Ranking of the Constraints Faced by the Khoya Producers in Production and Marketing of Khoya, in Almora District of Uttarakhand, India

The Almora district in Uttarakhand is renowned for its roasted khoya, a processed milk product. Khoya is sourced from the rural areas surrounding Almora, and its production and marketing play a vital role in supporting the local economy. In light of this, a comprehensive study was conducted to assess and rank the challenges faced by khoya producers throughout the production and marketing processes.To conduct this study, various constraints were identified, and a sample of 200 khoya producers supplying their products to nearby markets was selected through a multistage sampling approach. These producers were personally interviewed to gather insights into their challenges. The study employed the Garrett ranking technique to determine the relative importance of these constraints in the khoya production and marketing context. The findings of the study revealed that in the production stage, the most significant challenges were a lack of knowledge concerning cattle disease symptoms with mean score of 58.16, high cost of feed for dairy animals, with mean score of 54.33. In the marketing stage, the primary constraints along with their mean scores included post-preparation losses (70.78), low prices obtained for khoya, (60.47) delayed payment (51.78), and ongoing storage issues (27.00). In light of these results, it is evident that there is an urgent need to improve veterinary services to address the issue of cattle disease symptoms, as well as to establish fair pricing mechanisms in the rural belts under consideration. These measures are essential to support and sustain the khoya industry and the livelihoods of the local producers.

Decomposition of Agriculture Farm Wastes by Cellulolytic Bacteria

The most important component of the greatest material flow in the biosphere is the microbial consumption of cellulose. Despite the abundance of cellulase manufacturers, there aren't enough microorganisms that can effectively create enough of the enzyme to effectively break down cellulose into fermentable compounds. Despite the fact that bacteria have a very high level of natural variety and the potential to manufacture stable enzymes, little attention has been paid to their ability to produce cellulase. The present study aimed at the isolation and selection of cellulose degrading bacteria isolated from different samples for agriculture waste decomposition. Bacterial cultures were applied on agriculture waste material comprising soybean straw, pigeonpea straw; wheat straw and cotton stalk to investigate their percentage loss in weight. Among all the cultures, CDB 19 has shown the highest weight loss of the substrate (99.99%) followed by CDB 20 (99%), CDB5 (94.2%), CDB2 (92.8%) and CDB14 (88.6%). It was also observed that maximum weight loss of cotton straw (99.99%) was recorded by mixed culture followed by Pigeonpea straw and Soybean straw, while Wheat straw recorded minimum weight loss at 60 days of decomposition.

Agroclimatic Risks and Endogenous Knowledge of Farmers in the Guidimouni Basin (South-Central Zinder, Niger)

Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors to the effects of climate change. The objective of this study is to analyze the impacts of rainfall variability on agricultural activities in the Guidimouni basin. The methodology used is based on the processing and analysis of daily rainfall data (Mirriah and Gouré stations from 1961 to 2019). It is complemented by a survey on perceptions of agroclimatic risks, impacts and strategies among a sample of 150 farmers in four villages. The results show that farmers have a good understanding of climate risks (80%) and are developing resilience strategies. These range from the intensification of irrigated crops (40%) to the use of natron (58%). In addition to these responses, the processing of products, particularly cassava (86%), and seasonal migration to Nigeria (28%) were also considered.

Análisis de la miel de abeja en Chile: un estudio de caso en el sector apícola / Honey bee analysis in Chile: a case study in the beekeeping sector / Análise das abelhas no Chile: estudo de caso no setor da apicultura

RESUMEN La finalidad de este estudio consiste en analizar la miel de abeja en Chile para proponer lineamientos estratégicos que permitan contribuir a la gestión del sector apícola chileno. Para ello, la metodología utilizada es un estudio de caso, para lo cual se aplica en el año 2021 una encuesta a 84 consumidores y a 40 apicultores de la Región del Biobío en Chile. Los resultados del estudio permiten apreciar que el 38% de los apicultores se dedica hace más de 10 años a la producción de miel y el 50% senala que aprendió solo del rubro, siendo las principales dificultades enfrentadas la organización y el tiempo, la sanidad y nutrición. Además, el 42% de los apicultores plantean que el cambio climático, las plagas y sequías afectaron la producción de la miel entre un 0 y 20%. Mientras que el 30% de los consumidores encuestados considera como prioridad el prestigio o reputación del producto. Se concluye la relevancia de los lineamientos estratégicos para guiar el desarrollo de la cadena de la miel en Chile y se recomienda su implementación para el fortalecimiento del sector apícola a nivel nacional e internacional. СLASIFICACIÓN JEL: 170, 013

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to analyze bee honey in Chile to propose strategic guidelines that allow contributing to the management of the Chilean beekeeping sector For this, the methodology used is a case study for which a survey of 84 consumers and 40 beekeepers of the Biobío Region in Chile is applied in 2021. The results of the study allow us to appreciate that 38% of beekeepers have been dedicated to honey production for more than 10 years and 50% indicate that they only learned about the field, the main difficulties faced being organization and time, health and nutrition. In addition, 42% of beekeepers indicate that climate change, plagues and droughts affected honey production between 0 and 20%. While 30% of consumers surveyed consider the prestige or reputation of the product as a priority. The relevance of the strategic guidelines to guide the development of the honey chain in Chile is concluded and its implementation is recommended for the strengthening of the beekeeping sector at a national and international level. JEL CLASSIFICATION: 170, 013

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a análise das abelhas no Chile a fim de propor diretrizes estratégicas que contribuam para a gestão do setor apícola chileno. Para este fim, a metodologia utilizada é um estudo de caso, para o qual foi realizada uma pesquisa com 84 consumidores e 40 apicultores na Região de Biobío, no Chile, em 2021. Os resultados do estudo mostram que 38% dos apicultores estão envolvidos na produção de mel há mais de 10 anos e 50% dizem que só aprenderam sobre o negócio, sendo as principais dificuldades a organização e o tempo, a saúde e a nutrição. Além disso, 42% dos apicultores dizem que a mudança climática, as pragas e as secas afetaram a produção de mel em 0-20%. Enquanto 30% dos consumidores pesquisados consideram o prestígio ou a reputação do produto como prioridade. A relevância das diretrizes estratégicas para orientar o desenvolvimento da cadeia do mel no Chile está concluída e sua implementação é recomendada para o fortalecimento do setor apícola a nível nacional e internacional. CLASSIFICAÇÃO JEL: 170, 013

Dynamics of Operation and Identification of Actions to Improve the Peasant Market in the Municipality of Florence: the Case of COOPMERCASAN / Dinámica del funcionamiento y retos del mercado campesino coopmercasan de florencia (caquetá)

RESUMEN El mercado campesino de Coopmercasan inició su funcionamiento en 2011 brindando productos agrícolas frescos e inocuos al municipio de Florencia, departamento del Caquetá. En ocho años de operación, han tenido aciertos y desaciertos, también han recibido el apoyo de diferentes instituciones, sin embargo, a la fecha se desconoce sus realidades actuales y los retos y desafíos que han venido cambiando a lo largo del tiempo. Por lo anterior, esta investigación buscó construir las dinámicas de esta experiencia a través de la autorreflexión, la información base para la toma de decisiones y la orientación de sus acciones de mejora. El trabajo se realizó en el municipio de Florencia, las herramientas para el levantamiento de la información empleadas fueron encuestas, entrevistas y observación participante. Dentro de los principales hallazgos se tiene que, si bien el mercado ha logrado posicionarse con una base interesante de clientes, su oferta no está cumpliendo las expectativas respecto de los volúmenes y la diversidad de demandada de los clientes, y aunque la gran mayoría de los apoyos entregados por las instituciones han sido dirigidos a procesos de fortalecimiento organizativos, sigue siendo el aspecto más débil.

ABSTRACT The COOPMERCASAN peasant market began its operation in 2011, providing fresh and safe agricultural products to the population of Florence. In these eight years of operation, they have had successes and failures, they have also received the support of different institutions, however, to date, their current realities are unknown, as well as the challenges, which have been changing over time. It is because of the above that this research sought to build the dynamics of this experience through self-reflection, base information for decision-making, and the orientation of their improvement actions. The work was carried out in the municipality of Florence, the tools for gathering the information were surveys, interviews, and participant observation. Among the main findings, it was discovered that, although the market has managed to position itself with an interesting customer base, its offer is not meeting expectations in terms of the volumes and diversity demanded by customers and that, although the vast majority of the support provided by the institutions has been directed towards organizational strengthening processes, it continues to be the weakest aspect.

Knowledge and attitudinal survey of drug promotional literature among second year undergraduate students: a questionnaire based study

Background: Promotion of drugs has been increased enormously with the advancement of technology and use of internet and media etc. Pharmaceutical manufacturers spend vast amount of money on promotion usually through medical representatives by providing printed advertisements. But, it has been seen that these printed advertisements are not up to the mark usually, they either overemphasize the efficacy or hide the safety profile for the sake of company抯 profit. All these promotional activities influence the prescribing pattern of doctors. So, the present study has been conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of second year undergraduate students about promotional literature and to train them accordingly for improving the prescribing behaviour.Methods: A questionnaire based study containing 9 questions was conducted in 110 second year undergraduate students after taking informed consent. Statistical analysis was done by using descriptive statistics by graph pad prism version 6.01.Results: Among respondents 60 (61.2%) were males and rest 38 (38.8%) were females. 50 (51%) of the respondents have chosen Indian pharmacopoeia as a trusted source of information followed by others. Most common factor affecting the prescribing attitude was reported as updates from clinical trials 49 (50%) followed by prescriber抯 knowledge. Most important intervention taken to stop misleading drug promotional activities has been reported as formulation of strict regulation by the health care authorities against any misleading promotion.Conclusions: Promotional activities by manufacturers influence the attitude and prescribing pattern of doctors. So, it is important to teach the students about their rational use by critically analysing it.

Fecal carriage of carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae among the intensive care unit patients

Background: The war against multidrug-resistant bacteria is challenging and of global concern. Hospitals are increasingly plagued by resistant gram negative pathogens. Bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are part of the normal human intestinal flora but are also often responsible for community- and healthcare-associated infections. These bacteria are prone to acquiring resistance genes.Methods: Rectal swabs/swabs from the peri-anal area of the patients who were admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the accident and emergency department of this teaching hospital. Swabs were collected first on day 1 of admission, then day 4, and thereafter weekly during the period of stay in the ICU. All the swabs were immediately inoculated into trypticase soy broth with one 10μg  meropenem disc and were incubated overnight at 35±2ºC, ambient air. Next day, the broth was vortexed, and then sub-cultured onto a MacConkey agar plate. On the third day, MacConkey agar plates were examined for lactose fermenting (pink-coloured) colonies. The representative isolated colonies were subjected to conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing by the Kirby Bauer Disc diffusion method following the CLSI guidelines to know the susceptibility to carbapenem and other antimicrobial agents. Carbapenemase production was done by a Modified Hodge Test (MHT) and Imipenem-EDTA test.Results: Out of 89 patients, carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli isolates were recovered from 35 (39.3%) patients i.e. Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from fifteen patients and carbapenem resistant E. coli isolates from twenty patients. Prevalence of carbapenemase producing isolates was found to be 1.42%.  Conclusions: Surveillance for CRE can definitely help reduce rates of healthcare associated infections.

Blandm-1 Gene Carriage In The Icu Of Tertiary Care Hospital In North India

BACKGROUND:- New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) enzyme leads to multidrug resistance and has been detected from bacteria in many countries. The study was done To detect bacteria carrying blaNDM-1 gene from intensive care unit (ICU) patients and correlate the change with increasing duration of ICU stay. METHODS:- Blood and urine samples were collected from 140 patients thrice- 0-2 days, 3-7 days and 7 days of ICU admission. All bacterial isolates resistant to meropenem were evaluated for Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) production. blaNDM-1 gene was detected using Real Time PCR from the MBLproducers. RESULT:- Overall, 458 samples (229 each) of blood and urine were collected and 75 gram negative bacteria were isolated. From these, 46.7% (35/75) strains were found to be carbapenem resistant and blaNDM-1 gene was detected in 17.3% (13/75). CONCLUSION:- High prevalence of bacteria carrying blaNDM-1 gene was seen in ICU patients increasing the burden on healthcare.

Detection of ESBL Producing Escherichia coli isolates from blood cultures and its effect on outcome of Sepsis Patients at a rural based tertiary care and teaching hospital in Vadodara district, Gujarat

Background: Sepsis is one of the most common clinical conditions that cause substantial morbidity and mortality all over the world. Blood culture is considered to be the gold standard for the identification of bacteria as a cause of sepsis along with the pattern of antibiotic susceptibility that helps clinicians to choose the appropriate empirical antibiotic. E. coli, belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae, is a very important pathogen causing infections in humans. It causes a number of important clinical conditions like urinary tract infections, diarrhea, peritonitis, visceral abscesses, endovascular infections, septicemia pneumonia, meningitis, osteomyelitis, wound and soft tissue infections. Due to increased resistance to drugs and ability to produce variety of beta-lactamase enzymes (extended-beta lactamases) poses a difficulty in treating infections caused due to E. coli. Objectives: Objectives of this study were (a) to detect ESBL production amongst the E.coli isolated from the blood cultures of patients with sepsis and (b) to determine its effect on the outcome of sepsis patients from a rural based tertiary hospital in Vadodara district of Gujarat. Rana-Khara R, Lakhani SJ, Vasava S, Panjwani D. Detection of ESBL Producing Escherichia coli isolates from blood cultures and its effect on outcome of Sepsis Patients at a rural based tertiary care and teaching hospital in Vadodara district, Gujarat. IAIM, 2017; 4(5): 111-116. Page 112 Materials and methods: A total of 48 E. coli isolates were obtained from the blood culture of 46 patients with clinically diagnosed sepsis. These 48 E. coli isolates were tested for detection of ESBL production according to the CLSI guidelines using phenotypic screening & confirmatory methods. Results: From a total of 48 E. coli isolates obtained from blood culture of 46 clinically diagnosed sepsis, 24 were female patients (as 2 patients had 2 blood samples cultured) and 22 were males. Of the total 48 E. coli isolates tested for ESBL production, 23 (47.91%) isolates from 23 (50%) patients were found to be producing ESBL and 25 (52.08%) isolates from other 23 (50%) patients did not produce ESBL. Of the 23 patients with ESBL producing E. coli, 14 (60.86%) patients did not survive the episode of sepsis, whereas 7 (30.43%) survived and for 2 (8.69%) patients the outcome was not known as they took discharge against the medical advice. Amongst the 23 patients with 25 blood samples yielding non-ESBL producing E. coli, 8 (34.78%) did not survive, 14 (60.86%) survived and for 1(4.34%) patient the outcome was not known. Thus the mortality was more in patients with sepsis due to ESBL producing E. coli as compared to patients with non-ESBL producing E.coli. Also the urinary tract/kidneys were the common source of infection and kidneys were the organ affected. The ESBL producing E. coli showed a higher resistance to most of the antibiotics used but a higher susceptibility to Imipenem and Ertapenem. Conclusion: The findings of our study suggests a higher prevalence of ESBL producing E. coli, which exhibit a higher resistance to most of the antibiotics, are associated with greater mortality and pose a real challenge in the management of patients with sepsis.

DETECCIÓN DE CEPAS DE Klebsiella pneumoniae PRODUCTORAS DE BETALACTAMASAS DE ESPECTRO EXTENDIDO AISLADAS EN UN CENTRO CLÍNICO DE ALTA COMPLEJIDAD EN SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA / DETECTION OF Klebsiella pneumoniae STRAINS PRODUCERS OF EXTENDED SPECTRUM BETA-LACTAMASES ISOLATED IN A HIGH COMPLEXITY CLINICAL CENTER IN SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA

Introducción: Klebsiella pneumoniae es uno de los principales microorganismos productores de betalactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE) comúnmente aislados en centros clínicos, convirtiéndose en el principal responsable de enfermedades infecciosas oportunistas. Materiales y Métodos: Mediante el sistema API 10S se identificaron cepas de K. pneumoniae provenientes de cualquier tipo de muestras biológicas. La detección de las BLEE se efectuó según las recomendaciones de Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Resultados: Entre los meses de septiembre de 2014 y marzo de 2015, 18 cepas de K. pneumoniae fueron productoras de BLEE y exhibiendo un patrón fenotípico caracterizado por la resistencia a las aminopenicilinas, ureidopenicilinas, carboxipenicilinas y cefalosporinas de primera, segunda y tercera generación. Presentaron también resistencia a las combinaciones con inhibidores de bectalactamasas, así como a algunos aminoglucósidos tales como tobramicina, gentamicina y netilmicina. Manteniendo la sensibilidad a la amikacina, trimetoprim/sulfametoxazol, quinolonas y carbapenems. Discusión: La prevalencia de las cepas de K. pneumoniae productoras de BLEE fue similar a la reportada en otras ciudades de Colombia. Difiriendo en la resistencia exhibida frente a los inhibidores de betalactamasas y carbapenems, aunque en bajos porcentajes para estos últimos. Resaltando una alta sensibilidad a la amikacina.

Introduction: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the main microorganisms producing extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) commonly isolated in clinical centers, becoming the main responsible for opportunistic infectious diseases. Materials and Methods: Strains of K. pneumoniae from any type of biological samples were identified using the API 10E system. ESBLs detection was performed as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Results: Between September 2014 and March 2015, 18 strains of K. pneumoniae produced ESBL and exhibited a phenotypic pattern characterized by resistance to aminopenicillins ureidopenicillins, carboxypenicillins and cephalosporins of first, second and third generation. They also showed resistance to combinations with bectalactamases inhibitors as well as to some aminoglycosides such as tobramycin, gentamicin and netilmicin, maintaining sensitivity to amikacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, quinolones and carbapenems. Discussion: The prevalence of K. pneumoniae strains producing ESBL was similar to that reported in other cities of Colombia, differing in the resistance exhibited against beta-lactamase and carbapenems inhibitors, although in lower percentages for the latter, and emphasizing high sensitivity to amikacin.

CARACTERIZACIÓN SOCIOECONÓMICA Y TECNOLÓGICA DE LA PRODUCCIÓN DEL PLÁTANO EN EL BAJO OCCIDENTE DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE CALDAS / SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF BANANA PRODUCTION IN THE LOWER WEST REGION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CALDAS

El plátano es un cultivo estratégico para la seguridad alimentaria nacional constituyéndose en uno de los alimentos básicos más importantes a nivel socioeconómico por la oportunidad para la generación de empleos directos e indirectos, además de los ingresos que le puede aportar a la población rural. El objetivo fue realizar un diagnóstico para evaluar el grado de focalización del productor y el impacto de la intervención de las entidades encargadas en la transferencia de tecnología a través de programas de apoyo técnico y aspectos sociales, para contribuir con otras alternativas que ayuden a mejorar los ingresos del sector. La caracterización se plantea también como instrumento y fuente de información pública al alcance de instituciones que deseen implementar nuevos programas de mejoramiento que sirvan para el desarrollo socioeconómico y tecnológico del sector. Mediante encuesta a productores se evalúan aspectos relacionados con el perfil de los productores, establecimiento de cultivos, actividad social, labores culturales, cosecha, poscosecha y comercialización. Los hallazgos mostraron que la mayoría de los productores son de avanzada edad y bajo nivel de escolaridad, poca capacidad de asociatividad y utilización de mano de obra contratada tradicionalista. Los cultivos son pequeños, sin tecnificar, de manejo deficiente por aplicación inadecuada de las Buenas Prácticas Agrícolas (BPA) como el uso de agroquímicos prohibidos, deficiencias en procesos de desinfección, productivo, cosecha y poscosecha. Esta problemática influye de forma negativa en la calidad del producto y en la adecuada comercialización y rentabilidad.

Plantain is a strategic crop for national food security becoming one of the most important staple foods at the socioeconomical level because of the opportunity to generate direct and indirect employment in addition to the income generated for the rural population. The objective was to make a diagnosis to assess the degree of targeting of the producer and the impact of the intervention of the entities in charge of transfering technology through programs of technical and social support to help with other alternatives that allow improvement of the sector revenues. The characterization is also raised as a tool and source of public information available to institutions wishing to implement new programs that serve to improve the socioeconomic and technological development of the sector. By means of a survey to producers, aspects related to the producers' profile, crop establishment, social activity, cultural practices, harvesting, post-harvest and marketing were evaluated. The findings showed that most producers are elderly and low educational level, low capacity of association and use of traditional hired labor. The crops are small, without technification, of poor management because of inadequate implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and the use of prohibited chemicals, deficiencies in disinfection, production, harvest and postharvest processes. This problem influences in a negative way the quality of the product and proper commercialization and profitability.

Adequação de sistemas de produção leiteira da região de Maringá frente à instrução normativa 51 (IN-51/2002) e impacto sobre o preço de venda / Suitability of dairy production systems in the area of northwest of Parana front normative instruction number 51 of ministry of agriculture and impact on the selling price

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a adequação de sistemas de produção leiteira da região de Maringá à Instrução Normativa-51 (IN-51/2002) e os impactos destas obre o preço de venda do leite, usando como parâmetros os níveis de contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e contagem bacteriana total (CBT). Foi realizado um levantamento da qualidade do leite e do preço pago ao produtor, com base nos valores médios do CONSELEITE, durante o período de janeiro de 2010 a março de 2011. As análises de CCS e CBT foram realizadas no Laboratório da APCBRH em Curitiba-PR, utilizando os equipamentos Somacount 500® e Bactoscan®, respectivamente. Em função das amostras de leite coletadas pode-se inferir que apenas 28% das propriedades avaliadas encontram-se enquadrados na IN-51/2002.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of dairy production systems in the area of Northwest of Parana front of Normative instruction number 51 and their impact on the selling price of milk using the levels of SCC and TBC in milk. A survey on milk quality and the price paid to producers, based on average values of CONSELEITE, was carried out from January 2010 to March 2011. Analyses of milk SCC and TBC were conducted at the Laboratory of APCBRH in Curitiba-PR using the Somacount 500 ® and Bactoscan ® equipment, respectively. Only 28% of the properties were set within the normative instruction 51 using milk samples collected for the present survey.

Caracterización morfológica, génica y protéica en la diferenciación de células madre embrionarias de ratón a células pancreáticas tempranas / Morphological, genetic and protein characterization in the differentiation of embryonic stem cells to early pancreatic cells

Debido al auge de la medicina regenerativa, las Células Madre (SC) representan una fuente de reemplazo celular para cualquier tejido, decidiendo emprender este trabajo de investigación con el objetivo de diferenciar células madre embrionarias de ratón (mESC) a células pancreáticas tempranas, realizando su caracterización génica y morfológica. Primeramente se cultivaron y arrestaron en su ciclo celular fibroblastos embrionarios de ratón (MEF) con mitomicina, posteriormente se expandieron las mESC y se sometieron a un protocolo de diferenciación de 21 días hacía células pancreáticas tempranas, evaluándose durante la diferenciación su morfología y expresión relativa de los genes sox-17, pdx-1, ins-1 e ins-2, determinando además la producción de las proteínas insulina y glucagón mediante inmunocitoquímica y citometría de flujo. Se obtuvieron cuerpos embrionarios (EBs) a partir de mESC, con características morfológicas diferentes de acuerdo a su diferenciación, los cuales expresaron genes de la línea germinal endodérmica (sox-17 y pdx-1) a los días 0, 11 y 17 de diferenciación, gen inductor del desarrollo embrionario pancreático (pdx-1) al día 11 de diferenciación y, genes de expresión pancreática (ins-1 e ins-2) a los días 17 y 21 de diferenciación. Finalmente se detectó la producción de proteínas insulina y glucagón en los EBs al día 21 de diferenciación. Se logró diferenciar mESC. El análisis morfológico evidenció cúmulos celulares tridimensionales correspondientes a EBs. Con el análisis de los patrones de expresión génica, se distinguieron inicialmente células con características genéticas de endodermo y posteriormente a partir del día 17 células pancreáticas tempranas, las cuales al día 21 de diferenciación expresaron las proteínas insulina y glucagón...

Due to the boom in regenerative medicine, Stem Cells (SC) represent a source of cell replacement to any tissue, we decided to undertake this research with the objective of differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) to early pancreatic cells, developing their genetic and morphological characterization. Initially Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) were grown and arrested in their cell cycle with mitomycin, subsequently mouse embryonic SC (mESC) were expanded and subjected in to a pancreatic cell differentiation protocol of 21 days. During differentiation, morphology and the relative expression of sox-17, pdx-1, Ins-1 and Ins-2 genes were assessed, also the production of insulin and glucagon proteins was determinated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Embryoid bodies (EBs) were obtained from mESC, with different morphological characteristics according to their differentiation, which expressed endodermal germ line genes (sox-17 y pdx-1) at days 0, 11 and 17 of differentiation, an inductor gene of embryonic pancreas development (pdx-1) was detected at day 11 of differentiation. Pancreas genes (ins-1 e ins-2) were expressed at day 17 and 21 of differentiation. Finally the production of insulin and glucagon proteins was detected on the EBS at day 21 of differentiation. In conclusion, the mESC differentiation was achieved. The morphological analysis evidenced three-dimensional cell clusters corresponding to EBs. Analysis of the gene expression patterns in the differentiation process, cells initially showed genetic characteristics of endoderm and thereafter from day 17 of differentiation characteristics of early pancreatic cells which by day 21 of differentiation expressed insulin and glucagon proteins...

Neutralization of bitis parviocula (Ethiopian mountain adder) venom by the south african institute of medical research (SAIMR) antivenom / Neutralização do veneno de Bitis parviocula (serpente da Montanha da Etiópia) pelo antiveneno do Instituto Africano de Pesquisa Médica (SAIMR)

BACKGROUND: The Ethiopian mountain adder (Bitis parviocula) is a viperid known only from a few locations in southwestern Ethiopia. METHODS: a total of 30 µg of B. arietans and B. parviocula venoms were run on a 10-20 percent Tricine gel. To assay lethality dose fifty (LD50), five groups of eight mice for each venom were used. Hemorrhagic activity for crude venom was tested. Fibrinogenolytic activity of crude venom was measured using (2.5 mg/mL) of fibrinogen solution and (0.03 mg/mL) of crude venom. Gelatinase activity of the venom was tested on a Kodak X-OMAT TM film. Crude venoms of B. parviocula and B. arietans were tested for their abilities to affect clotting time, clotting rate and platelet function on whole human blood. RESULTS: The (SAIMR) antivenom was confirmed in this study to neutralize the lethal activity of venom from Bitis parviocula. The ED50s of SAIMR antivenom on B. parviocula and B. arietans neutralized half of 18.2 and 66.7 mg of venom, respectively. The hemorrhagic activities (MHDs) of B. parviocula and B. arietans were 0.88 and 1.7 µg, respectively. Bitis arietans and B. parviocula venoms degradated α and β chains at different times. The γ chains remained unaffected. Bitis parviocula venom did not exhibit gelatinase activity, while B. arietans had a MGD of 6.9 µg. At 3 mg/mL, the crude venoms of B. parviocula and B. arietans did not significantly affect clotting time or clotting rate. CONCLUSIONS: The SAIMR antivenom is very effective in neutralizing the venom of B. parviocula and should be considered in treating envenomations by these snakes.

BACKGROUND: Serpente das Montanhas da Etiópia (Bitis parviocula) é um viperídeo conhecido somente em poucas localizações do sudoeste da Etiópia. MÉTODOS: Um total de 30 µg de veneno de B. arietans e B. parviocula foram corridos em gel de 10 a 20 por cento de tricina. Para se estabelecer a quinquagésima dose de letalidade (LD50) foram usados cinco grupos de oito camundongos para cada veneno. A atividade hemorrágica para o veneno cru foi testada. A atividade fibrogenolítica do veneno cru foi medida usando 2,5 mg/mL de solução de fibrinogênio e 0,03 mg/mL de veneno cru. A atividade de gelatinase do veneno foi testada em um filme KODAK X-OMAT TM. Venenos crus de B. parviocula e B. arietans foram testados no que diz respeito à sua capacidade de afetar o tempo de coagulação, a velocidade de coagulação e a função plaquetogênica em sangue humano total. RESULTADO: o antiveneno SAIMR foi confirmado neste estudo no que diz respeito à neutralização da atividade letal do veneno de Bitis parviocula. ED50s do antiveneno SAIMR sobre a B. parviocula e B. arietans neutralizou metade de 18,2 e 66,7 mg respectivamente do veneno. As atividades hemorrágicas (MHDs) de B. parviocula e B. arietans foram respectivamente 0,88 e 1,7 µg. Os venenos de B. arietans e B. parviocula degradaram cadeias α e β em tempos diferentes. A cadeia Γ permaneceu não afetada. O veneno da B. parviocula não mostrou atividade de gelatinase, enquanto o de B. arietans teve um MGD de 6,9 µg. A nível de 3 mg/mL os venenos crus de B. parviocula e B. arietans não afetaram significantemente o tempo e a velocidade de coagulação. CONCLUSÕES: O antiveneno SAIMR é bastante efetivo para neutralizar o veneno da B. parviocula e deveria ser considerado para o tratamento de envenenamentos por estas serpentes.

Strategic control of cattle ticks: milk producers' perceptions / Controle estratégico do carrapato dos bovinos: percepção dos produtores de leite

In order to evaluate milk producers' knowledge about tests on tick sensitivity to acaricides, efficiency tests and strategic control, questionnaires were delivered to 670 producers. From these, 163 responses were received. These producers had sent ingurgitated female ticks to be subjected to tests on tick sensitivity to acaricides at Embrapa between 2001 and 2005. Most of the completed questionnaires came from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. After descriptive analysis and correlation of variables, it was found that 48.5 percent of the properties owned herds of up to 100 head of cattle and 57.3 percent of the producers belonged to a cooperative. Among the respondents, 157 (98.7 percent) applied the acaricide indicated by the efficiency test, and 144 (92.9 percent) said that they applied strategic control but incorrectly. There was improvement in some control stages. However, only 12 (7 percent) showed comprehension of all the stages of strategic control. It was concluded that there is a need for continuing assistance, so as to achieve effective improvement in controlling Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.

Objetivando avaliar o conhecimento dos produtores de leite que usufruíram do teste de sensibilidade dos carrapatos aos carrapaticidas - teste de eficácia e controle estratégico - foram enviados questionários a 670 produtores. Desses, 163 foram respondidos. Esses produtores representam aqueles que enviaram fêmeas ingurgitadas para proceder aos testes de sensibilidade dos carrapatos aos carrapaticidas pela Embrapa, de 2001 a 2005. Dos respondidos, a maioria localiza-se no Estado de Minas Gerais. Após análise descritiva e cruzamento de variáveis, constatou-se que 48,5 por cento das propriedades possuem rebanho até 100 cabeças de gado; 57,3 por cento produtores pertencem a uma cooperativa. Um total de 157 (98,7 por cento) entrevistados aplicou o acaricida indicado pelo teste de eficácia, e 144 (92,9 por cento) respondentes afirmaram ter seguido o controle estratégico, porém, não de forma correta, havendo, entretanto, melhora em algumas etapas do controle. No entanto, apenas 12 (7 por cento) demonstraram compreender todas as fases do controle estratégico, apesar de terem recebido informações técnicas de como proceder com o controle. Conclui-se que há necessidade de assistência continuada para melhoria efetiva do controle de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus .

Genotoxicidade em floricultores da região serrana do Rio de Janeiro: uso do teste de micronúcleo na mucosa oral / Genotoxicity in flower growers in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro: use of micronucleus test in oral mucosa

Este trabalho avaliou os possíveis efeitos genotóxicos dos agrotóxicos na população floricultora de Nova Friburgo, RJ através do teste de micronúcleo de células exfoliativas da mucosa oral. A população exposta ocupacionalmente e não-ocupacionalmente aos agrotóxicos, composta por 80 indivíduos, participou preenchendo um questionário e fornecendo amostras celulares do epitélio bucal. As lâminas foram tratadas seguindo a metodologia Feulgen-Fastgreen, codificadas e avaliadas quanto a presença de micronúcleo (MN), broken egg (BE), binucleação (Bi) e fragmentação (Fr). Não foi encontrada diferença significativa entre expostos e não-expostos ocupacionais. A freqüência média das anormalidades nucleares desta população foi MN: 0,08±0,1; BE: 0,05±0,14; Bi: 0,86±0,57; Fr: 0,05±0,11. Não houve nenhum tipo de associação entre a frequência de micronúcleos e as variáveis fumo, bebida, sexo, idade, tempo de exposição e dieta, porém, verificou-se que o fato de as pessoas sentirem cheiro de agrotóxicos em sua casa, independente de trabalhar ou não com os agrotóxicos, apresentou uma concentração maior de MN com p-valor de 0,05. A utilização de equipamento de proteção individual diminui ligeiramente (ausência de significância) a freqüência de MN entre os expostos. A diversidade de agrotóxicos que os trabalhadores manipulam, a ausência de um grupo controle adequado, predisposição genética, diferenças nos graus e rotas de exposição, utilização de EPI de forma adequada, são fatores comuns que dificultaram uma análise de genotoxicidade neste estudo. Desta maneira, maiores investigações são necessárias para melhor compreensão da saúde desta população.

This study analyzed possible genotoxic effects of pesticides in a flower producer’s population of Nova Friburgo municipality, Rio de Janeiro State, through micronucleus test in exfoliative cells of the oral mucosa. The participants exposed occupationally and nonoccupationaly to pesticides, comprising 80 individuals, took part in the study filling out a structured questionnaire and providing samples of the oral epithelium. Slides were processed following the Feulgen-Fastgreen method, coded and analyzed for the presence of micronucleus (MN), broken egg (BE), bi-nucleation (Bi) and fragmentation (Fr). There was no significant difference between direct and non-exposed occupational individuals. The average frequency of nuclear abnormalities of this population was MN: 0.08 ± 0.1, BE: 0.05 ± 0.14, Bi: 0.86 ± 0.57; Fr: 0.05 ± 0.11. There was any kind of association between thefrequency of micronuclei and smoke, drink, sex, age, exposure time and diet variables. However, people who detected smell of pesticides in their homes, regardless of using or notpesticides in their work, showed a higher concentration of MN with p-value of 0.05. The use of personal protective equipment reduces slightly (but it is not significant) the frequency of MN between the exposed. The diversity of pesticides manipulated by workers, the lack of an appropriate control group, genetic predisposition, differences in exposure degrees and routes, appropriate use of PPE, are common factors that hampered a genotoxic analysis in this study. In this way, more investigations are necessary to better comprehend this population’s health.

Qualidade de hortaliças comercializadas no noroeste do Paraná, Brasil / Quality of green vegetables marketed in the northwest of Parana, Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar parasito-logicamente a qualidade de hortaliças consumidas cruas provenientes de locais de produção e de feiras livres do município de Maringá, Paraná. De julho/2002 a julho/2004, foram coletadas 66 amostras de hortaliças em 13 chácaras e 181 amostras em 17 feiras livres. Pés de alface (variedades lisa, crespa e americana), maços de agrião e rúcula, recolhidos aleatoriamente e em triplicata foram submetidos às técnicas de Oliveira & Germano, Kynioun e à pesquisa de coliformes totais e termotolerantes. O índice total de parasitismo das hortaliças de feiras (63 por cento) e chácaras (71,1 por cento) não diferiu estatisticamente. As hortaliças das chácaras mostraram-se mais parasitadas por protozoários (10/47) que as das feiras (19/114). Larvas de Rhabditoidea e ovos de Ancylostomatoidea encontravam-se igualmente distribuídos nas hortaliças de ambos os locais. Formas parasitárias de outras espécies foram também encontradas. Todas as amostras de alface crespa coletadas nas chácaras estavam contaminadas por bactérias totais e termoto-lerantes em índices não compatíveis com o consumo humano. São discutidos ainda a dificuldade em se diagnosticar laboratorialmente gênero e espécie de parasitas de interesse humano observados em hortaliças e os desafios da vigilância epidemiológica na busca de boa qualidade para hortaliças ingeridas cruas.

This work had the objective of performing a parasitological evaluation of fresh vegetables colleted from production places and free markets of Maringá, Paraná. From July/2002 to July/2004, 66 samples were collected in 13 smallholdings and 181 samples in 17 free markets. Heads of lettuce (varieties flat, curly and American), watercress and rocket salad, picked up randomly and in triplicate, were submitted to Oliveira & Germano's and Kynioun staining techniques and to the research of total and thermotolerant coliforms. The total index of parasitism of the vegetables of free markets (63%) and smallholdings (71.1%) didn't differ statistically. The fresh vegetables from smallholdings have shown more protozoa than (10/47) that from the free markets (19/114). Rhabditoidea larvae and Ancylostomatoidea eggs were equally distributed in the fresh vegetables of both places. Parasitic forms of other species were also found. All the curly lettuce samples collected in the smallholdings presented total and thermotolerant bacteria index incompatible with the human consumption. The difficult in doing laboratorial diagnose at the genre and specie level of the human parasites in fresh vegetables and the sanitary surveillance challenges in the obtaining of good quality products were discussed.

Estudo da variaçäo do teor de nitritos e nitratos em embutidos coloniais: possíveis implicaçöes para saúde pública / Studies of the content variability of nitrites and nitrates in cottage sausage: possible public heatlh implications

Nitratos e nitritos säo aditivos largamente utilizados em produtos cárneos, por contribuírem para fixaçäo da cor róseo-avermelhado da carne curada, um fator altamente desejável do ponto de vista sensorial, além de possuírem comprovada açäo bacteriostática. Estes conservantes apresentam, entretanto, efeitos tóxicos à saúde humana, sendo seu uso e controle objeto de pesquisa no mundo inteiro. No Brasil, säo abundantes os pequenos fabricantes de embutidos "coloniais" (uma designaçäo regional), que se caracterizam por métodos artesanais de fabricaçäo, quase sempre sem controle técnico quanto às especificaçöes dos produtos. Neste trabalho, foi investigada a variaçäo quantitativa destes conservantes praticada por estes produtores. A cidade de Blumenau foi escolhida para a realizaçäo do levantamento quantitativo destes compostos, porque constitui-se em uma localidade com forte tradiçäo na fabricaçäo de embutidos cárneos. Foram escolhidos 9 produtores selecionados aleatoriamente dentre os 18 cadastrados pelo Serviço Municipal de Inspeçäo daquela cidade. Obteve-se a média semanal das amostras de lingüiças defumadas de cada produtor individualmente. O experimento estendeu-se por três semanas e foi possível observar uma significativa heterogeneidade, sem critério técnico na utilizaçäo destes aditivos, por parte dos produtores. Tanto para nitritos, como para nitratos, observou-se ainda que a quantidade utilizada ficou muito abaixo dos valores recomendados pela legislaçäo, implicando em possíveis riscos à saúde pública e reduçäo de vida-de-prateleira dos produtos. (AU)

Nitrites and nitrates are food additives used in Iarge amounts in meat Products since they contribute to the red colour fixation of cured meat, Which is a highly desirable characteristic in sensory evaluation, and also Because these componentes presente bacteriostatic action. They possess, however, possible toxic effects to health, being their use and controI the subject of world wide concern and research.ln Brazil, there are many smaIl producers of cottage sausage whose methods of production do not follow any technical guidance. ln this work it was investigated the quantitative variation of nitrites and nitrates added to these products. Producers from the city of Blurnenau, state of Santa Catarina, South of Brazil, were chosen to run this study because the region representes a traditional centre of these kind of small industries.Nine out of eighteen producers (n==50%) were randomIy chosen among those registered by the Municipal Health lnspection Service. Calculations were based on a three week Sampling program, with results representing the average value of every week. It was possible to identify a significant heterogeneity among producers and sarnples, showing a c1ear lack of technical criteria in the use of these additives.For both nitrites and nitrates observed amounts utilised were always well below of those recommended by Brazilian legislation,indicating possible risks to public health through bactéria contamination. (AU)