Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for the behavioral control of Sitophilus zeamais

Abstract Insects' ethology is an important factor when it is desired to carry out pest management. This knowledge makes it possible to manipulate behavioral activities, repel, or attract insects according to needs and interests. The maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), one of the main stored grain pests, has been the target of studies of behavioral changes studies through natural substances due to its resistance to different insecticidal classes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of sublethal concentrations of neem extract and copaiba oil on the locomotor behavior of S. zeamais. The behavioral characteristic considered were walking activity, the frequency of contact of insects with the treated grain mass, and the time spent for this behavior. The walking activity of the S. zeamais increased with exposure to Neem extract and Copaiba oil. In general, the Neem extract and Copaiba oil-induced more contact with grain mass than the control, suggesting an attractive effect on the insect, however more significant for the Neem oil. The insect's behavior was altered, presenting a specific path due to Copaiba oil and Neem extract stimuli. These results indicate that Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for controlling S. zeamais on stored products since changes in this pests' behavior can reduce qualitative and quantitative grain damage. Thus, the development of products based on Copaiba oil and Neem extract may be helpful for storage pest management.

Resumo A etologia dos insetos é um fator importante quando se deseja relizar manejo de pragas. Através deste conhecimento, é possível manipular atividades comportamentais, repelir, ou atrair os insetos de acordo com as necessidades e interesses. O gorgulho do milho Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), uma das principais pragas de grãos armazenados tem sido alvo de estudos de alterações comportamentais através de substâncias naturais devido à sua resistência a diferentes classes de insecticidas. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de concentrações subletais de extrato de neem e do óleo de copaíba sobre o comportamento de movimentação de S. zeamais. As características comportamentais consideradas foram: a atividade de caminhamento, a frequência do contato dos insetos com a massa de grãos tratada, e o tempo gasto para realização destes comportamentos. A atividade de caminhamento do S. zeamais aumentou quando os insetos foram expostos ao extrato de Neem e ao óleo de copaíba. Em geral, o extrato de Neem e o óleo de Copaíba induziram mais contato com a massa de grãos do que o controle, sugerindo um efeito atrativo sobre o inseto, contudo este efeito foi mais significativo para o óleo de Neem. O comportamento do inseto foi alterado, apresentando um caminhamento específico devido aos estímulos do óleo de copaíba e do extrato de Neem. Estes resultados indicam que o óleo de copaíba e o extrato de Neem podem ser alternativas potenciais para o controle do S. zeamais em produtos armazenados, uma vez que alterações no comportamento desta praga podem reduzir os danos qualitativos e quantitativos nos grãos. Assim, o desenvolvimento de produtos baseados no óleo de copaíba e no extrato de Neem pode ser útil para o manejo de pragas de armazenamento.

Estudios mamográficos en un centro metropolitano de referencia en imágenes mamarias: Chile 2008-2018 ¿Vamos por el camino correcto? / Analysis of mammograms performed in a public imaging center in Santiago, Metropolitan Region Chile 2008-2018

BACKGROUND: Mammograms are one of the most effective preventive means for the early detection of breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: To describe the features of patients and results of mammograms performed at a public breast imaging service of the Santiago Metropolitan Area. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the reports of mammograms performed on 174,017 women and 18 men, between 2008 and 2018 in an Imaging Center. The BI-RADS classification was used in the reports. RESULTS: Forty-six percent of mammograms (75,781) were reported as BI-RADS 2. The high proportion of BI-RADS 4 reports (674 reports) was seen in patients aged 40 to 49 years, corresponding to 30% of reports in this age range. Among patients aged 50 to 59 years, there were 779 BI-RADS 4 reports (35%). BI-RADS 5 reports were more common among patients aged 50 to 59 years (50 reports, 30%) and among patients aged 70 years or older (83 reports, 28%). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a significant number of women between 40 and 49 years of age with a BI-RADS 4 mammography result stands out; being an opportunity to develop new clinical research and public health strategies within the framework of the Universal Health Care policy for breast cancer in Chile.

Indomethacin attenuates mechanical allodynia during the organization but not the maintenance of the peripheral neuropathic pain induced by nervus ischiadicus chronic constriction injury

The neurochemical mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain (NP) are related to peripheral and central sensitization caused by the release of inflammatory mediators in the peripheral damaged tissue and ectopic discharges from the injured nerve, leading to a hyperexcitable state of spinal dorsal horn neurons. The aim of this work was to clarify the role played by cyclooxygenase (COX) in the lesioned peripheral nerve in the development and maintenance of NP by evaluating at which moment the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin, a non-selective COX inhibitor, attenuated mechanical allodynia after placing one loose ligature around the nervus ischiadicus, an adaptation of Bennett and Xie's model in rodents. NP was induced in male Wistar rats by subjecting them to chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the nervus ischiadicus, placing one loose ligature around the peripheral nerve, and a sham surgery (without CCI) was used as control. Indomethacin (2 mg/kg) or vehicle was intraperitoneally and acutely administered in each group of rats and at different time windows (1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days) after the CCI or sham surgical procedures, followed by von Frey's test for 30 min. The data showed that indomethacin decreased the mechanical allodynia threshold of rats on the first, second, and fourth days after CCI (P<0.05). These findings suggested that inflammatory mechanisms are involved in the induction of NP and that COX-1 and COX-2 are involved in the induction but not in the maintenance of NP.

The causes of burn wounds among adult patients treated at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital, Bloemfontein

Background: Burn injuries account for approximately 180 000 deaths per annum, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. Aim: This study sought to determine the causes of burn wounds among adults admitted to the Burn Wound Unit at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein for treatment.Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study. The target population consisted of adult patients, hospitalised for burn wounds at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein, between July 2016 and early January 2017. Relevant data was collected by means of a structured interview using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 49 patients were interviewed during the study period. Almost two-thirds of the patients were male (65.3%, n=32). The median age was 33 years (range 18 to 64 years). In most cases, the injury occurred at home (77.6%, n=38). Three quarters of the reported incidents (77.6%, n=38) were considered accidental of which 68.4% (n=26) were related to domestic activities. At the time of the accidental incident, 39.5% (n=15) patients had consumed alcohol. Eleven (22.4%) of the incidents were intentional with 63.6% (n=7) attributed to assault. The two main causes of burn injuries were flames including flaming liquids (59.2%, n=29) and hot liquids (22.5%, n=11). The most frequent area of injury was the left front thigh.Conclusion: The predominant cause of burn wounds was flames including flaming liquids, and injuries were mostly accidental in nature. Alcohol consumption and domestic activities were common in accidental burns

Phytoplankton composition of the water and gastrointestinal tract of the mussel Diplodon enno (Ortmann, 1921) from São Francisco river (Bahia, Brazil) / Composição fitoplanctônica da água e do trato gastrointestinal do molusco Diplodon enno (Ortmann) do rio São Francisco (BA - Brasil)

Abstract The knowledge on diet composition of the freshwater mussel Diplodon enno (Ortmann) would aid in its culture and propagation allowing, this way, the replacement of natural endangered populations in Brazil. Microalgae are the main food source for captive mussels and unionids have displayed an ability to sort algae based on the cellular characteristics prior to ingestion. The main objective of the present work is to analyze the phytoplankton composition of the water from and of the gastrointestinal contents of the mussel D. enno, as an initial step for development of a suitable rearing diet. Therefore, water samples and bivalve specimens were collected from S. Francisco River, city of Paulo Afonso, Bahia, Brazil. The microalgal composition found in water and stomach/gut content samples was very diverse being represented by the following divisions: Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, Dinophyta and Heterokontophyta (Diatoms). Concerning the relative abundance of microalgae divisions, it is possible to state, for the water and gastrointestinal contents, that Cyanophyta represents 15% and 14%, Chlorophyta 54% in both, Heterokontophyta 31% and 27% and Dinophyta 0% and 5%, respectively. According to the Brazilian CETESB criteria for phytoplankton species classification, 50% of Cyanophyta and 15% of Chlorophyta species observed in the water samples were classified as “very frequent”, as were 68% of Heterokontophyta and 33% of Chlorophyta species in the gut/stomach tract samples. Focusing at a species level, although in the water only Coelastrum sp. and Chroococcus sp. were observed in 100% and 75% of the samples, respectively, in the gastrointestinal tract the species Staurastrum sp., Aulacoseira sp., Scenedesmus sp. and Fragilaria crotonensis occurred in 80% to 100% of the samples. The present results showed that D. enno feeds not only on small chlorophytes microalgae, due to their convenient size that facilitates higher feeding rates, but also on large size diatoms, due to a possible nutritional advantage for the bivalves. Thus, a diet composed by large diatoms and small chlorophytes microalgae may be considered as the most reasonable for the maintenance of D. enno populations.

Resumo O conhecimento da composição da dieta do molusco de água doce Diplodon enno é de extrema importância para a sua cultura e propagação, permitindo desta forma a recuperação de populações em perigo de extinção no Brasil. As microalgas são a principal fonte de alimento para moluscos filtradores e os uniónidos sendo selecionadas por estes com base nas suas características celulares. O principal objectivo deste trabalho é analisar a composição fitoplanctônica da água e do conteúdo gastrointestinal do molusco D. enno, de forma a desenvolver uma dieta apropriada ao seu cultivo. Para isso, amostras de água e espécimes de bivalves foram recolhidos do rio São Francisco, cidade de Paulo Afonso, Bahia, Brasil. A composição de microalgas encontrada na água e no conteúdo do estômago/intestino foi muito diversa, sendo representada pelas seguintes divisões: Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, Dinophyta e Heterokontophyta (diatomáceas). Atendendo à abundância relativa de cada divisão de microalgas, podemos afirmar que na água e no trato gastrointestinal Cyanophyta representa 15% e 14%, Chlorophyta 54% em ambos, Heterokontophyta 31% e 27% e Dinophyta 0% and 5%, respectivamente. De acordo com o critério CETESB de classificação de espécies de fitoplâncton, 50% das espécies de Cyanophyta e 15% das de Chlorophyta observadas nas amostras de água foram classificadas como “muito frequentes”, tal como aconteceu para 68% das espécies de Heterokontophyta e 33% das de Chlorophyta nas amostras do conteúdo do trato gastrointestinal. Realçando as espécies presentes, apesar de apenas Coelastrum sp. e Chroococcus sp. terem sido observadas em 100% e 75% das amostras de água, respectivamente, nas amostras de trato gastrointestinal Staurastrum sp., Aulacoseira sp., Scenedesmus sp. e Fragilaria crotonensis foram identificadas em entre 80% e 100% das amostras. Os resultados deste estudo mostram que D. enno se alimenta não apenas de pequenas microalgas clorófitas, devido ao seu pequeno tamanho que possibilita maiores taxas de filtração, como também de diatomáceas maiores, devido a uma possível vantagem nutricional para os bivalves. Assim sendo, uma dieta composta por diatomáceas e pequenas clorófitas poderá ser considerada a mais indicada para a manutenção de populações de D. enno.

Efeito da adubação nitrogenada e da sazonalidade na produtividade de Ocimum basilicum L / Effect of nitrogen fertilization on the production and productivity of Basil, red basil (Ocimum basilicum L. ) in spring and autumn seasons.

RESUMO O manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.) atualmente encontra-se distribuído por todos os continentes e foi introduzido no Brasil com a chegada da colonização italiana. As principais partes utilizadas para comercialização no Brasil são as folhas frescas ou secas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de doses da adubação nitrogenada, durante o cultivo na primavera e outono, nas características produtivas e na produtividade de manjericão, Alfavaca basilicão vermelho, em casa de vegetação. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 6 x 2, com cinco repetições, onde o primeiro fator foi constituído de cinco doses de nitrogênio e uma testemunha (0,0; 45,0; 90,0; 135,0; 180,0 e 225,0 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio) e o segundo, pelas épocas de cultivo (primavera e outono). Para as características produtivas da cultivar de manjericão Alfavaca Basilicão vermelho, verificou-se que as doses de nitrogênio entre 90,0 a 135,0 kg ha-1 foram mais adequadas, elevando todas as características produtivas avaliadas, do cultivo de primavera. Quando observado o cultivo no outono, teve-se ajuste apenas para a projeção de copa, massa fresca de parte aérea e área foliar. Quando se obteve ajuste significativo, a dose de aproximadamente 110,0 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio foi a que promoveu maior desenvolvimento da cultura. Em relação às épocas de cultivo na primavera recomenda-se o uso de adubação mineral nitrogenada, porém quando esse cultivo é realizado outono, a adubação nitrogenada não é responsiva.

ABSTRACT The basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) currently is distributed to all continents and was introduced in Brazil with the arrival of Italian colonization. The main parts used for commercialization in Brazil are the fresh or dried leaves. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of doses of nitrogen fertilization for cultivation in spring and fall, the yield characteristics and the productivity of basil, Basil red in the greenhouse. The experimental design was a randomized block, in a factorial 2 x 6 with five replications, where the first factor constituent of five nitrogen doses and one control (0.0; 45.0; 90.0; 135.0; 180.0 and 225.0 kg ha-1 of nitrogen) and by the second, the growing seasons (Spring and Autumn). For the productive characteristics of the cultivar red Basil, it was found that the nitrogen rates between 90.0 to 135.0 kg ha-1 were better, bringing all tested productive characteristics, the spring crop. When observed growing in the autumn, was only fit for the crown projection, fresh weight of shoot and leaf area. When there was significant adjustment, the dose of approximately 110.0 kg ha-1 of nitrogen was that promoted further development of culture. Regarding the growing seasons in the spring we recommended the use of mineral nitrogen fertilization, but when this crop is performed autumn, nitrogen fertilization is not responsive.

Epidemiological profile of exogenous poisoning in children and adolescents from a municipality in the state of Mato Grosso / Perfil epidemiológico das intoxicações exógenas em crianças e adolescentes em município do Mato Grosso

OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiology of exogenous intoxications in children and adolescents of Barra Garças, Mato Grosso, from January 2008 to September 2013. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective, and descriptive epidemiological study. Data were collected from the Disease Notification System (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação [SINAN]) of the municipality, processed using Microsoft Excel, and evaluated through BIOESTAT statistical software. The variables included were: sex; age; toxic agent; time and place of service; route of administration; circumstance; and classification of intoxication. The age range was established according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, comprising children aged from 0 to 9 years old and adolescents aged from 10 to 19 years old. RESULTS: A total of 125 cases of accidental exogenous poisoning was registered, including 77 children and 48 adolescents. Food and beverages (38.4%) and drugs (24.0%) were the most common groups of toxic agents responsible for the poisoning. The largest age group affected by intoxication was composed of children aged from 0 to 4 years old (43.2%) and adolescents aged from 10 to 14 years old (19.7%). Regarding the circumstances, intoxication occurred due to suicide attempts (16.8%) and accidental events (23.2%) in adolescents and children, respectively. The study revealed a higher frequency of poisoning in girls. CONCLUSION: Exogenous intoxications occurred predominantly in children up to 4 years old, through the accidental consumption of food or drinks. Thus, the adoption of educational prevention programs for children's family members and caregivers is necessary...

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o perfil epidemiológico das intoxicações exógenas ocorridas em crianças e adolescentes em Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso, no período de janeiro/2008 a setembro/2013. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico descritivo transversal e retrospectivo . Os dados foram coletados através do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) do município e processados no Microsoft Excel e avaliados através do programa estatístico BIOESTAT. As variáveis avaliadas foram: sexo, idade, agente tóxico, local e tempo de atendimento, via de administração, circunstância e classificação final da intoxicação. A faixa etária foi a estabelecida segundo o Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística: crianças com idade de 0 a 9 anos e adolescentes de 10 a 19 anos. RESULTADOS: Foram registrados 125 casos de intoxicações exógenas, sendo 77 em crianças e 48 em adolescentes. Os principais agentes tóxicos responsáveis pelas intoxicações foram alimentos e bebidas (38,4%) e medicamentos (24,0%). As faixas etárias mais acometidas por intoxicações foram: 0-4 anos (43,2%) e 10-14 anos (19,7%). Em relação às circunstâncias, as intoxicações ocorreram por tentativa de suicídio (16,8%) e acidental (23,2%), respectivamente em adolescentes e crianças. O estudo demonstrou maior frequencia de intoxicações no sexo feminino. CONCLUSÕES: Conclui-se que as intoxicações exógenas ocorreram predominantemente em crianças até 4 anos por meio do consumo de alimentos ou bebidas e de forma acidental. Assim, é necessária a adoção de medidas educativas de prevenção para os familiares e cuidadores de crianças...

Características do sêmen de carneiros Dorper, Santa Inês e sem padrão racial definido, pré e pós-congelação, nos períodos chuvoso e seco / Characteristics of the semen of Dorper, Santa Ines and undefined breed sheep, pre-and post-freezing, in the rainy and dry period

Avaliaram-se as características espermáticas de carneiros Dorper, Santa Inês e sem padrão racial definido, nos períodos chuvoso e seco. Após ser colhido por vagina artificial, o sêmen foi avaliado quanto ao volume, ao turbilhonamento, à motilidade, ao vigor, à morfologia e à concentração, congelado e armazenado em botijão criogênico. Depois de descongelado, foram avaliadas a cinemática espermática, a integridade da membrana plasmática, a integridade do acrossoma e a atividade mitocondrial. Vigor espermático, motilidade total, motilidade progressiva, velocidade em linha reta e defeitos maiores não diferiram entre os períodos chuvoso e seco, porém volume, turbilhonamento, linearidade, retilinearidade e frequência de batimentos de cauda foram mais baixos (P<0,05) no período seco; já concentração espermática e defeitos totais apresentaram valores mais baixos no período chuvoso. Valores de integridade do acrossoma e da membrana plasmática, bem como o potencial de membrana mitocondrial, foram mais baixos (P<0,05) no período seco. Conclui-se que os períodos chuvoso e seco influenciam na qualidade espermática de ovinos criados na região Meio-Norte do Brasil e que esses animais têm uma qualidade espermática superior no período chuvoso, quando, portanto, deve ocorrer a criopreservação. Também se observou que, em relação à qualidade espermática, o melhor grupo de carneiros foi o Santa Inês...

The sperm characteristics of Dorper, Santa Ines and undefined breed ram in the rainy and dry seasons was assessed. After collection with an artificial vagina, the semen was evaluated for volume, turbulence, motility, viability, morphology and concentration, frozen and stored in a cryogenic cylinder. After thawing kinematic sperm, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity were evaluated. Sperm vigor, total motility, progressive motility, straight line speed and larger line defects did not differ between the rainy and dry seasons, however, volume, turbulence, linearity, straightness and frequency of tail beats were lower (P<0.05 ) in the dry period, and sperm concentration and total defects showed lower values during the rainy season. Values for acrosome integrity and plasma membrane and mitochondrial membrane potential were lower (P<0.05) in the dry season. It is concluded that the wet and dry period influence sperm quality in ram raised in the Mid - North region of Brazil, with a higher sperm quality in the rainy season, thus suggesting cryopreservation for that period. Also, the better ram group regarding sperm quality, was the Santa Ines...

Valores nutricionais do milho de diferentes qualidades para frangas de reposição na fase de recria / Nutritional value of corn with different qualities for egg pullets in the growing phase

O experimento objetivou determinar os valores nutricionais de diferentes frações de milho obtidas por meio de estratificação em mesa densimétrica na recria de frangas. Os milhos foram designados como: MDA - milho de densidade alta; MDI - milho de densidade intermediária; MDB - milho de densidade baixa; MDT - milho de densidade total, composto de 30% de MDA, 60% de MDI e 10% de MDB. Para a determinação da energia metabolizável corrigida (EMAn) foi utilizado o método de coleta total de excretas em frangas Hy Line de 15 semanas. Os valores de EMAn (kcal/kg na MN) foram: 3.467; 3.340; 3.217 e 3.385kcal/kg e densidade (kg/m³): 818,61; 698,13; 681,80 e 736,39kg/m³ para MDA; MDI; MDB e MDT, respectivamente. O MDB apresentou maior valor em todos os aminoácidos digestíveis, com maior intensidade para o triptofano. As frações de milho foram variáveis quanto ao EMAn e perfil de aminoácidos digestíveis, indicando a necessidade de correções nutricionais para a formulação de rações de custo mínimo...

The experiment aimed to determine the nutritional value of different corn fractions obtained by stratification in a gravity table of replacement pullets. The corn was designated as MDA - high density corn; MDI - medium density corn; MDB - low density corn; MDT - total corn density, composed of 30% MDA, 60% MDI and 10% MDB. To determine the corrected metabolizable energy (AME N) a method for total collection of excreta with pullets Hy Line was used for 15 weeks. AME N (kcal/kg in MN) were: 3467, 3340, 3217 and 3385kcal/kg and density (kg/m³): 818.61, 698.13, 681.80 and 736.39 for MDA, MDI, MDB and MDT, respectively. The MDB showed the highest value in all the digestible amino acids, with higher intensity for the tryptophan. The fractions of corn were variable as to AME N and digestible amino acid profiles, indicating the need for corrections to the nutritional feed formulation of minimum cost...

Avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de sucupira (Pterodon emarginatus Vogel) / Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of sucupira (Pterodon emarginatus)

A utilização de plantas com fins terapêuticos é uma das mais antigas formas de prática medicinal da humanidade. Isso tem despertado o interesse científico através de estudos sobre as atividades antimicrobianas de extratos e óleos essenciais de plantas com a finalidade de criar alternativas para o combate aos microrganismos resistentes aos antimicrobianos disponíveis atualmente. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a possível atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de Pterodon emarginatus Vogel frente às cepas bacterianas padrão de Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 e Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. O óleo essencial de P. emarginatus foi extraído através do método de hidrodestilação por arraste a vapor utilizando aparelho de Clevenger modificado. A atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada utilizando o método de difusão em meio sólido, pela técnica de pour plate, usando o óleo essencial puro (100%) e nas seguintes diluições: 32%, 16%, 8%, 4%, 2%, 1% e 0,5%. Nenhuma das concentrações testadas do óleo essencial formou halo de inibição para as cepas de Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 e Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Dessa forma, conclui-se que o óleo essencial de P. emarginatus não possui atividade antimicrobiana contra S. aureus, P. aeruginosa e E. coli.

The use of plants for therapeutic purposes is one of the oldest forms of medical practice. This has aroused scientific interest through studies on the antimicrobial activity of extracts and essential oils from plants for the purpose of creating alternatives to combat microorganisms resistant to antibiotics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Pterodon emarginatus against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. The essential oil of P. emarginatus was extracted by the method of hydrodistillation by steam distillation using a modified Clevenger apparatus. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the method of diffusion in solid medium by the pour plate technique using pure essential oil (100%) at the following concentrations: 32%, 16%, 8%, 4%, 2%, 1% and 0.5%. None of the concentrations formed zones of inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. The present findings suggest that the essential oil of P. emarginatus has no antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. P. aeruginosa and E. coli.

Qualidade do corpo lúteo e do embrião de ovelhas Santa Inês superovuladas com FSH associado à rbST / Quality of corpus luteum and embryo of Santa Inês ewes superovulated with FSH associated with rbST

Avaliou-se o efeito da somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST) sobre a qualidade do corpo lúteo e do embrião e sobre a concentração de progesterona (P4), em ovelhas da raça Santa Inês doadoras de embriões. Foram utilizadas 13 doadoras, distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois grupos, G1 (n=7) e G2 (n=6). Em ambos os grupos, as doadoras foram sincronizadas com implante vaginal por 14 dias, receberam 100µg de PGF2α (Ciosin®) no sétimo dia e foram superovuladas, a partir do 12º dia, com 250UI de FSH (Folltopin-V®) em seis doses decrescentes. No dia da retirada do implante, as doadoras do G2 receberam 125mg de rbST (Boostin®) e foram cobertas por macho Santa Inês a cada 12 horas até o final do estro. No sexto dia após a primeira cobrição, foram avaliadas, por laparoscopia, a resposta superovulatória e a quantidade e a qualidade dos corpos lúteos. Após as avaliações, as colheitas embrionárias foram realizadas por laparotomia. A administração da rbST no protocolo de superovulação promoveu aumento significativo (P<0,05) no número de corpos lúteos do tipo I (9,00 x 5,28) e na qualidade embrionária (4,33 x 2,00).

We evaluate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on the quality of the corpus luteum and embryo and on the concentration of progesterone (P4) in donors embryo sheep Santa Ines. 13 donors were used, randomly assigned to two groups, G1 (n=7) and G2 (n=6). In both groups, the donors were synchronized with vaginal implant for 14 days and received 100µg of PGF2α (Ciosin®) on the seventh day and were superovulated, from the 12th day, with 250IU of FSH (Folltopin-V®) in six decreasing doses. On the day of implant removal the donor G2 received 125mg of rbST (Boostin®), and were covered by Santa Inês male every 12 hours until the end of estrus. In the sixth day after the first mating were evaluated by laparoscopy, superovulatory response and the amount and quality of the corpus luteum. After the evaluations, the embryonic harvests were performed by laparotomy. The administration of rbST in superovulation protocol promoted a significant increase (P <0.05) in the number of corpus luteum of type I(9.00 x 5.28) and embryo quality (4.33 x 2.00).

An interleukin-33/ST2 signaling deficiency reduces overt pain-like behaviors in mice

Interleukin (IL)-33, the most recent member of the IL family of cytokines, signals through the ST2 receptor. IL-33/ST2 signaling mediates antigen challenge-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in the joints and cutaneous tissues of immunized mice. The present study asked whether IL-33/ST2 signaling is relevant to overt pain-like behaviors in mice. Acetic acid and phenyl-p-benzoquinone induced significant writhing responses in wild-type (WT) mice; this overt nociceptive behavior was reduced in ST2-deficient mice. In an antigen-challenge model, ST2-deficient immunized mice had reduced induced flinch and licking overt pain-like behaviors. In the formalin test, ST2-deficient mice also presented reduced flinch and licking responses, compared with WT mice. Naive WT and ST2-deficient mice presented similar responses in the rota-rod, hot plate, and electronic von Frey tests, indicating no impairment of motor function or alteration in basal nociceptive responses. The results demonstrate that IL-33/ST2 signaling is important in the development of overt pain-like behaviors.

Lesões melanocíticas em suínos abatidos para consumo / Melanocytic lesions in pigs slaughtered for consumption

O presente estudo teve como principais objetivos conhecer a taxa de ocorrência de lesões melanocíticas (melanose, melanocitomas e melanomas) em suínos abatidos para consumo e identificar possíveis padrões de distinção e de classificação macroscópica dessas lesões. Para tal, procedeu-se à recolha de lesões melanocíticas em matadouro, durante oito meses, e à sua avaliação macroscópica e microscópica. Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que as melanoses foram as lesões melanocíticas mais frequentemente encontradas (74,04%) e que, relativamente às lesões tumorais, os melanomas (malignos) foram os mais frequentes (21,15%) comparativamente com os melanocitomas (benignos) (4,81%). Pela análise comparativa das características macroscópicas e microscópicas, verificou-se que, nem sempre, por uma avaliação macroscópica, é possível a distinção entre essas lesões (melanoses, melanocitomas e melanomas). No entanto, identificaram-se, neste estudo, algumas características sugestivas da malignidade, como: o tamanho superior a 2,5cm, a presença de ulceração, a libertação de pigmento negro e a presença de coloração negra do gânglio linfático regional. É, portanto, de extrema importância a observação criteriosa e sistemática dessas lesões, para a avaliação das suas características, uma vez que a decisão sanitária é diferente consoante se trate de uma melanose, de um tumor maligno ou de um tumor benigno.

The main objective of the present study was to know the rate of occurrence of melanocytic lesions (melanosis, melanocytoma and melanoma) in pigs slaughtered for consumption and to identify possible patterns of differentiation and a macroscopic classification of these lesions. To this end, we proceeded to the collection of melanocytic lesions in a slaughterhouse during 8 months, and its macroscopic and microscopic evaluation. The results of this study demonstrated that melanosis were the most often found melanocytic lesions (74.04%) and that for tumors, melanomas (malignant) were the most frequent (21.15%) compared to melanocytomas (benign) (4.81%). By comparative analysis of macroscopic and microscopic characteristics we found that it is not always possible, with a macroscopic evaluation, to distinguish between these lesions (melanosis, melanocytoma and melanoma). However, in this study we identified some features suggestive of malignancy such as: size exceeding 2.5cm, the presence of ulceration, the release of black pigment and the presence of a black staining of the regional lymph node. Therefore, it is extremely important to make a careful and systematic observation of these lesions, with the evaluation of their characteristics, since the sanitary decision is different if they are melanosis, malignant tumors or benign tumors.

Effects of melatonin on DNA damage induced by cyclophosphamide in rats

The antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties of melatonin have been well described in the literature. In this study, our objective was to determine the protective effect of the pineal gland hormone against the DNA damage induced by cyclophosphamide (CP), an anti-tumor agent that is widely applied in clinical practice. DNA damage was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (20 or 50 mg/kg). Animals received melatonin during the dark period for 15 days (1 mg/kg in the drinking water). Rat bone marrow cells were used for the determination of chromosomal aberrations and of formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase enzyme (Fpg)-sensitive sites by the comet technique and of Xpf mRNA expression by qRT-PCR. The number (mean ± SE) of chromosomal aberrations in pinealectomized (PINX) animals treated with melatonin and CP (2.50 ± 0.50/100 cells) was lower than that obtained for PINX animals injected with CP (12 ± 1.8/100 cells), thus showing a reduction of 85.8% in the number of chromosomal aberrations. This melatonin-mediated protection was also observed when oxidative lesions were analyzed by the Fpg-sensitive assay, both 24 and 48 h after CP administration. The expression of Xpf mRNA, which is involved in the DNA nucleotide excision repair machinery, was up-regulated by melatonin. The results indicate that melatonin is able to protect bone marrow cells by completely blocking CP-induced chromosome aberrations. Therefore, melatonin administration could be an alternative and effective treatment during chemotherapy.

First report of austrodiplostomum compactum and ithyoclinostomum dimorphum in trahira (hoplias malabaricus) from the middle course of the Rio Doce, Minas Gerais, Brazil / Primeiro relato de austrodiplostomum compactum e ithyoclinostomum dimorphum em traíras (hoplias malabaricus) provenientes do médio curso do rio doce, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Austrodiplostomum compactum and Ithyoclinostomum dimorphum are two trematodes commonly found in trahira, but these parasites were never reported in trahiras from Rio Doce. Thus, the aim of this study is to describe the occurrence of A. compactum and I. dimorphum metacercariae in trahira from the middle course of the Rio Doce and to record the presence of eggs in I. dimorphum metacercariae. The parasites were identified and analyzed using methods described previously. There were found 10 A. compactum metacercariae in the aqueous humor of eyes in four of the trahiras and 12 I. dimorphum metacercariae encysted in the peritoneal cavity in five of the trahiras. Maceration of the I. dimorphum metacercariae revealed the presence of eggs. These results demonstrate the broad distribution of these parasites and the first report of these parasites in trahira from Rio Doce.

Austrodiplostomum compactum e Ithyoclinostomum dimorphum são dois trematódeos comumente encontrados em traíras, contudo, esses parasitas nunca foram relatados em traíras do Rio Doce. O objetivo do estudo é descrever a ocorrência de metacercárias de A. compactum e I. dimorphum, e presença de ovos em metacercárias de I. dimorphum em traíras provenientes do médio curso do Rio Doce. Os parasitas foram analisados e identificados utilizando métodos descritos anteriormente. Foram encontradas 10 metacercárias de A. compactum no humor aquoso dos olhos em quatro traíras e 12 metacercárias de I. dimorphum encistadas na cavidade peritoneal de cinco traíras. A maceração de metacercárias de I. dimorphum revelou a presença de ovos nestes parasitos. Esses resultados demonstram a ampla distribuição desses trematódeos e este é o primeiro relato destes parasitos em traíra do Rio Doce.

Anti-hiperglycemic effect of Quassia amara (Simaroubaceae) in normal and diabetic rats / Efeito anti-hiperglicêmico de Quassia amara (Simaroubaceae) em ratos normais e diabéticos

The anti-hyperglycemic effect of wood powder of Quassia amara (QA) was evaluated in normal and in alloxan diabetes-induced rats. After a 12 h fast and glycemic check, the animals were orally given 0.9% of saline (control group), metformin (500 mg/kg) or QA (200 mg/kg) and, 30 minutes later, they received an oral glucose dose (1g/kg). The blood glucose level was measured after 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. From the oral glucose dose, QA showed anti-hyperglycemic effects, similar to metformin, only in the diabetic animals (p<0.01) when compared to the control group. Although the anti-hyperglycemic mechanism of action of QA was not investigated, a mechanism similar to metformin can be suggested, since both presented similar results for the conditions tested, that is, normal and diabetic rats. It is believed that the use of QA in diabetics could help to control the blood glucose levels and be useful as an alternative therapy.

O efeito anti-hiperglicemiante do pó do lenho de Quassia amara (QA) foi avaliado em ratos normais e diabéticos aloxana induzidos. Após jejum de 12 horas e verificação da glicemia, os animais receberam administração oral de salina 0.9% (grupo controle), metformina (500 mg/kg) ou QA (200 mg/kg) e 30 minutos depois carga oral de glicose (1g/kg). A glicemia foi medida nos próximos 30, 60, 90 e 120 minutos. A partir da carga oral de glicose, a QA mostrou efeito anti-hiperglicemiante, similar a metformina, somente nos animais diabéticos (p<0.01) quando comparados ao grupo controle. Embora o mecanismo de ação anti-hiperglicemiante da QA não tenha sido investigado, podemos sugerir um mecanismo semelhante à metformina, visto que ambos apresentaram resultados similares nas duas condições testadas, ou seja, animais normais e diabéticos. Acredita-se que o uso de QA, em diabéticos, possa auxiliar no controle da glicemia e servir como terapia alternativa.

Trans fatty acid intake is associated with insulin sensitivity but independently of inflammation

High saturated and trans fatty acid intake, the typical dietary pattern of Western populations, favors a proinflammatory status that contributes to generating insulin resistance (IR). We examined whether the consumption of these fatty acids was associated with IR and inflammatory markers. In this cross-sectional study, 127 non-diabetic individuals were allocated to a group without IR and 56 to another with IR, defined as homeostasis model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR) >2.71. Diet was assessed using 24-h food recalls. Multiple linear regression was employed to test independent associations with HOMA-IR. The IR group presented worse anthropometric, biochemical and inflammatory profiles. Energy intake was correlated with abdominal circumference and inversely with adiponectin concentrations (r = -0.227, P = 0.002), while saturated fat intake correlated with inflammatory markers and trans fat with HOMA-IR (r = 0.160, P = 0.030). Abdominal circumference was associated with HOMA-IR (r = 0.430, P < 0.001). In multiple analysis, HOMA-IR remained associated with trans fat intake (β = 1.416, P = 0.039) and body mass index (β = 0.390, P < 0.001), and was also inversely associated with adiponectin (β = -1.637, P = 0.004). Inclusion of other nutrients (saturated fat and added sugar) or other inflammatory markers (IL-6 and CRP) into the models did not modify these associations. Our study supports that trans fat intake impairs insulin sensitivity. The hypothesis that its effect could depend on transcription factors, resulting in expression of proinflammatory genes, was not corroborated. We speculate that trans fat interferes predominantly with insulin signaling via intracellular kinases, which alter insulin receptor substrates.

The hydrophobicity and roughness of a nasoenteral tube surface influences the adhesion of a multi-drug resistant strain of Staphylococcus Aureus

In this study, we examined the physiochemical properties of nasoenteral feeding tubes made from two different types of polymer: silicone materials and polyurethane. The internal surfaces of the nasoenteral feeding tubes were analyzed for their hydrophobicity, roughness, microtopography, rupture-tension and ability to stretch. We also studied the adhesion of an isolated, multi-drug resistant strain of S. aureus to these polymers. The polyurethane nasoenteral tube, which was classified as hydrophilic, was more resistant to rupture-tension and stretching tests than the silicone tube, which was classified as hydrophobic. Additionally, the polyurethane tube had a rougher surface than the silicone tube. Approximately 1.0 log CFU.cm-2 of S. aureus cells adhered to the tubes and this number was not statistically different between the two types of surfaces (p > 0.05). In future studies, new polymers for nasoenteral feeding tubes should be tested for their ability to support bacterial growth. Bacterial adhesion to these polymers can easily be reduced through modification of the polymer's physicochemical surface characteristics.