Notice from Dexter Deverardo regarding minutes of the meeting of the Municipal Council of the County of Welland

Notice from Dexter Deverardo regarding minutes of the meeting of the Municipal Council of the County of Welland that was held May 21, 1857. It was moved that the warden and clerk be requested to procure a plan of the marsh lands tract, May, 1857.

Morphology and myofiber composition of skeletal musculature of the forelimb in young and aged wild type and myostatin null mice

Most current research into therapeutic approaches to muscle diseases involves the use of the mouse as an experimental model. Furthermore, a major strategy to alleviate myopathic symptoms through enhancing muscle growth and regeneration is to inhibit the action of myostatin (Mstn), a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family member that inhibits muscle growth. Presently, however, no study has expanded the morphological analysis of mouse skeletal muscle beyond a few individual muscles of the distal hindlimb, through which broad conclusions have been based. Therefore, we have initially undertaken an expansive analysis of the skeletal musculature of the mouse forelimb and highlighted the species-specific differences between equivalent muscles of the rat, another prominently used experimental model. Subsequently, we examined the musculature of the forelimb in both young and old adult wild-type (mstn(+/+)) and myostatin null (mstn(-/-)) mice and assessed the potential beneficial and detrimental effects of myostatin deletion on muscle morphology and composition during the aging process. We showed that: (1) the forelimb muscles of the mouse display a more glycolytic phenotype than those of the rat; (2) in the absence of myostatin, the induced myofiber hyperplasia, hypertrophy, and glycolytic conversion all occur in a muscle-specific manner; and, importantly, (3) the loss of myostatin significantly alters the dynamics of postnatal muscle growth and impairs age-related oxidative myofiber conversion.

Grain size and heavy minerals of the Late Quaternary eolian sediments from the Imbituba-Jaguaruna coast, Southern Brazil: Depositional controls linked to relative sea-level changes

The stratigraphic subdivision and correlation of dune deposits is difficult, especially when age datings are not available. A better understanding of the controls on texture and composition of eolian sands is necessary to interpret ancient eolian sediments. The Imbituba-Jaguaruna coastal zone (Southern Brazil, 28 degrees-29 degrees S) stands out due to its four well-preserved Late Pleistocene (eolian generation 1) to Holocene eolian units (eolian generations 2, 3, and 4). In this study, we evaluate the grain-size and heavy-mineral characteristics of the Imbituba-Jaguartma eolian units through statistical analysis of hundreds of sediment samples. Grain-size parameters and heavy-mineral content allow us to distinguish the Pleistocene from the Holocene units. The grain size displays a pattern of fining and better sorting from generation 1 (older) to 4 (younger), whereas the content of mechanically stable (dense and hard) heavy minerals decreases from eolian generation 1 to 4. The variation in grain size and heavy-mineral content records shifts in the origin and balance (input versus output) of eolian sediment supply attributable mainly to relative sea-level changes. Dunefields submitted to relative sea-level lowstand conditions (eolian generation 1) are characterized by lower accumulation rates and intense post-depositional dissection by fluvial incision. Low accumulation rates favor deflation in the eolian system, which promotes concentration of denser and stable heavy minerals (increase of ZTR index) as well as coarsening of eolian sands. Dissection involves the selective removal of finer sediments and less dense heavy minerals to the coastal source area. Under a high rate of relative sea-level rise and transgression (eolian generation 2), coastal erosion prevents deflation through high input of sediments to the coastal eolian source. This condition favors dunefield growth. Coastal erosion feeds sand from local sources to the eolian system. including sands from previous dunefields (eolian generation 1) and from drowned incised valleys. Therefore, dunefields corresponding to transgressive phases inherit the grain-size and heavy-mineral characteristics of previous dunefields, leading to selective enrichment of finer sands and lighter minerals. Eolian generations 3 and 4 developed during a regressive-progradational phase (Holocene relative sea level highstand). The high rate of sediment supply during the highstand phase prevents deflation. The lack of coastal erosion favors sediment supply from distal sources (fluvial sediments rich in unstable heavy minerals). Thus, dunefields of transgressive and highstand systems tracts may be distinguished from dunefields of the lowstand systems tract through high rates of accumulation (low deflation) in the former. The sediment source of the transgressive dunefields (high input of previously deposited coastal sands) differs from that of the highstand dunefields (high input of fluvial distal sands). Based on this case study, we propose a general framework for the relation between relative sea level, sediment supply and the texture and mineralogy of eolian sediments deposited in siliciclastic wet coastal zones similar to the Imbituba-Jaguaruna coast (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Laparoscopic ovum collection in sheep: Gross and microscopic evaluation of the ovary and influence on ooctye production

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Primary non-gestational choriocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: A case report

Background. Primary non-gestational choriocarcinoma of the female genital tract has been described in the ovaries and is very unusual in other genital sites.Case. Primary non-gestational uterine cervical choriocarcinoma was diagnosed in a patient, 32, single, without previous sexual contact nor antecedent pregnancy, admitted to the hospital with irregular vaginal hemorrhaging. Pelvic examination realized under anesthetic revealed a tumor mass occupying the uterine cervix. Metastases investigation was realized and the patient was accepted as FIGO IV: risk factor of 13. She was submitted to intensive chemotherapy and hysterectomy, showing general recovery, but died from drug-resistant disease 12 months later. Histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetics studies confirmed non-gestational choriocarcinoma.Conclusion. Primary non-gestational uterine cervical choriocarcinoma may arise from germ cell tumor or epithelial tissue. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cyclin D1 gene polymorphism as a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive system in non-alcoholics

Squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) is associated with environmental factors, especially tobacco and alcohol consumption. Genetic factors, including cyclin D1 (CCND1) polymorphism have been suggested to play an important rote in tumorigenesis and progression of UADT cancer. To investigate the relationship between CCND1 polymorphism on susceptibility for UADT cancers, 147 cancer and 135 non-cancer subjects were included in this study. CCND1 genotype at codon 242(G870A) in exon 4 was undertaken using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and DNA sequencing. Significant odds ratio (OR) of the AA + GA genotypes [OR = 7.5 (95% Cl: 1.4-39.7)] was observed in non-drinkers but for non-smokers a non-significant [OR = 5.4 (95% Cl: 0.9-31.4)] was found in the adjusted model. These results suggest that allele A may be a risk factor for UADT cancer, especially in non-alcoholics. However, further epidemiological studies are needed to establish the exact role of CCND1 polymorphism and the development of UADT cancers. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

EFFECT OF ELECTROLYTIC AND CHEMICAL LESION BY IBOTENIC ACID OF THE AMYGDALA ON SALT INTAKE

Sodium chloride intake was studied in male Holtzman rats weighing 250-300 g submitted to electrolytic and chemical lesion of the cell bodies, not fibers of the amygdaloid complex. Sodium chloride (1.5%) intake increased in animals with electrolytic lesion of the corticomedial nucleus of the amygdala. Sodium chloride (1.5%) intake increased after ibotenic acid injection into the corticomedial nucleus of the amygdala to a larger extent (26.6 +/- 9.2 to 147.6 +/- 34.6 ml/5 days). The results indicate that sodium intake response can be induced by lesions, which involved only cell bodies. The fibers of passage of the corticomedial nucleus of the amygdala produce a water intake less consistent than that induced by ibotenic acid, which is more acute. The results show that cell bodies of this region of the amygdala are involved in the control of sodium chloride intake.

Calcaneal apophysitis: a quantitative radiographic evaluation of the secondary ossification center

Background: Calcaneal apophysitis in children is a self-limited condition that may interfere with walking and physical performance in sports, thus causing concern to the patient and parents. There is still controversy about the significance of the radiographic changes in children with heel pain, since the report of Sever in 1912. One of the reasons is that normal children may display a considerable variation in the radiographic aspects of the secondary ossification center of the calcaneus at different ages. Methods: In this investigation, the developmental aspects of primary and secondary ossification centers of the calcaneus were studied in radiographs obtained from healthy boys and from boys with calcaneal apophysitis. The normal population comprised 392 children and adolescents ranging in age from 6 to 15 years. There were 69 individuals with calcaneal apophysitis ranging in age from 8 to 14 years. Lateral standard radiographs were obtained of both heels, and a copper step wedge was used as a calibration to determine bone density. The following parameters were analyzed on the plain films: time of appearance, fusion and number of fragments of the secondary nucleus, area and bone densitometry of the primary and secondary ossification centers of the calcaneus. Results: In the normal population, the ossification of the secondary nucleus began at 7 years of age, and at 15 years of age, the nucleus was fused in all individuals. In the apophysitis group, the secondary ossification center was present and not fused in all individuals. Both secondary nuclei increased in size with age with no difference between the two groups. Regarding bone density, both the primary and secondary nuclei were less dense in the apophysitis group than their counterparts in the normal population. The most significant difference between the two populations referred to the degree of fragmentation, which was greater in the apophysitis group. Conclusion: Our data showed that the sclerotic aspect of the secondary nucleus of the calcaneus is a normal feature and, therefore, should not be used to establish the diagnosis of Sever's disease. The most consistent difference between the normal and apophysitis group was related to the more fragmented aspect of the secondary nucleus in the latter individuals, which may suggest a mechanical etiology for that condition.

Collagen type VI is a component of the extracellular matrix microfibril network of the prostatic stroma

Stroma-epithelium relationships are of great relevance in prostatic morphogenesis and physiology, However, little knowledge exists about either stromal cells or extracellular matrix composition and arrangement in this system, Ultrastructural analysis revealed the existence of a microfibrillar system which occupies large areas of the rat prostatic stroma, In this work, we have applied immunocytochemistry and an ATP treatment for the ultrastructural identification of collagen type VI microfibrils, aiming at examining its participation in the prostatic microfibrillar network. Immunocytochemistry was also extended to a human case of prostatic nodular hyperplasia, Both methods succeeded in identifying collagen type VI in the rat ventral prostate, Collagen type VI is evenly distributed throughout the stroma but mainly associated with the basal lamina, collagen fibrils, and around the stromal cells, the use of ATP treatment allowed for the discrimination between collagen type VI and elastin-associated microfibrils, and demonstrated that these two classes of microfibrils establish an extended, mixed, and open network. The same aspects of association with the basal lamina, with stromal cells (particularly with smooth muscle cells), and with fibrillar components of the stroma were observed in the human tissue, We suggest that the collagen type VI and elastin-associated microfibril system may be involved in the control of some aspects of cellular behavior and may also play a structural role, maintaining the organ integrity after the deformations occurring under smooth muscle contraction.

Effects of chronic experimental alcoholism on the epithelium of the uterine horn of rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus)

Sixty adult tats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) of the same age (3 months) and with a mean body weight of 228 g were divided into two experimental groups. The control group received solid diet (Purina rat chow) and tap water ad libitum. The other (alcoholic group), received the same solid diet and was allowed to drink only sugar cane brandy dissolved in 30° Gay Lussac (v/v). At the end of periods of 90, 180 and 270 days of treatment, the animals were anaesthetized with ethyl ether during estrus, weighed and sacrificed. The final mean body weights were similar in the control and alcoholic groups. The results showed intense atrophy on the lining epithelium of the endometrium of uterine horns in the alcoholic group. Important ultrastructural epithelial alterations were also observed in the female alcoholic group, such as: intense lipid droplet accumulation, increased rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae and mitochondrial size and presence of intraepithelial neutrophils. The secretory activity of these rats was reduced. Therefore, we concluded that alcohol acts as a toxin on the epithelial layer of the rat endometrium.

Immunohistochemical localization of nicotinic acetylcholine-receptor subunits in the mesencephalon and diencephalon of the chick (Gallus-gallus)

Monoclonal antibodies against two alpha-bungarotoxin-binding subunits (alpha-7 and alpha-8) of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were used as immunohistochemical probes to map their distribution in the chick diencephalon and mesencephalon. The distribution of the alpha-7 and alpha-8 nAChR subunits was compared to the distribution of immunoreactivity produced by a monoclonal antibody against the beta-2 structural subunit of the nAChRs.Structures that contained high numbers of alpha-7-like immunoreactive (LI) somata included the intergeniculate leaflet, nucleus intercalatus thalami, nucleus ovoidalis, organum paraventricularis, nucleus rotundus, isthmic nuclei, nucleus trochlearis, oculomotor complex, nucleus interstitio-pretecto-subpretectalis, stratum griseum centrale of the optic tectum, and nucleus semilunaris. Neuropil staining for alpha-7-LI was intense in the nucleus dorsomedialis hypothalami, nucleus geniculatus lateralis ventralis, griseum tecti, isthmic nuclei, nucleus lentiformis mesencephali, nucleus of the basal optic root, and stratum griseum et fibrosum superficiale of the tectum. High numbers of alpha-8-LI somata were found in the stratum griseum et fibrosum superficiale of the tectum and the nucleus interstitio-pretecto-subpretectalis, and intense neuropil staining for alpha-8-LI was found in the dorsal thalamus, nucleus geniculatus lateralis ventralis, lateral hypothalamus, griseum tecti, nucleus lentiformis mesencephali, nucleus interpeduncularis, and stratum griseum et fibrosum superficiale of the tectum. High numbers of beta-2-LI somata were found only in the nucleus spiriformis lateralis, whereas neuropil staining for beta-2-LI was intense in the nucleus geniculatus lateralis ventralis, nucleus suprachiasmaticus, nucleus lateralis anterior, nucleus habenularis lateralis, area pretectalis, griseum tecti, nucleus lentiformis mesencephali, nucleus externus, and nucleus interpeduncularis, and in the stratum griseum centrale, stratum griseum et fibrosum superficiale, and stratum opticum of the tectum.These results indicate that there are major disparities in the localization of the alpha-bungarotoxin-binding alpha-7 and alpha-8 nAChR subunits and the beta-2 structural nAChR subunit in the chick diencephalon and mesencephalon. These nAChR subunits appear, however, to coexist in several regions of the chick brain.

Theoretical Referents in Knowledge Organization: A Domain Analysis of the Knowledge Organization Journal

Aiming at contributing to the epistemological characterization of the area of knowledge organization, our goal is to analyze the KO journal, since its creation in 1993, as a knowledge domain, from a nuclear community of the most productive and greater impact authors, analyzing the dialogue among citing authors and cited ones, and also the co-citations established by the citing authors. We worked with a corpus of 310 articles published between 1993 and 2011 produced by a total of 360 authors. The relatively more productive authors, a group geographically concentrated in Europe (37%), North America (44%) and Asia (19%), is clearly explained by the historical European origin of the ISKO and by an increasing North American presence along the years. Of the 33 most cited authors, 22 were co-cited in at least 6 works, which suggests that they are the theoretical referential nucleus of the area, in the studied journal. Finally, we observe that the area reveals theme cohesion and coherence in its production, enabling us to clearly visualize its theoretical referential nucleus and to confirm the role performed by the KO magazine as a catalyzing agent of international theoretical construction in the area.

Gross morphology and topography of the digestive apparatus in rheas (Rhea americana americana)

Rodrigues M.N., Oliveira G.B., Silva R.S.S, Tivane C.T., Albuquerque J.F.G., Miglino M.A. & Oliveira M.F. 2012. [Gross morphology and topography of the digestive apparatus in rheas (Rhea americana americana).] Macroscopia e topografia do aparelho digestorio de emas (Rhea americana americana). Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 32(7):681-686. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Cidade Universitaria, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Sao Paulo, SP 05508270, Brazil. E-mail: marcio_medvet@hotmail.com Rheas are birds belonging to the ratites group and, among ostriches and emus, are the largest birds currently alive. In this work we studied the macroscopic aspects of rheas' digestive tract in order to provide important information to a better understanding of these birds' eating habits as well their anatomy. Twenty young animals aging between two and six months from the Centre for Wild Animals Multiplication (Cemas, scientific breeding license form Ibama no.1478912) were used. After dissection it was observed that their tongue was small and presented a rhomboid form, being disposed on the oral cavity floor, and inserted in its base by a frenulum. The esophagus was a rectilinear tube with elastic aspect and longitudinal elastic fibers, without dilation, which gives it an absence of crop. The proventriculus presented a fusiform form and the gastric ventricle showed and slightly oval form when filled, and was internally coated with a thick gastric cuticle. The small intestine was composed of three distinct regions: duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The duodenum had a light gray color and showed a "U" curved shaped. The jejunum was dark green, long and composed of several short loops arranged above each other. The ileum had a gray color and was connected with the jejunum. In ventral line to the rectum and cloaca, the ileum extended cranially, dorsally to the ascending duodenum. The large intestine was composed of two caeca, one right and one left, and colon-rectum and ileum were continuous with the cloaca. The structures of the rhea digestive tract resemble those described in the literature regarding to its shape and topography, even though rhea's caeca are well developed and relatively long.

Assessment of a Neurophysiological Model of the Mandibular Branch of the Facial Nerve in Rats by Electromyography

Objectives: Our objective was to develop an experimental model for the noninvasive and objective evaluation of facial nerve regeneration in rats using a motor nerve conduction test (electromyography). Methods: Twenty-two rats were submitted to neurophysiological evaluation using motor nerve conduction of the mandibular branch of the facial nerve to obtain the compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs). To record the CM APs, we used two needle electrodes that were inserted into the lower lip muscle of the rat. A supramaximal electrical stimulus was applied, and the values of CMAP latency, amplitude, length, area, and stimulus intensity obtained from each side were compared by use of the Wilcoxon test. Results: There was no significant difference (all p > 0.05) in latency, amplitude, duration, area, or intensity of stimuli between the two sides. The amplitudes ranged between 1.61 and 8.30 mV, the latencies between 1.03 and 1.97 ms, and the stimulus intensities between 1.50 and 2.90 mA. Conclusions: This is a noninvasive, easy, and highly reproducible method that contributes to an improvement of the techniques previously described and may contribute to future studies of the degeneration and regeneration of the facial nerve.

Retroviral transfer of the p16INK4a cDNA inhibits C6 glioma formation in Wistar rats

Abstract Background The p16INK4A gene product halts cell proliferation by preventing phosphorylation of the Rb protein. The p16INK4a gene is often deleted in human glioblastoma multiforme, contributing to unchecked Rb phosphorylation and rapid cell division. We show here that transduction of the human p16INK4a cDNA using the pCL retroviral system is an efficient means of stopping the proliferation of the rat-derrived glioma cell line, C6, both in tissue culture and in an animal model. C6 cells were transduced with pCL retrovirus encoding the p16INK4a, p53, or Rb genes. These cells were analyzed by a colony formation assay. Expression of p16INK4a was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The altered morphology of the p16-expressing cells was further characterized by the senescence-associated β-galactosidase assay. C6 cells infected ex vivo were implanted by stereotaxic injection in order to assess tumor formation. Results The p16INK4a gene arrested C6 cells more efficiently than either p53 or Rb. Continued studies with the p16INK4a gene revealed that a large portion of infected cells expressed the p16INK4a protein and the morphology of these cells was altered. The enlarged, flat, and bi-polar shape indicated a senescence-like state, confirmed by the senescence-associated β-galactosidase assay. The animal model revealed that cells infected with the pCLp16 virus did not form tumors. Conclusion Our results show that retrovirus mediated transfer of p16INK4a halts glioma formation in a rat model. These results corroborate the idea that retrovirus-mediated transfer of the p16INK4a gene may be an effective means to arrest human glioma and glioblastoma.