Infection levels of proteocephalidean cestodes in Cichla piquiti (Osteichthyes: Cichlidae) of the Volta Grande Reservoir, Minas Gerais, Brazil, relative to host body weight and gender

We evaluated the relationship between infection by proteocephalid cestodes and the sex and weight classes of tucunaré (Cichla piquiti) captured between August 1999 and June 2001 in the Volta Grande Reservoir, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 96 fish, 75.9±9.3% males and 88.9±6.4% females, were parasitized by Proteocephalus macrophallus and P. microscopicus, with total mean intensities of 76.6±23.9 and 145.2±36.7, respectively, during this period. In the majority of the months analysed, males showed 71.4-100% prevalence of parasitism and females 80-100%. Although there was no significant difference, females showed a higher mean intensity of infection (145.2±36.7) than males (76.6±23.9). Fish weighing 300-800g showed a higher mean abundance of parasites (P<0.05) compared with the biggest specimens weighing 801-2750g. Analysing both males and females together, the greatest mean intensities of infection were found in October and December (P<0.05) independent of the year, which coincides with the months of highest rainfall. These results show that fish living in reservoirs may be more susceptible to intermediate hosts than those that live in river

A new calcium releasing nano-composite biomaterial for bone tissue engineering scaffolds

A biomaterial with bioactive glass nanoparticles (nBG) and Ca2+ incorporated into alginate matrix was developed. Films characterization was carried out by SEM, IR, tensile strength measurements, bioactivity assay, degradation and swelling studies. Ca2+ release from films was analyzed. Freeze-dried-scaffolds were also fabricated. Films showed the development of a homogeneous matrix and the mechanical properties were improved when nBG were incorporated. The bioactive nature of nBG containing films was confirmed by studies in simulated body fluid. Degradation was negligible and a good swelling capacity was observed. Moreover Ca2+ was released in a controlled manner. In scaffolds fabricated by freeze-drying, pores were seen to be uniform and well distributed. According to the characterization results, these composite biomaterials are attractive candidates for the fabrication of bone tissue engineering scaffolds.Fil: Cattalini, Juan Pablo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; ArgentinaFil: Garcia, J,. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; ArgentinaFil: Boccaccini, A. R.. Universitat Erlangen-Nuremberg; Alemania;Fil: Lucangioli, Silvia Edith. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Química Analítica y Fisicoquímica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay; ArgentinaFil: Mouriño, Viviana Silvia Lourdes. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Tecnología Farmacéutica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay; Argentin

Uso de Propofol intracelomatico em tigres do mississipi (Trachemys scripta elegans)

O artigo não apresenta resumo

Protection of Rabbits against Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus by Immunization with the VP60 Protein Expressed in Plants with a Potyvirus-Based Vector

AbstractA new plum pox potyvirus (PPV)-based vector has been constructed for the expression of full-length individual foreign proteins. The foreign sequences are cloned between the NIb replicase and capsid protein (CP) cistrons. The heterologous protein is split from the rest of the potyviral polyprotein by cleavage at the site that originally separated the NIb and CP proteins and at an additional NIa protease recognition site engineered at its amino-terminal end. This vector (PPV–NK) has been used to clone different genes, engendering stable chimeras with practical applications. We have constructed a chimera expressing high levels of jellyfish green fluorescent protein, which can be very useful for the study of PPV molecular biology. The VP60 structural protein of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) was also successfully expressed by making use of the PPV–NK vector. Inoculation of extracts from VP60-expressing plants induced a remarkable immune response against RHDV in rabbits, its natural host. Moreover, these animals were protected against a lethal challenge with RHDV

Estimating group size from acoustic footprint to improve Blainville’s beaked whale abundance estimation

The numbers of animals in groups and the density of Blainville’s beaked whale Mesoplodon densirostris (Md) were estimated using passive acoustic data collected on the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC). Md typically associate in groups, producing ultrasonic echolocation signals when foraging, and are routinely detected year-round on the AUTEC range. AUTEC includes a large network of hydrophones cabled to shore that can be used to detect Md echolocation signals. Using a first data set, with known group sizes, we used generalized linear models (GLMs) to model group size as a function of the acoustic footprint of a detected deep dive as perceived on the AUTEC hydrophones. The most important variable to explain group size was the detected click rate (total number of clicks detected divided by total length of vocal period duration). Using a second data set, covering 3 separate time periods in 2011 with automated group dive detections, we estimated beaked whale density using a dive counting approach. False positives were removed through manual inspection, removing dives with biologically infeasible characteristics. This led to a total of 8271 detections of beaked whale deep dives, with the average number per day in the three time periods considered being 75, 80 and 76 respectively. Using selected GLM, the mean estimated group size was 2.36 (95% CI 2.15-2.60), 2.30 (95% CI 2.08-2.56), and 2.33 (95% CI 2.19-2.58) whales/group for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd time period. Md density was estimated at 15.8 (95% CI 13.6-21.9), 16.5 (95% CI 13.8-22.4), and 15.8 (95% CI 13.2-21.2) whales/1000km2, respectively. These results support findings from previous studies, and will allow a more precise estimation of group sizes and densities for Md in future research.PostprintPeer reviewe

Novel nanocomposite biomaterials with controlled copper/calcium release capability for bone tissue engineering multifunctional scaffolds

This work aimed to develop novel composite biomaterials for bone tissue engineering (BTE) made of bioactive glass nanoparticles (Nbg) and alginate cross-linked with Cu2+ or Ca2+ (AlgNbgCu, AlgNbgCa, respectively). Twodimensional scaffolds were prepared and the nanocomposite biomaterials were characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical strength, bioactivity, biodegradability, swelling capacity, release profile of the cross-linking cations and angiogenic properties. It was found that both Cu2+ and Ca2+ are released in a controlled and sustained manner with no burst release observed. Finally, in vitro results indicated that the bioactive ions released from both nanocomposite biomaterials were able to stimulate the differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells towards the osteogenic lineage. In addition, the typical endothelial cell property of forming tubes in Matrigel was observed for human umbilical vein endothelial cells when in contact with the novel biomaterials, particularly AlgNbgCu, which indicates their angiogenic properties. Hence, novel nanocomposite biomaterials made of Nbg and alginate cross-linked with Cu2+ or Ca2+ were developed with potential applications for preparation of multifunctional scaffolds for BTE.Fil: Cattalini, Juan Pablo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Tecnología Farmacéutica; ArgentinaFil: Hoppe, A.. Universitat Erlangen-Nuremberg; AlemaniaFil: Pishbin, F.. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Roether, Judith A.. Universitat Erlangen-Nuremberg; AlemaniaFil: Boccaccini, Aldo R.. Universitat Erlangen-Nuremberg; AlemaniaFil: Lucangioli, Silvia Edith. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Tecnología Farmacéutica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Mouriño, Viviana Silvia Lourdes. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Tecnología Farmacéutica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Coronin Is a Component of the Endocytic Collar of Hyphae of Neurospora crassa and Is Necessary for Normal Growth and Morphogenesis

Coronin plays a major role in the organization and dynamics of actin in yeast. To investigate the role of coronin in a filamentous fungus (Neurospora crassa), we examined its subcellular localization using fluorescent proteins and the phenotypic consequences of coronin gene (crn-1) deletion in hyphal morphogenesis, Spitzenkörper behavior and endocytosis. Coronin-GFP was localized in patches, forming a subapical collar near the hyphal apex; significantly, it was absent from the apex. The subapical patches of coronin colocalized with fimbrin, Arp2/3 complex, and actin, altogether comprising the endocytic collar. Deletion of crn-1 resulted in reduced hyphal growth rates, distorted hyphal morphology, uneven wall thickness, and delayed establishment of polarity during germination; it also affected growth directionality and increased branching. The Spitzenkörper of Δcrn-1 mutant was unstable; it appeared and disappeared intermittently giving rise to periods of hyphoid-like and isotropic growth respectively. Uptake of FM4-64 in Δcrn-1 mutant indicated a partial disruption in endocytosis. These observations underscore coronin as an important component of F-actin remodeling in N. crassa. Although coronin is not essential in this fungus, its deletion influenced negatively the operation of the actin cytoskeleton involved in the orderly deployment of the apical growth apparatus, thus preventing normal hyphal growth and morphogenesis

Fine scale physical-biological interactions during a shift from relaxation to upwelling with a focus on Dinophysis acuminata and its potential ciliate prey

Wind reversals and quick transitions from relaxation to upwelling in coastal areas cause major changes in water column structure, phytoplankton distribution and dominance, and rates of physiological processes. The cruise "ASIMUTH-Rías" (17–21 June 2013) was carried out in the Galician Rías and adjacent shelf, at the time of a DSP outbreak, to study small-scale physical processes associated with late spring blooms of "D. acuminata" and accompanying microzooplanktonic ciliates with the overall objective of improving predictive models of their occurrence. The cruise coincided with the initiation of an upwelling pulse following relaxation and deepening of a previously formed thin layer of diatoms. A 36-h cell cycle study carried on 18–20 June showed the vertical excursions of the thin layer, mainly delimited by the 13.5–14 °C isotherms and turbulence levels (ε) of 10−8–10−6 m2 s −3, as well as marked changes in phytoplankton composition (increased density and dominance of diatoms). There was no evidence of daily vertical migration of D. acuminata, which remained in the top layer during the cycle study, but the opposite was observed in the ciliate populations. Dinophysis and its potential prey (Mesodinium species) cell maxima overlapped after midday, when the ciliate moved to the surface, suggesting an “ambush” strategy of Dinophysis to catch prey. A remarkable decline (from 0.65 to 0.33 d−1) in division rates (µ) of D. acuminata was associated with increased turbulence (ε 2°C in about 8 h). In contrast, high division rates (µmin ∼ 0.69 d−1) persisted at a mid-shelf station where environmental conditions below the mixed layer were more stable. The onset of upwelling pulses appears to have a double negative effect on the net growth of Dinophysis populations: a direct physical effect due to advective dispersion and an indirect effect, decreased division rates. The latter would be caused by the rapid cooling of the mixed layer, and the increased turbulence at the surface resulting in shear stress to the cells. The short-term impact of upwelling pulses (and the winds promoting it) on the physiology of "Dinophysis" and its ciliate prey, and the role of mid-shelf populations of "Dinophysis" as a relatively undisturbed reservoir for the inoculation of subsequent blooms are discussed.European Commission | Ref. EC FP7-SPACE-2010-1, n. 261860Ministerio de Economía | Ref. CTM2016-75451-C2-2-RInterreg Atlantic Area | Ref. EAPA_182/2016Comisión Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología Research (CONICYT), Chile | Ref. PAI79160065Comisión Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología Research (CONICYT), Chile | Ref. REDES17010