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Objectives S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCS) is a hydrophilic cysteine-containing natural compound found in plants and is known to possess antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. We investigated the antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of SMCS, as well as histopathological changes in the liver and pancreas in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods The rats were divided into the following groups: control (CG), comprising non-diabetic rats; STZ-DB, comprising STZ-induced diabetic rats; and STZ-SMCS, comprising STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with SMCS. SMCS (200 mg/kg) was administered by gavage daily for 30 days. Biochemical and cytokine analyses, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities assays and histopathological analysis of liver and pancreas tissues were performed. Results SMCS treatment reduced glycemia (p Conclusions Oral treatment of SMCS showed improvement of the morphological alterations in liver and pancreatic islet in diabetic rats. These beneficial morphological effects of SMCS can be partially explained by IL-10 modulation associated with antioxidant action.

O ENEM é uma avaliação nacional com objetivo de diagnóstico da educação básica no Brasil e via de acesso as universidades públicas a partir de 2009, dessa maneira influenciou no processo de ensino, refletindo em modificações nas ações discentes e principalmente na prática dos docentes de Biologia. A repercussão na Biologia, foi a gradual substituição de uma análise ambiental para uma abordagem interdisciplinar e socioambiental. O presente artigo procura analisar a opinião de professores de Biologia do Ensino Médio acerca das questões dessa disciplina nas provas do ENEM. Compreendendo o ENEM como um instrumento avaliativo dos estudantes que finalizam ou finalizaram o Ensino Médio, investigou-se a adequação do deste exame como instrumento avaliativo, a relação entre o conteúdo exigido no ENEM e o lecionado durante o ensino médio, o grau de dificuldade das questões de Biologia e as dificuldades dos alunos para resolução das questões de Biologia. A metodologia usada foi de caráter exploratório e descritivo, no que concerne as análises quantitativas e qualitativas dos dados, aplicou-se um questionário com questões formuladas previamente a um grupo de professores, possibilitando a coleta das respostas, em consonância irrestrita com o referencial teórico norteador. Nos resultados, se demonstra a inadequação do ENEM como instrumento avaliativo da aprendizagem dos estudantes do Ensino Médio, somente parte dos conteúdos previstos no exame, que apresenta dificuldade média, principais dificuldades dos estudantes apontadas pelos docentes foram a aplicação dos conhecimentos científicos às situaçõesproblemas, interpretação de figuras, diagramas, tabelas, gráficos e compreender os enunciados das questões ENEM is a national assessment with the objective of diagnosing basic education in Brazil and providing access to public universities since 2009, thus influencing the teaching process, reflecting on changes in student actions and especially in the practice of Biology teachers. The repercussion in Biology was the gradual substitution of an environmental analysis for an interdisciplinary and socio-environmental approach. This article seeks to analyze the opinion of high school biology teachers about the issues of this discipline in the ENEM tests. Understanding ENEM as an assessment tool for students who finish or finish high school, the adequacy of this exam as an assessment tool was investigated, the relationship between the content required in ENEM and that taught during high school, the degree of difficulty of Biology questions and students' difficulties in solving Biology questions. The methodology used was exploratory and descriptive, with regard to quantitative and qualitative data analysis, a questionnaire was applied with questions previously formulated to a group of teachers, enabling the collection of answers, in unrestricted consonance with the guiding theoretical framework. The results demonstrate the inadequacy of ENEM as an assessment tool for the learning of high school students, only part of the content provided for in the exam, which presents medium difficulty, the main difficulties of students pointed out by teachers were the application of scientific knowledge to problem situations , interpretation of figures, diagrams, tables, graphs and understanding the statements of the questions

A titanium surface nitrided by plasma contains nitrogen ions that guarantee resistance to corrosion and biocompatibility. Despite this, no descriptions concerning the influence of the expression of cell adhesion proteins and their influence on osteogenic cell differentiation are available. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the response of murine pre‐osteoblastic cells (MC3T3‐E1) cultured on nitrided titanium surfaces. Pre‐osteoblastic cells were grown on polished titanium discs, used as controls, and on previously characterized plasma‐nitrided titanium discs. Cells from both groups were submitted to the MTT cell viability test. The expressions of α5, α2, and β1 integrin were assessed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence, while osteocalcin expression was assessed by flow cytometry. The nitrided surface presented higher α2 and β1 integrin expressions, as well as osteocalcin expression, when compared to the polished surface, with no alterations in cell viability. These findings seem to suggest that the plasma nitriding treatment produces a titanium surface with the potential for effective in vitro osseointegration.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has been widely used for the adjunctive treatment of diabetic wounds, and is currently known to influence left ventricular (LV) function. However, morphological and molecular repercussions of the HBO in the diabetic myocardium remain to be described. We aimed to investigate whether HBO therapy would mitigate adverse LV remodeling caused by streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes.Sixty-day-old Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control (n = 8), HBO (n = 7), STZ (n = 10), and STZ + HBO (n = 8). Diabetes was induced by a single STZ injection (60 mg/kg, i.p.). HBO treatment (100% oxygen at 2.5 atmospheres absolute, 60 min/day, 5 days/week) lasted for 5 weeks. LV morphology was evaluated using histomorphometry. Gene expression analyzes were performed for LV collagens I (Col1a1) and III (Col3a1), matrix metalloproteinases 2 (Mmp2) and 9 (Mmp9), and transforming growth factor-β1 (Tgfb1). The Immunoexpression of cardiac tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were also quantified.HBO therapy prevented LV concentric remodeling, heterogeneous myocyte hypertrophy, and fibrosis in diabetic rats associated with attenuation of leukocyte infiltration. HBO therapy also increased Mmp2 gene expression, and inhibited the induction of Tgfb1 and Mmp9 mRNAs caused by diabetes, and normalized TNF-α and VEGF protein expression.HBO therapy had protective effects for the LV structure in STZ-diabetic rats and ameliorated expression levels of genes involved in cardiac collagen turnover, as well as pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic signaling.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease associated with several intestinal disorders. S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCS) ​​is an amino acid present in Allium cepa L with hypoglycemic effects. However, the effects of SMCS on diabetic intestinal changes are unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of SMCS on duodenal morphology and immunomodulatory markers in diabetic rats. Twenty-six rats were divided into three groups: control (C), diabetic (D) and diabetic +200 mg/kg SMCS (DSM). DM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). After 30 days, duodenum samples were processed to assess histopathological and stereological alterations in volume, villus length, and immunohistochemical expression of NF-kB, IL-10, BCL-2, and caspase-3. SMCS reduced hyperglycemia and mitigated the increase in total reference volume of the duodenum, the absolute volume of the mucosa, and the length of the intestinal crypts in the DMS group when compared to D. IL-10 immunostaining was reduced in D when compared to C, while NF-kB was increased in D in comparison to the other groups. SMCS ​​supplementation could decrease the NF-kB immunostaining observed in D. Positive staining for BCL-2 and caspase-3 were not statistically different between groups. In summary, SMCS decreased hyperglycemia and mitigated the morphological changes of the duodenum in diabetic animals, and these beneficial effects can be partially explained by NF-kB modulation.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia. Chronic complications affect a number of organs, including the lungs. Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl (Menispermaceae) is a plant used to treat respiratory diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Cissampelos sympodialis extract (CSE) in lungs of diabetic rats. We used 30 Wistar rats divided into three groups: control group (CG), diabetic group (DG) and diabetic Cissampelos sympodialis treatment group (DTG). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (40 mg/kg i.v.). The CSE (400 mg/kg, po) was administered daily, during four weeks, beginning one week after the onset of DM. The treatment with CSE was not able to reduce blood glucose levels after streptozotocin injection. However, it was able to decrease cholesterol and triglycerides and prevent damage on pancreatic islets morphology. Additionally, morphological alterations such as alveolar septa loss, inflammatory infiltrate and fibrosis were seen in lung tissue of rats with DM, and treatment with CSE apparently reversed these histopathological findings. Thus, CSE treatment reduced the lipid profile and restored the lung architecture of diabetic animals by a mechanism independent of glycemia and which might be associated with the reduction of the damage on the pancreatic islets.

This study was aimed to characterize the spermatogenic process and its seasonal variation inDesmodus rotundus, in the Caatinga biome, a water-limited ecosystem, with marked water restriction during most of the year. Collections of adult animals were performed during the dry and rainy seasons, and after euthanasia, their testes were processed histologically to perform morphological, morphometric, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyzes. The percentage of seminiferous epithelium, number of Leydig cells per gram of testis, and population of Sertoli cells and A-type spermatogonia presented byD.rotunduswere significantly higher in the rainy season, while the percentage of lumen, mitotic index, support capacity performed by Sertoli cells, and overall yield of spermatogenesis were higher in the dry season. The ultrastructure of spermatogenesis was similar to that described in other mammals, and the immunohistochemical analysis revealed activity of the aromatase enzyme in Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, spermatocytes and spermatids, as well as the presence of androgen receptors in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. FGF2 activity was detected in primary spermatocytes in zygotene and pachytene, as well as secondary spermatocytes and rounded and elongated spermatids, while the BCL-2 protein was expressed in primary spermatocytes in zygotene and pachytene, secondary spermatocytes, and rounded spermatids. The activity of these molecules was similar in both seasons, and associated with the morphometric findings, indicates maintenance in the integrity of the seminiferous epithelium throughout the year. The seasonal study ofD.rotundusspermatogenesis indicates a continuous spermatogenesis pattern and suggests a greater production of spermatozoa in the rainy season in the Caatinga biome.

The red seaweedGracilaria birdiae(GB) is farmed and used as food in northeast Brazil. However, the economic potential of this seaweed has been explored little. To enable direct consumption and/or product diversification from GB, it is necessary to evaluate its effectin vivo. In this study, the food of mice was improved with the addition ofGB. After 21 days, the consumption of seaweed reduced the weight gain and blood glucose levels in mice. In addition, it increased the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and glutathione reductase and catalase levels compared to those of the control group. In addition, some mice also received carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). In this case, histological, enzymatic, and antioxidant tests showed that the seaweed could protect animals from damage caused by this toxic agent. In addition, GB aqueous extract (AE) inhibited 50% of 3T3-L1 cell differentiation into adipocytes, whereas GB ethanolic extract was not effective. AE is composed mainly of sulfated polysaccharides. The results of the present study indicate that the alga GB protected the mice from CCl4-induced damage, indicating that the seaweed exhibits protective actionin vivo. In addition, GB decreased the animal weight gain, which was mainly due to the action of the sulfated polysaccharides synthesized by this seaweed.

Background The aim was to investigate whether exercise training (ExT) would ameliorate expression of key genes for myocardial morphostructure and mitigate adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling in experimental type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods and results Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sedentary control (SC, n=9), trained control (TC, n=13), sedentary diabetic (SD, n=20), and trained diabetic (TD, n=17). T1D was induced by 40 mg/kg streptozotocin (single dose, i.v.). Training program consisted of 4-week treadmill running (60 min/day, 5 days/wk). Structure of the LV was evaluated using histomorphometric techniques. Gene expression changes of LV collagens I and III, metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9, and transforming growth factor-β1 were detected by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Compared with SC, SD rats presented LV eccentric remodeling, myocyte hypertrophy, and fibrosis, whereas TD animals showed normal LV geometry and collagen content but thinner myocytes. Expression of collagens and type I/III collagen messenger RNA (mRNA) ratio were diminished in diabetic hearts compared with SC. MMP-2 gene was down-regulated in SD, whereas TD group showed decreased MMP-9 mRNA levels and MMP-2 expression comparable to that of SC rats. Conclusions Attenuation of MMP-2 down-regulation and reduction in MMP-9 mRNA expression may constitute an underlying mechanism by which ExT counteracts progression of adverse LV remodeling in T1D.

The 1,4-naphthoquinones, important members of the family of quinones are used as both crude extracts and as compound manipulated by the pharmaceutical industry. They have gained great emphasis by presenting different pharmacological properties as antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal and anthelmintic, and has antitumor activity. Our aim was to evaluate the cytotoxicity, hemolytic activity and in vivo acute toxicity of three derivatives of 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones. The cell viability in vitro against RAW Cell Line displayed IC50 ranging of 483.5–2044.8 μM, whereas in primary culture tests using murine macrophages, IC50 were 315.8–1408.0 μM for naphthoquinones derivatives 4a and 4c respectively, besides no hemolysis was observed at the dose tested. The in vivo acute toxicity assays exhibited a significant safety margin indicated by a lack of systemic and behavioral toxicity up to 300 mg/kg, and at a dose of 1000 mg/kg the derivatives not triggering signs of toxicity although the compound 4a have promoted hepatic steatosis and hyperemia in kidney tissue. Thereby, these modifications decrease the toxicity of the tested derivatives naphthoquinones, providing a high potential for the development of news drugs. Keywords: Naphthoquinones, Cytotoxicity, Hemolytic activity, Acute toxicity

This study describes the implications of cardiac ventricular microscopy in Chelonia mydas relating to its ability to dive. For this work, 11 specimens of the marine turtle species C. mydas found dead on the coast of Rio Grande do Norte (Northeast Brazil) were used. After necropsy, fragments of the cardiac ventricular wall were fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde solution for 24 h and then subjected to routine processing for light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ventricle in this species is formed by the epicardium, myocardium and endocardium. The subepicardial layer consists of highly vascularised connective tissue that emits septa to reinforce the myocardium surface. There is an abundant and diffuse subepicardial nerve plexus shown by immunostaining technique. The thickness of the spongy myocardium and the nature of its trabeculae varied between the heart chambers. The endocardium shows no characteristic elements of the heart conduction system. The valves have a hyaline cartilage skeleton, coated by dense irregular connective tissues characterised by elastic fibres. These findings in the green turtle ventricular microscopy are related to hypoxia resistance during diving.

The reproductive cycle of Squamata reptiles is often associated with environmental conditions, such as rainfall. In this respect, seasonal variations may affect the morphology of the ovarian follicles, which are associated with vitellogenesis. The present study describes histological alterations in the ovarian cycle of two lizard species, Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) and Tropidurus semitaeniatus (Spix, 1825), which inhabit a caatinga region in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Our goal was to identify morphological differences in the ovarian follicles at each phase of vitelloge nesis and to ascertain if they are associated with rainfall. Three follicular phases were identified in both species: pre-vitellogenesis, vitellogenesis and follicular atresia. An additional phase, the luteal, was found only in T. hispidus. During the development of these phases, vitellus was deposited inside the oocyte and there were identifiable alterations in the granulosa and thecal layers. Rainfall was found to influence the gonadal cycle.

Introduction: The present study aimed to establish the staining protocol for quantification of elastic fibers and muscle fibers in arterial vessels through the Verhoeff method adapted with eosin in Chelonia mydas. Materials and Methods: Aorta and pulmonary arteries of 11 individuals of the species Chelonia mydas were used. The fragments were fixed in formaldehyde solution buffered 10% for 24 hours, subjected to routine histological processing and staining technique to be adapted Verhoeff, take the photografies and analyzed by Image Pro Plus Software. Results: The combination of ferric hematoxylin Verhoeff use blushed black elastic arteries blades, already eosin stained muscle ibers and collagen, allowing the tissue quantiication through distinction staining by software. Conclusion: The protocol is a low-cost alternative that facilitate the acquisition of morphometric data for research with turtles.

The aim of this study was to compare the treatment effects of laser photobiomodulation (LPBM) therapy and aerobic exercise on the biomechanical properties, tissue morphology and the expression of tendon matrix molecules during early remodeling of Achilles tendon (AT) injury in diabetic rats. Animals were randomly assigned to five groups: injured non diabetic (I, n = 15), injured diabetic (ID, n = 15), injured diabetic plus LPBM (IDL, n = 16), injured diabetic plus aerobic exercise (IDE, n = 16) and injured diabetic plus aerobic exercise and LPBM (IDEAL, n = 17). Type 1 diabetes was induced via a single intravenous injection of Streptozotocin at a dose of 40 mg/kg. A partial tenotomy was performed in the right AT. LPBM was performed with an indium-gallium-aluminum-phosphide 660 nm 10 mW laser device (spot size 0.04 cm2, power density 250 mW/cm2, irradiation duration 16 s, energy 0.16 J, energy density 4 J/cm2) on alternate days for a total of 9 sessions over 3 weeks (total energy 1.44 J), using a stationary contact technique to a single point over the dorsal aspect of the AT. Moderate aerobic exercise was performed on a motorized treadmill (velocity 9 m/min for 60 minutes). At 3 weeks post-injury, biomechanical analyzes as well as assessment of fibroblast number and orientation were performed. Collagen 1 (Col1) and 3 (Col3) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -3 and 13 protein distributions were studied by immunohistochemistry; while Col1 and Col3 and MMP-2 and 9 gene expression were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). IDEAL exhibited significant increases in several biomechanical parameters in comparison to the other groups. Moreover, IDEAL presented stronger Col1 immunoreactivity when compared to ID, and weaker Col3 immunoreactivity than IDE. Both IDL and IDEAL demonstrated weaker expression of MMP-3 in comparison to I, while IDL presented no expression of MMP-13 when compared to ID. ID, IDL and IDE showed an increased number of fibroblasts in comparison to I, while IDEAL decreased the number of these cells in comparison to ID and IDE. IDL and IDEAL groups exhibited decreased angular dispersion among the fibroblasts when compared to I. The gene expression results showed that IDE demonstrated a downregulation in Col1 mRNA expression in comparison to I and ID. IDEAL demonstrated upregulation of Col1 mRNA expression when compared to IDL or IDE alone and increased MMP-2 expression when compared to IDL and IDE. MMP-9 expression was upregulated in IDEAL when compared to I, IDL and IDE. Our results suggest a beneficial interaction of combining both treatment strategies i.e., aerobic exercise and LPBM, on the biomechanical properties, tissue morphology and the expression of matrix molecules in diabetic tendons.

A traíra, Hoplias malabaricus e o cascudo, Hypostomus pusarum são espécies de peixes que apresentam importância ecológica e econômica nos ecossistemas aquáticos neotropicais. O presente trabalho comparou os aspectos morfológicos do trato digestório de H. malabaricus e H. pusarum, relacionando-os com seu hábito alimentar. No período de julho de 2011 a junho de 2012, foram capturados 45 espécimes de H. malabaricus e 33 de H. pusarum, utilizando-se rede de espera e tarrafa no açude Marechal Dutra, Acari, RN. Foram obtidos de cada exemplar o comprimento total e peso do corpo. A posição da boca, presença e tipo dos dentes, número de rastros branquiais, esôfago, forma do estômago e presença de cecos pilóricos foram observados para a descrição morfológica. O comprimento intestinal foi verificado e o conteúdo estomacal foi identificado até o nível taxonômico mais inferior possível. A boca e os dentes de H. malabaricus são adaptados para agarrar e ingerir grandes presas inteiras, enquanto de H. pusarum são adaptados para raspagem. O primeiro o arco branquial de H. malabaricus possui em média sete rastros branquiais afastados entre si, curtos e pontiagudos, mas H. pusarum não apresenta rastros brânquias. A disposição dos órgãos digestórios em ambas as espécies está diretamente relacionada com a forma da cavidade peritoneal e o formato do corpo. H. malabaricus apresenta um intestino curto, porém H. pusarum mostra um intestino muito longo. H. malabaricus alimentou-se de material animal, preferencialmente de peixes (72,8%) e camarões (27,2%), enquanto a dieta de H. pusarum foi baseada em material orgânico em decomposição (88,7%) e microalgas (11,3%). A morfologia do trato digestório e o conteúdo estomacal de H. malabaricus indica hábito alimentar carnívoro, e de H. pusarum confirma seu hábito alimentar detritívoro/herbívoro. Palavras-chave: aspectos morfológicos, trato digestório, dieta, Hoplias malabaricus, Hypostomus pusarum. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18561/2179-5746/biotaamazonia.v3n1p48-57

Nos últimos anos tem-se observado um grande crescimento em tecnologias para modificação de superfícies de implantes dentais visando reduzir o tempo de espera pela cicatrização, assim como possibilitar seu uso com sucesso em áreas de baixa densidade óssea. Dentre esses métodos de modificação, a nitretação por plasma tem apresentado ótimos resultados. No presente trabalho, estudou-se superfícies de titânio comercialmente puro (Grau II) modificadas através de dois tratamentos por plasma diferentes (nitretação planar e nitretação em cátodo oco), com o objetivo de obter uma otimização da superfície para aplicações biomédicas. Uma avaliação da composição química e um estudo da rugosidade e textura destas amostras foram realizados. Em seguida, depositou-se células-tronco sobre essas superfícies e uma comparação entre as novas propriedades obtidas e a proliferação celular foi feita. Os resultados mostraram que a nitretação por plasma produziu mudanças significativas na textura superficial das amostras de titânio. A rugosidade foi superior nas amostras nitretadas em cátodo oco. Encontrou-se diferença estatisticamente significante na proliferação celular das amostras nitretadas em cátodo oco quando comparadas com as amostras sem tratamento. Essas técnicas de modificação são, portanto, efetivas e possuem influência direta nas características da superfície e no comportamento de células-tronco.

Este estudio evaluo los ciclos reproductivos y de grasa corporal de Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) y T. semitaeniatus (Spix, 1825) en una area de caatinga en el Serido de Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil, de octubre de 2006 a mayo de 2008. En ambas especies, las hembras se encontraron reproductivamente activas a partir de mediados de la estacion seca para el inicio de la temporada de lluvias. La actividad reproductiva de las hembras fue influenciada por las precipitaciones, mientras que los machos presentaron espermatozoides en los testiculos durante todo el ano, y su actividad reproductiva no fue relacionada con ninguna de las variables climaticas analizadas. El tamano medio (± DE) de la nidada fue de 8.1 ± 2.0 y 2.1 ± 0.6 huevos en T. hispidus y T. semitaeniatus, respectivamente, y se relaciono significativamente con el tamano corporal de la hembra solo en T. hispidus. La reserva de grasa vario inversamente con la actividad reproductiva en las dos especies, y no hubo diferencia en la cantidad de grasa corporal entre hembras y machos. Los efectos de la precipitacion sobre la duracion de la temporada reproductiva de estas dos especies de Tropidurus sugieren que sus ciclos reproductivos estan relacionados con las condiciones microclimaticas adecuadas para el desarrollo del embrion, asi como para la emergencia de los recien nacidos y su supervivencia, especialmente durante la temporada de lluvias, que es la que puede ofrecer una mayor disponibilidad de alimentos para las crias.

This study characterized the morphology of the digestive tube of five species of sea turtles. We used specimens found dead along the coast of the state Rio Grande do Norte, as well as specimens accidentally killed as a result of pelagic longline fishing. Nineteen animals of the following species were analyzed: Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758) (n = 9), Lepidochelys olivacea (Eschscholtz, 1829) (n = 6), Caretta caretta (Linnaeus, 1758) (n = 2), Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus, 1766) (n = 1) and Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761) (n = 1). After opening the plastron, we removed the digestive organs and described the external and internal morphology of each organ. The esophagus of all species had pointed papillae on the mucosa. The stomach varied in shape among species. Differences were found in the mucosa of the small intestine. It was reticular in the duodenum, and longitudinal rectilinear in the jejunum/ileum. In all species an alternation of saccular and narrow regions was observed in the large intestine. The exception was D. coriacea, in which the mucosa of the entire large intestine had irregularly distributed folds. The pattern of the esophagus was the same in all species. The morphology of the stomach differed among species, and these differences reflect their diets. In addition, the distribution pattern of the folds on the mucosa of the small intestine varied between regions of the intestine and among species.

This study investigated the morphohistology of the digestive tract and the mean intestinal coefficient of the damsel fishStegastes fuscuscaptured from the tidal pools of Northeastern Brazil. The wall of the digestive tract ofS. fuscusis composed of the tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. The esophagus is short with sphincter and thick distensible wall with longitudinally folded mucosa. Mucous glands are predominant, and the muscular layer of the esophagus presented striated fibers all along its extension. The transition region close to the stomach shows plain and striated muscular fibers. Between the stomach and intestine, there are three pyloric caeca. The intestine is long and thin with four folds around the stomach. The anterior intestine presents folds similar to those of pyloric caeca. The estimated mean intestinal coefficient and characteristics of the digestive system ofS. fuscuspresent morphological adequacy for both herbivorous and omnivorous feeding habits.

Objetivou-se caracterizar as mudancas na morfometria e composicao celular da tuba uterina de cabras ao longo do ciclo estral. Para isso foram utilizados 20 cabras adultas, divididas em 4 grupos: Grupo 1(D3)M - 3 dias apos ovulacao; Grupo 2 (D12)D - dia 12o pos-ovulacao (p.o); Grupo 3 (D18)P - dia 18o p.o e Grupo 4 (D22)E - dia 22o p.o., correspondendo as fases de metaestro, diestro, proestro e estro, respectivamente. Apos o tratamento hormonal, os animais foram abatidos e tiveram as tubas uterinas coletadas para mensuracao do comprimento das regioes da tuba e fixados em formaldeido 10% por 24h, para analises histomorfometricas. Apos esse periodo os fragmentos foram submetidos ao processamento histologico padrao. Dessa forma, foi possivel mensurar a altura do epitelio e quantificar as celulas cilindricas (CC) e celulas secretorias (CS). Nesse estudo, comprimento das regioes da tuba variou conforme fase do ciclo, com menores valores aos 22 dias p.o. (grupo 4). Enquanto, a altura do epitelio aumentou nas regioes da tuba a medida que se distanciava do estro (grupo 4). Nas fimbrias e infundibulo, a proporcao de CC foi maior que CS, independente da fase do ciclo, com maior percentual no grupo 4. No istmo predominou as CS ao longo do ciclo, sendo significativamente maior tambem no grupo 4. Na ampola nao houve diferenca significativa entre a proporcao de CC e CS, exceto nos grupos 3 e 4, nos quais predominaram CC. Assim, a tuba uterina de cabras apresenta modificacoes morfologicas e morfometricas ao longo do ciclo estral.

Fucan is a term used to denominate a family of sulfated polysaccharides rich in L-fucose. The brown alga Spatoglossum schröederi, Dictyotaceae, synthesizes three heterofucans named A, B, and C. Fucan A is a non-anticoagulant heterofucan which possesses potent antithrombotic (in vivo) and antiproliferative (in vitro) activities. However, its toxicity in vivo has not been determined. The present study examined the acute and subchronic toxicity of the fucan A in Wistar rats after subcutaneous administration. After that, the animals were killed and examined. The results showed in the acute study that fucan A did not cause general adverse effects and mortality in the concentrations 0, 20, 100, 1000, and 2000 µg/g body weight per rat for seven days. Regarding the subchronic study, the data showed that the fucan A did not cause any change in hematological and biochemistry parameters, as well as in the morphology, and in the size of the rat's organs analyzed at a concentration of 20 µg/g body weight per rat during a 62-day period. In conclusion, this study indicates this heterofucan is a compound with potential pharmacological value that has no toxicity in vivo.

Fucan is a term used to denominate a family of sulfated polysaccharides rich in L-fucose. They are extracted mainly from brown seaweeds and echinoderms. The brown seaweed Spatoglossum schröederi (Dictyotaceae) synthesizes three heterofucans named A, B and C. Our research group purified a non-anticoagulant heterofucan (fucan A) which displays antithrombotic activity in vivo. However, its in vitro toxicity has yet to be determined. This work presents the evaluation of the potential cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and genotoxicity of this fucan. After 48 h incubation fucan A cytotoxicity was determinate using MTT assay. Tumor-cell (HeLa, PC3, PANC, HL60) proliferation was inhibited 2.0-43.7%; at 0.05-1 mg ml⁻¹ of the heterofucan, the 3T3 non-tumor cell line proliferation was also inhibited (3.3-22.0%). On the other hand, the CHO tumorigenic and RAW non-tumor cell lines proliferation were not affected by this molecule (0.05-1 mg ml⁻¹). We observed no mutagenic activity in Salmonella reversion assay when bacterial strains TA97a, TA98, TA100 and TA102 (with and without S9) were used.Comet assay showed that fucan A had no genotoxic effect (from 20 to 1000 mg ml⁻¹) on CHO cells. In conclusion, this study indicates that the S. schröederi fucan A was not found to be genotoxic or mutagenic compound; thus it could be used in new antithrombotic drug development.

Titanium (Ti) is currently the most widely used material for the manufacture of orthopedic and dental implants. Changes in the surface of commercial pure Ti (cp Ti) can determine the functional response of cells, and is therefore a critical factor for the success of the implant. However, the genotoxicity of titanium surfaces has been poorly studied. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of a new titanium surface developed by plasma treatment using argon-ion bombardment and compare it with an untreated titanium surface. Accordingly, comet assay, analysis of chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and Cytokinesis Block Micronucleus (CBMN) assay were carried out, using CHO-K1 (Chinese hamster ovary) cells grown on both titanium surfaces. Our results show that the untreated titanium surface caused a significant increase in % tail moment, in the number of cells with CAs, tetraploidy, micronucleus frequency, and other nuclear alterations when compared with the negative control and with the plasma-treated titanium surface. This difference may be attributed to increased surface roughness and changes in titanium oxide layer thickness.

Several studies in vitro and in vivo accomplished in dental implants have demonstrated that the chemical and physical properties of biomaterials are able to regulate the initial tecidual response around the implant. This tecidual response depends directly on the hydrophily, roughness, texture and chemical composition of the surface. Plasma treatment can be used to improve the surface properties of commercial pure Ti, in order to create different surface topographies, changes in roughness, and modifications in the surface wettability. In this study a surface modification in titanium Cp degree II was carried out, through the plasma treatment and using argon-ion bombardment. A comparison of surface properties and their influence on the cells behavior was also accomplished, besides the quantification of surface roughness, wettability and cellular proliferation. The results showed that the argon-ion bombardment influences the surface energy value, surface roughness and the surface topography of Ti materials. These parameters influence the cellular proliferation process.

O presente trabalho baseia-se na análise do conteúdo estomacal de 261 exemplares pertencentes a seis espécies de peixes, em um trecho do rio ceará mirim, com aproximadamente 200 m de comprimento, em Umari (5° 37’ 47’’ S e 35° 37’ 9’’ W), distrito de Taipu, no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Foram realizadas coletas mensais, entre os meses de fevereiro de 2001 a abril de 2002, com o esforço de pesca de quatro horas, sendo utilizados: tarrafa, anzóis, peneiras e rede do tipo picaré, com malha de 5 mm. A importância relativa dos componentes da dieta foi medida pela freqüência de ocorrência, pela freqüência numérica e pelo uso do índice alimentar proposto por Kawakami e Vazzoler (1980). Foi determinado ainda o coeficiente nutricional. Verificou-se que as espécies consomem principalmente: algas, vegetais superiores, peixes, insetos, crustáceos, moluscos e sedimentos. Diante do exposto, pode-se inferir que o hábito trófico das espécies se localiza no corpo de águawas analyzed. The present study is based on an analysis of the stomach contents of 261 specimens belonging to six species of fish in a 200 m section of the Ceará Mirim river, in Umari (5º 37’ 47” S and 35º 37’ 9” W), in the Taipu district of Rio Grande do Norte state. Monthly collections were performed between february, 2001 and april, 2002, with 4-hour fishing periods using casting nets, hooks, sieves and bottom-dragging nets with 5 mm-thick mesh. The relative importance of the diet items was measured by frequency of occurrence, numerical frequency and Kavakami and Vazzoler’s (1980) food index. The nutritional coefficient was also determined. It was verified that the species consume mainly algae, aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, mollusks and sediment. In light of the findings, it can be inferred that the food consumed by the species is located in the living environment

A sulfated polysaccharide (SPSG) was successfully isolated from seagrass Halodule wrightii Asch., Cymodoceaceae, and its antioxidant and anticoagulant activities were investigated. The data presented here showed that the SPSG is a 11 kDa sulfated heterogalactan with a sulfatation degree of 20.63% and it also contains glucose and xylose. SPSG antioxidant activities were evaluated using several in vitro assays and the anticoagulant activity was evaluated by aPTT and PT tests. These assays suggested that the SPSG possessed remarkable antioxidant properties in different in vitro assays and an outstanding anticoagulant activity 2.5-fold higher than that of heparin Clexane® in the aPTT test. This data represents the first reported on the sulfated polysaccharide biological activities from seagrass. These results indicate that SPSG can be considered in the future as a drug utilized in treating diseases from these systems.

Para avaliar a morfologia do tubo digestório da tartaruga verde (Chelonia mydas) 10 animais, 9 juvenis e 1 adulto, foram analisados. A retirada dos órgãos digestórios procedeu-se após abertura do plastrão. A descrição e a medida do comprimento de cada órgão [esôfago, estômago, intestino delgado (ID) e intestino grosso (IG)] foram realizadas com o tubo digestório aberto. Os resultados mostraram que tanto nos animais juvenis como no adulto, o esôfago foi marcado pela presença de papilas pontiagudas em sua mucosa interna. O estômago apresentou aspecto saculiforme com fundo cego. No ID foi observado pregas reticulares na mucosa duodenal, enquanto o jejuno e do íleo mostrou pregas retilíneas longitudinais. O IG foi marcado pela alternância de regiões abauladas (haustros ou saculações) e estreitamentos. A microscopia do tudo digestório em C. mydas revelou esôfago com mucosa pregueada revestida por epitélio estratificado pavimentoso queratinizado. O estômago mostrou-se dividido em regiões: cárdica, fúndica, pilórica, as quais diferiam quanto ao número de glândulas e disposição da camada muscular. O ID apresentou-se marcado por vilosidades, e o IG por mucosa pregueada contendo glândulas na lâmina própria. A morfologia do tubo digestório da tartaruga verde mostrou-se adaptada ao seu hábito alimentar, possuindo especializações e um longo trato digestório que promove o aumento da superfície de absorção, já que seu alimento é de difícil digestão. The morphology of the digestive tube of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) was evaluated. Nine young e 1 adult turtles were analyzed. The digestive organs withdrew occurred after plastron opening. The length's description and measurement from each organ [esophagus, stomach, small intestine (SI) and large intestine (LI)] were made with digestive tube opened. The results showed that in both the adult and young animals, the esophagus from all species were marked by the presence of pointed papillae on internal mucous. The stomach presented saclike shape with blind fund. In the SI, reticular pleats in the duodenal mucous membrane have been observed, while the jejune and the ileum showed rectilinear longitudinal pleats. The LI was marked by the alternation of arched areas (haustra or sacculations) and narrowings. The microscopy of digestive tube from C. mydas revealed esophagus with folded mucous covered by keratinized and stratified squamous epitheliums. The stomach was divided in regions: cardiac, fundic e pyloric which differed as to the number of glands and the muscle layer's arrangement. The SI presented marked by microvillus, and LI by folded mucous with glands the lamina propria. The morphology of the tube digestive of the green turtle showed to be adapted to your eating habits. A long the digestive tract and specializations provide greater area of absorption and more efficiency in digestion in this species.

Miranda-Moura M.T.M., Fonseca V.U., Silva N.B., Freitas M.L., Almeida O.B., Rocha H.A.O., Papa P.C. & Moura C.E.B. 2010. Morphological features and vascularization study of caprine cyclic corpus luteum. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 30(4):351-357. Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociencias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Salgado Filho s/n, Campus Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN 59072- 970, Brazil. E-mail: mouraeduard@cb.ufrn.br Corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine gland that regulates either the estrous cycle and pregnancy. It presents extreme dependency on the adequate blood supply. This work aims to evaluate goat corpus luteum (CL) vascular density (VD) over the estrous cycle. For that purpose, 20 females were submitted to estrus synchronization/ovulation treatment using a medroxyprogesterone intra-vaginal sponge as well as intramuscular (IM) application of cloprostenol and equine chorionic gonadotrophine (eCG). After sponge removal, estrus was identified at about 72hs. Once treatment was over, female goats were then subdivided into 4 groups (n=5 each) and slaughtered on days 2, 12, 16 and 22 after ovulation (p.o). Ovaries were collected, withdrawn and weighted. CL and ovaries had size and area recorded. Blood samples were collected and the plasma progesterone (P4) was measured through RIA commercial kits. The VD was 24.42±6.66, 36.26±5.61, 8.59±2.2 and 3.97±1.12 vessels/mm 2 for days 2, 12, 16 and 22 p.o, respectively. Progesterone plasma concentrations were 0.49±0.08, 2.63±0.66, 0.61±0.14 and 0.22±0.04ng/ml for days 2, 12, 16 e 22 p.o, respectively. Studied parameters were affected by the estrous cycle phase. Values greater than 12 p.o were observed. In the present work we observed that ovulation occurred predominantly in the right ovary (70% of the animals), which in turn presented bigger measures than the contra lateral one. There is a meaningful relationship between the weight and size of the ovary and these of CL (r=0.87, r=0.70, respectively, p

Nanomaterials have unusual properties not found in the bulk materials, which can be exploited in numerous applications such as biosensing, electronics, scaffolds for tissue engineering, diagnostics and drug delivery. However, research in the past few years has turned up a range of potential health hazards, which has given birth to the new discipline of nanotoxicology. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a promising material for biomedical applications, namely due its biocompatibility. Although BC has been shown not to be cytotoxic or genotoxic, the properties of isolated BC nanofibres (NFs) on cells and tissues has never been analysed. Considering the toxicity associated to other fibre-shaped nanoparticles, it seems crucial to evaluate the toxicity associated to the BC-NFs. In thiswork, nanofibreswere produced frombacterial cellulose by a combination of acid and ultrasonic treatment. The genotoxicity of nanofibres from bacterial cellulosewas analysed in vitro, using techniques previously demonstrated to detect the genotoxicity of fibrous nanoparticles. The results from single cell gel electrophoresis (also known as comet assay) and the Salmonella reversion assays showed that NFs are not genotoxicity under the conditions tested. A proliferation assay using fibroblasts and CHO cells reveals a slight reduction in the proliferation rate, although no modification in the cell morphology is observed., Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico Brazil (CNPq), CAPES Brazil (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior)

O cateto (Tayassu tajacu) pertence à familia Tayassui-dae e é caracterizado por "colar" de pêlos brancos ao redor do pescoço que se estende bilateralmente cranialmente aos ombros. Pode ser encontrado do sudoeste dos Estados Unidos da América até a Argentina. Na literatura verificou-se a falta de dados a respeito da anatomia funcional do cateto especialmente trabalhos que envolvem a anatomia do plexo braquial. Visando elucidar o comportamento do plexo braquial do cateto e com a finalidade de contribuir para o desenvolvimento da anatomia comparada, realizou-se esta pesquisa. Utilizou-se 30 animais de idades diferentes (13 fêmeas e 17 machos) provenientes do Centro de Multiplicação de Animais Silvestres, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte. Após o abate, realizou-se a dissecação bilateral dos plexos braquiais e registraram-se os resultados através de desenhos esquemáticos e as disposições agrupadas em tabelas para subseqüente análise estatística e obtidas as freqüências percentuais. Observou-se que o plexo braquial de catetos é resultado das comunicações estabelecidas, principalmente, entre os ramos ventrais dos três últimos nervos espinhais cervicais (C6, C7 e C8) e dos dois primeiros nervos espinhais torácicos (T1 e T2), tendo uma contribuição do quarto e quinto nervos cervicais em 16,67% e 50,00% dos casos, respectivamente. Em 40,00% das dissecações a formação do plexo, mais freqüente, foi do tipo C6, C7, C8, T1 e T2. Os principais nervos derivados do plexo braquial dos catetos e suas respectivas origens foram: nervo supraescapular (C6 e C7), nervo subscapular (C5, C6 e C7 ou C6 e C7), nervo axilar (C6 e C7), nervo músculocutâneo (C7 e C8), nervo mediano (C7, C8, T1 e T2), nervo ulnar (C8, T1 e T2), nervo radial (C8, T1 e T2), nervos peitorais craniais (C7) e caudais (C7 e C8), nervo toracodorsal (C6, C7 e C8), nervo torácico longo (C7 e C8) e nervo torácico lateral (C8, T1 e T2). Collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) belongs to the Tayassuidae family, characterized by a "collar" of white hairs that cross behind the neck and extend bilaterally in front of the shoulders. It can be found from south-western United States to Argentina. In the literature a shortage of data is verified regarding the functional anatomy of the collared peccaries, especially of studies that involve the anatomy of the brachial plexus. To elucidate the behavior of this plexus of collared peccaries and with the purpose to contribute for the development of compared anatomy, this study was accomplished. Thirty animals of different ages were used (17 males and 13 females) coming from the Wild Animal Multiplication Center of the "Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido" Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. After slaughter bilateral dissection of the brachial plexuses took place, and the results were registered in schematic drawings and the dispositions grouped in tables for subsequent statistical analysis based on the percentile frequency. It was found that the Plexus brachialis of collared peccaries is the result of established communications, mainly among the Rami ventrales of the last three cervical nerves and of the first two thoracic nerves, having a contribution of the fourth and fifth cervical nerves in 16.67% and 50.00% of the cases, respectively. In 40.00% of the dissections the most frequent plexus was of the type C6, C7, C8, T1 and T2. The main nerves derived from brachial plexus of the collared peccaries and its respective origins had been: Nervus suprascapularis (C6, C7), Nn. subscapulares (C5, C6 e C7 or C6 e C7), N. axillaris (C6, C7), N. musculocutaneus (C7, C8), N. medianus (C7, C8, T1, T2), N. radialis (C8, T1, T2), N. ulnaris (C8, T1, T2), cranialis (C7), and caudalis (C7, C8) Nn. pectorales , N. thoracodorsalis (C6, C7, C8), N. thoracicus longus (C7, C8), and N. thoracicus lateralis (C8, T1, T2).