Spectroscopy as a tool to evaluate hair damage and protection.

OBJECTIVE: Methods that can be used to analyse hair damage and to support a claim of hair protection are important for the cosmetic industry. There are many approaches available, but they are usually laborious and expensive. The researchers propose a simple fluorescence method that is based upon the emissive properties of damaged hair. METHODS: Hair fluorescence was observed when using both fluorimetry and microscopic procedures. The method was developed by comparing native hair with hair that was damaged by UVA and visible light. RESULTS: Spectroscopic properties (absorption and emission) of hair in the visible range are presented. The changes in the emissive properties of hair during irradiation were characterized and they were correlated with photobleaching, which is due to the generation of singlet oxygen. Emissions were also obtained in the hair shafts that had been previously treated with chamomile extract and this treatment was able to avoid hair bleaching. CONCLUSION: The emissive properties of hair in the visible range can be used as a tool for the evaluation of hair damage and protection. This method can be useful as a tool in order to claim substantiation.

Genetic correlations between body weight, scrotal circumference and visual evaluation scores in Bos indicus cattle.

The objective was to estimate genetic correlations between body weight (BW), scrotal circumference and visual evaluation scores of body conformation measured at standard ages in Guzerat cattle. All measurements were performed at 205 (weaning age), 365, 450 and 550 days of age; for BW, two additional measurements (at birth and 120 days of age) were realized. The data utilized in this study were retrieved from a database of the Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders that contained information of registered Guzerat animals born between 1970 and 2013. Genetic parameters were estimated in bi-trait analyses by using Bayesian inference. Genetic correlations between BW at 205 and 450 days of age with other traits were high and positive, whereas the correlations between visual evaluation scores with other traits were moderate. Based on correlations herein obtained, we conclude that selection based on BW results in increased visual scores and scrotal circumference, leading to improvements in productive performance and animals with best body conformation.

Cad-cam procedure and implant-prosthetic rehaBilitation. Case report.

OBJECT: The aim of this paper is to present a clinical case in which the CAD-CAM procedure was applied for a prosthetic rehabilitation on implants. MATERIALS: Digital CAD-CAM production by laboratory of the final restoration. RESULTS: CAD-CAM production offers the opportunity to easily collaborate with laboratory. This prosthetic production gives better and demonstrated clinical results for the patient. CONCLUSION: CAD-CAM production is a very important instrument for prosthetic team. This work-flow compared with traditional methods is faster, precise and predictable.

Evaluation of carcass traits and meat characteristics of Guzerat-crossbred bulls.

Our objective was to evaluate carcass and meat characteristics of Guzerat-crossbred bulls finished in feedlot. Carcasses from 18 bulls, randomly selected from a larger group of 36 bulls, consisting of F1 Guzerat×Holstein ("Guzholstein"); F1 Guzerat×Nellore ("Guzonell"); and 1/2 Simmental+1/4 Guzerat+1/4 Nellore (Three-Cross; n=6 each group) were used. Cold carcass weight was greater (P=0.01) for Three-Cross compared with "Guzonell" and "Guzholstein". Three-Cross carcasses had greater (P<0.01) rib-eye-area and 100-kg-adjusted rib-eye-area among groups. Longissimus lumborum length did not differ (P>0.05) among groups, but depth was greater (P<0.01) for Three-Cross compared with other groups. "Guzholtein" had lesser (P=0.05) shear force compared with "Guzonell", with Three-Cross being intermediate. We conclude that "Guzholstein" is an adequate option for producers willing to finish this kind of genetic group, as it is comparable or better than Bos indicus crosses and B. indicus×Bos taurus bulls.

Cultivation of marine shrimp in biofloc technology (BFT) system under different water alkalinities.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different levels of alkalinity for the superintensive cultivation of marine shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in biofloc system. A total of 12 experimental circular units of 1000L were used supplied with 850L water from a nursery, populated at a density of 165 shrimps.m-3 and average weight of 5.6 g. The treatments, in triplicate, consisted in four levels of alkalinity in the water: 40, 80, 120 and 160 mg.L-1 of calcium carbonate. To correct the alkalinity was used calcium hydroxide (CaOH). It was observed a decrease in pH of the water in the treatments with lower alkalinity (p<0.05). The total suspended settleable solids were also lower in the treatment of low alkalinity. No significant difference was observed in other physico-chemical and biological parameters in the water quality assessed, as well as the zootechnical parameters of cultivation between treatments (p≥0.05). The results of survival and growth rate of shrimps were considered suitable for the cultivation system used in the different treatments. The cultivation of marine shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in biofloc at density of 165 shrimps.m-3 can be performed in waters with alkalinity between 40 and 160 mg.L-1 of CaCO3, without compromising the zootechnical indexes of cultivation.

Cultivation of marine shrimp in biofloc technology (BFT) system under different water alkalinities / Cultivo de camarões marinhos em sistema de bioflocos (BFT) sob diferentes alcalinidades da água

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different levels of alkalinity for the superintensive cultivation of marine shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in biofloc system. A total of 12 experimental circular units of 1000L were used supplied with 850L water from a nursery, populated at a density of 165 shrimps.m–3 and average weight of 5.6 g. The treatments, in triplicate, consisted in four levels of alkalinity in the water: 40, 80, 120 and 160 mg.L–1 of calcium carbonate. To correct the alkalinity was used calcium hydroxide (CaOH). It was observed a decrease in pH of the water in the treatments with lower alkalinity (p<0.05). The total suspended settleable solids were also lower in the treatment of low alkalinity. No significant difference was observed in other physico-chemical and biological parameters in the water quality assessed, as well as the zootechnical parameters of cultivation between treatments (p≥0.05). The results of survival and growth rate of shrimps were considered suitable for the cultivation system used in the different treatments. The cultivation of marine shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in biofloc at density of 165 shrimps.m–3 can be performed in waters with alkalinity between 40 and 160 mg.L–1 of CaCO3, without compromising the zootechnical indexes of cultivation.

ResumoO objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de diferentes níveis de alcalinidade para o cultivo do camarão marinho Litopenaeus vannamei em sistema superintensivo em bioflocos. Foram utilizadas 12 unidades experimentais circulares de 1000L abastecido com 850L de água provenientes de um berçário intensivo, povoadas a uma densidade de 165 camarões.m-3 e peso médio 5,6g. Os tratamentos em triplicata consistiram de quatro níveis de alcalinidade na água: 40, 80, 120 e 160 mg.L–1 de carbonato de cálcio. Para correção da alcalinidade, foi utilizado cal hidratada (CaOH). Foi observado um decréscimo no pH da água nos tratamentos de menor alcalinidade (p<0,05). Os sólidos suspensos sedimentáveis totais também foram menores nos tratamentos de menor alcalinidade. Não foi observada diferença significativa nos demais parâmetros físico-químicos e biológicos de qualidade de água avaliados, assim como nos parâmetros zootécnicos do cultivo entre os tratamentos (p≥0,05). Os resultados de sobrevivência e taxa de crescimento dos camarões foram considerados adequados para o sistema de cultivo utilizado nos distintos tratamentos. O cultivo do camarão marinho Litopenaeus vannamei em bioflocos na densidade de 165 camarões.m–3 pode ser realizado em águas com alcalinidade entre 40 a 160 mg.L–1 de CaCO3, sem comprometer os índices zootécnicos do cultivo.

Direct spectrometry: a new alternative for measuring the fluorescence of composite resins and dental tissues.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluorescence intensity of different composite resins and compare those values with the fluorescence intensity of dental tissues. Different composite resins were used to make 10 discs (2 mm in depth and 4 mm in diameter) of each brand, divided into groups: 1) Z (Filtek Z350, 3M ESPE), 2) ES (Esthet-X, Dentsply), 3) A (Amelogen Plus, Ultradent), 4) DVS (Durafill-VS, Heraeus Kulzer) with 2 mm composite resin for enamel (A2), 5) OES ([Esthet-X] opaque-OA [1 mm] + enamel-A2 [1 mm]); 6) ODVSI ([Charisma-Opal/Durafill-VSI], opaque-OM (1 mm) + translucent [1mm]), and 7) DVSI ([Durafill- VSI] translucent [2 mm]). Dental tissue specimens were obtained from human anterior teeth cut in a mesiodistal direction to obtain enamel, dentin, and enamel/dentin samples (2 mm). The fluorescence intensity of specimens was directly measured using an optic fiber associated with a spectrometer (Ocean Optics USB 4000) and recorded in graphic form (Origin 8.0 program). Data were submitted to statistical analysis using Dunnet, Tukey, and Kruskall-Wallis tests. Light absorption of the composite resins was obtained in a spectral range from 250 to 450 nm, and that of dental tissues was between 250 and 300 nm. All composite resins were excited at 398 nm and exhibited maximum emissions of around 485 nm. Fluorescence intensity values for all of the resins showed statistically significant differences (measured in arbitrary units [AUs]), with the exception of groups Z and DVS. Group DVSI had the highest fluorescence intensity values (13539 AU), followed by ODVS (10440 AU), DVS (10146 AU), ES (3946 AU), OES (3841 AU), A (3540 AU), and Z (1146 AU). The fluorescence intensity values for the composite resins differed statistically from those of dental tissues (E=1380 AU; D=6262 AU; E/D=3251 AU). The opacity interfered with fluorescence intensity, and group Z demonstrated fluorescence intensity values closest to that of tooth enamel. It is concluded that the fluorescence intensity values were significantly different among the composite resins and compared with dental tissues. The direct spectrofluorimetric method represents a tool for evaluating the fluorescence of composite resins.

Edematogenic activity of scorpion venoms from the Buthidae family and the role of platelet-activating factor and nitric oxide in paw edema induced by Tityus venoms.

We compared the edematogenic activity of venoms of scorpions from the Buthidae family, Tityus bahiensis (Tbv), Tityus serrulatus (Tsv) and Rhopalurus rochai (Rrv). Three doses (20, 40 and 80 microg/kg sc) of each venom were administrated in hind paw of mice and edema was measured from 5 min to 24 h. Tbv and Tsv both induced edema of rapid onset (135% of increase at 15 min); Rrv induced only a mild edema (40% of increase). We then investigated the involvement of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and endogenous nitric oxide (NO) in Tbv and Tsv-induced paw edema. Pretreatment of mice with a PAF antagonist (WEB-2170) inhibited Tsv but not Tbv-induced edema. Pretreatment with a non selective inhibitor of NO-synthases (L: -NAME) inhibited or increased the edema depending on the dose and the time the edema was measured. In conclusion, the venoms from Tityus are stronger inducers of edema than the venom from the Rhopalurus scorpion. The venoms of Tityus species are similar in potency and time-course edema development. PAF is involved in the edema induced only by Tsv.

FCE 27677: a novel inhibitor of acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase with potent oral hypolipidemic activity.

FCE 27677 ([(-)N-[2,6-bis(1-methylethyl)phenyl]-N'-[(4R,5R)-2- (4-dimethylaminophenyl)-4,5 dimethyl-dioxolan-2-yl]methylurea) is a new systemically available ACAT inhibitor belonging to the class of ketalic disubstituted ureas. When tested in microsomes from rabbit intestine, aorta and liver, it inhibited the enzyme with IC50 of 9.31, 6.99 and 92.2 nM, respectively. It had no effect on plasma LCAT and intestinal cytosolic cholesterol esterases and, when tested in a tissue culture system, it did not interfere with the synthesis of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids. Enzyme inhibition kinetics indicated that FCE 27677 is a non-competitive inhibitor of the enzyme with respect to acylCoA and to cholesterol. When administered mixed to a 1.5% cholesterol and 0.5% sodium cholate-enriched diet to rats, it prevented the development of hypercholesterolemia with ED50 of 0.35 mg kg-1 day-1. Given in a single oral dose to hypercholesterolemic rats it significantly reduced both the plasma lipid levels and the hepatic cholesteryl ester content within 6 h from gavage. VLDL and LDL levels and composition were also significantly affected. Similar effects were observed when the drug was given mixed to a regular chow diet for 4 weeks to hypercholesterolemic rabbits. These results are consistent with the idea that systemically available ACAT inhibitors can affect the composition and the metabolism of the atherogenic cholesteryl ester-rich VLDL and LDL. ACAT inhibitors appear promising for the correction of dyslipoproteinemias secondary to lipoprotein overproduction, and in reducing the atherogenic index of apoB-100 containing lipoproteins.

Imidazolylbenzopyrane derivatives: a new class of acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors.

Inhibitors of the enzyme Acyl-CoA: Cholesterol Acyltransferase are regarded as potentially useful agents in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. We report here a novel series of 2, 6-disubstituted-3-imidazolylbenzopyrane derivatives with significant in vitro ACAT inhibitory activity (IC50 range 0.05-0.5 microM). Compounds of this series such as 26 are examples of a new, structurally distinct class of potent ACAT inhibitors with high specificity for the aortic subtype of the enzyme. The structure-activity relationships of the 3-imidazolylbenzopyrane ACAT inhibitors were investigated by systematic manipulation of two regions of the parent compound 1 and the inhibitory activity resulted linked to the substituent in position 6 of the benzopyrane ring and modulated by the size of lipophilic substituents in position 2. Investigation of the mechanism of the inhibitory effect leads to the conclusion that these compounds act in a non-competitive fashion.

Sensitive, colorimetric enzyme amplification cascade for determination of alkaline phosphatase and application of the method to an immunoassay of thyrotropin.

A highly sensitive flavin adenine dinucleotide-3'-phosphate (FADP)-based enzyme amplification cascade has been developed for determining alkaline phosphatase (ALP; EC 3.1.3.1). The cascade detects ALP via the dephosphorylation of the novel substrate FADP to produce the cofactor FAD, which binds stoichiometrically to inactive apo D-amino acid oxidase (D-AAO). The resulting active holo D-AAO oxidizes D-proline to produce hydrogen peroxide, which is quantified by the horseradish peroxidase-mediated conversion of 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid and 4-aminoantipyrine to a colored product. The FADP-based enzyme amplification cascade has been used in a novel releasable linker immunoassay (RELIA) to quantify thyrotropin (TSH). In the assay, TSH is first captured onto antibody-coated chromium dioxide particles. After formation of an antibody-TSH sandwich with a dethiobiotinylated second antibody, the complex is reacted with a streptavidin-ALP conjugate. Biotin is then used to release the conjugate into solution, and ALP is quantified in an automated version of the FADP-based amplification cascade on the aca discrete clinical analyzer (Du Pont). The sensitivity of the colorimetric RELIA assay for TSH (less than 0.1 milli-int. unit/L) is comparable with that of fluorometric assays. This technology provides a way to adapt to the aca high-sensitivity immunoassays for a wide range of analytes via colorimetric detection.

Ethyl 2-([5,6-dihydro-7-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy)- 2-methylpropanoate as a new potent oxyisobutyrate hypolipidaemic with unusual features.

Some compounds containing the N-imidazolyl and the ethyl oxy-isobutyrate groups linked to a naphthalene ring structure and some related analogues were synthesized and tested for hypolipidaemic activity. Ethyl 2-([5,6- dihydro-7-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-2-naphthalenyl]oxy)- 2-methylpropanoate (V) proved to be a strong hypolipidaemic agent, several times more potent than clofibrate. Structural requirements for activity and differences from clofibrate analogues are discussed.

Cephalosporins IV. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of new 7 alpha-methoxy-7 beta-vinylenethioacetamido cephalosporins.

The synthesis and in vitro activity of 7 alpha-methoxy-7 beta-vinylenethioacetamido cephalosporins with various substituents at the 3-position are described. These cephalosporins showed good activity against beta-lactamase producing Gram-negative bacteria. 7 alpha-Methoxy-7-[(Z)-beta-cyano-vinylenethioacetamido]-3-[(1-methyl-1H-tetrazol -5-yl)thiomethyl]-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid (3) was several times more active in vitro than cefoxitin and comparable to cefmetazole.

Cephalosporins. III. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 7-vinylenethioacetamid:o cephalosporins with a tetrazolo-pyridazine at the 3-position.

The synthesis and in vitro activity of 7-vinylenethioacetamido cephalosporins with a tetrazolo-pyridazine at the 3-position are described. These cephalosporins showed good activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. 7-[(Z)-beta-carboxyvinylenethio-acetamido]-3-[(tetrazolo[1,5-b]pyridazin-8- amino-6-yl)-thiomethyl]-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid (K 13176, 21) was significantly more active in vitro and in vivo than cefazolin against Gram-negative bacteria.

Cephalosporins. II. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of new 7-vinylenethioacetamido and thioacrylamido cephalosporins.

The synthesis and in vitro structure-activity relationships of 7-vinylenethioacetamido and thioacrylamido cephalosporins with various substituents at the 3-position are described. 7(Z)-beta-Vinylenethioacetamido cephalosporins proved the most active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. 7-[(Z)-beta-Cyanovinylenethioacetamido]-3-[(1-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-thiomethyl]-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid (K 13101, 40) was several times more active in vitro than cefazolin.

New broad-spectrum alkylthio cephalosporins.

A series of 7-substituted alkyl-thio-acylaminocephalosporins with the following general formula were prepared and tested for in vitro antibacterial activity: (formula: see text). We tried in our research to find any relationship between antibacterial activity and pharmacokinetic properties on the one hand, and chemical structure on the other. The most interesting products were also studied for their in vivo antibacterial activity in experimental acute systemic infections in the mouse.