Glutathione and IGF-1 in bovine seminal cryopreservation: oxidative stress response and pregnancy rate / [Glutationa e IGF-1 na criopreservação seminal bovina: resposta do estresse oxidativo e taxa de gestação]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of conception, metabolic, and structural conditions of cryopreserved bovine sperm cells, plus extender with IGF-1 and glutathione (GSH). 12 ejaculations of Nelore bulls were used, submitted to treatments: control, gSH (2mM/mL), IGF-1 (100ng/mL) and gSH (1mM/mL) + IGF-1 (50ng/mL). After cryopreservation and thawing the semen passed the fast thermo resistance test (TTR), plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity (PIAI), mitochondrial membrane potential (AP), oxidative stress, and conception rate. Tukey test was used for the statistical analysis of the parametric variables and the Friedman test for nonparametric. The gestation percentage was compared by the Chi-square test. There was no statistical difference (P<0.05) between treatments for the TTRr variable. Otherwise in the oxidative stress evaluated with the CellROX probe was noted that the IGF-1 showed the highest number of reactive cells (P<0.05). The PIAI, AP and gestation rate showed no difference among treatments (P>0.05), with an average of conceptions of 36.58%. It is concluded that IGF-1, gSH and their association did not cause changes in sperm motility, mitochondrial potential, plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity. IGF-1 increased oxidative stress, however, there was no difference in the gestation rate among the treatments.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a taxa de concepção, as condições metabólicas e estrutural das células espermáticas bovinas criopreservadas, acrescidas de diluidores com fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina do tipo 1(IGF-1) e glutationa (GSH). Foram utilizados 12 ejaculados de touros da raça Nelore, submetidos aos tratamentos: controle, gSH (2mM/mL), IGF-1 (100ng/mL) e gSH (1mM/mL) + IGF-1 (50ng/mL). Após a criopreservação e descongelação, o sêmen passou pelos testes de termorresistência rápida (TTRr), integridade de membrana plasmática e acrossomal (PIAI), alto potencial mitocondrial (AP), estresse oxidativo e taxa de concepção. Utilizou-se o teste de Tukey para as análises estatísticas das variáveis paramétricas e o teste de Friedman para as não paramétricas, com significância de 5%. A percentagem de gestação foi comparada pelo teste do qui-quadrado. Não hove diferença estatística (P<0,05) entre os tratamentos para a variável TTRr. Já no estresse oxidativo avaliado com a sonda CellROX, observou-se que o IGF-1 apresentou maior quantidade de células reativas (P<0,05), 36,38± 24,10. A PIAI, o AP e a taxa de gestação não apresentaram diferença entre tratamentos (P>0,05), com média de concepções de 36,58%. Conclui-se que o IGF-1, a gSH e a sua associação não causaram mudanças na motilidade espermática, no potencial mitocondrial, na integridade da membrana plasmática e acrossomal. O IGF-1 aumentou o estresse oxidativo, porém sem diferença na taxa de gestação entre os tratamentos.(AU)

Association of genitourinary infections and cervical length with preterm childbirth

A prospective cohort study was conducted on a convenience sample of 1370 pregnant women with a gestational age of 20 to 25 weeks in the city of Ribeirão Preto. Data on obstetrical history, maternal age, parity, smoking habit, and a history of preterm delivery was collected with the application of a sociodemographic questionnaire. Cervical length was determined by endovaginal ultrasound, and urine and vaginal content samples were obtained to determine urinary tract infection (UTI) and bacterial vaginosis (BV), respectively. The aim of this study was to verify the association of cervical length and genitourinary infections with preterm birth (PTB). Ultrasound showed no association of UTI or BV with short cervical length. PTB rate was 9.63%. Among the women with PTB, 15 showed UTI (RR: 1.55, 95%CI: 0.93-2.58), 19 had BV (RR: 1.22, 95%CI: 0.77-1.94), and one had both UTI and BV (RR: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.13-5.62). Nineteen (14.4%) PTB occurred in women with a cervical length ≤2.5 cm (RR: 2.89, 95%CI: 1.89-4.43). Among the 75 patients with PTB stratified as spontaneous, 10 showed UTI (RR: 2.02, 95%CI: 1.05-3.86) and 14 had a diagnosis of BV (RR: 1.72, 95%CI: 0.97-3.04). A short cervical length between 20 and 25 weeks of pregnancy was associated with PTB, whereas UTI and BV determined at this age were not associated with short cervical length or with PTB, although UTI, even if asymptomatic, was related to spontaneous PTB.

Does supplementation of vitamin C, reduced glutathione or their association in semen extender reduce oxidative stress in bovine frozen semen? / A suplementação de vitamina C, glutationa reduzida ou sua associação no diluidor de sêmen reduz o estresse oxidativo no sêmen congelado bovino?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the addition of vitamin C, reduced glutathione and the association thereof to the bovine semen cryopreservation extender. The ejaculate from nine bulls were divided into four fractions, each corresponding to a treatment, namely: control group-semen diluted with Tris-yolk extender; vitamin C group-semen diluted in Tris-yolk extender supplemented with vitamin C (2.5mmol/mL); glutathione group-semen diluted in Tris-yolk extender supplemented with reduced glutathione (2.5mmol/mL) and associated group-semen diluted in Tris-yolk extender supplemented with vitamin C (1.25mmol/mL) and reduced glutathione (1.25mmol/mL). Afterwards, the semen was packed into French straws and submitted to cryopreservation using automated equipment. After cryopreservation, the semen was thawed and evaluated considering sperm motility, morphology, plasma membrane, acrosome, mitochondrial potential and oxidative stress, as well as the thermo resistance test. Extender's supplementation with the association of vitamin C and reduced glutathione showed benefic effects on sperm motility and preservation of plasma and acrosomal membranes during semen cryopreservation, being also the group that showed higher values of reactive oxygen species. Thus, the association of both antioxidants contributed to the preservation of sperm cells in every analyzed characteristic, suggesting its use on bovine semen cryopreservation.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a adição de vitamina C, glutationa reduzida e sua associação ao diluidor de criopreservação de sêmen bovino. O ejaculado de nove touros foi dividido em quatro frações, cada uma correspondendo a um tratamento, a saber: grupo controle - sêmen diluído em Tris-gema; grupo vitamina C - sêmen diluído em Tris-gema, suplementado com vitamina C (2,5mmol/mL); grupo glutationa - sêmen diluído em Tris-gema, suplementado com glutationa reduzida (2,5mmol/mL) e grupo sêmen associado - diluído em Tris-gema, suplementado com vitamina C (1,25mmol/mL) e glutationa reduzida (1,25mmol/mL ). Posteriormente, o sêmen foi envasado em palhetas francesas e submetido à criopreservação por meio de equipamento automatizado. Após a criopreservação, o sêmen foi descongelado e avaliado quanto à motilidade espermática, à morfologia, à membrana plasmática, ao acrossoma, ao potencial mitocondrial e ao estresse oxidativo, bem como pelo teste de resistência térmica. A suplementação de extensor com a associação de vitamina C e glutationa reduzida mostrou efeitos benéficos sobre a motilidade espermática e a preservação das membranas plasmática e acrossomal durante a criopreservação de sêmen, sendo também o grupo que apresentou maiores valores de espécies reativas de oxigênio. Assim, a associação de ambos os antioxidantes contribuiu para a preservação dos espermatozóides em todas as características analisadas, sugerindo sua utilização na criopreservação de sêmen bovino.(AU)

Reproductive biology of pequira Bryconamericus stramineus (Eigenmann, 1908) in Funil Reservoir-MG, Brazil / Biologia reprodutiva da Pequira Bryconamericus stramineus (Eigenmann, 1908) no reservatório de Funil-MG, Brasil

Abstract In order to evaluate aspects of reproductive biology of the "pequira" ( Bryconamericus stramineus) in the elevator of the Funil Dam - MG, fish capture was carried out from November 2008 to January 2009 and 317 individuals were collected. The mean standard length (SL) of the population was 4.96 cm and mean weight 1.80 g. The females had SL of 5.0 cm, while males had a SL of 4.6 cm. A sex ratio of 2.20: 1 (females: male) was observed. Our results show that 73% of the individuals analyzed were considered adults. The species presented low fecundity, mean of 470.9 oocytes per female and a mean diameter of 221.08 μm, with an increase in oocyte diameter over the evaluation period. The length of the first gonadal maturation was estimated at 5.0 cm. The results obtained in this work suggest that the reproductive cycle of the species occurs in the analyzed period. Although this species does not have migratory reproductive habits, the presence of adults in the reproductive stage was observed in the transposition area, which suggests a search for new environments for spawning.

Resumo Com o objetivo de avaliar aspectos da biologia reprodutiva da pequira Bryconamericus stramineus no elevador da represa do Funil - MG foram realizadas capturas entre os meses de novembro de 2008 a janeiro de 2009, sendo coletados 317 indivíduos. O comprimento padrão (CP) médio da população foi de 4,96 cm e peso médio de 1,80 g. As fêmeas apresentaram CP de 5,0 cm, enquanto que os machos obtiveram um CP de 4,6 cm. Foi observada proporção sexual de 2,20:1(fêmeas:macho). Dos indivíduos analisados, 73% foram considerados adultos. A espécie apresentou baixa fecundidade, com média de 470,9 ovócitos por fêmea e diâmetro médio de 221,08 μm, ocorrendo aumento no diâmetro de ovócitos com o decorrer do tempo no período avaliado. O comprimento de primeira maturação gonadal foi estimado em 5,0 cm. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho sugerem que o ciclo reprodutivo da espécie ocorre no período analisado. Embora esta espécie não tenha hábitos reprodutivos migratórios, a presença de adultos no estágio reprodutivo foi observada na área de transposição, o que sugere a busca de novos ambientes para a reprodução.

Where do we aspire to publish? A position paper on scientific communication in biochemistry and molecular biology

The scientific publication landscape is changing quickly, with an enormous increase in options and models. Articles can be published in a complex variety of journals that differ in their presentation format (online-only or in-print), editorial organizations that maintain them (commercial and/or society-based), editorial handling (academic or professional editors), editorial board composition (academic or professional), payment options to cover editorial costs (open access or pay-to-read), indexation, visibility, branding, and other aspects. Additionally, online submissions of non-revised versions of manuscripts prior to seeking publication in a peer-reviewed journal (a practice known as pre-printing) are a growing trend in biological sciences. In this changing landscape, researchers in biochemistry and molecular biology must re-think their priorities in terms of scientific output dissemination. The evaluation processes and institutional funding for scientific publications should also be revised accordingly. This article presents the results of discussions within the Department of Biochemistry, University of São Paulo, on this subject.

Association of dietary intake with eating behavior, screen time, and physical activity among Brazilian adolescents / Asociación entre consumo y comportamiento alimentario, tiempo de pantalla y actividad física entre adolescentes Brasileños

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article was to investigate the association of dietary intake with eating behavior, screen time, and physical activity among Brazilian adolescent students. This was a cross-sectional study with 14,653 adolescents attending ninth grade in 281 public and private schools in Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire. We investigated food consumption, eating behaviors (including family meals and place where meals were eaten), screen time, and physical activity level. The consumption of healthy foods was associated with: having lunch or dinner with parents every day, having lunch at home every day, and doing physical activity for more than 4 hours/week. Whereas the consumption of unhealthy foods was associated with: eating in front of a television or a computer on a frequent basis as well as watching television and using a computer for more than 2 hours/day. Therefore, public health promotion policies aimed at adolescent students should focus on encouraging this group to have meals with their family and at home along with adopting an active lifestyle.

RESUMEN El propósito de este artículo fue investigar la asociación del consumo de alimentos con el comportamiento alimentario, con el tiempo frente a pantallas y con la actividad física entre estudiantes adolescentes brasileños. Este fue un estudio transversal con 14.653 adolescentes de noveno grado en 281 escuelas públicas y privadas de las capitales de los estados brasileños y el Distrito Federal. Los datos fueron recolectados utilizando cuestionario en línea auto-administrado. Investigamos el consumo de alimentos, los comportamientos alimentarios (incluso hacer comidas en familia y el lugar donde se realizaban las comidas), el tiempo de pantalla y el nivel de actividad física. El consumo de alimentos saludables se asoció con: almorzar o cenar con los padres todos los días, almorzar en casa todos los días y realizar actividad física durante más de 4 horas por semana, mientras que el consumo de alimentos no saludables se asoció con: comer delante de la televisión o computadora con frecuencia y viendo/usando la televisión o computadora por más de 2 horas/día. Por tanto, las políticas de promoción de la salud pública dirigidas a estudiantes adolescentes deberían centrarse en alentar a este grupo a comer con sus familias y en el hogar y adoptar un estilo de vida activo.

Protein from Hevea brasiliensis "Hev b 13" latex attenuates systemic inflammatory response and lung lesions in rats with sepsis / Proteína do latex de Hevea brasiliensis "Hev b 13" atenua resposta inflamatória sistêmica e lesão pulmonar de ratos com sepse

Abstract Sepsis induces a severe systemic inflammatory response that may result in multiple organ dysfunction and death. Studies using a protein derived from natural Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) latex, denominated Hev b 13, have demonstrated important anti-inflammatory effects, but no data have been published regarding its effects on sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Hev b 13 on the inflammatory response and lung lesions of septal rats. Male Wistar rats were submitted to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), randomized into groups and treated with subcutaneously administered doses of 0.5/2.0/3.0 mg/Kg of Hev b 13. Next, animals were subdivided into three different points in time (1, 6 and 24 hours after treatments) for collection of blood samples and euthanasia accompanied by organ removal. Total and differential leukocyte counts, cytokine dosage and histological assessment were analyzed. Treatment with Hev b 13 resulted in a significant decline in total and differential leukocytes as well as suppression of TNF-α and IL-6 production, associated with the increase in IL-10 and IL-4 in plasma and lung tissue. Moreover, it reduced morphological and pathological changes found in the lungs, including neutrophil infiltration, edema and alveolar thickening. The present study concluded that Hev b 13 exerts anti-inflammatory effects and attenuates lung lesions in septal rats, showing potential for clinical application.

Resumo Sepse induz uma resposta inflamatória sistêmica grave podendo resultar em disfunção de múltiplos órgãos e morte. Pesquisas utilizando uma proteína derivada do látex natural de Hevea brasiliensis (seringueira), denominada Hev b 13 tem demonstrado importantes efeitos anti-inflamatórios, mas nenhum dado foi publicado dos seus efeitos na sepse. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos da Hev b 13 na resposta inflamatória e na lesão pulmonar de ratos com sepse. Ratos machos da linhagem Wistar foram submetidos a ligação e perfuração do ceco (LPC), randomizados em grupos e tratados com as doses 0,5/2,0/3,0 mg/Kg de Hev b 13 subcutâneo. Após subdividiu-se os animais em três pontos diferentes de tempo (1, 6 e 24 horas após os tratamentos) para coleta de amostras sanguíneas e eutanásia com remoção dos órgãos. Contagem total e diferencial de leucócitos, dosagem de citocinas e avaliação histológica foram analisadas. O tratamento com a Hev b 13 resultou em diminuição significativa de leucócitos totais e diferenciais bem como suprimiu a produção de TNF-α e IL-6, associado ao aumento de IL-10 e IL-4 no plasma e tecido pulmonar. Além disso, reduziu as alterações morfológicas e patológicas encontradas nos pulmões, incluindo infiltrado de neutrófilos, edema e espessamento alveolar. Este estudo concluiu que a Hev b 13 tem efeitos anti-inflamatórios e atenua lesões pulmonares em ratos com sepse, apresentando potencialidades para aplicabilidade clínica.

Desempenho de bezerras de corte em pastagem de azevém recebendo farelo de arroz com ou sem monensina / Beef heifers performance in ryegrass pasture supplemented with rice bran with or without monensin

Foi estudado o desempenho de bezerras de corte em pastagem de azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), com animais exclusivamente em pastejo ou recebendo farelo de arroz integral (FAI) em nível de 0,8% do peso corporal, associado ou não à monensina. O método de pastejo foi contínuo com número variável de animais. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso, com medidas repetidas no tempo, com três tratamentos e três repetições de área. O uso de FAI associado ou não à monensina não expressou alteração na área pélvica das bezerras, na taxa de lotação e no ganho de peso por área. As bezerras que receberam FAI, com ou sem monensina, apresentaram maior ganho diário de peso corporal, peso corporal, escore de condição corporal e relação peso corporal:altura. O fornecimento de suplementação energética para bezerras de corte é uma alternativa viável em sistemas de produção que visam à redução da idade ao primeiro acasalamento.(AU)

The experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating beef cattle heifer performance when exclusively grazing Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) pasture or supplemented with whole rice bran (WRB), equivalent to 0.8% of body weight, associated or not with monensin. The grazing method was "put-and-take" stocking, in a completely randomized experimental design, with replicated measures over time, with three treatments and three replications of area. The use of WRB, associated or not with monensin, did not affect heifers' pelvic area, stocking rate and area weight gain. Animals fed WRB, with or without monensin, showed greater average daily gain, body weight, body condition score, and body weight:height ratio. Energetic supplementation for beef heifers is one viable option in production systems seeking age reduction at the first mating.(AU)

Antihyperglycemic effect of Passiflora glandulosa cav. fruit rinds flour in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Objective:To investigate the effect of administration of Passiflora glandulosa (P. glandulosa) fruit rinds flour on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice.Methods:The preliminary phytochemical screening and parameters such as centesimal composition and brine shrimp toxicity were evaluated. For in vivo study Swiss female mice were divided into four groups: NC-normal control; DC-diabetic control animals receiving saline; MET-diabetic animals receiving metformin (200 mg/kg); PFRF-diabetic animals receiving P. glandulosa fruit rinds flour (200 mg/kg). All of them were treated for 28 d. STZ was used in a single dose of 120 mg/kg to establish diabetic models. Body weight, water and food intake, fasting blood glucose were measured. Histopathological analysis of pancreas and liver were performed to evaluate STZ-induced tissue injuries.Results:Phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavanones and triterpenoids. The P. glandulosa fruit rinds flour was non-toxic by the brine shrimp test. The fruit rinds flour also reduced the loss of body weight and significantly decreased food intake in the diabetic mice. Additionally, a significant reduction in blood glucose was observed for 15 d and this was maintained on 21 d and 28 d when compared with diabetic mice. Furthermore, the P. glandulosa fruit rinds flour has a favourable effect on the histopathological changes of the pancreas in STZ induced diabetes.Conclusions:It is concluded that P. glandulosa fruit rinds flour is a natural product that contains potent antioxidant compounds and presents good prospects for the improvement of diabetic mellitus by reducing serum glucose levels.

Protein from Hevea brasiliensis Hev b 13 latex attenuates systemic inflammatory response and lung lesions in rats with sepsis

Abstract Sepsis induces a severe systemic inflammatory response that may result in multiple organ dysfunction and death. Studies using a protein derived from natural Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) latex, denominated Hev b 13, have demonstrated important anti-inflammatory effects, but no data have been published regarding its effects on sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Hev b 13 on the inflammatory response and lung lesions of septal rats. Male Wistar rats were submitted to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), randomized into groups and treated with subcutaneously administered doses of 0.5/2.0/3.0 mg/Kg of Hev b 13. Next, animals were subdivided into three different points in time (1, 6 and 24 hours after treatments) for collection of blood samples and euthanasia accompanied by organ removal. Total and differential leukocyte counts, cytokine dosage and histological assessment were analyzed. Treatment with Hev b 13 resulted in a significant decline in total and differential leukocytes as well as suppression of TNF- and IL-6 production, associated with the increase in IL-10 and IL-4 in plasma and lung tissue. Moreover, it reduced morphological and pathological changes found in the lungs, including neutrophil infiltration, edema and alveolar thickening. The present study concluded that Hev b 13 exerts anti-inflammatory effects and attenuates lung lesions in septal rats, showing potential for clinical application.

Resumo Sepse induz uma resposta inflamatória sistêmica grave podendo resultar em disfunção de múltiplos órgãos e morte. Pesquisas utilizando uma proteína derivada do látex natural de Hevea brasiliensis (seringueira), denominada Hev b 13 tem demonstrado importantes efeitos anti-inflamatórios, mas nenhum dado foi publicado dos seus efeitos na sepse. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos da Hev b 13 na resposta inflamatória e na lesão pulmonar de ratos com sepse. Ratos machos da linhagem Wistar foram submetidos a ligação e perfuração do ceco (LPC), randomizados em grupos e tratados com as doses 0,5/2,0/3,0 mg/Kg de Hev b 13 subcutâneo. Após subdividiu-se os animais em três pontos diferentes de tempo (1, 6 e 24 horas após os tratamentos) para coleta de amostras sanguíneas e eutanásia com remoção dos órgãos. Contagem total e diferencial de leucócitos, dosagem de citocinas e avaliação histológica foram analisadas. O tratamento com a Hev b 13 resultou em diminuição significativa de leucócitos totais e diferenciais bem como suprimiu a produção de TNF- e IL-6, associado ao aumento de IL-10 e IL-4 no plasma e tecido pulmonar. Além disso, reduziu as alterações morfológicas e patológicas encontradas nos pulmões, incluindo infiltrado de neutrófilos, edema e espessamento alveolar. Este estudo concluiu que a Hev b 13 tem efeitos anti-inflamatórios e atenua lesões pulmonares em ratos com sepse, apresentando potencialidades para aplicabilidade clínica.

Reproductive biology of pequira Bryconamericus stramineus (Eigenmann, 1908) in Funil Reservoir-MG, Brazil

Abstract In order to evaluate aspects of reproductive biology of the pequira ( Bryconamericus stramineus) in the elevator of the Funil Dam - MG, fish capture was carried out from November 2008 to January 2009 and 317 individuals were collected. The mean standard length (SL) of the population was 4.96 cm and mean weight 1.80 g. The females had SL of 5.0 cm, while males had a SL of 4.6 cm. A sex ratio of 2.20: 1 (females: male) was observed. Our results show that 73% of the individuals analyzed were considered adults. The species presented low fecundity, mean of 470.9 oocytes per female and a mean diameter of 221.08 m, with an increase in oocyte diameter over the evaluation period. The length of the first gonadal maturation was estimated at 5.0 cm. The results obtained in this work suggest that the reproductive cycle of the species occurs in the analyzed period. Although this species does not have migratory reproductive habits, the presence of adults in the reproductive stage was observed in the transposition area, which suggests a search for new environments for spawning.

Resumo Com o objetivo de avaliar aspectos da biologia reprodutiva da pequira Bryconamericus stramineus no elevador da represa do Funil - MG foram realizadas capturas entre os meses de novembro de 2008 a janeiro de 2009, sendo coletados 317 indivíduos. O comprimento padrão (CP) médio da população foi de 4,96 cm e peso médio de 1,80 g. As fêmeas apresentaram CP de 5,0 cm, enquanto que os machos obtiveram um CP de 4,6 cm. Foi observada proporção sexual de 2,20:1(fêmeas:macho). Dos indivíduos analisados, 73% foram considerados adultos. A espécie apresentou baixa fecundidade, com média de 470,9 ovócitos por fêmea e diâmetro médio de 221,08 m, ocorrendo aumento no diâmetro de ovócitos com o decorrer do tempo no período avaliado. O comprimento de primeira maturação gonadal foi estimado em 5,0 cm. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho sugerem que o ciclo reprodutivo da espécie ocorre no período analisado. Embora esta espécie não tenha hábitos reprodutivos migratórios, a presença de adultos no estágio reprodutivo foi observada na área de transposição, o que sugere a busca de novos ambientes para a reprodução.

Uso de suplementos para acasalamento de bezerras Angus aos 14 meses de idade / Use of supplements for mating Angus heifers at 14 months

O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o desenvolvimento de novilhas de corte em três sistemas alimentares: exclusivamente em pastagem de azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) ou em pastagem de azevém e recebendo 0,93% do peso corporal de grão de milho inteiro ou grão de aveia branca como suplemento. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso, com medidas repetidas no tempo. A utilização da pastagem de azevém, com ou sem uso de grão de milho ou aveia como suplemento, possibilita desenvolvimento reprodutivo para que as bezerras sejam acasaladas aos 14 meses de idade. O peso corporal ao início da utilização da pastagem é determinante para que as bezerras atinjam adequado desenvolvimento reprodutivo no início da estação de acasalamento.(AU)

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the development of beef heifers in three feeding systems: exclusively on ryegrass pasture (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) or in ryegrass pasture and receiving 0.93% of body weight of corn whole grain or oats grain as a supplement. The experimental design was completely randomized with repeated measures in time. The utilization of ryegrass pasture, with or without the use of corn or oats grain as a supplement, provides reproductive development of heifers in order for them to be mated at 14 months of age. The body weight at the beginning of pasture utilization is crucial for heifers to reach adequate reproductive development at the beginning of the mating season.(AU)

Influence of storage time and temperature on the chemical composition of the essential oil of Hyptis pectinata L. Poit / Influência do tempo de armazenamento e da temperatura na composição química do óleo essencial de Hyptis pectinata L. Poit

ABSTRACT Hyptis pectinata, popularly known as “sambacaitá”, is a native medicinal herb used by local people for treating disease. Its pharmacological, antimicrobial, and medicinal properties have been reported in several studies. The essential oil of the leaves is rich in terpene compounds responsible for its properties. Because there are factors that can influence the chemical composition of essential oils, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of storage on Hyptis pectinata essential oil for 360 days at two different temperatures. The essential oil was distilled from dried leaves of seven-month-old plants using the hydrodistillation method, and the chemical composition was determined using GC-MS and GC/FID. The effects of storage on the essential oil Hyptis pectinata were tested over the course of a year (0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 240, 300, and 360 days), using two temperatures: room (±32ºC) and freezer (-20ºC). The predominant compounds in the essential oil are β–caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, and germancrene D. The concentration of the chemical constituents of the essential oil varied depending on the storage temperature, and over the 360 days. The storage of the essential oil at room temperature over one year resulted in higher concentrations of β-elemene, α-copaene, germacrene D, caryophyllene oxide, and (E,E)-α-farnesene and lower content of α-humulene and β-caryophyllene, compared to the results obtained from storing the essential oil in a freezer. These results indicate that the essential oil should be stored in a freezer, which provides greater stability to the concentration of the chemical constituents.

RESUMO Hyptis pectinata, conhecida popularmente como Sambacaitá é uma erva medicinal nativa utilizada pela população local para o tratamento de enfermidades, cujas propriedades farmacológicas, antimicrobianas e medicinais foram relatadas em diversos estudos. O óleo essencial das folhas é rico em compostos terpênicos responsáveis pelas suas propriedades. Devido à existência de fatores que podem influenciar a composição química dos óleos essenciais, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do armazenamento do óleo essencial Hyptis pectinata durante 360 dias em duas temperaturas diferentes. O óleo essencial foi destilado a partir de folhas secas de plantas de sete meses de idade, utilizando o método de hidrodestilação e a composição química foi determinada usando CG-EM e CG-DIC. Os efeitos do armazenamento no óleo essencial Hyptis pectinata foram testados ao longo de um ano (0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 240, 300 e 360 dias), utilizando duas temperaturas: ambiente (±32ºC) e freezer (-20ºC). Os compostos predominantes no óleo essencial foram o β-cariofileno, óxido de cariofileno e germancreno D e houve variação na concentração dos constituintes químicos do óleo essencial, dependendo da temperatura de armazenamento, bem como ao longo dos 360 dias. O armazenamento do óleo essencial, à temperatura ambiente ao longo de um ano resultou em maiores concentrações de β-elemeno, α-copaeno, germacreno D, óxido de cariofileno e (E, E) -α-farneseno e menores teores de α-humuleno e β-cariofileno, quando comparado com os resultados obtidos a partir de armazenamento do óleo essencial no freezer. Estes resultados indicam que o óleo essencial deve ser estocado no freezer, o que propicia maior estabilidade na concentração dos constituintes químicos.

Estudo etnofarmacológico em entorno de floresta urbana como subsídio para a implantação da Fitoterapia no Sistema Único de Saúde / Ethnopharmacological study surrounding urban forest as a resource for the implementation of herbal medicine in the National Health System

RESUMO O estudo etnofarmacológico pode ser definido como exploração científica interdisciplinar dos agentes biologicamente ativos, tradicionalmente utilizados por populações humanas e que fazem parte de um acervo de conhecimento compartilhado. Desta forma o presente estudo teve como objetivo o estudo etnofarmacológico de plantas medicinais, no entorno de floresta urbana na Reserva Biológica Poço D’Anta em Juiz de Fora/MG visando a implantação da fitoterapia no Sistema Único de Saúde. Para este, realizou-se levantamento com três diferentes amostras: profissionais de saúde, domicílios em geral e especialistas locais. Quanto aos profissionais de saúde, pôde-se constatar que nenhum entrevistado soube conceituar o termo “Fitoterápico” e que não conheciam as políticas vigentes. Constatou-se que há aceitabilidade da implantação de Fitoterapia na saúde pública, porém, o conhecimento do tema é limitado. A partir das entrevistas nos domicílios em geral e com os especialistas locais, selecionou-se um total de 20 espécies botânicas para análise estatística e confirmação farmacológica. Esses resultados possibilitaram confrontar o conhecimento cultural com científico, com base em 14 espécies que poderiam ser cultivadas em horto na Reserva Biologica Poço D´Anta, com base em suas relevâncias locais. Os resultados obtidos podem subsidiar a aproximação do saber popular em relação ao científico, servindo de base para manutenção e fomento da implantação da Fitoterapia no sistema único de saúde.

ABSTRACT The ethnopharmacological study can be defined as an interdisciplinary scientific exploration of biologically active agents, traditionally used by human populations and part of a shared body of knowledge. Thus, the current study focused on the ethnopharmacological research of medicinal plants, in the surroundings of the urban forest in the Biological Reserve PoçoD’Anta in Juiz de Fora / MG, aiming on the implementation of the herbal medicine in the Public Health System. For this purpose, a survey was held with three different groups: health professionals, members of the community and local experts.Concerning the health professionals, it could be verified that none of the participants were able to explain the term Phytotherapic and neither they had knowledge about the relevant and applicable policies.The acceptability for the implantation of Phytotherapy for public health use was observed, but the knowledge about this subject is limited. From the interviews with members of the community and local experts, a total of 20 plant species were selected for a statistical analysis and pharmacological confirmation. These results made possible to compare the cultural knowledge with the scientific one, defining 14 species that could be grown in the garden of the Biological Reserve Poço D’Anta, based on their local relevance. The results can support the approximation of the popular knowledge with the scientific one, providing a basis for the maintenance and promotion of the Phytotherapy in the Public Health System.

Apéndices testicular y epididimario en individuos brasileños / Testicular and epididymal appendices in Brazilian individuals

Los apéndices testiculares y epididimarios son remanescentes embriológicos del conducto paramesonéfrico y del conducto mesonéfrico, respectivamente. Estos apéndices pueden sufrir torsión causando un cuadro conocido como escroto agudo. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar las variaciones de los apéndices testicular y epididimario, registrando su forma y tamaño. Se utilizaron 30 cadáveres de indivíduos adultos, Brasileños, con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 70 años, fijados en formaldehído 40%, facilitados por el Laboratorio de Anatomía Descriptiva y Topográfica de la Universidad Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió, Brasil. A través de disección se identificó la presencia de los respectivos apéndices, los que fueron medidos con un caliper manual (MetricaR), registrando su longitud y anchura. Los apéndices testiculares fueron observados en 41 testículos (68,3%) y los apéndices epididimarios en 15 casos (25%). El promedio de la longitud fue de 4,9 mm (DE=1,7) para el apéndice testicular y de 5,2 mm (DE=2,4) para el epididimario. Con respecto a la anchura de los apéndices, el promedio registrado fue de 3,2 mm (DE=1,7) para el testicular y de 2,6 mm (DE=0,9) para el epididimario. Los datos obtenidos puede ser utlizados como soporte morfológico a la clínica urológica y cirugía testicular.

Testicular and epididymal appendages are embryologic remnants of the mesonephric duct and paramesonephric, respectively. These appendices are subject to a torsion causing condition known as acute scrotal syndrome. This study aimed to determine the variations of testicular and epididymal appendices, registering its presence and size. We studied 30 cadavers of adult individuals, Brazilians, aged 18 and 70, fixed in formaldehyde 40%, provided by the Laboratory of Descriptive and Topographic Anatomy of the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió, Brazil. By dissecting these, the presence of the respective appendixes were identified, which were measured with a manual caliper (Metrica), recording its length and width. The testicular appendices were observed in 41 testes (68.3%) and epididymal appendices in 15 cases (25%). The average length was 4.9 mm (SD=1.7) for the appendix testis and epididymis to 5.2 mm (SD=2.4). With respect to the width of the appendices, the average recorded were 3.2 mm (SD=1.7) and 2.6 mm (SD=0.9) for testicular and epididymal, respectively. The data obtained can be used as morphological support in urological clinical and testicular surgery.

Effects of eugenol on resting tension of rat atria

In cardiac and skeletal muscle, eugenol (μM range) blocks excitation-contraction coupling. In skeletal muscle, however, larger doses of eugenol (mM range) induce calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The effects of eugenol are therefore dependent on its concentration. In this study, we evaluated the effects of eugenol on the contractility of isolated, quiescent atrial trabeculae from male Wistar rats (250-300 g; n=131) and measured atrial ATP content. Eugenol (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 mM) increased resting tension in a dose-dependent manner. Ryanodine [100 µM; a specific ryanodine receptor (RyR) blocker] and procaine (30 mM; a nonspecific RyR blocker) did not block the increased resting tension induced by eugenol regardless of whether extracellular calcium was present. The myosin-specific inhibitor 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM), however, reversed the increase in resting tension induced by eugenol. In Triton-skinned atrial trabeculae, in which all membranes were solubilized, eugenol did not change resting tension, maximum force produced, or the force vs pCa relationship (pCa=-log [Ca2+]). Given that eugenol reduced ATP concentration, the increase in resting tension observed in this study may have resulted from cooperative activation of cardiac thin filaments by strongly attached cross-bridges (rigor state).

Allelopathic effect of essential oils of medicinal plants in Bidens pilosa L / Efeito Alelopático de oleos essencias de plantas medicinais em Bidens pilosa L

We determined the inhibitory allelopathic effects of the volatile extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Ness, Lippia sidoides Cham. and Cymbopogum nardus L. on seed germination and root growth of seedlings of Bidens pilosa. The experiment was conducted at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of the Department of Plant Science, Federal University of Ceará. For this end, we used oils at the concentrations of 0.01, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08% (v/v). Five treatments were used for each of the oils arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications of 25 seeds. The seeds were sown in Petri dishes lined with filter paper moistened with distilled water and, aiming at the indirect contact with each oil, two sheets of filter paper were placed on top of the lid, in which three (3) mL of each oil solution were added. Then, the dishes were incubated in a germination chamber at 25°C. The pH did not contribute to alter the results; the volatile extracts of essential oils of C. zeylanicum, L. sidoides and C. nardus inhibited seed germination and root growth of seedlings of B. pilosa, which shows allelopathic potential; and the concentration of 0.08% of oils caused the overall deterioration of the roots and death of seedlings of B. pilosa.

Determinou-se o efeito alelopático inibitório dos extratos voláteis de Cinnamomum zeylanicum Ness, Lippia sidoides Cham. e Cymbopogum nardus L., sobre a germinação de sementes e o crescimento de raiz de plântulas de Bidens pilosa. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Análises de Sementes do Departamento de Fitotecnia da Universidade Federal do Ceará. Para isso, utilizaram-se óleos essenciais nas concentrações 0,01, 0,02, 0,04 e 0,08%. (v/v). Foram utilizados cinco tratamentos para cada óleo dispostos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições de 25 sementes. As sementes foram semeadas em placas de Petri forradas com papel de filtro umedecido com água destilada e, visando o contato indireto com cada óleo, foram colocadas duas folhas de papel de filtro na parte superior interna da tampa, onde foi adicionado 3(três) mL da solução de cada óleo. Em seguida, as placas foram incubadas em câmara de germinação a 25ºC. O pH não contribuiu para alterar os resultados; os extratos voláteis de óleos essenciais de C. zeylanicum, L. sidoides and C. nardus inibiram a germinação de sementes e o crescimento da raiz de plântulas de B. pilosa, evidenciando potencial alelopático; a concentração de 0,08% dos óleos causaram a deterioração total das raízes e morte das plântulas de B. pilosa.

Efeitos do espaço de alojamento e da idade sobre desenvolvimento, integridade e proteção da mucosa intestinal de frangos de corte / Effects of enclosure size and age on development, integrity and protection of the intestinal mucosa in broiler chickens

Foi avaliado se o espaço de alojamento influencia o desenvolvimento da mucosa do intestino delgado de frangos, sendo usado um esquema fatorial 4 x 2 (14, 28, 42, 55 dias de idade e alojamento pequeno: 0,11m²/ave e grande: 0,525m²/ave). Foram analisadas: altura, perímetro e número dos vilos, profundidade das criptas, número de células caliciformes e número de vilos sem e com perda de epitélio e exposição do conjuntivo. Em ambos os espaços de alojamento, o número de vilos diminuiu e a profundidade das criptas aumentou com a idade nas três regiões intestinais. A altura e o perímetro dos vilos aumentaram de 14 para 28 dias no jejuno e íleo, e o número de células caliciformes foi maior no duodeno e íleo a partir dos 42 dias. A perda de epitélio pelos vilos do íleo aumentou com a idade. Nas aves do alojamento grande, ocorreu aumento na altura e no perímetro dos vilos duodenais com a idade, possibilitado pelo aumento na profundidade das criptas, que resultou em vilos maiores nessas aves do que nas do alojamento pequeno aos 55 dias de idade. O número de células caliciformes diminuiu nas aves do alojamento pequeno aos 42 dias de idade. Os dados mostram que o tamanho do alojamento interferiu no modelo de desenvolvimento temporal da mucosa intestinal e que frangos apresentaram maior tamanho de vilo duodenal quando alojados em espaço maior.

This study evaluated if enclosure size and age influence the intestinal mucosa development of broiler chickens, using an experimental design in an 4x2 factorial arrangement (14, 18, 42 and 55 days of age and two enclosure spaces: small= 0.11m² /bird and large= 0.525m²/bird). Villous height, perimeter and number, and crypt depth, goblet cells number, and number of villous without and with epithelium loss and conjunctive tissue exposition were analyzed in duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Regardless of enclosure size, the villous number diminished and the crypt depth increased with the age in the three intestinal regions. From 14 to 28 days of age, villous height and perimeter increased in the jejunum and ileum. The number of goblet cells was greater from 42 days in duodenum and ileum, and epithelium loss increased until 42 days in the ileum. Broilers housed in small and large enclosures differed in the intestinal characteristics from 42 days. In broilers housed in large enclosure, duodenal villous height and perimeter increased with the age, with an increase in the crypt depth, reaching greater size at 55 days of age than duodenal villous of the broilers housed in a small enclosure. These later presented at 42 days a smaller number of goblet cells than the former. According these results, enclosure size influenced the temporal pattern of the intestinal mucosa development, and broilers presented major duodenal villous growth when housed in large enclosures.

The chronic blockade of angiotensin I-converting enzyme eliminates the sex differences of serum cytokine levels of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Sex hormones modulate the action of both cytokines and the renin-angiotensin system. However, the effects of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) on the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are unclear. We determined the relationship between ACE activity, cytokine levels and sex differences in SHR. Female (F) and male (M) SHR were divided into 4 experimental groups each (n = 7): sham + vehicle (SV), sham + enalapril (10 mg/kg body weight by gavage), castrated + vehicle, and castrated + enalapril. Treatment began 21 days after castration and continued for 30 days. Serum cytokine levels (ELISA) and ACE activity (fluorimetry) were measured. Male rats exhibited a higher serum ACE activity than female rats. Castration reduced serum ACE in males but did not affect it in females. Enalapril reduced serum ACE in all groups. IL-10 (FSV = 16.4 ± 1.1 pg/mL; MSV = 12.8 ± 1.2 pg/mL), TNF-α (FSV = 16.6 ± 1.2 pg/mL; MSV = 12.8 ± 1 pg/mL) and IL-6 (FSV = 10.3 ± 0.2 pg/mL; MSV = 7.2 ± 0.2 pg/mL) levels were higher in females than in males. Ovariectomy reduced all cytokine levels and orchiectomy reduced IL-6 but increased IL-10 concentrations in males. Castration eliminated the differences in all inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6 and TNF-α) between males and females. Enalapril increased IL-10 in all groups and reduced IL-6 in SV rats. In conclusion, serum ACE inhibition by enalapril eliminated the sexual dimorphisms of cytokine levels in SV animals, which suggests that enalapril exerts systemic anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive effects.

Qualidade e autenticidade de folhas de chapéu-de-couro (Echinodorus grandiflorus) oriundas de fornecedores de São Paulo / Quality and authenticity of leaves of "chapéu-de-couro" (Echinodorus grandiflorus) from suppliers in São Paulo

Echinodorus grandiflorus e Echinodorus macrophyllus, conhecidas como chapéu-de-couro, são empregadas de forma indistinta como anti-inflamatório. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar análises físico-químicas de três amostras (A, B e C) de folhas de chapéu-de-couro (E. grandiflorus) provenientes de fornecedores de São Paulo buscando avaliar a qualidade e autenticidade destas amostras considerando a Farmacopéia Brasileira, 5ª edição, como referência. Verificou-se que as amostras estavam de acordo com as especificações farmacopeicas em relação às características organolépticas, material estranho, umidade, cinzas totais, cinzas sulfatadas (exceto amostras A e B) e teores de derivados de ácido o-hidroxicinâmico (exceto amostra A). Na descrição macro e microscópica foram identificadas estruturas características de E. grandiflorus. Após análise dos perfis cromatográficos por cromatografia em camada delgada de sílica (CCDS) constatou-se a presença de ácido caféico, isoorientina e swertiajaponina, conforme a monografia da espécie. A amostra C foi a única droga vegetal aprovada segundo os critérios da Farmacopeia Brasileira, evidenciando-se a necessidade da realização do controle de qualidade de matérias-primas vegetais para garantir a obtenção de fitoterápicos seguros e eficazes.

Echinodorus grandiflorus and Echinodorus macrophyllus, known as "chapéu-de-couro", have been differently used as anti-inflammatory agents. The aim of the present study was to carry out physicochemical analyses of three leaf samples (A, B and C) from "chapéu-de-couro" (E. grandiflorus) obtained from suppliers in São Paulo to assess the quality and the authenticity of these samples according to the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia (BP) 5th edition. All samples were in agreement with the specifications of the Pharmacopoeia considering their organoleptic characteristics, foreign material, humidity, total ash and sulfated ash (except for samples A and B), as well as the levels of o-hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (except for sample A). Macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the samples revealed structures typical of E. grandiflorus. Analysis of chromatographic profiles by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on silica gel indicated the presence caffeic acid, isoorientin and swertiajaponin, which are in accordance with the monography for this species. Sample C was the only plant drug approved according to the criteria of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia, evidencing the need of quality control of raw plant material to ensure the production of safe and effective phytomedicines.