Abstract The steady-state is a situation of little variability of species dominance and total biomass over time. Maintenance of cyanobacteria are often observed in tropical and eutrophic ecosystems and can cause imbalances in aquatic ecosystem. Bayeasian networks allow the construction of simpls models that summarizes a large amount of variables and can predict the probability of occurrence of a given event. Studies considering Bayeasian networks built from environmental data to predict the occurrence of steady-state in aquatic ecosystems are scarce. This study aims to propose a Bayeasian network model to assess the occurrence, composition and duration of cyanobacteria steady-state in a tropical and eutrophic ecosystem. It was hypothesized long lasting steady-state events, composed by filamentous cyanobacteria species and directly influenced by eutrophication and drought. Our model showed steady-state lasting between 3 and 17 weeks with the monodominance or co-dominance of filamentous species, mainly Raphidiopsis raciborskii and Planktothrix agardhii. These evens occurred frequently under drought and high turbidity, however higher nutrients concentrations did not increase the probability steady-state occurrence or longer duration. The proposed model appears as a tool to assess the effects of future warming on steady-state occurrence and it can be a useful to more traditional process-based models for reservoirs.

Abstract The use of creep feeding for preweaning piglets is important to improve the performance of the piglets. The objective of this experiment was evaluate the effect of using or altering the position of piglet’s creep feeder during lactation on piglet’s performance and on behavior of piglets and sows kept in a hot climate environment. Forty-five sows and their litters at 10 days of lactation were randomly distributed into three treatments: front feeder (FF) - near the side of the sow’s head; back feeder (BF) - near the side of the rump of the sow; and no feeder (NF). All piglets were weighed individually to evaluate the average weight, weight gain and coefficient of variation of the weight. Behavior assessments of the piglets and sows were recorded in 3 period. At 15 and 21 d, piglets of the FF treatment were heavier (P ≤ 0.0001) than piglets of the other treatments. At 10-21d piglets of FF treatment had 76.2% less belly nosing behavior than the NF piglets (P=0.015). The treatments had no impact on behavior of the sows. The creep feeders positioned in the front of the farrowing crate increased piglet growth rate and decreased frequency of belly nosing behavior.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição parcial da silagem de capim elefante por torta de babaçu (Orbignya speciosa) sobre o desempenho, consumo, digestibilidade, composição química e ganho em peso de carcaça de ovinos. Cinquenta e quatro machos, castrados (19,08±2,76kg) foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e administrado um dos seguintes tratamentos: 0.0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 e 50% (%MS) de substituição da silagem pela torta de babaçu. Não houve diferença (P> 0.05) na ingestão de matéria seca, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro, porém o consumo de extrato etéreo aumentou (P< 0.05). A digestibilidade da matéria seca, fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais não foram alterados, no entanto, os coeficientes de digestibilidade da proteína bruta reduziu (P< 0.05) e do extrato etéreo aumentou (P< 0.05), com a substituição. Não houve alterações no ganho de peso médio diário e ganho de peso em carcaça. Nas carcaças, observou-se aumento linear na proporção do extrato etéreo, no entanto a porcentagem de proteína bruta diminuiu. O aumento no extrato etéreo da carcaça mostrou uma tendência linear. A substituição da silagem pela torta de babaçu em até 50% não alterou o desempenho de ovinos, porém levou a aumento na deposição de gordura na carcaça.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the partial replacement of elephant grass silage with babassu (Orbignya speciosa) on the performance, intake, digestibility, and carcass weight gain of sheep. Fifty-four castrated male lambs (19.08±2.76kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design and administered one of the following treatments: 0.0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 or 50% dry matter (%DM) replacement of elephant grass silage with babassu cake. No difference (P> 0.05) was observed in the dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber intake, but the ether extract intake increased (P< 0.05). The digestibility of the dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrients were unaffected. The crude protein digestibility decreased (P< 0.05), and the ether extract digestibility increased with the replacement of the elephant grass. There were no changes in mean daily weight gain and carcass weight gain. In the carcasses, a linear increase was observed in the proportion of the ether extract, and the crude protein decreased. The replacement of the silage with the babassu cake by up to 50% did not change the performance of sheep, however it led to an increase in fat deposit in the carcass.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses de dois bioestimulantes sobre a produtividade e a estrutura do dossel do capim Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu na fase de estabelecimento. O estudo foi realizado na Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Parauapebas, Pará, Brasil. Um módulo de 35 parcelas de 25m² foi estabelecido. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, composto de sete tratamentos e cinco repetições cada. Os tratamentos incluídos no controle foram: 0,5, 1 e 2kg/ha de bioestimulante A (BIOST.A); 0,25; 0,5 e 1L/ha de bioestimulante B (BIOST.B). Foram realizadas três coletas. Os dados para a aplicação dos dois bioestimulantes foram analisados separadamente, utilizando-se organização por método variável Dummy e análise de regressão. A aplicação de 2kg/ha BIOST.A resultou em incrementos de 842kg/ha na massa de forragem. A aplicação do BIOST.B na grama marandu resultou em aumento linear na produção de massa do caule. A aplicação de 2kg/ha BIOST.A no estabelecimento de erva de marandu resultou em maiores taxas de crescimento, acumulação de forragem e proporção de caule no dossel.

ABSTRACT The aim was to evaluate the effect of different doses of two biostimulants on the productivity and canopy structure of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu grass in the establishment fase. The study was conducted in Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Parauapebas, Pará, Brazil. One module of 35 plots of 25m² were established. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with seven treatments and five replicates. The treatments included a control, 0.5, 1, and 2kg/ha of biostimulant A (BIOST.A); and 0.25, 0.5, and 1L/ha of biostimulant B (BIOST.B). Three collections were performed. The data for application of the two biostimulants were analyzed separately, using the Dummy variable method and regression analysis. The application of 2kg/ha BIOST.A resulted in increases of 842kg/ha in the forage mass. The application of BIOST.B on Marandu grass resulted in a linear increase in stem mass. The application of 2kg/ha BIOST.A in the establishment of Marandu grass result in higher growth rates, forage accumulation, and stem proportion in the canopy.

RESUMO: Os lentiviros de pequenos ruminantes (LVPR) são responsáveis por enfermidades infecciosas e multissistêmicas causadas pelo Vírus da Artrite Encefalite Caprina (CAEV) e o Vírus da Maedi-Visna (MVV), e se apresentam sob as formas clínicas: articular, mamária, respiratória e nervosa. Desta forma esse trabalho objetivou determinar a ocorrência e avaliar os fatores de risco associados à infecção por LVPR no Estado de Sergipe, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas de 1200 ovinos e 675 caprinos oriundos respectivamente de 60 e 41 propriedades localizadas em 25 municípios sergipanos no período de 2011 a 2014. Os diagnósticos dos LVPR foram determinados pela técnica sorológica de Imunodifusão em Gel Ágar (IDGA) usando o kit comercial da marca Biovetech®. Os dados das variáveis associadas aos fatores de risco foram obtidos a partir de questionários aplicados aos proprietários dos rebanhos e analisados estatisticamente. As frequências absolutas e relativas foram determinadas por análise estatística descritiva e os fatores de risco por análise univariada das variáveis de interesse pelo Teste de Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher, quando necessário, e em seguida submetidos à análise de regressão logística. Foi evidenciada uma soropositividade de 5,03% (34/675) em caprinos e 1,50% em ovinos com 26,82% (11/41) e 28,33% (17/60) das propriedades apresentando ao menos um animal positivo respectivamente. Na análise dos fatores de risco, não foram observadas diferenças significantes para os ovinos, enquanto que, para os caprinos, rebanhos acima de 100 animais, que pastejam em áreas comuns com outros rebanhos, em uma distância ≤500 metros entre as propriedades, que adotam medidas biotecnológicas da reprodução e não utilizam agulhas estéreis, são mais susceptíveis à infecção por LVPR. Sendo assim, conclui-se que, há a presença dos LVPR em rebanhos sergipanos, e mesmo que em baixas frequências faz-se necessário a implementação de medidas profiláticas devido a possibilidade de expansão e desenvolvimento da caprinocultura do estado, e o alto padrão genético da raça Santa Inês.

ABSTRACT: The lentiviruses of small ruminants are infectious and multisystemic diseases caused by the Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) and the Maedi-Visna Virus (MVV), and present the clinical forms: articular, mammary, respiratory and nervous. This work aimed to determine the occurrence and to evaluate the risk factors associated with lentivirus infection of small ruminants in the State of Sergipe, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 1200 sheep and 675 goats from 60 and 41 farms respectively, located in 25 Sergipe municipalities from 2011 to 2014. The diagnosis of small ruminant lentiviruses (LVPR) was determined by the serological technique of Immunodiffusion in Gel Agar (IDGA) using the commercial kit of the brand Biovetech®. Data from the variables associated with risk factors were obtained from questionnaires applied to the owners of the herds and analyzed statistically. Absolute and relative frequencies were determined by descriptive statistical analysis and risk factors by univariate analysis of the variables of interest by Pearson’s Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test, when necessary. A logistic regression analysis was used, considering as a dependent variable for LVPR infection the reactive or non-reactive result observed in the IDGA. A seropositivity of 5.03% (34/675) was observed in goats and 1.50% in sheep with 26.82% (11/41) and 28.33% (17/60) of the properties had at least one animal positive respectively. The analysis of the risk factors, no significant differences were observed for sheep, while for goats, herds above 100 animals grazing in common areas with other herds, at a distance ≤ 500 meters between the properties, that adopt Biotechnological measures of reproduction and do not use sterile needles, are more susceptible to LVPR infection. Therefore, it´s concluded there is presence of lentiviruses of small ruminants in sergipan herds, and even if at low frequencies it is necessary to implement prophylactic measures due to the possibility of expansion and development of goat breeding of the state and the high genetic standard of the Santa Inês breed.

Essential oils (EO) are volatile liquids responsible for the aroma of plants. Pterodon polygalaeflorus seeds have received widespread use in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. For this reason and because Pterodon polygalaeflorus seeds have great EO content, which is frequently pharmacologically active, the present study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of EO from Pterodon polygalaeflorus (EOPPgfl) and its acute toxic effects. The EEOPPgfl sample, which was extracted by steam distillation of the seeds, had a yield of 2.4% of the seeds weight and had, as major constituents, beta-elemene (48.19%), trans-caryophyllene (19.51%), and epi-bicyclosesquiphellandrene (12.24%). The EOPPgfl sample showed mild acute toxicity and its calculated median lethal dose (LD50) was 3.38 g/kg. EOPPgfl (20–60 mg/kg) showed antinociceptive activity as evidenced by several tests and inhibited writhing induced by acetic acid. The maximum effect was obtained with the 30 mg/kg dose and at 60 min after its administration. EOPPgfl also decreased formalin-induced nociception, as verified by the inhibition of the first and second phase of the formalin test. At 30 mg/kg, EOPPgfl also decreased thermally stimulated nociception. Nociception may be related to inflammatory and antiedematogenic activity and at doses ranging 10–100 mg/kg, EOPPgfl blocked dextran- and carrageenan-induced edema. The results demonstrated that EOPPgfl presented, at doses approximately 100 times smaller than LD50, an antinociceptive effect that probably was due to anti-inflammatory activities.

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a composição centesimal (cinzas, umidade, proteínas, lipídeos e carboidratos totais) e mineral (Na, K, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn e Zn) das plantas medicinais Barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville), Carqueja (Baccharis trimera (Less) D.C.), Mangava-Brava (Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil.), e Quebra Pedra (Phyllanthus niruri L.) comercializadas no mercado do Porto de Cuiabá, MT. As amostras foram identificadas botanicamente por meio da exsicata feita no Instituto de Botânica da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Campus Cuiabá. A composição centesimal foi determinada de acordo com as recomendações da Association of Official Analytical Chemists e a concentração dos minerais foi quantificada por Espectrometria de Absorção Atômica em Chama. Os resultados obtidos foram: umidade (7,72% a 12,10%); cinzas (1,64% a 8,44%); proteínas (2,36% a 9,35%); lipídeos (0,41% a 2,05%); carboidratos totais (72,09% a 82,37%) e, foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre as amostras (p < 0,05). As concentrações dos minerais nas amostras variaram de 0,01 a 21,57 mg/g nas plantas secas e 0,01 a 32,17 mg/200mL das infusões. Os resultados médios obtidos indicam que, exceto para o K, Ca e Mn todas as amostras não apresentaram diferenças significativas (p ≥ 0,05) nas concentrações de minerais. A capacidade de extração dos minerais da matéria seca para a infusão obedeceu à seguinte ordem: Na>K>Zn>Cu>Mg>Mn>Ca>Fe. Os valores obtidos em 200 mL das infusões quando comparados aos índices diários recomendados para minerais sugerem que os chás avaliados podem ser fonte de minerais, principalmente de K e Mn.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine the proximal (ash, moisture, protein, lipids, and total carbohydrates) and mineral (Na, K, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn) composition of the medicinal plants barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville), carqueja (Baccharis trimera (Less) D.C.), mangava-brava (Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil.), pau-tenente (Quassia amara L.), and quebra pedra (Phyllanthus niruri L.), commercialized in the Cuiabá Port Market in Mato Grosso. The samples were botanically identified by the voucher specimen grown in the Botanical Institute of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, at the Cuiabá campus. Proximal composition was determined according to the recommendations of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists and the concentration of minerals was quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results obtained were: moisture content (7.72% to 12.10%); ashes (1.64% to 8.44%); protein (2.36% to 9.35%); lipids (0.41% to 2.05%), and total carbohydrates (72.09% to 82.37%), and significant differences were found between the samples (p≥0.05). The mineral concentrations varied from 0.01 to 21.57 mg/g in the plants and 0.01 to 32.17 mg/200mL in the infusions. No significant differences (p≥0.05) were found between the samples for mineral composition, except for K, Ca, and Mg. The mineral extraction capacity of the dry matter for infusions was as follows: Na>K>Zn>Cu>Mg>Mn>Ca>Fe. The daily index values of the metal species quantified in 200 mL infusions suggest that teas can be a source of minerals, especially K and Mn.

RESUMO O citrato de sildenafil é um inibidor da fosfodiesterase do tipo 5 (PDE-5), capaz de inibir também a fosfodiesterase do tipo 6 (PDE-6), proporcionando benefícios clínicos e paraefeitos, alguns deles potencialmente relacionados à retina. Foram estudados efeitos do sildenafil sobre a circulação retrobulbar e a retiniana em 27 coelhos machos adultos, da raça Nova Zelândia Branco. Avaliou-se a atividade elétrica da retina antes e ao término dos tratamentos e realizaram-se estudos à imunoistoquímica. Encontrou-se aumento da amplitude da onda b na resposta mista de cones e de bastonetes, após 7 dias de tratamento com citrato de sildenafil. Entretanto, nas demais avaliações e períodos, os valores não divergiram dos basais. Pela imunoistoquímica, não se observou diminuição significativa da expressão das proteínas PDE-5 e PDE-6. Com base nos resultados obtidos, é possível admitir que o citrato de sildenafil não alterou a expressão de PDE-5 e PDE-6, tampouco, a atividade eletrorretinográfica da retina de coelhos machos da raça Nova Zelândia Branco.

Sildenafil citrate is a type-5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE-5), able to inhibit type-6 phosphodiesterase (PDE-6) as well, providing clinical benefits and paraeffects, some of them potentially related to the retina. The effects of the sildenafil on the retrobulbar and retinal circulation were studied in 27 adult male rabbits of the White New Zealand breed. The electric activity of the retina was evaluated before and at the end of the treatments, and immunohistochemistry studies were conducted. An amplitude increase of the b wave was found in the mixed response of cones and rods after 7 days of treatment with sildenafil citrate. However, in the other evaluations and periods, the values did not differ from the basal ones. Through immunohistochemistry, no significant decrease of the expression of PDE-5 and PDE-6 proteins was observed. Based on the results obtained, it is possible to admit that the sildenafil citrate did not change the expression of PDE-5 and PDE-6, neither the electroretinographic activity of the retina of male rabbits of the White New Zealand breed.

Este estudo investigou a qualidade da água em um reservatório eutrófico urbano no Nordeste do Brasil, considerando a influência da sazonalidade. Mensalmente, amostras foram coletadas na sub-superfície do reservatório. As seguintes variáveis abióticas foram analisadas: temperatura, pH, oxigênio dissolvido, cor aparente, turbidez, condutividade, flúor, nitrogênio total, cloretos, sólidos totais dissolvidos, dureza total, ferro, cobre, manganês, alumínio, clorofila-a e feofitina. Coliformes totais e termotolerantes foram analisados de acordo com APHA (2012). A densidade de cianobactérias foi quantificada através de sua biomassa. Os dados foram analisados por meio de análise de variância (one-way ANOVA) e teste de correlação de Pearson. Elevados valores médios de biomassa de fitoplâncton (26.3mm3.L–1) ocorreram na estação seca, com destaque para Planktothrix agardhiie Geiterinema amphibium, que ocorreram em 100% das amostras. Elevado índice de estado trófico foi detectado ao longo do ano. Sazonalidade exerceu alguma influência em variáveis tanto bióticas como abióticas, ocasionando alterações na qualidade da água do reservatório.

This study investigated the water quality in an urban eutrophic reservoir in Northeastern Brazil, considering the influence of seasonality. Monthly, samples were collected in the sub-surface reservoir. The following abiotic variables were analyzed: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, apparent color, turbidity, conductivity, fluoride, total nitrogen, chlorides, total dissolved solids, total hardness, iron, copper, manganese, aluminum, chlorophyll-a and phaeophytin. Total and thermotolerant coliforms were analyzed according to APHA (2012). Cyanobacteria density was quantified through its biomass. The data were analyzed using one- way ANOVA and Pearson correlation test. Higher values mean phytoplankton biomass (26.3mm3.L–1) occurred in the dry season, especially Planktothrix agardhiiand Geiterinema amphibium, which occurred in 100% of samples. High trophic state index was detected throughout the year. Seasonality exerted some influence on both biotic and abiotc variables, leading to changes in water quality of the reservoir.

Estragole is a volatile terpenoid, which occurs naturally as a constituent of the essential oils of many plants. It has several pharmacological and biological activities. The objective of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of action of estragole on neuronal excitability. Intact and dissociated dorsal root ganglion neurons of rats were used to record action potential and Na+ currents with intracellular and patch-clamp techniques, respectively. Estragole blocked the generation of action potentials in cells with or without inflexions on their descendant (repolarization) phase (Ninf and N0 neurons, respectively) in a concentration-dependent manner. The resting potentials and input resistances of Ninf and N0 cells were not altered by estragole (2, 4, and 6 mM). Estragole also inhibited total Na+ current and tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ current in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 of 3.2 and 3.6 mM, respectively). Kinetic analysis of Na+ current in the presence of 4 mM estragole showed a statistically significant reduction of fast and slow inactivation time constants, indicating an acceleration of the inactivation process. These data demonstrate that estragole blocks neuronal excitability by direct inhibition of Na+ channel conductance activation. This action of estragole is likely to be relevant to the understanding of the mechanisms of several pharmacological effects of this substance.

Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito dos sistemas de plantio direto e convencional e estratégias de manejo de plantas daninhas na variação da temperatura do solo e na produtividade de pimentão, realizou-se, na Universidade Federal do Semiárido, em Mossoró-RN, um experimento no esquema de parcelas subdivididas, distribuídas no delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Os sistemas de plantio direto e convencional do pimentão foram avaliados nas parcelas; nas subparcelas, avaliaram-se três estratégias de manejo de plantas daninhas (cobertura do solo com filme de polietileno preto, com capinas e sem capinas). Em cada subparcela foram instalados sensores tipo termopares, a 5 cm de profundidade, para medir a temperatura do solo. A partir dos dados obtidos, determinou-se a variação da temperatura ao longo do dia, no período de 20 a 30 dias após o plantio das mudas de pimentão, e a cada cinco dias, a média das temperaturas máxima e mínima e a amplitude térmica diária. Aos 60 e 147 dias após o transplante das mudas de pimentão, foram feitas avaliações da densidade e massa seca de plantas daninhas nos tratamentos sem capinas. Os tratamentos com filme de polietileno e capinado no sistema de plantio convencional apresentaram elevação na temperatura máxima diária do solo em 6,7 e 5,0 ºC, respectivamente, em relação ao sistema de plantio direto com capinas. A amplitude térmica no sistema de plantio convencional nos tratamentos com capinas regulares e com filme de polietileno foi de 11 ºC, ao passo que no sistema de plantio direto a amplitude foi de 6,3, 4,5 e 4,0 ºC nos tratamentos com capinas, sem capinas e com filme de polietileno, respectivamente. A interferência das plantas daninhas nos tratamentos sem capinas resultou em redução de 94,95 e 92,10% da produtividade comercial nos sistemas de plantio direto e convencional, respectivamente.

To evaluate the effect of the no-tillage and conventional systems, weed management strategies on soil temperature variation, and yield of sweet pepper, a field experiment was arranged in a randomized block split-plot design with four replications. Tillage systems (no-tillage and conventional) were evaluated in the plots, and three weed management strategies in the split-plots (soil cover with black polyethylene film, with weeding, and without weeding). At 60 and 147 days after transplanting (DAT), density and dry mass of the weeds were assessed in the treatments without weeding. In each split-plot, thermocouple type sensors were installed at 5 cm depth to measure soil temperature. Based on the data obtained, temperature variation along the day was determined from 20 to 30 days after planting the sweet pepper seedlings, while the mean maximum and minimum temperatures and temperature range were evaluated every five days. The treatments with polyethylene film and clean weeding under the conventional tillage system showed an increase in maximum daily soil temperature at 6.7 and 5.0 ºC, respectively, compared to no-tillage and weeding. The temperature range was 11 ºC in the treatments using polyethylene film and clean weeding under the conventional system, 6.3 ºC under no-tillage with weeding, 4.5 ºC in the treatments without weeding, and 4.0 ºC under no-tillage with polyethylene film. The no-tillage system proved to be a good technique for the cultivation of sweet peppers under high temperature conditions. Weed interference in the treatments without weeding resulted in a reduction of 94.95% and 92.10% of marketable yield under no-tillage and conventional systems, respectively

It has been demonstrated that resistance exercise improves cognitive functions in humans. Thus, an animal model that mimics this phenomenon can be an important tool for studying the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. Here, we tested if an animal model for resistance exercise was able to improve the performance in a hippocampus-dependent memory task. In addition, we also evaluated the level of insulin-like growth factor 1/insulin growth factor receptor (IGF-1/IGF-1R), which plays pleiotropic roles in the nervous system. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (N = 10 for each group): control, SHAM, and resistance exercise (RES). The RES group was submitted to 8 weeks of progressive resistance exercise in a vertical ladder apparatus, while the SHAM group was left in the same apparatus without exercising. Analysis of a cross-sectional area of the flexor digitorum longus muscle indicated that this training period was sufficient to cause muscle fiber hypertrophy. In a step-through passive avoidance task (PA), the RES group presented a longer latency than the other groups on the test day. We also observed an increase of 43 and 94% for systemic and hippocampal IGF-1 concentration, respectively, in the RES group compared to the others. A positive correlation was established between PA performance and systemic IGF-1 (r = 0.46, P < 0.05). Taken together, our data indicate that resistance exercise improves the hippocampus-dependent memory task with a concomitant increase of IGF-1 level in the rat model. This model can be further explored to better understand the effects of resistance exercise on brain functions.

The South American sea lion, Otaria flavescens, is widely distributed along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of South America. However, along the Brazilian coast, there are only two nonbreeding sites for the species (Refúgio de Vida Silvestre da Ilha dos Lobos and Refúgio de Vida Silvestre do Molhe Leste da Barra do Rio Grande), both in Southern Brazil. In this region, the species is continuously under the effect of anthropic activities, mainly those related to environmental contamination with organic and inorganic chemicals and fishery interactions. This paper reports, for the first time, the genetic diversity of O. flavescens found along the Southern Brazilian coast. A 287-bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region (D-loop) was analyzed. Seven novel haplotypes were found in 56 individuals (OFA1-OFA7), with OFA1 being the most frequent (47.54%). Nucleotide diversity was moderate (π = 0.62%) and haplotype diversity was relatively low (67%). Furthermore, the median joining network analysis indicated that Brazilian haplotypes formed a reciprocal monophyletic clade when compared to the haplotypes from the Peruvian population on the Pacific coast. These two populations do not share haplotypes and may have become isolated some time back. Further genetic studies covering the entire species distribution are necessary to better understand the biological implications of the results reported here for the management and conservation of South American sea lions.

Using a short-term bulk culture protocol designed for an intracellular-staining method based on a flow cytometry approach to the frequencies of cytokine-producing cells from tuberculosis and leprosy patients, we found distinct patterns of T cell subset expression. The method also reveals the profile of peak cytokine production and can provide simultaneous information about the phenotype of cytokine-producing cells, providing a reliable assay for monitoring the immunity of these patients. The immune response of Mycobacterium leprae and purified protein derivative (PPD) in vitro to a panel of mycobacteria-infected patients from an endemic area was assessed in primary mononuclear cell cultures. The kinetics and source of the cytokine pattern were measured at the single-cell level. IFN-gamma-, TNF-alpha-, IL-4- and IL-10-secreting T cells were intracytoplasmic evaluated in an attempt to identify M. leprae- and PPD-specific cells directly from the peripheral blood. The analysis by this approach indicated that TNF-alpha was the first (8 h) to be produced, followed by IFN-gamma (16 h), IL-10 (20 h) and IL-4 (24 h), and double-staining experiments confirmed that CD4+ were a greater source of TNF-alpha than of CD8+ T cells (P < 0.05). Both T cell subsets secreted similar amounts of IFN-gamma. We conclude that the protocol permits rapid evaluation of cytokine production by different T cell populations. The method can also be used to define immune status in non-infected and contact individuals.