The StO2 value at 100 sec correlated with ScvO2 (15 mm: R2 = 0.63, 25mm: R2 = 0.67, p < 0.01) without discrepancy (Bland Altman). CONCLUSION: Central venous oxygen saturation can be estimated from StO2 during a venous occlusion test.

OBJETIVO: Testar se, após um teste de oclusão venosa, a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio é capaz de estimar a taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo observacional em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foi monitorada a partir de um espectrômetro tecidual (InSpectra modelo 650, Hutchinson Technology Inc., MN, Estados Unidos) com uma sonda múltipla de 15mm e 25mm na posição tenar. Aplicou-se um teste de oclusão venosa no braço superior de voluntários para testar a tolerabilidade e o padrão de mudanças na taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio durante a realização do teste de oclusão venosa. Inflou-se um manguito de esfigmomanômetro a uma pressão 30mmHg maior que a pressão diastólica até que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio alcançasse um platô e o manguito fosse desinflado a 0mmHg. Os parâmetros da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foram classificados como em repouso e mínima ao final do teste de oclusão venosa. Nos pacientes, o manguito foi inflado a uma pressão 30mmHg maior que a pressão diastólica durante 5 minutos, que foi o tempo derivado dos voluntários, ou até que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio atingisse um platô. Os parâmetros da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foram classificados como em repouso e mínima, e o tempo médio que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio se igualou à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio no tempo médio foi comparada à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. RESULTADOS: Todos os nove voluntários toleraram bem o teste de oclusão venosa. O tempo de tolerabilidade ou o platô da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foi de 7 ± 1 minutos. Estudamos 22 pacientes. O tempo médio para a equalização da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central foi de 100 segundos e 95 segundos, utilizando sondas de 15 e 25mm, respectivamente. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio em 100 segundos foi de 74% ± 7%, utilizando sonda de 15mm, e de 74% ± 6%, utilizando sonda de 25mm. Então, as taxas foram comparadas à taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central, que apresentou 75% ± 6%. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio em 100 segundos correlacionou-se com a de saturação venosa de oxigênio central (15mm: R2 = 0,63; 25mm: R2 = 0,67; p < 0,01) sem discrepância (Bland-Altman). CONCLUSÃO: A taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central pode ser estimada a partir da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio, a partir de um teste de oclusão venosa.

É possível estimar a saturação venosa de oxigênio central a partir da saturação tecidual de oxigênio durante o teste de oclusão venosa? / Can central-venous oxygen saturation be estimated from tissue oxygen saturation during a venous occlusion test?

RESUMO Objetivo: Testar se, após um teste de oclusão venosa, a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio é capaz de estimar a taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. Métodos: Realizou-se estudo observacional em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foi monitorada a partir de um espectrômetro tecidual (InSpectra modelo 650, Hutchinson Technology Inc., MN, Estados Unidos) com uma sonda múltipla de 15mm e 25mm na posição tenar. Aplicou-se um teste de oclusão venosa no braço superior de voluntários para testar a tolerabilidade e o padrão de mudanças na taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio durante a realização do teste de oclusão venosa. Inflou-se um manguito de esfigmomanômetro a uma pressão 30mmHg maior que a pressão diastólica até que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio alcançasse um platô e o manguito fosse desinflado a 0mmHg. Os parâmetros da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foram classificados como em repouso e mínima ao final do teste de oclusão venosa. Nos pacientes, o manguito foi inflado a uma pressão 30mmHg maior que a pressão diastólica durante 5 minutos, que foi o tempo derivado dos voluntários, ou até que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio atingisse um platô. Os parâmetros da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foram classificados como em repouso e mínima, e o tempo médio que a taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio se igualou à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio no tempo médio foi comparada à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central. Resultados: Todos os nove voluntários toleraram bem o teste de oclusão venosa. O tempo de tolerabilidade ou o platô da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio foi de 7 ± 1 minutos. Estudamos 22 pacientes. O tempo médio para a equalização da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio à de saturação venosa de oxigênio central foi de 100 segundos e 95 segundos, utilizando sondas de 15 e 25mm, respectivamente. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio em 100 segundos foi de 74% ± 7%, utilizando sonda de 15mm, e de 74% ± 6%, utilizando sonda de 25mm. Então, as taxas foram comparadas à taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central, que apresentou 75% ± 6%. A taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio em 100 segundos correlacionou-se com a de saturação venosa de oxigênio central (15mm: R2 = 0,63; 25mm: R2 = 0,67; p < 0,01) sem discrepância (Bland-Altman). Conclusão: A taxa de saturação venosa de oxigênio central pode ser estimada a partir da taxa de saturação tecidual de oxigênio, a partir de um teste de oclusão venosa.

ABSTRACT Objective: To test whether tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) after a venous occlusion test estimates central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2). Methods: Observational study in intensive care unit patients. Tissue oxygen saturation was monitored (InSpectra Tissue Spectrometer Model 650, Hutchinson Technology Inc., MN, USA) with a multiprobe (15/25mm) in the thenar position. A venous occlusion test in volunteers was applied in the upper arm to test the tolerability and pattern of StO2 changes during the venous occlusion test. A sphygmomanometer cuff was inflated to a pressure 30mmHg above diastolic pressure until StO2 reached a plateau and deflated to 0mmHg. Tissue oxygen saturation parameters were divided into resting StO2 (r-StO2) and minimal StO2 (m-StO2) at the end of the venous occlusion test. In patients, the cuff was inflated to a pressure 30mmHg above diastolic pressure for 5 min (volunteers' time derived) or until a StO2 plateau was reached. Tissue oxygen saturation parameters were divided into r-StO2, m-StO2, and the mean time that StO2 reached ScvO2. The StO2 value at the mean time was compared to ScvO2. Results: All 9 volunteers tolerated the venous occlusion test. The time for tolerability or the StO2 plateau was 7 ± 1 minutes. We studied 22 patients. The mean time for StO2 equalized ScvO2 was 100 sec and 95 sec (15/25mm probes). The StO2 value at 100 sec ([100-StO2] 15mm: 74 ± 7%; 25mm: 74 ± 6%) was then compared with ScvO2 (75 ± 6%). The StO2 value at 100 sec correlated with ScvO2 (15 mm: R2 = 0.63, 25mm: R2 = 0.67, p < 0.01) without discrepancy (Bland Altman). Conclusion: Central venous oxygen saturation can be estimated from StO2 during a venous occlusion test.

Role of 5-HT2A receptors in the effects of ayahuasca on ethanol self-administration using a two-bottle choice paradigm in male mice.

RATIONALE: Ayahuasca has been proposed as a potential treatment of alcohol (ethanol) use disorder (AUD). The serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is the main psychoactive component of ayahuasca, suggesting that its therapeutic effects may be mediated by 5-HT2A receptors. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ayahuasca on the expression of ethanol self-administration using a two-bottle choice procedure and the role of 5-HT2A receptors in those effects. METHODS: Male mice had intermittent access to ethanol (10% v/v) in a two-bottle choice procedure for 30 days. Animals were then submitted to 3 treatment phases, each followed by ethanol re-exposure tests. During the treatment phase, every 3 days, animals received i.p. injections of either vehicle or the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist M100907 (M100, 1 mg/kg) followed by an i.g. (gavage) administration of vehicle or ayahuasca (100 mg/kg) and were exposed to the self-administration apparatus with no ethanol availability. During re-exposure tests, animals were submitted to the same conditions as during acquisition, with no treatments prior to those sessions. RESULTS: Treatment with ayahuasca blocked the expression of ethanol self-administration, decreasing ethanol intake and preference during re-exposure tests. Pretreatment with M100 blocked the effects of ayahuasca on ethanol drinking without significantly attenuating ethanol self-administration. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with ayahuasca during alcohol abstinence blocked the expression of alcohol self-administration in mice, and 5-HT2A receptor activation is critical for those effects to emerge. Our findings support a potential for ayahuasca and other 5-HT2A receptor agonists as adjunctive pharmacotherapies for the treatment of AUD.

Hydroxyl Ethyl Starch (HES) Preserves Intrarenal Microcirculatory Perfusion Shown by Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (Ceus), and Renal Function in a Severe Hemodilution Model in Pigs.

ABSTRACT: Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) is associated with low oxygen carrying capacity of blood and purposed to cause renal injury in perioperative setting. It is best accomplished in a perioperative setting by a colloid such as hydroxyl ethyl starch (HES) due its capacity to fill the vascular compartment and maintain colloidal pressure. However, alterations of intra renal microvascular perfusion, flow and its effects on renal function and damage during ANH has not been sufficiently clarified. Based on the extensive use of HES in the perioperative setting we tested the hypothesis that the use of HES during ANH is able to perfuse the kidney microcirculation adequately without causing renal dysfunction and injury in pigs. Hemodilution (n = 8) was performed by stepwise replacing blood with HES to hematocrit (Hct) levels of 20% (T1), 15% (T2), and 10% (T3). Seven control animals were investigated. Systemic and renal hemodynamics were monitored. Renal microcirculatory perfusion was visualized and quantified using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and laser speckle imaging (LSI). In addition, sublingual microcirculation was measured by handheld vital microscopy (HVM). Intrarenal mean transit time of ultrasound contrast agent (IRMTT-CEUS) was reduced in the renal cortex at Hct 10% in comparison to control at T3 (1.4 ±â€Š0.6 vs. 2.2 ±â€Š0.7 seconds, respectively, P < 0.05). Although renal function was preserved, the serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels was higher at Hct 10% (0.033 ±â€Š0.004 pg/µg protein) in comparison to control at T3 (0.021 ±â€Š0.002 pg/µg protein. A mild correlation between CO and IRMTT (renal RBC velocity) (r -0.53; P = 0.001) and CO and NGAL levels (r 0.66; P = 0.001) was also found. Our results show that HES induced ANH is associated with a preserved intra renal blood volume, perfusion, and function in the clinical range of Hct (<15%). However, at severely low Hct (10%) ANH was associated with renal injury as indicated by increased NGAL levels. Changes in renal microcirculatory flow (CEUS and LSI) followed those seen in the sublingual microcirculation measured with HVM.

A "profecia cyberpunk": da tecnomodernidade distópica ao humano-máquina do século XXI / The "cyberpunk prophecy": from dystopian techno-modernity to the 21st century human-machine / La "profecía ciberpunk": de la tecno-modernidad distópica a la máquina humana del siglo XXI

Buscamos, a partir da revisão teórica em plataformas acadêmicas on-line, apresentar proximidades entre os elementos constituintes da categoria de conhecimento cyberpunk, enfocando sua ficção, e a tecnomodernidade do século XXI, alertando sobre problemáticas decorrentes da dominação tecnológica e do processo de "coisificação" do humano. Para tal empreitada teórica e acessibilidade de leitura, utilizamos exemplos cotidianos e metáforas, elucidando terminologias como ciberespaço, distopia e algoritmos. Concluímos que a antiga ficção cyberpunk "profetizou" quanto à tecnomodernidade que vivenciamos, denunciando a nocividade do uso irrefletido das tecnologias. Também compreendemos que a tecnologia empregada em regimes totalitários guarda semelhanças com a sociedade de controle atual. Podemos, portanto, caminhar para uma sociedade continuamente afirmativa quanto ao avanço tecnológico e seu consumismo, conforme a lógica de maior produção e desempenho, no entanto sem acrescer, necessariamente, ao bem-estar social. Alternativa mais dignificante é trabalharmos nossa potência de negação diante do mau emprego tecnológico, opondo-nos a um presente insustentável e a um futuro mais catastrófico e desigual.(AU)

This work sought, from the theoretical review on online academic platforms, to present the proximity between the constituent elements of the cyberpunk knowledge category, focusing on its fiction components, and the 21st century techno-modernity, warning about problems arising from technological domination and the process of "reification" of the human. For this theoretical endeavor, and for increasing the reading accessibility, we used everyday examples and metaphors, elucidating terminologies, such as cyberspace, dystopia, and algorithms. We concluded that the old cyberpunk fiction "prophesied" about the techno-modernity we experience, denouncing the harmfulness of the thoughtless use of technologies. We also understood that the technology used in fictional totalitarian regimes has similarities with the current control society. Therefore, we can move towards a society that is continually affirmative regarding technological advancement and consumerism, according to the logic of greater production and performance. However, without necessarily adding to social welfare. Thus, a more dignified alternative is to work on the power of negation that the society and the individuals have in the face of bad technological employment, opposing an unsustainable present and a more catastrophic and unequal future.(AU)

A partir de una revisión teórica en las plataformas académicas en línea, este trabajo pretende presentar la proximidad entre los elementos constitutivos de la categoría de conocimiento ciberpunk enfocándose en su ficción y la tecno-modernidad del siglo XXI, advirtiendo sobre los problemas derivados de la dominación tecnológica y el proceso de "reificación" de lo humano. Para tal esfuerzo teórico y accesibilidad a la lectura, se utilizan ejemplos y metáforas cotidianas, aclarando terminologías como las de ciberespacio, distopía y algoritmos. Se concluye que la vieja ficción ciberpunk "profetizó" la tecno-modernidad que experimentamos, denunciando la nocividad del uso irreflexivo de las tecnologías. También se pudo comprender que la tecnología utilizada por los regímenes totalitarios ficcionales guarda similitudes con la sociedad de control actual. Por lo tanto, es posible avanzar hacia una sociedad que sea continuamente afirmativa respecto al avance tecnológico y al consumismo, de acuerdo con la lógica de mayor producción y rendimiento. Pero esto no aumenta necesariamente el bienestar social. Una alternativa mejor sería trabajar el poder de negación que tiene nuestra sociedad y sus individuos frente al uso inadecuado de la tecnología, oponiéndonos a un presente insostenible y a un futuro más catastrófico y desigual.(AU)

Ibogaine Blocks Cue- and Drug-Induced Reinstatement of Conditioned Place Preference to Ethanol in Male Mice.

Ibogaine is a psychedelic extracted from the plant Tabernanthe iboga Baill. (Apocynaceae), natural from Africa, and has been proposed as a potential treatment for substance use disorders. In animal models, ibogaine reduces ethanol self-administration. However, no study to date has investigated the effects of ibogaine on ethanol-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). The present study aimed to investigate the effects of repeated treatment with ibogaine on the reinstatement of CPP to ethanol in male mice. The rewarding effects of ethanol (1.8 g/kg, i. p.) or ibogaine (10 or 30 mg/kg, p. o.) were investigated using the CPP model. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of repeated treatment with ibogaine (10 or 30 mg/kg, p. o.) on the reinstatement of ethanol-induced CPP. Reinstatement was evaluated under two conditions: 1) during a priming injection re-exposure test in which animals received a priming injection of ethanol and had free access to the CPP apparatus; 2) during a drug-free test conducted 24 h after a context-paired re-exposure, in which subjects received an injection of ethanol and were confined to the compartment previously conditioned to ethanol. Our results show that ethanol, but not ibogaine, induced CPP in mice. Treatment with ibogaine after conditioning with ethanol blocked the reinstatement of ethanol-induced CPP, both during a drug priming reinstatement test and during a drug-free test conducted after re-exposure to ethanol in the ethanol-paired compartment. Our findings add to the literature suggesting that psychedelics, in particular ibogaine, may have therapeutic properties for the treatment of alcohol use disorder at doses that do not have rewarding effects per se.

Sex differences in the development of conditioned place preference induced by intragastric alcohol administration in mice.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to identify for the first time sex differences in the development of CPP induced by intragastric alcohol administration in mice. METHODS: Male and female adult Swiss mice were submitted to 16 days of conditioning with alcohol (0.5-3.0 g/kg, N = 8/dose/sex), with 2 post-conditioning tests (after 8 and 16 sessions) during the protocol. RESULTS: 8 days of conditioning (4 alcohol sessions, 4 saline sessions) with intragastric alcohol administration were sufficient to induce CPP in male mice at the doses of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/kg. However, only higher doses (2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 g/kg) induced CPP in female mice using an 8-day conditioning protocol, while a 16-day conditioning protocol was necessary for the development of intragastric alcohol-induced CPP at the doses of 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg. Regardless of the conditioning protocol, higher doses or alcohol that had rewarding effects in females (2.5 and 3.0 g/kg) did not induce CPP in males, with a significant difference between males and females at those doses. Analysis of the potency (EC50) and efficacy (Emax) of alcohol in inducing CPP when administered intragastrically in male and female mice showed significant sex differences with 8 conditioning sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show a clear protocol (8 vs 16 days) and dose difference between male and female Swiss mice regarding the development of CPP induced by intragastric alcohol administration. Intragastric alcohol administration is closer to human drinking, and our protocol provides a more translational approach to studying the rewarding effects of alcohol in mice.

Nutritional and Functional Evaluation of Inula crithmoides and Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum Grown in Different Salinities for Human Consumption.

The nutritional composition and productivity of halophytes is strongly related to the biotic/abiotic stress to which these extremophile salt tolerant plants are subjected during their cultivation cycle. In this study, two commercial halophyte species (Inula crithmoides and Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum) were cultivated at six levels of salinity using a soilless cultivation system. In this way, it was possible to understand the response mechanisms of these halophytes to salt stress. The relative productivity decreased from the salinities of 110 and 200 mmol L-1 upwards for I. crithmoides and M. nodiflorum, respectively. Nonetheless, the nutritional profile for human consumption remained balanced. In general, I. crithmoides vitamin (B1 and B6) contents were significantly higher than those of M. nodiflorum. For both species, ß-carotene and lutein were induced by salinity, possibly as a response to oxidative stress. Phenolic compounds were more abundant in plants cultivated at lower salinities, while the antioxidant activity increased as a response to salt stress. Sensory characteristics were evaluated by a panel of culinary chefs showing a preference for plants grown at the salt concentration of 350 mmol L-1. In summary, salinity stress was effective in boosting important nutritional components in these species, and the soilless system promotes the sustainable and safe production of halophyte plants for human consumption.

Development and validation of a simulator for teaching minimally invasive thoracic surgery in Brazil.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate a chest cavity simulator for teaching video-assited thoracic surgery (VATS). METHODS: The first phase of the study consisted of developing a chest cavity simulator. A quasi-experimental study was performed in the second phase, and 25 surgeons and residents participated in a three-stage pulmonary suture experiment. The videos were recorded and timed. Generalized linear regression models for repeated measures were used to analyze the outcome change over time. RESULTS: The chest cavity simulator consists of a console simulating the left hemithorax. Among the participants, 96% rated the design, visual aspect, positioning ergonomics, and triangulation of the portals as very good or excellent (face validity). There was a decrease in suturing time in step 1 from 435.7 ± 105 to 355.6 ± 76.8 seconds compared to step 3 (p = 0.001). The evaluation of the simulation effectiveness and performance (content validity) was rated as very good or excellent by 96% ofparticipants. The most experienced surgeon showed significant reduction in procedure time (p = 0.021) (construct validity). CONCLUSIONS: The thoracic cavity simulator is realistic, showing content and construct validity, and can be used in VATS training. The simulation model allowed skill gain in the endoscopic suture.

Neocolonização e violência: cirandando uma rede de saberes emancipatórios / Neo-colonization and violence: "ciranding" a net of emancipatory knowledge / Neocolonización y violencia: cirandeando una red de saberes emancipatórios

A partir de autores decolonialistas, este ensaio busca traçar reflexões teórico-conceituais sobre as ligações entre neocolonialismo e violência no Brasil. Sinalizamos a presença de sociabilidades marcadas pela violência e naturalizadas como efeito de matrizes históricas oriundas do processo de colonização e do pensamento eurocêntrico, os quais permanecem materializados no quadro social do país. Como dizia Mignolo (2010), a colonialidade é o lado não visível da modernidade, embora crucial para seu desenvolvimento e reprodução. Desde essa observação, o ensaio se orienta no sentido de apresentar diferentes possibilidades de experiências e formas de conhecimento que abrigam e iluminam uma rica diversidade de epistemologias, saberes e práxis invisibilizados e desperdiçados por um sistema-mundo excludente. O artigo procura, então, mostrar que, em meio à violência do cenário neocolonial que nos enreda, se articula uma diversidade de saberes e fazeres potentes, críticos e criativos que potencialmente propiciam a criação de uma rede das epistemologias do sul de modo a desenvolver o que Mignolo (2010) define como uma gramática da não colonialidade.

Based on decolonialist authors, this essay seeks to outline theoretical and conceptual reflections on the links between neocolonialism and violence in Brazil. We signal the presence of sociability marked by violence and naturalized as an effect of historical matrices arising from the colonization process and from Eurocentric thinking, which remain materialized in the country's social framework. As Mignolo (2010) said, coloniality is the invisible side of modernity, although crucial for its development and reproduction. Since this observation, the essay is oriented towards presenting different possibilities of experiences and forms of knowledge that shelter and illuminate a rich diversity of epistemologies, knowledge and praxis that are invisible and wasted by an exclusive world-system. The article seeks, then, to show that, in the midst of the violence of the neocolonial scenario that enmesh us, a diversity of potent, critical and creative knowledge and actions is articulated that potentially propitiate the creation of a network of southern epistemologies in order to develop the that Mignolo (2010) defines as a grammar of non-coloniality.

A partir de autores descoloniales, este ensayo busca esbozar reflexiones teóricas y conceptuales sobre los vínculos entre el neocolonialismo y la violencia en Brasil. Señalamos la presencia de sociabilidades marcadas por la violencia y naturalizadas como um efecto de matrices históricas originadas em el proceso de colonización y del pensamiento eurocéntrico, que se materializan en el marco social del país. Como dijo Mignolo (2010), la colonialidad es el lado invisible de la modernidad, aunque crucial para su desarrollo y reproducción. Desde esa observación, el ensayo está orientado a presentar diferentes posibilidades de experiencias y formas de conocimiento que albergan e iluminan una rica diversidad de epistemologías, saberes y praxis que sin invisibles y desperdiciados por un sistema mundial excluvente. El artículo busca, entonces, mostrar que, en medio de la violencia del escenario neocolonial que nos enreda, se articula una diversidad de conocimientos y acciones potentes, críticas y creativas que potencialmente permiten la creación de una red de epistemologías del sur para desarrollar la que Mignolo (2010) define como una gramática de la no colonialidad