Biologic data of Macaca mulatta, Macaca fascicularis, and Saimiri sciureus used for research at the Fiocruz primate center

Physiological parameters of laboratory animals used for biomedical research is crucial for following several experimental procedures. With the intent to establish baseline biologic parameters for non-human primates held in closed colonies, hematological and morphometric data of captive monkeys were determined. Data of clinically healthy rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) were collected over a period of five years. Animals were separated according to sex and divided into five age groups. Hematological data were compared with those in the literature by Student's t test. Discrepancies with significance levels of 0.1, 1 or 5% were found in the hematological studies. Growth curves showed that the sexual dimorphism of rhesus monkeys appeared at an age of four years. In earlier ages, the differences between sexes could not be distinguished (p < 0.05). Sexual dimorphism in both squirrel monkeys and cynomolgus monkeys occurred at an age of about 32 months. Data presented in this paper could be useful for comparative studies using primates under similar conditions.     

Modulation of the activity of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) head-kidney macrophages by macrophage activating factor(s) and lipopolysaccharide

The aim of this study was to establish the requirements for macrophage activating factor (MAF) production by sea bass head-kidney leucocytes and the kinetics of macrophage activation when exposed to MAF-containing supernatants and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a known macrophage stimulant. MAF activity was found in culture supernatants of total head-kidney leucocytes pulsed with 5 microg ml(-1)Con A, 5 or 10 ng ml(-1)PMA and 100 ng ml(-1)calcium ionophore, or 10 microg ml(-1)Con A alone, as assessed by the capacity to prime macrophages for enhanced production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). Mixed leucocyte cultures from two or eight fish showed higher MAF activity after stimulation, indicating that a mixed leucocyte reaction was also important for MAF production. MAF-induced activation of macrophage cultures was highest at 18 h of exposure and was lost by 72 h except for MAF induced by Con A-stimulation alone. LPS primed macrophages for increased ROI production at early incubation times and down-regulated ROI production after 24 h. LPS had no effect in further stimulating the MAF-induced priming effect on production of ROI and down-regulated the MAF-priming by 48 h. Sea bass head-kidney macrophages did not show increased nitrite production when exposed to MAF and/or LPS, which may be related to their differentiation status.     

The ovarian and uterine responses of Baixadeiro mares to prostaglandin synchronization during the dry and rainy seasons

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of synchronization with prostaglandin F2α in Baixadeiro mares during the rainy and dry seasons. Fourteen mares were synchronized by administering two doses of 1 mL prostaglandin PGF 2α and monitored by rectal palpation and ultrasound for the assessment of follicular development and uterine echotexture. Of this total, nine mares allowed the collection of blood, in which the blood was collected by venipuncture of the jugular vein to determine progesterone (P4) by ELISA. Mares showed no differences (P > 0.05) in weight, body score condition (BSC), tone, uterine edema, frequency of ovulation, synchronization interval, estrus, and the total number of follicles between periods. However, there was a difference in large increased follicle diameter (P < 0.05) during the dry season. The average concentrations of P4 in mares differed (P < 0.05) between the pre- and post-ovulatory phases for both seasons and after ovulation, with higher concentrations in the rainy season. Furthermore, statistical differences in daily light (P < 0.05) were observed between the dry and rainy periods. Thus, we conclude that mares from the genetic grouping Baixadeiro showed no reproductive seasonality, though there was a difference in luminosity between the rainy and dry seasons. The treatment with two doses of PGF 2α was effective in synchronizing the mares, promoting the return of estrus in the dry and rainy periods. The mares remaining cyclically active throughout the year provided there were appropriate forage availability and quality levels to allow for normal values of body weight and condition.     

Seasonal variation of sound production in the Lusitanian toadfish Halobatrachus didactylus

Seasonal variation of sound production, which includes boatwhistles, grunts, croaks and double croaks, was studied in the Lusitanian toadfish Halobatrachus didactylus . Boatwhistles were emitted during the mating season in contrast with the other sound types, which were emitted all year round.     

Advances and constraints in somatic embryogenesis of Araucaria angustifolia,Acca sellowiana,and Bactris gasipaes

Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC) - Mambalgin-1 is a peptide that acts as a potent analgesic through inhibiting acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC) in nerve cells. Research has shown that...     

Involvement of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors on guanosine-mediated anti-tremor effects in reserpinized mice

Parkinson’s disease (PD) signs and symptoms regularly include tremor. Interestingly, the nucleoside guanosine (GUO) has already proven to be effective in reducing reserpine-induced tremulous jaw movements (TJMs) in rodent models, thus becoming a promising antiparkinsonian drug. Here, we aimed at revealing the mechanism behind GUO antiparkinsonian efficacy by assessing the role of adenosine A₁ and A_2A receptors (A₁R and A_2AR) on GUO-mediated anti-tremor effects in the reserpinized mouse model of PD. Reserpinized mice showed elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cellular membrane damage in striatal slices assessed ex vivo and GUO treatment reversed ROS production. Interestingly, while the simultaneous administration of sub-effective doses of GUO (5 mg/kg) and SCH58261 (0.01 mg/kg), an A_2AR antagonist, precluded reserpine-induced TJMs, these were ineffective on reverting ROS production in ex vivo experiments. Importantly, GUO was able to reduce TJM and ROS production in reserpinized mouse lacking the A_2AR, thus suggesting an A_2AR-independent mechanism of GUO-mediated effects. Conversely, the administration of DPCPX (0.75 mg/kg), an A₁R antagonist, completely abolished both GUO-mediated anti-tremor effects and blockade of ROS production. Overall, these results indicated that GUO anti-tremor and antioxidant effects in reserpinized mice were A₁R dependent but A_2AR independent, thus suggesting a differential participation of adenosine receptors in GUO-mediated effects.

     

The taxonomic utility of micromorphology in Lepidaploa (Vernonieae: Asteraceae)

Lepidaploa belongs to tribe Vernonieae, one of the most complex tribes of Asteraceae, and the relationships within Lepidaploa and among related genera are poorly understood. Microcharacters may be of taxonomic value and may be used in the identification of taxa at different ranks. To evaluate the reliability of microcharacters as taxonomic markers in this group, we analysed the micromorphology of phyllaries, florets and cypselae in detail in 23 species of Lepidaploa .The species were studied using stereo, light, and scanning electron microscopy. Eight trichome types (eglandular and glandular) were observed on phyllaries, florets and cypselae, in addition to crystals, idioblasts and other microstructures. The results demonstrates that the ocurrence of different combinations of trichome types and crystals, presence of a stylar basal node, idioblasts and glandular apical anther appendages are highly useful to differentiate between related species of Lepidaploa and a diagnostic key using these characters is presented. However, these characters are not of much use to distinguish between closely related genera of Vernonieae since most characters appear homeoplasic and are found in representatives of different genera.     

Optimization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Curcuma</Emphasis> Oil/Quinine-Loaded Nanocapsules for Malaria Treatment

Quinine, a treatment used in chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria, was loaded into poly(?-caprolactone) or Eudragit^® RS100 nanocapsules using Curcuma oil as the oil-based core. Until now, the effect of cationic nanocapsules on malaria has not been reported. A 2⁴ factorial design was adopted using, as independent variables, the concentration of Curcuma oil, presence of quinine, type of polymer, and aqueous surfactant. Diameter, zeta potential, and pH were the responses studied. The formulations were also evaluated for drug content, encapsulation efficiency, photostability, and antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. The type of polymer influenced all of the responses studied. Quinine-loaded Eudragit^® RS100 (F13) and PCL nanocapsules (F9), both with polysorbate 80 coating, showed nanometric particle size, positive zeta potential, neutral pH, high drug content, and quinine photoprotection ability; thus, these nanocapsules were selected for in vivo tests. Both formulations showed lower levels of parasitemia from the beginning of the experiment (5.78 ± 3.60 and 4.76 ± 3.46% for F9 and F13, respectively) and highest survival mean time (15.3 ± 2.0 and 14.9 ± 5.6 days for F9 and F13, respectively). F9 and F13 showed significant survival curve compared to saline, thus demonstrating that nanoencapsulation improved bioefficacy of QN and co-encapsulated curcuminoids, regardless of the surface charge.     

Impact of unilateral spatial neglect on chronic patient's post-stroke quality of life

Abstract

Background: Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is the prevalent feature in patients with right-sided stroke. It is diagnosed through the behavior inattention test (BIT) and has a negative impact on patients affecting both their functional capacity and quality of life.

Objective: Here, we aimed to evaluate the impact of USN on the quality of life of patients in the chronic phase of stroke.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with stroke patients with USN. After confirming the presence of stroke through neuroimaging examinations and of USN through the BIT, patients’ quality of life was evaluated by using the EUROQOL scale. Spearman’s correlation was used to validate the correlation between patients’ USN and quality of life, with a p?<?.05 representing significant results.

Results: Eighteen individuals were included. When correlating the value of each domain of the EUROQOL scale with the results of the BIT, we observed a negative correlation between mobility (r?=?–0.97; p?=?.000), self-care (r?=?–0.82; p?=?.013), usual activities (r?=?–0.87; p?=?.005); pain or discomfort (r?=?–0.88; p?=?.004), anxiety or depression (r?=?–0.97; p?=?.000), and EUROQOL total score (r?=?–0.97, p?=?.000).

Conclusion: After a correlation between the overall EUROQOL and BIT scores, we suggest that the higher the USN degree is in stroke patients, the worse their perceived quality of life tends to be.     

A new species and molecular phylogeny of Brazilian succulent Euphorbia sect. Brasilienses

A new species of Euphorbia sect. Brasilienses V.W. Steinm. & Dorsey is described. Euphorbia tetrangularis Hurbath & Cordeiro is endemic to the Serra de Montevidéu, a part of the Espinhaço Range located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It differs from other species within the section based on the following characters: 4-ribbed branches, green cyathia, and green cyathial glands with erect appendages. This new species would qualify as critically endangered (CR) according to IUCN criteria. An inferred phylogeny based on a combined dataset of nuclear (ITS1) and plastid regions (psbA-trnH, trnC-ycf6, matK, atpI-atpH, psbJ-petA, trnQ-rps16?×?1) confirms the monophyly of Euphorbia sect. Brasilienses and supports the recognition of E. tetrangularis. The phylogeny also suggests that this group probably underwent a recent radiation.