Differential Adhesive Properties of Sequestered Asexual and Sexual Stages of Plasmodium falciparum on Human Endothelial Cells Are Tissue Independent

The protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum, responsible for the most severe form of malaria, is able to sequester from peripheral circulation during infection. The asexual stage parasites sequester by binding to endothelial cell receptors in the microvasculature of various organs. P. falciparum gametocytes, the developmental stages responsible for parasite transmission from humans to Anopheles mosquitoes, also spend the almost ten days necessary for their maturation sequestered away from the peripheral circulation before they are released in blood mainstream. In contrast to those of asexual parasites, the mechanisms and cellular interactions responsible for immature gametocyte sequestration are largely unexplored, and controversial evidence has been produced so far on this matter. Here we present a systematic comparison of cell binding properties of asexual stages and immature and mature gametocytes from the reference P. falciparum clone 3D7 and from a patient parasite isolate on a panel of human endothelial cells from different tissues. This analysis includes assays on human bone marrow derived endothelial cell lines (HBMEC), as this tissue has been proposed as a major site of gametocyte maturation. Our results clearly demonstrate that cell adhesion of asexual stage parasites is consistently more efficient than that, virtually undetectable of immature gametocytes, irrespectively of the endothelial cell lines used and of parasite genotypes. Importantly, immature gametocytes of both lines tested here do not show a higher binding efficiency compared to asexual stages on bone marrow derived endothelial cells, unlike previously reported in the only study on this issue. This indicates that gametocyte-host interactions in this tissue are unlikely to be mediated by the same adhesion processes to specific endothelial receptors as seen with asexual forms

Variations in log quality of eighteen years old Toona ciliata M. Roem.

The family Meliaceae contains the most valuable timber species found in tropical regions. However, plantation of such species in their natural range is limited by damages from shoot borers of the genus Hypsipyla. Nevertheless, specifically in Brazil, the commercial cultivation of Australian cedar (Toona ciliata) has been successful for presenting a satisfactory vegetative growth, adapting to the Brazilian soil and climate, but especially for being resistant to the cedar shoot borer attacks. In spite of these favorable conditions, the majority of existing T.ciliata commercial plantations is still recent and little is known about the log quality destined for timber industries. In this sense, the present work aims at qualifying logs of 18 years old trees, with dimensions fit for sawing and grown on plantations for timber industries. From the data gathered it will be possible to assess the variability between trees in order to define forest management strategies and of breed improvements for the species. It was used eighteen years old trees from the city of Marechal Floriano – Espírito Santo state. The logs were previously measured and their defects were evaluated afterwards and from which, the trees were classified. The classification showed that the most significant defects were knots and bumps and the least pronounced defect was the log taper. The trees showed significant variations regarding the defects, suggesting the need for breeding programs in association with improved forest management practices

Larvicidal activity of vegetable oils and esterified compounds against Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Control of Culex quinquefasciatus using chemical insecticides may result in the selection of resistant mosquito strains. Thus, the use of plant-derived products has been studied as alternative for the mosquito control. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) obtained by transesterification of vegetable oils may result in compounds with larvicidal potential against C. quinquefasciatus. However, little is known about the morphological, physiological or biochemical effects that these FAMEs may have on mosquito larvae. The present study reports the effects of these FAMEs in mosquito larvae. The FAMEs were obtained by transesterification of canola, corn, sunflower, and soybean oils with acid catalysis and the determination of FAMEs composition was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Larvae of C. quinquefasciatus were exposed to different concentrations of the vegetable oils and FAMEs. Thereby, different FAMEs showed LC50 values ranging from 42.32 to 196.27 mg/L against C. quinquefasciatus larvae. The methyl ester obtained from sunflower oil showed the lowest LC50. Histology of C. quinquefasciatus larvae exposed to LC50 of FAMEs was performed and changes in the midgut and fat body morphology were identified. Therefore, larval mortality and changes in the internal organs suggested that FAMEs might be a promising new class of larvicidalcompounds. Cytotoxicity of FAMEs compounds was assessed with the HeLa human cell line and no effect was observed