Influence of kaolin and red clay on ceramic specimen properties when galvanic sludge is incorporated to encapsulate heavy metals.

This study presented the influence of two types of clay: kaolin (Kao) and red clay (RC) on the chemical and physical properties of ceramic specimens when galvanic sludge (GS) is incorporated to encapsulate heavy metals. Samples were obtained of GS from the industrial district of Manaus - Amazonas State, Brazil, and kaolin (Kao), and red clay (RC) from the Central Amazon. A fourth sample was prepared by mixing GS, Kao, and RC in the ratio 1:1:8 (GS + Kao + RC). This mixture was ground, and ceramic specimens were prepared, and heat treated at 950 °C and 1200 °C for three hours for phase detection, compressive strength, leaching of Fe, Ni and Cr metals and life cycle assessment. Galvanic sludge, Kao, and RC were also, and heat treated to at 950 °C and 1200 °C for three hours, obtaining GS950, GS1200, Kao950, Kao1200, RC950, and RC1200. The samples were submitted to XRF, XRD, Rietveld refinement, Mössbauer spectroscopy, TG/DTG/DSC, and SEM. The results show that the formation of nickel oxide and a spinel solid solution of the type Fe3+{Fe1-y3+,Fe1-x2+,Nix2+,Cry3+}O4 (in which [] = tetrahedral site, {} octahedral site) occurs in GS1200, which is caused by sulfate decomposition to SO2. At 1200 °C, heavy metals are encapsulated, forming other phases such as nickel silicate and hematite. Life cycle assessment was used to verify the sustainability and value of GS in clay for making bricks, and it indicated that the production of ceramics is feasible, reduces the use of clays, and is sustainable.

Vertical location of ephemeral resources by adult Diptera: Implications for the colonization of cadavers in high-rise buildings.

Sarcosaprophagous flies (Diptera) rank among the most common insects associated with human-transformed environments all over the world. Synanthropic species of the families Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Sarcophagidae and Phoridae, in particular, have tremendous forensic importance due to their ability to colonize human cadavers and thus provide information on minimum post-mortem interval. Recently, cases of flies colonizing cadavers inside buildings of different heights drew attention to the vertical dispersal abilities of these flies, a subject that has received little attention. We investigated the vertical distribution of sarcosaprophagous flies in an urban environment, using uninhabited buildings as experimental models in Northeastern Brazil. To assess the vertical stratification of flies, one in every three floors of nine buildings was sampled using traps baited with bovine spleen, from the ground to the 27th floor. Calliphoridae was the most abundant family (52.9%), followed by Muscidae (41.2%), Sarcophagidae (3.2%) and Phoridae (2.7%). Most of the insects were collected at ground level (78.8%), with a decreasing abundance registered on the higher floors. Nevertheless, adults of the four families tested here were able to reach substrates as high as the 15th floor, which corresponds to approximately 48 m in height. Regarding calliphorids, seven species were identified, of which Chrysomya albiceps (30.4%) and C. megacephala (68.3%) were the most abundant. This is, to our knowledge, the first detailed, replicated study on vertical resource localization of sarcosaprophagous flies.

The effects of acrobatic exercise on brain plasticity: a systematic review of animal studies.

Acrobatic exercise is considered a complex motor activity and may promote motor learning and neuroplasticity. The objective of this systematic review was to verify possible plastic brain changes induced by acrobatic exercise in non-lesioned rat and mouse through the analysis of experimental studies. Manual and electronic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and ISI Web of Science databases, without restriction to language or publication date. Synaptogenesis and neurogenesis were selected as the primary outcomes. To evaluate the risk of bias of individual studies, we used the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) RoB tool. We found 1780 studies, from which 18 fulfilled the inclusion criteria in this review. Seventeen studies evaluated the cerebellum, six the motor cortex, five the striatum and two evaluated the hippocampus. The results showed that acrobatic exercise promotes plastic changes in brain areas of rats, and such changes are dependent of training frequency and duration. However, studies were heterogeneous regarding the proteins analyzed and the training protocols, which made it difficult to compare and determine ideal acrobatic exercise parameters for neuroplasticity. Concerning the methodological quality of studies, most of them presented high risk of bias with absence of relevant study design information. New research with detailing training protocols and analysis might contribute to clarify the role of acrobatic exercise in neuroplasticity and how it could be used in translational research.

Diversity, Daily Flight Activity and Temporal Occurrence of Necrophagous Diptera Associated with Decomposing Carcasses in a Semi-Arid Environment.

The harsh conditions of the Brazilian seasonally dry tropical forest known as Caatinga pose challenges to the insects specialized in the exploitation of ephemeral resources. We investigated the diversity and daily flight activity of dipterans associated with decomposing rat carcasses in a field experiment performed in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco State, Brazil. We also analyzed the temporal arrival of adult insects on the carcasses at three stages of decomposition: early, intermediate, and advanced. We collected 1173 individuals, of which Muscidae had the highest abundance (36.5%), followed by Sarcophagidae (28.1%), Calliphoridae (25.2%), and Fanniidae (10.2%). Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) (Calliphoridae), Fannia pusio (Wiedemann, 1830) (Fanniidae), Atherigona orientalis (Schiner, 1868), and Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Muscidae) were the most abundant species. The richness reached its maximum value on the second day of decomposition, with 18 species, decreasing to 8 species on the last day of decomposition (7 days). The ecological indices of diversity, dominance, and evenness varied little among the stages. There was an overlap of most species throughout the decomposition, although the overall abundance was higher at the intermediate stage for Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Sarcophagidae. In accordance to previous studies, nocturnal flight was rare, as approximately 8% of insects were captured at night. Our results expand the knowledge on ecological and behavioral aspects of necrophagous flies under inhospitable environments, such as the dry season in the Caatinga. The dominance of the invasive species C. albiceps reinforced here illustrates its geographical expansion towards the countryside of Northeastern Brazil.

Pharyngeal Residue and Aspiration and the Relationship with Clinical/Nutritional Status of Patients with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Submitted to Videofluoroscopy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the videofluoroscopic (VFS) signs of impaired efficacy (pharyngeal residue) and safety (aspiration) swallowing and the clinical/nutritional status of patients with suspect of dysphagia. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients submitted to videofluoroscopy. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Data of 76 patients were analyzed between March 2011 and December 2014. MEASUREMENTS: The clinical history and VFS exams of patients ≥ 38 years were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: 88% patients presented Oropharyngeal Dysphagia (OD), 44.7% presented laryngeal penetration and 32% presented aspiration. 78% patients presented pharyngeal residue. Aspiration was associated with Head Neck Cancer (HNC) [Prevalence Ratio (PR): 2.27, p = 0.028] and cardiovascular disease (PR 1.96, p = 0.027). Underweight [Body Mass Index < 18.5 kg/m2] was not associated with the presence of aspiration. Underweight patients with OD had a higher prevalence rate of pharyngeal residue than those normally nourished (100% vs. 78%) (PR 1.34, p = 0.011). Pharyngeal residue was associated with male sex (PR 1.32, p = 0.040), neurodegenerative disease (PR 1.57, p = 0.021), stroke (PR 1.62, p = 0.009), cerebral palsy (PR 1.76, p = 0.006) and HNC (PR 1.73, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: In the present study, neurologic diseases, HNC, male sex and underweight were associated to impaired swallowing efficacy. Underweight, independently of the other variables, was not associated with impaired swallowing safety.

Desempenho, sanidade animal e qualidade de filés de tilápias alimentadas com ração suplementada com biomassa bacteriana / Performance, animal health and fillets quality of tilapia fed diets supplemented with bacterial biomass

A aquicultura moderna é um dos setores de produção de alimentos que mais cresce no mundo. A tilápia, além de possuir grandes vantagens produtivas, origina produtos com grande aceitação pelo mercado. Em sua nutrição, podem ser utilizados aditivos com finalidades zootécnicas, pigmentantes ou antioxidantes. Este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da suplementação da dieta de tilápias com biomassa de Rubrivivax gelatinosus sobre o desempenho zootécnico e a saúde dos animais (histologia e hematologia) e sobre as características de qualidade dos filés (pH, composição químico-bromatológica, cor e rancidez). O experimento contou com seis tratamentos, compostos de um grupo controle, sem aditivos, um grupo contendo pigmentante comercial e quatro grupos com a biomassa nas concentrações de 175, 350, 700 e 1400mg/kg. Peixes pesando 21,42±5,65g foram criados por 74 dias em sistema com recirculação de água e, posteriormente, foram abatidos para a realização das análises. Não foram encontradas diferenças para os resultados das análises de desempenho, histológicas e hematológicas. Os filés dos grupos alimentados com os aditivos apresentaram menor umidade que o grupo controle, e os filés dos grupos alimentados com biomassa apresentaram as maiores teores proteicos. Não houve diferenças entre os tratamentos para os valores de pH, lipídeos e cinzas. Quanto à cor dos filés, todos os tratamentos com aditivos aumentaram a intensidade de vermelho. Em todos os tratamentos, a rancidez dos filés foi crescente durante o armazenamento, embora em menores valores nos filés dos grupos tratados com as maiores concentrações de biomassa. A biomassa de R. gelatinosus não promoveu alterações no desempenho nem na saúde animal e mostrou-se capaz de melhorar os aspectos de qualidade e conservação dos filés.

Modern aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food sectors in the world. Beyond having productivity advantages, tilapia fish yields products with great market acceptance. For its nutrition, additives aiming at increasing zootechnical, pigmenting or antioxidant features may be used. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the supplementation of tilapia diets with Rubrivivax gelatinosus biomass on the performance and the health of animals (histology and hematology), and on the quality of fillets (pH, proximate composition, color and rancidity). The experiment comprised six treatments, made of a control group with no additives, a group containing commercial pigments and four groups with biomass at 175, 350, 700 and 1400 mg/kg. Fish weighing 21.42±5.65g were reared for 74 days in a system with water recirculation and slaughtered for analyzes. No differences were detected for performance, histological and hematological analyzes. Fillets of the groups fed additives had lower moisture content than the control group while the fillets of the groups fed the biomass had the highest protein percentages. No differences were detected among treatments for pH​, lipids and ash values. Regarding to the color of the fillets, all treatments with additives increased redness. For all treatments, rancidity in the fillets increased during storage, although the groups treated with the highest biomass concentrations had the lowest values. R. gelatinosus biomass did not change performance and animal health, and proved to be capable of improving fillets quality features and conservation.

Physical mapping of the Period gene on meiotic chromosomes of South American grasshoppers (Acridomorpha, Orthoptera).

The single-copy gene Period was located in five grasshopper species belonging to the Acridomorpha group through permanent in situ hybridization (PISH). The mapping revealed one copy of this gene in the L1 chromosome pair in Ommexecha virens, Xyleus discoideus angulatus, Tropidacris collaris, Schistocerca pallens, and Stiphra robusta. A possible second copy was mapped on the L2 chromosome pair in S. robusta, which should be confirmed by further studies. Except for the latter case, the chromosomal position of the Period gene was highly conserved among the four families studied. The S. robusta karyotype also differs from the others both in chromosome number and morphology. The position conservation of the single-copy gene Period contrasts with the location diversification of multigene families in these species. The localization of single-copy genes by PISH can provide new insights about the genomic content and chromosomal evolution of grasshoppers and others insects.

Propriedades probióticas in vitro de Lactobacillus spp. isolados de queijos minas artesanais da Serra da Canastra - MG / In vitro probiotic properties of Lactobacillus spp. isolated from Minas artisanal cheese from Serra da Canastra - MG

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o potencial probiótico in vitro de Lactobacillus spp. isolados de queijos minas artesanais da Serra da Canastra, considerando-se o antagonismo entre amostras isoladas frente a microrganismos indicadores, a susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos, a sensibilidade ao ácido gástrico e a sensibilidade a sais biliares. Todas as bactérias ácido-lácticas testadas apresentaram resistência ao ácido gástrico (pH 2,0) e aos sais biliares (0,3%), bem como atividade antagonista contra Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica var. Typhimurium, Enterococcus faecalis e bactérias ácido-lácticas isoladas dos próprios queijos - Lactobacillus plantarum (D27) e Lactobacillus rhamnosus (B25). Todas as amostras foram sensíveis à eritromicina e tetraciclina e resistentes à ciprofloxacina, gentamicina, oxacilina, estreptomicina e vancomicina. L. plantarum (B17) apresentou melhor potencial probiótico, pois obteve resultados satisfatórios em todas as propriedades avaliadas. Mais estudos são necessários para verificar a presença e a capacidade de transmissão de genes de resistência antimicrobiana a outros microrganismos e para avaliar o potencial dos microrganismos in vivo. As bactérias selecionadas poderão ser utilizadas na elaboração de queijos em que sejam mantidos o sabor e a tradição do queijo minas artesanal do estado de Minas Gerais...

The aim of this study was to determine some in vitro probiotic features of Lactobacillus spp. isolated from Minas artisanal cheese from Serra da Canastra in order to select some bacteria for future production of safer cheeses keeping their natural flavor and tradition. The evaluated properties were antagonism against indicator microorganisms, antimicrobial susceptibility and also sensitivity to gastric acid and to bile salts. All lactic acid bacteria tested were resistant to gastric acid (pH 2.0) and bile salts (0.3%). Antagonistic activities were detected against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella entericavar. Typhimurium, Enterococcus faecalis and other lactic bacteria isolated from the same cheese - Lactobacillus plantarum (D27) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (B25). All samples were sensitive to the antimicrobials erythromycin, tetracycline and resistant to ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, oxacillin, streptomycin and vancomycin. L.plantarum (B17) presented the best probiotic potential. Further studies are needed to verify the presence and the capacity of transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes to other microorganisms and evaluate the in vivo probiotic potential of the selected microorganisms...

Isolation, enumeration, molecular identification and probiotic potential evaluation of lactic acid bacteria isolated from sheep milk

Lactic acid bacteria species were molecularly identified in milk from Lacaune, Santa Inês and crossbred sheep breeds and their in vitro probiotic potential was evaluated. The species identified were Enterococcus faecium (56.25%), E. durans (31.25%) and E. casseliflavus (12.5%). No other lactic acid bacteria species, such as lactobacilli, was identified. Most of the isolated enterococci were resistant to gastric pH (2.0) and to 0.3% oxgall. All tested enterococci were resistant to ceftazidime, oxacillin and streptomycin and sensible to clindamycin, erythromycin and penicillin. The resistance to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline and vancomycin varied among tested species. All tested enterococci strongly inhibited (P<0.05) Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes, moderately inhibited E. faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus and did not inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica var. Typhimurium and also one E. durans sample isolated from sheep milk. Four samples of E. faecium, one of E. durans and one of E. casseliflavus presented the best probiotic potential...

Espécies de bactérias ácido-lácticas foram identificadas em nível molecular em leite das raças ovinas Lacaune, Santa Inês e suas mestiças, e o seu potencial probiótico in vitro foi avaliado. As espécies identificadas foram Enterococcus faecium (56,25%), E. durans (31,25%) e E. casseliflavus (12,5%). Nenhuma outra espécie de bactéria ácido-láctica, como Lactobacillus sp., foi identificada. A maioria dos enterococos isolados foi resistente ao pH gástrico (2.0) e a 0,3% de oxgall. Todos os enterococos testados foram resistentes à ceftazidima, oxacilina e estreptomicina e sensíveis à clindamicina, eritromicina e penicilina. A resistência à ciprofloxacina, gentamicina, tetraciclina e vancomicina variou entre as amostras. Todos os enterococos testados inibiram fortemente (P<0,05) Escherichia coli e Listeria monocytogenes, inibiram moderadamente E. faecalis e Staphylococcus aureus e não inibiram Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica var. Typhimurium e uma amostra de E. durans isolada de leite de ovelha. Quatro amostras de E. faecium, uma de E. durans e uma de E. casseliflavus apresentaram o melhor potencial probiótico...

In vitro probiotic potential of Lactobacillus spp. isolated from fermented milks / Potencial probiótico in vitro de Lactobacillus spp. isolados de leites fermentados

The potential of in vitro probiotic Lactobacillus spp. was evaluated in fermented milks marketed in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. Of the samples analyzed, 86.7% had at least 10(6) CFU/mL of Lactobacillus spp., complying with the Brazilian quality standards for fermented milks. Furthermore, 56.7% had minimum count ranging from 10(8) to 10(9) CFU/mL, which is in accordance with legal parameters. The remaining 43.3% would not be able to satisfactorily guarantee benefits to consumers. The amount of Lactobacillus spp. varied between batches of products, which may indicate failures in monitoring during manufacture, transport or storage. All strains of Lactobacillus spp. showed some inhibitory activity against the indicator microorganisms, being more pronounced against pathogenic microorganisms than against non-pathogenic (P<0.05). Samples of Lactobacillus spp. showed different profiles of antimicrobial susceptibility, with an occurrence of cases of multidrug resistance. All strains tested showed sensitivity to bile salts (0.3%) and resistance to gastric pH (2.0). Lactobacillus spp. of commercial fermented milks should be present in higher amounts in some brands, be resistant to bile salts and have no multiple resistance to antimicrobials.

O potencial probiótico in vitro de Lactobacillus spp. foi avaliado em leites fermentados comercializados em Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. Das amostras analisadas, 86,7% apresentaram quantidade mínima de 106UFC/mL de Lactobacillus spp., enquadrando-se no padrão brasileiro de qualidade de leites fermentados. Além disso, 56,7% apresentaram quantidade mínima de 108a 109UFC/mL, estando em conformidade com os parâmetros legais vigentes. As demais 43,3% não estariam aptas a garantir satisfatoriamente efeitos benéficos aos consumidores. Observou-se variação na quantidade de Lactobacillus spp. entre lotes dos produtos, o que pode indicar falhas no monitoramento durante a fabricação, transporte ou estocagem destes. Todas as amostras de Lactobacillus spp. demonstraram alguma atividade inibitória frente aos microrganismos indicadores, sendo mais intensa contra microrganismos patogênicos que não patogênicos (P<0,05). As amostras de Lactobacillus spp. apresentaram diferentes perfis de susceptibilidade aos antimicrobianos, ocorrendo casos de multirresistência. Todas as amostras testadas apresentaram sensibilidade in vitro a sais biliares (0,3%) e resistência in vitro ao pH gástrico (2,0). Lactobacillus spp. dos leites fermentados testados deveriam estar presentes em quantidades mais elevadas em algumas marcas comerciais, possuir resistência aos sais biliares e não apresentar resistência múltipla aos antimicrobianos.

Influence of somatic cell count and total bacterial counts of raw milk in cheese yield using small-scale methodology / Influência da contagem de células somáticas e da contagem bacteriana total do leite cru no rendimento da produção de queijos, utilizando metodologia em escala reduzida

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of SCC and TBC of raw milk in cheese yield, using a reduced scale method, and to evaluate theoretical prediction of cheese yield. 270 samples of raw milk were split into three SCC levels (below 200,000; 200,000-750,000; above 750,000 SC/mL) and three TBC levels (below 100,000; 100,000-750,000; above 750,000 CFU/mL). Raw milk samples were submitted to compositional analysis (fat, protein, lactose, total solids and SNF content), SCC, TBC, freezing point and pH. The production of the small-scale cheese was conducted according to the method developed at Cornell University (Melilli et al., 2002). Cheese whey samples were submitted to compositional analysis (fat, total protein, true protein, lactose, total solids and SNF content) and SCC. The increase in the SCC of raw milk resulted in increased protein loss in cheese whey. High SCC (above 200,000 SC/mL) in milk samples was correlated to reduced dry matter yield. There was no effect of TBC in cheese yield in the experimental conditions used. There was a high correlation between the theoretical yield values and the yield values predicted by the small-scale method, indicating that this method is appropriate for cheese yield prediction.

Este trabalho teve como objetivos verificar a influência da CCS e CBT do leite cru no rendimento de queijos, utilizando método em escala reduzida, e avaliar a predição teórica do rendimento de queijos. Foram utilizadas 270 amostras de leite cru com três níveis de CCS (abaixo de 200.000; 200.000-750.000; acima de 750.000 CS/mL) e três níveis de CBT (abaixo de 100.000; 100.000-750.000; acima de 750.000 UFC/mL). As amostras de leite cru foram submetidas a análises de composição (gordura, proteína, lactose, EST e ESD), CCS, CBT, crioscopia e pH. A produção dos queijos em escala reduzida foi feita segundo o método desenvolvido na Universidade de Cornell, EUA (Melilli et al., 2002). As amostras de soro de queijo foram submetidas a análises de composição (gordura, proteína total, proteína verdadeira, lactose, EST e ESD) e CCS. O aumento da CCS no leite cru refletiu na maior perda de proteína no soro. CCS elevada (acima de 200.000 CS/mL) foi correlacionada ao menor rendimento de massa seca. Foi encontrada uma correlação alta entre os valores teóricos de rendimento e os valores de rendimento preditos pela metodologia em escala reduzida, indicando que esta metodologia pode ser utilizada para a predição do rendimento de queijos.

Viabilidade de Staphylococcus aureus FRI S-6 e produção de SEB em queijo elaborado com adição de Lactobacillus rhamnosus e Lactococcus lactis / Staphylococcus aureus FRI S-6 viability and its SEB production in cheese produced with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactococcus lactis

Staphylococcus aureus foi inoculado em queijos produzidos de forma estéril em laboratório, juntamente com Lactobacillus rhamnosus e Lactococcus lactis, isolados de queijo de coalho artesanal e identificados por PCR-ARDRA16S-23S. L. lactis foi capaz de reduzir a contagem de S. aureus no primeiro dia após produção (P<0,05) dos queijos de 3,3x10(7)UFC/g para 1,0x10(7)UFC/g. L. rhamnosus não impediu o crescimento de S. aureus. A presença das cepas acidoláticas, principalmente L. lactis, mostrou ainda potencial de inibição da produção de enterotoxina estafilocócica do tipo B, sendo que a concentração de enterotoxinas no 15° dia foi inferior ao limite de detecção pelo kit comercial utilizado. Concluiu-se que a presença das bactérias acidoláticas estudadas pode contribuir para a melhoria da qualidade sanitária de queijos artesanais.

Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated in cheese elaborated with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactococcus lactis, produced in a sterile lab, previously isolated from Brazilian coalho artisanal cheese and identified by PCR-ARDRA16S-23S. L. lactis was able to reduce the staphylococcal count on the first day after cheese production (P<0.05) from 3.33x10(7)CFU/g to 1.0x10(7)CFU/g. L. rhamnosus did not inhibit S. aureus growth. The presence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), mainly L. lactis, also showed evidences of inhibition of the enterotoxin B production, and the staphylococcal enterotoxins concentration on the 15th day was lower than the commercial kit threshold. Hence, the studied LAB may contribute to the sanitary quality of artisanal cheeses.

O impacto regulatório no desenvolvimento de formulações farmacêuticas: estudo de caso de um medicamento pediátrico / Regulatory impact on pharmaceutical formulation development: case study of a pediatric drug product

O desenvolvimento de medicamentos tem sofrido grande avanço nos anos recentes. Diversas tecnologias têm surgido, incrementando as chances de obtenção de medicamentos mais adequados às inúmeras patologias que ainda assolam a humanidade. Tanto esses novos produtos quanto modernizações de produtos antigos sofrem, todavia, uma carga regulatória cada vez mais exigente e detalhista. Inúmeras são as normas atualmente em vigor voltadas especificamente para os produtos farmacêuticos. O trabalho do pesquisador focado no desenvolvimento de produtos farmacêuticos muda seu modus operandi, uma vez que a contemplação de tais normas passa a ser uma exigência preponderante e não mais apenas os aspectos estritamente técnicos, como outrora.

Drug product development has seen great advances in recent years. Many new techniques have appeared, increasing the chance of developing more effective medicines against the innumerable diseases that continue to assail humans. However, both these new products and also renewed forms of older products are under a heavy regulatory load, which is becoming more and more stringent and detailed. A great number of regulations specific to drug products are currently in force. Pharmaceutical researchers need to change their modus operandi, no longer taking only technical questions into consideration, but also all the regulatory aspects.

Método da espectroscopia no infravermelho para análise dos soros de queijos de minas padrão e prato / Infrared spectroscopy method to measure the whey composition in "minas padrão" and "prato" cheeses

An electronic equipment based on the infrared spectroscopy was evaluated to measure the whey composition in "Minas padrão" and "prato" cheeses. The results for fat, protein, and total solids using infrared instrument based on filters and using standard methods were compared. There were differences between the values obtained from both analytical methods, and since compounds formed during heating of the analyzed whey may have interfered with infrared spectrum readings, a linear transformation of the data was done. After this statistical adjustment, results for "Minas padrão" cheese were equivalent in both infrared and standard methods. For "prato" cheese whey, the difference was significant, even after the adjustment.

Methotrexate induces seizure and decreases glutamate uptake in brain slices: prevention by ionotropic glutamate receptors antagonists and adenosine.

Methotrexate (MTX)-induced neurotoxicity may occur after intrathecal or systemic administration at low, intermediate and high doses for the treatment of malignant or inflammatory diseases. The mechanisms of MTX neurotoxicity are not totally understood, and appear to be multifactorial. In this study we characterized a model of MTX-induced seizures in mice to evaluate the convulsive and toxic MTX properties. Additionally, the effect of MTX-induced seizures on the activity of glutamate transporters, as well as the anticonvulsant role of MK-801, DNQX and adenosine on glutamate uptake in brain slices was investigated . MTX induced tonic-clonic seizures in approximately 95% of animals and pre-treatment with MK-801, DNQX and adenosine prevented seizure in 80%, 62% and 50% of animals, respectively. Moreover, MTX leads 59% of mice to death, which was prevented in 100% and 94% when animals received MK-801 and DNQX, respectively. Glutamate uptake decreased by 20% to 30% in cortical slices after MTX-induced seizures. Interestingly, when seizures were prevented by MK-801, DNQX or adenosine, glutamate uptake activity remained at the same level as the control group. Thus, our results demonstrate the involvement of the glutamatergic system in MTX-induced seizures.

O desempenho de idosos institucionalizados com alterações cognitivas em atividades de vida diaria e mobilidade: estudo piloto / Performance in daily living activities and mobility among institutionalized elderly people with cognitive impairments: pilot study

Comparar o desempenho funcional de idosos institucionalizados, portadores de alteracoes cognitivas selecionados atraves do Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM) em um teste de mobilidade (TUG) a partir do indice de Katz. Metodo: participaram dessa pesquisa 28 sujeitos(82+-9,06 anos), os quais foram submetidos ao teste `Timed Up and Go-TUG` e as atividades de vida diaria foram avaliadas atraves do indice de Kartz. Resultados: nao foi encontrada correlacao estatisticamente significativa entre a mobilidade avaliada pelo TUG e o desempenho no MEEM(r=0,234 e p=0,232, Pearson). Uma associacao positiva foi detectada entre o desempenho dos idosos no TUG e a realizacao das tarefas banho, vestuario e transferencia do Indice de Kartz (p=0,039; p=0,000; p=0,001, respectivamente, ANOVA). Nao foi encontrada associacao significativa entre as alteracoes cognitivas detectadas pelo MEEM e o desempenho dos idosos nas 5 atividades propostas pelo indice de kartz (banho: p=0,774; vestuario: p=0,567; higiene: p=0,857; transferencia: p=0,824; continencia: p=0,947, ANOVA). O aumento da idade nao demonstrou correlacao significativa com o desempenho em nenhum dos testes aplicados (TUG p=0,466 e r=0,144; MEEM p=0,841 e r=0,0,040, Pearson). Conclusao: concluiu-se que as alteracoes cognitivas detectadas atraves do MEEM nao tiveram associacao com o desempenho dos idosos nos testes de mobilidade e na realizacao das atividades de banho, vestuario e transferencia

Executive amnesia in a patient with pre-frontal damage due to a gunshot wound.

This paper reports the case of a young patient with extensive pre-frontal damage in whom we tested the hypothesis that intensive training improves executive performance as assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). As long as her declarative memory, complex perceptual abilities and global cognitive status were spared, we surmised that any deficit in executive learning would have occurred in relative isolation. We showed that her abnormal performance on the WCST, both on the standard as well as on the post-instruction condition, was due to an impairment of shifting attention across perceptual dimensions (extra-dimensional). In contrast, her ability to shift attention within perceptual categories (intra-dimensional) was spared, as were her declarative memory, object and visuospatial perception, oral language comprehension and praxis (ideomotor, tool use and constructional). This case supports the hypothesis that executive amnesia is a type of amnesic disorder distinct from the classic amnesic syndrome due to mamillo-temporomedial damage. As such, it is probably closely related to procedural learning and may depend on the same fronto-subcortical loops that mediate the actual execution of behaviour.

[Contributions to the neuropsychology of executive behavior: performance of normal individuals on the Tower of London and Wisconsin tests]. / Contribuição à neuropsicologia do comportamento executivo: Torre de Londres e teste de Wisconsin em indivíduos normais.

The concept of "executive behavior" encompasses a set of abilities which are critical for the organization of thought and behavior. To test the hypothesis that executive behavior is composed of multiple modules we investigated the performance of 61 normal adults on two widely used executive tasks, the Wisconsin Card Sorting (WCST) and the Tower of London (TOL) tests. We hypothesized that if executive behavior were composed of multiple modules, the main dimensions of each task would be weakly, if at all, statistically related. We also tested the hypothesis that occupational functioning would be related to executive performance. Our results revealed no significant association between the WCST and TOL tasks, favoring the idea that executive behavior is made up of multiple neuropsychological dimensions. Secondly, men fared significantly better than women on the difficult (4 and 5-moves) TOL puzzles. Finally, there was a significant association between performance on the difficult TOL puzzles and level of occupational functioning. These findings may explain certain dissociations in executive behavior commonly observed in patients with focal or diffuse brain damage. If replicated, they might be useful in the prediction of success in cognitive rehabilitation programs.

[The phenomenon of adolescent sexuality: concept, context and analysis]. / O fenômeno da sexualidade adolescente: conceito, contextualização e análise.

This paper approaches adolescense aspects, emphasizing on the adolescent sexuality phenomenon. In order to strengthen the importance of the issue to health professionals the article gives concepts of "adolescence" and "sexuality" in the context of this phenomenon.

Purification and characterization of the reconstitutively active tricarboxylate transporter from rat liver mitochondria.

The tricarboxylate transporter has been purified in reconstitutively active form from rat liver mitochondria. The transporter was extracted from mitoplasts with Triton X-114 in the presence of cardiolipin and citrate and was then purified by sequential chromatography on hydroxylapatite, Matrex Gel Orange A, Matrex Gel Blue B, and Affi-Gel 501. Analysis of the purified material via sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated the presence of one main protein band with an apparent molecular mass of 32.5 kDa. Upon incorporation into phospholipid vesicles, the purified transporter catalyzed a 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylate-sensitive citrate/citrate exchange with a specific transport activity of 3240 nmol/4 min/mg of protein. This value was enhanced 831-fold with respect to the starting material. Substrate competition studies indicated that the reconstituted transport could be substantially inhibited by isocitrate, malate, and phosphoenolpyruvate, but not by alpha-ketoglutarate, succinate, malonate, pyruvate, or inorganic phosphate. Moreover, in addition to 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylate, the reconstituted exchange was sensitive to the anion transport inhibitor n-butylmalonate but was insensitive to phenylsuccinate, alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate, and carboxyatractyloside. Finally, studies with covalent modifying agents indicated the purified transporter was inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents and by diethyl pyrocarbonate, 2,3-butanedione, phenylglyoxal, and pyridoxal 5-phosphate. In conclusion, these studies describe the first procedure to yield a highly purified tricarboxylate transport protein that both displays a high specific transport activity and can be obtained in quantities that readily enable further structural as well as functional studies. Based on its substrate specificity and inhibitor sensitivity, the purified 32.5-kDa protein appears to represent the complete tricarboxylate transport system found in rat liver mitochondria. Finally, new information is presented concerning the effect of covalent modifying reagents on the function of this transporter.