Density, proportion, and dendritic coverage of retinal ganglion cells of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus jacchus)

We performed a quantitative analysis of M and P cell mosaics of the common-marmoset retina. Ganglion cells were labeled retrogradely from optic nerve deposits of Biocytin. The labeling was visualized using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) histochemistry and 3-3'diaminobenzidine as chromogen. M and P cells were morphologically similar to those found in Old- and New-World primates. Measurements were performed on well-stained cells from 4 retinas of different animals. We analyzed separate mosaics for inner and outer M and P cells at increasing distances from the fovea (2.5-9 mm of eccentricity) to estimate cell density, proportion, and dendritic coverage. M cell density decreased towards the retinal periphery in all quadrants. M cell density was higher in the nasal quadrant than in other retinal regions at similar eccentricities, reaching about 740 cells/mm² at 2.5 mm of temporal eccentricity, and representing 8-14% of all ganglion cells. P cell density increased from peripheral to more central regions, reaching about 5540 cells/mm² at 2.5 mm of temporal eccentricity. P cells represented a smaller proportion of all ganglion cells in the nasal quadrant than in other quadrants, and their numbers increased towards central retinal regions. The M cell coverage factor ranged from 5 to 12 and the P cell coverage factor ranged from 1 to 3 in the nasal quadrant and from 5 to 12 in the other quadrants. These results show that central and peripheral retinal regions differ in terms of cell class proportions and dendritic coverage, and their properties do not result from simply scaling down cell density. Therefore, differences in functional properties between central and peripheral vision should take these distinct regional retinal characteristics into account.

Rosuvastatin and vascular dysfunction markers in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a placebo-controlled study

We investigated whether chronic rosuvastatin administration could improve the abnormalities of the circulating levels of vascular dysfunction markers in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Sixty patients, aged 13 to 60 years, with idiopathic (N = 14) or congenital heart disease-associated PAH (N = 46) were equally but randomly assigned to rosuvastatin treatment (10 mg a day, orally) or placebo for 6 months in a blind fashion. Plasma levels of P-selectin, tissue-plasminogen activator and its inhibitor as well as von Willebrand factor antigen were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay before and after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment. Baseline levels of biomarkers were elevated (68, 16, 45 and 46% increase relative to controls, for P-selectin, von Willebrand factor antigen, tissue-plasminogen activator and its inhibitor, respectively; P < 0.001). P-selectin values at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.9 ± 18.5, 37.6 ± 14.6, 34.8 ± 14.6, and 35.4 ± 13.9 ng/mL, respectively, for the rosuvastatin group and 45.7 ± 26.8, 48.0 ± 26.9, 48.1 ± 25.7, and 45.7 ± 25.6 ng/mL for the placebo group. The P-selectin level was lower in the rosuvastatin group compared with placebo throughout treatment (P = 0.037, general linear model). A trend was observed towards a decrease in tissue-plasminogen activator in the statin group (16% reduction, P = 0.094), with no significant changes in the other markers. Since P-selectin is crucial in inflammation and thrombosis, its reduction by rosuvastatin is potentially relevant in the pathophysiological scenario of PAH.

Effect of praziquantel administration on hepatic stereology of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni and fed a low-protein diet

A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of administering praziquantel (PZQ), focusing on the liver stereological findings of malnourished mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Thirty female Swiss Webster mice (age: 21 days; weight: 8-14 g) were fed either a low-protein diet (8%) or standard chow (22% protein) for 15 days. Five mice in each group were infected with 50 cercariae each of the BH strain (Brazil). PZQ therapy (80 mg/kg body weight, per day) was started on the 50th day of infection and consisted of daily administration for 5 days. Volume density (hepatocytes, sinusoids and hepatic fibrosis) was determined by stereology using a light microscope. Body weight gain and total serum albumin levels were always lower in undernourished mice. Our stereological study demonstrated that treatment increased both volume density of hepatocytes in mice fed standard chow (47.56%, treated group and 12.06%, control) and low-protein chow (30.98%, treated group and 21.44%, control), and hepatic sinusoids [standard chow (12.52%, treated group and 9.06%, control), low-protein chow (14.42%, treated group and 8.46%, control)], while hepatic fibrosis was reduced [standard chow (39.92%, treated group and 78.88%, control) and low-protein chow (54.60%, treated group and 70.10%, control)]. On the other hand, mice fed low-protein chow decreased density volume of hepatocytes and hepatic fibrosis. In conclusion, our findings indicate that treatment with PZQ ameliorates hepatic schistosomiasis pathology even in mice fed a low-protein diet.

Influence of eNOS gene polymorphism on cardiometabolic parameters in response to physical training in postmenopausal women

The health-promoting effects of exercise training (ET) are related to nitric oxide (NO) production and/or its bioavailability. The objective of this study was to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphism of the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) gene at positions -786T>C, G894T (Glu298Asp) and at the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) Intron 4b/a would interfere with the cardiometabolic responses of postmenopausal women submitted to physical training. Forty-nine postmenopausal women were trained in sessions of 30-40 min, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Genotypes, oxidative stress status and cardiometabolic parameters were then evaluated in a double-blind design. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were significantly reduced after ET, which was genotype-independent. However, women without eNOS gene polymorphism at position -786T>C (TT genotype) and Intron 4b/a (bb genotype) presented a better reduction of total cholesterol levels (-786T>C: before = 213 ± 12.1, after = 159.8 ± 14.4, Δ = -24.9% and Intron 4b/a: before = 211.8 ± 7.4, after = 180.12 ± 6.4 mg/dL, Δ = -15%), and LDL cholesterol (-786T>C: before = 146.1 ± 13.3, after = 82.8 ± 9.2, Δ = -43.3% and Intron 4b/a: before = 143.2 ± 8, after = 102.7 ± 5.8 mg/dL, Δ = -28.3%) in response to ET compared to those who carried the mutant allele. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly increased in trained women whereas no changes were observed in malondialdehyde levels. Women without eNOS gene polymorphism at position -786T>C and Intron 4b/a showed a greater reduction of plasma cholesterol levels in response to ET. Furthermore, no genotype influence was observed on arterial blood pressure or oxidative stress status in this population.

Sertraline inhibits formalin-induced nociception and cardiovascular responses

The objective of the present study was to determine the antihyperalgesic effect of sertraline, measured indirectly by the changes of sciatic afferent nerve activity, and its effects on cardiorespiratory parameters, using the model of formalin-induced inflammatory nociception in anesthetized rats. Serum serotonin (5-HT) levels were measured in order to test their correlation with the analgesic effect. Male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were divided into 4 groups (N = 8/per group): sertraline-treated group (Sert + Saline (Sal) and Sert + Formalin (Form); 3 mg·kg-1·day-1, ip, for 7 days) and saline-treated group (Sal + Sal and Sal + Form). The rats were injected with 5% (50 µL) formalin or saline into the right hind paw. Sciatic nerve activity was recorded using a silver electrode connected to a NeuroLog apparatus, and cardiopulmonary parameters (mean arterial pressure, heart rate and respiratory frequency), assessed after arterial cannulation and tracheotomy, were monitored using a Data Acquisition System. Blood samples were collected from the animals and serum 5-HT levels were determined by ELISA. Formalin injection induced the following changes: sciatic afferent nerve activity (+50.8 ± 14.7%), mean arterial pressure (+1.4 ± 3 mmHg), heart rate (+13 ± 6.8 bpm), respiratory frequency (+4.6 ± 5 cpm) and serum 5-HT increased to 1162 ± 124.6 ng/mL. Treatment with sertraline significantly reduced all these parameters (respectively: +19.8 ± 6.9%, -3.3 ± 2 mmHg, -13.1 ± 10.8 bpm, -9.8 ± 5.7 cpm) and serum 5-HT level dropped to 634 ± 69 ng/mL (P < 0.05). These results suggest that sertraline plays an analgesic role in formalin-induced nociception probably through a serotonergic mechanism.

Contrasting effects of nitric oxide and corticotropin- releasing factor within the dorsal periaqueductal gray on defensive behavior and nociception in mice

The anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects produced by glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation within the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) matter have been related to nitric oxide (NO) production, since injection of NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors reverses these effects. dPAG corticotropin-releasing factor receptor (CRFr) activation also induces anxiety-like behavior and antinociception, which, in turn, are selectively blocked by local infusion of the CRF type 1 receptor (CRFr1) antagonist, NBI 27914 [5-chloro-4-(N-(cyclopropyl)methyl-N-propylamino)-2-methyl-6-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)aminopyridine]. Here, we determined whether i) the blockade of the dPAG by CRFr1 attenuates the anxiogenic/antinociceptive effects induced by local infusion of the NO donor, NOC-9 [6-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-nitrosohydrazino)-N-methyl-1-hexanamine], and ii) the anxiogenic/antinociceptive effects induced by intra-dPAG CRF are prevented by local infusion of Nω-propyl-L-arginine (NPLA), a neuronal NOS inhibitor, in mice. Male Swiss mice (12 weeks old, 25-35 g, N = 8-14/group) were stereotaxically implanted with a 7-mm cannula aimed at the dPAG. Intra-dPAG NOC-9 (75 nmol) produced defensive-like behavior (jumping and running) and antinociception (assessed by the formalin test). Both effects were reversed by prior local infusion of NBI 27914 (2 nmol). Conversely, intra-dPAG NPLA (0.4 nmol) did not modify the anxiogenic/antinociceptive effects of CRF (150 pmol). These results suggest that CRFr1 plays an important role in the defensive behavior and antinociception produced by NO within the dPAG. In contrast, the anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects produced by intra-dPAG CRF are not related to NO synthesis in this limbic midbrain structure.

Qualidade nutricional da polpa de bocaiúva Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd.

Com o objetivo de incentivar o consumo e o aproveitamento de alimentos oriundos do Cerrado Brasileiro, foram determinados os teores de umidade, lipídios totais, proteínas, carboidratos, cinzas, fibra, minerais e os principais carotenóides da polpa de bocaiúva, Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. A porção comestível do fruto (polpa e amêndoa) representou aproximadamente a metade do peso total do fruto. A polpa apresentou 52,99% de umidade, 8,14% de lipídios totais, 1,5% de proteínas, 22,08% de carboidratos, 1,51% de cinzas e 13,76% de fibra. O valor energético foi estimado em 167,67 kcal.100 g-1 de polpa úmida, o qual mostrou-se superior ao de outros frutos da região Centro-Oeste. Entre os minerais avaliados, a maior concentração foi a do potássio (766,37 ± 18,36 mg.100 g-1), seguida do cálcio (61,96 ± 2,30 mg.100 g-1) e do fósforo (36,70 mg.100 g-1). Relacionando-se os resultados de minerais às IDR de referências dos mesmos, a polpa de bocaiúva pode ser classificada como rica em cobre para crianças, como fonte de zinco e potássio para crianças e como fonte de cobre e potássio para adultos. A polpa mostrou-se rica em β-caroteno (49,0 ± 2,0 µg.g-1 de polpa integral), principal carotenóide identificado no fruto analisado, podendo contribuir com o enriquecimento da dieta regional em programas de suplementação alimentar, como uma fonte natural desse nutriente e dos minerais cobre, potássio e zinco.

Erityisen tuen oppijan asema ja paikka yläkoulussa – oma vai määrätty?

Tutkimuksen tarkoitus oli selvittää yläkoulun erityisen tuen oppijoiden käsityksiä positiostaan yläkoulukulttuurissa ja mahdollisista toiseuden kokemuksistaan. Tutkimuksen kohderyhmänä olivat ne erityisen tuen oppijat, jotka opiskelivat 21 – 50 % yleisopetuksen ryhmissä. Tutkimus toteutettiin haastattelemalla kahden Eteläsuomalaisen kunnan 13 erityisen tuen oppijaa keväällä 2015. Oppijat opiskelivat vuosiluokilla 7 – 9 ja osallistuivat yleisopetuksen ryhmiin 8 – 14 tuntia viikossa. Metodologisesti tutkimus sijoittui laadullinen tutkimuksen kentälle ja toteutettiin fenomenografisen tutkimusotteen ja analyysin keinoin. Fenomenografian keinoin tutkittiin erityisen tuen oppijoiden käsityksiä positiostaan ja toiseudestaan. Käsityksistä muodostettiin ensimmäisen ja toisen asteen kuvauskategoriat Uljensin tapaa mukaillen. Keskeiset tutkimustulokset osoittivat, että yläkoululaisen erityisen tuen oppijan positio oli ”määrätty”. ”Määrääjinä” olivat muodollinen koulu ja fyysinen koulu sääntöineen ja hiljaisine tietoineen. Epämuodollinen koulu joko vakautti tai ”määräsi” heikentämällä erityisen tuen oppijan positiota. Toiseus lisääntyi erotekona epämuodollisen koulun dialogeissa, mutta erityisen tuen oppijan myönteiset subjektiiviset kokemukset vähensivät erotekoa. Tulosten perusteella peruskoulussa näyttää olevan kaksi kivijalkaa; toinen yleisopetukselle, toinen erityisopetukselle. Kaikille yhteistä peruskoulua ei voida rakentaa kahdelle aatteel-liselle kivijalalle. Kivijalkojen yhdistämiseksi esimerkiksi terminologiaa pitää uudistaa. Termit erityisopetus ja yleisopetus sekä erityinen ja tavallinen ovat muodollisen koulun dikotomisia valtasanoja, joita käyttämällä oppijat kategorioidaan. Epämuodollisessa kou-lussa valta oli ”kuplivaa”. Asemat ja paikat saavutettiin, mutta myös menetettiin. Erityisen tuen oppijat, jotka osallistuivat yleisopetuksen ryhmiin, kokivat itsensä normaaleiksi. Normaalius osoittautui koulutusidentiteetiksi, erääksi vallanmuodoksi. Valta on se todel-linen elementti, joka ohjaa kouluinstituution toimintaa ja säätelee sen suhteita.

Biometria de frutos e sementes e germinação de Magonia pubescens ST.Hil (sapindaceae)

Magonia pubescens é uma espécie arbórea típica do cerrado com grande potencial de utilização tanto pelas suas características econômicas quanto ecológicas. O objetivo do trabalho foi o de avaliar as características biométricas de frutos e sementes dessa espécie e seu potencial germinativo. Para as avaliações de biometria, foram utilizados 28 frutos e 293 sementes provenientes de matrizes localizadas em Aquidauana - MS. O estudo foi realizado no laboratório de Fisiologia Vegetal e em viveiro pertencentes à Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias (FCA) da Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD). Os frutos apresentam grande variação no tamanho, peso e no número de sementes, tendo em média 6,66 cm de comprimento; 8,14 cm de diâmetro; 248,21g de massa fresca e 13,14 sementes As sementes apresentam pequena variação no tamanho quando comparadas aos frutos, tendo em média 4,81 cm de comprimento; 8,44 cm de largura e 3,5g de massa fresca. Para o estudo da germinação as sementes receberam os seguintes tratamentos: 1) KNO3 1% 24h; 2) KNO3 2% 24h; 3) GA 500 mg. L -1 24h; 4) GA 250 mg. L -1 24h; 5) Água 24h; 6) Controle. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 6 tratamentos e 3 repetições de 30 sementes. O tratamento de imersão em água por 24 horas proporcionou os maiores valores de emergência (80%). As giberelinas promoveram os maiores valores de altura da parte aérea (média 14,7cm). Os maiores valores de massa fresca e seca da parte aérea foram observadas em plântulas originadas de sementes tratadas com GA 500 mg L-1 24h (1,26 e 0,24g respectivamente). Os maiores valores de massa fresca e massa seca dos cotilédones foram observados em plântulas oriundas de sementes tratadas com KNO3 1% 24h (7,63 e 1,81g respectivamente). Recomenda-se a pré-embebição das sementes em água ou GA por 24 horas para obtenção de maior número de plântulas.

Poderia a narrativa do Gyges de Platão ser uma ficção baseada em Heródoto?

Ao contrário daqueles que afirmam que Platão teria se baseado numa antiga fonte para desenvolver sua narrativa sobre Gyges (República, 359d-360b), este trabalho se propõe examinar a hipótese de que esta é, de fato, uma ficção baseada na narrativa de Heródoto (Histórias, I.8-14). Assim, pretende-se investigar o método utilizado por Platão para dar base ao seu argumento filosófico, analisando os pontos da narrativa platônica que divergem da de Heródoto e se esses pontos justificam tomarmos tal narrativa como uma ficção platônica, mais propriamente, um mito criado por Platão com uma função filosófica.

Sensuit cinq belles chansons nouvelles dont les noms sensuyvent..

[Chansons nouvelles]