Vasodilator activity of the aqueous extract of Viscum album

The aqueous extract of Viscum album leaves showed a significant coronary vasodilator activity on the Langendorff's isolated and perfused heart model. The data obtained suggest that the aqueous extract of V. album contains some biologically active principles that may act as inducers of the nitric oxide/soluble guanylate cyclase pathway.     

Sperm Morphology Assessment in Captive Neotropical Primates

The main objective of this study was to evaluate sperm morphology in four neotropical primate species to compare the sperm morphological traits and the sperm morphometric parameters as a basis for establishing normative sperm standards for each species. Data from 80 ejaculates collected from four primate species, Callithrix jacchus, Callimico goeldii, Alouatta caraya and Ateles geoffroyi, were analysed for detection of sperm morphological alterations using subjective World Health Organization (WHO‐2010) standards and Sperm Deformity Index (SDI) criteria, objective computer‐assisted sperm morphometry analysis (CASMA) and subpopulation sperm determination (SSD) methods. There were multiple differences (p < 0.01) observed among primate species in values obtained from WHO‐2010, SDI, CASMA and SSD sperm analysis methods. In addition, multiple significant positive and negative correlations were observed between the sperm morphological traits (SDI, Sperm Deformity Index Head Defects, Sperm Deformity Index Midpiece Defects, Sperm Deformity Index Tail Defects, Normal Sperm, Head Defects, Midpiece Defects and Tail Defects) and the sperm morphometric parameters (SSD, Area (A), Perimeter (P), Length (L), Width (W), Ellipticity, Elongation and Rugosity) (p ≤ 0.046). In conclusion, our findings using different evaluation methods indicate that pronounced sperm morphological variation exists among these four neotropical primate species. Because of the strong relationship observed among morphological and morphometric parameters, these results suggest that application of objective analysis methods could substantially improve the reliability of comparative studies and help to establish valid normative sperm values for neotropical primates.     

French Bread Loaf Volume Variations and Digital Image Analysis of Crumb Grain Changes Induced by the Minor Components of Wheat Flour

A standard quality flour for French breadmaking was fractionated by extraction of water‐soluble components (6% db) and by defatting (<1%db) to study the impact of soluble components and lipids on bread quality in terms of loaf specific volume (v_s) and crumb structure. Addition of puroindolines (<0.2%) was also tested. Crumb cell structure was assessed by digital image analysis (DIA) according to erosion‐dilation and closing treatments. The fraction of cells area with size <1 mm (%d<1) was defined as an index of fineness of crumb structure. Both DIA procedures allowed differentiation of crumb structures obtained by various formulations and, in the range of composition modifications tested, variations by a factor of 2 of both criteria (v_s and %d1) were obtained. Soluble fraction increased v_s and decreased fineness. Defatting and adding puroindolines increased fineness with no effect on v_s. The possible role of molecular components of each flour fraction was discussed in terms of rheological and foaming properties. DIA methods and flour recipes tested in this work offer a valuable tool for further studies on the processing‐structure‐properties relationships of French bread dough and crumb.     

Unravelling the inheritance,QST and reproductive phenology attributes of the tetraploid tropical grass Brachiaria ruziziensis (Germain et Evrard)

The autotetraploid forage Congo signal grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) is an important component in the Brachiaria breeding programme. As with other tropical forage grass species, the association between flowering and seed yield components, the mode of inheritance and the effects of population structure on phenotypic breeding are lacking. Seventeen characteristics evaluated in 59 half‐sib progeny of seven subpopulations were analysed using a mixed model methodology. According to the commonality analysis, the total seed yield (0.67) and number of days to flowering (0.22) had a greater influence on the filled‐seed yield. The flowering synchrony, total number of panicles, filled‐seed yield, green matter yield and dry matter yield presented statistically significant additive genetic variance between and within the subpopulations. The Q_ST estimates ranged from 0.09 for the flowering synchrony index to 0.31 for the filled‐seed yield. The effects of population structure and its use in breeding programmes are further discussed.     

Active package for wild strawberry fruit (Fragaria vesca L.)

An antimicrobial active package has been developed to improve the safety and quality of wild strawberries, as well as extending their shelf life. The fruits were packed in equilibrium-modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP), and the effect on Botrytis cinerea growth and on the quality parameters of the fruit by the addition of different amounts of 2-nonanone, an antifungal volatile compound naturally present in strawberries, was investigated during storage at 10 and 22 degrees C. The temperature of 10 degrees C was chosen as the temperature used at points of sale, and 22 degrees C was chosen as the control temperature. Fungal growth was inhibited in all cases, possibly due to the synergistic effect of high CO2 partial pressures and the presence of the antifungal compound. Weight, soluble solids, titrable acidity, and anthocyanin losses were retarded by the presence of 2-nonanone. This effect was more pronounced as the 2-nonanone concentration was increased at both temperatures. Therefore, an active package that releases 2-nonanone inhibits fungal decay and delays the senescence of highly perishable wild strawberry fruit.     

Adult attractiveness and oviposition preference of Bemisia tabaci biotype B in soybean genotypes with different trichome density

Bemisia tabaci consists of a complex of morphologically indistinct biotypes, varying with respect to their host ranges and ability to transmit plant viruses. Biotype “B” has increased in importance at every growing season in soybean crops in Brazil. The objective was to evaluate B. tabaci biotype B infestations in 24 soybean genotypes, including cultivars of expression for planting and the main sources of insect resistance. The study was performed in a greenhouse with evaluations for adult attractiveness and oviposition preference (free-choice test); these parameters were correlated with trichome density. Three evaluations were carried out, and counts were obtained for number of adults, eggs, and trichomes on the abaxial surface of the leaves. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks (192 plots). In all three evaluations, “Coodetec 215” was the most attractive to adults; the least attractive cultivars were “IAC 18” (first); PI 274453, “IAC 18,” and D 75-10169 (second); and “IAC 24” (third). As to oviposition preference, “Coodetec 215” showed the highest mean in all evaluations; the lowest means corresponded to “IAC 18” (1st); PI 274453 (2nd); and PI 274453 and L1-1-01 (3rd). No significant correlation was observed between trichome density and oviposition preference and adult attractiveness. Considering all parameters and focusing on commercial germplasm, “IAC 24,” as well as “BRS Barreiras,” “IAC 18,” “IAC 17,” and “IAC 19” can be indicated for planting in regions and/or seasons where B. tabaci biotype B is a problem for soybean production or even in properties where other crops affected by this whitefly are grown simultaneously with soybean or after this legume is grown.     

Effects of palmitoylethanolamide on the cutaneous allergic inflammatory response in Ascaris hypersensitive Beagle dogs

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous lipid mediator with anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic properties. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of PEA on the cutaneous allergic inflammatory reaction induced by different immunological and non-immunological stimuli in hypersensitive dogs. Six spontaneously Ascaris hypersensitive Beagle dogs were challenged with intradermal injections of Ascaris suum extract, substance P and anti-canine IgE, before and after a single oral administration of PEA at doses of 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg. A significant reduction in wheal area induced by both antigen and anti-canine IgE challenge was observed after PEA administration. No significant differences were observed between the two higher doses studied, suggesting that the 10 mg/kg dose had exerted the maximum inhibitory effect. When blood levels of PEA were compared with the effects at different times, an evident correlation was obtained. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of PEA were more long-lasting than their plasma concentrations. The intradermal injection of substance P did not reveal any skin reaction (wheal or erythema formation) at any of the concentrations tested. In conclusion, PEA might constitute a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of allergic inflammatory skin diseases in companion animals.     

Cell cannibalism by malignant neoplastic cells: three cases in dogs and a literature review

Cell cannibalism refers to the engulfment of cells by nonprofessional phagocytic cells. Studies in human medicine have demonstrated a relationship between the presence of cell cannibalism by neoplastic cells and a poor outcome, and have shown a positive correlation with the presence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis. The biologic significance of cell cannibalism is unknown, but it is proposed that it may represent a novel mechanism of tumor immune evasion as a survival strategy in cases of unfavorable microenvironmental conditions. This report describes clinical and morphologic features of 3 cases of dogs with malignant neoplasia in which the presence of cellular cannibalism was observed in cytologic and histologic specimens. In the 1^st case, a dog with a primary tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma with metastasis to retropharyngeal lymph nodes had neoplastic epithelial cells engulfing neutrophils noted in cytologic examination of the lymph nodes. In the 2^nd case, neoplastic epithelial cells were seen engulfing each other in fine‐needle aspirates from a primary mammary carcinoma with lung metastasis. In the 3^rd case, poorly differentiated neoplastic mast cells from a recurrent, metastatic grade III mast cell tumor were observed cannibalizing eosinophils. A brief review of the literature describing known cell‐into‐cell relationships and the possible biologic significance and mechanisms involved in this phenomenon is provided. The relationship between cell cannibalism and distant metastasis should be explored in further studies, as it may prove to be a criterion of malignancy, as it is proposed in human medicine.