NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Orchiectomy modifies the antidepressant-like response of nicotine in the forced swimming test

Several studies have demonstrated that nicotine (NIC) exhibits antidepressant-like effects. In addition, it has been suggested that sexual hormones participate in the antidepressant actions of antidepressives. The present study was designed to analyze the effect of orchiectomy and the supplementation of testosterone propionate (TP) or 17β-eöstradiol (E2) on the antidepressant properties of NIC using the forced swimming test (FST), as well as to determine possible changes in the FST during different time periods after orchiectomy. In order to evaluate the influences of orchiectomy on the effects of NIC, the study first evaluated the effects of different time periods on orchiectomized rats (15, 21, 30, 45 and 60days) that were subjected to the FST. Then, different doses of NIC (0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6mg/kg, sc) were administered for 14days to both intact and orchiectomized rats (after 21day) which were then also subjected to the FST. Finally, the influence of the TP or E2 supplementation on the antidepressant-like effect of NIC on orchiectomized rats (after 21days) was also analyzed. Results reveal that orchiectomy significantly increased immobility behavior and decreased swimming and climbing up to 60days after castration. In contrast, NIC decreased immobility behavior and increased swimming in intact rats; whereas orchiectomy suppressed this antidepressant effect of NIC. Only with E2 supplementation was it possible to restore the sensitivity of the castrated rats to NIC. These results suggest that E2 was able to facilitate the antidepressant response of NIC in orchiectomized rats. © 2010 Elsevier Inc

Infinite-order symmetries for quantum separable systems

Several studies have demonstrated that nicotine (NIC) exhibits antidepressant-like effects. In addition, it has been suggested that sexual hormones participate in the antidepressant actions of antidepressives. The present study was designed to analyze the effect of orchiectomy and the supplementation of testosterone propionate (TP) or 17?-e stradiol (E2) on the antidepressant properties of NIC using the forced swimming test (FST), as well as to determine possible changes in the FST during different time periods after orchiectomy. In order to evaluate the influences of orchiectomy on the effects of NIC, the study first evaluated the effects of different time periods on orchiectomized rats (15, 21, 30, 45 and 60days) that were subjected to the FST. Then, different doses of NIC (0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6mg/kg, sc) were administered for 14days to both intact and orchiectomized rats (after 21day) which were then also subjected to the FST. Finally, the influence of the TP or E2 supplementation on the antidepressant-like effect of NIC on orchiectomized rats (after 21days) was also analyzed. Results reveal that orchiectomy significantly increased immobility behavior and decreased swimming and climbing up to 60days after castration. In contrast, NIC decreased immobility behavior and increased swimming in intact rats; whereas orchiectomy suppressed this antidepressant effect of NIC. Only with E2 supplementation was it possible to restore the sensitivity of the castrated rats to NIC. These results suggest that E2 was able to facilitate the antidepressant response of NIC in orchiectomized rats. " 2010 Elsevier Inc.",,,,,,"10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.07.011",,,"http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12104/43417","http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-77957239992&partnerID=40&md5=66ef1c5e026a1daeb1fc608fb6f99f1c",,,,,,"4",,"Physiology and Behavior",,"45

Brucella spp. lumazine synthase: a novel adjuvant and antigen delivery system to effectively induce oral immunity

Brucella lumazine synthase (BLS) has been previously used with success as a delivery system for systemic immunization against murine cysticercosis. We herein determined the usefulness of BLS as a new antigen-delivery system and mucosal-adjuvant using KETc1, one of the peptides of the anti-cysticercosis vaccine. A protection of up to 98% was induced when KETc1 was used as a chimera fused to BLS. Used as adjuvant of KETc1, BLS also induced a high level of protection (79%), which did not significantly differ from that induced by the cholera toxin (74%). KETc1 and BLS administered separately also reduced the parasite load. KETc1 administered orally as a chimera, and to a lesser extent with BLS as adjuvant, elicited IgG and IgA specific antibodies, which were detectable both in fecal extracts and in sera, and increased B and CD4 activated cells. BLS-KETc1 also increased the levels of transcription of TNF-alpha, IL-2 and IFN gamma in Peyer's patches, and in spleen, only increased TNF-alpha was observed. Overall, these results showed that BLS can be used as both an antigen-carrier and as an adjuvant in the design of new oral subunit vaccines. (c) 2006 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved