Elevated progesterone concentrations enhance prostaglandin F(2 alpha) synthesis in dairy cows

The objective was to evaluate the influence of varying plasma progesterone (P(4)) concentrations throughout the luteal phase in dairy cows on PGF(2 alpha) production (assessed as plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF(2 alpha); PGFM) following treatment with estradiol-17 beta (E(2)) or oxytocin (OT). In all experiments, time of ovulations was synchronized with the OvSynch protocol and Day 0 corresponded to day of second GnRH injection. In Experiment 1, non-lactating dairy cows on Day 6 remained non-treated (n = 9), received 20 mg LH (n = 7), or had ovarian follicles larger than 6 mm aspirated (n = 8). In Experiment 2, cows on Day 6 were untreated (n = 9) or received 5000 IU hCG (n = 10). In Experiments 1 and 2, all cows received 3 mg E(2) on Day 17, and blood samples were collected every 30 min from 2h before to 10h after E(2). Experiment 3 was conducted in two periods, each from Days 0 to 17 of the estrous cycle. At the end of Period 1, animals switched treatments in a crossover arrangement. Animals in Group 2/8 (n = 4) received 2 kg/d of concentrate in the first period and 8 kg/d in the second period. Animals in Group 8/2 (n = 7) received the alternate sequence. Blood was collected daily for measurement Of P(4) 4 h after concentrate feeding. On Day 17, blood was collected from 1 h before to 1 h after a 100 IU OT injection. In Experiment 1, both plasma P(4) and release Of PGF(2 alpha) were similar between LH-treated and control cows (P > 0.10). In Experiment 2, plasma P4 was elevated to a greater extent on Day 17 in cows treated with hCG (P < 0.05) and plasma PGFM was also greater in hCG-treated animals (treatment x time interaction; P < 0.05). In Experiment 3, there was a group x period interaction (P < 0.01) for plasma P(4), indicating that less concentrate feeding was associated with greater plasma P(4). Release of PGF(2 alpha) in response to OT was greater for cows receiving less concentrate (group x period interaction; P < 0.05). In conclusion, dairy cows with more elevated blood P(4) concentrations released more PGF(2 alpha) in response to E(2) or OT. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of equine chorionic gonadotropin and type of ovulatory stimulus in a timed-AI protocol on reproductive responses in dairy cows

The objectives were to evaluate the effects of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) supplementation (with or without eCG) and type of ovulatory stimulus (GnRH or ECP) on ovarian follicular dynamics, luteal function, and pregnancies per AI (P/AI) in Holstein cows receiving timed artificial insemination (TAI). On Day 0, 742 cows in a total of 782 breedings, received 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) and one intravaginal progesterone (P4) insert (CIDR). On Day 8, the CIDR was removed, and all cows were given PGF2 alpha and assigned to one of four treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement: (1) CG: GnRH 48 h later; (2) CE: ECP; (3) EG: eCG + GnRH 48 It later; (4) EE: eCG + ECP. There were significant interactions for eCG x ovulatory stimulus and eCG x BCS. Cows in the CG group were less likely (28.9% vs. 33.8%; P < 0.05) to become pregnant compared with those in the EG group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.28). There were no differences in P/AI between CE and EE cows (30.9% vs. 29.1%; OR = 0.85; P = 0.56), respectively. Thinner cows not receiving eCG had lower P/AI than thinner cows receiving eCG (15.2% vs. 38.0%; OR = 0.20; P < 0.01). Treatment with eCG tended to increase serum progestesterone concentrations during the diestrus following synchronized ovulation (P < 0.10). However, the treatment used to induce ovulation did not affect CL volume or serum progesterone concentrations. In conclusion, both ECP and GnRH yielded comparable P/AI. However, eCG treatment at CIDR removal increased pregnancy rate in cows induced to ovulate with GnRH and in cows with lower BCS. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia: Report of 4 cases with immunohistochemical findings

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a benign endothelial proliferation, usually intravascular, that may mimic angiosarcoma. In this report, four new cases of IPEH involving the oral region are described. The affected sites were the lower lip, labial comissure and the submandibular region. After clinical evaluation, the complete removal of the lesions showed a circumscribed and soft mass. Histologically, the major feature was a reactive proliferation of endothelial cells composed of small papillary structures with hypocellular and hyalinized cores arising in an organized thrombus. Immunohistochemical staining for CD34 was strongly positive in endothelial cells. Vimentin and laminin immunolabelling were also consistent with a vascular origin. In order to verify the proliferative potential of the lesions, the Ki-67 antibody was used, revealing low percentage of labeled cells (<20%). No immunoreactivity for GLUT-1 was observed. Since the complete removal is curative, no additional treatment was necessary, and no signs of recurrence had been observed until now. Due to the particular features of IPEH, it is important for pathologists and clinicians to become familiar with this lesion. Additionally, the specific histological arrangement, including the absence of cellular pleomorphism, mitotic activity and necrosis, represents a guide to help in the differential diagnosis. Moreover, the vascular origin and the proliferative index should be assessed by immunohistochemistry in order to provide an accurate diagnosis.

Tooth-wear patterns in subjects with Class II Division 1 malocclusion and normal occlusion

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of tooth wear in adolescents with Class II malocclusion, compared with those with normal occlusion. Methods: The sample consisted of dental casts obtained from 310 subjects, divided into 3 groups: group 1, 110 subjects with normal occlusion (mean age, 13.51 years); group 2, 100 complete Class II Division 1 patients (mean age, 13.44 years); and group 3, 100 half-cusp Class II Division 1 patients (mean age, 13.17 years). Dental wear was assessed by using a modified version of the tooth-wear index. The 3 groups were compared by means of the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests, considering the frequency and the severity of wear on each surface of each group of teeth. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: The normal occlusion group had statistically greater tooth wear on the palatal surfaces of the maxillary central incisors and the incisal surfaces of the maxillary canines than the corresponding surfaces in both Class II malocclusion groups. The complete and half-cusp Class II Division 1 malocclusion groups had statistically greater tooth wear on the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary second premolar and first molar, the occlusal surfaces of the mandibular premolars, and the buccal surfaces of the mandibular posterior teeth compared with the normal occlusion group. The half-cusp Class II Division 1 malocclusion group had significantly greater tooth wear on the incisal surfaces of the mandibular incisors compared with the complete Class II Division 1 malocclusion group. Conclusions: Subjects with normal occlusion and complete or half-cusp Class II Division 1 malocclusions have different tooth-wear patterns. Tooth wear on the malocclusion subjects should not be considered pathologic but rather consequent to the different interocclusal tooth arrangement. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2010; 137: 14. e1-14.e7)

A new topology of ACBP from Moniliophthora perniciosa

Acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) is a housekeeping protein and is an essential protein in human cell lines and in Trypanosoma brucei. The ACBP of Moniliophthora perniciosa is composed of 104 amino acids and is possibly a non-classic isoform exclusively from Basidiomycetes. The M. perniciosa acbp gene was cloned, and the protein was expressed and purified. Acyl-CoA ester binding was analyzed by isoelectric focusing, native gel electrophoresis and isothermal titration calorimetry. Our results suggest an increasing affinity of ACBP for longer acyl-CoA esters, such as myristoyl-CoA to arachidoyl-CoA, and best fit modeling indicates two binding sites. ACBP undergoes a shift from a monomeric to a dimeric state, as shown by dynamic light scattering, fluorescence anisotropy and native gel electrophoresis in the absence and presence of the ligand. The protein`s structure was determined at 1.6 angstrom resolution and revealed a new topology for ACBP, containing five a-helices instead of four. alpha-helices 1, 2, 3 and 4 adopted a bundled arrangement that is unique from the previously determined four-helix folds of ACBP, while alpha-helices 1, 2, 4 and 5 formed a classical four-helix bundle. A MES molecule was found in the CoA binding site, suggesting that the CoA site could be a target for small compound screening. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of monensin on performance in growing ruminants reared under different environmental temperatures

To evaluate the effect of monensin on the performance of growing cattle under different environmental temperatures, 24 male calves (81.9 +/- 7.7 kg mean weight and 100 days old) were distributed in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, contrasting 0 or 85 mg monensin/animal per day at 24.3 or 33.2 degrees C (environmental temperatures). Monensin supplementation increased weight gain (P=0.036), improved feed efficiency (P=0.040), increased ruminal concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA; P=0.003) and decreased the molar proportion of butyrate (P=0.034); all effects irrespective of environmental temperatures. A temperature-dependent monensin effect was detected on nitrogen retention (P=0.018) and N retained:N absorbed ratio (P=0.012). Animals fed monensin retained higher N amounts than those of the non-supplemented ones when the environmental temperature was 33.2 degrees C. Environmental temperature and monensin supplementation showed an interaction effect on urine N concentration (P=0.003). Temperature did not affect N excretion in monensin-fed animals, but increased N excretion in the non-supplemented ones. Monensin increased the crude protein (CP) digestibility (P=0.094) for

Effect of monensin on mineral balance in growing ruminants reared under different environmental temperatures

To test the effect of monensin on the mineral balance of growing cattle under different environmental temperatures, 24 male steers were assigned in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, contrasting 0 and 85 mg monensin/animal per day at 24.3 and 33.2 degrees C (environmental temperatures). Monensin effect was directly modulated by the environmental temperature: it increased apparent retentions of P (P=0.066), Na (P=0.005) and K (P=0.003), at the higher temperature and decreased these apparent retentions at the lower temperature, as compared with non-supplemented animals. Monensin increased fecal Ca (P=0.037), and urinary P (P=0.002), Na (P=0.003), K (P=0.014), Mg (P=0.051) and Zn (P=0.091), with higher concentrations of these minerals in animals held at 24.3 degrees C and lower concentrations in those at 33.2 degrees C, as compared with non-supplemented animals. Monensin decreased serum Mg (P=0.001) and increased serum Zn (P=0.071) in animals at 33.2 degrees C and increased serum Mg and decreased serum Zn at 24.3 degrees C. Irrespective of temperature, monensin increased both apparent absorption (P=0.058) and apparent retention (P=0.093) of P, and also urine Cu (P=0.085). Environmental temperature modulated monensin effects on mineral balance. Monensin increased apparent retention of several minerals in animals under heat stress. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of dietary urea levels on milk protein fractions of Holstein cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of substituting soybean meal for urea on milk protein fractions (casein, whey protein and non-protein nitrogen) of dairy cows in three dietary levels. Nine mid-lactation Holstein cows were used in a 3 x 3 Latin square arrangement, composed of 3 treatments, 3 periods of 21 days each, and 3 squares. The treatments consisted of three different diets fed to lactating cows, which were randomly assigned to three groups of three animals: (A) no urea inclusion, providing 100% of crude protein (CP), rumen undegradable protein (RUP) and rumen degradable protein (RDP) requirements, using soybean meal and sugarcane as roughage; (B) urea inclusion at 7.5 g/kg DM in partial substitution of soybean meal CP equivalent; (C) urea inclusion at 15 g/kg DM in partial substitution of soybean meal CP equivalent. Rations were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous-1 60 g/kg DM of crude protein and 6.40 MJ/kg DM of net energy for lactation. When the data were analyzed by simple polynomial regression, no differences were observed among treatments in relation to milk CP content, true protein, casein, whey protein, non-casein and non-protein nitrogen, or urea. The milk true protein:crude protein and casein:true protein ratios were not influenced by substituting soybean meal for urea in the diet. Based on the results it can be concluded that the addition of urea up to 15 g/kg of diet dry matter in substitution of soybean meal did not alter milk protein concentration casein, whey protein and its non-protein fractions, when fed to lactating dairy cows. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Morphological architecture of Actinocephalus (Koern.) sano (Eriocaulaceae-Poales)

Actinocephalus exhibits perhaps more diversity in habit than any other genus of Eriocaulaceae. This variation is largely a result of differences in the arrangement of the paraclades. Based on the analysis of stem architecture of all 25 species of Actinocephalus, the following patterns were established: (1) leaf rosette, with no elongated axis, instead the axillary paraclades originating directly from the short aerial stem, (2) rosette axis continuing into an elongated axis with spirally arranged paraclades, (3) an elongated axis originating from a rhizome, with ramified paraclades, and (4) an elongated axis originating from a short aerial stem, with paraclades arranged in a subwhorl. The elongated axis exhibits indeterminate growth only in pattern 4. Patterns 3 and 4 are found exclusively in Actinocephalus; pattern I occurs in many other genera of Eriocaulaceae, while pattern 2 is also found in Syngonanthus and Paepalanthus. Anatomically, each stem structure (i.e., paraclade, elongated axis, short aerial stem, rhizome) is thickened in a distinctive way and this can be used to distinguish them. Specifically, elongated axes and paraclades lack thickening, thickening of short aerial stems results from the primary thickening meristem and/or the secondary thickening meristem. Thickening of rhizomes results from the activity of the primary thickening meristem. (c) 2008 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Palisada flagellifera (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from the Canary Islands, Spain: a new record for the eastern Atlantic Ocean based on morphological and molecular evidence

Palisada flagellifera (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) is recorded for the first time in the eastern Atlantic Ocean off Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain. The specimens were collected in 2006-2009 growing from the lower intertidal to subtidal zones to 2 m depth at sites exposed to wave action. The species possesses a palisade-like arrangement of cortical cells in cross section, lacks secondary pit connections between them, and has tetrasporangia produced by three fertile pericentral cells (the third and the fourth additional and the second that becomes fertile), and a right-angled arrangement of tetrasporangia. Gametangia were not observed. The phylogenetic relationships were inferred by analyses of the chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequences from 46 taxa. The Canarian and Brazilian P. flagellifera specimens formed a highly supported clade with a low level of genetic variation in the rbcL sequences (0.02-0.04%), confirming that they are the same taxonomic entity. This study expands the geographical distribution of P. flagellifera to the eastern Atlantic Ocean.

Five New and Narrowly Distributed Species of Paepalanthus Section Diphyomene (Eriocaulaceae) from Central Brazil

Five new species of Paepalanthus section Diphyomene are described and illustrated: P. brevis, P. flexuosus, P. longiciliatus, P. macer, and P. stellatus. Paepalanthus brevis, similar to P. decussus, is easily distinguished by its short reproductive axis, and pilose and mucronate leaves. Paepalanthus flexuosus, morphologically related to P. urbanianus, possesses a distinctive short and tortuous reproductive axis. Paepalanthus longiciliatus, morphologically similar to P. weddellianus, possesses long trichomes on the margins of the reproductive axis bracts, considered a diagnostic feature. Paepalanthus macer shares similarities with P. amoenus, differing by its sulfurous capitula and adpressed reproductive axis bracts. Paepalanthus stellatus also has affinity with P. decussus, but possesses unique, membranaceous, reproductive-axis bracts and a punctual inner-capitulum arrangement of pistillate flowers. Four of the described species are narrowly distributed in the state of Goias, whereas P. brevis is endemic to Distrito Federal. All are considered critically endangered. Detailed comparisons of these species are presented in tables. Comments on phenology, distribution, habitat and etymology, along with an identification key, are provided.

Evidence for the conspecificity of Palisada papillosa with P. perforata (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from the western and eastern Atlantic Ocean on the basis of morphological and molecular analyses

Morphological and molecular studies were carried out on Palisada papillosa and P. perforata from the Canary Islands (type locality of P. perforata), Mexico and Brazil. The two species have been distinguished by features of their external morphology such as size and degree of compactness of the thalli, presence or absence of arcuate branches, branching pattern and basal system. A detailed morphological comparison between these taxa showed that none of the vegetative anatomical or reproductive characters was sufficient to separate these species. The presence or absence of cortical cells in a palisade-like arrangement, also previously used to. distinguish these species, is not applicable. The species present all characters typical of the genus, and both share production of the first pericentral cell underneath the basal cell of the trichoblast, production of two fertile pericentral cells (the second and the third additional, the first remaining sterile), spermatangial branches produced from one of two laterals on the suprabasal cell of trichoblasts, and the procarpbearing segment with four pericentral cells. Details of the procarp are described for the species for the first time. The phylogenetic position of these species was inferred by analysis of the chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequences from 39 taxa, using one other Rhodomelacean taxon and two Ceramiaceae as outgroups. Relationships within the clade formed by P. papillosa and P. perforata have not been resolved due to the low level of genetic variation in their rbcL sequences (0-0.4%). Considering this and the morphological similarities, we conclude that P. papillosa is a taxonomic synonym of P. perforata. The phylogenetic analyses also supported the nomenclatural transfer of two species of Chondrophycus to Palisada, namely, P. patentiramea (Montagne) Cassano, Senties, Gil-Rodriguez & M.T. Fujii comb. nov. and P. thuyoides (Kutzing) Cassano, Senties, Gil-Rodriguez & M.T. Fujii comb. nov.

Comparative Cranial Osteology of Fossorial Lizards From the Tribe Gymnophthalmini (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae)

Squamates (lizards, snakes and amphisbaenians) are represented by a large number of species distributed among a wide variety of habitats. Changes in body plan related to a fossorial habit are a frequent trend within the group and many morphological adaptations to this particular lifestyle evolved convergently in nonrelated species, reflecting adaptations to a similar habitat. The fossorial lifestyle requires an optimal morphological organization for an effective use of the available resources. Skeleton arrangement in fossorial squamates reflects adaptations to the burrowing activity, and different degrees of fossoriality can be inferred through an analysis of skull morphology. Here, we provide a detailed description of the skull morphology of three fossorial gymnophthalmid species: Calyptommatus nicterus, Scriptosaura catimbau, and Nothobachia ablephara. J. Morphol. 271: 1352-1365, 2010. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A systematic revision of Goniosomatinae (Arachnida : Opiliones : Gonyleptidae), with a cladistic analysis and biogeographical notes

Goniosomatine harvestmen have strongly armed pedipalps, generally large bodies and, commonly, very long legs (sometimes more than 20 cm), and are distributed in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, from southern Bahia to Santa Catarina. Since they are conspicuous animals and individuals of some species tend to concentrate in caves (and also under rock boulders), they have been (and still are) the target of several studies, especially those focusing on reproductive and defensive behavior, population ecology, physiology, chromosomes, etc. In spite of their importance for biological studies (some species constitute important and frequently used models for these studies), the taxonomy of Goniosomatinae has faced some problems, including misidentification, a large number of undescribed species and the lack of a phylogenetic hypothesis for the relationships among its species (which would allow evolutionary studies to be made). The last taxonomic changes in the subfamily were made 60 years ago. Considering a taxonomic revision and cladistic analysis of the subfamily to be of paramount importance, the main scope of the present paper is to provide a cladistic analysis and taxonomic revision of the species of Goniosomatinae and a new arrangement of genera (and species). The main taxonomic changes are given as follows. Six genera are recognised within the subfamily: Goniosoma; the newly described genus Pyatan; the reestablished genera Serracutisoma, Heteromitobates and Mitogoniella; and Acutisoma. New generic synonyms include: Glyptogoniosoma = Goniosomella = Lyogoniosoma = Metalyogoniosoma = Xulapona = Goniosoma, Acutisomelloides = Pygosomoides = Spelaeosoma = Serracutisoma; and Acutisomella = Heteromitobates. Newly described species include: Goniosoma capixaba; G. apoain; Pyatan insperatum DaSilva, Stefanini-Jim & Gnaspini; Serracutisoma pseudovarium; S. fritzmuelleri; S. guaricana; Heteromitobates anarchus; H. harlequin; H. alienus; Mitogoniella taquara; M. unicornis; and Acutisoma coriaceum. New combinations include: Goniosoma macracanthum (Mello-Leitao, 1922); G. unicolor (Mello-Leitao, 1932); G. carum (Mello-Leitao, 1936); Serracutisoma proximum (Mello-Leitao, 1922); S. banhadoae (Soares & Soares, 1947); S. molle (Mello-Leitao, 1933); S. thalassinum (Simon, 1879); S. catarina (Machado, Pinto-da-Rocha & Ramires, 2002); S. inerme (Mello-Leitao, 1927); S. spelaeum (MelloLeitao, 1933); Heteromitobates inscriptus (Mello-Leitao, 1922); H. albiscriptus (Mello-Leitao, 1932); Mitogoniella modesta (Perty, 1833); and M. badia (Koch, 1839). Reestablished combinations include: Mitogoniella indistincta MelloLeitao, 1936 and Acutisoma longipes Roewer, 1913. New speci. c synonyms include: Acutisomella cryptoleuca = Acutisomella intermedia = Goniosoma junceum = Goniosoma patruele = Goniosoma xanthophthalmum = Metalyogoniosoma unum = Goniosoma varium, Goniosoma geniculatum = Goniosoma venustum; Goniosomella perlata = Progoniosoma minense = Goniosoma vatrax, Glyptogoniosoma perditum = Progoniosoma cruciferum = Progoniosoma tijuca = Goniosoma dentipes; Leitaoius iguapensis = Leitaoius viridifrons = Serracutisoma proximum; Acutisoma marumbicola = Acutisoma patens = Serracutisoma thalassinum; Progoniosoma tetrasetae = Serracutisoma inerme; and Acutisoma monticola = Leitaoius nitidissimus = Leitaoius xanthomus = Mitogoniella mutila = Acutisoma longipes. The following species are considered species inquirenda: Goniosoma lepidum Gervais, 1844; G. monacanthum Gervais, 1844; G. obscurum Perty, 1833; G. versicolor Perty, 1833; and Mitogoniella badia (Koch, 1839). The monotpic genus Goniosomoides Mello-Leitao, 1932 (and its species, G. viridans Mello-Leitao, 1932) is removed from Goniosomatinae and considered incertae sedis.

Research on Candida dubliniensis in a Brazilian yeast collection obtained from cardiac transplant, tuberculosis, and HIV-positive patients, and evaluation of phenotypic tests using agar screening methods

The aim of this study was to research Candida dubliniensis among isolates present in a Brazilian yeast collection and to evaluate the main phenotypic methods for discrimination between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis from oral cavity. A total of 200 isolates, presumptively identified as C. albicans or C. dubliniensis obtained from heart transplant patients under immunosuppressive therapy, tuberculosis patients under antibiotic therapy, HIV-positive patients under antiretroviral therapy, and healthy subjects, were analyzed using the following phenotypic tests: formation and structural arrangement of chlamydospores on corn meal agar, casein agar, tobacco agar, and sunflower seed agar; growth at 45 degrees C; and germ tube formation. All strains were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In a preliminary screen for C. dubliniensis, 48 of the 200 isolates on corn meal agar, 30 of the 200 on casein agar, 16 of the 200 on tobacco agar, and 15 of the 200 on sunflower seed agar produced chlamydoconidia; 27 of the 200 isolates showed no or poor growth at 45 degrees C. All isolates were positive for germ tube formation. These isolates were considered suggestive of C. dubliniensis. All of them were subjected to PCR analysis using C. dubliniensis-specific primers. C. dubliniensis isolates were not found. C. dubliniensis isolates were not recovered in this study done with immunocompromised patients. Sunflower seed agar was the medium with the smallest number of isolates of C. albicans suggestive of C. dubliniensis. None of the phenotypic methods was 100% effective for discrimination between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.