The gametic synapse: RNA transfer to the bovine oocyte.

Even after several decades of quiescent storage in the ovary, the female germ cell is capable of reinitiating transcription to build the reserves that are essential to support early embryonic development. In the current model of mammalian oogenesis, there exists bilateral communication between the gamete and the surrounding cells that is limited to paracrine signaling and direct transfer of small molecules via gap junctions existing at the end of the somatic cells' projections that are in contact with the oolemma. The purpose of this work was to explore the role of cumulus cell projections as a means of conductance of large molecules, including RNA, to the mammalian oocyte.

Erasing the past: a new identity for the Damoclean pathogen causing South American leaf blight of rubber.

Background: South American leaf blight (SALB) of rubber has been the main constraint to production in its neotropical centre of origin since commercial plantations were first established. The fungal causal agent was identified and described more than a century ago but its precise placement within the Ascomycota still remains uncertain. Indeed, such is the ambiguity surrounding the pathogen that each of the spore morphs would, according to their present classification, be placed in different ascomycete families: the Microcyclus sexual morph in the Planistromellaceae and the two purported asexual morphs--Fusicladium and Aposphaeria--in the Venturiaceae and Lophiostomataceae, respectively.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the essential oil from leaves of Xylopia laevigata in experimental models.

Xylopia laevigata (Annonaceae) is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation. Thus, we investigated the possible antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory effects of X. laevigata leaf essential oil (EOX) in animal models.

A new Inocyclus species (Parmulariaceae) on the neotropical fern Pleopeltis astrolepis.

During a survey for fungal pathogens associated with ferns in Brazil, a tar spot-causing fungus was found on fronds of Pleopeltis astrolepis. This was recognised as belonging to Inocyclus (Parmulariaceae). After comparison with other species in the genus, it was concluded that the fungus on P.

Motor task performance under vibratory feedback early poststroke: single center, randomized, cross-over, controlled clinical trial.

Stroke rehabilitation is far from meeting patient needs in terms of timing, intensity and quality. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of an innovative technological tool, combining 3D motion analysis with targeted vibratory feedback, on upper-limb task performance early poststroke (<4 weeks). The study design was a two-sequence, two-period, randomized, crossover trial (NCT01967290) in 44 patients with upper-limb motor deficit (non-plegic) after medial cerebral artery ischemia.

Indole alkaloids from marine sources as potential leads against infectious diseases.

Indole alkaloids comprise a large and complex class of natural products found in a variety of marine sources. Infectious diseases remain a major threat to public health, and in the absence of long-term protective vaccines, the control of these infectious diseases is based on a small number of chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, the emerging resistance against these drugs makes it urgently necessary to discover and develop new, safe and, effective anti-infective agents.

First Report of Downy Mildew (Hyaloperonospora lunariae) on White Mustard (Sinapis alba) in Brazil.

Sinapis alba (Brassicaceae), white mustard, is broadly cultivated for its seed used as component of table mustard (4). In June 2013, a group of diseased S. alba were observed in a vegetable garden on the campus of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (municipality of Viçosa, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil).

Implementation and Outcomes of a Collaborative Multi-Center Network Aimed at Web-Based Cognitive Training - COGWEB Network.

Background: Cognitive care for the most prevalent neurologic and psychiatric conditions will only improve through the implementation of new sustainable approaches. Innovative cognitive training methodologies and collaborative professional networks are necessary evolutions in the mental health sector.

Objective: The objective of the study was to describe the implementation process and early outcomes of a nationwide multi-organizational network supported on a Web-based cognitive training system (COGWEB).

Dynamic hip screw for the treatment of femoral neck fractures: a prospective study with 96 patients.

Unlabelled: Objectives. To study the correlation between avascular necrosis and the demographics, time elapsed from fracture to surgery, quality of reduction, Garden classification, and the position of the screw following use of the dynamic hip screw (DHS) in the treatment of subcapital neck fractures. Methods.

Evidence for the involvement of spinal cord-inhibitory and cytokines-modulatory mechanisms in the anti-hyperalgesic effect of hecogenin acetate, a steroidal sapogenin-acetylated, in mice.

Hecogenin is a steroidal sapogenin largely drawn from the plants of the genus Agave, commonly known as 'sisal', and is one of the important precursors used by the pharmaceutical industry for the synthesis of steroid hormones. Hecogenin acetate (HA) is a steroidal sapogenin-acetylated that produces antinociceptive activity. Thus, we evaluate the antihyperalgesic profile of HA in mice in inflammatory models, as well as its possible involvement with c-fos expression on spinal cord area and cytokines to produces analgesic profile.

First Report of Stigmina palmivora Causing Leaf Spots on Phoenix roebelenii in Brazil.

Phoenix roebelenii (Arecaceae), known as dwarf date (tamareira-anã in Brazil), is a palm native to Southeast Asia and widely cultivated worldwide because of its ornamental value and ease of adaptation to a broad range of climates and soil types (4). In June 2012, some individuals were observed in a private garden in the municipality of Viçosa (state of Minas Gerais, Brazil) bearing numerous necrotic lesions on its leaves. Representative samples were taken, dried in a plant press, and brought to the laboratory for examination.

Chemical communication of predation risk in zebrafish does not depend on cortisol increase.

We investigated chemical cues among groups of zebrafish (Danio rerio) when communicating information about the risk of predation. We found that visual cues of the predator (tiger Oscar, Astronotus ocellatus) did not increase whole-body cortisol levels in groups of zebrafish but that water conditioned by these (donor) zebrafish stressed (target) conspecifics, thereby increasing whole-body cortisol. This finding was confirmed when these zebrafish groups were in different aquaria and communicated exclusively via water transfer.

Web-based cognitive training: patient adherence and intensity of treatment in an outpatient memory clinic.

Background: Cognitive training has been playing an increasing role in the treatment of patients with cognitive deficits. This type of intervention, namely its intensity, can be optimized by incorporating information technology-based systems.

Objective: The intent of the study was to determine the treatment intensity and patient adherence to home-based cognitive training strategies (Web-based cognitive training).

Rhagadolobiopsis, a new genus of Parmulariaceae from Brazil with a description of the ontogeny of its ascomata.

During a survey of the mycobiota of selected Brazilian ferns we discovered a new genus of Parmulariaceae causing tar spot-like symptoms on leaves of Thelypteris serrata (Thelypteridaceae). The new genus and species, decribed as Rhagadolobiopsis thelypteridis, differs from morphologically similar species of Rhagadolobium in possessing colorless, aseptate ascospores and a hymenial gel that does not become blue with iodine. In addition this is the first record of a fungus on T.

Reappraisal of the genus Alternariaster (Dothideomycetes).

Alternariaster was erected in 2007 to accommodate Alternaria helianthi, a fungal species known to cause leaf spots on Helianthus annuus (sunflower). It was segregated from Alternaria based on conidial morphology. Recently an unknown alternaria-like dematiaceous fungus was found associated with leaf spots on Bidens sulphurea (yellow cosmos) in Brazil.

Cortisol influences the antipredator behavior induced by chemical alarm cues in the Frillfin goby.

We evaluated the effect of increased plasma cortisol levels on fish antipredator behavior induced by conspecific chemical alarm cues. The experimental model for the study was the Frillfin goby Bathygobius soporator. We first confirmed that the alarm substance induces typical defensive antipredator responses in Frillfin gobies and described their alarm substance cells (epidermal 'club' cells).

Efficacy and tolerability of low-volume (2 L) versus single- (4 L) versus split-dose (2 L + 2 L) polyethylene glycol bowel preparation for colonoscopy: randomized clinical trial.

Background And Aim: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of a low-volume (2-L) polyethylene glycol (PEG) regimen for colonoscopy compared to single (4-L) or split-dose (2-L + 2-L) regimens.

Methods: In-hospital patients who were candidates for colonoscopy were randomly assigned to: group 1 single-dose (PEG 4 L the day before the study, n = 60); group 2: split-dose (2 L the day before and 2 L on the day of the procedure, n = 61); and group 3: low-volume 2-L PEG solution (the day of the procedure, n = 59). A blinded evaluation of the quality of colonic preparation was assessed by the Boston bowel preparation scale.

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin predicts kidney outcome and death in patients with cirrhosis and bacterial infections.

Background & Aims: Infections in cirrhosis are frequently complicated by kidney dysfunction that entails a poor prognosis. Urinary biomarkers may be of potential clinical usefulness in this setting. We aimed at assessing the value of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), a biomarker overexpressed in kidney tubules during kidney injury, in predicting clinical outcomes in cirrhosis with infections.

Passalora stromatica sp. nov. associated with leaf spots of Tithonia diversifolia in Brazil.

Tithonia diversifolia, a member of Compositae native to Central America that produces showy sunflower-like flowers, became an invasive weed in other continents after it was introduced as an ornamental. Little is known about fungal pathogens infecting this plant. Knowledge of its mycobiota is of interest for future biocontrol programmes for T.

First Report of Rhizoctonia solani AG-1-IB Causing Leaf Blight of Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) in Brazil.

Rumex acetosa L., common name sorrel (in Brazil, azedinha), is an herb from Europe and Asia commonly used either as a vegetable or a medicinal plant (1). No pathogen has been recorded on this plant species in Brazil, where it has been promoted as an alternative vegetable crop.

First Report of Gray Mold (Amphobotrys ricini) on Copperleaf (Acalypha wilkesiana) in Brazil.

Acalypha wilkesiana (Euphorbiaceae), common names copperleaf or Jacob's coat (in Brazil, crista-de-peru), is a popular ornamental native from the Pacific islands. It is widely used in gardens in Brazil (4). In January 2012, a group of diseased A.

Energy expenditure during gait in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate energy expenditure in gait by mucopolysaccharidosis affected patients by means of a simple and adequate to the clinical environment methodology.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out comparing energy expenditure during gait in 19 patients suffering from mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS Group) with 19 asymptomatic control individuals (Control Group). Energy expenditure was measured in calories (cal) using a Polar telemetric watch (model FT7) during a 50 meter walk.

Terlipressin and albumin for type-1 hepatorenal syndrome associated with sepsis.

Background & Aims: Terlipressin and albumin is the standard of care for classical type-1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) not associated with active infections. However, there is no information on efficacy and safety of this treatment in patients with type-1 HRS associated with sepsis. Study aim was to investigate the effects of early treatment with terlipressin and albumin on circulatory and kidney function in patients with type-1 HRS and sepsis and assess factors predictive of response to therapy.