Several studies analyzed the possible relationships between semen parameters and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) treatments. However, none could establish a threshold to guide in the decision of which treatment technique will be better facing spermiogram values.A database with spermiogram and clinical parameters was built in order to search for relevant interactions between semen parameters and different ART treatment techniques.A general statistical analysis evaluated semen parameters, followed by correlations to study their influence on the pregnancy rate for each type of treatment technique.A predominance of teratozoospermia and asthenozoospermia was observed, with strong positive correlations between age and total motility, as well as obvious correlations between concentration and motility. Of the studied population, 41.8% went for ART consultations and presented a mean time of infertility of 2.9 years, a mean male age of 33.4 years and a mean female age of 31.9 years. Of these, 17.1% achieved a spontaneous pregnancy. Of the treatment cycles, 13.1% were by intra-uterine insemination (10.2% of clinical pregnancy rate, CP, with six newborn, NB), 24.9% by in vitro-fertilization (21.7 CP, 18 NB) and 44.9% by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (25.3% CP, 40 NB). From the analysis between semen parameters and the pregnancy rates, per type of ART technique, a significant positive correlation between techniques was found, revealing thresholds associated with the probability of a successful clinical pregnancy.The present results suggest that spermiogram reference limits can be developed for each treatment technique that are associated with a higher probability of achieving a clinical pregnancy.Varios estudios han examinado las posibles relaciones entre los parámetros seminales y los resultados derivados de los tratamientos de infertilidad. Sin embargo, no hemos logrado establecer umbrales que puedan guiar a la hora de la decisión de que técnica de reproducción asistida (ART) se debe elegir.Se construyó una base de datos con los parámetros seminales y los resultados clínicos de los tratamientos de infertilidad para que se puedan investigar las interacciones relevantes entre ellos.Después de un análisis estadístico general de los parámetros seminales, se realizó un estudio de correlación entre aquellos y las tasas de embarazo por la técnica de tratamiento.Hubo un predominio de teratospermia y astenozoospermia, con fuertes correlaciones entre la edad y la motilidad total, así como correlaciones evidentes entre la concentración y la motilidad. En la población de estudio, el 41,8% ha visitado las consultas de infertilidad, presentando un tiempo medio de 2,9 años de infertilidad, y una edad media de 33,4 (hombres) y 31,9 (mujeres) años. De éstas, el 17,1% logró un embarazo espontáneo. De los tratamientos de ART realizados, 13,1% se debieron a la inseminación intrauterina (tasa de embarazo clínico del 10,2%, GC, con 6 recién nacidos, RN), el 24,9% en la fertilización in vitro (21.7 GC, RN 18) y 44,9% por microinyección intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides (25,3% GC, RN 40). Del análisis entre los parámetros seminales y las tasas de embarazo, para cada tipo de técnica de tratamiento, se observó una correlación significativa entre las técnicas, revelando los umbrales asociados a la probabilidad de lograr con éxito un embarazo clínico.Los datos sugieren que pueden ser creados los umbrales de referencia de los parámetros seminales para cada técnica de tratamiento, los cuales están más fuertemente asociados con la capacidad de lograr con éxito un embarazo clínico.

Halt biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges present nowadays. Either due to climatic changes or anthropogenic activities, a warning number of species have been listed as threatened for a possible risk of extinction. For these reasons and due to particular edaphoclimatic conditions, Thymus capitellatus, a near-threatened species, can only be found on Portugal’s southwest shore. Aqueous decoction (AD) extracts obtained from T. capitellatus aerial parts were analyzed to ascertain its phytochemical composition and evaluated for their neuroprotective and antidiabetic activities. HPLC-DAD analysis of the AD extracts revealed rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acids, and glycosidic derivatives of apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin, as the main components of this extract. Using acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition assay it was observed that the extracts show potential neuroprotective effect. Regarding antidiabetic activity, selective inhibition of α-glucosidase was observed, in contrast with a low inhibition of α-amylase, showing a potential for reducing intestinal sugar absorption.

There have been no recent descriptions of the spontaneous conversion of long-standing atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter (AFl) to sinus rhythm which, in the past, has been associated with rheumatic mitral valve disease and treatment with digoxin. We present 3 contemporary cases, all of whom progressed from AF to slow AFl and then spontaneously converted to slow sinus or junctional rhythm. None of these patients had rheumatic heart disease or were treated with digoxin. In conclusion, we believe that they provide support for the broader view that this uncommon phenomenon is associated with a severe atrial myopathy due to scar and inflammation.

The objective of this work was to optimize the spray drying of ginger juice using maltodextrin and to investigate the effect of carrier agent on physical and micro-structural properties of spray dried ginger powder. A laborator ypilot scale spray dryer was employed for spray drying process and commercial maltodextrin was used as carrier agents. Ginger powder obtained under optimized condition of maltodxtrin concentration and 165oC inlet temperature was evaluated for moisture content, water activity, particle size distribution, bulk density, true density, porosity, wettability flowability, dispersibility, and powder morphology. Micro-structural analysis revealed powder particles of various sizes and shapes however properties were within the desired range. Spray dried ginger powder can be used as natural ginger flavouring. Optimized spray drying parameters and powder properties pave the way for testing high sticky food material and mixing of different spray dried powders by surface modification for more advance powder processing.

Pythiosis is a life-threatening disease caused by the fungus-like microorganism Pythium insidiosum that can lead to death if not treated. Since P. insidiosum has particular cell wall characteristics, pythiosis is difficult to treat, as it does not respond well to traditional antifungal drugs. In our study, we investigated a new immunotherapeutic approach with potential use in treatment and in the acquisition of immunity against pythiosis. Dendritic cells from both human and mouse, pulsed with P. insidiosum heat-inactivated zoospore, (1,3)(1,6)-β-glucan and the immunotherapeutic PitiumVac® efficiently induced naïve T cell differentiation in a Th1 phenotype by the activation of specific Th1 cytokine production in vitro. Heat-inactivated zoospores showed the greatest Th1 response among the tested groups, with a significant increase in IL-6 and IFN-γ production in human cells. In mice cells, we also observed a Th17 pathway induction, with an increase on the IL-17A levels in lymphocytes cultured with β-glucan pulsed DCs. These results suggest a potential use of DCs pulsed with P. insidiosum antigens as a new therapeutic strategy in the treatment and acquisition of immunity against pythiosis.

Endurance is an equestrian modality that demands high requirement of organic systems in order to maintain organism's homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate hydroelectrolyte and acid-base balance during an endurance test performed by FEI* horses. Nine horses were subjected to three months of training and, at the end, performed a test similar to the official competitions of equestrian endurance, with 80 km of distance, divided into four stages. Clinical and blood samples were taken for analysis of lactate concentration and blood gas parameters before the start of the test, immediately after the arrival of each phase and, after 15, 30 minutes, 1, 4, 6 and 12 hours after the end of the race. Only five animals completed the race and the data from these animals were used for statistical analysis. There was predominance of aerobic metabolism and the horses showed a good recovery rate. The electrolytes chloride, sodium, potassium and calcium had their concentration decreased while bicarbonate increased with the course of the exercise. There was an increase in pH due to the development of mixed alkalosis, characterized by hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis and respiratory alkalosis. Good performance of the animals was attributed to sufficient metabolic adaptation induced by training.

The aim of this study was to conduct cytoarchitectonic studies and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunohistochemical analysis to delimit the cholinergic groups in the encephalon of the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris), a crepuscular Caviidae rodent native to the Brazilian Northeast. Three young adult animals were anesthetized and transcardially perfused. The encephala were cut in the coronal plane using a cryostat. We obtained 6 series of 30-μm-thick sections. The sections from one series were subjected to Nissl staining. Those from another series were subjected to immunohistochemistry for the enzyme ChAT, which is used in acetylcholine synthesis, to visualize the different cholinergic neural centers of the rock cavy. The slides were analyzed using a light microscope and the results were documented by description and digital photomicrographs. ChAT-immunoreactive neurons were identified in the telencephalon (nucleus accumbens, caudate-putamen, globus pallidus, entopeduncular nucleus and ventral globus pallidus, olfactory tubercle and islands of Calleja, diagonal band of Broca nucleus, nucleus basalis, and medial septal nucleus), diencephalon (ventrolateral preoptic, hypothalamic ventrolateral, and medial habenular nuclei), and brainstem (parabigeminal, laterodorsal tegmental, and pedunculopontine tegmental nuclei). These findings are discussed through both a functional and phylogenetic perspective.

RESUMO Enduro é uma modalidade equestre que demanda alta exigência dos sistemas orgânicos para que seja mantida a homeostasia do organismo. Objetivou-se avaliar o equilíbrio ácido-base e hidroeletrolítico durante uma prova de enduro realizada por equinos FEI*. Nove equinos foram submetidos a três meses de treinamento e, ao final, realizou-se prova similar às competições oficiais de enduro equestre, com trajeto de 80km, dividido em quatro etapas (anéis). Avaliações clínicas e coletas de amostras sanguíneas para análise da concentração de lactato e variáveis hemogasométricas foram realizadas no início da prova, imediatamente após a chegada de cada anel e, após 15 e 30 minutos, uma, quatro, seis e 12 horas do término da prova. Apenas cinco animais concluíram a prova e, para análise estatística, foram utilizados somente os dados destes animais. Houve predomínio do metabolismo aeróbio durante a prova e os animais mostraram bom índice de recuperação. Os eletrólitos cloreto, sódio, potássio e cálcio tiveram sua concentração diminuída, enquanto o bicarbonato aumentou no transcorrer do exercício. Os valores de pH aumentaram em decorrência do desenvolvimento de alcalose mista, caracterizada por alcalose metabólica hipoclorêmica e alcalose respiratória. O bom desempenho dos animais foi atribuído à suficiente adaptação metabólica induzida pelo treinamento.

Until now, only Lasiodiplodia theobromae has been reported in association with gummosis and dieback of cashew plants and other tropical fruit plants in northeastern Brazil. This study aims to identify and characterize species of Lasiodiplodia associated with gummosis and dieback on tropical fruit plants grown in Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí and Rio Grande do Norte States in northeastern Brazil with a description of two new species: Lasiodiplodia caatinguensis sp. nov. and Lasiodiplodia pontae sp. nov. Fungal identification was accomplished using a combination of morphophysiological and pathogenic characteristics, together with phylogenetic analyses based on partial translation elongation factor 1‐α sequence ( TEF 1‐α ), internal transcribed spacer ( ITS ) and β‐tubulin ( β‐tub ). Six species of Lasiodiplodia were identified as being associated with several tropical fruit species: Lasiodiplodia brasiliense ( Manilkara zapota , Mangifera indica and Spondias purpurea ), L. caatinguensis sp. nov. ( Anacardium occidentale , Citrus sinensis , S. purpurea and S. lutea ), L. euphorbicola ( Annona muricata and Cocos nucifera ), L. pontae sp. nov. ( A. occidentale and S. purpurea ), L. pseudotheobromae ( A. occidentale , S. purpurea and Tamarindus indica ) and L. theobromae ( A. occidentale , S. purpurea and Talisia esculenta ) . This is the first study to use molecular data of Lasiodiplodia taken from the stems and branches of Annona spp., A. occidentale , M. zapota , T. indica , T. esculenta and Spondias spp. After L. caatinguensis sp. nov., the species L. pseudotheobromae and L. theobromae were the second most frequent species. All identified species were able to cause necrotic lesions at different levels of severity when inoculated on mango fruits and young plants of Annona spp., cashew and Spondias spp.

Due to small occurrence of Thymus carnosus Boiss. in wild, it is considered a near threatened species. Apart from some individuals growing in botanical gardens, it can only be found in Portuguese south and southwest shore, and in Huelva, Spain. Only the essential oils of this species were analysed in previous works, with borneol being the main component, followed by camphene and terpinen-4-ol. The polyphenolic composition is still unknown, being the purpose of this work to identify and quantify the polyphenols in this thyme.

Species from Asteracea family have long been used in traditional medicine being described as important sources of bioactive compounds. Within this family, Santolina spp. have been used due to evidenced medicinal properties. This genus is widely distributed in the Mediterranean area and there has been a renewed interest in screening plants from this genus for novel biologically active compounds in order to unveil future industrial applications. Santolina rosmarinifolia L, a perennial shrub with lime-yellow aromatic foliage, presents multiple medicinal properties. To address the potential of S. rosmarinifolia as a source of bioactive products, the phytochemical profile and biological activity of hydroethanolic and of aqueous (decoction and infusion) extracts was made. Phytochemical evaluation was performed though spectrophotometric methods (total phenolics, flavonoids, ortho-diphenols, tannins, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavones and flavonols). Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by determining DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activities, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals, and superoxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Cytotoxicity against HepG2 and RAW264.7 cells was assessed, using alamar-blue assay. Results showed that phytochemical composition varied in aqueous extracts with infusion showing higher percentage of flavonoids and ortho-diphenols while decoction showed a lower amount of hydroxycinnamic acids. Regarding radical scavenging activities, aqueous extracts exhibited lower DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity compared to hydroethanolic extract. Both cell lines were susceptible to tested extracts at 24 and 48h. However, lower concentrations were required to induce higher cytotoxic effects in prolonged extract exposure (48h). In general, hydroethanolic extracts showed lower IC50 compared to aqueous extracts (at 24 and 48h exposure). Results presented here contribute to value this plant species as a possible source of bioactive phytochemicals with prospective physiological benefits, concerning to antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities.

Many plants belonging to the genus Thymus are endemic to the Mediterranean area. Cultivation of some Thymus species has increased in the past years due to their use in culinary and for essential oil extraction.