Sampling, composition, and biological effects of Mexico City airborne particulate matter from multiple periods.

Air pollution is a worldwide environmental problem with an impact on human health. Particulate matter of ten micrometers or less aerodynamic diameter (PM10) as well as its fine fraction (PM2.5) is related to multiple pulmonary diseases. The impact of air pollution in Mexico City, and importantly, particulate matter has been studied and considered as a risk factor for two decades ago. Previous studies have reported the composition of Mexico City particulate matter, as well as the biological effects induced by this material. However, material collected and used in previous studies is a limited resource, and sampling and particle recovery techniques have been improved. In this study, we describe the methods used in our laboratory for Mexico City airborne particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 sampling, considering the years 2017, 2018 and 2019. We also analyzed the PM10 and PM2.5 samples obtained to determine their composition. Finally, we exposed lung cell line cultures to PM10 and PM2.5 to evaluate the biological effect of the material in terms of cell viability, cell death, inflammatory response, and cytogenetic alterations. Our results showed that PM10 composition includes inorganic, organic and biological compounds, while PM2.5 is a mixture of more enriched organic compounds. PM10 and PM2.5 treatment in lung cells does not significantly impact cell viability/cell death. However, PM10 and PM2.5 increase the secretion levels of IL-6. Moreover, PM10 as well as PM2.5 induce cytogenetic alterations, such as micronuclei, anaphase bridges, trinucleated cells and apoptotic cells in lung cells. Our results update the evidence of the composition and biological effects of Mexico City particulate matter and provide us a reliable basis for future approaches.

Internal dose rate due to intake of uranium and thorium by fish from a dam reservoir associated with a uranium mine in Brazil.

Uranium mining can cause environmental impacts on non-human biota around mine sites. Because of this, the reduction in non-human biota exposure becomes an important issue. Environmental radioprotection results from the evolution of human radioprotection; it is based on dose rate to non-human biota and uses, as a biological target, and has harmful effects on populations. In the present study, a flooded impoundment created following dam construction in a uranium mine plant undergoing decommissioning was investigated. Internal dose rates due to activity concentration of natural uranium (Unat) and 232Th in omnivorous, phytophagous, and carnivorous fish species were estimated. Radionuclide activity concentrations were obtained by spectrophotometry with arsenazo III in the visible range. The dose rate contribution of 232Th was lower than that of Unat. There were no differences between the internal dose rates to studied fish species due to 232Th, but there were differences for Unat. A dose rate of 2.30·10-2 µGy∙d-1 was found due to the two studied radionuclides. Although this value falls below the benchmark for harmful effects, it is important to acknowledge that the assessment did not account for other critical radionuclides from uranium mining, which also contribute to the internal dose. Moreover, the study did not assess external doses. As a result, the possibility cannot be excluded that dose rates at the study area overcome the established benchmarks for harmful effects.

Social Outbreak in Chile, and Its Association with the Effects Biological, Psychological, Social, and Quality of Life.

The World Health Organization has defined collective violence as the instrumental use of violence by people who identify themselves as members of a group against other individuals and have political, economic, or social objectives. In Chile, the "Social Outbreak" was used to describe an episode of collective violence, which began on October 18, 2019, triggered by a multitude of socioeconomic and political factors, with protests and mobilizations in the country's large and small cities; in central, commercial, and residential areas, that lasted for several months, affecting a large part of the population. The objective of the present study was to associate the social outbreak in Chile with its biological, psychological, and social effects on people's health and quality of life, as well as its characteristics in terms of exposure, proximity, type, and frequency. This was a cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic national-level sampling, conducted from 28 November 2019, to 3 March 2020. The instrument had four sections. A total of 2651 participants answered the survey; 70.8% were female, and the mean age was 35.2. The main disturbances perceived were protests (70.9%), alarm sounds (68.1%), shooting sounds (59.0%), and tear gas bombs (56.9%). When quantifying the magnitude of these associations, people who had a medium exposure have a higher probability (OR: 1.99, CI: 1.58; 2.50) of suffering three or more biological effects than people that have a low exposure, while people with higher exposition have a 4.09 times higher probability (CI: 3.11; 5.38). A similar pattern was observed regarding psychological effects, although social effects were primarily experienced by those with high exposure. Social networks, TV, and radio were the most used media among people who perceived a greater effect. People who lived, worked, or shopped near the disturbance's areas show a higher proportion negative effect.

The biological effects of different LED wavelengths in the health field. A review / Os efeitos biológicos de diferentes comprimentos de onda de LED na área da saúde. Uma revisão

Introduction: the use of light emitting diodes (LED) in domestic and public vias have increased in the last 20 years. In addition, the LED light has been used as a light source for medical applications. Objective: since humans are increasingly exposed to LEDs, there is an urgency to investigate the possible biological effects on tissues caused by this exposure. So, researchers have been focused their investigations in the application of this light in the health field. Material and method: in this review, a search in important databases was performed on the biological effects caused after application of different LED light protocols in in vitro and in vivo studies. Result: although most published papers have shown positive results, some of them reported negative biological effects of light LEDs technology on humans' cells/tissues. Conclusion: therefore, the comprehension of the biological effects caused by light LEDs will provide a better assessment of the risks involved using this technology.

Introdução: o uso de diodos emissores de luz ("LED") em vias domésticas e públicas tem aumentado nos últimos 20 anos. Além disso, a luz LED tem sido usada para aplicações médicas. Objetivo: pelo fato de seres humanos estarem cada vez mais expostos aos LEDs, há urgência em investigar os possíveis efeitos biológicos nos tecidos causados por esta exposição. Assim, pesquisadores têm focado suas investigações no uso desta luz na área da saúde. Material e método: nesta revisão foi realizada uma pesquisa em bancos de dados conceituados sobre os efeitos biológicos causados após aplicação de diferentes protocolos de luz LED em estudos in vitro e in vivo. Resultado: embora a maioria dos artigos publicados tenham mostrado resultados positivos, alguns deles relataram efeitos biológicos negativos da tecnologia de LEDs nas células/tecidos humanos. Conclusão: portanto, a compreensão dos efeitos biológicos causados pela luz LED proporcionará uma melhor avaliação dos riscos envolvidos no uso desta tecnologia.

Effects of DC Magnetic Fields on Magnetoliposomes.

The potential use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in biomedicine as magnetic resonance, drug delivery, imagenology, hyperthermia, biosensors, and biological separation has been studied in different laboratories. One of the challenges on MNP elaboration for biological applications is the size, biocompatibility, heat efficiency, stabilization in physiological conditions, and surface coating. Magnetoliposome (ML), a lipid bilayer of phospholipids encapsulating MNPs, is a system used to reduce toxicity. Encapsulated MNPs can be used as a potential drug and a gene delivery system, and in the presence of magnetic fields, MLs can be accumulated in a target tissue by a strong gradient magnetic field. Here, we present a study of the effects of DC magnetic fields on encapsulated MNPs inside liposomes. Despite their widespread applications in biotechnology and environmental, biomedical, and materials science, the effects of magnetic fields on MLs are unclear. We use a modified coprecipitation method to synthesize superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SNPs) in aqueous solutions. The SNPs are encapsulated inside phospholipid liposomes to study the interaction between phospholipids and SNPs. Material characterization of SNPs reveals round-shaped nanoparticles with an average size of 12 nm, mainly magnetite. MLs were prepared by the rehydration method. After formation, we found two types of MLs: one type is tense with SNPs encapsulated and the other is a floppy vesicle that does not show the presence of SNPs. To study the response of MLs to an applied DC magnetic field, we used a homemade chamber. Digitalized images show encapsulated SNPs assembled in chain formation when a DC magnetic field is applied. When the magnetic field is switched off, it completely disperses SNPs. Floppy MLs deform along the direction of the external applied magnetic field. Solving the relevant magnetostatic equations, we present a theoretical model to explain the ML deformations by analyzing the forces exerted by the magnetic field over the surface of the spheroidal liposome. Tangential magnetic forces acting on the ML surface result in a press force deforming MLs. The type of deformations will depend on the magnetic properties of the mediums inside and outside the MLs. The model predicts a coexistence region of oblate-prolate deformation in the zone where χ = 1. We can understand the chain formation in terms of a dipole-dipole interaction of SNP.

Formononetin: Biological effects and uses - A review.

Formononetin (FORM) is an isoflavone from the group of phytoestrogens that exhibits a broad spectrum of physiological effects beneficial to health through dependent and independent mechanisms of estrogen. This article aimed to present FORM main functions and future prospects for applications in different areas. Scientific publications and patents dated between 1998 and 2019 were analyzed. FORM has potential as an active compound of interest to product development for the industries of food, medicine, and cosmetics, among others. Moreover, in the medical area, this active compound has shown potential in the prevention and treatment of several diseases, including chronic ones, such as cancer, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Biological activities of açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) intake in humans: an integrative review of clinical trials.

Açaí (E. oleracea) and juçara (E. edulis) are berries considered a source of bioactive compounds, especially anthocyanins and unsaturated fatty acids, with recognized health-promoting activities. An integrative review was conducted to identify available clinical trials that evaluated the effects of açaí and juçara intake on the human organism. Science Direct and Medline databases were searched. Human studies that evaluated any biological activities after açaí and juçara intake were included in this review. Twenty-three clinical trials were identified up to April 12, 2020. Studies evaluated the biological effects of açaí (n = 17), juçara (n = 5), or both berries simultaneously (n = 1). The results of these trials suggest both types of berries may contribute to improved antioxidant defense and to attenuating metabolic stress and inflammation. However, considerable heterogeneity was observed among trials, and few studies explored the bioactive compounds of the food matrix provided in the interventions. More clinical trials are encouraged to strengthen the current evidence on human biological outcomes, including comparative analysis between these berries.

Synthesis and evaluation of the antileishmanial activity of silver compounds containing imidazolidine-2-thione.

A new series of silver compounds could be of interest on designing new drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The compounds [Ag(phen)(imzt)]NO3(1), [Ag(phen)(imzt)]CF3SO3(2), [Ag(phen)2](BF4)·H2O (3), [Ag2(imzt)6](NO3)2(4), and imzt have been synthesized and evaluated in vitro for antileishmanial activity against Leishmania. (L.) amazonensis (La) and L. (L.) chagasi (Lc), and two of them were selected for in vivo studies. In addition to investigating the action on Leishmania, their effects on the hydrogen peroxide production and cysteine protease inhibition have also been investigated. As for antileishmanial activity, compound (4) was the most potent against promastigote and amastigote forms of La (IC50 = 4.67 and 1.88 µM, respectively) and Lc (IC50 = 9.35 and 8.05 µM, respectively); and comparable to that of amphotericin B, reference drug. Beside showing excellent activity, it also showed a low toxicity. In the in vivo context, compound (4) reduced the number of amastigotes in the liver and spleen when compared to the untreated group. In evaluating the effect of the compounds on Leishmania, the level of hydrogen peroxide production was maintained between the lag and log phases; however, in the treatment with compound (4) it was possible to observe a reduction of 25.44 and 49.13%, respectively, in the hydrogen peroxide rates when compared to the lag and log phases. It was noticed that the presence of a nitrate ion and imzt in compound (4) was important for the modulation of the antileishmanial activity. Thus, this compound can represent a potentially new drug for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Biological Consequences of Exposure to Mechanical Vibration.

A special issue of the journal Dose-Response entitled "Biological Consequences of Exposure to Mechanical Vibration" is proposed. When there is the interaction of physical agents, such as mechanical vibration to a body, physiological stress can be generated leading to expected and unexpected consequences. The aim is to describe effects due to the stress generated by the energy delivered in biological systems by mechanical vibration produced by different sources through studies involving human beings and experimental models. The evaluation of effects in molecular, cellular, and systemic level will contribute to increase the medical and biological knowledge about the interaction of mechanical vibration, as well as the understanding of the stress and mechanisms of the biological responses of the mechanical vibrations. The main topics will be related to neurophysiological responses to mechanical vibration generated in different sources, clinical approaches of the mechanical vibration generated in oscillating/vibratory platform, undesirable effect of the mechanical vibration generated in oscillating/vibratory platform, mechanical vibration in occupational activities, biological effects of ultrasound and infrasound, and quantification and physical approaches of the mechanical vibration.

Characteristics, Biological Properties and Analytical Methods of Ursolic Acid: A Review.

Ursolic acid (UA) is a naturally occurring triterpenoid which is a promising candidate for the development of new therapeutic approaches and for the prevention and treatment of several diseases owing to its pharmacological importance. However, its low solubility in aqueous medium affects its therapeutic application. Several strategies have been used to overcome this obstacle. In this study, the incorporation of UA in to different drug delivery systems was found to be highly efficient. In addition, important investigations were performed about methods for qualitative and quantitative analyses of UA in various raw materials, including plants, biological fluids, and drug delivery systems, were investigated. Most recently high performance liquid chromatography coupled with various detectors, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis were used for this purpose. Thus, this review was performed to evaluate the biological effects of UA demonstrated thus far as well as the currently used, delivery systems and analytical methods.

Multibiomarker responses in aquatic insect Belostoma elegans (Hemiptera) to organic pollution in freshwater system.

The present study analyzes a battery of biomarkers in the water bug Belostoma elegans from a stream polluted with organic matter (OMS), and another one considered as reference site (RS) during spring-summer season (December to March). Biochemical parameters of glucidic, lipidic and oxidative metabolic pathways were analyzed in males and females of this insect. In general, no significant differences were observed in all biomarkers assayed between both sexes, except lactate concentration which was higher in males than in females (p < 0.0006) in the first three months. About carbohydrate metabolism parameters, only pyruvate-kinase showed significant differences between insects collected in both streams (p < 0.05) during December. However, the total lipid content, saturated fatty acid, and mainly triacylglycerol were higher in insects from RS compared to those from OMS (p < 0.002) in all sampled months. Levels of lipoperoxidation, protein oxidation, reduced glutathione and glutathione-S-transferase activity showed no differences between insects collected from both streams. Nevertheless, the significant increase observed in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities (p < 0.004) could be due to the elevated oxidative metabolism in insects from RS compared to those from OMS with lower dissolved oxygen. Regarding those responding parameters, males accounted for the differences between the two sites during the study period. In conclusion, our results support that lipidic energetic reserves and antioxidant enzyme activities in B. elegans could be used as biomarkers of environmental pollution by organic matter.

Lectins from Parkia biglobosa and Parkia platycephala: A comparative study of structure and biological effects.

The relation structure-activity of the Mimosoideae lectins of Parkia platycephala (PPL) and Parkia biglobosa (PBL) was analyzed in this study. PBL was solved by X-ray crystallography at a resolution of 2.1Å, and the crystal structure belonged to the C2221 space group. Structural organization and binding sites were also characterized. Specifically, PBL monomer consists of three ß-prism domains tandemly arranged with each one presenting a different carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). PPL showed antinociceptive activity in the mouse model of acetic acid-induced writhes with maximal inhibitory effect by 74% at 1mg/mL. PPL also demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect causing inhibition of leukocyte migration induced by both direct and indirect chemoattractants. These PPL activities were compared to that of PBL described previously. Molecular docking of both PBL and PPL demonstrated some differences in carbohydrate-lectin interaction energy. Comparing structure and biological effects of the two lectins provided new data about their structure and the relation with its biological activities.

Himatanthus Willd. ex Schult. (Apocynaceae): Review.

The genus Himatanthus Wild. ex Schult. (Apocynaceae) includes about 13 species and five subspecies widely distributed in South America, especially Brazil. The phytochemical reports on this genus have revealed mainly triterpenes and iridoids. The plants are traditionally used as anthelmintic, antitumor, and antiinflammatory agents. The most used parts of the plant are its bark, leaves, and latex. This review emphasizes the phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties, which may help in future research. The research was conducted with data obtained from books about medicinal plants, theses, dissertations, and articles in refereed journals.

X-ray irradiation alters the actin cytoskeleton in murine lacrimal glands.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of X radiation on the distribution of filamentous actin (F-actin) in the mouse exorbital lacrimal gland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were divided into groups that received no radiation (n = 6) or one single exposure of 36 mGy of X radiation (n = 12). The animals were sacrificed after 4, 8 or 24 h. The lacrimal glands were stained with Hematoxylin/Eosin or Rhodamine-phalloidin and the filamentous actin arrangement was analyzed by confocal microscopy. RESULTS: After 4 h of X-ray exposure there was an apparent increase in acini area and a decrease in the cortical F-actin content in secretory cells. This effect decreased gradually over time, returning to values close to the control after 24 h. CONCLUSION: This study shows that a 36 mGy diagnostic X-ray dose affected reversibly the mouse exorbital lacrimal gland, suggesting that radiation used in diagnosis may induce changes on cell morphology due to actin remodeling.

Efficacy of entomopathogenic bacteria for control of Musca domestica.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the larvicidal activity, and sub lethal effects of entomopathogenic bacteria Brevibacillus laterosporus, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki, and a commercial formulation of Bacillus sphaericus on Musca domestica. Bacterial suspensions were prepared in different concentrations and added to the diet of newly-hatched larvae which were monitored until the adult stage. The larvae were susceptible to the B. laterosporus, B. thuringiensis var. israelensis, and B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki bacteria in varied concentration levels. These bacteria have larvicidal and sub lethal effects on the development of flies, reducing both adult size, and impairing the reproductive performance of the species.

Resposta biológica de ratos alimentados com resíduo da fermentação de batata (Solanumtuberosum L.) / Biological response of rats fed with the fermentation of potato residue (Solanumtuberosum L.)

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo determinar a composição centesimal do tubérculo de batata in natura a ser utilizado no processo de destilação para a produção de etanol e do resíduo sólido resultante da fermentação deste tubérculo. Com base na composição do resíduo, avaliou-se o efeito da sua utilização na substituição de diferentes teores de fibra alimentar de uma dieta padrão, na resposta biológica de ratos. Para a avaliação dos efeitos biológicos, foram utilizados 32 ratos Wistar divididos em quatro grupos. Um dos grupos de animais recebeu a dieta padrão para ratos em crescimento, e os demais grupos receberam esta dieta com substituição de 25, 50 ou 100 por cento de sua fibra alimentar pela fibra do resíduo. Durante o período experimental (23 dias), foram avaliados o consumo, o ganho de peso, o coeficiente de eficiência alimentar (CEA), a produção de fezes secas e úmidas, pH e excreção de nitrogênio fecal. No final do ensaio, foram avaliados o peso do fígado e da gordura epididimal, níveis sanguíneos de triglicerídeos, colesterol total, colesterol HDL e proteínas totais. O resíduo apresentou uma composição centesimal de 8,2 por cento de proteína, 16,7 por cento de fibra alimentar, 62,8 por cento de carboidratos e 288Kcal. Os resultados obtidos no ensaio biológico sugerem que o resíduo sólido da fermentação de tubérculos de batata pode ser empregado como fonte de nutrientes, com base na substituição da fração fibra de uma dieta padrão AIN-93, sem comprometer o desenvolvimento dos ratos e os parâmetros bioquímicos analisados.

The present research had the objectives of determining the in natura potato tuber centesimal composition in the distilling process in order to produce ethanol and to verify the solid residues resulting from this tuber fermentation process. Based on the residue composition, it was evaluated the effect of its use in the substitution of different dietary fiber content of a standard diet observing the rats biological response to this diet. In order to evaluate the biological effect, 32 Wistar rats were used divided into four groups. One group was given the standard diet for growing rats, according to recommendations of the American Institute of Nutrition (AIN-93), and the other three groups were given this diet substituting 25, 50 or 100 percent of residue by dietary fiber. Throughout the experimental period (23 days), consumption, weight gain, food efficiency ratio (FER), dry and moist feces production, pH and nitrogen fecal excretion were evaluated. At the end of the experiment, liver and epididimal fat weights, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and total protein levels were evaluated. The residue presented centesimal composition of 8.2 percent protein, 16.7 percent of dietary fiber, 62.8 percent of carbohydrates and 288 Kcal. The results obtained in the biological assay suggest that the solid residue resulting from potato tuber fermentation can be employed as a source of nutrients having as basis the exchange of fiber fraction of an AIN-93 standard diet without endangering rats' growth and the analyzed biochemical parameters.

Resposta biológica de ratos alimentados com resíduo da fermentação de batata (Solanumtuberosum L.)

The present research had the objectives of determining the in natura potato tuber centesimal composition in the distilling process in order to produce ethanol and to verify the solid residues resulting from this tuber fermentation process. Based on the residue composition, it was evaluated the effect of its use in the substitution of different dietary fiber content of a standard diet observing the rats biological response to this diet. In order to evaluate the biological effect, 32 Wistar rats were used divided into four groups. One group was given the standard diet for growing rats, according to recommendations of the American Institute of Nutrition (AIN-93), and the other three groups were given this diet substituting 25, 50 or 100% of residue by dietary fiber. Throughout the experimental period (23 days), consumption, weight gain, food efficiency ratio (FER), dry and moist feces production, pH and nitrogen fecal excretion were evaluated. At the end of the experiment, liver and epididimal fat weights, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and total protein levels were evaluated. The residue presented centesimal composition of 8.2% protein, 16.7% of dietary fiber, 62.8% of carbohydrates and 288 Kcal. The results obtained in the biological assay suggest that the solid residue resulting from potato tuber fermentation can be employed as a source of nutrients having as basis the exchange of fiber fraction of an AIN-93 standard diet without endangering rats' growth and the analyzed biochemical parameters.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo determinar a composição centesimal do tubérculo de batata in natura a ser utilizado no processo de destilação para a produção de etanol e do resíduo sólido resultante da fermentação deste tubérculo. Com base na composição do resíduo, avaliou-se o efeito da sua utilização na substituição de diferentes teores de fibra alimentar de uma dieta padrão, na resposta biológica de ratos. Para a avaliação dos efeitos biológicos, foram utilizados 32 ratos Wistar divididos em quatro grupos. Um dos grupos de animais recebeu a dieta padrão para ratos em crescimento, e os demais grupos receberam esta dieta com substituição de 25, 50 ou 100% de sua fibra alimentar pela fibra do resíduo. Durante o período experimental (23 dias), foram avaliados o consumo, o ganho de peso, o coeficiente de eficiência alimentar (CEA), a produção de fezes secas e úmidas, pH e excreção de nitrogênio fecal. No final do ensaio, foram avaliados o peso do fígado e da gordura epididimal, níveis sanguíneos de triglicerídeos, colesterol total, colesterol HDL e proteínas totais. O resíduo apresentou uma composição centesimal de 8,2% de proteína, 16,7% de fibra alimentar, 62,8% de carboidratos e 288Kcal. Os resultados obtidos no ensaio biológico sugerem que o resíduo sólido da fermentação de tubérculos de batata pode ser empregado como fonte de nutrientes, com base na substituição da fração fibra de uma dieta padrão AIN-93, sem comprometer o desenvolvimento dos ratos e os parâmetros bioquímicos analisados.

Resposta biológica de ratos alimentados com resíduo da fermentação de batata (Solanumtuberosum L.)

The present research had the objectives of determining the in natura potato tuber centesimal composition in the distilling process in order to produce ethanol and to verify the solid residues resulting from this tuber fermentation process. Based on the residue composition, it was evaluated the effect of its use in the substitution of different dietary fiber content of a standard diet observing the rats biological response to this diet. In order to evaluate the biological effect, 32 Wistar rats were used divided into four groups. One group was given the standard diet for growing rats, according to recommendations of the American Institute of Nutrition (AIN-93), and the other three groups were given this diet substituting 25, 50 or 100% of residue by dietary fiber. Throughout the experimental period (23 days), consumption, weight gain, food efficiency ratio (FER), dry and moist feces production, pH and nitrogen fecal excretion were evaluated. At the end of the experiment, liver and epididimal fat weights, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and total protein levels were evaluated. The residue presented centesimal composition of 8.2% protein, 16.7% of dietary fiber, 62.8% of carbohydrates and 288 Kcal. The results obtained in the biological assay suggest that the solid residue resulting from potato tuber fermentation can be employed as a source of nutrients having as basis the exchange of fiber fraction of an AIN-93 standard diet without endangering rats' growth and the analyzed biochemical parameters.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo determinar a composição centesimal do tubérculo de batata in natura a ser utilizado no processo de destilação para a produção de etanol e do resíduo sólido resultante da fermentação deste tubérculo. Com base na composição do resíduo, avaliou-se o efeito da sua utilização na substituição de diferentes teores de fibra alimentar de uma dieta padrão, na resposta biológica de ratos. Para a avaliação dos efeitos biológicos, foram utilizados 32 ratos Wistar divididos em quatro grupos. Um dos grupos de animais recebeu a dieta padrão para ratos em crescimento, e os demais grupos receberam esta dieta com substituição de 25, 50 ou 100% de sua fibra alimentar pela fibra do resíduo. Durante o período experimental (23 dias), foram avaliados o consumo, o ganho de peso, o coeficiente de eficiência alimentar (CEA), a produção de fezes secas e úmidas, pH e excreção de nitrogênio fecal. No final do ensaio, foram avaliados o peso do fígado e da gordura epididimal, níveis sanguíneos de triglicerídeos, colesterol total, colesterol HDL e proteínas totais. O resíduo apresentou uma composição centesimal de 8,2% de proteína, 16,7% de fibra alimentar, 62,8% de carboidratos e 288Kcal. Os resultados obtidos no ensaio biológico sugerem que o resíduo sólido da fermentação de tubérculos de batata pode ser empregado como fonte de nutrientes, com base na substituição da fração fibra de uma dieta padrão AIN-93, sem comprometer o desenvolvimento dos ratos e os parâmetros bioquímicos analisados.

Resposta biológica de ratos alimentados com resíduo da fermentação de batata (Solanumtuberosum L.)

The present research had the objectives of determining the in natura potato tuber centesimal composition in the distilling process in order to produce ethanol and to verify the solid residues resulting from this tuber fermentation process. Based on the residue composition, it was evaluated the effect of its use in the substitution of different dietary fiber content of a standard diet observing the rats biological response to this diet. In order to evaluate the biological effect, 32 Wistar rats were used divided into four groups. One group was given the standard diet for growing rats, according to recommendations of the American Institute of Nutrition (AIN-93), and the other three groups were given this diet substituting 25, 50 or 100% of residue by dietary fiber. Throughout the experimental period (23 days), consumption, weight gain, food efficiency ratio (FER), dry and moist feces production, pH and nitrogen fecal excretion were evaluated. At the end of the experiment, liver and epididimal fat weights, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and total protein levels were evaluated. The residue presented centesimal composition of 8.2% protein, 16.7% of dietary fiber, 62.8% of carbohydrates and 288 Kcal. The results obtained in the biological assay suggest that the solid residue resulting from potato tuber fermentation can be employed as a source of nutrients having as basis the exchange of fiber fraction of an AIN-93 standard diet without endangering rats' growth and the analyzed biochemical parameters.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo determinar a composição centesimal do tubérculo de batata in natura a ser utilizado no processo de destilação para a produção de etanol e do resíduo sólido resultante da fermentação deste tubérculo. Com base na composição do resíduo, avaliou-se o efeito da sua utilização na substituição de diferentes teores de fibra alimentar de uma dieta padrão, na resposta biológica de ratos. Para a avaliação dos efeitos biológicos, foram utilizados 32 ratos Wistar divididos em quatro grupos. Um dos grupos de animais recebeu a dieta padrão para ratos em crescimento, e os demais grupos receberam esta dieta com substituição de 25, 50 ou 100% de sua fibra alimentar pela fibra do resíduo. Durante o período experimental (23 dias), foram avaliados o consumo, o ganho de peso, o coeficiente de eficiência alimentar (CEA), a produção de fezes secas e úmidas, pH e excreção de nitrogênio fecal. No final do ensaio, foram avaliados o peso do fígado e da gordura epididimal, níveis sanguíneos de triglicerídeos, colesterol total, colesterol HDL e proteínas totais. O resíduo apresentou uma composição centesimal de 8,2% de proteína, 16,7% de fibra alimentar, 62,8% de carboidratos e 288Kcal. Os resultados obtidos no ensaio biológico sugerem que o resíduo sólido da fermentação de tubérculos de batata pode ser empregado como fonte de nutrientes, com base na substituição da fração fibra de uma dieta padrão AIN-93, sem comprometer o desenvolvimento dos ratos e os parâmetros bioquímicos analisados.

Idade materna e mortalidade infantil: efeitos nulos, biológicos ou socioeconômicos / Mothers' ages and infant mortality rates: null, biological or socioeconomic effects / Edad materna y mortalidad infantil: ¿efectos nulos, biológicos o socioeconómicos

Há controvérsias se os extremos da idade reprodutiva feminina agregam o maior conjunto de fatores associados à mortalidade infantil, e se para filhos de mães abaixo dos 20 anos e a partir dos 35 anos de idade há evidências de maiores chances de ocorrência do óbito infantil. Para as mães adolescentes, há um importante debate se os resultados obstétricos adversos alcançados devem-se à imaturidade biológica, às condições socioeconômicas desfavoráveis, ou se há nulidade do efeito da jovem idade sobre as chances de ocorrência da mortalidade infantil. Para mães em idades avançadas, discute-se se o aumento na idade materna, a despeito dos avanços no campo da medicina, está associado ao crescimento da vulnerabilidade ao óbito infantil, se as melhores condições socioeconômicas atenuam o efeito das comorbidades maternas comuns à idade de 35 anos ou mais, ou ainda se a maternidade tardia não exerce qualquer efeito sobre a ocorrência da mortalidade infantil. Com base em evidências contrastantes acerca das chances de ocorrência da mortalidade infantil por idade materna, este trabalho objetiva apresentar e discutir os principais argumentos evocados pela literatura. No caso das maternidades precoce e tardia, há evidências que corroboram ambas as hipóteses da plausibilidade biológica e socioeconômica e da nulidade do efeito da idade materna. A variedade de metodologias empregadas para o estudo da associação entre idade da mãe ao ter o filho e a mortalidade infantil, além da não uniformidade na definição dos grupos etários entre os diversos estudos, dificulta uma identificação mais precisa acerca desta vulnerabilidade.

There are controversies as to whether extreme ages of women upon giving birth bring with them a greater number of factors associated with infant mortality rates and whether there is evidence of higher mortality rates among children of new mothers below age 20 or over age 34. Regarding teenage mothers, a heated debate is in course as to whether adverse obstetric results that occur are due to biological immaturity, to unfavorable socioeconomic situations, or if there is null effect of a woman's young age on the chances of infant mortality. One question involving older mothers at childbirth is whether, despite the inroads made in medicine, this age can be associated with higher vulnerability to infant mortality. Another factor is whether more favorable socioeconomic conditions reduce the effect of the most common infirmities seen in mothers who gave birth at age 35 or over. There is also the question as to whether late affects the occurrence of infant mortality. On the basis of contrasting evidence regarding the levels of child mortality as correlated with mothers' age, this article presents and discusses the main arguments found in the literature. In the case of both early and late childbirth, there are indications that back up not only the hypotheses of the biological and socioeconomic plausibility of infant mortality, but also the position that there is no effect of mothers' ages on this factor. Two factors hamper more precise identification regarding this vulnerability. First there is the variety of methods used to study the relationship between mother's age when giving birth, on the one hand, and infant mortality, on the other. Secondly, there is lack of uniformity among the studies in defining age groups.

Hay controversias en cuanto a si los extremos de la edad reproductiva femenina agregan el mayor conjunto de factores asociados a la mortalidad infantil, y si para los hijos de madres de menos de 20 años y desde los 35 años de edad hay evidencias de mayores probabilidades de ocurrencia de muerte infantil. Para las madres adolescentes, hay un importante debate en cuanto a si los resultados obstétricos adversos alcanzados se deben a la inmadurez biológica, a las condiciones socioeconómicas desfavorables, o si hay nulidad del efecto de la corta edad sobre las probabilidades de ocurrencia de mortalidad infantil. Para madres de edades avanzadas, se discute si el aumento en la edad materna, a pesar de los avances en el campo de la medicina, está asociado al crecimiento de la vulnerabilidad a la mortalidad infantil, si las mejores condiciones socioeconómicas atenúan el efecto de las comorbidades maternas comunes a la edad de 35 años o más, o incluso si la maternidad tardía no ejerce algún efecto sobre la ocurrencia de mortalidad infantil. Sobre la base de evidencias contrastantes acerca de las probabilidades de ocurrencia de mortalidad infantil debida a la edad materna, este trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar y discutir los principales argumentos evocados por la literatura. En el caso de la maternidad precoz y la tardía, hay evidencias que corroboran ambas hipótesis de la plausibilidad biológica y socioeconómica, y de la nulidad del efecto de la edad materna. La variedad de metodologías empleadas para el estudio de la asociación entre edad de la madre al tener el hijo y la mortalidad infantil, además de la falta de uniformidad en la definición de los grupos etarios entre los diversos estudios, dificulta una identificación más precisa acerca de esta vulnerabilidad.