Effect of protein supplementation on yield and milk composition of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows kept in deferred pasture of brachiaria grass / [Efeito da suplementação de proteína na produção e na composição do leite de F1 vacas Holandês x Zebu mantidas em pasto diferido de capim-braquiária]

The objective of this study was to evaluate different supplementation strategies concentrated to F1 Holstein x Zebu lactating cows managed in deferred signal grass pasture on the yield and composition of milk and body weight gain. Thirty six F1 Holstein x Zebu cows with an average lactation period of 267 ± 10 days, mean body weight of 548 ± 19kg were used following a completely randomized design in a 4 x 5 factorial scheme, being four feeding strategies and five days under evaluation. The treatments consisted of four nutritional strategies: deferred pasture as a source of roughage without supplementation (PDSS); deferred pasture as a source of roughage with protein supplement offer (PDCS); deferred pasture supplemented with 15 kilos of corn silage (natural base) + 1,200 grams of protein supplement (PDSP) and corn silage (ad libitum) + 700 grams of protein supplement (SMP). There was no interaction (P> 0.05) between the nutritional plans and days under evaluation for any of the variables. It was found that cows fed SMP showed milk production 26.06% higher than the other nutritional plans (mean of 11.46kg/day). F1 Holstein/Zebu cows handled in deferred pasture in a traditional way supplemented with protein maintains milk yield.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar diferentes planos nutricionais para vacas F1 Holandês/Zebu mantidas em pasto diferido de capim-braquiária sobre a produção e a composição do leite e no ganho em peso corporal. Foram utilizadas 36 vacas F1 Holandês/Zebu com período médio de lactação de 267 ± 10 dias, peso corporal médio de 548 ± 19kg, seguindo o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 4 x 5, sendo quatro estratégias de alimentação e cinco dias em avaliação. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro planos nutricionais: pasto diferida como fonte de forragem sem suplementação (PDSS); pastagem diferida como fonte de forragem com oferta de suplemento de proteico (PDCS); pasto diferido suplementado com 15 quilos de silagem de milho (base natural) + 1.200 gramas de suplemento proteico (PDSP) e silagem de milho (ad libitum) + 700 gramas de suplemento de proteína (SMP). Verificou-se que as vacas alimentadas com SMP apresentaram produção de leite 26,06% superior aos demais planos nutricionais (média de 11,46kg/dia). Vacas F1 Holandês/Zebu tratadas em pastagem diferida de maneira tradicional, suplementada com proteína, mantêm o rendimento de leite.(AU)

Parâmetros zootécnicos e desenvolvimento da moela de frangos de corte em dietas de sorgo grão e a inclusão de carotenoides / Zootechnical parameters and gizzard development of broilers fed with sorghum grain and carotenoid supplementation

Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição do milho pelo sorgo grão, moído ou inteiro, e a inclusão de carotenoides sintéticos em rações de frangos de corte, sobre parâmetros zootécnicos e desenvolvimento da moela. Utilizaram-se 960 frangos, machos e fêmeas, da linhagem Cobb 500, que foram submetidos a quatro dietas: à base de milho (M), à base de sorgo moído (SM) ou ainda acrescido de carotenoides sintéticos (SMC) e à base de sorgo inteiro (SI). Foram avaliados peso vivo, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça e cortes, peso de moela. A ração de SI proporcionou maior desenvolvimento de moela, embora, aos sete dias, não tenha havido diferenças no peso vivo e na conversão alimentar entre as dietas. SM e SMC proporcionaram maiores valores de peso vivo aos 28 dias do que SI. As conversões alimentares real e tradicional aos 40 dias foram semelhantes para as rações de sorgo, com um melhor rendimento de carcaça em SM e SMC. O sorgo moído pode substituir integralmente o milho nas rações para frangos de corte, sem comprometimento de desempenho e rendimento de carcaça, e, na forma grão inteiro, é zootecnicamente viável.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the replacement of corn with ground or whole grain sorghum and the inclusion of carotenoids in broiler feed on zootechnical parameters and gizzard development. A total of 960 Cobb 500 broilers, half of each sex, were submitted to four feeds: ground corn (M), ground sorghum (SM) ground sorghum with carotenoid supplementation (SMC) and whole grain sorghum (SI). Body weight, feed intake and feed conversion, carcass and cuts yield, gizzard weight were evaluated. SI feed provided a greater development of gizzard, however at 7 days there were no differences in body weight and feed conversions between diets. SM and SMC provided higher values of body weight at 28 days than SI feed. Feed conversion at 40 days were the same for the sorghum feeds with a better carcass yield in SM and SMC. Ground sorghum can completely replace corn in broiler diets without compromising performance and carcass yield, and whole grain sorghum is zootecnaly viable.(AU)

Anticancer effect of Psidium guajava (Guava) leaf extracts against colorectal cancer through inhibition of angiogenesis

Objective: To evaluate the anti-angiogenic and anticancer activities of Psidium guajava leaf extracts against angiogenesis-dependent colorectal cancer. Methods: Three extracts were produced using distilled water, ethanol, and n-hexane as solvents. The extracts were physically characterised through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content assays. To assess their anti-angiogenic activity, cell viability and rat aortic ring assays were conducted, while cell migration, tube formation, colony formation, and VEGF ELISA assays were conducted to elucidate their effects on different aspects of angiogenesis. Molecular docking was used to assess the anti- angiogenic potential of some possible compounds in the extracts. Tumour spheroid assay was used to assess the extracts' potential as a treatment for colorectal cancer. Results: The ethanol extract showed the best antioxidant activity. The distilled water and ethanol extracts exhibited more inhibitory activity against EA.hy926 cell viability and aortic ring microvessel growth. In addition, the ethanol extract performed significantly better than the distilled water extract against cell migration and colony formation, and VEGF expression of the cells was suppressed by the ethanol extract. Both the distilled water and ethanol extracts showed significant inhibitory effect on EA.hy926 tube formation and tumour spheroids consisting of EA.hy926 and HCT116 cells. The ethanol extract contained β-caryophyllene and β-elemene by phytochemical analysis and subsequent docking studies, which may contribute to its anti-angiogenic activity. Conclusions: The ethanol extract of Psidium guajava has potential in the treatment of colorectal cancer through the inhibition of angiogenesis.

Direct inhibitory effect of caffeine on viability, synthesis activity and gene expression in cultures of chondrocytes extracted from the articular cartilage of rats / Efeito inibidor direto da cafeína sobre a viabilidade, atividade de síntese e expressão gênica em culturas de condrócitos da cartilagem articular de ratos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of concentrations of caffeine on the viability, synthesis activity and gene expression in cultures of chondrocytes. Extracted articular cartilage from the femurs and tibias of 15 Wistar rats at three days old to isolate chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were cultured in chondrogenic medium (control) or supplemented with caffeine (0.5, 1.0, 2.0mM). Cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity and collagen synthesis were assessed using colorimetric assays at 7, 14, 21 days. The chondrocyte cultures of all groups grown under coverslips were stained with hematoxylin-eosin to determine the percentage of cells/field and with PAS, safranin O, alcian blue to determine the percentage of matrix chondrogenic/field at 21 days. The expressions of gene transcripts for aggrecan, collagen-II, Sox-9, Runx-2 and alkaline phosphatase were also evaluated by RT-PCR at 21 days. The means were compared using Student-Newman-Keuls. Caffeine significantly reduced the conversion of MTT to formazan, percentage of cells/field, collagen synthesis, alkaline phosphatase activity, synthesis of PAS+, safranin O+ and alcian blue+ chondrogenic matrix, and the expression of aggrecan, Sox-9 and II collagen. It is concluded that caffeine at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0mM has a direct inhibitory effect on chondrogenesis in cultures of chondrocytes from rats.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito direto de concentrações de cafeína sobre a viabilidade, atividade de síntese e expressão gênica em culturas de condrócitos de ratos. As cartilagens dos fêmures e tíbias de 15 ratos Wistar com três dias foram extraídas para isolamento de condrócitos. Os condrócitos foram cultivados em meio condrogênico (controle) ou em meio acrescido de diferentes concentrações de cafeína (0,5, 1,0, 2,0mM). Foram avaliadas a viabilidade celular, a atividade da fosfatase alcalina e a síntese de colágeno por ensaios colorimétricos aos sete, 14 e 21 dias. Condrócitos cultivados sob lamínulas foram corados pela hematoxilina e eosina, para se determinar a porcentagem de células/campo, e pelo PAS, safranina O, alcian Blue, para se determinar a porcentagem de matriz condrogênica/campo aos 21 dias. Foi avaliada a expressão de transcriptos gênicos para Sox-9, Runx-2, agrecano, colágeno-II e fosfatase alcalina por qRT-PCR, aos 21 dias. As médias foram comparadas pelo Student-Newman-Keuls. A cafeína reduziu significativamente o MTT em cristais de formazan, a porcentagem de células/campo, a síntese de colágeno, a atividade da fosfatase alcalina e a síntese de matriz condrogênica PAS+, safranina O+, alcian blue+ e expressão de Sox-9 e colágeno-II. Conclui-se que a cafeína, nas concentrações de 0,5, 1,0, 2,0mM, apresenta efeito inibidor direto sobre a condrogênese em culturas de condrócitos de ratos.(AU)

Responses of antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates in micropropagated Pitcairnia encholirioides L.B. Sm. (Bromeliaceae) under ex vitro water deficit and after rehydration / Respostas de enzimas antioxidantes, pigmentos fotossintéticos e carboidratos em Pitcairnia encholirioides L.B. Sm. (Bromeliaceae) micropropagadas, sob déficit hídrico ex vitro e após reidratação

Abstract In this study, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic pigments, proline and carbohydrate contents in Pitcairnia encholirioides under ex vitro conditions of water deficit were evaluated. Results show that plants under progressive water stress, previously in vitro cultured in media supplemented with 30 g L-1 sucrose and GA3, accumulated more proline and increased peroxidase (POD) activity and the contents of photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates. For plants previously in vitro cultured with 15 g L-1 sucrose and NAA, no differences were found for proline content and there were reductions in activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and poliphenoloxidase (PPO), and in contents of carbohydrates, with progress of ex vitro water deficit. After rehydration, plants showed physiological recovery, with enzymatic activities and contents of metabolites similar to those found in the controls not submitted to dehydration, regardless of the previous in vitro culture conditions. These results show that micropropagated P. encholirioides has high tolerance to dehydration once in ex vitro conditions, which can ensure the survival of plants from tissue culture when transferred to its natural environment, emphasizing the importance of such biotechnology for the propagation of endangered species.

Resumo Neste estudo, foram avaliadas as atividades de enzimas antioxidantes, pigmentos fotossintéticos, conteúdo de prolina e carboidratos em Pitcairnia encholirioides sob déficit hídrico em condições ex vitro. Os resultados mostraram que as plantas sob estresse hídrico progressivo, previamente cultivadas in vitro em meio de cultura suplementado com 30 g L-1 de sacarose e GA3 acumularam mais prolina e aumentaram a atividade da peroxidase (POD) e os teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos e carboidratos. Para plantas previamente cultivadas in vitro com 15 g L-1 de sacarose e ANA, não foram encontradas diferenças nos conteúdos de prolina e houve reduções nas atividades da peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) e polifenoloxidase (PPO), e no conteúdo de carboidratos, com o progresso do déficit hídrico ex vitro. Após a reidratação, as plantas apresentaram recuperação fisiológica, com atividades enzimáticas e conteúdo de metabólitos semelhantes aos encontrados nos controles não sujeitos à desidratação, independentemente das condições de cultivo in vitro. Estes resultados mostram que P. encholirioides micropropagada tem alta tolerância à desidratação uma vez em condições ex vitro, o que pode garantir a sobrevivência de plantas provenientes da cultura de tecidos quando transferidas para seu ambiente natural, enfatizando a importância desta biotecnologia para a propagação de espécies ameaçadas.

Responses of antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates in micropropagated Pitcairnia encholirioides L.B. Sm. (Bromeliaceae) under ex vitro water deficit and after rehydration / Respostas de enzimas antioxidantes, pigmentos fotossintéticos e carboidratos em Pitcairnia encholirioides L.B. Sm. (Bromeliaceae) micropropagadas, sob déficit hídrico ex vitro e após reidratação

In this study, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic pigments, proline and carbohydrate contents in Pitcairnia encholirioides under ex vitro conditions of water deficit were evaluated. Results show that plants under progressive water stress, previously in vitro cultured in media supplemented with 30 g L-1 sucrose and GA3, accumulated more proline and increased peroxidase (POD) activity and the contents of photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates. For plants previously in vitro cultured with 15 g L-1 sucrose and NAA, no differences were found for proline content and there were reductions in activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and poliphenoloxidase (PPO), and in contents of carbohydrates, with progress of ex vitro water deficit. After rehydration, plants showed physiological recovery, with enzymatic activities and contents of metabolites similar to those found in the controls not submitted to dehydration, regardless of the previous in vitro culture conditions. These results show that micropropagated P. encholirioides has high tolerance to dehydration once in ex vitro conditions, which can ensure the survival of plants from tissue culture when transferred to its natural environment, emphasizing the importance of such biotechnology for the propagation of endangered species.

Neste estudo, foram avaliadas as atividades de enzimas antioxidantes, pigmentos fotossintéticos, conteúdo de prolina e carboidratos em Pitcairnia encholirioides sob déficit hídrico em condições ex vitro. Os resultados mostraram que as plantas sob estresse hídrico progressivo, previamente cultivadas in vitro em meio de cultura suplementado com 30 g L-1 de sacarose e GA3 acumularam mais prolina e aumentaram a atividade da peroxidase (POD) e os teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos e carboidratos. Para plantas previamente cultivadas in vitro com 15 g L-1 de sacarose e ANA, não foram encontradas diferenças nos conteúdos de prolina e houve reduções nas atividades da peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) e polifenoloxidase (PPO), e no conteúdo de carboidratos, com o progresso do déficit hídrico ex vitro. Após a reidratação, as plantas apresentaram recuperação fisiológica, com atividades enzimáticas e conteúdo de metabólitos semelhantes aos encontrados nos controles não sujeitos à desidratação, independentemente das condições de cultivo in vitro. Estes resultados mostram que P. encholirioides micropropagada tem alta tolerância à desidratação uma vez em condições ex vitro, o que pode garantir a sobrevivência de plantas provenientes da cultura de tecidos quando transferidas para seu ambiente natural, enfatizando a importância desta biotecnologia para a propagação de espécies ameaçadas.

Screening Of Phytochemical, Antioxidant Activity And Anti-Bacterial Activity Of Marine Seaweeds

Objective: Phytochemical is naturally present in the seaweeds which biologically play a significant role. The intention of this study was designed to screen the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial potential of selected seaweed collected from Rameshwaram and Tuticorin Southern coast of India.Methods: The present study investigated the presence of phytochemical constituents and also total phenol, total carbohydrate and total protein quantity of the brown seaweed. Dictyopteris delicatula, Padina gymnospora, Acanthophora spicifera, Portieria hornemannii and Ulva faciata were extracted with solvents having different polarities like methanol, ethanol, chloroform and water and screened for the phytochemical constituents, total phenol, total carbohydrate, total protein and DPPH with standard procedure. The antibacterial activities of the seaweeds were examined by agar well diffusion method.Results: Among the five seaweeds, U. faciata showed the maximum number of active constituents in the methanol extract likewise P. gymnospora was found to have a number of diligent compounds in ethanol extract. A. spicifera showed minimum compounds in ethanol as well as chloroform extract. Moreover A. spicifera, P. hornemannii have shown the superior quantity of protein and carbohydrate when compared to other species. The scavenging activity of methanol extracts at 5 mg/ml concentration P. hornemannii shows 18.2% and A. spicifera possess 17.1%. In the antibacterial activity, methanol extracts of all the seaweed showed a potential inhibitory activity against B. cereus and P. aeruginosa compared to other pathogens.Conclusion: The crude extract of seaweed manifest preferable antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, hence in the future, it would be good if it is further taken for treatment of human diseases or as new antimicrobial agents to replace synthetic antimicrobial agents.

Osteogenic differentiation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured with different concentrations of prolactin / Diferenciação osteogênica de células tronco mesenquimais do tecido adiposo cultivadas com diferentes concentrações de prolactina

The objective was to evaluate the in vitro effect of prolactin in osteogenic potential of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) in female rats. ADSCs were cultured in osteogenic medium with and without the addition of prolactin and distributed into three groups: 1) ADSCs (control), 2) ADSCs with addition of 100ng/mL of prolactin and 3) ADSCs with addition of 300ng/mL of prolactin. At 21 days of differentiation, the tests of MTT conversion into formazan crystals, percentage of mineralized nodules and cells per field and quantification of genic transcript for alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, BMP-2 and collagen I by real-time RT-PCR were made. The addition of prolactin reduced the conversion of MTT in group 3 and increased the percentage of cells per field in the groups 2 and 3, however without significantly increasing the percentage of mineralized nodules and the expression of alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, BMP-2 and collagen I. In conclusion, the addition of prolactin in concentrations of 100ng/mL and 300ng/mL does not change the osteogenic differentiation to the ADSCs of female rats despite increase in the cellularity of the culture.(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito in vitro da prolactina sobre o potencial osteogênico de células-tronco mesenquimais do tecido adiposo (CTM-TA) em ratas. CTM-TA foram cultivadas em meio osteogênico com e sem adição de prolactina e distribuídas em três grupos: 1) CTM-TA (controle), 2) CM-TA com adição de 100ng/mL de prolactina e 3) CTM-TA com adição de 300ng/mL de prolactina. Aos 21 dias de diferenciação, foram realizados os testes de conversão do MTT em cristais de formazan, porcentagem de nódulos mineralizados e células por campo e quantificação dos transcritos gênicos para fosfatase alcalina, osteopontina, osteocalcina, sialoproteína óssea, BMP-2 e colágeno I. A adição de prolactina reduziu a conversão do MTT no grupo 3 e aumentou a porcentagem de células por campo nos grupos 2 e 3, sem alterar significativamente a porcentagem de nódulos mineralizados e a expressão de fosfatase alcalina, osteopontina, osteocalcina, sialoproteína óssea, BMP-2 e colágeno I. Conclui-se que a adição de prolactina nas concentrações de 100ng/mL e 300ng/mL não altera a diferenciação osteogênica das CTM-TA de ratas, apesar do aumento de celularidade da cultura.(AU)

Effects of functional and analytical strength training on upper-extremity activity after stroke: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the effects of functional strengthening (using functional movements) and analytical strengthening (using repetitive movements) on level of activity and muscular strength gain in patients with chronic hemiparesis after stroke. Method A randomized, assessor-blinded trial was conducted in a therapist-supervised home rehabilitation program. Twenty-seven patients with chronic stroke were randomly allocated one of two groups: functional strengthening (FS) (n=13) and analytical strengthening (AS) (n=14). Each group received a five-week muscle strengthening protocol (30 minutes per day, three times per week) including functional movements or analytical movements, respectively. Pre-, post-, and ten-month follow-up outcomes included the Upper-Extremity Performance Test (primary outcome), Shoulder and Grip Strength, Active Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM), the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) (secondary outcomes). Results There was significant improvement in the Upper-Extremity Performance Test for the combined unilateral and bilateral task scores in the FS Group (mean difference 2.4; 95% CI=0.14 to 4.6) in the 10-month follow-up. No significant difference was observed between groups in the other outcomes (p>0.05). Conclusion A five-week home-based functional muscle strengthening induced positive results for the upper-extremity level of activity of patients with moderate impairment after chronic stroke.

Modeling habitat suitability of the invasive clam Corbicula fluminea in a Neotropical shallow lagoon, southern Brazil / Modelagem da adequabilidade de habitat do bivalve invasor Corbicula fluminea em uma lagoa rasa Neotropical

Abstract This study aimed to model the habitat suitability for an invasive clam Corbicula fluminea in a coastal shallow lagoon in the southern Neotropical region (–30.22, –50.55). The lagoon (19km2, maximum deep 2.5m) was sampled with an Ekman dredge in an orthogonal matrix comprising 84 points. At each sampling point, were obtained environmental descriptors as depth, organic matter content (OMC), average granulometry (Avgran), and the percentage of sand (Pcsand). Prediction performance of Generalized Linear Models (GLM), Generalized Additive Models (GAM) and Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) were compared. Also, niche overlapping with other native clam species (Castalia martensi, Neocorbicula limosa and Anodontites trapesialis) was examined. A BRT model with 1400 trees was selected as the best model, with cross-validated correlation of 0.82. The relative contributions of predictors were Pcsand-42.6%, OMC-35.8%, Avgran-10.9% and Depth-10.8%. Were identified that C. fluminea occur mainly in sandy sediments with few organic matter, in shallow areas nor by the shore. The PCA showed a wide niche overlap with the native clam species C. martensi, N. limosa and A. trapesialis.

Resumo O objetivo de deste estudo foi modelar a adequabilidade de habitat do bivalve invasor Corbicula fluminea em uma lagoa costeira na região Neotropical (–30.22, –50.55). A lagoa (19km2, 2,5 m de profundidade máxima) foi amostrada com uma draga Ekman em uma matriz ortogonal compreendendo 84 pontos. Em cada ponto de amostragem foram obtidos descritores ambientais como a profundidade, teor de matéria orgânica (OMC), granulometria média (Avgran), e a percentagem de areia (Pcsand). O poder preditivo dos métodos Modelos Lineares Generalizados (GLM), Modelos Aditivos Generalizados (GAM) e Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) foram comparados. Além disso, a sobreposição de nicho com espécies de moluscos nativos (Castalia martensi, Neocorbicula limosa e Anodontites trapesialis) foi examinada. Um modelo BRT com 1.400 árvores foi selecionado como o melhor modelo, com correlação da validação cruzada de 0,82. As contribuições relativas dos preditores foram Pcsand-42,6%, OMC-35,8%, Avgran-10,9% e profundidade-10,8%. Foi demonstrado que C. fluminea está associada a sedimentos arenosos com pouca matéria orgânica, em áreas rasas próximo às margens. A PCA mostrou uma ampla sobreposição de nicho com as espécies de moluscos nativos C. martensi, N. limosa e A. trapesialis.

Avaliação dos perfis minerais séricos, urinários e sedimentares de ovinos recebendo dieta calculogênica / Evaluation of mineral profile in serum, urine and sediment of sheep receiving calculogenic diet

A urolitíase obstrutiva em pequenos ruminantes é uma doença metabólica de etiologia multifatorial com distribuição mundial. A elevação da concentração urinária de solutos, minerais ionizados (cristaloides) que formam cristais insolúveis é citada por alguns autores como o fator mais importante. Assim, o conhecimento do perfil mineral dos animais submetidos a dietas calculogênicas e a composição química dos urólitos tornam-se ferramentas eficazes na prevenção da doença. Neste estudo, foram utilizados 14 ovinos hígidos, machos (não castrados), da raça Santa Inês, com idade aproximada de 90 dias, distribuídos em dois grupos (G1 - sem vitamina C e G2 - com vitamina C) e alimentados com dieta calculogênica. A análise dos perfis minerais, séricos e urinários revelou completo desbalanceamento na relação entre concentrações de cálcio, fósforo e magnésio, havendo elevação expressiva do fósforo e do magnésio e diminuição substancial do cálcio. Com isso, a análise bioquímica dos urólitos demonstrou que o cálcio esteve presente em 50% das amostras analisadas.(AU)

Urolithiasis in small ruminants is a metabolic disease of multifactorial etiology with worldwide distribution. Increased urinary concentration of solutes, ionized minerals (crystalloid) that form insoluble crystals is cited by some authors as the most important factor. Thus, knowledge of mineral profile of the animals fed calculogenic diets and chemical composition of uroliths becomes an effective tool in preventing the disease. In this study, we used 14 healthy, male, non-neutered sheep, of the Santa Ines breed, aged approximately 90 days, divided into two groups (G1-without vitamin C and G2-with vitamin C) fed calculogenic diet. Analysis of mineral profiles in serum and urine revealed complete imbalance in the relationship between concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, with significant increase of phosphorus and magnesium and substantial reduction of calcium. Thus, biochemical analysis of uroliths showed that calcium was present in 50% of samples.(AU)

Optimization of the RNeasy Mini Kit to obtain high-quality total RNA from sessile cells of Staphylococcus aureus

Biofilm formed by Staphylococcus aureus is considered an important virulence trait in the pathogenesis of infections associated with implantable medical devices. Gene expression analyses are important strategies for determining the mechanisms involved in production and regulation of biofilm. Obtaining intact RNA preparations is the first and most critical step for these studies. In this article, we describe an optimized protocol for obtaining total RNA from sessile cells of S. aureus using the RNeasy Mini Kit. This method essentially consists of a few steps, as follows: 1) addition of acetone-ethanol to sessile cells, 2) lysis with lysostaphin at 37°C/10 min, 3) vigorous mixing, 4) three cycles of freezing and thawing, and 5) purification of the lysate in the RNeasy column. This simple pre-kit procedure yields high-quality total RNA from planktonic and sessile cells of S. aureus.

Efeitos da ingestão de cafeína durante a gestação e a lactação sobre a pele de ratas e de filhotes e sua relação com as concentrações séricas do cortisol materno / Effects of caffeine intake during pregnancy and lactation on the skin of rats and offspring and their relationship to maternal serum concentrations of cortisol

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar os efeitos da ingestão materna de diferentes doses de cafeína durante a gestação e a lactação, na pele de ratas-mães e filhotes, bem como sua relação com as concentrações séricas do cortisol materno. Vinte e quatro ratas Wistar adultas foram distribuídas em quatro grupos, representados pelo controle e tratados, com cafeína nas doses de 25, 50 e 100mg/kg. Os grupos tratados receberam cafeína por sonda orogástrica durante toda a gestação e a lactação. O controle recebeu água destilada como placebo. Foram avaliados e quantificados os diferentes tipos de folículos pilosos e a espessura da epiderme. A técnica de imuno-histoquímica, com o uso do anticorpo anti-CDC47, foi utilizada para avaliar a proliferação celular da epiderme e dos folículos pilosos das mães. Na mãe, também foram mensurados os níveis séricos de cortisol pela técnica da quimioluminescência. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância com comparação das médias pelos testes Kruskal-Wallis e SNK. Nos grupos tratados com cafeína nas doses de 25 e 50mg/kg, tanto as mães quanto seus filhotes apresentaram hipotricose e/ou alopecia focal. Apesar de a frequência de alterações macroscópicas das mães ter sido superior a dos filhotes, nestes as lesões, quando presentes, foram difusas. A análise histológica demonstrou calcinose de folículos pilosos nas mães e nos filhotes. Mas a morfometria somente revelou diferença significativa no número de folículos pilosos das mães, bem como redução significativa da proliferação celular dos folículos pilosos do grupo tratado com 50mg/kg de cafeína. Os níveis de cortisol materno somente foram significativamente elevados no grupo tratado com 100mg/kg de cafeína. Conclui-se que a cafeína ingerida pelas ratas gestantes e lactantes pode causar lesões cutâneas tanto nas mães quanto nos filhotes, caracterizadas por hipotricose e/ou alopecia, independentemente dos níveis séricos do cortisol materno.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and lactation on the skin of rats and their offspring, as well as their relationship to maternal serum levels of cortisol. 24 adult Wistar rats were equally divided into four groups represented by the control and treated with caffeine at doses of 25, 50 and 100mg/kg. The groups received caffeine by orogastric tube during the entire pregnancy and lactation. The control received distilled water as placebo. Different types of hair follicles and the thickness of the epidermis were assessed and quantified. Immunohystochemistry technique using antibody anti-CDC47 was used to evaluate cellular proliferation of the epidermis and hair follicles of the mothers. Also in the mothers, serum levels of cortisol were measured by the chemiluminescence technique. Data were submitted to analysis of variance comparing mediums by Kruskall Wallis Test and SNK. In groups treated with caffeine 25 and 50mg/kg, both mothers and their puppies had focal alopecia and/or hypotrichosis. Despite the higher frequency of macroscopic changes on the mothers, these lesions were diffuse when present on the puppies. Histological analysis showed calcinosis of hair follicles in the mothers and their puppies. But morphometry revealed significant difference in the number of hair follicles from mothers, as well as a significant reduction of cell proliferation of hair follicles in the group treated with 50mg/kg of caffeine. Maternal cortisol levels were significantly elevated in the group treated with 100mg/kg of caffeine. It is concluded that caffeine intake by pregnant and lactating rats can cause skin lesions in both the mothers and their offspring, characterized by alopecia and/or hypotrichosis, regardless of serum levels of maternal cortisol.

Effects of anesthesia with the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. in parameters of fish stress / Efeitos da anestesia com o óleo essencial de Ocimum gratissimum L. em parâmetros de estresse de peixes

RESUMO: The effects of anesthesia with the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum (EOO) in parameters of stress after handling were investigated in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). EOO was obtained from the aerial parts by hydrodistillation. Juveniles were anesthetized with 70 or 300 mg L-1 EOO and submitted to air exposure for 1 minute. The fishes were sampled immediately or transferred to anesthetic-free aquaria until sampling. In the first experiment, juveniles had their blood collected at 0, 1, 4, and 8 h after handling to assay plasma cortisol and blood glucose levels. The unanesthetized animals were restrained manually for blood collection. In the second experiment, water samples of the recovery aquaria were collected to evaluate net ion fluxes at 0 - 4 h and 4 - 8 h. Water and ethanol controls were also performed under the same conditions. The results showed that the cortisol levels did not differ among the treatments. Hyperglycemia was verified in fish exposed to 70 and 300 mg L-1 EOO at 1 h and 4 h after handling. After 8 h, cortisol and glucose concentrations were lower or similar than those from immediately after handling for all treatments. EOO anesthesia prevented Na+ efflux observed in the control groups in both flux periods. There were net Cl- and K+ effluxes at 0 - 4 h and influxes at 4 - 8 h after handling in most treatments, and these fluxes did not differ among the treatments. The results suggest that EOO did not impair stress recovery and did not act as an additional handling stressor in silver catfish.

RESUMO: Os efeitos da anestesia com o óleo essencial de Ocimum gratissimum (EOO) em parâmetros de estresse após manuseio foram investigados em jundiás (Rhamdia quelen). EOO foi obtido a partir das partes aéreas por hidrodestilação. Os juvenis foram anestesiados com 70 ou 300 mg L-1 de EOO e expostos ao ar por 1 minuto. Os peixes foram amostrados imediatamente ou transferidos para aquários sem anestésico até amostragem. No primeiro experimento, os juvenis tiveram seu sangue coletado em 0, 1, 4, e 8 h após manuseio para avaliar os níveis de cortisol e glicemia. Os animais não anestesiados foram contidos manualmente para coleta sanguínea. No segundo experimento, amostras de água foram coletadas do aquário de recuperação dos animais para avaliação do fluxo iônico entre 0 - 4 h e 4 - 8 h. Grupos controles em água e etanol também foram realizados sobre as mesmas condições. Os resultados demonstraram que os níveis de cortisol não diferiram entre os tratamentos. Hiperglicemia foi detectada em peixes expostos a 70 e 300 mg L-1 de EOO em 1 h e 4 h após o manuseio. Após 8 h, os teores de cortisol e glicose foram menores ou similares aqueles imediatamente após o manuseio para todos os tratamentos. A anestesia com EOO preveniu o efluxo de Na+ observado para os grupos controle em ambos os períodos avaliados. Ocorreram efluxos de Cl- and K+ entre 0 - 4 h e influxos entre 4 - 8 h após o manuseio para a maioria dos tratamentos, e estes eventos não diferiram entre os tratamentos. Os resultados sugerem que o EOO não prejudica a recuperação do animal frente ao evento estressor ou atua como estressor adicional ao manuseio em jundiás.

Enraizamento in vitro de catuaba (Anemopaegma arvense (Vell. ) Stell. ex de Souza), uma planta medicinal do Cerrado / Study on the in vitro rooting of Anemopaegma arvense (Vell. ) Stell. ex de Souza, a medicinal plant of the Brazilian Cerrado

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de otimizar o protocolo para enraizamento in vitro de Anemopaegma arvense, planta medicinal do Cerrado em risco de extinção e conhecida popularmente como catuaba, a qual é amplamente utilizada na medicina popular. Brotações cultivadas in vitro foram inoculadas em meio de cultura MS/2 liquido e MS sólido suplementado com diferentes concentrações de auxinas, poliaminas ou dithiothreitol (DTT). As avaliações foram realizadas quanto à porcentagem de enraizamento, número e comprimento das raízes. A presença de NAA (Ácido naftaleno acético) no meio de cultura foi essencial para promover a indução de raízes adventícias nas brotações. A maior porcentagem de enraizamento, 50%, foi obtida no tratamento 2 mg L-1 de NAA com tempo de permanência de 15 dias nesta auxina. No experimento com poliaminas o melhor tratamento foi MS/2 + 5 mg L-1 de putrescina, com 27% de brotações enraizadas. Na presença de DTT (Dithiothreitol), 23% das brotações enraizaram em 0,10 mg L-1 de DTT. A presença da auxina NAA e a alternância no tempo de permanência foi a melhor condição para promover o enraizamento in vitro da de A. arvense. .

This work was carried out in order to optimize an efficient protocol for the in vitro rooting of Anemopaegma arvense, a medicinal plant of the Brazilian Cerrado in danger of extinction, popularly known as Catuaba in Portuguese and widely used in folk medicine. Shoots cultivated in vitro were inoculated in liquid MS/2 and solid MS culture medium supplemented with different concentrations of auxins, polyamines or dithiothreitol (DTT). Evaluations were performed for the rooting percentage and for the number and length of roots. The presence of NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid) in the culture medium was essential to promote the induction of adventitious roots. Higher rooting percentage (50%) was obtained in the treatment with 2 mg L-1 NAA and duration of stay of 15 days in this auxin. In the experiment with polyamines, the best treatment was MS/2 + 5 mg L-1 putrescine with 27% of shoots rooted. In the presence of DTT (dithiothreitol), 23% of shoots rooted at 0.10 mg L-1 DTT. The presence of the auxin NAA and the alternation in length of stay was the best condition to promote in vitro rooting of A. arvense. .

The Influence of Levetiracetam in Cognitive Performance in Healthy Individuals: Neuropsychological, Behavioral and Electrophysiological Approach

OBJECTIVE: The present study sought to analyze the influence of Levetiracetam (LEV) in cognitive performance by identifying the changes produced by LEV in reaction time, in neuropsychological assessment of attention and memory and in absolute theta power in frontal activity. METHODS: Twelve healthy subjects (5 men and 7 women; mean age, 30.08 years, standard deviation, 4.71) were recruited for this study. The neuropsychological tests: Trail Making Test (A and B), Digit Span (direct and indirect numerical orders/working memory); Stroop test (inhibitory control of attention); Tower of London (planning and decision-making) and a quantitative electroencephalography were applied in 2 different days after and before the participants ingested the capsule of placebo or 500 mg LEV. RESULTS: A two-way-ANOVA was implemented to observe the interaction between conditions (placebo or LEV 500 mg) and moments (pre- and post-ingestion of LEV or placebo). The data were analyzed by the SPSS statistical package (p<0.05). For the neuropsychological parameter, the Trail Making Test (A) was the only test that showed significant difference for condition in the task execution time (p=0.026). Regarding the reaction time in the behavioral parameter, an interaction between both factors (p=0.034) was identified through a two-way-ANOVA (condition versus moment). Electrophysiological measures showed a significant interaction for electrodes: F7, F3, and FZ. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that LEV promotes an important cognitive enhancement in the executive functions.

Management of Patient with Sturge-Weber Syndrome: a Case Report.

Sturge-Weber syndrome sometimes referred to as encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis, is a rare congenital neurological and skin disorder. This is case report of 7 years old mentally disabled boy, with long-standing seizures, with a portwine nevi on the right side of the face along the distribution of trigeminal nerve. Interictal encephalogram showed bilateral slow activity, pronounced in the right hemisphere, with epileptogenic activity in the right fronto-parietal region. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed intracranial calcifications and atrophy of the right hemisphere of brain. Professional counseling and support in addition to drug treatment provide help to patients and their family to overcome their problems and improve the treatment outcome.

Características da carcaça e dos componentes não carcaça de cordeiros oriundos de parto simples ou duplo / Carcass and non-carcass traits of single and twin lambs

Um experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar as características da carcaça e dos componentes não carcaça de cordeiros nascidos de parto simples ou duplo. Dezesseis cordeiros mestiços Texel × Ile de France, machos não castrados, foram desmamados aos 56 dias de idade e abatidos com aproximadamente 28kg de peso corporal. Imediatamente após o abate, cada componente corporal foi pesado separadamente, sendo as carcaças avaliadas após 24 horas de refrigeração a 2°C. Os cordeiros oriundos de parto simples apresentaram superioridade no peso e nos rendimentos da carcaça, além de maior área de olho de lombo. Por outro lado, proporcionalmente ao peso de corpo vazio, o rúmen é maior em cordeiros nascidos de parto duplo, o que resulta incremento da proporção de conteúdo gastrintestinal ao abate. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que, quando abatidos a um mesmo peso, cordeiros oriundos de parto simples possuem carcaças de melhor qualidade, em comparação a cordeiros nascidos de parto gemelar...

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the carcass and non-carcass traits of single and twin lambs. Sixteen Texel × Ile de France crossbred, non-castrated male lambs were weaned at 56 days of age and slaughtered at 28kg of body weight. Immediately after the slaughter each body component was individually weighed, while carcasses were evaluated after a 24h period of refrigeration at 2°C. Single lambs presented higher values of carcass weight and carcass dressing percentage. Moreover, the Longissimus muscle area was also greater for single lambs. On the other hand, as a proportion of empty body weight, rumen was greater for twin lambs, increasing their gastrointestinal content at slaughter. The results of this study indicated that at a same slaughter weight single lambs have better quality carcasses in comparison with those from twin lambs...

Influência da suplementação concentrada e da categoria animal no hemograma de ovinos da raça Morada Nova / Influence of concentrate supplementation and the animal category in the hemogram of Morada Nova sheep

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do nível de suplementação com concentrado sobre o perfil hematológico de ovelhas Morada Nova no terço final da gestação e puerpério, bem como comparar os valores obtidos em diferentes categorias (fêmeas em gestação, puerpério e cordeiros). Utilizaram-se 11 ovelhas, aos 75 últimos dias de gestação e nos primeiros 75 dias de lactação, e oito cordeiros progênie das ovelhas, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo de parcelas subdivididas no tempo. Durante o período experimental, os animais permaneceram em pastagem de Andropogon gayanus, sendo recolhidos ao final da tarde, quando recebiam suplementação concentrada com 19,17% de proteína bruta. As amostras de sangue foram colhidas desde o 75º dia de gestação até o desmame, aos 75 dias de lactação, a cada quatorze dias. O sangue foi colhido sempre pela manhã, antes de os animais serem liberados para o pasto, por punção da veia jugular, para a realização do hemograma. Os diferentes níveis de suplementação não influenciaram (P>0,05) o perfil eritrocitário e leucocitário das ovelhas. A categoria animal influenciou (P<0,05) o teor de hemoglobina e o número de eritrócitos. Os valores médios de hemoglobina não difeririam (P>0,05) entre fêmeas gestantes (7,74g/dL) e puerperais (7,67g/dL), bem como a contagem total de hemácias dos cordeiros (8,14x10(6)/µL) e das fêmeas em puerpério (9,16 x 10(6)/µL). Os valores médios do hematócrito, volume corpuscular médio, concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média e proteína total não diferiram estatisticamente (P>0,05) entre as ovelhas; no entanto, observaram-se maiores níveis para os cordeiros. O número de leucócitos totais foram superiores (P<0,05) nas ovelhas gestantes e puerperais em relação aos cordeiros. A suplementação concentrada não influenciou o perfil hematológico dos animais, porém a categoria animal exerceu influência sobre os parâmetros hematológicos eritrocitários e leucocitários.

This research was carried out to evaluate the influence of supplementation with concentrate on hematological profile of Morada Nova sheep in last third of pregnancy and postpartum, as well as comparing the values obtained in different categories (pregnant females, postpartum, and lambs). Eleven ewes it the last 75 days of pregnancy and the first 75 days of lactation and eight lambs born from the ewes allotted in completely randomized design and split-plot arrangement in time were used. During the experimental period, the animals remained in Andropogon gayanus pasture. Late in the afternoon they returned to the center of management to receive the concentrate supplementation with 19.17% of crud protein. Blood samples were collected from the 75th day of pregnancy to weaning at 75 days of lactation, every fourteen days. Blood samples were taken always in the morning, before the animals were released into the pasture, by puncturing the jugular vein, for complete blood count. Neither the erythrocyte profile nor the leukocyte profile was affected by the different levels of supplementation (P>0.05). The animal category had a significant effect (P<0.05) on hemoglobin and erythrocyte number. The mean hemoglobin values did not differ (P>0.05) between pregnant ewes (7.74 g/dL) and ones in postpartum (7.67g/dL) as well as the total count of red blood cells of the lambs (8.14 x 106/µL) did not differ (P>0.05) from females in postpartum (9.16 x 106/µl). When comparing between pregnant and postpartum ewes for the mean hematocrit values, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and total protein did not differ (P>0.05). The highest values were observed in these animals. The total white cell count was higher (P<0.05) in pregnant and postpartum ewes than lambs. The concentrate supplementation did not affect the blood profile of animals, but the animal category exerted influence on erythrocyte and leukocyte hematological parameters.

Tipos de estacas e substratos na propagação vegetativa da menta (Mentha arvensis L. ) / Types of cuttings and substrates in the vegetative propagation of mint (Mentha arvensis L. )

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a propagação vegetativa da menta utilizando diferentes tipos de estacas e substratos. O experimento foi conduzido no Horto de Plantas Medicinais da Unimontes, campus Janaúba - MG. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 4 (dois tipos de estacas e quatro diferentes substratos) com quatro repetições, sendo cada parcela representada por seis estacas. Foram analisadas as variáveis comprimento de parte aérea e de raízes, massa seca de parte aérea e de raízes e número total de brotações formadas por planta. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Scott-Knott a 5% de probabilidade. A interação entre os fatores estacas e substratos não foi significativa para as variáveis estudadas, passando-se a estudar o efeito isolado de cada fator. A propagação de Mentha arvensis L. pode ser realizada tanto por estacas apicais como medianas, utilizando o substrato solo + areia + esterco bovino (2:1:1) para a produção de mudas de qualidade.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the vegetative propagation using different types of mint cuttings and substrates. The experiment was conducted in the Garden of Medicinal Plants of Unimontes, in Janaúba - MG. The experimental design was completely randomized (CRD) in 2 x 4 factorial schemes (two types of poles and four different substrates) with four replications and each plot was represented by six cuttings. The variables analyzed were the length of the shoots and roots, the dry matter of the shoots and roots and the total number of shoots per plant. The data were subject to ANOVA and the means were compared by Scott-Knott's test at 5% of probability. The interaction among stem cuttings and substrates was not significant for the variables studied, thus, the isolated effect of each factor was studied. The propagation of Mentha arvensis L. can be performed either by apical cuttings as medians, using the substrate soil + sand + manure bovine (2:1:1) for the production of quality seedlings.