The potential of mRNA expression evaluation in predicting HER2 positivity in gastroesophageal cancer

Gastroesophageal cancer (GEC) is an aggressive disease characterized by a high frequency of metastasis and poor overall survival rates. GEC presents HER2 overexpression in 5 to 25% of tumors eligible for HER2-targeted therapy. HER2 evaluation requires protein levels and copy number alteration analyses by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (FISH or SISH), respectively. These are semiquantitative methodologies that need an expert and well-trained pathologist. Therefore, the use of new surrogate methods for HER2 evaluation in cancer, such as gene expression analysis, might improve GEC HER2 classification. We evaluated HER2 positivity in GEC through conventional IHC and SISH analyses and investigated the potential application of HER2 mRNA expression by quantitative PCR to categorize GEC samples as HER2-positive or HER2-negative. Among 270 GEC samples, 10.9% were HER2-positive by IHC and SISH analyses. HER2 mRNA was overexpressed in HER2-positive GEC samples and presented high accuracy in distinguishing those tumors from HER2-negative GEC. Nevertheless, HER2 mRNA analysis was not capable of classifying HER2-equivocal GEC samples into HER2-positive or -negative according to SISH data. Quantitative PCR analysis showed HER2 overexpression in HER2-positive GEC samples. Nevertheless, HER2 mRNA analysis failed to classify HER2-equivocal GEC according to SISH data.

Morphogenetic, structural and production traits of marandu grass under nitrogen rates in Neo soil / [Características morfogênicas, estruturais e produtivas do capim-marandu sob doses de nitrogênio em Neossolo]

Most sandy soils have low natural fertility and low levels of organic matter, making nitrogen (N) fertilization essential. Thus, five doses of N were applied (0, 75, 125, 175 and 225mg dm-³) in a randomized block design to evaluate the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the morphogenetic, structural and production characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu in a Quartzarenic neosoil. The doses of N did not affect the height of the canopy. The leaf elongation rate, final leaf length and number of live leaves increased linearly at the doses of N. Leaf appearance rate, stem elongation rate, leaf lifespan, phyllochron, leaf senescence rate and tiller density showed a quadratic response to the rates There was also an effect of N rates in herbage mass, leaf mass, stem mass, which increased linearly. Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu cultivated in Quartzarenic neosoil requires higher doses of N, 175 and 225mg dm-³. Under these conditions, increases in its morphogenetic, structural and productive characteristics are observed. These findings may not be repeated in the most fertile soils with the greatest capacity to supply N.(AU)

A maioria dos solos arenosos tem baixa fertilidade natural e baixos teores de matéria orgânica, tornando a adubação com nitrogênio (N) essencial. Assim, foram aplicadas cinco doses de N (0, 75, 125, 175 e 225mg dm-³) em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, para se avaliarem os efeitos da adubação com nitrogênio nas características morfogênicas, estruturais e produtivas da Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, em um Neossolo Quartzarênico. As doses de N não afetaram a altura do dossel. A taxa de alongamento foliar, o comprimento final da folha e o número de folhas vivas aumentaram linearmente em função das doses de N. A taxa de aparecimento de folhas, a taxa de alongamento do caule, o tempo de vida da folha, o filocrono, a taxa de senescência foliar e a densidade de perfilhos apresentaram resposta quadrática às doses de N. A massa da forragem, a massa foliar e a massa do caule aumentaram linearmente. Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu cultivada em Neossolo Quartzarênico requer maiores doses de N, 175 e 225mg dm-³. Nessas condições, são observados aumentos em suas características morfogenéticas, estruturais e produtivas. Esses achados podem não se repetir nos solos mais férteis e com maior capacidade de suprir N.(AU)

MET overexpression and intratumor heterogeneity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is among the ten most frequent and deadly cancers, without effective therapies for most patients. More recently, drugs targeting deregulated growth factor signaling receptors have been developed, such as HGF-MET targeted therapy. We assessed MET and HGF genetic alterations and gene and protein expression profiles in ESCC patients from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute and publicly available datasets, as well as the intratumor heterogeneity of the alterations found. Our analyses showed that HGF and MET genetic alterations, both copy number and mutations, are not common in ESCC, affecting 5 and 6% of the cases, respectively. HGF showed a variable mRNA expression profile between datasets, with no alterations (GSE20347), downregulation (GSE45670), and upregulation in ESCC (our dataset and GSE75241). On the other hand, MET was found consistently upregulated in ESCC compared to non-tumor surrounding tissue, with median fold-changes of 5.96 (GSE20347), 3.83 (GSE45670), 6.02 (GSE75241), and 5.0 (our dataset). Among our patients, 84% of the tumors showed at least a two-fold increase in MET expression. This observation was corroborated by protein levels, with 55% of cases exhibiting positivity in 100% of the tumor cells. Intratumor heterogeneity was evaluated in at least four tumor biopsies from five patients and two cases showed a consistent increase in MET expression (at least two-fold) in all tumor samples. Our data suggested that HGF-MET signaling pathway was likely to be overactivated in ESCC, representing a potential therapeutic target, but eligibility for this therapy should consider intratumor heterogeneity.

Valor nutritivo de pastagens de Coastcross-1 em consórcio com diferentes leguminosas de ciclo hibernal / Nutritive value of coastcross-1 pastures mixed to different cool season legumes

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar três sistemas forrageiros constituídos por Coastcross-1 (CC) + 100kg de N/ha/ano + ervilhaca comum; CC + 100kg de N/ha/ano + trevo vesiculoso; e CC + 200kg de N/ha/ano. Durante o período experimental (345 dias), foram realizados treze pastejos. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos (sistemas forrageiros), três repetições (piquetes) em parcelas subdividas no tempo (valores médios dos pastejos em cada estação do ano). Para avaliação, foram utilizadas vacas em lactação da raça Holandesa. Amostras de simulação de pastejo foram coletadas para análise de proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e ácido (FDA), digestibilidade in situ da matéria seca (DISMS) e da matéria orgânica (DISMO) e os nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Os valores médios para PB, FDN, FDA, DISMS, DISMO e NDT foram de 18,1; 16,7 e 17,6%; 57,8; 58,9 e 58,7%; 26,5; 26,5 e 26,7%; 79,6; 78,9 e 80,6%; 79,8; 79,1 e 80,6%; 72,1; 71,4 e 72,7%, respectivamente. Melhores resultados de valor nutritivo foram obtidos no inverno, em especial para o consórcio de Coastcross-1 com ervilhaca.

The aim of this research was to evaluate three grazing systems with Coastcross-1 (CC) + 100kg N/ha/year + common vetch; CC + 100kg N/ha/year + arrowleaf clover; and CC + 200kg N/ha/year. Thirteen grazing cycles were performed during the experimental period (345 days). The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments (grazing systems), three replicates (paddocks) in completely split-plot time (average values of grazing season). Lactating Holstein cows were used in the evaluation. Forage mass and botanical composition were evaluated. Samples from the hand-plucking method were collected to analyze crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid (ADF), in situ digestibility of dry matter (ISDMD) and organic matter (ISOMD) and total digestible nutrients (TDN). The averages of CP, NDF, ADF, ISDMD, ISOMD and TDN were 18.1, 16.7 and 17.6 %; 57.8, 58.9 and 58.7 %; 26.5, 26.5 and 26.7 %; 79.6, 78.9 and 80.6 %; 79.8, 79.1 and 80.6 %; 72.1, 71.4 and 72.7 %, respectively. Better results for nutritive value were found during winter, especially on Coastcross-1 mixed with common vetch.

ADME studies and preliminary safety pharmacology of LDT5, a lead compound for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

This study aimed to estimate the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties and safety of LDT5, a lead compound for oral treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia that has previously been characterized as a multi-target antagonist of α1A-, α1D-adrenoceptors and 5-HT1A receptors. The preclinical characterization of this compound comprised the evaluation of its in vitro properties, including plasma, microsomal and hepatocytes stability, cytochrome P450 metabolism and inhibition, plasma protein binding, and permeability using MDCK-MDR1 cells. De-risking and preliminary safety pharmacology assays were performed through screening of 44 off-target receptors and in vivo tests in mice (rota-rod and single dose toxicity). LDT5 is stable in rat and human plasma, human liver microsomes and hepatocytes, but unstable in rat liver microsomes and hepatocytes (half-life of 11 min). LDT5 is highly permeable across the MDCK-MDR1 monolayer (Papp ∼32×10-6 cm/s), indicating good intestinal absorption and putative brain penetration. LDT5 is not extensively protein-bound and is a substrate of human CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 but not of CYP3A4 (half-life >60 min), and did not significantly influence the activities of any of the human cytochrome P450 isoforms screened. LDT5 was considered safe albeit new studies are necessary to rule out putative central adverse effects through D2, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2B receptors, after chronic use. This work highlights the drug-likeness properties of LDT5 and supports its further preclinical development.

Effect of methylprednisolone on perivascular pulmonary edema, inflammatory infiltrate, VEGF and TGF-beta immunoexpression in the remaining lungs of rats after left pneumonectomy

Pneumonectomy is associated with high rates of morbimortality, with postpneumonectomy pulmonary edema being one of the leading causes. An intrinsic inflammatory process following the operation has been considered in its physiopathology. The use of corticosteroids is related to prevention of this edema, but no experimental data are available to support this hypothesis. We evaluated the effect of methylprednisolone on the remaining lungs of rats submitted to left pneumonectomy concerning edema and inflammatory markers. Forty male Wistar rats weighing 300 g underwent left pneumonectomy and were randomized to receive corticosteroids or not. Methylprednisolone at a dose of 10 mg/kg was given before the surgery. After recovery, the animals were sacrificed at 48 and 72 h, when the pO2/FiO2 ratio was determined. Right lung perivascular edema was measured by the index between perivascular and vascular area and neutrophil density by manual count. Tissue expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry light microscopy. There was perivascular edema formation after 72 h in both groups (P = 0.0031). No difference was observed between operated animals that received corticosteroids and those that did not concerning the pO2/FiO2 ratio, neutrophil density or TGF-β expression. The tissue expression of VEGF was elevated in the animals that received methylprednisolone both 48 and 72 h after surgery (P = 0.0243). Methylprednisolone was unable to enhance gas exchange and avoid an inflammatory infiltrate and TGF-β expression also showed that the inflammatory process was not correlated with pulmonary edema formation. However, the overexpression of VEGF in this group showed that methylprednisolone is related to this elevation.

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.

Depression and anxiety in a community sample with epilepsy in Brazil / Depressão e ansiedade na epilepsia: uma amostra da comunidade no Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of depression/anxiety and to establish the social, epilepsy and psychiatric characteristics in individuals with epilepsy. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was employed to evaluate 153 subjects with epilepsy who were identified in a previous community-based survey. First, a structured interview was conducted, followed by a psychiatric evaluation. Subjects with depression were compared to those without, and subjects with anxiety were compared to those without. RESULTS: The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 39.4 and 24.4 percent, respectively. Both were associated with low schooling (OR 3.8, 95 percent CI 1.6 to 9.0 and OR 2.8, 95 percent CI 1.2 to 6.5 for depression and anxiety, respectively), lifetime suicidal thoughts (OR 4.4, 95 percent CI 1.9 to 10.3 and OR 3.6, 95 percent CI 1.7 to 7.7) and lifetime suicide attempts (OR 9.3, 95 percent CI 2.6 to 32.8 and OR 6.9, 95 percent CI 1.8 to 26.4). CONCLUSION: The high rates of depression and anxiety reinforced the need for recognition and treatment of mental disorders in epilepsy.

OBJETIVO: Estimar a frequência de depressão/ansiedade em pessoas com epilepsia e estabelecer as características sociais, da epilepsia e psiquiátricas associadas. MÉTODO: Foi feito um estudo transversal para avaliar 153 sujeitos com epilepsia identificados em um levantamento prévio feito na comunidade. Primeiramente foi realizada uma entrevista estruturada, seguida de uma avaliação psiquiátrica. Os sujeitos deprimidos foram comparados com aqueles sem depressão e os sujeitos com ansiedade foram comparados com aqueles sem ela. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de ansiedade e depressão foi de 39,4 por cento e 24,4 por cento, respectivamente. Ambas foram associadas a baixa escolaridade (OR 3,8; IC95 por cento 1,6-9,0 e OR 2,8, IC95 por cento 1,2- 6,5 para depressão e ansiedade, respectivamente), ideação suicida (OR 4,4; IC95 por cento 1,9-10,3 e OR 3,6; IC95 por cento 1,7-7,7) e tentativa de suicídio (OR 9,3; IC95 por cento 2,6-32,8 e OR 6,9; IC95 por cento 1,8-26,4). CONCLUSÃO: As altas taxas de depressão e ansiedade reforçam a necessidade de reconhecimento e tratamento dos transtornos mentais na epilepsia.

Controlling Bacillus cereus adherence to stainless steel with different cleaning and sanitizing procedures used in dairy plants / Controle do processo de adesão de Bacillus cereus ao aço inoxidável após diferentes procedimentos de limpeza e sanitização usados na indústria de laticínios

Bacillus cereus adherence to stainless steel used to milk contact surfaces was observed, depending on the cleaning and sanitizing procedures applied and the physicochemical properties of the surfaces. Numbers of surviving B. cereus after hygiene procedures were affected by temperature, the concentrations of both alkaline and acid washes, and the pH of the chlorine solution. The adhesion of B. cereus to the stainless steel was not thermodynamically favorable, and the adherence of this microorganism occurred in lower number, in accordance to the thermodynamic aspect of adhesion.

Foi observada a adesão de Bacillus cereus em superfície de aço inoxidável em contato com o leite, segundo o procedimento de limpeza, a sanitização e as propriedades físico-químicas da superfície. O número de B. cereus viáveis, após os procedimentos de higienização, foi afetado pela temperatura, pela concentração das soluções alcalinas e ácidas e pelo pH da solução clorada. A adesão de B. cereus em aço inoxidável não foi termodinamicamente favorável, e ocorreu pouca adesão desse microrganismo, de acordo com os aspectos termodinâmicos da adesão.

Efeito fisiológico do inseticida thiamethoxam na cultura da cana-de-açúcar / Physiological effect of the insecticide thiamethoxam on sugarcane

Com a finalidade de avaliar o efeito fisiológico de thiamethoxam no desenvolvimento inicial de plantas de cana-de-açúcar, foram realizados dois experimentos. O primeiro conduzido em caixas plásticas do tipo gerbox (3,5 x 11 x 11 cm) contendo substrato, aplicou-se thiamethoxam em toletes de cana-de-açúcar, nas doses: 0, 100, 150 e 200 g de ingrediente ativo (i.a.).ha-1. O segundo experimento foi realizado em tubos de PVC (0,2 x 1,20 m), preenchido com solo, utilizaram-se seis doses de thiamethoxam (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 e 250 g i.a.ha-1) em mudas de duas variedades (RB867515 e SP80-1816). Avaliou-se a parte área e o sistema radicular das plantas aos 30 dias após a aplicação do inseticida, no primeiro experimento e aos 130 dias no segundo. Observou-se que no primeiro experimento as características altura, diâmetro e massa seca da parte área não foram alterados em razão da aplicação do inseticida nos toletes de cana-de-açúcar, porém, nos tratamentos com thiamethoxam houve um incremento na massa seca das raízes de até 3,7 vezes mais. No segundo experimento, thiamethoxam proporcionou aumento no diâmetro das plantas e incremento na massa seca das raízes da variedade RB867515 de até 72,69%. No entanto, o comprimento do sistema radicular e a massa seca da parte aérea não foram alterados pela aplicação do inseticida nas mudas.

With the purpose to evaluate the physiological effect of thiamethoxam on the initial development of sugarcane, two experiments were carried out. In the first, carried out in Gerbox-type plastic boxes (3.5 x 11 x 11 cm) containing substrate, thiamethoxam was applied on sugarcane cuttings at the doses of 0, 100, 150 and 200 g of active ingredient per hectare (a.i.ha-1). The second experiment was carried in PVC pipes (0.2 x 1.20 m), filled with soil. Six doses of thiamethoxam (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g a.i.ha -1) were used on two cultivars (RB867515 and SP80-1816).Roots and shoots were evaluated 30 days after the insecticide application in the first experiment and after 130 days in the second one. In the first experiment it was observed that the height characteristics, diameter and dry mass of shoots did not change through the use of the insecticide on sugarcane cuttings, however, in the treatments with thiamethoxam there was an increase on roots dry mass up to 3.7 times more. In the second experiment, thiamethoxam increased the diameter of shoots and the root dry mass of RB867515 cultivar up 72.69%. However, the length of the root system and the shoot dry mass were not changed by insecticide application in seedlings.

Effects of pneumonectomy on nitric oxide synthase expression and perivascular edema in the remaining lung of rats

Pneumonectomy is associated with high mortality and high rates of complications. Postpneumonectomy pulmonary edema is one of the leading causes of mortality. Little is known about its etiologic factors and its association with the inflammatory process. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of pneumonectomy as a cause of pulmonary edema and its association with gas exchange, inflammation, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression and vasoconstriction. Forty-two non-specific pathogen-free Wistar rats were included in the study. Eleven animals died during or after the procedure, 21 were submitted to left pneumonectomy and 10 to sham operation. These animals were sacrificed after 48 or 72 h. Perivascular pulmonary edema was more intense in pneumonectomized rats at 72 h (P = 0.0131). Neutrophil density was lower after pneumonectomy in both groups (P = 0.0168). There was higher immunohistochemical expression of eNOS in the pneumonectomy group (P = 0.0208), but no statistically significant difference in the expression of iNOS. The lumen-wall ratio and pO2/FiO2 ratio did not differ between the operated and sham groups after pneumonectomy. Left pneumonectomy caused perivascular pulmonary edema with no elevation of immunohistochemical expression of iNOS or neutrophil density, suggesting the absence of correlation with the inflammatory process or oxidative stress. The increased expression of eNOS may suggest an intrinsic production of NO without signs of vascular reactivity.

Texture analysis of computed tomography images of acute ischemic stroke patients

Computed tomography (CT) images are routinely used to assess ischemic brain stroke in the acute phase. They can provide important clues about whether to treat the patient by thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator. However, in the acute phase, the lesions may be difficult to detect in the images using standard visual analysis. The objective of the present study was to determine if texture analysis techniques applied to CT images of stroke patients could differentiate between normal tissue and affected areas that usually go unperceived under visual analysis. We performed a pilot study in which texture analysis, based on the gray level co-occurrence matrix, was applied to the CT brain images of 5 patients and of 5 control subjects and the results were compared by discriminant analysis. Thirteen regions of interest, regarding areas that may be potentially affected by ischemic stroke, were selected for calculation of texture parameters. All regions of interest for all subjects were classified as lesional or non-lesional tissue by an expert neuroradiologist. Visual assessment of the discriminant analysis graphs showed differences in the values of texture parameters between patients and controls, and also between texture parameters for lesional and non-lesional tissue of the patients. This suggests that texture analysis can indeed be a useful tool to help neurologists in the early assessment of ischemic stroke and quantification of the extent of the affected areas.

Atividade analgésica e antiedematogênica de Polygala paniculata L. (Polygalaceae) selvagem e obtida por micropropagação / Analgesic and antiedematogenic activities of wild and micropropagated Polygala paniculata L (Polygalaceae)

Polygala paniculata L. (Polygalaceae) é uma erva que ocorre em todas as regiões do Brasil. No presente trabalho, foram avaliadas as atividades analgésica, através do teste da placa quente, da retirada de cauda e da formalina, e antiedematogênica, através do teste do edema de orelha induzido por óleo de cróton, dos extratos etanólicos obtidos das partes aéreas de Polygala paniculata selvagem e cultivadas por micropropagação. A aplicação oral do extrato etanólico de Polygala paniculata apresentou atividade analgésica, em ratos, tanto em testes de dor induzida por agentes térmicos (testes da placa quente e de retirada da cauda) quanto por agentes químicos (teste da formalina), de modo que os melhores resultados foram obtidos na dose de 400 mg/kg. Também foi observada redução na formação de edema de orelha induzida pela aplicação de óleo de cróton. Os efeitos provocados pelos extratos obtidos a partir das plantas cultivadas in vitro foram menos pronunciados que aqueles produzidos pelos extratos das plantas selvagens, embora ambos tenham sido significativos. Estes resultados sugerem que o extrato etanólico de Polygala paniculata possui atividades analgésica e antiedematogênica.

The ethanolic extracts of Polygala paniculata L. (Polygalaceae), wich is a herbaceous plant widely distributed all over Brazil, were tested for their analgesic effects using hot plate, tail flick and formalin test models, and for their antiedematogenic effects using croton oil induced ear oedema. The ethanolic extracts obtained from wild and micropropagated plants produced analgesic effects against thermal and chemical induced pain. The highest results were observed at the dose of 400 mg/kg. The inhibition of ear oedema in mice was also observed after treatment with ethanolic extract of Polygala paniculata. The effects produced by micropropagated plants were lower than wild plants, whereas both had produced significant effects. These results suggest that the ethanolic extracts from wild and micropropagated Polygala paniculata possess analgesic and antiedematogenic effects.

How does yeast respond to pressure?

The brewing and baking yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used as a model for stress response studies of eukaryotic cells. In this review we focus on the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on S. cerevisiae. HHP exerts a broad effect on yeast cells characteristic of common stresses, mainly associated with protein alteration and lipid bilayer phase transition. Like most stresses, pressure induces cell cycle arrest. Below 50 MPa (500 atm) yeast cell morphology is unaffected whereas above 220 MPa wild-type cells are killed. S. cerevisiae cells can acquire barotolerance if they are pretreated with a sublethal stress due to temperature, ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, or pressure. Nevertheless, pressure only leads to protection against severe stress if, after pressure pretreatment, the cells are also re-incubated at room pressure. We attribute this effect to the inhibition of the protein synthesis apparatus under HHP. The global genome expression analysis of S. cerevisiae cells submitted to HHP revealed a stress response profile. The majority of the up-regulated genes are involved in stress defense and carbohydrate metabolism while most repressed genes belong to the cell cycle progression and protein synthesis categories. However, the signaling pathway involved in the pressure response is still to be elucidated. Nitric oxide, a signaling molecule involved in the regulation of a large number of cellular functions, confers baroprotection. Furthermore, S. cerevisiae cells in the early exponential phase submitted to 50-MPa pressure show induction of the expression level of the nitric oxide synthase inducible isoform. As pressure becomes an important biotechnological tool, studies concerning this kind of stress in microorganisms are imperative.

Comparação de equaçoes de estimativa do consumo máiximo de oxigênio em indivíduos jovens / Comparation of maximal oxygen consumption equations in young people

PURPOSE: To compare the results of equations for estimate of the indirect maximal oxygen consumption with obtained them in test ergoespirometric in young individuals. METHODS: Fifty-two individuals of the masculine sex were submitted to the test of effort with it analyzes direct of gases in treadmill for the determination of the maximum consumption of oxygen (VO2máx). The progressive protocol was used with load increment to each one minute. The obtained results were compared ace equations of Jackson et al and the one of Mathews et al. For the statistical analysis of the results the test of multiple comparisons corrected by the test of Bonferrone was applied. The significance level was of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The average of age was of (21.06 +/- 2.75) years; body mass (70.85 +/- 9.15); thin mass (62.69 +/- 6.86); fat mass (8.30 +/- 4.77); percentile of fat (11.34 +/- 5.45) and maximun heartrate of (191.73 +/- 7.84). The equations of Jackson et al (VO2máx = 49.29 +/- 2.95) for a standard mistake of (EPE = 0.41) and Mathews et al (VO2máx = 37.43 +/-. 2.14) with a (EPE = 0,31) presenting tendency in underestimating the consumption of oxygen for the sample that was of (VO2máx = 55.34 +/- 8.34) for a (EPE = 1.16), being observed significant difference in relation to measure of the VO2máx obtained in test of effort (p < 0.05), for the value of Wilks'E = 0.044; F (2.500) = 539.27; p = 0.001. CONCLUSION: The equations didn't present a power of reliable estimate for the studied population.

Concentrados protéicos para bovinos: 1. Digestibilidade in situ da matéria seca e da proteína bruta / Protein concentrates for bovines: 1. In situ digestibility of dry matter and crude protein

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a degradaçäo ruminal, pela técnica in situ, da matéria seca (MS) e da proteína bruta (PB) de 10 concentrados protéicos. As degradaçöes potenciais da MS e da PB das farinhas de origem vegetal, soja, algodäo, mamona e palmiste, mostraram-se elevadas (próximas a 100 por cento), porém em funçäo de taxas de degradaçäo mais altas para o farelo de soja (10 por cento) e menores para o algodäo (4 por cento), mamona (MS:3 por cento; PB:1,2 por cento) e palmiste (1,7 por cento), as degradabilidades efetivas (DE) foram bem superiores para o farelo de soja, independentemente da taxa de passagem, o que a torna a fonte protéica de maior disponibilidade ruminal. O glúten de milho mostrou ser uma fonte protéica de baixa degradabilidade ruminal (DE da PB: 16 por cento para 0,05 de taxa de passagem). Dentre os alimentos de origem animal, a maior degradabilidade potencial da proteína bruta foi verificada para a farinha de carne e ossos ( 75,5 por cento), seguida das farinhas de peixe I (58,5 por cento), de penas e vísceras (52,3 por cento) e de sangue (36,7 por cento). A maior degradabilidade efetiva para a taxa de passagem de 5 por cento foi a da farinha de carne e ossos (51 por cento), seguida da farinha de peixe I (41 por cento), de penas e vísceras (40,0 por cento) e de sangue (33 por cento). A farinha de peixe II apresentou valores muito baixos de degradabilidade, apenas 22 por cento com 48h de incubaçäo ruminal.

Concentrados protéicos para bovinos. 2. digestão pós-ruminal da matéria seca e da proteína / Protein concentrates for bovines. 2. post-ruminal digestion of protein and dry matter

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a digestão pós-ruminal de fontes protéicas. Utilizou-se a técnica de sacos de náilon móveis introduzidos no duodeno e colhidos nas fezes. Os alimentos introduzidos no intestino foram anteriormente incubados em sacos de náilon no rúmen ou foram separados das frações solúveis em água. O farelo de soja foi a fonte protéica de maior degradabilidade ruminal (73%) e altíssima digestibilidade intestinal (98%). O glúten de milho foi a fonte protéica menos degradada no rúmen (16%) e sua parcela sobrepassante foi altamente digerida no intestino (95%). Os farelos de algodão e de mamona mostraram características semelhantes com digestibilidade total da proteína de 95% e em torno de 65% de degradabilidade ruminal. O farelo de palmiste foi menos digerido (87% digestibilidade total quando incubado). Farinhas de origem animal foram menos digeridas no intestino e também no rúmen (fora o glúten), com digestibilidades totais de 75% para farinha de carne e ossos, 85% para farinha de penas e vísceras e farinha de peixe I, 67% para farinha de peixe II e apenas 46% para farinha de sangue.

Ação de extratos do açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart. ) sobre a produção de óxido nítrico em células RAW 264.7

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), é uma palmeira tropical muito apreciada por sua beleza e valor nutricional. Estudos químicos revelaram a presença de ácidos graxos e esteróides. No presente trabalho foi avaliada a ação de extratos obtidos dos frutos e flores sobre a produção de óxido nítrico (ON), molécula que apresenta várias atividades fisiológicas, tais como vasodilatação, neurotransmissão, além de atividades tumoricidas e citotóxicas. Células Raw 264,7 estimuladas com lipopolissacarídeo bacteriano (LPS, 100 ng/ml) e interferon-alfa (IFN-alfa, 10 U/ml) produziram grande quantidade de óxido nítrico (35 μM) quando comparadas com as células não estimuladas (3 μM). Os extratos com hexano, diclorometano, acetato de etila e n-butanol apresentaram alta capacidade de inibição em células ativadas com LPS e IFN-alfa, de acordo com a concentração, sendo que na concentração mais alta ocorreu uma inibição de quase 100 por cento. Também avaliamos se o efeito inibitório seria devido a seqüestro do radical livre (ON), através do uso do SNAP (um doador de ON). Somente o extrato em acetato de etila mostrou atividade sequestrante. Esforços estão sendo empregados na tentativa de compreender os possíveis mecanismos associados ao efeito inibitório destes extratos.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is a tropical palm tree appreciated for its attractive beauty and for nutritional purposes. Chemical studies have revealed the presence of fatty acids and steroids. In the present work, it has been tested the action of the extracts obtained from the fruits and flowers on the nitric oxide (NO) production, a very important molecule with a lot of physiological rules such as vasodilatation, neurotransmission, tumoricidal and cytotoxic activity. Cells RAW 264.7 stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 ng/ml) and interferonalpha (IFN-alpha, 10 U/ml) produce large amounts of nitric oxide (35 μM) when compared with non-stimulated cells (3μM). The hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts have shown high inhibition capacity, concentration-dependent in the cells activated with LPS and IFN-alpha, and the highest concentration has promoted almost 100 percent of inhibition. We also have tested if the inhibitory effect was due to a scavenger action using a NO donor, the SNAP. Only the ethyl acetate extract has shown significant scavenger action. At this moment an effort is going on to try to understand the possible mechanisms associated to the inhibition of those extracts.

Gelastic epilepsy possibly following antirabies vaccine.

A case of child with gelastic epilepsy following administration of antirabies vaccine is presented. No associated structural brain could be identified in the patient. Possibility of relationship between antirables vaccine and gelastic epilepsy is discussed.

Synchronization of ovulation in crossbred dairy heifers using gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist, prostaglandin F2alpha and human chorionic gonadotrophin or estradiol benzoate

Girolando (Gir x Holstein) is a very common dairy breed in Brazil because it combines the rusticity of Gir (Bos indicus) with the high milk yield of Holstein (Bos taurus). The ovarian follicular dynamics and hormonal treatments for synchronization of ovulation and timed artificial insemination were studied in Girolando heifers. The injection of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist was followed 6 or 7 days (d) later by prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2alpha). Twenty-four hours after PGF2alpha injection either human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, GPh-d6 and GPh-d7 groups) or estradiol benzoate (EB, GPE-d6 and GPE-d7 groups) was administered to synchronize ovulation and consequently allow timed artificial insemination (AI) 24 and 30 h after hCG and EB injection, respectively. Follicular dynamics in Girolando heifers was characterized by the predominance of three follicular waves (71.4 percent) with sizes of dominant follicles (10-13 mm) and corpus luteum (approximately 20 mm) similar to those for Bos indicus cattle. In the GnRH-PGF-hCG protocol, hCG administration induced earlier ovulation (67.4 h, P<0.01) compared to the control group (GnRH-PGF) and a better synchronization of ovulation, since most of it occurred within a period of 12 to 17 h. Pregnancy rate after timed AI was 42.8 (3/7, GPh-d6) to 50 percent (7/14, GPh-d7). In contrast, estradiol benzoate (GnRH-PGF-EB protocol) synchronized ovulation of only 5 of 11 heifers from the GPE-d7 group and of none (0/7) from the GPE-d6 group, which led to low pregnancy rates after timed AI (27.3 and 0 percent, respectively). However, since a small number of Girolando heifers was used to determine pregnancy rates in the present study, pregnancy rates should be confirmed with a larger number of animals