Fish products developed from ground rainbow trout and tilapia fillet mixtures: physico-chemical, microbiological and toxicological analyses / Produtos de pescado elaborados a partir de misturas de carne moída de truta-arco-íris (Oncorhynchus mykiss) e tilápia (Oreochromis sp. ): análises físico-químicas, microbiológicas e toxicológicas

Constant fishing industry innovations in response to consumer demands for novel, balanced healthy products exhibiting high nutritional value, as well as easy to prepare and ready to consume, have led to the emergence of new technologies. Among them, the development of products based on ground beef and fish mixtures are noteworthy. In this context, the purpose of this study was to develop products from different ground rainbow trout and tilapia fillet ratios, in the form of meatballs and nuggets, determining their proximate composition and physico-chemical, microbiological and toxicological characteristics. The average dry matter percentage of the developed products was 29.20±2.30%, while mineral content was 1.45±0.55%, lipid pulp content, 3.70±0.30% and crude pulp protein, 16.60±2.04%. Total psychotropic counts remained below 102 CFU/g, for standard counting on aerobic microorganism plates. Histamine and sulfur-based compounds were not detected in any of the prepared samples. The purpose of the work proposal was to develop foods and technologies that can serve as standards, allowing for simple handling products that apply ground meat mixtures from different fish species to maintain adequate nutritional indices after processing.(AU)

A constante inovação da indústria pesqueira, em resposta às demandas dos consumidores por novos produtos saudáveis, com alto valor nutritivo, balanceados, de fácil preparo e prontos para consumo, levou ao surgimento de novas tecnologias, entre elas o desenvolvimento de produtos à base de mistura de carne moída de pescado. Nesse contexto, a proposta deste trabalho é desenvolver produtos a partir de carne moída de pescado de truta-arco-íris e tilápia, confeccionando almôndegas e nuggets em diferentes proporções, com determinação da composição centesimal e de suas características físico-químicas, microbiológicas e toxicológicas. A matéria seca percentual média foi de 29,20±2,30%. Teores de matéria mineral nos produtos estão em 1,45±0,55%. Os teores de lipídeos aferidos na polpa foram de 3,70±0,30%, e os níveis de proteína bruta apresentados na polpa de 16,60±2,04%. A contagem de psicrotróficos totais manteve-se abaixo de 102 CFU/g, para contagem padrão em placas de micro-organismos aeróbicos. Nas amostras, não foram detectados níveis de histamina e de compostos à base de enxofre. A proposta de trabalho objetivou, por fim, desenvolver alimentos e tecnologias que possam servir como padrões, permitindo que produtos de manipulação simples e que utilizem misturas de carne moída de diferentes espécies de pescado mantenham índices nutricionais adequados após o processamento.(AU)

Thermographic assessment of saddles used in Mangalarga Marchador horses / Avaliação termográfica de selas utilizadas em cavalos da raça Mangalarga Marchador

Poor saddle-fitting is one of the main causes of back pain in horses. Mangalarga Marchador is a popular breed in Brazil, being used mainly for pleasure riding and sports. This study aimed to thermographically assess saddles used in horses of this breed. Thermographic images were obtained from 18 saddles of animals from different categories during a Mangalarga Marchador National Exposition. The evaluation was based on three parameters: contact area symmetry, dorsal midline interaction and total skin contact area (25%, 50%, 75% or 100%). Contact area asymmetry was observed in 83.3% of saddles. Dorsal midline interaction was observed with the same frequency. Only 22.2% of saddles assessed in the present study had panels with contact areas greater than 50%. Based on the results of this essay it can be concluded that thermography is a useful tool for the evaluation of saddle contact area with the back of horses and that there is a high frequency of fitting unconformities in saddles used in Mangalarga Marchador horses.(AU)

O ajuste inadequado da sela é um dos principais causadores de lombalgias em equinos. A raça Mangalarga Marchador está entre as mais populares do Brasil, sendo muito utilizada para cavalgadas e prática de esportes. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar termograficamente as selas utilizadas em cavalos dessa raça. Para tal, foram realizadas imagens termográficas de 18 selas de animais de diversas categorias durante uma Exposição Nacional do Cavalo Mangalarga Marchador. A avaliação foi realizada baseando-se em três parâmetros: simetria da área de contato, interação com a linha média dorsal e área total de contato com a pele (25%, 50%, 75% ou 100%). Em 83,3% das selas avaliadas foi observada assimetria da área de contato. A interação com a linha média dorsal foi observada com a mesma frequência. Apenas 22,2% das selas avaliadas no presente estudo tinham suadouros com área de contato maior que 50%. Com base nos resultados obtidos neste trabalho, conclui-se que a termografia é uma ferramenta útil na avaliação do contato das selas com o dorso dos cavalos e que existe alta frequência de inconformidades no ajuste de selas utilizadas na raça Mangalarga Marchador.(AU)

Técnicas de necropsia y toma de muestras en animales de experimentación: Una revisión bibliográfica y actualización / Necropsy and sampling techniques in experimental animals: A bibliographic review and update

Se plantea como objetivo describir las técnicas de necropsia en animales de experimentación, una revisión bibliográfica y actualización. Se describieron las técnicas de necropsia en cobayos (Cavia porcellus), conejos (Oryctolaguscuniculus), ratones (Mus musculus), la rata (Rattusnorvegicus (variedad albina), incluyendo peces. La necropsia sistemática incluye una revisión de la historia clínica, y/o datos del experimento realizado. El siguiente paso corresponde al examen externo, donde se describen lesiones sobre el tejido tegumentario, sistema locomotor, mucosas, cavidades naturales y cambios post-mortem. Posteriormente se realiza el desollado, de manera simultánea la apertura de cavidades, con la evaluación de órganos, mediante un exhaustivo examen macroscópico. Este procedimiento continua con la extracción de órganos y toma de muestras. Por último se debe elaborar un informe de necropsia donde el patólogo veterinario emitirá las conclusiones o diagnósticos comentarios, recomendaciones y las apreciaciones enmarcados en la epicrisis del caso. El proceso de necropsia junto con la recolección y envío de muestras apropiadas para la realización de pruebas de laboratorio es trascendental en el proceso de emisión de un diagnóstico, de la práctica de la toma de muestra y envío al laboratorio depende el diagnostico morfológico y etiológico. En conclusión se describieron las técnicas de necropsia y toma de muestras en animales de experimentación con énfasis en cobayos (Cavia porcellus), conejos (Oryctolaguscuniculus), ratones (Mus musculus), la rata (Rattusnorvegicus, variedad albina), incluyendo peces, como una herramienta básica para el diagnostico de patologías en animales de experimentación así como se mencionaron las condiciones de envío de muestras a los distintos laborator

The aim of this study was to describe the necropsy techniques in experimental animals, a literature review and update. Necropsy techniques were described in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), mice (Mus musculus), rat (Rattus norvegicus (albino variety), including fish, systematic necropsy includes a review of clinical history, and/or data of the experiment performed. The next step corresponds to the external examination, where lesions are described on the integumentary tissue, locomotor system, mucous membranes, natural cavities and post-mortem changes, followed by flaying, simultaneously opening cavities, with the evaluation of organs, through an exhaustive macroscopic examination. This procedure continues with the extraction of organs and sampling. Finally, a necropsy report must be prepared where the veterinary pathologist will issue the conclusions or diagnoses comments, recommendations and assessments framed in the epicrisis of the case, the necropsy process together with the collection and shipment of appropriate samples for the performance of laboratory tests is crucial in the process of issuing a diagnosis, the practice of sampling and sending to the laboratory depends on the morphological and etiological diagnosis. In conclusion, necropsy and sampling techniques were described in experimental animals with emphasis on guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), mice (Mus musculus), rat (Rattus norvegicus albino variety), including fish, as a basic tool for the diagnosis of pathologies in experimental animals, as well as the conditions for sending samples to different laboratories.

Orange juice with a high-fat meal prolongs postprandial lipemia in apparently healthy overweight/obese women

ABSTRACT Objective We investigated the postprandial response of lipid markers to a high-fat meal (HFM) with two different beverages in apparently healthy normal-weight and overweight/obese women. Subjects and methods This crossover, randomized study enrolled 36 women, of whom 21 had normal weight (body mass index [BMI] 22 ± 1.8 kg/m2) and 15 had overweight/obesity (BMI 31 ± 3.7 kg/m2). In two different test days, the participants ingested a HFM (37% of energy as saturated fat) with 500 mL of water (HFM-W) or 500 mL of orange juice (HFM-OJ). Blood samples were collected at baseline (12-hour fasting), and at 2, 3, and 5 hours postprandial. The analysis included fasting and postprandial total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, triglycerides (TG), uric acid, and complement C3. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC); Primary Identification Number: RBR-2h3wjn (www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br). Results TG levels increased at 3 hours with HFM-OJ in normal-weight women (p = 0.01) and returned to normal levels at 5h. TG increased at 3 hours with HFM-W (p = 0.01) and HFM-OJ (p = 0.02), and remained high at 5 hours (p = 0.03) in overweight/obese women. Complement C3 remained unchanged, but showed different responses between meals (p = 0.01 for positive incremental area under the curve [piAUC] HFM-OJ vs. HFM-W, respectively). Conclusions In apparently healthy overweight/obese women compared with normal-weight ones, the concomitant intake of orange juice with a HFM prolonged postprandial lipemia but had no effect on postprandial complement C3 concentrations.

Dexmedetomidine decreases the inflammatory response to myocardial surgery under mini-cardiopulmonary bypass

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with extracorporeal circulation produces changes in the immune system accompanied by an increase in proinflammatory cytokines and a decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesize that dexmedetomidine (DEX) as an anesthetic adjuvant modulates the inflammatory response after coronary artery bypass graft surgery with mini-CPB. In a prospective, randomized, blind study, 12 patients (4 females and 8 males, age range 42-72) were assigned to DEX group and compared with a conventional total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) group of 11 patients (4 females and 7 males). The endpoints used to assess inflammatory and biochemical responses to mini-CPB were plasma interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, interferon (INF)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive protein, creatine phosphokinase, creatine phosphokinase-MB, cardiac troponin I, cortisol, and glucose levels. These variables were determined before anesthesia, 90 min after beginning CPB, 5 h after beginning CPB, and 24 h after the end of surgery. Endpoints of oxidative stress, including thiobarbituric acid reactive species and delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity in erythrocytes were also determined. DEX+TIVA use was associated with a significant reduction in IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and INF-γ (P<0.0001) levels compared with TIVA (two-way ANOVA). In contrast, the surgery-induced increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive species was higher in the DEX+TIVA group than in the TIVA group (P<0.01; two-way ANOVA). Delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity was decreased after CPB (P<0.001), but there was no difference between the two groups. DEX as an adjuvant in anesthesia reduced circulating IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and INF-γ levels after mini-CPB. These findings indicate an interesting anti-inflammatory effect of DEX, which should be studied in different types of surgical interventions.

Avaliação da atividade antioxidante e alelopática do extrato etanólico e frações das cascas do caule de Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam., Rutaceae / Assessment of antioxidant and allelopathic activities of ethanolic extract and solvent fractions from stem bark of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. (Rutaceae)

The purpose of this study was to test for antioxidantand allelopathic activities in stem bark of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam., Rutaceae, with the eventual aim of discovering biologically active substances. The plant material was subjected to ethanolic extraction and this extract was partitioned, yielding hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and hydroalcoholic fractions. Antioxidant activity was estimated by the reduction of phosphomolybdenum complex, of DPPH. and of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). To detect allelopathy, the samples were tested, at four concentrations, on the germination and development of the radicle and hypocotyl of L. sativa seeds. The samples showed significant antioxidant activity against the reduction of the phosphomolybdenum complex, as compared to rutin, and reduction of TBARS, ascompared to BHT, as well as allelopathic activity, since they stimulated growth and seed germination. The chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed the best antioxidant potentials, with 204.17% and 127.11% compared to rutin, in the reduction of phosphomolybdenum complex, as did the crude ethanolic extract and hexane fraction, with 64.2% and 60.9% compared to BHT, in the TBARS method. In the allelopathic assay, the chloroform fraction stood out as the only sample that stimulated the growth of both the radicle and hypocotyl at most concentrations, ranging from 41 to 144%, while the ethyl acetate fraction achieved the greatest stimulus in this bioassay, increasing the growth of the hypocotyl by 274%. This is the first study that demonstrates the antioxidant and allelopathic activities of the species Z. rhoifolium...

Este trabalho teve como objetivo o estudo das atividades antioxidante e alelopática das cascas do caule de Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam., Rutaceae, de modo a conduzir à descoberta de substâncias biologicamente ativas. O material vegetal foi submetido à extração etanólica e este extrato foi fracionado obtendo as frações (hexano, clorofórmio, acetato de etila e hidroalcoólica). Para a avaliação da atividade antioxidante, empregaram-se os métodos de redução do complexo fosfomolibdênio, de redução do radical DPPH e das substâncias reativas ao acido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS). Quanto à alelopatia, as amostras foram testadas em quatro concentrações sobre a germinação e o desenvolvimento de radícula e hipocótilo das sementes de Lactuca sativa. As amostras evidenciaram atividade antioxidante significativa frente ao método de redução do complexo fosfomolibdênio quando comparada à rutina, e do TBARS quando comparado ao BHT, assim como a atividade alelopática, uma vez que estimularam tanto a germinação como o crescimento das sementes. A fração clorofórmica e acetato de etila demonstraram melhor potencial antioxidante com 204,17% e 127,11% em relação à rutina no método de formação do complexo fosfomolibdênio, e o extrato bruto e a fração hexano com 64,2% e 60,9%, em relação ao BHT, no método TBARS. No ensaio alelopático, destaca-se a fração clorofórmica, pois foi a única amostra que estimulou o crescimento do hipocótilo e radícula na maioria das concentrações, variando de 41 a 144%, e a fração acetato de etila que apresentou a maior porcentagem de estímulo nesse bioensaio, demonstrando estímulo de 274% do crescimento do hipocótilo. Este é o primeiro trabalho que demonstra a atividade antioxidante e alelopática de Z. rhoifolium...

Frecuencia de insuficiencia de Vitamina D en adultos jóvenes sanos de Asunción / Frequency of Vitamin D insufficiency in healthy young adults of Asunción

La insuficiencia de vitamina D sérica se asocia a diversos trastornos, con alta prevalencia a nivel regional y mundial. En nuestro país no existen estudios publicados al respecto. En este estudio observacional, descriptivo, con componente analítico se determinaron niveles de vitamina D y prevalencia de su insuficiencia en jóvenes y se indagó posibles asociaciones con factores de riesgo conocidos como la falta de exposición solar, uso de protectores solares, y falta de consumo de alimentos ricos en vitamina D. Fueron incluidos 100 estudiantes y funcionarios del Hospital de Clínicas de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción, a quienes se les tomó una muestra de sangre y llenaron un cuestionario. Los niveles de vitamina D fueron determinados por el método ECLIA (inmunoensayo de electro quimioluminiscencia). Las edades estaban entre 20 y 30 años, el 69% era del sexo femenino. La concentración media ± desvío estándar de vitamina D fue de 17,6 ± 6,25 ng/dl (rango: 4-38). El 53% de los participantes presentaba insuficiencia (10 a 20 ng/dL) y 11% deficiencia (<10 ng/dL) de vitamina D. Aunque los participantes que reportaron consumir lácteos y no utilizar protectores solares tuvieron mayores niveles de vitamina D, la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa. Se encontró una frecuencia elevada de insuficiencia de vitamina D en esta población, en concordancia con los hallazgos de estudios similares a nivel mundial y regional. Se recomienda la suplementación con vitamina D en la población de manera a prevenir los trastornos asociados con la deficiencia de esta vitamina.

Insufficientserum vitamin D is associated with various disorderswith highprevalence at global and regional levels. In our country,there are notpublishedstudiesrelated to this matter.Inthisdescriptive,observational studywithanalytical component,thelevels ofvitamin Dand the prevalence of its insufficiencywere determined in young peopleand also thepossible associations with knownriskfactors likesun exposure, sunscreen useand lack ofconsumption ofvitamin D-enrichedfoodswere analyzed.One hundred medical students andmembers of thestaff of theHospital de Clinicas ofthe National University of Asuncion, Paraguaywere included.Participants wereaged 20to30 yearsand69%of them werewomen.The mean concentrationof vitamin Dwas 17.6 ± 6.25 ng/dl (range: 4-38);53% oftheparticipants had insufficientlevelsof vitamin D(10-20 ng/dL) and 11%had vitamin Ddeficiency (less than 10 ng/dL).Althoughtheindividuals whoreportedconsumption of dairyproductsand non-use of sunscreenhad higher levels ofvitamin D,thedifferencewas not statistically significant. A high frequency ofvitamin D insufficiency was foundin this population in agreementwith similarstudiescarried outatworldwideandregionallevels.Vitamin D supplementationisrecommendedin thepopulation to prevent disorders associated withthedeficiency.

Estenosis bronquial congénita, papel de las imágenes en el diagnóstico: reporte de un caso / Congenital bronchial stenosis, the role of imaging in the diagnosis: a case report

En este artículo se reporta el caso de un lactante menor de 2 meses de edad que a los 15 días de nacido presentó estridor y dificultad respiratoria, por lo que consultó a una clínica de primer nivel en donde se le realizó radiografía de tórax, en la cual se documentó la presencia de una hiperinfiación del campo pulmonar derecho. Se realizó una fibrobroncoscopía óptica (FBO) que fue reportada como normal y una gammagrafía de ventilación/perfusión que reportó una hipoplasia pulmonar derecha. Fue manejado con oxígeno suplementario y terapias respiratorias sin mejoría clínica, motivo por el cual fue trasladado a nuestra institución para manejo especializado. Con el fin de obtener un mapa vascular pre quirúrgico, se realizó una angiografía pulmonar por tomografía (Figura 2) reconstrucciones con mínima intensidad de proyección (Figura 3) y broncoscopía virtual (BV) multicorte (Figuras 4 y 5) documentándose una estenosis del bronquio fuente derecho, producida por un repliegue de la pared bronquial y con efecto de válvula que producía una hiperinsufiación secundaria del pulmón derecho. Estos hallazgos fueron confirmados en la cirugía correctiva.

This article describes the case of an infant under 2 months old, who at 15 days of age presented stridor and respiratory distress, a chest X-ray was performed which reported the presence of a hyperinflation of the right lung field. A fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FBO) was performed which resulted normal and a ventilation/perfusion gammagraph showed a right lung hypoplasia. The infant was treated with additional oxygen and respiratory therapy without clinical. In order to obtain a pre-surgical vascular map, a multislice CT angiography and virtual bronchoscopy were performed, documenting a right bronchial stenosis produced by a fold of the bronchial wall and with valve effect which produced a secondary hyperinsufflation of the right lung. These findings were confirmed in corrective surgery.

Déficit de vitamina D en pacientes post-menopáusicas y su relación con el metabolismo fosfocálcico y la osteoporosis / Vitamin D deficiency in post-menopausal patients and its relation with the mineral metabolism and the osteoporosis

La influencia de la hipovitaminosis D en la mujer post-menopáusica constituye un tema de gran importancia por las implicancias en el metabolismo fosfo-cálcico y su posible asociación en el desarrollo de otros tipos de patologías. Es por eso que el presente estudio tiene por objetivo conocer la prevalencia de la hipovitaminosis D en una población de mujeres post-menopáusicas y su asociación con los cambios en el metabolismo fosfocálcico y con el desarrollo de la osteoporosis. Se incluyó 67 mujeres post-menopáusicas procedentes de una consulta ambulatoria de reumatología. Se consideraron las siguientes variables clínicas (i.e. edad, peso), laboratorio (i.e. concentraciones de calcio, fosforo y PTH) y la presencia o ausencia de osteopenia u osteoporosis. El valor de la media de la edad de las pacientes fue de 66 ± 11,29 años y las concentraciones de vitamina D inferior a 30 ng/ml se observó en 50 (74,6%) pacientes. La osteopenia u osteoporosis se observó en una parte importante de nuestros pacientes. No se observó una correlación significativa entre las concentraciones de vitamina D y las concentraciones de calcio y fósforo. Se observó una correlación negativa en relación a las concentraciones de PTH (P= 0,049). Las pacientes con osteoporosis u osteopenia presentan con frecuencia hipovitaminosis D. Es por eso que existe la necesidad de realizar una detección y tratamiento temprano a fin de evitar las graves complicaciones que podrían acompañar a la pérdida de densidad ósea en este grupo de pacientes.

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.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from the leaves and flowers of Aloysia gratissima / Composição química e atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de folhas e flores de Aloysia gratissima

Volatile oils from leaves and flowers of Aloysia gratissima were investigated for their chemical composition and antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Bacilus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesuis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae and the Candida albicans yeast. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the oils were determined by the micro-dilution method, while the chemical composition was determined by GC-MS (gas chromatography mass spectrometry). The fresh leaves and inflorescence were subjected to hydrodistillation for 120 min using a Clevenger-type apparatus, and the essential oil was tested against microorganisms. High concentrations of sesquiterpenes were observed for the inflorescence, and monoterpenes were observed for the leaves. The main compounds of the inflorescence essential oil were E-caryophyllene, germacrene B, guaiol and bulnesol, while in the leaves the main compounds were trans-pinocamphone, trans-pinocarveyl acetate, and guaiol. The essential oil from the leaves showed an effect against P. aeruginosa and S. pneumonia, and the essential oil of the inflorescence showed an effect against P. aeruginosa, S. pneumonia, and Candida albicans.

O óleo essencial de folhas e de flores de Aloysia gratissima foi avaliado quanto à composição química e ação antimicrobiana contra as bactérias Bacilus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesuis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, e a levedura Candida albicans. A concentração mínima inibitória (MIC) dos óleos essenciais foi determinada pelo método da microdiluição e a composição química determinada por CG-EM (Cromatografia Gasosa acoplada a Espectrômetro de Massas). Folhas e inflorescências frescas foram hidrodestiladas por 120 minutos em aparelho Clevenger sendo o óleo essencial testado contra microorganismos. Para as flores foi observada maior concentração de sesquiterpenos, enquanto que as folhas apresentaram maior concentração de monoterpenos. Os principais constituintes do óleo essencial da flor foram: E-cariofileno, germacreno B, guaiol e bulnesol; e das folhas foram: trans-pinocamfona, acetato de trans-pinocarveol e guaiol. O óleo essencial da folha mostrou atividade contra P. aeruginosa e S. pneumoniae, e o óleo essencial da flor mostrou atividade contra P. aeruginosa, S. pneumoniae e Candida albicans.

Validación de un método por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC) para la determinación de ivabradina en comprimidos / Validation of a high resolution liquid chromatography method (HPLC) for the determination of ivabradine tablets

Se presentan los resultados obtenidos en la validación de un método analítico por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución, para la determinación de ivabradina en comprimidos, el cual se diseñó para identificar y cuantificar a dicho analito, con la utilización de una columna RP-18 (150 x 4,6 mm) 5 µm y un detector UV-Vis a una λ: 285 nm. Dicho método se empleará para el control de la calidad y estabilidad de ivabradina comprimidos. El método fue validado siguiendo una metodología de trabajo de acuerdo a los lineamientos de la Conferencia Internacional sobre Armonización de Requisitos Técnicos para el Registro de Medicamentos de uso humano, Validación de procedimientos analíticos (ICH Q2), obteniendo los siguientes resultados: linealidad (r2 = 0,999), precisión Desviación estándar relativa (DSR) = 0,67 % para comprimidos del lote piloto y DSR=0,31% para comprimidos del lote comercial) y exactitud recuperación media=100,2%, demostrando de esta manera que el método propuesto es aplicable a la dosificación de ivabradina en comprimidos, tanto en el análisis del producto terminado cómo en los estudios de estabilidad.

A simple test of muscle coactivation estimation using electromyography

In numerous motor tasks, muscles around a joint act coactively to generate opposite torques. A variety of indexes based on electromyography signals have been presented in the literature to quantify muscle coactivation. However, it is not known how to estimate it reliably using such indexes. The goal of this study was to test the reliability of the estimation of muscle coactivation using electromyography. Isometric coactivation was obtained at various muscle activation levels. For this task, any coactivation measurement/index should present the maximal score (100% of coactivation). Two coactivation indexes were applied. In the first, the antagonistic muscle activity (the lower electromyographic signal between two muscles that generate opposite joint torques) is divided by the mean between the agonistic and antagonistic muscle activations. In the second, the ratio between antagonistic and agonistic muscle activation is calculated. Moreover, we computed these indexes considering different electromyographic amplitude normalization procedures. It was found that the first algorithm, with all signals normalized by their respective maximal voluntary coactivation, generates the index closest to the true value (100%), reaching 92 ± 6%. In contrast, the coactivation index value was 82 ± 12% when the second algorithm was applied and the electromyographic signal was not normalized (P < 0.04). The new finding of the present study is that muscle coactivation is more reliably estimated if the EMG signals are normalized by their respective maximal voluntary contraction obtained during maximal coactivation prior to dividing the antagonistic muscle activity by the mean between the agonistic and antagonistic muscle activations.

New host plant records for Oenomaus ortygnus (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in Mexico

This is the first record of Oenomaus ortygnus (Cramer) damaging fruits of ilama (Annona diversifolia) and extends the butterfly distribution for three states in Mexico.

Production of agaro- and carra-oligosaccharides by partial acid hydrolysis of galactans

Agaro- and carra-oligosaccharides were produced by partial acid hydrolysis of commercial agarose and kappa-carrageenan. Di- and tetrasaccharides were purified by gel filtration chromatography and characterized by NMR (1D and 2D) spectroscopy and ESIMS. The following oligosaccharides were obtained: agarobiose, agarotetraose, kappa-carrabiose and kappa-carratetraose. Agarobiose and agarotetraose were used as standards to develop a high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) method which was utilized to study the hydrolysis rate of agarose and oligosaccharide production. Six hours of hydrolysis (0.1 M TFA, 65 ºC) produced mainly di- and tetrasaccharides. The methodology for oligosaccharide production and evaluation developed in the present work shows good potential for the production of bioactive oligosaccharides.

Validação de uma bateria de testes de organização espacial: análise da consistência interna / Validation of a battery of tests for spatial organization: internal consistency analysis

Este estudo teve o propósito de verificar a consistência interna bem como validar instrumento (Escala de Desenvolvimento Motor – EDM) que possa ser utilizado para avaliar a organização espacial em crianças de 6 a 10 anos de idade. Fizeram parte da amostra 101 escolares de duas escolas públicas da cidade de Florianópolis / SC, de ambos os sexos, alunos do 1º ao 4º ano. Foi realizada a avaliação da organização espacial por meio da aplicação da Escala de Desenvolvimento Motor durante os meses de abril a agosto de 2008. Para a análise da consistência interna da bateria de testes da organização espacial foram utilizados os testes Alpha de Cronbach e Correlação Linear de Pearson. Os resultados demonstraram que a bateria de testes da Organização Espacial da Escala de Desenvolvimento Motor se mostrou fidedigna para avaliação de crianças brasileiras entre 6 e 10 anos de idade.

The objective of this study was to verify the internal consistency and validate an instrument (MDS - Motor Development Scale) to be used to evaluate spatial organization in children from six to ten years old. The sample was composed of 101 students from two public schools in the city of Florianópolis / SC, Brazil, both genders, students attending from 1st to 4th grade. Spatial organization was evaluated using the Motor Development Scale during the months of April to August, 2008. Cronbach's Alpha and Pearson's linear correlation was used for verifying the internal consistency of the battery of tests for spatial organization. The results showed that the battery of tests for spatial organization in the Motor Development Scale is reliable for assessment of Brazilian children between 6 and 10 years of age.

Expression of TERT in precancerous gastric lesions compared to gastric cancer

The objective of this study was to determine the levels of TERT mRNA and TERT protein expression in stomach precancerous lesions such as intestinal metaplasia (IM) and gastric ulcer (GU) and compare them to gastric cancer (GC). Real-time PCR was performed to detect TERT mRNA expression levels in 35 biopsies of IM, 30 of GU, and 22 of GC and their respective normal mucosas. TERT protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in 68 samples, 34 of IM, 23 of GU, and 11 of GC. Increased TERT mRNA expression levels were observed in a significant number of cases, i.e., 46 percent of IM, 50 percent of GU, and 79 percent of GC. The relative mean level of TERT mRNA after normalization with the β-actin reference gene and comparison with the respective adjacent normal mucosa was slightly increased in the IM and GU groups, 2.008 ± 2.605 and 2.730 ± 4.120, respectively, but high TERT mRNA expression was observed in the GC group (17.271 ± 33.852). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the three groups. TERT protein-positive immunostaining was observed in 38 percent of IM, 39 percent of GU, and 55 percent of GC. No association of TERT mRNA and protein expression with Helicobacter pylori infection or other clinicopathological variables was demonstrable, except for the incomplete type vs the complete type of IM. This study confirms previous data of the high expression of both TERT mRNA and protein in gastric cancer and also demonstrates this type of changed expression in IM and GU, thus suggesting that TERT expression may be deregulated in precursor lesions that participate in the early stages of gastric carcinogenesis.

Avaliação do potencial alelopático, atividade antimicrobiana e antioxidante dos extratos orgânicos das folhas de Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl. ) Miers (Bignoniaceae) / Evaluation of allelopathic potential, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl. ) Miers (Bignoniaceae) leaf organic extracts

Este trabalho apresenta os resultados de atividade alelopática, antimicrobiana e antioxidante dos extratos orgânicos (hexano, acetato de etila e metanol) das folhas de Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl.) Miers (Bignoniaceae). Para alelopatia, foi estudado o desenvolvimento de Cucumis sativus (pepino), sendo avaliados o comprimento da raiz principal, o número de raízes secundárias e o comprimento do hipocótilo. Os dois primeiros parâmetros foram afetados por todos os três extratos testados enquanto o comprimento do hipocótilo só não foi afetado pelo extrato acetato de etila. Quanto à atividade antimicrobiana, avaliada pelo ensaio de CIM, o extrato hexânico apresentou inibição moderada frente ao Staphylococcus aureus (0,9 mg mL-1) e forte ao Enterococcus hirae (0,5 mg mL-1). O extrato acetato de etila apresentou forte atividade frente Candida albicans (0,3 mg mL-1) enquanto o extrato metanólico não mostrou-se ativo para os microrganismos testados. Por outro lado, o extrato metanólico apresentou a maior capacidade de seqüestrar radicais livres (Concentração Efetiva 50 por cento-CE50 =102,0 ± 56,9 mg mL-1, com TCE50 = 30 min) no ensaio com DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazila) e o maior teor de compostos fenólicos (116,2 ± 83,0 mg ácido gálico g amostra-1), avaliado pelo ensaio de Folin-Ciocalteau.

This paper presents the results of allelopathic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of organic extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) from the leaves of Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl.) Miers (Bignoniaceae). Allelopathic activity was assessed based on Cucumis sativus (cucumber) development for the parameters main root length, number of secondary roots and hypocotyl length. All tested extracts affected the first two parameters, while the hypocotyl length was not affected only by the ethyl acetate extract. For antimicrobial activity, assessed by MIC assay, hexane extract showed moderate inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus (0.9 mg mL-1) and strong inhibition for Enterococcus hirae (0.5 mg mL-1). Ethyl acetate extract showed strong activity against Candida albicans (0.3 mg mL-1), whereas methanolic extract was not active against the tested microorganisms. On the other hand, methanol extract showed the most promising radical scavenging capacity (Effective Concentration 50 percent - EC50 = 102.0 ± 56.9 mg mL-1, with TEC50 = 30 min) in DPPH assay (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hidrazil) and the highest level of phenolic compounds (116.2 ± 83.0 mg acid garlic g sample-1), as indicated by Folin-Ciocalteau assay.

Xanthium strumarium L. antimicrobial activity and carboxyatractyloside analysis through electrospray ionization mass spectrometry / Atividade antimicrobiana e análise de carboxiatractilosideo por espectrometria de massas com ionização por electrospray de Xanthium strumarium L

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Xanthium strumarium L. leaf extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Clostridium perfringens, as well as to investigate the presence of the toxic compound carboxyatractyloside in different plant parts. S. aureus and C. perfringens were more sensitive to non-polar than to polar fractions, and there was no difference between extracts for the remaining bacteria. All extracts had strong antimicrobial activity against the evaluated microorganisms. Carboxyatractyloside was found in cotyledons and seeds but not in adult leaves and burrs. Thus, only Xanthium strumarium leaves in adult stage can be used for medicinal purposes.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de extratos de folhas de Xanthium strumarium L. sobre os microrganismos Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella thyphimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Clostridium perfringens, bem como verificar a presença do composto tóxico carboxiatractilosideo em diferentes partes da planta. As bactérias S. aureus e C. perfringens foram mais sensíveis às frações não polares do que as polares, sendo que para as outras bactérias não foi verificada diferença entre os extratos. Todos os extratos apresentaram uma forte ação antimicrobiana sobre os microrganismos avaliados. O carboxiatractilosideo foi encontrado nos cotilédones e nas sementes da planta, entretanto, não foi encontrado nas folhas em estádio adulto e na carapaça espinhosa que envolve a semente. Portanto, somente as folhas de Xanthium strumarium na fase adulta podem ser utilizadas para o uso medicinal.

Linfoma no Hodgkin testicular con compromiso de tejidos blandos / Testicular lymphoma with soft tissue involvement

El compromiso testicular por linfoma es una manifestación extranodal de la enfermedad, manifestación inicial de una enfermedad nodal oculta o manifestación tardía de linfoma nodal diseminado. Corresponde al 5 por ciento de todos los tumores testiculares y es la neoplasia mas común del testículo en los pacientes mayores de 50 anos., sin embargo el linfoma primario de testículo es extremadamente raro. corresponde al 1 por ciento de los LNH. La mayoría de los linfomas testiculares son LNH B difuso de célula grande con tendencia a presentar metástasis extra ganglionares, incluyendo piel, SNC, anillo de Waldeyer, testículo contra lateral, pulmones, siendo extremadamente inusual a músculo. Se presentan las imágenes con 18 F-FDG PET/CT de un paciente con LNH B difuso de célula grande de alta agresividad con metástasis a músculos de las pantorrillas.

Testicular involvement by lymphoma may be a manifestation of primary extra nodal disease, initial manifestation of clinically occult nodal disease or a later manifestation of disseminated nodal lymphoma . Occur in 5 percent of all testis tumors and it is the most common testis cancer in patients older of 50 years. However the primary testis lymphoma is very uncommon. Correspond to1 percent of LNH. Most testicular lymphomas are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas with tendency of widespread to extra nodal places, including skin, SNC, Waldeyer,s ring, contra lateral testis, lungs, and is very unusual to find muscle’s metastases. In this article we describe F-18 FDG PET/CT images of metastases to the muscles in a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of high agressivity.