Levels of energy supplementation for heifers in Tifton 85 pasture on carcass characteristics, internal organs and meat quality.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of concentrate supplementation on carcass characteristics of heifers finished on Tifton 85 pasture. Thirty-two cross-breed heifers (Charolais and Nellore) on average aged 25.51 months and weighing 298 kg were used in a completely randomized experiment. The animals were distributed uniformly to receive four different levels of concentrates based on the body weight: 0.0; 0.4; 0.8 and 1.2%. Animals were slaughtered at 29 months of age. There was increasing linear effect of levels energy supplementation on: slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weights,hot and cold dressing percentage, thigh thickness, carcass compactness, and L* and b* color values. It was observed quadratic effect of levels of energy supplementation on the percentage of fat in the carcass. Different levels of energy supplementation did not modify the accumulation of vital organs and visceral fat or the sensory attributes of the meat. Higher levels of energy supplementation promote increases in carcass traits of heifers when finished on Tifton 85 pasture.

Influence of visible light on cutaneous hyperchromias: Clinical efficacy of broad-spectrum sunscreens.

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous hyperchromias are disorders of skin pigmentation involving increased melanin production and its irregular accumulation in skin cells. The use of sunscreens is fundamental for the control of hyperchromias by reducing the stimulation of pigmentation, as melanin synthesis is mainly stimulated by solar radiation. Many studies have demonstrated that visible light can induce significant skin damage. Considering the effects of visible light, effective photoprotection should not be limited only to UV protection but should also involve visible and infrared protection. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of UV-VIS sunscreens in protecting skin against damages caused by solar radiation and the influence of visible light on the appearance of cutaneous hyperchromias. METHODS: Forty volunteers aged 18 to 39 years with skin hyperpigmentation participated in the study. To evaluate the efficacy of the formulations developed, the percentage of hyperpigmented area was evaluated using high-resolution images-Visioface® Quick (Courage-Khazaka, Germany) and the analysis of epidermal pigmentation was performed by RCM-Vivascope® 1500 (Lucid, USA). Also, the melanin index was determined using the Mexameter® M X16 colorimeter (Courage-Khazaka, Germany). RESULTS: The developed formulations were effective in the reduction in melanin index, epidermal pigmentation, and percentage of hyperpigmented area. CONCLUSION: Finally, this study discusses how the combination of UV filters and pigments can protect the skin from solar radiation and reduces skin hyperpigmentations.

Assessment of skin pigmentation by confocal microscopy: Influence of solar exposure and protection habits on cutaneous hyperchromias.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous hyperchromias are disorders of skin pigmentation involving an increase of melanin production and its irregular accumulation in skin cells. It is known that the use of sunscreens helps to prevent changes in the skin pigmentation pattern, but the structural and morphological alterations that occur in the different types of hyperpigmentations need better elucidation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of solar exposure and protection habits on the pattern of skin pigmentation using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). METHODS: Forty volunteers aged 18-39 years with skin hyperpigmentation participated in the study. Skin characterization was performed by imaging techniques and by assessing the habits of solar exposure and protection by applying questionnaires to the volunteers. RCM was used to record sequences of confocal sections at areas of interest and to examine cell shape and brightness in the basal cell layer of the lesion and in normal perilesional skin. Furthermore, high-resolution images were obtained for analysis of the spots. RESULTS: Sunlight influences the number and location of spots as the face of volunteers with higher solar exposure was covered with spots, whereas volunteers with less exposure had fewer spots located in the nose and cheeks region due to greater exposure of these areas to the sun. CONCLUSION: The data showed the importance of sun protection for preventing changes in the pattern of skin pigmentation, and RCM proved to be an important tool for skin characterization.