Hyperscanning fNIRS data analysis using multiregression dynamic models: an illustration in a violin duo.

Introduction: Interpersonal neural synchronization (INS) demands a greater understanding of a brain's influence on others. Therefore, brain synchronization is an even more complex system than intrasubject brain connectivity and must be investigated. There is a need to develop novel methods for statistical inference in this context. Methods: In this study, motivated by the analysis of fNIRS hyperscanning data, which measure the activity of multiple brains simultaneously, we propose a two-step network estimation: Tabu search local method and global maximization in the selected subgroup [partial conditional directed acyclic graph (DAG) + multiregression dynamic model]. We illustrate this approach in a dataset of two individuals who are playing the violin together. Results: This study contributes new tools to the social neuroscience field, which may provide new perspectives about intersubject interactions. Our proposed approach estimates the best probabilistic network representation, in addition to providing access to the time-varying parameters, which may be helpful in understanding the brain-to-brain association of these two players. Discussion: The illustration of the violin duo highlights the time-evolving changes in the brain activation of an individual influencing the other one through a data-driven analysis. We confirmed that one player was leading the other given the ROI causal relation toward the other player.

Occurrence and distribution of legacy and emerging pollutants including plastic debris in Antarctica: Sources, distribution and impact on marine biodiversity.

Since the first explorers reached Antarctica, their activities have quickly impacted both land and sea and thus, together with the long-range transport, hazardous chemicals began to accumulate. It is commonly recognized that anthropogenic pollution in Antarctica can originate from either global or local sources. Heavy metals, organohalogenated compounds, hydrocarbons, and (more recently) plastic, have been found in Antarctic biota, soil sediments, seawater, air, snow and sea-ice. Studies in such remote areas are challenging and expensive, and the complexity of potential interactions occurring in such extreme climate conditions (i.e., low temperature) makes any accurate prediction on potential impacts difficult. The present review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge on occurrence and distribution of legacy and emerging pollutants in Antarctica, such as plastic, from either global or local sources. Future actions to monitor and mitigate any potential impact on Antarctic biodiversity are discussed.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus modulates the inflammatory response and the subsequent lung damage in a murine model of acute lung inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (Lr) on lung inflammation induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia coli in C57BL/6 mice. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: control, LPS, Lr (1 day) + LPS, and Lr (14 days) + LPS. Total and differential cells from Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) were counted in a Neubauer 40X chamber, and pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, CXCL-1, TNF-α, TGF-ß, and IL-10) were measured by ELISA assay. The analysis of whole leukocytes in blood was performed using the automated system Sysmex 800i. Morphometry of pulmonary tissue evaluated alveolar hemorrhage, alveolar collapse, and inflammatory cells. Pulmonary vascular permeability was assessed by Evans blue dye extravasation, and bronchoconstriction was evaluated in a tissue bath station. The transcription factor NF-kB was evaluated by ELISA, and its gene expression and TLR-2, TLR-4, MMP-9, MMP-12, and TIMP by PCR. RESULTS: The probiotic Lr had a protective effect against the inflammatory responses induced by LPS. Lr significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cells in the airways, lung parenchyma, and blood leukocytes. Furthermore, Lr reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in BALF and the expression of TLRs, MMPs, and NF-kB in lung tissue and maintained the expression of TIMP in treated animals promoting a protective effect on lung tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that pre-treatment with the probiotic Lr may be a promising way to mitigate lung inflammation in endotoxemia.

An Extended Methodology for Sizing Solar Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Theory and Development of a Python Framework for Design Assist.

There is a growing interest in using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the most diverse application areas from agriculture to remote sensing, that determine the need to project and define mission profiles of the UAVs. In addition, solar photovoltaic energy increases the flight autonomy of this type of aircraft, forming the term Solar UAV. This study proposes an extended methodology for sizing Solar UAVs that take off from a runway. This methodology considers mission parameters such as operating location, altitude, flight speed, flight endurance, and payload to sizing the aircraft parameters, such as wingspan, area of embedded solar cells panels, runway length required for takeoff and landing, battery weight, and the total weight of the aircraft. Using the Python language, we developed a framework to apply the proposed methodology and assist in designing a Solar UAV. With this framework, it was possible to perform a sensitivity analysis of design parameters and constraints. Finally, we performed a simulation of a mission, checking the output parameters.

Protein Components of the Arthrodial Membrane Gland in a Neotropical Harvestman (Arachnida, Opiliones).

The content of arthrodial membrane glands in arthropods has seldom been studied. Here, we have analyzed the proteins of the arthrodial membrane gland of the trochanter-coxa articulation of the fourth pair of legs in the harvestman Mischonyx cuspidatus via reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), and nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS) analysis. Most of the fractions studied are hydrophobic, being proteins with molecular weights of ∼28, 62, and ∼198 kDa. These proteins seem to be homologous to proteins involved in product secretion, cytoskeleton, protein binding, cellular metabolism, and antimicrobial action among others. Lubricant function is also possible based on the literature. We were able to identify 147 proteins in the inner region, 91 proteins from the outer dorsal region, and 36 proteins from the outer ventral region. Some proteins are present only in one of these regions and some are shared by one or more regions. Our work provides, to the best of our knowledge, the first proteome characterization of the content of an arthrodial membrane gland in arachnids. Dataset Identifier: ftp://massive.ucsd.edu/MSV000087195/.

Does the heterotrophic system influence the cellular immune response of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp? In vitro phagocytosis indices and superoxide anion production comparisons.

Aquaculture production has increased in the last decades, with crustacean production contributing with 9.8% of the total production. However, fisheries and aquaculture sectors present several challenges, such as fish stocks fished beyond biological sustainability, animal diseases, biosecurity, and environmental impact. It is important to improve shrimp production with healthy animals, avoiding environmental impacts, e.g. with the use of heterotrophic rearing system. It is known that the heterotrophic system can stimulate the activation of immune genes, but how it affects the shrimp immune system is unknown. To assess if a heterotrophic system influences the cellular immune response in shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp were reared in heterotrophic and clear water systems. Cellular immune response parameters such as total and differential hemocyte counts, phagocytosis indices and the production of the superoxide anion were evaluated after 60, 120 and 180 days. After 60 days, total haemocyte counts were higher in shrimps reared in the clear water system, while after 120 days it was higher in shrimps reared in the heterotrophic system. No significant difference was observed after 180 days. Hyaline, granular and semi-granular cells showed similar behavior, peaking after 120 days in the heterotrophic system. By the 60th day, phagocytic capacity was higher in the heterotrophic system, while no differences were found for the 120th and 180th day. No differences were detected concerning the phagocytic index or superoxide anion production. The heterotrophic system can affect total and differential shrimp haemocyte counts and phagocytic capacity, depending on the period of time they were maintained in this system. However, the phagocytic index and superoxide anion production are not affected by the heterotrophic system at the time points evaluated herein.

Impaired neurovascular reactivity in the microvasculature of pregnant women with preeclampsia.

INTRODUCTION: PE is associated with maternal vascular dysfunction, leading to serious cardiovascular risk both during and following pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To assess microvascular reactivity in pregnant women with PE. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 36 pregnant women with PE and 36 normotensive pregnant women (C) in the third trimester. Skin microvascular blood flow was measured using LDF at rest (RF), during the maximum hyperemic response to brief arterial occlusion (MF) and during the sympathetically mediated constrictor response to deep IBH. RESULTS: In pregnant women with PE, RF was higher [C, 8.1 (4.6); PE, 12.0 (7.6), P<.001; PU perfusion units; median (IQR)] and MF/RF [C, 6.1 (3.7); PE, 3. 9 (4.9) P<.001] and peak CVC lower (P=.009) compared to normotensive controls. The constrictor response to IBH [C, 62.4% (27.9); PE, 33.0% (50.6), P=.008] was reduced in women with PE. In univariate analysis, MF/RF was associated with PE status (r=-.417, P=.0001), systolic (r=-.385, P=.001), and diastolic (r=-.388, P=.001) blood pressure, but not BMI (r=.077, P=.536). CONCLUSIONS: Women with PE are more than three times more likely to exhibit a reduced microvascular reactivity in the third trimester of pregnancy than normotensive pregnant controls. These differences may be attributable in part to an altered sympathetic neural microvascular tone in PE.

Histopathological Effects on Gills of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus, 1758) Exposed to Pb and Carbon Nanotubes.

The effect of heavy metal in fish has been the focus of extensive research for many years. However, the combined effect of heavy metals and nanomaterials is still a new subject that needs to be studied. The aim of this study was to examine histopathologic alterations in the gills of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to determine possible effects of lead (Pb), carbon nanotubes, and Pb+carbon nanotubes on their histological integrity, and if this biological system can be used as a tool for evaluating water quality in monitoring programs. For this, tilapia were exposed to Pb, carbon nanotubes and Pb+carbon nanotubes for 4 days. The main alterations observed were epithelial structure, hyperplasia and displacement of epithelial cells, and alterations of the structure and occurrence of aneurysms in the secondary lamella. The most severe alterations were related to the Pb+carbon nanotubes. We conclude that the oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes enhanced the acute lead toxicity in Nile tilapias. This work draws attention to the implications of carbon nanomaterials released in the aquatic environment and their interaction with classical pollutants.

Ocean acidification affects parameters of immune response and extracellular pH in tropical sea urchins Lytechinus variegatus and Echinometra luccunter.

The rising concentration of atmospheric CO2 by anthropogenic activities is changing the chemistry of the oceans, resulting in a decreased pH. Several studies have shown that the decrease in pH can affect calcification rates and reproduction of marine invertebrates, but little attention has been drawn to their immune response. Thus this study evaluated in two adult tropical sea urchin species, Lytechinus variegatus and Echinometra lucunter, the effects of ocean acidification over a period of 24h and 5days, on parameters of the immune response, the extracellular acid base balance, and the ability to recover these parameters. For this reason, the phagocytic capacity (PC), the phagocytic index (PI), the capacity of cell adhesion, cell spreading, cell spreading area of phagocytic amebocytes in vitro, and the coelomic fluid pH were analyzed in animals exposed to a pH of 8.0 (control group), 7.6 and 7.3. Experimental pH's were predicted by IPCC for the future of the two species. Furthermore, a recovery test was conducted to verify whether animals have the ability to restore these physiological parameters after being re-exposed to control conditions. Both species presented a significant decrease in PC, in the pH of coelomic fluid and in the cell spreading area. Besides that, Echinometra lucunter showed a significant decrease in cell spreading and significant differences in coelomocyte proportions. The recovery test showed that the PC of both species increased, also being below the control values. Even so, they were still significantly higher than those exposed to acidified seawater, indicating that with the re-establishment of the pH value the phagocytic capacity of cells tends to restore control conditions. These results demonstrate that the immune system and the coelomic fluid pH of these animals can be affected by ocean acidification. However, the effects of a short-term exposure can be reversible if the natural values ​​are re-established. Thus, the effects of ocean acidification could lead to consequences for pathogen resistance and survival of these sea urchin species.

Histopathological alterations in the gills of Nile tilapia exposed to carbofuran and multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

Carbofuran is a nematicide insecticide with a broad spectrum of action. Carbofuran has noxious effects in several species and has been banned in the USA and Europe; however, it is still used in Brazil. Aquatic organisms are not only exposed to pesticides but also to manufactured nanoparticles, and the potential interaction of these compounds therefore requires investigation. The aim of this study was to examine the histopathological alterations in the gills of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to determine possible effects of exposure to carbofuran, nitric acid-treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (HNO3-MWCNTs) and the combination of carbofuran with nanotubes. Juvenile fish were exposed to different concentrations of carbofuran (0.1, 0.5, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0mg/L), different concentrations of HNO3-MWCNTs (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0mg/L) or different concentrations of carbofuran (0.1, 0.5, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0mg/L) with 1.0mg/L of HNO3-MWCNTs. After 24h of exposure, the animals were removed from the aquarium, the spinal cord was transversely sectioned, and the second gill arch was removed for histological evaluation. Common histological changes included dislocation of the epithelial cells, hyperplasia of the epithelial cells along the secondary lamellae, aneurism, and dilation and disarrangement of the capillaries. All the groups exposed to carbofuran demonstrated a dose-dependent correlation in the Histological Alteration Index; the values found for carbofuran and carbon nanotubes were up to 25% greater than for carbofuran alone. This result indicates an interaction between these toxicants, with enhanced ecotoxic effects. This work contributes to the understanding of the environmental impacts of nanomaterials on aquatic organisms, which is necessary for the sustainable development of nanotechnologies.

Initial peptidomic profiling of Brazilian sea urchins: Arbacia lixula, Lytechinus variegatus and Echinometra lucunter.

BACKGROUND: Sea urchins can be found throughout the Brazilian coast and are reported to be one of the major causes of marine accidents on the shoreline. Although not lethal, these accidents are reported to be extremely painful. In order to understand the toxinology of the Brazilian urchins, a peptidomic approach was performed aiming to characterize the naturally occurring peptides in both the coelomic fluid and the spine. METHODS: Animals were collected without gender distinction and samples of the coelomic fluid and spines extracted were analyzed by RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry for peptide de novo sequencing. RESULTS: Several peptides were identified either in the coelomic fluid or the spine extract (except for E. lucunter). The peptide sequences were aligned with public deposited sequences and possible functions were inferred. Moreover, some peptides can be cryptides, since their sequences were identified within functional proteins, for example thymosin from Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. CONCLUSIONS: Although preliminary, the peptidomic approach presented here reports, for the first time, the abundance of novel biological molecules derived from these animals. The discovery of such molecules may be of potential biotechnological application, as described for other organisms; nevertheless, further studies are required.

Photochemical degradation increases polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) toxicity to the grouper Epinephelus marginatus as assessed by multiple biomarkers.

The effects of halogen-light-irradiated and non-irradiated PAHs on the grouper Epinephelus marginatus were assessed through biomarkers including morphometric parameters, liver histopathology, biliary PAH concentration, genetic alterations, and enzyme activity modulation. E. marginatus juveniles were divided into three groups: control (C), non-irradiated PAHs (PAHs1), and irradiated PAHs (PAHs2). Test groups were exposed for 14 days to a 0.5 ppm PAH solution in the semi-static system. After this period, fish were anesthetized with benzocaine (2%) and peripheric blood was collected by caudal puncture. Blood smears were prepared and stained with propidium iodide. Fish livers were collected, fixed in McDowell's solution, embedded in paraplast, thin-sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E). For biochemical analyses including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activities, fish livers were collected and preserved in liquid nitrogen. Water samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and bile synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. Fish in the PAHs2 group had micronuclei (MN) in blood cells, as well as significant differences in nuclear morphology (NMA). Significant morphological alterations were observed in the livers from fish exposed to PAHs as well as inhibition of the catalase activity. Our results show that irradiation altered the bioavailability of PAHs, especially benzanthracene, which has great impact in aquatic ecosystems. Among the consequences of physical and chemical changes to PAHs, we observed a significant increase in NMA and MN incidence in E. marginatus erythrocytes, indicating the potential initiation of mutagenic and carcinogenic processes.

Immune response of the Antarctic sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri: cellular, molecular and physiological approach / Respuesta inmune del erizo de mar Antártico Sterechinus neumayeri: un enfoque celular, molecular y fisiológico

Abstract In the Antarctic marine environment, the water temperature is usually between 2 and - 1.9 °C. Consequently, some Antarctic species have lost the capacity to adapt to sudden changes in temperature. The study of the immune response in Antarctic sea urchin (Sterechinus neumayeri) could help us understand the future impacts of global warming on endemic animals in the Antarctic Peninsula. In this study, the Antarctic sea urchins were challenged with lipopolysaccharides and Vibrio alginolitycus. The cellular response was evaluated by the number of coelomocytes and phagocytosis. A significant increase was observed in red sphere cells and total coelomocytes in animals exposed to LPS. A significant rise in phagocytosis in animals stimulated by LPS was also evidenced. Moreover, the gene expression of three immune related genes was measured by qPCR, showing a rapid increase in their expression levels. By contrast, these immune genes showed a depression in their expression by a thermal effect at 5 and 10 °C. In addition, during bacterial injection, the oxygen consumption was higher in challenged animals. Our results showed that the immune response in the Antarctic sea urchin may be affected by acute thermal stress and that this immune response has a metabolic cost. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 2): 309-320. Epub 2015 June 01.

Resumen En el medio ambiente de la Antártica la temperatura del agua es de entre 2 y - 1.9 °C. Por consecuencia ciertas especies han perdido la capacidad de adaptarse a los cambios repentinos de la temperatura del agua. El estudio de la respuesta inmune del erizo antártico (Sterechinus neumayeri) podría ayudar a comprender los futuros impactos en los animales endémicos del cambio climático en la Península Antártica. En este estudio nosotros hemos evaluado la respuesta inmunitaria de S. neumayeri respecto de estimulaciones con bacterias (Lipopolisacáridos y Vibrio alginolitycus) asi como durante el estrés térmico a 5 y 10 °C. La respuesta del erizo fue evaluada en relación al número de celomocitos circulantes, capacidad fagocítica de estos y por el análisis de la expresión de tres genes inmunitarios. Después de la estimulación con LPS un aumento significativo de células esferoidales rojas, de amebocitos fagocíticos y de celomocitos totales fue observado después de las primeras horas de estimulación, de la misma manera que la capacidad fagocítica. Por otra parte los tres genes inmunes medidos mostraron un aumento significativo de su expresión por qPCR después de la estimulación con LPS. El estrés térmico de 5 °C produjo un aumento de la expresión de estos tres genes inmunitarios, por el contrario a una temperatura más alta (10 °C) se produce la reducción de dos de entre ellos. Adicionalmente un aumento del consumo de oxígeno fue observado durante la estimulación bacteriana. Nuestros resultados muestran que la respuesta inmunitaria en el erizo antártico puede ser afectada por el estrés térmico agudo y que la respuesta inmune en invertebrados antárticos tendría un costo metabólico.

Toxicity assessment of 2,4-D and MCPA herbicides in primary culture of fish hepatic cells.

In this study, we used primary cultures of fish hepatic cells as a tool for evaluating the effects of environmental contamination. Primary hepatic cell cultures derived from the subtropical fish Metynnis roosevelti were exposed to different concentrations (0.275, 2.75 and 27.5 µg L(-1)) of the herbicides 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA). Cellular respiratory activity was evaluated by polarography using three substrates: 0.5 M glucose, 0.5 M succinate and 0.5 M α-ketoglutarate. Significant changes were observed in cellular oxygen consumption with 0.5 M α-ketoglutarate. Even at low concentrations, 2,4-D and MCPA were potent uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation. Primary cultures of M. roosevelti liver cells may provide a useful tool for the evaluation of environmental contaminant effects. A review of regulations regarding permitted concentrations of these herbicides is needed.

Histopathological and genotoxic effects of pollution on Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus, 1758) in the Billings Reservoir (Brazil).

The Billings Reservoir shows eutrophic waters due to the large amount of sewage, and consequently, the fish can be a problem for public health. Thus, this project aimed to analyze the histological gills and liver of Nile tilapia to verify morphological changes caused by environment, and the frequency of micronuclei was done, to observe the response to genotoxic activity. We observed histological alterations in gills and livers of Nile Tilapia classified as mild to severe, and the presence of micronucleus. The results enable better environmental monitoring and quality control of this species.

Generation of reactive oxygen species by leukocytes of Prochilodus lineatus.

Prochilodus lineatus (curimbatá), from the Procholodontidae family, is a Brazilian freshwater fish, which is important commercially, nutritionally and ecologically. It is encountered in the Rio da Prata Bay in Southern South America. Studies on the immune system of this fish are scarce, but the physiological mechanisms of the species are analogous to those of other vertebrates. Thus, this work discusses the present study, which correlates P. lineatus leukocytes and the generation of reactive oxygen species after modulatory stimuli. Leukocytes were characterized by light and electron transmission microscopy and investigated by the generation of H2O2 and O2 (-), using phenol red, flow-cytometry and electron transmission histochemistry. The study determined that monocytes and neutrophils are the main cells responsible for generating O2 after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate. Superoxide dismutase successfully inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species in neutrophils and monocytes, but stimulated generation when in association with phorbol myristate acetate. Fish leukocyte samples from P. lineatus showed cross-reactivity with antibodies directed against human NADPH-oxidase antibody subunits (p47(phox) and p67(phox)). Thus, catalase enhanced the presence of p47(phox). Neutrophil mitochondria were shown to be generators of H2O2 (charged by cerium precipitate), being enlarged and changing their format. The present study contributes to a better understanding of the respiratory burst pathways in this species and suggests mitochondria as the organelle responsible for generation of reactive oxygen species.

Effects of an aquatic physical exercise program on glycemic control and perinatal outcomes of gestational diabetes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide and has been associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and high risk for chronic disease both for the mother and for the child. Physical exercise is feasible for diabetic pregnant women and contributes to better glycemic control and to a decrease in adverse perinatal outcomes. However, there are no randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing the effects of aquatic physical exercise on GDM control and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. METHODS/DESIGN: An RCT will be conducted at Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Brazil. A total of 72 pregnant women will be studied; 36 gestational diabetics will undergo an aquatic physical exercise program in a thermal pool, 3 times per week over 2 months. The primary endpoint will be glucose level control and use of insulin; secondary endpoints will be the following maternal and fetal outcomes: weight gain during pregnancy, blood pressure, pre-eclampsia diagnosis, intrauterus growth restriction, preterm birth, Cesarean section, macrosomia and maternal or neonatal intensive care admission. Endpoints between intervention and control group will analyzed by t test for unpaired data and χ² test, and the level of significance will set at <0.05. DISCUSSION: The physical proprieties of water make aquatic exercises ideal for pregnant women. An aquatic physical exercise program developed for GDM women will be trialed in a thermal pool and under the supervision of physiotherapist to ensure compliance. It is expected that this study will provide evidence as to the effect of aquatic physical exercise on GDM control. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT01940003.

Low temperatures reduce skin healing in the Jacaré do Pantanal (Caiman yacare, Daudin 1802).

Studies of skin wound healing in crocodilians are necessary given the frequent occurrence of cannibalism in intensive farming systems. Air temperature affects tissue recovery because crocodilians are ectothermic. Therefore, the kinetics of skin wound healing in Caiman yacare were examined at temperatures of 33°C and 23°C. Sixteen caiman were selected and divided into two groups of eight maintained at 23°C or 33°C. The studied individuals' scars were photographed after 1, 2, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days of the experimental conditions, and samples were collected for histological processing after 3, 7, 15 and 30 days. Macroscopically, the blood clot (heterophilic granuloma) noticeably remained in place covering the wound longer for the caiman kept at 23°C. Microscopically, the temperature of 23°C slowed epidermal migration and skin repair. Comparatively, new blood vessels, labeled using von Willebrand factor (vWF) antibody staining, were more frequently found in the scars of the 33°C group. The collagen fibers in the dermis were denser in the 33°C treatment. Considering the delayed healing at 23°C, producers are recommended to keep wounded animals at 33°C, especially when tanks are cold, to enable rapid wound closure and better repair of collagen fibers because such lesions tend to compromise the use of their skin as leather.

The impact of rising sea temperature on innate immune parameters in the tropical subtidal sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus and the intertidal sea urchin Echinometra lucunter.

Ocean temperatures are rising throughout the world, making it necessary to evaluate the impact of these temperature changes on sea urchins, which are well-known bioindicators. This study evaluated the effect of an increase in temperature on the immune response of the subtidal Lytechinus variegatus and the intertidal Echinometra lucunter sea urchins. Both species were exposed to 20 (control), 25 and 30 °C temperatures for 24 h, 2, 7 and 14 days. Counting of coelomocytes and assays on the phagocytic response, adhesion and spreading of coelomocytes were performed. Red and colorless sphere cells were considered biomarkers for heat stress. Moreover, a significant decrease in the phagocytic indices and a decrease in both cell adhesion and cell spreading were observed at 25 and 30 °C for L. variegatus. For E. lucunter, the only alteration observed was for the cell proportions. This report shows how different species of sea urchins respond immunologically to rising temperatures.

Inorganic polyphosphates regulate hexokinase activity and reactive oxygen species generation in mitochondria of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus embryo.

The physiological roles of polyphosphates (poly P) recently found in arthropod mitochondria remain obscure. Here, the possible involvement of poly P with reactive oxygen species generation in mitochondria of Rhipicephalus microplus embryos was investigated. Mitochondrial hexokinase and scavenger antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase were assayed during embryogenesis of R. microplus. The influence of poly P3 and poly P15 were analyzed during the period of higher enzymatic activity during embryogenesis. Both poly Ps inhibited hexokinase activity by up to 90% and, interestingly, the mitochondrial membrane exopolyphosphatase activity was stimulated by the hexokinase reaction product, glucose-6-phosphate. Poly P increased hydrogen peroxide generation in mitochondria in a situation where mitochondrial hexokinase is also active. The superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities were higher during embryo cellularization, at the end of embryogenesis and during embryo segmentation, respectively. All of the enzymes were stimulated by poly P3. However, superoxide dismutase was not affected by poly P15, catalase activity was stimulated only at high concentrations and glutathione reductase was the only enzyme that was stimulated in the same way by both poly Ps. Altogether, our results indicate that inorganic polyphosphate and mitochondrial membrane exopolyphosphatase regulation can be correlated with the generation of reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria of R. microplus embryos.