Different distributions of preproMCH and hypocretin/orexin in the forebrain of the pig (Sus scrofa domesticus).

Neurons producing melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) or hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) have been implicated in the sleep/wake cycle and feeding behavior. Sleep and feeding habits vary greatly among mammalian species, depending in part of the prey/predatory status of animals. However, the distribution of both peptides has been described in only a limited number of species. In this work, we describe the distribution of MCH neurons in the brain of the domestic pig. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, their cell bodies are shown to be located in the posterior lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), as expected. They form a dense cluster ventro-lateral to the fornix while only scattered cells are present dorsal to this tract. By comparison, Hcrt cell bodies are located mainly dorsal to the fornix. Therefore, the two populations of neurons display complementary distributions in the posterior LHA. MCH projections are, as indicated by MCH-positive axons, very abundant in all cortical fields ventral to the rhinal sulcus, as well as in the lateral, basolateral and basomedial amygdala. In contrast, most of the isocortex is sparsely innervated. To conclude, the distribution of MCH cell bodies and projections shows some very specific features in the pig brain, that are clearly different of that described in the rat, mouse or human. In contrast, the Hcrt pattern seems more similar to that in these species, i.e. more conserved. These results suggest that the LHA anatomic organization shows some very significant interspecies differences, which may be related to the different behavioral repertoires of animals with regard to feeding and sleep/wake cycles.

Estrutura populacional e incremento corrente anual de casca-de-anta (Drimys brasiliensis Miers - Winteraceae) em Caçador, Santa Catarina, Brasil / Population structure and annual increment in "casca-de-anta" (Drimys brasiliensis Miers - Winteraceae) from Caçador Municipality, Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Drimys brasiliensis Miers, conhecida como cataia ou casca-de-anta, é árvore nativa da Mata Atlântica e as cascas tem sido utilizadas medicinalmente a partir da exploração de plantas em populações naturais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a demografia de duas populações naturais de D. brasiliensis, (1) Reserva Genética Florestal de Caçador (RGFC) e (2) Floresta Nacional de Caçador (FLONA), ambas no município de Caçador (SC), visando fundamentar estratégias de exploração sustentável e conservação deste recurso florestal não-madeireiro. A maior luminosidade no sub-bosque existente na FLONA atuou positivamente na espécie, aumentado a capacidade de incremento em diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP), altura (H) e área basal (AB), além de antecipar a reprodução em plantas de menor porte. A análise do padrão espacial das plantas reprodutivas na RGFC mostrou padrão agregado, e na FLONA até a distância de 25 metros. Esse comportamento indicou que a espécie apresenta potencial de manejo em florestas secundárias, formação sucessional em que se encontra a maioria dos remanescentes de Mata Atlântica, além de indicar potencial para cultivo em sistemas agroflorestais.

Known as "cataia" or "casca-de-anta", Drimys brasiliensis Miers is a tree native to the Atlantic Forest and its barks have been medicinally used by exploring natural populations. The present work aimed to study the demography of two D. brasiliensis natural populations, (1) Caçador Forest Genetic Reserve (RGFC) and(2) Caçador National Forest (FLONA), both located in Caçador Municipality, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in order to establish strategies for sustainable exploration and conservation of such non-timber forest resource. The higher luminosity in FLONA understory was beneficial to the species by increasing their increment capability regarding diameter at breast height (DBH), height (H) and basal area (BA), and made the reproduction in smaller plants earlier. The spatial analysis of reproductive plants in RGFC had an aggregate pattern, whereas in FLONA until 25m distance was detected. Such results indicated that this species presents potential for management in secondary forests, the successional formation where the major Atlantic Forest remnants are found, as well as potential for cultivation in agroforestry systems.

Genetic diversity in natural populations of Piper cernuum.

Piper cernuum is a native plant of the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest. This work studies the distribution of allozyme diversity in P. cernuum natural populations in order to establish a strategy for sustainable management and conservation. Leaf samples were collected in two Brazilian states. High divergences among populations (F(SR) = 0.380) and low divergences among regions (F(RT) = -0.069) and among gaps of the same population (F(GT) = 0.062) were found. No association between the geographical variation and the genetic distance was detected. An excess of heterozygotes was detected in the populations (F(IS) = -0.170), suggesting selection in favor of heterozygotes. The results, and the fact that the species depends on constant gap formation for maintenance of its dynamism, suggest that the founder effect is largely responsible for the structuring of populations. For sustainable management, the maintenance of plants/reproductive branches in the gaps is of major importance. The genotypes produced in these gaps are responsible for the establishment of new gaps and are the foundation for new populations, maintaining the dynamics of allele movement.

[Allergic risks of hemodialysis. Results of an allergologic investigation in 138 patients]. / Risques allergiques de l'hémodialyse. Résultats d'une enquête allergologique réalisée chez 138 patients.

One hundred and thirty eight unselected hemodialysis patients were screened for allergic symptoms, atopy, total IgE, eosinophil count, specific IgE against ethylene oxyde (ETO), formaldehyde (FA) and isocyanates (Iso) and delayed hypersensitivity to formaldehyde. Six patients demonstrated hypersensitivity to formaldehyde. Six patients demonstrated hypersensitivity reactions at the beginning of hemodialysis; one had recurrent urticaria and one aggravated a preexistent asthma. There were no predicting factors but 6 out of these 8 patients (62%) had positive RAST against ETO, FA or Iso. Eczematous lesions occurred in 40 patients (20%) mainly located around the fistula. Eczema is significantly more frequent in men, atopic patients, and patients using a type of machine where we measured high residual FA concentrations (greater than 50 mg/l). A positive FA patch test was observed in 22% of the patients with an eczema compared to 1.3% in the asymptomatic patients (p less than 0.01).

[Fluoride osteosis of hydro-telluric origin in a female patient with renal insufficiency. Apropos of a case with histomorphometric analysis]. / Ostéose fluorée d'origine hydro-tellurique chez une insuffisante rénale. A propos d'une observation avec analyse histomorphométrique.

We report a case of fluorosis due to high water and soil contents in a 23-year-old Algerian woman. The condition, which is infrequent at this age, was promoted by chronic renal failure due to a congenital renal malformation. Roentgenograms showing osteosis with increased bone density were suggestive of fluorosis rather than renal osteodystrophy. Bone tissue fluoride assay confirmed fluorosis. Histomorphometric analysis of bone biopsy specimens showed mixed lesions: major osteocondensation due to bone fluorosis and morphologic and dynamic osteomalacia related to the chronic renal failure.