Biochemical analysis between common type and critical type of COVID-19 and clinical value of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To identify the key biochemical indicators that affect the clinical type and outcomes of COVID-19 patients and explore the application of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in COVID-19.@*METHODS@#Ninety-three patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 admitted in Ezhou Central Hospital from February to April in 2020 were analyzed. Among them, 43 patients were selected from Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with the diagnosis of critical type of COVID-19, and 50 cases of common type were selected from the Department of Respiratory Medicine. The baseline data, blood routine test and biochemical indexes of the patients were collected on the first day of admission. NLRs of the patients were calculated, and COX survival analysis according to the NLR 4-category method was performed. The patients' outcomes were analyzed with receiver operating curves (ROCs). The patients were divided into two groups according to NLR cutoff value for comparison of the biochemical indexes. Based on the patients' outcomes, NLR cutoff value classification and clinical classification, multiple binary logistics regression was performed to screen the key variables and explore their significance in COVID-19.@*RESULTS@#The NLR four-category method was not applicable for prognostic evaluation of the patients. The cut-off value of NLR for predict the prognosis of COVID-19 was 11.26, with a sensitivity of 0.903 and a specificity of 0.839; the laboratory indicators of the patients with NLR < 11.26 were similar to those in patients of the common type; the indicators were also similar between patients with NLR≥11.26 and those with critical type COVID-19. NLR, WBC, NEUT, PCT, DD, BUN, TNI, BNP, and LDH had significant effects on the clinical classification and outcome of the patients ( < 0.05); Cr, Ca, PH, and Lac had greater impact on the outcome of the patients ( < 0.05), while Na, PCO had greater impact on the clinical classification of the patients ( < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#NLR can be used as an important reference for clinical classification, prognostic assessment, and biochemical abnormalities of COVID-19. Patients of critical type more frequently have bacterial infection with more serious inflammatory reactions, severer heart, lung and kidney damages, and much higher levels of DD and LDH than those of the common type. NLR, NEUT, DD, TNI, BNP, LDH, Ca, PCT, PH, and Lac have obvious influence on the prognosis of COVID-19 and should be observed dynamically.

Chemopreventive effect of Maha Vallathy leghiyam on 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide induced oral carcinogenesis in wistar rats

Background: Siddha medicine is one of the oldest herbal medication after Ayurveda. For many centuries, siddha medicine is being used to cure or prevent many diseases including cancer. MahaVellathyLehyam is one such Siddha medicine possessing characteristic nature against cancer. The main objective of this study is to explicate the potential of MVL as a chemopreventive agent by analysing the alterations in lipidperoxidation, membrane bound enzymes and glycoconjugates against 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) induced rat oral carcinogenesis. Materials and methods: The male wistar rats were subjected to the carcinogen 4NQO and the activity of MVL against the carcinogenic cells was studied through lipid peroxidation, membrane bound ATPases (Na+ /K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase and Mg2+ ATPase) and protein bound carbohydrate components (protein bound hexose, hexosamine, sialic acid and fucose). Results: The obtained result was visualized as an increase in the expression of the lipid peroxidation of the tongue tissue, membrane bound ATPases and glycoconjucates indicating oxidative stress induced by the carcinogen 4QNO. Priyanka G, Kayalvizhi E, Madan Kumar A, Chinmayi Sri Amulya Y, Rajajeyakumar Manivel. Chemopreventive effect of Maha Vallathy leghiyam on 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide induced oral carcinogenesis in wistar rats. IAIM, 2019; 6(7): 28-36. Page 29 Conclusions: The administration of MVL has caused a significant decrease in these aspects suggesting the nature of MVL against the carcinogenic nature of 4NQO by efficiently decreasing the oxidative damage.

Risk factors affecting the outcome of cerebral infarction / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the risk factors that affect the outcome of cerebral infarction. Methods The clinical data of 594 patients with cerebral infarction were retrospectively analyzed, and 351 healthy subjects matched with age were compared. Two groups of demographic, past history and clinical laboratory indicators were compared, and multivariate analysis was performed using non-conditional logistic regression to rebeal the risk factors that affect the outcome of cerebral infarction. Results Homocysteinemia level, lipoprotein (a) level, fasting blood glucose level, admission systolic blood pressure and hypertension history were the independent risk factors affecting the outcome of cerebral infarction. Conclusion The risk factors for the poor prognosis of cerebral infarction should be controlled early, so as to reduce and prevent the poor outcome and cerebral infarction recurrence.

Proximate and biochemical analysis for marine and freshwater algae

@#Aims:In this study, ten indigenous microalgae samples from freshwater and marine waters from Malaysia, cultured and analysed on proximate and biochemical analysis. The proximate and biochemical analysis consists of starch, carbohydrates, lipid, protein, ash and moisture contents. This study was more focused on screening of starch accumulation in marine and freshwater microalgae cultures. Methodology and results:Based on screening, the results showed that Chlorella salinacontents highest starch of 4.92±0.33%, followed by Spirulinasp. 2.58±1.18%, Isochrysis maritime 0.99±0.33%, and lastly for Nitzschiapanduriformisand Naviculadistanscontents similar percentage of starch (0.44±0.10 and 0.40±0.07%, respectively). Besides starch analysis, proximate analyses(ash, moisture, lipid, protein, and carbohydrates) have been conducted. The results obtained indicated that all the cultures contain more than 4.50% of carbohydrates in average, followed by lipid and protein <1%. The results demonstrate that further optimization and various harvesting stages (early of exponential phase, early of stationary phaseand late stationary phase) may increase lipid, carbohydrates, starch, and protein accumulation. Chlorella salinaand Spirulinasp. will be used to further study on optimization of physical and chemical factors for high starch accumulation. Conclusion, significance and impact of study:In conclusion, this experiment focused more on preliminary screening for further application of starch uses in food and food packaging indust

Parâmetros comparativos de indicadores bioquímicos plasmáticos de duas populações de quatis (Nasua nasua - LINNAEUS, 1766) com e sem ação antrópica / Comparative parameters of plasma biochemical indicators of two populations of Coati (Nasuanasua - LINNAEUS, 1766) with and without human action

Os quatis são mamíferos carnívoros da família Procyonidae, são animais onívoros, encontrados nas Américas do Norte, Central e Sul, sendo amplamente distribuídos no Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar as alterações nos parâmetros sanguíneos de duas diferentes populações de quatis (Nasua nasua), da região oeste do Paraná, e avaliar a qualidade de vida e a interferência antrópica nos hábitos alimentares desses animais. A análise sorológica foi realizada em duas diferentes populações de quatis (Nasua nasua) que habitam duas unidades de conservação em regiões distintas no município de Foz do Iguaçu. Em uma das populações, foram visualizados cerca de cinquenta indivíduos, os quais se revelam em exposição direta aos seres humanos, e outra população menor, em torno de trinta indivíduos, os quais não possuem exposição direta aos seres humanos, o que, por sua vez, revelou importantes indicativos da qualidade de vida e de saúde desses animais. Foram realizadas avaliações bioquímicas do soro sanguíneo de 10 quatis adultos; cinco animais do grupo 1, população exposta aos seres humanos, e cinco animais do grupo 2, população com menor exposição. Com os resultados obtidos, foram feitas as comparações dos valores bioquímicos entre os grupos e com os valores de referência pesquisados na literatura. Os exames bioquímicos revelaram alterações significativas nos níveis de glicose e proteínas totais e alterações no nível plasmático de triglicerídeos nos quatis capturados na população em contado direto com seres humanos. Conclui-se que a saúde dos animais que possuem exposição direta com seres humanos está sendo afetada pelo consumo de uma dieta rica em carboidratos e gorduras, oriunda de alimentos industrializados fornecidos pelos turistas.(AU)

The coatis, carnivorous mammals of the Procyonidae family, are omnivorous animals, found in North, Central and South America and are widely distributed in Brazil. The objective of this study was to analyze changes in blood parameters in two different populations of coatis (Nasua nasua), of the western region of Paraná, and to evaluate the quality of life and the human interference in eating habits of these animals. Serologic analysis was performed in two different populations of coatis (Nasua nasua) inhabiting two conservation units in different areas in the city of Foz do Iguaçu. In one population, approximately fifty individuals were visualized, revealing themselves in direct exposure to humans as well as another minor population of about thirty individuals, which have no direct exposure to humans, which revealed important indicatives of the quality of life and health of these animals. Biochemical assessments of ten adults coatis serum were perfomred, five animals in group 1, population exposed to humans and five animals of the group 2, population less exposed. With the obtained results, comparisons were made between the groups' biochemical values and the reference values found in the literature. Biochemical tests revealed significant changes in glucose levels and total protein and changes in plasma levels of triglycerides in coatis captured in the population in direct contact with humans. It follows that the health of animals that have direct exposure to humans is being affected by the consumption of a diet high in carbohydrates and fats, coming from processed foods provided by tourists.(AU)

A salivary biochemical analysis of recruits associated with suicidal ideation / 军事医学

Objective To investigate the harmless biochemical indicators for early screening of populations at high risk of suicide .Methods Seven hundred and twenty-seven new recruits were investigated according to self-rating idea of suicide scale (SIOSS) in the first month of recruitment in 2014.Twenty-five recruits (originally 27 recruits, but 2 recruits were absent from biochemical tests ) whose SIOSS scores were less than 12 were recognized as the suicidal ideation group. Another 25 recruits whose SIOSS scores were more than 12 were randomly selected as the control group .Saliva samples of the 50 recruits were collected for biochemical analysis after one month and three months of training , respectively .After three months of training , the SIOSS was also used for evaluation of suicidal ideation .Results After one-month training , the concentrations of Ca , Mg, amylase ( Amy ) and salivary acid ( SA ) in saliva were demonstrated to be statistically different between the suicidal ideation group and the control group ( P 0.05).After three-month training, the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Amy and SA in saliva between the two groups showed no significant difference (P>0.05).Conclusion After the first month training , changes in the biochemical compositions were found in the saliva of the screened recruits with suicidal ideation, which may be associated with the stress response of the body .The biochemical indicators in saliva lack specificity for suicidal ideation .

Precision and uncertainty evaluation and comparison analysis of 6 items blood lipids index on different Beckman AU biochemical testing systems / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the precision and uncertainty and comparison analysis of 6 items blood lipids index among 5 different Beckman AU biochemical testing systems ,such as triglyceride(TG) ,total cholesterol(TCHO) ,high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL‐C) ,low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL‐C) ,apolipoproteins A1(APOA1) ,apolipoproteins B(APOB) .Meth‐ods According to the document the EP15‐A2 of national Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards ,6 items blood lipids index were respectively detected by 5 different Beckman AU biochemical testing systems to obtain precision and comparison .The intra‐and inter‐precision and results of comparability among different system were low than 1/4 or 1/3 or 1/2 CLIA′88 as evaluation standard ,respectively .The measurement uncertainty of these items were evaluated by the calibrator uncertainty and internal quality control and external quality control .Results The intra‐and inter‐or day‐to‐day precision and relative bias were accepted by clinical requirements .The expanded measurement uncertainty for TG was 0 .079 mmol/L and 0 .035mmol/L .The expanded measurement uncertainty for TCHO was 0 .248 mmol/L and 0 .157 mmol/L .The expanded measurement uncertainty for HDL‐C was 0 .144 mmol/L and 0 .018 mmol/L .The expanded measurement uncertainty for LDL‐C was 0 .140 mmol/L and 0 .186 mmol/L .The ex‐panded measurement uncertainty for APOA1 was 0 .148 mmol/L and 0 .090 mmol/L .The expanded measurement uncertainty for APOB was 0 .104 mmol/L and 0 .058 mmol/L .Conclusion The results of 6 items blood lipids index respectively show well preci‐sion and significantly correlation among 5 different Beckman AU biochemical testing systems and the results were comparable ,and the influence factor of detection results were expression directly by evaluating the measurement uncertainty of 6 items blood lipids index .This way of assessment is simple .

The application of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in pathogen detection from the nosocomial infection / 重庆医学

Objective Pathogens from the nosocomial infection have been analyzed by MALDI‐TOF microbial identification system ,to evaluate mass spectrometry analysis advantage and explore the mass spectrometry method .Methods The pathogens have been analyzed by MALDI‐TOF microbial identification system ,by compared with the VITEK‐2 compact detection in the tes‐ting time ,detection rate and the amounts of identified strains .The homology differences have been analyzed by comparison calcula‐tion of common peaks from the fingerprint spectrums .Results Thirty‐one Escherichia coli strains ,28 Klebsiella pneumonia strains and 9 unusual pathogen strains have been identified by MALDI‐TOF MS for only 1 hours .It has more advantages than VITEK‐2 in the testing time and other aspects .Conclusion Nosocomial infection of pathogen shows a point source propagation mode centering on the department .MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry is able to rapidly and correctly identify the pathogen .MALDI‐TOF microbial i‐dentification system is expected to be the major detecting technique in the field of the pathogen monitor and resistance monitoring a ‐nalysis .

The assessment of comparability between different biochemical analyzer system / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To assess the comparability between different biochemical testing systems.Methods The research ana-lyzed the results of serum enzyme in two biochemical analyzer and figured out the bias estimation by the document of EP9-A2 and explored the comparison of AST、ALT、ALP、LDH and CK in different detected systems.Results It is indicated that in the differ-ent biochemical analysis systems,the comparability of all the indexes could be accepted except for ALP.Conclusion In order to provide a scientific basis for clinic results,comparability test between the methods should be performed and figured out the bias esti-mation while use different detecting systems to monitor the same index.

Protective effects of methazolamide on acute exposure to high altitude / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of acute exposure to 4300 m altitude environments on the body pathophysiological, serum, TNF-α and IL-1β of Wistar rats and protective effect of methazolamide on Wistar rats. METHODS: Twenty-eight Healthy adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into plain (altitude of 55 m) control group, high altitude (altitude of 4300 m) model group, high altitude methazolamide group, and high altitude acetazolamide group. After being intragastric administration with 0.9% sodium chloride injection, methazolamide (2 times a day, 2.23 mg·kg-1) and acetazolamide (2 times a day, 22.33 mg·kg-1) for 5 consecutive days. The biochemical, blood gas, the pathological results of rats were analyzed. The TNF-α and IL-1β content were detected from the blood samples. RESULTS: Blood and biochemical results showed the high altitude might cause dehydration in rats. Compared with the plain control group, each index of the high altitude model group changed significantly (P<0.01), compared with the high altitude group, the aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), pH value, bicarbonate concentration (cHCO3-), buffer base (BB), base excess (BE) of methazolamide and acetazolamide group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), indicated that methazolamide and acetazolamide had protective effect on rat liver.The total protein (TP), urea solution (UREA), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), sodium concentration (cNa+), chloride concentration (cCl-) were significantly increased (P<0.01), indicated that the high altitude group had metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis, and liver and lung tissue had pathological damaged.Compared with the acetazolamide group, the methazolamide group damaged less.Compared with plain control group, serum TNF-α of high altitude groups significantly increased, IL-β of high altitude groups decreased significantly, which, serum TNF-a, IL-1β levels of acetazolamide and methazolamide group were significantly higher than high altitude model group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Methazolamide can improve acute high altitude physiological and biochemical status of rats, reduce inflammatory injury, with a good protective effect of hypoxia.

Screening of Rhizobium Strains Isolated from the Root Nodules of Vigna mungo Cultivated in Rice Fallows for Their Phosphate Solubilizing Ability and Enzymatic Activities.

Aims: The present work is aimed to find out the enzymatic activities and phosphate solubilizing efficiency of indigenous rhizobia confined to rice fallows. Study Design: In this experiment we maintained random block design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: This work was carried out in the Department of Botany and Microbiology, Acharya Nagarjuna University between October 2012 and December 2013. Methodology: In this study, we have isolated 19 Rhizobium strains collected from the healthy root nodules of Vigna mungo cultivated in rice fallows on yeast extract mannitol agar (YEMA) medium. The strains were confirmed as Rhizobia by using Gram staining, growth on YEMA with congo red, growth in Hofer’s alkaline broth, growth on glucose peptone agar, acid production, ketolactose test and nodulating ability was tested on homologous hosts by plant infection tests. Phosphate solubilization ability of the isolated Rhizobium strains were carried out Pikovskaya’s agar medium. Results: Eight out of 19 strains tested for phosphate solubilizing ability on Pikovskaya’s agar medium containing tri calcium phosphate (TCP) as insoluble phosphate source showed zone of TCP solubilization. The strain VM-2 exhibited maximum solubilization after 48h of incubation, while least activity was found with VM-11. Effect of different carbon and nitrogen sources on phosphate solubilizing ability of Rhizobial strains was tested and maximum phosphate solubilization (799μg/ml) by VM-2 was observed when glucose and ammonium sulphate were used as carbon and nitrogen sources. Conclusion: In this study it is concluded that along with symbiotic nitrogen fixtation, some Rhizobium species were found to be involved in phosphate solubilization and this ability of phosphate solubilization by the Rhizobium strains can be exploited as PGPR.

Comparative analysis of common biochemical assay results for venous blood and peripheral blood / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the comparability of the results of common biochemical items detected by Celercare M1 an‐alyzer in the peripheral blood and the venous whole blood .Methods The samples of peripheral blood and venous whole blood were collected from subjects .The biochemical items including Mg2+ ,Cl- ,tCO2 ,K+ ,Na+ ,Ca2+ ,α‐HBDH ,LDH ,AST ,CK ,CK‐MB ,TP , ALB ,TBIL ,ALT ,GGT ,ALP ,UREA ,GLU ,UA ,CHOL ,and HDL‐C were determined by Celercare M1 analyzer ,and the results were compared .Results The tCO2 results of venous blood was significantly higher than that of peripheral blood (P<0 .05) .How‐ever ,the results of α‐HBDH ,LDH ,CK and CK‐MB of venous blood samples were significantly lower than those of peripheral blood samples ,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0 .05) .Conclusion The peripheral blood can replace venous blood for biochemical analysis on Celercare M1 analyzer ,except for the electrolyte test items and cardiac enzyme items such as α‐HBDH , LDH ,CK and CK‐MB .

Biochemical Constituents in Malformed Tissues of Pearl Millet Cultivars Caused by Aggressive Pathotype of Sclerospora graminicola Causing Downy Mildew Disease.

Downy mildew (DM) of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] caused by Sclerospora graminicola is the most widespread and destructive disease. In DM affected plants disease symptoms appear suddenly with the emergence of green ear, which exhibits all possible degrees of proliferations and malformation of the panicle. The pathogen population at Jodhpur, India is more virulent among other prevalent pathotypes as highly resistant pearl millet lines turned susceptible at this location. Virulence of pathotype rapidly changes host physiology producing varied symptoms in leaves and ear heads. Biochemical components including carbohydrates, phenols, free proline, photosynthetic pigments and enzymes like polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POX), IAA oxidase (IAAO) and catalase were found considerably deranged in malformed tissues. Results indicated that in two highly susceptible cultivars (Nokha local and Eknath) high soluble sugars were recorded in DM necrotic/chlorotic leaves and malformed ear heads, whereas starch contents were reduced in infected ear heads. Total and O-dihydroxy phenols were higher in DM infected leaves as well as in the malformed ear heads. Free proline contents were increased manifold in DM infected leaves and in proliferated panicles. Total chlorophyll contents reduced drastically in DM infected leaves. In ear heads showing tufting and complete malformation, total chlorophyll and carotenoids were low when compared to healthy and diseased leaves. Activities of PPO, POX, IAAO and catalase were higher in DM affected leaves and suppressed and completely malformed ear heads in comparison to their healthy counterparts. The study suggests that accumulation of total phenols caused the hyperphenolicity in infected host tissues despite increased activities of POX, PPO, catalase and IAA oxidase.

Correlação da atividade de lactato desidrogenase e concentração de lactato com a classificação de efusões em cães / Correlation of lactate dehydrogenase and lactate concentration with dog's effusion classification

As efusões são problemas clínicos frequentes e que ocorrem em consequência de uma enfermidade que culmine com diminuição da pressão coloidosmótica intravascular, elevação da pressão hidrostática local, aumento da permeabilidade vascular e/ou comprometimento da drenagem realizada pelos vasos linfáticos. Dessa maneira, a avaliação laboratorial desse fluido torna-se relevante para que, em conjunto com os sinais clínicos apresentados pelo paciente, possa ser firmado um possível diagnóstico e instituída ação terapêutica adequada. Assim sendo, a classificação de uma efusão em transudato ou exsudato torna-se um dos pontos críticos para a elucidação do diagnóstico e condução do caso clínico. Em Medicina Veterinária, o método tradicional de classificação de uma efusão é baseado na contagem celular e na concentração de proteínas do fluido. Contudo, diversos estudos evidenciam que tais parâmetros não são suficientes para a correta classificação de todas as efusões. Assim, o presente estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de verificar a correlação de outros parâmetros bioquímicos com a diferenciação das efusões transudativas e exsudativas e, para tal, foram avaliadas as atividades de lacatato desidrogenase (LDH) das efusões, a relação de sua atividade fluido/soro, concentração de lactato das efusões, o gradiente de concentração de lactato do soro para o fluido e a concentração de proteínas das efusões. Os resultados obtidos permitiram observar que a atividade de LDH, a relação LDH efusão/soro, a concentração de lactato e o gradiente de concentração de lactato soro/efusão apresentam diferença estatisticamente significativa (P<0,05), bem como alta correlação com a classificação de uma efusão exsudativa.

The effusions are frequent clinical problems and can occur in consequence to an illness that culminates with decrease of the intravascular coloidosmotic pressure, increase of local hydrostatic pressure, increase of vascular permeability and/or compromising of the drainage accomplished by lymphatic vases. Therefore, the laboratorial evaluation of this fluid becomes relevant, jointly with clinical signs presented by patient; to become possible the diagnosis definition and institution of appropriate therapeutic. Thus, classification of effusion in exudate and transudate is one of major points to elucidation of diagnosis and conduction of clinical case. In veterinary medicine the traditional method of an effusion classification is based on cellular counting and protein concentration of the fluid, however, several studies evidence that such parameters are not enough for the correct classification of all kinds of effusions. Considering this, the present study aimed to verify the correlation of some biochemical parameters with the differentiation of transudatives and exudatives effusions. To perform this, the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were appraised, as well as the relationship of their activities with fluid/serum; lactate and proteins concentration and fluid/serum gradients of concentration of these same substances. The results allowed to observe that the activity of LDH, relationship LDH and fluid/serum, lactate concentration and lactate fluid/serum gradient of concentration present statistically significant difference (P<0.05), as well as a high correlation with the classification of an exudative effusion.

Hematological and Serum Biochemical Analyses in Experimental Caprine Besnoitiosis

This study was undertaken to investigate the hematological and biochemical changes in experimentally infected goats with Besnoitia caprae from the time of infection till 360 days post-infection (PI). Six male goats were inoculated subcutaneously with 13x10(7) bradyzoites of B. caprae, and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein. The total erythrocyte and total leukocyte counts, hematocrit value, and differential leukocyte counts were determined. Serum biochemical analysis, including the total protein, albumin, total globulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, chloride, testosterone, calcium (Ca2+), inorganic phosphorus, sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), iron (Fe2+), glucose, serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), fibrinogen, ceruloplasmin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase, was undertaken. Skin biopsy from the limbs were collected at weekly intervals and histologically examined for Besnoitia cysts. Cysts were present in the skin biopsies of the leg of the infected goats from day 28 PI. There were variations in hematological analyses, but no significant difference was seen. From day 30 to 360 PI, results showed that SAA, Hp, fibrinogen, and ceruloplasmin concentrations increased, whereas testosterone concentrations decreased. Infected goats exhibited decrease of albumin and increase of serum total protein and globulin concentrations. By contrast, there were no significant differences in the remained analyses concentrations.

Amino and fatty acid compositions in Haruan traditional extract (HTE) / Composición de aminoácidos y ácidos grasos en extractos de Haruan tradicional

Evaluation of amino and fatty acids compositions in Haruan Traditional Extracts (HTE) was done using HPLC and GC methods. The HTE contained at least 17 amino acids with glutamic acid, glycine, leusine, aspartic acid, proline, alanine and arginine are the most, with values 1.87 - 43.13 mg/g, 21.80 - 80.85 mg/g, 7.85- 40.19 mg/g, 13.85 - 44.07 mg/g, 9.49 - 45.46 mg/g, 11.38 - 35.25 mg/g and 5.99 - 21.79 mg/g, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest percentage of fatty acids is palmitic acid; 3.54 - 26.84 percent of total protein. The others major fatty acids are stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid with values 3.25 - 15.90 percent, 1.40 - 27.68 percent, 0.51 - 7.82 percent of total protein, respectively. HTE also found to have 4 extra bioactive compounds labelled as 1 to 4 on chromatographic tracing which in line with previously finding. It is concluded that the HTE is containing all the important amino acids plus some fatty acids, which is the basis to conduct antioxidant composition in both fresh Haruan and the HTE which was claimed to have wound healing properties. Comparative study was also carried out in various other extraction protocols, including commercial product.

Evaluación de las composiciones de aminoácidos y ácidos grasos en Haruan Extractos tradicional (HTE) se realizó mediante métodos de HPLC y GC. La HTE contenía al menos 17 aminoácidos con ácido glutámico, glicina, leucina, ácido aspártico, prolina, alanina y arginina como mayoritarios, con valores de 1.87 - 43.13 mg/g, 21.80 - 80.85 mg/g, 7.85 - 40.19 mg/g, 13.85 - 44.07 mg/g, 9.49 - 45.46 mg/g, 11.38 - 35.25 mg/g and 5.99 - 21.79 mg/g, respectivamente. Mientras tanto, el mayor porcentaje de ácidos grasos es el ácido palmítico; 3.54 - 26.84 por ciento de la proteína total. Otros ácidos grasos importantes son el ácido esteárico, ácido oleico y ácido linoleico con valores de 3.25 - 15.90 por ciento, 1.40 - 27.68 %, 0.51 - 7.82 por ciento de la proteína total, respectivamente. HTE también encontró cuatro compuestos bioactivos adicionales etiquetados de 1 a 4 en el seguimiento cromatográfico que está de acuerdo con resultados previos. Se concluye que la HTE contiene todos los aminoácidos importantes además de algunos ácidos grasos, que es la base para llevar a cabo la composición antioxidante, tanto en fresco Haruan y la HTE que se afirma poseen propiedades curativas. Estudios comparativos se llevaron a cabo con otros protocolos de extracción, incluido el producto comercial.

Absence of the predisposing factors and signs and symptoms usually associated with overreaching and overtraining in physical fitness centers

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of the well-known predisposing factors and signs and symptoms usually associated with either overreaching or overtraining syndrome in physical fitness centers in São Paulo City, Brazil. METHOD: A questionnaire consisting of 13 question groups pertaining to either predisposing factors (1-7) or signs and symptoms (8-13) was given to 413 subjects. The general training schedule of the volunteers was characterized by workout sessions of 2.18 ± 0.04 h for a total of 11.0 ± 0.3 h/week for 33 ± 2 months independent of the type of exercise performed (walking, running, spinning, bodybuilding and stretching). A mean score was calculated ranging from 1 (completely absent) to 5 (severe) for each question group. A low occurrence was considered to be a question group score lower than 4, which was observed in all 13 question groups. RESULTS: The psychological evaluation by POMS Mood State Questionnaire indicated a normal non-inverted iceberg. The hematological parameters, creatine kinase activity, cortisol, total testosterone and free testosterone concentrations were within the normal ranges for the majority of the volunteers selected for this analysis (n = 60). CONCLUSION: According to the questionnaire score analysis, no predisposing factors or signs and symptoms usually associated with either overreaching or overtraining were detected among the members of physical fitness centers in São Paulo City, Brazil. This observation was corroborated by the absence of any significant hematological or stress hormone level alterations in blood analyses of the majority of the selected volunteers (n = 60).

Valores de referência de parâmetros bioquímicos no sangue de duas linhagens de camundongos / Reference values for blood-based biochemical parameters in BALB/C and C57BL/6 wild-type mice

INTRODUÇÃO: Conhecer os parâmetros bioquímicos individuais de animais de laboratório utilizados na experimentação é importante, pois eles servirão como parâmetros para avaliar alterações funcionais em órgãos e como base para estabelecer valores de referência. OBJETIVO:Estabelecer valores de referência bioquímicos do sangue em camundongos das linhagens BALB/c e C57BL/6 selvagens do Biotério da Disciplina de Biologia Celular da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM). Materiais e métodos: Foram utilizados 30 camundongos (BALB/c e C57BL/6 selvagem). Os exames realizados foram glicose, triglicérides, colesterol, proteínas totais, albumina, amilase, ácido úrico, uréia, fosfatase alcalina (kits Wiener), e as determinações foram realizadas no equipamento BIOPLUS-2000. RESULTADOS:Entre os nove analitos observou-se que quatro (albumina, glicose, proteínas totais e colesterol) apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as linhagens. Padronizamos como valores de referência para os camundongos os valores do intervalo de confiança (IC). Nos analitos em que houve diferença significativa entre as linhagens (p < 0,05) adotamos os valores do IC de cada linhagem; para os que não apresentaram diferenças foram utilizados os valores mínimos e máximos do IC entre as duas linhagens. CONCLUSÃO:Ao final da análise, acreditamos que os resultados obtidos sugerem a padronização de intervalos de referência próprios de cada biotério, pois refletem a condição da população para os quais os testes serão aplicados no dia-a-dia.

INTRODUCTION: Identifying individual biochemical parameters of laboratory animal species is important inasmuch as they may be used in the evaluation of functional changes in organs and in the establishment of reference values. OBJECTIVE: To establish biochemical reference values for blood tests in BALB/c and C57BL/6 wild-type mice from the Vivarium of the Department of Cellular Biology at the Federal University of "Triângulo Mineiro". MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty wild-type mice of the lineages BALB/c and C57BL/6 were used to evaluate the serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, amylase, uric acid, urea and alkaline phosphatase. The determinations were performed in a BIOPLUS-2000 analyzer. Results: Four out of the nine analytes (albumin, glucose, total proteins and cholesterol) showed significant statistical differences between the strains. Confidence interval (CI) values were standardized as reference values. In those analytes in which there was significant difference between strains (p < 0.05), confidence interval values of each lineage were adopted, whereas in those ones in which there were no differences, the minimum and maximum values of confidence interval from both lineages were applied. CONCLUSION: The results show the need for reference interval standardization of each Vivarium inasmuch as it reflects the conditions of the population in which the tests will be routinely performed.

A Study on the Nutrition Knowledge and Nutritional Status of Food and Nutrition Major and Physical Science Major Female Students / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study is to examine the nutrition knowledge, characteristics related to, nutrient intakes, anthropometrics, biochemical indices of university female students by major (food and nutrition versus physical science). Data were taken from 120 university female students (60 from each major) and the results follows. The mean age of the subjects was 19.6 years old. Most of subjects responded that they were healthy; subjects majoring in physical science scored higher in regular exercise (p < 0.01) and were more satisfied with their own body figures (p < 0.01), compared with the counterparts. The total nutrition knowledge score was 81.01 +/- 12.3 for food and nutrition majors and 72.5 +/- 15.2 points for physical science majors. (p < 0.01) The percentages of body fat were significantly higher in the food and nutrition students than the counterparts. (p < 0.001) The result of biochemical analysis showed that both groups were in normal range. But there was some statistically significant difference between groups in GTP, HDL-cholesterol and ALP levels. It suggests that regular exercise might have a positive effect on the body. This study showed that although both groups had different knowledge of nutrition, there was not much difference in the intakes of nutrients. But especially, the intakes of calcium and iron were quite low in both groups. Subjects majoring in Physical science had more lipid intake, but they had lower body fat. This suggests that regular exercise in this group might have effects on the percentages of body fat. In future study, nutrition education might be planned to increase nutrition knowledge and to connect nutrition knowledge to eating behaviors and to promote health to regular exercise. Also, the desire and the social perception for pursuing alean body figure and being underweight should be changed for optimal health

Potential bird dispersers of Psychotria in a area of Atlantic forest on Ilha Grande, RJ, Southeastern Brazil: a biochemical analysis of the fruits

The present study assessed the fruiting pattern, bird foraging behavior, and sugar content of ripe fruits of two sympatric species of Rubiaceae (Psychotria brasiliensis and P. nuda). This study was carried out in an Atlantic forest area on Ilha Grande, RJ, between August 1998 and July 1999. Fruit production occurred year round, with a peak of mature P. brasiliensis fruits in December 1998 and another of P. nuda in February of 1999. Lipaugus lanioides (Cotingidae), Baryphtengus ruficapillus (Momotidae) and Saltator similis (Emberizidae) made the most frequent foraging visits to fruiting P. brasiliensis, so that L. lanioides and B. ruficapillus removed the fruits with sallying maneuvers while S. similis gleaned the fruits. Lipaugus lanioides was by far the most important consumer, and potentially the main disperser of P. brasiliensis. Birds of this genus are heavy frugivores in the tropical forests and are widely assumed to be important seed dispersers. The fruits were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively in relation to the amounts of sucrose and starch. Psychotria brasiliensis (the visited species) showed the smallest quantity of sucrose and the highest amount of starch. These findings suggest that what may influence the birds' choice of fruit is the proportion of starch in the Psychotria species studied here rather than the carbohydrate composition.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram monitorar o padrão de frutificação, o comportamento de forrageamento de aves e o conteúdo de açúcares em frutos maduros de duas espécies simpátricas de Rubiaceae (Psychotria brasiliensis e P. nuda). O estudo foi realizado em área de Floresta Atlântica, na lha Grande, RJ, entre agosto de 1998 e julho de 1999. A frutificação ocorreu durante todo o ano com um pico de frutos maduros em dezembro de 1998 para P. brasiliensis e outro em fevereiro de 1999 para P. nuda. Lipaugus lanioides (Cotingidae), Baryphtengus ruficapillus (Momotidae) e Saltator similis (Emberizidae) foram os principais consumidores dos frutos de P. brasiliensis, sendo que L. lanioides e B. ruficapillus removeram os frutos adejando, enquanto S. similis os alcançou pousado nas plantas. Lipaugus lanioides foi o consumidor de frutos mais importante e potencialmente foi o principal dispersor das sementes de P. brasiliensis. As aves deste gênero estão entre os principais frugívoros especialistas de florestas tropicais e amplamente consideradas como importantes agentes dispersores de sementes. Os frutos foram analisados qualitativa e quantitativamente em relação às quantidades de açúcares livres e amido. A espécie visitada (P. brasiliensis) apresentou a menor quantidade de sacarose e a maior quantidade de amido. Os resultados sugerem que o consumo diferencial de frutos por espécies de aves não é influenciado pela composição de carboidratos, mas possivelmente pela proporção de amido nos frutos das espécies de Psychotria estudadas.