Abstract AIMS Previously, we verified that overtrained mice upregulated the TRB3 levels, its association with Akt, and the hepatic concentrations of glycogen. It is known that APPL1 can limit the interaction between TRB3 and Akt, playing an important role in the glucose homeostasis. Thus, we verified the effects of three overtraining protocols on the hepatic levels of APPL1 and APPL2. METHODS Rodents were divided into control (CT), overtrained by downhill running (OTR/down), overtrained by uphill running (OTR/up) and overtrained by running without inclination (OTR). The hepatic contents of APPL1 and APPl2 were measured by the immunoblotting technique. RESULTS Significant elevation of APPL1 observed in the OTR/down and OTR/up groups, as well as the tendency of increase (p=0.071) observed in the OTR group. CONCLUSION These results indicate that this particular protein is likely to participate in the glucose homeostasis previously observed in response to these OT protocols.

Abstract AIMS knowing the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammation and based on the fact that downhill running-based overtraining (OT) model increases hypothalamus levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines, we verified the effects of three OT protocols on the levels of BiP, pIRE-1 (Ser734), pPERK (Thr981), pelF2alpha (Ser52), ATF-6 and GRP-94 proteins in the mouse hypothalamus after two weeks of recovery. METHODS the mice were randomized into control (CT), overtrained by downhill running (OTR/down), overtrained by uphill running (OTR/up) and overtrained by running without inclination (OTR) groups. After 2-week total recovery period (i.e., week 10), hypothalamus was removed and used for immunoblotting. RESULTS the OTR/down group exhibited high levels of BiP and ATF6. The other OT protocols showed higher levels of pPERK (Th981) and pelf-2alpha (Ser52) when compared with the CT group. CONCLUSION the current results suggest that after a 2-week total recovery period, the overtrained groups increased partially their ER stress protein levels, but without hypothalamic inflammation, which characterizes a physiological condition related to an adaptation mechanism.

Abstract Schistosomiasis, a chronic disease that affects million people worldwide, is caused by trematode flukes of the genus Schistosoma. The lack of an anti-schistosomiasis vaccine and massive monotherapy with praziquantel reinforces the need for search and development of new therapeutic drugs. Recently, we demonstrated that the essential oil of Piper cubeba L., Piperaceae, and their derivative dibenzylbutyrolactolic (-)-6,6'-dinitrohinokinin, presents in vitro and in vivo activities against Schistosoma mansoni. Here, we identified changes in the protein expression after exposure to dibenzylbutyrolactolic (-)-6,6'-dinitrohinokinin. We applied two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) to S. mansoni soluble protein extracts and observed at least 38 spots to be affected by dibenzylbutyrolactolic (-)-6,6'-dinitrohinokinin. We further identified 25 differentially expressed proteins by mass spectrometry. Enrichment for biological processes and predictive analyses of protein-protein interactions suggest that dibenzylbutyrolactolic (-)-6,6'-dinitrohinokinin targets proteins involved mainly in metabolic processes, especially carbohydrate metabolism. In summary, this study provides an interesting approach to understand the anti-parasitic activity of semi-synthetic (-)-6,6'-dinitrohinokinin a derivative compound from lignan and for the development of new therapy strategies.

RESUMO: Um levantamento soroepidemiológico foi realizado através do teste de ELISA indireto para determinar a soroprevalência da infecção por Pythium insidiosum em equinos no estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), classificadas de acordo com o Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). As amostras utilizadas eram provenientes do cadastro das propriedades do Serviço Veterinário Oficial (SVO), da Secretaria da Agricultura, Pecuária e Agronegócio do RS (SEAPA-RS), coletadas para o inquérito da anemia infecciosa equina de 2014. As coletas foram realizadas durante os meses de setembro e outubro de 2013, abrangendo as sete mesorregiões geográficas do RS, e totalizaram 1.002 amostras de soro. Do total das amostras testadas, 11.1% (CI95% 9.23 to 13.22) foram soropositivas para P. insidiosum. Constatou-se o risco relativo (RR) da presença de anticorpos anti-P. insidiosum nas regiões Sudeste 11,17(IC95%, 4,65-26,8), Porto Alegre 4,62 (IC95%, 1,70-12,55), Sudoeste 11,17 (IC95%, 4,65-26,8) e Noroeste 3,72 (IC95%, 1,52-9,09). Observou-se a maior soroprevalência (69,1%) em fêmeas com RR de 1,59 (IC95%, 1,11-2,27). Quanto à presença de açudes, evidenciou-se soropositividade em 74,4% das propriedades, apresentando associação de 2,13 (IC95%,1,16-3,91) em comparação com propriedades sem açude. Em propriedades com assistência veterinária, foi verificada a frequência de 72,7% e RR de 3,04 (IC95%,1,85-4,98). Diante da relevância da pitiose em rebanhos equinos, destaca-se a presença de anticorpos anti-P. insidiosum em equinos no estado do RS.

ABSTRACT: An epidemiological survey was carried out by performing an Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) test to determine the seroprevalence of Pythium insidiosum infection in equine in Rio Grande do Sul State (RS), Brazil. The serological study covered seven geographical regions of RS, classified according to the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). The samples were obtained from official veterinary service (Serviço Veterinário Oficial, SVO) linked to the Secretaria da Agricultura, Pecuária e Agronegócio of RS (SEAPA-RS) to proceed the investigation of equine infectious anemia in 2014. Samples were collected during the months of September and October of 2013, covering the seven geographical regions of RS, and totalized 1,002 serum samples. The seroprevalence for P. insidiosum in RS was 11.1% (CI95% 9.23 to 13.22). The relative risk (RR) of the presence of antibodies anti-P. insidiosum was in the regions Southeast 11.17 (CI95%, 4.65 to 26.8), Porto Alegre 4.62 (CI95%, 1.70 to 12.55), Southwest 11.17 (CI95%, 4.65 to 26.8) and Northwestern 3.72 (CI95%, 1.52 to 9.09). The highest prevalence (69.1%) was observed in females with RR of 1.59 (CI95%, 1.11 to 2.27). When the presence of dams was evaluated, the seropositivity was evident in 74.4%, presenting an association of 2.13 (CI95%, 1.16 to 3.91) compared to farms without dams. In properties with veterinary assistance, the frequency of 72.7% and RR of 3.04 (CI95%,, 1,85 to 4,98) of seropositivity were observed. Due to the importance of pythiosis in horse herds, this study highlights the presence of anti-P. insidiosum antibodies in horses in RS, Brazil.

The yields and chemical compositions of the essential oils obtained by steam distillation of the fresh and dried (30 and 40 ºC) leaves, stems and roots of Tanaecium nocturnum are reported. The identification and quantification of the volatile constituents were accomplished by GC/MS and GC/FID, respectively. The essential oils obtained from the various parts of the plant were constituted mainly of benzaldehyde. Large losses and variations in the quantities of the components during the drying process were observed. The presence of mandelonitrile in higher concentration in the stem and roots indicates that this species produces cyanogenic glycosides.

Neste trabalho se utilizaram dados experimentais obtidos na UFLA, no período de março a julho de 2004, com o objetivo de avaliar a produtividade de grãos e de óleo além de outras características agronômicas de dois genótipos de girassol (Helianthus annuus L.): H250 e H251, no período de entressafra; esses dados provieram de quatro experimentos conduzidos com tratamentos de lâminas de água referentes à reposição pela irrigação por gotejamento, de 0 (L0), 75 (L1), 100 (L2) e 130% (L3) da evapotranspiração estimada para a cultura correspondendo, respectivamente, às lâminas de água de 117,20, 350,84, 428,70 e 522,14 mm. A produtividade de grãos e de óleo, a altura das plantas e o diâmetro dos capítulos, aumentaram em função do aumento das lâminas de água, enquanto as cultivares utilizadas indicaram diferenças em relação aos fatores produtividade de óleo, peso de 1000 aquênios e altura de plantas. Notou-se eficiência técnica na produção, mesmo sem irrigação, com produtividade média de 1924,27 kg ha-1 e, na condição irrigada, notaram-se aumentos significativos, chegando aos 2863,12 kg ha-1 para a lâmina de 522,14 mm (130% Etc) aplicada no ciclo da cultura. Os genótipos podem ser utilizados na entressafra, em Lavras, como opção na rotação de culturas.

In this study the experimental data obtained in the period from March to July of 2004 in the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA) were used, with the objective of evaluating the productivity of grains and of oil and other agronomic characteristics of two sunflower genotypes (Helianthus annuus L.) (H250 and H251), irrigated in the late summer growth period. The experiment was carried out with four treatments of drip irrigation water depths of 0 (L0), 75 (L1), 100 (L2) and 130% (L3) of the evapotranspiration estimated for the crop, corresponding, respectively, to the water depths of 117.20, 350.84, 428.70 and 522.14 mm. The productivity of grains and of oil, the height of sunflower plants and the capitulum diameter increased with water depth. The used cultivars presented differences of oil productivity, weight of 1000 achene's and plants height. There was an technical efficiency in production, even without irrigation, with average productivity of 1924.27 kg ha-1 and, in irrigated condition, there was increase of this productivity reaching the 2863.12 kg ha-1 for water depth of 522.14 mm (130% ETc) applied in the crop cycle. The analyzed genotypes can be used during the summer cycle, in Lavras, as an option in the crop rotation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of the intraaortic balloon (IAoB) in association with coronary angioplasty in high-risk patients. METHODS: Fourteen high-risk patients unresponsive to clinical therapy and with formal contraindication to surgical revascularization were treated by coronary angioplasty, most of which was followed by stenting. All procedures were performed with circulatory support with the IAoB. This study reports the early results and the late findings after 12 months of follow-up. Six patients had multivessel coronary disease; of these, four had left main equivalent lesions and two had unprotected left main coronary artery disease, one of whom had severe "end-vessel" stenosis and the other was a patient with Chagas' disease with single-vessel lesion. Eleven patients had a left ventricular ejection fraction <30%. RESULTS: In 100% of the patients, the procedures were initially successful. Two patients had severe bleeding during the withdrawal of the left femoral sheath. At the end of twelve months, 4 patients were asymptomatic and the others were clinically controlled. There were two late deaths in the 7th and 11th months. CONCLUSION: The combined use of the intraaortic balloon pump and percutaneous coronary angioplasty in high-risk patients with acute ischemic syndromes provides the necessary hemodynamic stability to successfully perform the procedures.