Biocompatibility of layered double hydroxides (LDHs), also known as hydrotalcite-like materials or double metal hydroxides, was investigated by in vivo assays via intramuscular tablets implantation in rat abdominal wall. The tablets were composed by chloride ions intercalated into LDH of magnesium/aluminum (Mg2Al-Cl) and zinc/aluminum (Zn2Al-Cl). The antigenicity and tissue integration capacity of LDHs were assessed histologically after 7 and 28 days post-implantation. No fibrous capsule nearby the LDH was noticed for both materials as well any sign of inflammatory reactions. Sidestream Dark Field imaging, used to monitor in real time the microcirculation in tissues, revealed overall integrity of the microcirculatory network neighboring the tablets, with no blood flow obstruction, bleeding and/or increasing of leukocyte endothelial adhesion. After 28 days Mg2Al-Cl promoted multiple collagen invaginations (mostly collagen type-I) among its fragments while Zn2Al-Cl induced predominantly collagen type–III. This work supports previous results in the literature about LDHs compatibility with living matter, endorsing them as functional materials for biomedical applications.

Background:Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. Ex. Fr) Karst is a basidiomycete mushroom that has been used for many years as a food supplement and medicine. In Brazil, National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) classified Ganoderma lucidum as a nutraceutical product. The objective of the present work was to observe the effects of an extract from Ganoderma lucidum in rats treated with streptozotocin, and an agent that induces diabetes. Method: Male Wistar rats were obtained from the animal lodging facilities of both University Nove de Julho (UNINOVE) and Lusiada Universitary Center (UNILUS) with approval from the Ethics Committee for Animal Research. Animals were separated into groups: (1) C: Normoglycemic control water; (2) CE: Normoglycemic control group that received hydroethanolic extract (GWA); (3) DM1 + GWA: Diabetic group that received extract GWA; and (4) DM1: Diabetic group that received water. The treatment was evaluated over a 30-day period. Food and water were weighted, and blood plasma biochemical analysis performed. Results: G. lucidum extract contained beta-glucan, proteins and phenols. Biochemical analysis indicated a decrease of plasma glycemic and lipid levels in DM rats induced with streptozotocin and treated with GWA extract. Histopathological analysis from pancreas of GWA-treated DM animals showed preservation of up to 50% of pancreatic islet total area when compared to the DM control group. In plasma, Kyn was present in diabetic rats, while in treated diabetic rats more Trp was detected. Conclusion: Evaluation from G. lucidum extract in STZ-hyperglycemic rats indicated that the extract possesses hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. Support: Proj. CNPq 474681/201.

The Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch (Sporophila angolensis) is a bird constantly sought after as a cage bird, which is the main threat and the cause of its disappearance from the most inhabited regions of the country. Paramyxovirus, present in most breeding sites and Ecological Parks, is the disease that most affects birds with a high mortality rate, causing significant losses, both economic and to nature. Avian paramyxoviruses belong to the family Paramyxoviridae, which includes 21 serotypes (APMVs-1-21). Serotypes 2 and 3 are the ones that most infect passerines. Type 2 causes respiratory disorders, while the disease caused by serotype 3 is characterized by pancreatitis, conjunctivitis, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspnea, dysphagia, pancreatitis, CNS symptoms, and death. Free-ranging birds can act as viral reservoirs and spread the disease when subjected to stress factors. During the period of 2009, during the illegal commercialization of Brazilian birds, 218 Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch were apprehended and sent to the CRAS (Wild Animals Recovery Center) of the Tietê Ecological Park. Of these, 112 arrived dead and the rest died during the year. About 35 birds were sent to the Electron Microscopy Laboratory of the Biological institute, for research on viral agents. During the necropsy, it was observed that the intestines were dilated, containing yellowish and watery stools. Small intestine fragments were processed by negative staining (rapid preparation), antigen immunolabeling with colloidal gold particles and resin embedding. Under the transmission electron microscope, using the negative staining technique, pleomorphic, rounded or elongated, enveloped paramyxovirus particles containing helical herring-bone like nucleocapsid, measuring between 100 and 500 nm in diameter, were visualized in the samples of all birds. The antigen-antibody reaction was enhanced by colloidal gold particles. Ultrathin sections of the small intestine revealed the presence of nuclei with marginalized chromatin, containing intranuclear inclusions; amorphous intracytoplasmic inclusions, formed by helical nucleocapsids, complete particles measuring from 100 to 250 nm and incomplete ones, budding from the plasma membrane.

Abstract-In recent year's fish farming has greatly increased in