Search

Fifteen Holstein cows (6 multiparous and 9 primiparous) in early lactation were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design with 5-wk periods to evaluate the use of condensed corn distillers solubles (CCDS) in the total mixed ration. Diets were control (0%), low (5%), or high (10% of dry matter) CCDS. All diets contained alfalfa hay, corn silage, rolled corn, and a concentrate supplement formulated to yield isonitrogenous diets. Condensed corn distillers solubles replaced a portion of the rolled corn and soybean meal in the control diet. Data were collected from wk 3 to 5 of each 5-wk period. Dry matter intakes (23.4, 24.4, and 22.5 kg/d for control, low, and high CCDS, respectively) were similar for CCDS and control and tended to be greater for low than for high CCDS. Milk yields (34.1, 35.5, and 35.8 kg/ d) were greater for added CCDS vs. control, with no additional benefit found by feeding a high over a low amount of CCDS. Milk fat percentage decreased slightly, whereas protein and lactose production increased when cows were fed CCDS. Medium-chain fatty acids in milk fat were decreased and long-chain fatty acids increased by feeding CCDS, and similar changes were found comparing high with low level of CCDS. Unsaturated fatty acids in milk fat tended to be higher for diets containing CCDS compared with control and were higher for high compared with low inclusion. Ruminal ammonia and serum urea nitrogen concentrations were lower when cows were fed CCDS. This study indicated that it is advantageous to feed CCDS at 5% of dry matter; however, some beneficial changes in milk fatty acid composition were achieved by doubling that amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the Raman intensity of the 'breathing' mode of the benzene rings as a function of the temperature in smectic phases revealed strong anomalies of the intensities IZZ and IYY in SmCFI2* and phases, as as an SmCFI1* well important shift of the principal optical direction with respect to other smectic phases. The analysis of these results provided evidence for significant structural changes at the SmC*-SmCFI* and SmCFI*-SmCA* phase transmons, because the molecules can no longer be treated as cylindrical rods. No anomalies in the tilt angle were found. Experimental results suggest a relationship between the deviation of the optical axis and the particular structure of the SmCFI* phases. The deviation of IZZ maxima as a function of the rotation angle ψ and the behaviour evident under an electric field in SmCFI* and SmCA* phases clearly excludes the coexistence of SmCA* and SmC* local domains in SmCFI* phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the structure and ultrastructure of the interrenal gland and chromaffin cells, as well as the morphology of the head kidney of Brycon cephalus. The head kidney is composed of fused bilateral lobes located anterior to the swim bladder and ventrolateral to the spinal column. The parenchyma revealed lympho-haematopoietic tissue, melano-macrophage centres, interrenal gland and chromaffin cells. The interrenal gland consisted of cords or strands of cells grouped around the posterior cardinal vein and their branches. Chromaffin cells are found in small groups, closely associated with the interrenal gland and/or under the endothelium of the posterior cardinal vein. So far, the ultrastructural analysis has revealed only one interrenal cell type which contained abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum and numerous mitochondria with tubulo-vesicular cristae, characteristic of steroid-producing cells. Two types of chromaffin cells were observed. The first type was characterized by the presence of vesicles with round, strongly electron-dense granules, which were eccentrically located. Such cells were interpreted as noradrenaline cells. Meanwhile, cells which contained smaller vesicles and electron-lucent granules, with a small halo separating the granule from the vesicular limiting membrane, were identified as adrenaline cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of trifluoro-substituted benzoate derivatives: (S)-1-ethylheptyl 4-[4-(4-alkyloxy-3- fluorobenzoyloxy)-3-fluorobenzoyloxy]-2-fluorobenzoates is reported. The short chain members (n = 8 to n = 11) display a direct SmC*[sub A]-SmA transition, whereas for longer chains a SmC* phase appears, but no ferrielectric phases are present, and a direct SmC[sub A]*-SmC* transition is obtained. The mesomorphic properties were studied by optical microscopy and DSC, and by electro-optical, helical pitch and optical rotatory power measurements. The effect of the number and position of the fluoro substituents, and the influence of the chiral moiety on the mesomorphic behaviour are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of difluoro substituted benzoate derivatives: (R)-1-methylheptyl 4-[4-(3-fluoro4-alkyloxybenzoyloxy)-3-fluorobenzoyloxy]benzoates is reported. The short chain members (n = 8 to 10) display a very rich polymesomorphic sequence with anticlinic properties: Cr-SmC[sub A]*-SmC*[sub FI]-SmC*-SmC*[sub α]-SmA-I; the longer chain members exhibit only TGB and SmC* phases. The mesomorphic properties were studied by optical microscopy, DSC, X-ray diffraction, electro-optical and helical pitch measurements, and optical rotatory power studies. The effect of the number and position of fluorines on the mesomorphic sequence is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We present a fabrication process of low-cost superlattices and simulations related with the heat dissipation on them. The influence of the interfacial roughness on the thermal conductivity of semiconductor/semiconductor superlattices was studied by equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics and on the Kapitza resistance of superlattice's interfaces by equilibrium molecular dynamics. The non-equilibrium method was the tool used for the prediction of the Kapitza resistance for a binary semiconductor/metal system. Physical explanations are provided for rationalizing the simulation results. PACS 68.65.Cd, 66.70.Df, 81.16.-c, 65.80.-g, 31.12.xv

Ethnobotanical studies that use the participatory research approach seek to involve the residents of a community in different stages of the study, promoting the registration, dissemination and strengthening of local knowledge, as well as the empowerment of decisions related to the sustainable use and management of resources. Using the participatory methodology, this study recorded and made a comparative analysis on the use of plants in two quilombola communities (Quilombo do Cambury-QC and Quilombo da Fazenda-QF) in the State of São Paulo. After a training on anthropological and botanical methods, local researchers selected and interviewed the local experts, recording their knowledge on plant uses and collecting the indicated plants, to be identified and deposited in herbariums. In addition, participant observation and field diaries were used by the academic researchers, helping to analyze the data. To test the differences in the composition of species known to local community, a Jaccard dissimilarity matrix was created, and a Permanova test was employed. During the 178 days of fieldwork, three local researchers from the QC and two from the QF, selected nine and eight experts on the uses of the plants in each quilombo, respectively, corresponding to 214 plant species, indicated for eight ethnobotanical categories. Our hypothesis has been confirmed, since the traditional knowledge found in both quilombos, regarding plant uses and the number of plant species by category, are distinct, since each community occupies particular plant areas and different phytophysiognomies. Most of the indicated species are native to the Atlantic forest, and no significant differences were observed in the proportion of native species vs . introduced among quilombos for any of the categories of use studied. Furthermore, the innovative methodology used, participatory ethnobotany, contributed to the empowerment of community members with regard to the use of their available resources in the environment in which they live, while retaining the intellectual property rights over their own knowledge., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Ulysses Paulino de Albuquerque is an Academic Editor at PeerJ., (© 2023 Sauini et al.)

The use of chemotherapy agents has been growing worldwide, due to the increase number of cancer cases. In several countries, mainly in Europe countries, these drugs have been detected in hospitals and municipal wastewaters. In Brazil this issue is poorly explored. The main goal of this study was to assess the presence of three anti-cancer drugs, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), gemcitabine (GEM) and cyclophosphamide (CP), and two metabolites, alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine (3-NH 2 -F) and 2'-deoxy-2',2'-difluorouridine (2-DOH-DiF), in effluents from a large cancer hospital, in the municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent and effluent, and also to evaluate toxicity of the mixtures of these compounds by ecotoxicological testing in zebrafish. The sample collections were performed in Barretos Cancer Hospital of the large cancer center in Brazil. After each collection, the samples were filtered for subsequent Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry analysis. The presence of CP, GEM, and both metabolites (3-NH 2 -F and 2-DOH-DiF) were detected in the hospital wastewater and the WWTP influent. Three drugs, GEM, 2-DOH-DiF and CP, were detected in the WWTP effluent. Two drugs were detected below the limit of quantification, 2-DOH-DiF: -1 ) and CP: -1 ), and GEM was quantified at 420 ng L -1 . Furthermore, 2-DOH-DiF (116,000 ng L -1 ) was detected at the highest level in the hospital wastewater. There were no zebrafish deaths at any of the concentrations of the compounds used. However, we observed histological changes, including aneurysms and edema in the gills and areas of necrosis of the liver. In summary, we found higher concentrations of CP, GEM and both metabolites (3-NH 2 -F and 2-DOH-DiF) were detected for the first time. There is currently no legislation regarding the discharge of anti-cancer drugs in effluents in Brazil. This study is first to focus on effluents from specific treatments from a large cancer hospital located in small city in Brazil., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of imazamox for control of S. molesta and to assess the effects of plant decomposition on environmental indicators after application of this herbicide in microcosm conditions. The following rates were used: 600, 700, 800 and 900 g ai ha -1 and spray volume 50 L ha -1 . Control efficacy was determined as the percentage (from 0 to 100%) of visible injury symptoms in the plants, biochemical and chemical oxygen demand (BOD 5 and COD), water quality variables, chlorophyll a and pheophytin a at 0, 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after application (DAA) and fresh and dry biomass at 60 DAA. Imazamox was effective in controlling 94% of S. molesta with 900 g ai ha -1 ; it reduced 95% of fresh weight and 92% of dry weight of plant at 60 DAA, and reduced chlorophyll a of the plants for all rates. For BOD 5 , there was an increase for all rates at 15, 30 and 45 DAA with restoration of the parameters at 60 DAA, and for COD, there was an increase at 60 DAA with 700 and 900 g ai ha -1 . For temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity, there was no significant effect after spraying. Imazamox was effective in controlling S. molesta with 900 g ai ha -1 without causing significant effects on the physical-chemical parameters of water quality.

This study aimed to assess, in a microcosm condition, the efficacy of electrostatic spraying of herbicide imazamox in the control of Salvinia molesta and the effects of decomposition of plant material on water quality. The herbicide rates used were 600, 700, 800, and 900 g ai ha -1 and spray volume of 50 L ha -1 in electrostatic application. Control effectiveness was assessed at 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after application (DAA), expressed in percentage (0-100%) of visible injury symptoms in the plants, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5 ), chemical oxygen demand (COD), chlorophyll a and pheophytin a contents at 0, 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 DAA, and fresh and dry biomass at 60 DAA. Imazamox was effective in controlling 63% of S. molesta with 900 g ai ha -1 in 45 DAA and 30% with 800 g ai ha -1 in 30 DAA, and reduced 82.3% and 17.5% of fresh weight and 62.6% and 9.3% of dry weight of plant at 60 DAA, respectively. The imazamox spray reduced chlorophyll a with all doses applied and increased BOD 5 in 45 DAA with 900 g ai ha -1 and COD in all assessment periods, but for temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, and pH, there was no significant effect after spraying. The herbicide imazamox reduced S. molesta plants with 900 g ai ha -1 , without causing significant effects on environmental indicators of water quality. Electrostatic spraying of herbicide can be used in management strategies of aquatic plants to reduce plant density in water bodies and maintain the colonization of plants at a level not harmful to the aquatic biota.

Aim: This study evaluated the genesPNPLA3 and LGALS3 in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery., Methods: Individuals with NAFLD and NASH were evaluated, the DNA was extracted from total blood for genotyping of rs4644, rs4652 from LGALS3 and rs738409 from PNPLA3 genes, the total RNA was obtained from liver biopsy. For the detection of the molecular targets, real-time PCR through Taqman probes was used., Results: From a total of 46 collected patients, of those 21 (456%) were included as NASH and 25 (544%) as steatosis group. This groups showed significant difference to aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (p = 0.0108, p = 0.0090 and p = 0.0044). Regarding to gene expression in studied groups, hepatic steatosis vs NASH, we observed a higher expression of the LGALS3 gene in NASH (p = 0.0273). In addition, patients with C allele in homozygous for rs4644 and rs4652 of LGALS3 gene had higher expression, in NASH group (p = 0.0500 and p = 0.0242, respectively), furthermore for rs4644 both alleles in homozygous showed higher expression (AA/CC vs AC) (p = 0.0500), when analyzed PNPLA3 rs738409, NASH patients with G allele in homozygous had higher expression (p = 0.0494)., Conclusions: Therefore, an increased expression of the LGALS3 gene in patients with NASH may be important in the etiopathogenesis of the disease, as well as the presence of rs4652 and rs4644 SNPs in the regulation of transcriptional levels of the gene in patients with NAFLD and NASH., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Introduction: Ethnobotanical studies that include participatory methods aim to engage residents in different steps to promote the strengthening and perpetuation of local culture, and empowerment in making decisions about the use of available environmental resources. Thus, the aim of this project was to perform an ethnobotanical survey based on traditional knowledge of medicinal plants with the active participation of residents living in Bairro do Cambury, Ubatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil., Materials and Methods: During meetings held between the researchers and community members, locally used plants were regarded as an important means for preserving local knowledge for future generations. Some residents showed interest in participating as local partners, and training courses for collecting ethnobotanical data were offered. Local partners and researchers from São Paulo Federal University (Universidade Federal de São Paulo) utilized ethnobotanical methods to select and interview the specialists in medicinal plants for 80 days between 2016 and 2018. Data on plant use were recorded, and plants were collected and deposited in two herbaria. Furthermore, participant observation and fieldwork diaries were used by the researchers, aiding the data analysis., Results: Three local partners participated in objective definitions, data collection, analysis and publication. Nine local specialists were interviewed by the local partners and indicated the use of 82 plant species in 90 recipes for 55 therapeutic uses. These uses were grouped into 12 categories. In addition, a video and booklet were created., Conclusions: Data obtained during participatory research show that training local communities in the registration of their own knowledge is feasible and necessary since they register knowledge based on local perceptions, as well as valuing knowledge and approaching the current discussion about intellectual property is a global concern., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: Although multiple studies advocate the advantages of participatory research approaches for ethnoscience, few provide solid contributions from case studies that involve residents in all of the project phases. We present a case study of a participatory approach whose aim is to register ethnobotanical knowledge on the use of plants in two quilombola communities (maroon communities), an important biodiversity hotspot in the Atlantic Forest, Southeast Brazil. Our aim is to provide tools that will empower decision-making related to sustainable use and management among residents., Methods: In phase I, the objectives and activities were defined in meetings with residents to carry out ethnobotanical surveys between two quilombola communities-the Quilombo da Fazenda (QF) and Quilombo do Cambury (QC). In phase II, we offered community partners training courses on how to collect plants and ethnobotanical data. In coordination with the university team and using ethnobotanical methods, community partners interviewed specialists on plants and their uses. In phase III, using the participatory mapping method, residents indicated plot locations and collected plants to calculate the Conservation Priority Index for native species recorded in phase II., Results: In 178 days of fieldwork, two community partners from the QF and three from the QC selected 8 and 11 respondents who reported 175 and 195 plant species, respectively, corresponding to 9 ethnobotanical categories. Based on requests from the local community, booklets and videos with these data were collaboratively produced. A large percentage of species were found to be of great conservation priority-82.1% in the QC and 62.5% in the QF. Virola bicuhyba, Cedrela fissilis, Plinia edulis, and Tabebuia cassinoides are the species most at risk and will be the focus of phase IV, when a participatory management plan will be carried out. Additionally, we present both challenges and opportunities with the hope that others can learn from our successes and failures., Conclusions: Our experience shows that it is possible to train community members who wish to document their knowledge to support the process of ensuring that local knowledge is highly regarded, further ensuring its perpetuation. In this context, the project may be of great interest to development programs in promoting community-based management strategies for useful plants.

This document provides guidance for communicators on how to communicate the various expressions of uncertainty described in EFSA's document: 'Guidance on uncertainty analysis in scientific assessments'. It also contains specific guidance for assessors on how best to report the various expressions of uncertainty. The document provides a template for identifying expressions of uncertainty in scientific assessments and locating the specific guidance for each expression. The guidance is structured according to EFSA's three broadly defined categories of target audience: 'entry', 'informed' and 'technical' levels. Communicators should use the guidance for entry and informed audiences, while assessors should use the guidance for the technical level. The guidance was formulated using evidence from the scientific literature, grey literature and two EFSA research studies, or based on judgement and reasoning where evidence was incomplete or missing. The limitations of the evidence sources inform the recommendations for further research on uncertainty communication., (© 2019 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

Background: The anabolic, lipolytic and anti-inflammatory effects of exercise-stimulated GH secretion could be usefully exploited in the multidisciplinary rehabilitative programs of obese patients, who are reported to suffer from hyposomatotropism. To date, evaluation of GH responses to whole body vibration (WBV) in combination with maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) has been performed in normal-weight subjects, but not obese patients. Thus, aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of WBV and MVC, alone and combined, on GH responsiveness in obese subjects., Methods: The acute effects of WBV or MVC alone and the combination of MVC with WBV (MVC + WBV) on serum GH, cortisol and IGF-I and blood lactate (LA) levels were evaluated in 8 obese male adolescents [mean age ± SD: 17.1 ± 3.3 yrs.; weight: 107.4 ± 17.8 kg; body mass index (BMI): 36.5 ± 6.6 kg/m 2 ; BMI standard deviation score (SDS): 3.1 ± 0.6]., Results: WBV and MVC (alone or combined) significantly stimulated GH secretion. In particular, GH peaks and net areas under the curve (nAUCs) were significantly higher after MVC + WBV and MVC than WBV, without any difference between MVC + WBV and MVC groups; anyway, an additive effect on GH levels immediately after the execution of MVC + WBV test was found in comparison with MVC test. LA peaks significantly increased after each exercise (vs. basal condition), being significantly higher after MVC + WBV and MVC than WBV, without any difference between MVC + WBV and MVC groups. Peak LA values were significantly correlated with GH peaks and nAUCs. In contrast to the unchanged IGF-I levels, MVC + WBV and MVC (but not WBV) significantly stimulated cortisol secretion., Conclusions: The results of the present study confirm the ability of MVC and WBV to stimulate GH secretion in obese patients. Rehabilitative programs combining different types of exercise eliciting a potent GH response seem to be important to counteract the hyposomatotropism of obese patients. Due to its limited stress upon joints without provoking an excessive fatigue, WBV could be usefully employed in the initial stages of a weight loss program alone or in combination with more potent GH releasing stimuli, such as MVC., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aims of this research were to evaluate the efficacy of copper oxychloride (CuCl2.3Cu(OH)2), copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) and diquat (1.1'-ethylene-2.2'-bipyridyldiylium dibromide), isolated and in association with 0.1% of both copper sources, in the control of the unicellular algae Ankistrodesmus gracilis and the filamentous algae Pithophora kewesis, and to determine the acute toxicity of the tested chemicals in Hyphressobrycon eques, Pomacea canaliculata, Lemna minor and Azolla caroliniana. The efficacy was estimated by the methods of chlorophyll a and pheophytin a readings, changed into growth inhibition percentage. Both algae were exposed to the following concentrations: 0.2; 0.4; 0.8; 1.2 mg L(-1) of diquat and its association with the copper sources; and 0.1; 0.3; 0.5; 0.7; 1.0 and 1.5 mg L(-1) in the isolated applications of copper hydroxide and copper oxychloride. An untreated control was kept. The acute toxicity was estimatedby 50% lethal concentration (LC50). The copper sources were effective for A. gracilis control, at rates as high as 0.1 mg L(-1) (>95% efficacy). Isolated diquat and its association with copper hydroxide were both effective at rates as high as 0.4 mg L(-1), with 95 and 88% control efficacy, respectively. The copper oxychloride was effective at 0.2 mg L(-1), with 93% efficacy. None of the tested chemicals and associations was effective on P. kewesis control. The most sensitive non target organism to the tested chemicals was L. minor; the less sensitive was H. eques.

In this study we describe the anti-Trichodina effects of teflubenzuron (TFB) for Oreochromis niloticus and for Piaractus mesopotamicus. We also evaluated the acute toxicity, for both species, by using TFB in the concentrations of 700.0, 800.0, 900.0 and 1000.0 mg L(-1) and a control, without the drug. To assess the efficacy of TFB against Trichodina spp., we used the concentrations of 30.0 or 50.0 mg L(-1) for one hour exposure in tilapia, and the concentration of 30.0, 50.0 and 80.0 mg L(-1) for one hour and 50 mg L(-1) for two hours exposures in pacu. Teflubenzuron did not present significant toxicity in either species, with LC50;48h > 1000.0 mg L(-1). The drug effectiveness was observed against four identified Trichodina species: T. magna, T. heterodentata, T. compacta and T. centrostrigeata, with 87.9% parasite reduction with one hour exposure to 50.0 mg L(-1) TFB on O. niloticus and 96.1% with two hours exposure to 50.0 mg L(-1) TFB on P. mesopotamicus. Teflubenzuron is a drug with potential to be used in Brazilian aquaculture; it attends to important requirements, such as low toxicity and high efficacy in controlling Trichodina spp. infection in O. niloticus and P. mesopotamicus., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study evaluated the toxicity of hexavalent and trivalent compounds of chromium to the pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, in acute exposures of 96 h through mortality and histopathological responses. Hexavalent potassium dichromate was more toxic than trivalent compounds of chromium chloride, chromium oxide and chromium carbochelate. Sufficient mortalities occurred only with potassium dichromate to yield an LC50 value at 124.2 mg L(-1). Hexavalent chromium caused reversible and irreversible lesions, which may affect organ functionality. Histopathological evaluation showed that trivalent chromium caused lesions of lower severity. Pacu subjected to different concentrations of chromium carbochelate showed no histopathological changes in the kidneys, liver, skin and gills, being similar to those of the control fish. Among the three sources of Cr(3+), only chromium chloride at 200 mg L(-1) resulted in mortality, which reached 100 % within the first 18 h. These findings confirm that trivalent chromium, when administered within recommended levels, may be used safely in aquaculture.

Uncaria tomentosa is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine by Amazon tribes. In this study the constituents of aqueous extract of U. tomentosa bark were quantified by chromatographic technique and its lethal concentration 50 (48 h) in Hyphessobrycon eques was determined. The chromatography showed high levels of oxindole alkaloids, quinovic acid glycosides, and low molecular weight polyphenols. The CL50 48 h was 1816 mg/L. Fish showed behavior changes at concentrations above 2000 mg/L, accompanied by a significant decrease of dissolved oxygen. At the highest concentration 100% mortality was observed attributed to oxygen reduction by the amount of oxindole alkaloids, polyphenols accumulation of the extract in the gills, and the interaction of these compounds with dopamine. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of U. tomentosa did not alter the chemical components and it was shown that U. tomentosa has low toxicity to H. eques; therefore, it can be used safely in this species.

The features of paca epididymis, based on its appearance in light microscope, is described in this paper. The cellular population of the epithelial lining comprises principal cells, basal cells, apical cells, narrows cells, and hallo cells. The epididymis is divided in five distinct and continuous regions, Zone I, or initial segment, and zone II, are both localized into the head. Zone III comprises the distal head and all the body. Zones IV and V are restricted to the tail, in the proximal and distal cauda epididymis respectively. Each zone can be readily distinguished on the basis of morphological characteristics. The height of epididymal epithelium is greater in zone I. There is a progressive increase in the diameter of the tubular lumen through the different areas, with the maximum in the zone V. The presence of a high epithelium, and the virtual absence of sperm in zone I suggest fast transit of spermatozoa in this region. Zone V comprises the distal tail, has smaller epithelial lining, greater luminal diameter, shorter stereocilia than the other zones, and contains spermatozoa packed inside the lumen, that characterizes this zone as a place of sperm storage. The findings are compared with other reports in rodents and other domestic animals, to contribute to the understanding of epididymal morphophysiology.

The aim of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of Roundup(®) Ready (RR) in Piaractus mesopotamicus, and evaluate the effects on the morphology of the gills and liver of exposed surviving fish. Fish were exposed to 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5mgL(-1) of glyphosate, and the LC(50);48h was estimated at 3.74±0.2mgL(-1). Gill histopathology was rare, and the activity of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase enzyme did not change, suggesting normal function. However, the damage to the liver was classified as moderate to severe. Cytoplasmic vacuolization, lipid accumulation, nuclear and cellular membrane alterations and glycogen depletion were found in the liver, suggesting a reduction in the liver function. The glyphosate in the RR formulation was classified as moderately toxic for P. mesopotamicus, and the severe damage in the liver may affect the detoxification and/or tissue repair process and contribute to fish death., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Pharmacochemicals usage in fish farming disease treatment can cause morphological and functional changes in absorption capacity, metabolism and excretion organs. The aim of this research was to evaluate the histopathological biomarkers in the gills, liver, kidney and skin of pacu (P. mesopotamicus), which have been infected with A. hydrophila and treated with oxytetracycline (OTC) and florfenicol (FFC). Fish were exposed to 2.4×10(7) mL(-1) of A. hydrophila bacteria experimental infection and after 24h exposed to FFC treatment for ten days and OTC for seven days. OTC was not effective in the A. hydrophila control in pacu in up to 170.0 mg kg(-1) concentration. Nevertheless, FFC was 100% effective with 10.0 mg kg(-1) concentration. After the treatment, skin, gills, liver and kidney samples were collected and processed for histopathological analysis. A. hydrophila caused lamellar fusion, sub epithelial edema, mucous hypertrophy and hyperplasia, lining, pillar and chloride cells. Hepatocytes hypertrophy was observed on liver, as a result of the antibiotics metabolism and bacteria cell wall. The histopathological biomarkers show the effects of the presence of the A. hydrophila. The use of the antibiotic florfenicol decreases the bacterial action effectiveness on tissues evaluated. Thus, the histopathological biomarkers show the A. hydrophila effect and the antibiotics treatment. The skin and liver are exposure biomarkers for both., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The reported failure rate of the Sprint Fidelis defibrillator lead (SFDL) has increased more than initially expected, with emerging evidence of accelerating fracture rates. Current consensus guidelines continue to discourage prophylactic lead extraction, citing major complication rates of 1.4-7.3%. Therefore, data relating to the risks of systematic SFDL extraction are lacking, with no methodical extraction protocol reported to date. Moreover, few statistical analyses have identified predictors of SFDL failure., Objectives: The aims of this single-centre study were: to examine the safety and feasibility of systematic SFDL extraction at the time of pulse generator replacement or in case of lead failure; and to identify predictors of SFDL failure., Methods: Between January 2005 and October 2007, 218 consecutive patients underwent transvenous SFDL implantation in our centre., Results: During a mean follow-up of 43 ± 15 months, SFDL extraction was performed in 49 patients (22.5%) for the following reasons: inappropriate shocks (n = 21; 9.6%), systematic extraction at time of pulse generator extraction (n = 23; 10.5%), high impedance (n = 3; 1.4%), high SFDL threshold (n = 1; 0.4%) and cardiac device-related infection (n = 1; 0.4%). No severe complications occurred, although two minor complications were reported (lead dislodgments). SFDL fracture was observed in 25 patients (11.5%; 3.2%/year incidence). The only predictor associated with SFDL fracture was the number of leads (P = 0.01)., Conclusion: In our series, SFDL extraction at the time of pulse generator extraction or in case of evidence of lead failure was feasible and safe. Number of leads was identified as a new predictive factor for SFDL fracture., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Acquired white matter abnormalities in children may be due to a broad spectrum of disorders, with the most significant related to metabolic and toxic etiologies. Recognition of the imaging appearance of neonatal hypoglycemia, nonketotic hyperglycemia, hyperammonemia, hepatic encephalopathy, and central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is essential because prompt correction of the underlying metabolic abnormality may limit and, in some cases, reverse the cerebral damage. Toxic leukoencephalopathies encompass disorders caused by iatrogenic administration of pharmacologic agents and radiation therapy, poisoning by household substances, and recreational drug use. Although medication-induced leukoencephalopathies often show a propensity for reversibility of clinical and radiologic findings upon discontinuation of the offending substance, recreational drugs may cause white matter toxicity that often portends a poorer prognosis. Our discussion focuses on the clinical aspects, pathophysiological mechanisms, and imaging features of commonly encountered acquired metabolic and toxic leukoencephalopathies in the pediatric population.

This work evaluates the effectiveness of a new type of electrode for functional electrical stimulation of the perineal muscle in women. The new electrode is shaped like a pen, with an active stimulation electrode located on its tip. The goals of the study are to (i) demonstrate that stimulation using the new device results in increased muscle strength; and (ii) compare the performance of the new device with that of a traditional (fixed) electrode. Eight women were evaluated, following a blind study protocol. The preliminary results suggest that stimulation with the new electrode achieves better results than stimulation with traditional electrodes, as higher increases in strength were observed in the group that used the mobile electrode.

A growing number of studies have demonstrated the importance of ATP(e)-signalling via P2 receptors as an important component of the inflammatory response to infection. More recent studies have shown that ATP(e) can also have a direct effect on infection by intracellular pathogens, by modulating membrane trafficking in cells that contain vacuoles that harbour intracellular pathogens, such as mycobacteria and chlamydiae. A conserved mechanism appears to be involved in controlling infection by both of these pathogens, as a role for phospholipase D in inducing fusion between lysosomes and the vacuoles has been demonstrated. Other P2-dependent mechanisms are most likely operative in the cases of pathogens, such as Leishmania, which survive in an acidic phagolysosomal-like compartment. ATP(e) may function as a "danger signal" that alerts the immune system to the presence of intracellular pathogens that damage the host cell, while different intracellular pathogens have evolved enzymes or other mechanisms to inhibit ATP(e)-mediated signalling, which should, thus, be viewed as virulence factors for these pathogens.

The epididymal epithelium of Agouti paca, a wild South American rodent, was basically formed by principal and basal cells. Principal cells were closely related to processes of adsorptive endocytosis, phase-fluid endocytosis and also secretion originating from their cytoplasmic ultrastructural features. Principal cells were also characterized by the presence of vesicles of several shapes, sizes and internalized content occurring in smaller pits, pale small vesicles next to the apical brush border of microvillus, as well as coated vesicles, smooth surface vesicles and great vesicles. Multivesicular bodies, endosomes and lysosomes were mainly observed in supranuclear position. Moreover, presence of an apocrine secretory process was demonstrated by the occurrence of apical cytoplasmic expansions projecting into the vas deferens luminal compartment. Basal flattened cells without luminal surface contact occurred next to the basement membrane of the ductus, and did no exhibit special ultrastructural features.

In this work, we describe the outstanding behavior of a nanocomposite system composed of the thermotropic liquid crystal 5CB doped with nanoparticles of the magnetic iron oxide maghemite (gamma-Fe(2)O(3)). We show that the I-N transition is associated with a reversible gathering of nanoparticles inside droplets of the ferronematic phase coexisting with a nonmagnetic nematic host phase.