Tropical grass digestibility assessed by the mobile bag and in vitro methods in horses.

This study aimed to compare the digestibility of tropical grasses by horses by the in vivo method using mobile nylon bags with the in vitro digestibility method using horse feces as a source of inoculum. Five horses were used in a 2 × 5 factorial design with randomized blocks featuring two methods (in vivo and in vitro) and five grasses: Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.), sixweeks threeawn grass (Aristida adsencionis, Linn), Alexandergrass (Brachiaria plantaginea (Link) Hitchc.), capim-de-raiz (Chloris orthonoton, Doell), and Sabi grass (Urochloa mosambicensis). No difference (P>0.05) was found between the in vivo and in vitro methods regarding nutrient digestibility of Sabi grass and sixweeks threeawn. Tifton 85 was the only grass that showed differences (P<0.05) between the two methods concerning the apparent digestibility of all nutrients. Alexandergrass, Tifton 85, and capim-de-raiz exhibited the best digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and organic matter by the mobile bag method compared to the in vitro method. Tifton 85 and capim-de-raiz had higher crude protein digestibility by the mobile bag method than by the in vitro method. The mean retention time of the mobile bags in the digestive tract of the horses was 43.69 h. The bags with samples of sixweeks threeawn and Sabi grass had shorter retention times than capim-de-raiz and Alexandergrass (P<0.0001). It is concluded that, for sixweeks threeawn and Sabi grass, digestibility in horses can be assessed using the in vitro method in place of the mobile nylon bag method.

Annulus flooding detection system in flexible pipes using gamma rays transmission technique.

Flexible pipes are modular constructions made up of several layers. They are broadly employed in oil & gas industry, playing an important role in the Brazilian Pre-Salt production. Under specific conditions, seawater can ingress and this contact with metallic middle layers can significantly lead to a service life reduction of these layers, especially due to a mechanism known as CO2 Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC-CO2). Therefore, it becomes mandatory that inspection systems suitable for submarine use in order to detect annulus flooding before the failure of the flexible pipe become available. This paper presents an inspection system based on the gamma rays transmission focused on detecting such flood condition, possibly overcoming limitations of other inspection systems available in the market. The reliability of this solution was statistically evaluated as presented herein, showing great robustness based on the numerous available trials.

Anisakis spp. in trahiras (Hoplias lacerdae) from Teles Pires river affluent, Mato Grosso State, Brazil / Anisakis spp. em traírões (Hoplias lacerdae) de afluente do rio Teles Pires, Estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil

Anisakiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked fish containing the third larval stage of anisakid nematodes. Safety in fish consumption from extractive fisheries is a challenge for public health authorities. This study presents the hematological analysis, necroscopic and histopathological examination of three Hoplias lacerdae parasitized by Anisakis spp. captured in an affluent of the Teles Pires River, in the municipality of Sinop, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. At necropsy, intense parasitism was observed, characterized by free and adherent anisakid larvae in organs and mesentery. In the histopathological study, there were nephrotic alterations and hepatopathies, as well as the first report of the presence of Anisakis cyst adhered in the myocardium of Hoplias lacerdae. There was a correlation between the increase in the number of parasites and the circulating leukocytes, influenced by the number of neutrophils and eosinophils. However, other studies should be designed to elucidate the pathophysiological and epidemiological changes in Hoplias lacerdae by the parasitism of Anisakis spp., due to its socioeconomic importance, as well as the potential risk to public health.(AU)

A anisaquíase é uma parasitose causada pelo consumo de peixes crus ou malcozidos contendo o terceiro estágio larval de nematoides anisaquídeos. A segurança no consumo de pescado proveniente da pesca extrativista representa um desafio para as autoridades em saúde pública. Este estudo apresenta a análise hematológica, exame necroscópico e histopatológico de três Hoplias lacerdae parasitadas por anisaquídeos capturadas em um afluente do rio Teles Pires, no município de Sinop, Estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil. Com a abertura da cavidade celomática dos animais observou-se intenso parasitismo, caracterizado por larvas de anisaquídeos, livres e aderidas, em órgãos e mesentério. Fragmentos de órgãos foram avaliados microscopicamente, na qual foi constatado nefropatia, hepatopatia e cardiopatia. Salienta-se ainda o primeiro registro da presença de cisto parasitário de Anisakis spp. aderido em miocárdio de Hoplias lacerdae. Observou-se correlação entre o aumento do número de parasitos ao aumento do número de leucócitos com marcado aumento de neutrófilos e eosinófilos. Diante do exposto, este trabalho vê a necessidade de futuro estudo minucioso para a real caracterização fisiopatológica e epidemiológica da anisaquiose em trairões do rio Teles Pires, visto sua importância socioeconômica na região, como também grande risco para saúde pública.(AU)

Anisakis spp. in trahiras (Hoplias lacerdae) from Teles Pires river affluent, Mato Grosso State, Brazil / Anisakis spp. em traírões (Hoplias lacerdae) de afluente do rio Teles Pires, Estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil

Anisakiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked fish containing the third larval stage of anisakid nematodes. Safety in fish consumption from extractive fisheries is a challenge for public health authorities. This study presents the hematological analysis, necroscopic and histopathological examination of three Hoplias lacerdae parasitized by Anisakis spp. captured in an affluent of the Teles Pires River, in the municipality of Sinop, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. At necropsy, intense parasitism was observed, characterized by free and adherent anisakid larvae in organs and mesentery. In the histopathological study, there were nephrotic alterations and hepatopathies, as well as the first report of the presence of Anisakis cyst adhered in the myocardium of Hoplias lacerdae. There was a correlation between the increase in the number of parasites and the circulating leukocytes, influenced by the number of neutrophils and eosinophils. However, other studies should be designed to elucidate the pathophysiological and epidemiological changes in Hoplias lacerdae by the parasitism of Anisakis spp., due to its socioeconomic importance, as well as the potential risk to public health.

A anisaquíase é uma parasitose causada pelo consumo de peixes crus ou malcozidos contendo o terceiro estágio larval de nematoides anisaquídeos. A segurança no consumo de pescado proveniente da pesca extrativista representa um desafio para as autoridades em saúde pública. Este estudo apresenta a análise hematológica, exame necroscópico e histopatológico de três Hoplias lacerdae parasitadas por anisaquídeos capturadas em um afluente do rio Teles Pires, no município de Sinop, Estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil. Com a abertura da cavidade celomática dos animais observou-se intenso parasitismo, caracterizado por larvas de anisaquídeos, livres e aderidas, em órgãos e mesentério. Fragmentos de órgãos foram avaliados microscopicamente, na qual foi constatado nefropatia, hepatopatia e cardiopatia. Salienta-se ainda o primeiro registro da presença de cisto parasitário de Anisakis spp. aderido em miocárdio de Hoplias lacerdae. Observou-se correlação entre o aumento do número de parasitos ao aumento do número de leucócitos com marcado aumento de neutrófilos e eosinófilos. Diante do exposto, este trabalho vê a necessidade de futuro estudo minucioso para a real caracterização fisiopatológica e epidemiológica da anisaquiose em trairões do rio Teles Pires, visto sua importância socioeconômica na região, como também grande risco para saúde pública.

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME IN NILE TILAPIA, Oreochromis niloticus

This study presented a case report of a female of Oreochromis niloticus in the reproductive age. In the clinical analysis, the animal showed intense abdominal distension, severe cachexia, retraction of the eyeball and lethargic behavior. At the necropsy, it was observed the presence of neoplastic mass in the peritoneal cavity which presented smooth surface, circular appearance, soft consistency and reddish-blackened focal regions. There was the formation of multiple cysts, which presented a yellowish-green liquid content in the cut. In the histopathological examination, multiple dilatations were observed, filled with amorphous eosinophilic material with a delicate fibrocolagenous wall, as well as detachment of the granulosa and theca cells. The presence of macrophage infiltrates with hemosiderin pigments was also observed. The macroscopic and microscopic findings confirm the diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome; however the causes of this cystic disease were not understood.

Polycystic ovary syndrome in nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus / Síndrome do ovário policístico em tilápia do nilo, Oreochromis niloticus

This study presented a case report of a female of Oreochromis niloticus in the reproductive age. In the clinical analysis, the animal showed intense abdominal distension, severe cachexia, retraction of the eyeball and lethargic behavior. At the necropsy, it was observed the presence of neoplastic mass in the peritoneal cavity which presented smooth surface, circular appearance, soft consistency and reddish-blackened focal regions. There was the formation of multiple cysts, which presented a yellowish-green liquid content in the cut. In the histopathological examination, multiple dilatations were observed, filled with amorphous eosinophilic material with a delicate fibrocolagenous wall, as well as detachment of the granulosa and theca cells. The presence of macrophage infiltrates with hemosiderin pigments was also observed. The macroscopic and microscopic findings confirm the diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome; however the causes of this cystic disease were not understood.(AU)

Este estudo apresentou um relato de caso de uma fêmea de Oreochromis niloticus na idade reprodutiva. Na análise clínica, o animal apresentava intensa distensão abdominal, caquexia severa, retração do globo ocular e comportamento letárgico. Na necropsia, observou-se a presença de massa neoplásica na cavidade peritoneal, apresentando superfície lisa, aspecto circular, consistência mole e regiões focais escurecidas de vermelho. Existia a formação de múltiplos cistos, que ao corte apresentavam um conteúdo líquido verde-amarelado. No exame histopatológico, foram observadas dilatações múltiplas, preenchidas com material eosinofílico amorfo com delicada parede fibrocolagenosa, além de descolamento das células da granulosa e da teca. A presença de infiltrados de macrófagos com pigmentos de hemossiderina também foi observada. Os achados macroscópicos e microscópicos confirmam o diagnóstico de síndrome do ovário policístico; no entanto, as causas desta doença cística não foram compreendidas.(AU)

Polycystic ovary syndrome in nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus / Síndrome do ovário policístico em tilápia do nilo, Oreochromis niloticus

This study presented a case report of a female of Oreochromis niloticus in the reproductive age. In the clinical analysis, the animal showed intense abdominal distension, severe cachexia, retraction of the eyeball and lethargic behavior. At the necropsy, it was observed the presence of neoplastic mass in the peritoneal cavity which presented smooth surface, circular appearance, soft consistency and reddish-blackened focal regions. There was the formation of multiple cysts, which presented a yellowish-green liquid content in the cut. In the histopathological examination, multiple dilatations were observed, filled with amorphous eosinophilic material with a delicate fibrocolagenous wall, as well as detachment of the granulosa and theca cells. The presence of macrophage infiltrates with hemosiderin pigments was also observed. The macroscopic and microscopic findings confirm the diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome; however the causes of this cystic disease were not understood.

Este estudo apresentou um relato de caso de uma fêmea de Oreochromis niloticus na idade reprodutiva. Na análise clínica, o animal apresentava intensa distensão abdominal, caquexia severa, retração do globo ocular e comportamento letárgico. Na necropsia, observou-se a presença de massa neoplásica na cavidade peritoneal, apresentando superfície lisa, aspecto circular, consistência mole e regiões focais escurecidas de vermelho. Existia a formação de múltiplos cistos, que ao corte apresentavam um conteúdo líquido verde-amarelado. No exame histopatológico, foram observadas dilatações múltiplas, preenchidas com material eosinofílico amorfo com delicada parede fibrocolagenosa, além de descolamento das células da granulosa e da teca. A presença de infiltrados de macrófagos com pigmentos de hemossiderina também foi observada. Os achados macroscópicos e microscópicos confirmam o diagnóstico de síndrome do ovário policístico; no entanto, as causas desta doença cística não foram compreendidas.

In vitro and in vivo experiments with iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with DEXTRAN or polyethylene glycol for medical applications: magnetic targeting.

In this research work, DEXTRAN- and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated iron-oxide superparamagnetic nanoparticles were synthetized and their cytotoxicity and biodistribution assessed. Well-crystalline hydrophobic Fe3 O4 SPIONs were formed by a thermal decomposition process with d = 18 nm and σ = 2 nm; finally, the character of SPIONs was changed to hydrophilic by a post-synthesis procedure with the functionalization of the SPIONs with PEG or DEXTRAN. The nanoparticles present high saturation magnetization and superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature, and the hydrodynamic diameters of DEXTRAN- and PEG-coated SPIONs were measured as 170 and 120 nm, respectively. PEG- and DEXTRAN-coated SPIONs have a Specific Power Absorption SPA of 320 and 400 W/g, respectively, in an ac magnetic field with amplitude of 13 kA/m and frequency of 256 kHz. In vitro studies using VERO and MDCK cell lineages were performed to study the cytotoxicity and cell uptake of the SPIONs. For both cell lineages, PEG- and DEXTRAN-coated nanoparticles presented high cell viability for concentrations as high as 200 µg/mL. In vivo studies were conducted using BALB/c mice inoculating the SPIONs intravenously and exposing them to the presence of an external magnet located over the tumour. It was observed that the amount of PEG-coated SPIONs in the tumor increased by up to 160% when using the external permanent magnetic as opposed to those animals that were not exposed to the external magnetic field.

Antioxidant effect of 4-nerolidylcatechol and α-tocopherol in erythrocyte ghost membranes and phospholipid bilayers.

4-Nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) is found in Pothomorphe umbellata root extracts and is reported to have a topical protective effect against UVB radiation-induced skin damage, toxicity in melanoma cell lines, and antimalarial activity. We report a comparative study of the antioxidant activity of 4-NC and α-tocopherol against lipid peroxidation initiated by two free radical-generating systems: 2,2'-azobis(2-aminopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH) and FeSO4/H2O2, in red blood cell ghost membranes and in egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles. Lipid peroxidation was monitored by membrane fluidity changes assessed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of a spin-labeled lipid and by the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. When lipoperoxidation was initiated by the hydroxyl radical in erythrocyte ghost membranes, both 4-NC and α-tocopherol acted in a very efficient manner. However, lower activities were observed when lipoperoxidation was initiated by the peroxyl radical; and, in this case, the protective effect of α-tocopherol was lower than that of 4-NC. In egg PC vesicles, malondialdehyde formation indicated that 4-NC was effective against lipoperoxidation initiated by both AAPH and FeSO4/H2O2, whereas α-tocopherol was less efficient in protecting against lipoperoxidation by AAPH, and behaved as a pro-oxidant for FeSO4/H2O2. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free-radical assay indicated that two free radicals were scavenged per 4-NC molecule, and one free radical was scavenged per α-tocopherol molecule. These data provide new insights into the antioxidant capacity of 4-NC, which may have therapeutic applications for formulations designed to protect the skin from sunlight irradiation.

Antioxidant effect of 4-nerolidylcatechol and -tocopherol in erythrocyte ghost membranes and phospholipid bilayers

4-Nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) is found in Pothomorphe umbellata root extracts and is reported to have a topical protective effect against UVB radiation-induced skin damage, toxicity in melanoma cell lines, and antimalarial activity. We report a comparative study of the antioxidant activity of 4-NC and α-tocopherol against lipid peroxidation initiated by two free radical-generating systems: 2,2′-azobis(2-aminopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH) and FeSO4/H2O2, in red blood cell ghost membranes and in egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles. Lipid peroxidation was monitored by membrane fluidity changes assessed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of a spin-labeled lipid and by the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. When lipoperoxidation was initiated by the hydroxyl radical in erythrocyte ghost membranes, both 4-NC and α-tocopherol acted in a very efficient manner. However, lower activities were observed when lipoperoxidation was initiated by the peroxyl radical; and, in this case, the protective effect of α-tocopherol was lower than that of 4-NC. In egg PC vesicles, malondialdehyde formation indicated that 4-NC was effective against lipoperoxidation initiated by both AAPH and FeSO4/H2O2, whereas α-tocopherol was less efficient in protecting against lipoperoxidation by AAPH, and behaved as a pro-oxidant for FeSO4/H2O2. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free-radical assay indicated that two free radicals were scavenged per 4-NC molecule, and one free radical was scavenged per α-tocopherol molecule. These data provide new insights into the antioxidant capacity of 4-NC, which may have therapeutic applications for formulations designed to protect the skin from sunlight irradiation.

Electron paramagnetic resonance study of lipid and protein membrane components of erythrocytes oxidized with hydrogen peroxide

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of spin labels was used to monitor membrane dynamic changes in erythrocytes subjected to oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The lipid spin label, 5-doxyl stearic acid, responded to dramatic reductions in membrane fluidity, which was correlated with increases in the protein content of the membrane. Membrane rigidity, associated with the binding of hemoglobin (Hb) to the erythrocyte membrane, was also indicated by a spin-labeled maleimide, 5-MSL, covalently bound to the sulfhydryl groups of membrane proteins. At 2% hematocrit, these alterations in membrane occurred at very low concentrations of H2O2 (50 µM) after only 5 min of incubation at 37°C in azide phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. Lipid peroxidation, suggested by oxidative hemolysis and malondialdehyde formation, started at 300 µM H2O2 (for incubation of 3 h), which is a concentration about six times higher than those detected with the probes. Ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol protected the membrane against lipoperoxidation, but did not prevent the binding of proteins to the erythrocyte membrane. Moreover, the antioxidant (+)-catechin, which also failed to prevent the cross-linking of cytoskeletal proteins with Hb, was very effective in protecting erythrocyte ghosts from lipid peroxidation induced by the Fenton reaction. This study also showed that EPR spectroscopy can be useful to assess the molecular dynamics of red blood cell membranes in both the lipid and protein domains and examine oxidation processes in a system that is so vulnerable to oxidation.

Electron paramagnetic resonance study of lipid and protein membrane components of erythrocytes oxidized with hydrogen peroxide.

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of spin labels was used to monitor membrane dynamic changes in erythrocytes subjected to oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). The lipid spin label, 5-doxyl stearic acid, responded to dramatic reductions in membrane fluidity, which was correlated with increases in the protein content of the membrane. Membrane rigidity, associated with the binding of hemoglobin (Hb) to the erythrocyte membrane, was also indicated by a spin-labeled maleimide, 5-MSL, covalently bound to the sulfhydryl groups of membrane proteins. At 2% hematocrit, these alterations in membrane occurred at very low concentrations of H(2)O(2) (50 µM) after only 5 min of incubation at 37°C in azide phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. Lipid peroxidation, suggested by oxidative hemolysis and malondialdehyde formation, started at 300 µM H(2)O(2) (for incubation of 3 h), which is a concentration about six times higher than those detected with the probes. Ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol protected the membrane against lipoperoxidation, but did not prevent the binding of proteins to the erythrocyte membrane. Moreover, the antioxidant (+)-catechin, which also failed to prevent the cross-linking of cytoskeletal proteins with Hb, was very effective in protecting erythrocyte ghosts from lipid peroxidation induced by the Fenton reaction. This study also showed that EPR spectroscopy can be useful to assess the molecular dynamics of red blood cell membranes in both the lipid and protein domains and examine oxidation processes in a system that is so vulnerable to oxidation.

Efeito da época de colheita na produção de fitomassa e rendimento de óleo essencial de alecrim-pimenta (Lippia sidoides Cham. ) / Effect of harvesting time on phytomass production and essential oil yield in "alecrim-pimenta" (Lippia sidoides Cham. )

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a massa fresca, massa seca e rendimento de óleo essencial de Lippia sidoides cultivada no Norte de Minas. O delineamento foi em blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por intervalos de colheita: 120, 180, 240, 300 e 360 dias após o transplantio. Em cada colheita, foram determinados a altura das plantas, o diâmetro da base do caule, o rendimento de matéria fresca de folhas, caule, parte aérea e o rendimento de matéria seca da parte aérea, além do teor e rendimento de óleo essencial por planta. O teor máximo de óleo essencial foi detectado aos 180 dias, enquanto que a produção máxima de matéria seca ocorreu aos 329 dias. A produção de óleo essencial por planta foi 2,34±1,15 g. A produtividade de óleo essencial foi de 124,8 kg ha-1, sendo recomendada a colheita aos 180 dias.

The aim of this study was to evaluate fresh and dry mass, as well as essential oil yield, in Lippia sidoides cultivated in the north of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with five treatments and four replicates. Treatments consisted of the following harvesting intervals: 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 days after transplanting. Measurements on each harvesting included plant height, stem base diameter, leaf, stem and shoot fresh matter yield, and shoot dry matter yield, besides essential oil content and yield per plant. The highest essential oil content was detected at 180 days, whereas the highest dry matter production was observed at 390 days. Essential oil yield per plant was 2.34±1.15 g and productivity was 124.8 kg ha-1. Thus, harvesting at 180 days is recommended.

A comparative study of the pulp chamber preparation in maxillary canines.

The effectiveness of three methods of lingual dentin edge removal was evaluated in maxillary canines: Batt burs (group I), Gates-Glidden burs (group II) and manual reamers, Batt burs and Gates-Glidden burs (group III). The results showed better dentin edge removal and degree of conicity in group III.