Distribution of GABAergic Neurons and VGluT1 and VGAT Immunoreactive Boutons in the Ferret (Mustela putorius) Piriform Cortex and Endopiriform Nucleus. Comparison With Visual Areas 17, 18 and 19

We studied the cellular organization of the piriform network [comprising the piriform cortex (PC) and endopiriform nucleus (EP)] of the ferret (Mustela putorius)-a highly excitable region prone to seizures-and, more specifically, the distribution and morphology of different types of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons, and the distribution and ratio of glutamatergic and GABAergic boutons, and we compared our findings to those in primary visual area 17, and secondary areas 18 and 19. We accomplished this by using cytochrome oxidase and immunohistochemistry for mature neuronal nuclei (NeuN), GABAergic neurons [glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 (GAD67), calretinin (CR) and parvalbumin (PV)], and for excitatory (vesicular glutamate transporter 1; VGluT1) and inhibitory (vesicular GABA transporter; VGAT) boutons. In the ferret, the cellular organization of the piriform network is similar to that described in other species such as cats, rats and opossums although some differences also exist. GABAergic immunolabeling showed similarities between cortical layers I-III of the PC and visual areas, such as the relative distribution of GABAergic neurons and the density and area of VGluT1- and VGAT-immunoreactive boutons. However, multiple differences between the piriform network and visual areas (layers I-VI) were found, such as the percentage of GABAergic neurons with respect to the total number of neurons and the ratio of VGluT1- and VGAT-immunoreactive boutons. These findings are relevant to better understand the high excitability of the piriform network.

Arsenic species uptake and translocation in Elodea canadensis

The capacity of Elodea canadensis to phytofiltrate arsenic species from water was evaluated. Plants were adapted to tap water and supplemented with 15 and 250 µg L^-1 of As. Inorganic arsenic species (As III, As V), and organic arsenic compounds: monomethylarsonate (MMA) and dimethylarsinate (DMA) were analyzed. Sampling was carried out at different times after exposure in culture water and plant organs. Plants exposed to 15 µg L^-1 of As concentration showed no significant difference on As concentration (95% confidence level) in their organs compared to controls. When plants were exposed to 250 µg L^-1 of As concentration, a significant increase of As concentration in plant organs was observed. After 1 h exposure, plants reduce 63.16% the As concentration in the culture water, with a bioaccumulation factor (BF) of 4.3. Under these conditions, E. canadensis accumulate As V in roots and do not translocate it to stems (transfer factor <1). MMA was determined in stems and leaves. E. canadensis effectively phytofiltrate As from tap water of a city located in an arsenic endemic area from concentrations of 36 µg L^-1 to undetectable levels (10 ng L^-1).

Artificial vagino-cervical stimulation modifies the frequency of uterine contractions during the estrous cycle of the female rat

Las contracciones uterinas (CU) pueden participar en importantes procesos reproductivos, como el transporte de espermatozoides y el parto. La evidencia indica que las CU pueden ser inducidas por hormonas y estimulación vaginocervical (EVC) a través de vías neuroendocrinas, incluida la actividad de las glándulas pituitaria y ovarios. Evaluamos la frecuencia de CU después de la EVC en diferentes fases del ciclo estral (CE) en ratas hembras adultas. Treinta y seis ratas hembras fueron anestesiadas, y sus cuernos uterinos fueron expuestos a través de una incisión abdominal. La EVC incluyó intromisiones vaginocervicales (IVC) y distensión vaginal mediante la inserción de un tapón de silicón para imitar los efectos del tapón posteyaculatorio. El número de CU se midió: 1) antes y después de las IVC, 2) durante la distensión vaginal por el tapón de silicón, y después de que se retiró. Comparamos el efecto de la EVC en la cantidad de CU durante las diferentes etapas de la CE de ratas. Los resultados indicaron que la frecuencia de la CU basal fue mayor durante el proestro tardío y menor durante el diestro. Además, las intromisiones dieron como resultado una mayor actividad uterina. La EVC aumentó el número de contracciones durante todas las fases de la CE, excepto durante el diestro. Discutimos el papel de las hormonas y la estimulación sexual en la CU, y su posible implicación en los procesos reproductivos de las hembras.

Simultaneous Bilateral “Malignant Glaucoma” Attack in a Patient with no Antecedent Eye Surgery or Miotics

Malignant glaucoma is a term commonly used to describe a condition characterized by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure, usually occuring after eye surgery. This report describes a case of malignant glaucoma simultaneously presenting in both eyes, with no antecedent eye disease, medication or surgery. As far as we know this is the first report of spontaneous bilateral glaucoma. Both eyes were operated on according to the technique described by Chandler et al. (1), and the condition was solved. We suggest that, despite its rarity in eyes with no antecedent disease or ocular therapy, a surgeon should be aware of this condition.

Spinal cord neuronal components involved in the reflex activity of female rat pubococcygeus motoneurons

Evoked EMG reflex activity from the pubococcygeus muscle of female Wistar rats has been reported, but has not been carefully analyzed. Here, we studied this reflex activity through mechanical stimulation of the clitoris, perigenital skin, caudal vagina and foot, all of which produced bilateral reflex multiunit electromyographic (MEMG) tonic "on" activity and displayed a rapid adaptation. However, deep vagina and cervical stimulation did not modify MEMG baseline activity even if it was combined with clitoris, perigenital skin and foot stimulation. Electrical stimulation of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris produced bilateral MEMG activity that when recorded at fast sweep speed, it was possible to observe that the ipsilateral response had an 8 ms latency, while the contralateral response had a 10 ms latency. These data suggest that bilateral reflex activation of pubococcygeus muscle motoneurons is produced by several sensory sources in which a specialized neural circuitry of afferent and efferent components and several spinal cord interneurons are involved. This is in accordance with the multi functionality of this muscle in reproductive and behavioral processes.

The metabolic effects of mercury during the biological cycle of vines (Vitis vinifera)

Mercury (Hg) is a major environmental pollutant that can be disposed to the environment by human activities, reaching crops like vineyards during irrigation with contaminated waters. A 2-year study was performed to monitor Hg variations during reproductive and vegetative stages of vines after Hg supplementation. Variations were focused on total Hg concentration, the molecular weight of Hg fractions and Hg-proteins associations in roots, stems and leaves. Total Hg concentrations increased during reproductive stages and decreased during vegetative stages. Variations in length of these stages were observed, according to an extension of the vegetative period. Six months post Hg administration, in roots, stems and leaves, initial Hg proteic fractions of 200 kDa were catabolized to 66 kDa fractions according to a transition from reproductive to vegetative stages. However, 24 months after Hg supplementation, the 66 kDa Hg proteic fraction was continuously determined in a prolonged senescence. Accordingly, the identified proteins associated to Hg show catabolic functions such as endopeptidases, hydrolases, glucosidases and nucleosidases. Stress associated proteins, like peroxidase and chitinase were also found associated to Hg. During the reproductive periods of vines, Hg was associated to membrane proteins, such as ATPases and lipid transfer proteins, especially in roots where Hg is absorbed.

HIV-2 infection is associated with preserved GALT homeostasis and epithelial integrity despite ongoing mucosal viral replication

The mechanisms that enable preservation of gut mucosal integrity during persistent viral replication and inherent inflammation remain unclear. Here, we investigated, for the first time, gut homeostasis in HIV-2 infection, a naturally occurring form of attenuated HIV disease. We found viral replication in both sigmoid and ileum of asymptomatic HIV-2+ patients (range: 240-851 circulating CD4+T-cells per μl) despite their undetectable viremia, accompanied by interferon-γ-producing CD8 T-cell expansion, irrespective of antiretroviral treatment. Nevertheless, there was no CD4 T-cell depletion, and Foxp3+ and IL-17- or IL-22-producing CD4 T-cell numbers were unaffected. Moreover, IL-22-producing innate lymphoid cells and IL-22-induced antimicrobial peptides and mucins were maintained. In agreement, the epithelium histology was preserved, including tight junction protein zonula occludens (ZO-1) levels. Furthermore, in vitro infection of colon epithelia with primary isolates revealed no HIV-2 impact on ZO-1 expression. Notably, sigmoid transcriptional levels of CCL20 and CCL28 were significantly increased, in direct correlation with GM-CSF, indicating a local response able to enhance CD4 T-cell recruitment. In conclusion, maintenance of mucosal integrity in HIV-2 infection was associated with T-cell recruitment responses, potentially counteracting CD4 T-cell depletion due to HIV-2 replication. These data have unique implications for the design of therapies targeting gut homeostasis in HIV-1 infection and other chronic inflammatory settings.

Hormonal Treatment Effects on the Cross-sectional Area of Pubococcygeus Muscle Fibers After Denervation and Castration in Male Rats

We explore the interaction of muscle innervation and gonadal hormone action in the pubococcygeus muscle (Pcm) after castration and hormone replacement. Male Wistar rats were castrated and the Pcm was unilaterally denervated; after 2 or 6 weeks, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of Pcm fibers was assessed. Additional groups of castrated rats were used to examine the effects of hormone replacement. At 2 weeks post surgeries, rats were implanted with Silastic capsules containing either dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol benzoate (EB) or both hormones, and the CSA of Pcm fibers was assessed after 4 weeks of hormone treatment. At 2 weeks post surgeries, gonadectomy without hormone replacement resulted in reductions in the CSA of Pcm fibers, and denervation combined with castration increased the magnitude of this effect; further reductions in CSA were present at 6 weeks post surgeries, but again denervation combined with castration increased the magnitude of this effect. Hormone replacement with DHT resulted in hypertrophy in the CSA of nondenervated muscles compared to those of intact normal males, but this effect was attenuated in denervated muscles. Hormone replacement with EB treatment prevented further castration-induced reductions in CSA of nondenervated muscles, but denervation prevented this effect. Similar to that seen with treatment with EB alone, combined treatment with both DHT and EB prevented further reductions in CSA of Pcm fibers in nondenervated muscles, but again denervation attenuated this effect. Thus, while hormone replacement can reverse or prevent further castration-induced atrophy of Pcm fibers, these effects are dependent on muscle innervation. Anat Rec, 300:1327-1335, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Rapid conversions and avoided deforestation: examining four decades of industrial plantation expansion in Borneo

New plantations can either cause deforestation by replacing natural forests or avoid this by using previously cleared areas. The extent of these two situations is contested in tropical biodiversity hotspots where objective data are limited. Here, we explore delays between deforestation and the establishment of industrial tree plantations on Borneo using satellite imagery. Between 1973 and 2015 an estimated 18.7 Mha of Borneo's old-growth forest were cleared (14.4 Mha and 4.2 Mha in Indonesian and Malaysian Borneo). Industrial plantations expanded by 9.1 Mha (7.8 Mha oil-palm; 1.3 Mha pulpwood). Approximately 7.0 Mha of the total plantation area in 2015 (9.2 Mha) were old-growth forest in 1973, of which 4.5-4.8 Mha (24-26% of Borneo-wide deforestation) were planted within five years of forest clearance (3.7-3.9 Mha oil-palm; 0.8-0.9 Mha pulpwood). This rapid within-five-year conversion has been greater in Malaysia than in Indonesia (57-60% versus 15-16%). In Indonesia, a higher proportion of oil-palm plantations was developed on already cleared degraded lands (a legacy of recurrent forest fires). However, rapid conversion of Indonesian forests to industrial plantations has increased steeply since 2005. We conclude that plantation industries have been the principle driver of deforestation in Malaysian Borneo over the last four decades. In contrast, their role in deforestation in Indonesian Borneo was less marked, but has been growing recently. We note caveats in interpreting these results and highlight the need for greater accountability in plantation development.

Determination of seleno-amino acids bound to proteins in extra virgin olive oils

An analytical method has been developed to determine seleno-amino acids in proteins extracted from extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs). Different aqueous/organic solvents were tested to isolate proteins, an acetone:n-hexane combination being the best protein precipitant. In a first dimension chromatography, extracted proteins were analysed by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to identify S and Se associations as proteins marker. Two fractions of 66 kDa (A) and 443 kDa (B) were identified. These fractions were submitted to microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis (MAAH) to release seleno-amino acids. In a second dimension chromatography seleno-amino acids were determined by reversed-phase chromatography (RPC) coupled to ICP-MS. Seleno-methylselenocysteine was determined with values ranging from 1.03-2.03±0.2 μg kg(-1) and selenocysteine at a concentration of 1.47±0.1 μg kg(-1). Variations of protein and seleno-amino acid concentrations were observed between EVOO varieties, contributing to EVOO cultivar differentiation.

Coital Urinary Incontinence Induced by Impairment of the Dorsal Nerve of the Clitoris in Rats

PURPOSE

We determined the effect of chronic bilateral neurectomy of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris on urinary parameters and sexual behavior of conscious female rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 18 anesthetized virgin female Wistar rats were used in this study, including 11 that underwent bilateral neurectomy of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris and 7 that underwent sham surgery. Urinary parameters were determined in awake animals preoperatively, and 3 and 10 days postoperatively. Sexual behavior was tested 14 days postoperatively to determine whether the females expelled urine during sexual encounters. After male ejaculation the females were anesthetized with urethane to record external urethral sphincter electromyogram activity in response to clitoris, perigenital skin and vaginal stimulation. Neurectomy was corroborated anatomically.

RESULTS

Sham surgery did not significantly modify urinary parameter values. However, bilateral neurectomy of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris significantly increased voiding frequency and voiding duration (p <0.05). It did not significantly affect the flow rate, voided volume or voiding interval. Of females that underwent bilateral neurectomy of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris 67% expelled urine just after male ejaculation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the pudendal nerve is an important neural pathway in the convergence and crosstalk of female urogenital neural circuits, and genital deafferentation may be a causal factor of coital urinary incontinence. Rats with bilateral transection of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris may serve as an animal model of coital incontinence.

Differential damage and repair responses of pubococcygeus and bulbospongiosus muscles in multiparous rabbits

AIM

To determine the extent of damage and regeneration associated with multiparity on the pubococcygeus and bulbospongiosus muscles.

METHODS

Age-matched virgin nulliparous and multiparous rabbits that were killed at days 3 and 20 after the fourth delivery were used to harvest pubococcygeus and bulbospongiosus muscles. The activity of the lysosomal enzyme β-glucuronidase was used as a muscle damage indicator. The number of immunoreactive myofiber-associated nuclei anti-Pax7, -MyoD, and -myogenin, as well as the anti-desmin immunoreactive area were measured in muscle sections to estimate some regenerative stages. Significant differences were considered at a P ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

The β-glucuronidase activity was increased at postpartum day 20 in the pubococcygeus muscle. This variable was unaltered in the bulbospongiosus muscles of multiparas regardless of the postpartum day on which this was measured. The number of immunoreactive nuclei anti-Pax7 in the pubococcygeus muscle was similar between nulliparas and multiparas, whilst those of anti-MyoD and anti-myogenin were increased at postpartum days 3 and 20. The same was true for these latter three markers evaluated in the bulbospongiosus muscles, supporting an ongoing regeneration. The desmin-positive percentage of muscle area per field was increased at postpartum day 20 in the pubococcygeus muscle, whilst such an increment was seen at postpartum days 3 and 20 in the bulbospongiosus muscles.

CONCLUSIONS

Damage and regeneration of the pubococcygeus and bulbospongiosus muscles are differently influenced by multiparity in rabbits. This could rely on the anatomical location, metabolism, myofiber composition, and muscle exertion during pregnancy and/or the delivery of each muscle.

HA, Pacheco P, Martínez-Gómez M, Castelán F, Cuevas E. Farnesoid X receptor immunolocalization in reproductive tissues of adult female rabbits

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) has been involved in lipid metabolism, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and aromatase expression, as well as in the steroid synthesis and signaling. Considering that these events occur in reproductive tissues in females, the aim of the present study was to determine the immunolocalization of FXR in the ovary, oviduct, uterus, and vagina of rabbits. Rabbits were sacrificed and their reproductive tissues were excised and histologically processed. Immunohistochemistry for FXR was done and reproductive tissues were photographed. FXR immunoreactivity was found in all types of ovarian follicles, ovarian stroma, and corpus luteum of virgin and pregnant rabbits. Also, oviductal and vaginal epithelium of virgins, as well as the oviductal smooth muscle, showed anti-FXR immunoreactivity. The uterine epithelium and musculature of virgins had scarce anti-FXR immunoreactivity. Although the role of FXR in female reproductive tissues is still not known, it is possible to consider various functions related to the reproductive tissue.

Helicobacter pylori identification: a diagnostic/confirmatory method for evaluation

The Helicobacter pylori extra gastric reservoir is probably the oral cavity. In order to evaluate the presence of this bacterium in patients with periodontitis and suspicious microbial cultures, saliva was collected from these and non-periodontitis subjects. PCRs targeting 16S rRNA gene and a 860 bp specific region were performed, and digested with the restriction enzyme DdeI. We observed that the PCR-RFLP approach augments the accuracy from 26.2 % (16/61), found in the PCR-based results, to 42.6 % (26/61), which is an excellent indicator for the establishment of this low-cost procedure as a diagnostic/confirmatory method for H. pylori evaluation.

Preconcentration of seleno-amino acids on a XAD resin and determination in regional olive oils by SPE UPLC-ESI-MS/MS

This study describes a method for seleno-amino acids determination in Argentinean olive oils. Preliminary total selenium determination in olive oils probed low concentrations (62.8±1.6 to 117.4±3.0 μg/kg) and the necessity of implementing a preconcentration method. To this end a XAD® resin was employed as sorbent for selenomethionine (Se-Met), selenomethylselenocysteine (Se-MetSeCys), and selenocysteine (Se-Cys) preconcentration. Determinations were performed by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Recoveries were between 84% and 97% for the seleno-amino acids studied, reaching a detection limit of 0.09 μg/kg, a precision of 10% (RSD, n=6), and an enhancement factor of 60-fold (6 for the extraction system and 10 for the preconcentration approach). The only detected Se species in the olive oils was Se-MetSeCys in concentrations ranging from 2.0 to 8.3 μg/kg.