Integrated management of residues from tomato production: Recovery of value-added compounds and biogas production in the biorefinery context.

The biorefinery approach must be boosted in the management of agro-residues in the future. The present study aims to investigate the valorization of tomato production residues, namely rotten tomato (unfit for consumption - RT), green tomato (GT), and tomato branches (TB). The assessment involves the recovery of value-added compounds through the extraction process followed by biogas production through anaerobic digestion. A thorough characterization of the three residues (RT, GT, and TB) was carried out, including the identification of volatile compounds by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The volatiles analysis revealed the presence of flavor enhancer compounds and molecules with insecticidal properties. A solid-liquid extraction with ethanol allowed the recovery of value-added compounds in the extracts, in particular phenolic compounds, ß-carotene, and lycopene, which contributed to the antioxidant activity. RT and TB extracts were found to be richer in total phenolic compounds (~27 mg GAE/gdb dry basis) and exhibited higher antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.911 and 0.745 mg/mL). The tomato branches extract had the highest concentration of carotenoids with 37.23 and 3.08 mg/kgdb of ß-carotene and lycopene, respectively. The biochemical methane potential (BMP) was assessed in sealed reactors operating in anaerobic conditions for all the raw (RT, GT, and TB) and extracted substrates waste (RTe, GTe, and TBe). While the BMP of RT and GT was in the range of 232-285 mL CH4/g VS, a lower value of 141 mL CH4/g VS was obtained for TB. The methane production for each pair of raw and extracted substrates (RT/RTe, GT/GTe, and TB/TBe) was considered statistically similar at a 95 % confidence level. Overall, the value-added compounds recovery through ethanolic extraction did not compromise the methane production of the materials.

Anatomical description of the skulls of peccaries (Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus 1758) by computed tomography / [Descrição anatômica de crânio de catetos (Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus, 1758) por tomografia computadorizada]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical structures of the skulls of peccaries to establish the basis for their clinical study and future preclinical research. Ten skulls of adult peccaries were subjected to tomographic examination. The data obtained were processed via three-dimensional image reconstruction software (3D images). The reconstructions obtained from the neurocranium of the studied specimens allowed the identification and description of the following structures: nasal bone, frontal bone, parietal bones, incisor bone, maxillary bone, zygomatic bone, temporal bone, palatal bone, occipital bone, vomer bone, pterygoid bone, sphenoid bone, paranasal sinuses and orbit. Computed tomography proved to be an important diagnostic tool in the investigation of the skull of this species, allowing the acquisition of anatomical values not yet documented for the species in the literature.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as estruturas anatômicas dos crânios de catetos, a fim de se estabelecerem as bases para seu estudo clínico e futuras pesquisas pré-clínicas. Dez crânios de catetos adultos foram submetidos a exame tomográfico. Os dados obtidos foram introduzidos em um software de reconstrução de imagens tridimensionais (imagens em 3D). As reconstruções obtidas do neurocrânio dos espécimes estudados permitiram a identificação e a descrição das seguintes estruturas: osso nasal, osso frontal, ossos parietais, osso incisivo, osso maxilar, osso zigomático, osso temporal, osso palatino, osso occipital, osso vômer, osso pterigoide, osso esfenoide, seios paranasais e órbita. A tomografia computadorizada mostrou-se como uma ferramenta diagnóstica importante na investigação do crânio dessa espécie, permitindo a aquisição de valores anatômicos ainda não documentados para a espécie na literatura.(AU)

B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography of abdominal structures of the peccary (Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus 1758) / [Ultrassonografias Doppler e modo-B das estruturas abdominais de catetos (Tayassu tajacu Linnaeus, 1758)]

This study used B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography to characterize the abdominal structures of healthy peccaries raised in captivity. Fifteen peccaries were used for this study. The urinary vesicle appeared as an ovoid structure, located in the abdominal and pelvic transition, with a hyperechogenic, thin, smooth, and regular wall. The kidneys presented retroperitoneal topography and had similar sizes. The kidney/aorta ratio had an average value of 10.53±15cm (right) and 10.23±0.12 (left). The right adrenal gland had a length of 1.93±0.34cm and diameter of 0.56±0.16cm. The left adrenal gland had a length of 1.85±0.42cm and diameter of 0.52±0.11cm. The spleen had a diameter of 1.13±0.18cm. The hepatic vein demonstrated polyphasic flow in pulsed Doppler, with two retrograde peaks and an anterograde peak with a flow velocity of 25.7±0.83cm/s. The abdominal aorta had a diameter of 0.58±0.05cm and a flow velocity of 115.17±5.32cm/s. The morphological and hemodynamic study of the abdominal structures of the peccary, observed through B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography, aided in identifying the size, shape, position, echogenicity, and echotexture of the abdominal organs and in making inferences about the normal parameters for these structures in this species.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo utilizar as ultrassonografias de modo-B e Doppler para caracterizar as estruturas abdominais de um cateto sadio criado em cativeiro. Quinze catetos foram utilizados para este estudo. A vesícula urinária apareceu como uma estrutura ovoide, localizada na transição entre as partes abdominal e pélvica, com uma parede hiperecogênica, fina, lisa e regular. Os rins apresentaram topografia retroperitoneal e tamanhos semelhantes. A relação rim/aorta teve um valor médio de 10,53 ± 15cm (direita) e 10,23 ± 0,12cm (esquerda). A glândula adrenal direita tinha um comprimento de 1,93 ± 0,34cm e um diâmetro de 0,56 ± 0,16cm. A glândula suprarrenal esquerda tinha um comprimento de 1,85 ± 0,42cm e um diâmetro de 0,52 ± 0,11cm. O baço tinha um diâmetro de 1,13 ± 0,18cm. A veia hepática demonstrou fluxo polifásico no Doppler pulsátil, com dois picos retrógrados e um pico anterógrado com velocidade de fluxo de 25,7±0,83cm/s. A aorta abdominal tinha um diâmetro de 0,58 ± 0,05cm e uma velocidade de fluxo de 115,17±5,32cm/s. Os estudos morfológico e hemodinâmico das estruturas abdominais do queixada, observadas por meio das ultrassonografias modo-B e Doppler, auxiliaram na identificação do tamanho, da forma, da posição, da ecogenicidade e da ecotextura dos órgãos abdominais e na realização de inferências sobre os parâmetros de normalidade para as estruturas nas espécies.(AU)

Valores ecobiométricos e índice de resistividade da artéria oftálmica externa em catetos (Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus, 1758) / [Ecobiometric values and resistivity index of the external ophthalmic artery in collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu Linnaeus, 1758)]

Foram avaliados ultrassonograficamente, pela via transpalpebral, 28 bulbos oculares de 14 catetos adultos, através de técnica padronizada pelo operador. Adicionalmente foi realizado o estudo hemodinâmico da artéria oftálmica externa pela técnica de Doppler colorido. Os dados coletados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo programa Bioestat 5.0 for Windows, adotando-se 5% de significância. Com a metodologia empregada, obtiveram-se os seguintes valores para os globos oculares direito e esquerdo, respectivamente D1: 1,72 ± 0,29mm e 1,76 ± 0,40mm; D2: 9,95 ± 1,08mm e 10,6 ± 0,99mm; D3: 7,42 ± 0,93mm e 7,45 ± 0,72mm e D4: 17,6 ± 0,78mm e 17,8 ± 0,59mm. Os valores médios do índice de resistividade da artéria oftálmica externa foram 0,435 ± 0,02 e 0,448 ± 0,02 (globos oculares direito e esquerdo, respectivamente). Não houve diferença estatística quanto aos antímeros oculares em nenhum dos parâmetros estudados. Conclui-se que a ecobiometria ocular e a Dopplerfluxometria da artéria oftálmica na espécie Tayassu tajacu é executável e reprodutível, desde que haja domínio do examinador em relação à anatomia e à técnica adequada. Os valores inferidos neste estudo servem de referência para médicos veterinários no diagnóstico de doenças oculares.(AU)

Twenty-eight ocular bulbs of fourteen adult catheters were evaluated through ultrasound with the transpalpebral approach, using a standardized technique by the operator. Additionally, the hemodynamic study of the external ophthalmic artery was performed using the color Doppler technique. The collected data were statistically analyzed by the Bioestat 5.0 for Windows program, adopting 5% of significance. With the methodology employed, the following values were obtained for the right and left eyeballs, respectively D1: 1.72 ± 0.29mm and 1.76 ± 0.40mm; D2: 9.95 ± 1.08mm and 10.6 ± 0.99mm; D3: 7.42 ± 0.93mm and 7.45 ± 0.72mm and D4: 17.6 ± 0.78mm and 17.8 ± 0.59mm. The mean resistivity index values of the external ophthalmic artery were 0.435 ± 0.02 and 0.448 ± 0.02 (right and left eyeball respectively). There was no statistical difference regarding ocular antimers in any of the studied parameters. We concluded that ocular echobiometry and ophthalmic artery Doppler flowmetry in Tayassu tajacu species is executable and reproducible, provided there is an examiner's domain regarding the anatomy and proper technique. The values inferred in this study serve as a reference for veterinarians in the diagnosis of eye diseases.(AU)

Echocardiographic reference ranges for sedated healthy peccaries ( Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus, 1758 ) / Valores de referência para catetos saudáveis sedados

Peccaries are wild mammals belonging to the Tayassu genus that are found almost everywhere in the Americas and have demonstrated great potential as an experimental model for scientific investigations. Twelve healthy adult animals were sedated to perform echocardiographic examinations in B, M and Doppler mode. The variables that exhibited statistically significant correlation coefficients with weight were LVFWd, LVIDd, LVIDs, E wave, A'RV, MAM, and TAPSE. The HR exhibited a negative relationship with the IVRT. The LA variable showed a positive correlation with the AO. The MAM exhibited correlations with the LVIDd and LVIDs. The TAPSE showed positive correlations with the E'RV and A'RV. The present study provides the first reference values for echocardiographic measurements in B, M and Doppler modes from peccaries anesthetized with ketamine and midazolam. Echocardiography was easy to perform in collared peccaries, and the collected data revealed values that can aid in their clinical management and conservation.(AU)

Catetos são mamíferos selvagens, pertencentes ao gênero Tayassu, encontrados em quase toda a América, os quais têm se destacado como modelos experimentais. Doze animais adultos saudáveis foram sedados para a realização de exames ecocardiográficos em modos B, M e Doppler. As variáveis que apresentaram coeficientes de correlação estatisticamente significativos em relação ao peso foram: LVFWd, LVIDd, LVIDs, onda E, A'RV, MAM, TAPSE. O HR mostrou correlação positiva com LA/AO, onda E, onda A, MAM, TAPSE e E/IVRT, e negativa com IVRT. Os valores de AVmax mostraram correlações positivas com onda E e onda A'. A variável LA mostrou correlação positiva com AO e correlação negativa com IVSd. A EF apresentou forte correlação com a relação de ondas FS, E/A, com A', E'RV. FS apresentou correlação positiva com a relação de onda E/A. O MAM mostrou correlação com LVIDd e LVIDs. TAPSE mostrou correlações positivas com E'RV e A'RV. O presente estudo forneceu os primeiros valores de referência para medições ecocardiográficas em modos B, M e Doppler de catetos anestesiados com ketamina e midazolam. O exame ecocardiográfico em catetos foi de fácil execução e os dados encontrados evidenciaram valores que podem auxiliar no seu manejo clínico e conservação.(AU)

Comparative analysis of methods and models for predicting biochemical methane potential of various organic substrates.

Biochemical methane potential (BMP) corresponds to the maximum methane production at anaerobic digestion infinite time and is a key parameter to evaluate the suitability of substrates to obtain biogas. The main objective of this work is to explore the data available in the literature for ten categories of substrates to compare and develop new methods and mathematical models able to predict BMP. Indeed, experimental procedure is time-consuming, laborious and costly, and the development of methods or models based on properties easily assessed may be very helpful at industrial scale. In this study, three substrates (banana waste, tomato waste and winery wastewater) were tested and compared with >150 results from the literature. The analysis involved four methods (Met_I to Met_IV) and five models developed by multivariate regression (Mod_I to Mod_V). Met_I is related to elemental analysis; Met_II with the organic fraction composition; Met_III is associated with chemical oxygen demand (COD); Met_IV is based on NIR spectra. Regression models are combinations by grouping single variables: C, H, O, N (Mod_I); hemicellulose, lignin (LG), acid detergent fibre (ADF) (Mod_II); volatile solids (VS), COD (Mod_III); proteins (PT), carbohydrates (CRB), lipids (LP) (Mod_IV); and CRB, LP, PT, LG, ADF (Mod_V). The results showed that no significant correlation can be found between BMP and single common properties (e.g. VS or C/N ratio). However, good results may be achieved with models developed by multivariate regression (R2 from 0.93 to 0.98, and R2adj from 0.91 to 0.96). The prediction of BMP based on Met_IV, which is based on NIR spectroscopy combined with a multivariate regression model, revealed to be a promising method for both data from literature as well as for substrates analyzed in the present work.

Diffusive emission of methane and carbon dioxide from two hydropower reservoirs in Brazil.

The role of greenhouse gas emissions from freshwater reservoirs and their contribution to increase greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere is currently under discussion in many parts of the world. We studied CO2 and CH4 diffusive fluxes from two large neotropical hydropower reservoirs with different climate conditions. We used floating closed-chambers to estimate diffusive fluxes of these gaseous species. Sampling campaigns showed that the reservoirs studied were sources of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. In the Serra da Mesa Reservoir, the CH4 emissions ranged from 0.530 to 396.96 mg.m(-2).d(-1) and CO2 emissions ranged from -1,738.33 to 11,166.61 mg.m(-2).d(-1) and in Três Marias Reservoir the CH4 fluxes ranged 0.720 to 2,578.03 mg.m(-2).d(-1) and CO2 emission ranged from -3,037.80 to 11,516.64 to mg.m(-2).d(-1). There were no statistically significant differences of CH4 fluxes between the reservoirs, but CO2 fluxes from the two reservoirs studied were significantly different. The CO2 emissions measured over the periods studied in Serra da Mesa showed some seasonality with distinctions between the wet and dry transition season. In Três Marias Reservoir the CO2 fluxes showed no seasonal variability. In both reservoirs, CH4 emissions showed a tendency to increase during the study periods but this was not statistically significant. These results contributed to increase knowledge about the magnitude of CO2 and CH4 emission in hydroelectric reservoirs, however due to natural variability of the data future sampling campaigns will be needed to better elucidate the seasonal influences on the fluxes of greenhouse gases.

Efecto de 24 sesiones de entrenamiento de fuerza en un paciente con gonartrosis bilateral: a propósito de un caso / Efeitos de 24 sessões de treinamento de força em um paciente com gonartrose bilateral: um estudo de caso / Effect of 24 sessions of resistance training in a patient with gonarthrosis bilateral: a case study

Objetivos. Evaluar los efectos de 24 sesiones de ejercicio de fuerza (EF) progresivo, de intensidad moderada/alta sobre la capacidad funcional, la fuerza muscular y la composición corporal de un anciano con gonartrosis (GA) bilateral. Método. La capacidad funcional, la fuerza muscular y las variables antropométricas fueron medidas antes y después de 24 sesiones de entrenamiento. El paciente realizó el EF progresivo entre 8 y 12 repeticiones máximas, utilizando los principales grupos musculares de los miembros superiores e inferiores, 2 veces por semana durante 12 semanas. Resultados. Hubo una mejora en el test de sentarse y levantase (46,1%), en el sentar y alcanzar (33,3%), así como un aumento de la fuerza muscular en todos los ejercicios analizados y mejora de los índices antropométricos. Conclusión. Los resultados de este estudio indican que 24 sesiones de EF progresivo pueden ser eficaces en la mejora de índices antropométricos, la capacidad funcional y la fuerza muscular de un paciente anciano diagnosticado de GA bilateral (AU)

Objective. To evaluate the effects of 24 moderate-high intensity progressive Resistance Training (RT) on functional capacity, muscle strength and body composition in an elderly patient with gonarthrosis (GA) bilateral. Methods. Functional capacity, muscle strength and anthropometric variables were measured before and after 24 training sessions. The patient performed a 12-weeks progressive RT (2 times/week), between 8 and 12 repetitions maximum, using the major muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs. Results. There was an improvement in the sit-to-stand test (46,1%), in sit and reach test (33,3%), the muscle strength increased in all exercises analyzed and the anthropometric indices enhanced. Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that 24 sessions of progressive RT, can be effective in improving anthropometric indices, functional capacity and muscle strength of elderly patients diagnosed with GA bilateral (AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de 24 sessões de treinamento de força (TF) progressivo de intensidade moderada/alta sobre a capacidade funcional, força muscular e composição corporal de um idoso diagnosticado com gonartrose (GA) bilateral. Métodos: A capacidade funcional, força muscular e as variáveis antropométricas foram avaliadas antes e após 24 sessões de treinamento. O paciente realizou o TF progressivo entre 8-12 repetições máximas, utilizando os principais grupamentos musculares dos membros superiores e inferiores, duas vezes por semana, durante 12 semanas. Resultados: Ocorreu melhora no teste de sentar e levantar (46,1%), teste de sentar e alcançar (33,3%), assim como, os índices antropométricos e níveis de força aumentaram em todos os exercícios realizados. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo indicam que 24 sessões de TF progressivo podem ser eficazes na melhora dos índices antropométricos, capacidade funcional e força muscular de um paciente idoso diagnosticado com GA bilateral

High-sensitivity troponin after running--a systematic review.

A systematic review was carried out to study the pattern of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin release after running (search performed on PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and Scopus databases). A total of ten reports were identified as meeting the pre-specified criteria (eight using high-sensitivity troponin T and two using high-sensitivity troponin I). The papers were published between 2009 and 2013, amounting to a total of 479 participants under study. Eight reports provided data comparing post-running troponin levels with the 99th percentile reference value. A total number of 296 participants, out of 424, showed post-running high-sensitivity troponin values higher than the 99th percentile reference value (69.8%). In conclusion, using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays, studies have shown that elevated post-running values are seen in more than two-thirds of runners. Whether troponin release in this setting represents a fully reversible phenomenon is currently unknown; the effects of strenuous running on long-term health are also uncertain.

Study of the embryofeto-toxicity of Crown-of-Thorns (Euphorbia milii) latex, a natural molluscicide

The crude latex of Crown-of-Thorns (Euphorbia milii var. Hislopii) is a potent plant molluscicide and a promising alternative to the synthetic molluscicides used in schistosomiasis control. The present study was undertaken to investigate the embryofeto-toxic potential of E. Milii latex. The study is part of a comprehensive safety evaluation of this plant molluscicide. Lyophilized latex (0, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) in corn oil was given by gavage to Wistar rats (N = 100) from days 6 to 15 of pregnancy and cesarean sections were performed on day 21 of pegnancy. The numbers of implantation sites, living and dead fetuses, resorptions and corpora lutea were recorded. Fetuses were weighed, examined for external malformations, and fixed for visceral examination, or cleared and stained with Alizarin red S for skeleton evaluation. A reduction of body weight minus uterine weight al term indicated that E. Milii latex was maternally toxic over the dose range tested. No latex-induced embryolethality was noted at the lowest dose (125 mg/kg) but the resorption rate was markedly increased at 250 mg/kg (62.5 percent) and 500 mg/kg (93.4 percent). A higher frequency of fetuses showing signs of delayed ossification (control: 17.4 percent; 125 mg/kg: 27.4 percent and 250 mg/kg: 62.8 percent; P<0.05 vs control) indicated that fetal growth was retarded at doses ³125 mg latex/kg body weight. No increase in the proportion of fetuses with skeletal anomalies was observed at the lowest dose but the incidence of minor skeletal malformations was higher at 250 mg/kg body weight (control: 13.7 percent; 125 mg/kg: 14.8 percent; 250 mg/kg: 45.7 percent; P<0.05 vs control). Since a higher frequency of minor malformations was noted only at very high doses of latex which are embryolethal and maternally toxic, it is reasonable to conclude that this plant molluscicide poses no teratogenic hazard or, at least, that this possibility is of a considerably low order of magnitude.

Study of the embryofeto-toxicity of Crown-of-Thorns (Euphorbia milii) latex, a natural molluscicide.

The crude latex of Crown-of-Thorns (Euphorbia milii var. hislopii) is a potent plant molluscicide and a promising alternative to the synthetic molluscicides used in schistosomiasis control. The present study was undertaken to investigate the embryofeto-toxic potential of E. milii latex. The study is part of a comprehensive safety evaluation of this plant molluscicide. Lyophilized latex (0, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) in corn oil was given by gavage to Wistar rats (N = 100) from days 6 to 15 of pregnancy and cesarean sections were performed on day 21 of pregnancy. The numbers of implantation sites, living and dead fetuses, resorptions and corpora lutea were recorded. Fetuses were weighed, examined for external malformations, and fixed for visceral examination, or cleared and stained with Alizarin red S for skeleton evaluation. A reduction of body weight minus uterine weight at term indicated that E. milii latex was maternally toxic over the dose range tested. No latex-induced embryolethality was noted at the lowest dose (125 mg/kg) but the resorption rate was markedly increased at 250 mg/kg (62.5%) and 500 mg/kg (93.4%). A higher frequency of fetuses showing signs of delayed ossification (control: 17.4%; 125 mg/kg: 27.4% and 250 mg/kg: 62.8%; P < 0.05 vs control) indicated that fetal growth was retarded at doses > or = 125 mg latex/kg body weight. No increase in the proportion of fetuses with skeletal anomalies was observed at the lowest dose but the incidence of minor skeletal malformations was higher at 250 mg/kg body weight (control: 13.7%; 125 mg/kg: 14.8%; 250 mg/kg: 45.7%; P < 0.05 vs control). Since a higher frequency of minor malformations was noted only at very high doses of latex which are embryolethal and maternally toxic, it is reasonable to conclude that this plant molluscicide poses no teratogenic hazard or, at least, that this possibility is of a considerably low order of magnitude.

Study of the embryofoetotoxicity of alpha-terpinene in the rat.

alpha-Terpinene (1-isopropyl-4-methyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene) (TER) is a monoterpene found in the essential oils of a large variety of useful plants. Despite the widespread use of plants and essential oils containing TER in folk medicine potions and cosmetics, and as a flavouring food additive, toxicity studies of this monoterpene are scarce. The present study was undertaken to provide data on the embryofoetotoxic potential of TER in the rat. TER (30, 60, 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight) in corn oil was given by gavage to female Wistar rats from day 6 to 15 of pregnancy. Caesarean sections were performed on day 21 of pregnancy. The number of implantation sites, living and dead foetuses, resorptions and corpora lutea were recorded. All foetuses were weighed, examined for externally visible malformations, numbered with a marker pen and fixed in 5% formalin solution. One-third of the foetuses of each litter, chosen at random, were evaluated for visceral anomalies by a microsectioning technique. Heart, lungs, thymus, liver, spleen and kidneys of foetuses that were microdissected were also weighed. The remaining foetuses were examined for skeletal malformations after clearing with potassium hydroxide and staining with Alizarin Red S. A reduction in body weight minus uterine weight at term indicated that the two highest doses tested [125 and 250 mg TER/kg body weight orally] were maternally toxic. No increase in the ratio of resorptions/implantations was observed over the dose range tested. The highest dose of TER (250 mg/kg body weight) reduced the ratio of pregnant/treated female. A decrease in foetal body weight and an increase in foetal kidney weights were noted at 250 mg TER/kg body weight. Signs of delayed ossification (poorly ossified and not ossified bones as well as irregular spongy bones) and a higher incidence of minor skeletal malformations were observed at doses of 60 mg/kg body weight or more. These findings indicate that the no-observed-adverse-effect level for TER-induced embryofoetotoxicity can be set at 30 mg/kg body weight by the oral route.