Agonistic Behavior Is Affected by Memory in the Dusky Damselfish Stegastes fuscus.

The ability to discriminate familiar from unfamiliar conspecifics has been demonstrated in several species of fish. Agonistic interactions are among the most frequent behaviors exhibited by territorial species and could offer useful information for the individual recognition process. In agonistic situations, memory may modulate the behavioral response and affect social dynamics, but few studies have explored the memory retention acquired during aggressive encounters. The present study investigated the memory retention of an agonistic encounter in the dusky damselfish Stegastes fuscus. The experimental procedure was divided into three parts: (1) Familiarization; (2) Recognition test; and (3) Memory test. During the familiarization phase, the fish were visually exposed to the same conspecific for 5 days (10 min per day) and the behavior was recorded. On the following day (conspecific recognition test), half of the animals were paired with the same conspecific and the other half with a different conspecific for 10 min, and the behavior was recorded. The fish were retested 5, 10, and 15 days after the test to evaluate memory retention. In the memory test, they were exposed to the same conspecific as before or to a different conspecific. We found that the damselfish reduced their agonistic displays when the stimulus fish was familiar, but when it was unfamiliar, the animals were more aggressive and only reduced their mnemonic response after 10 days. These results suggest that the recognition ability of damselfish can be affected by time and that it modulates agonistic response.

Incidence and profile of benign epithelial tumors of salivary glands from a single center in Northeast of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Benign tumors of the salivary glands are a group of lesions with varied histopathological and clinical spectrum. The aim was to determine the incidence and clinicopathological characteristics of benign salivary gland neoplasms diagnosed between 2007 and 2016 in a single center located in northeastern Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records regarding sex, age, anatomical location, histopathological subtype and treatment were retrieved, and data were analyzed using the Stata/IC software (version 12.0). RESULTS: There were above 7,100 cases of neoplasms in the head and neck region, of which 403 corresponded to salivary gland neoplasms. Of these, 238 (59%) were benign, being pleomorphic adenoma (PA) the most frequent neoplasm (n=178; 74.8%), followed by Warthin's tumor (WT) (n=23; 9.7%). Overall, most cases occurred in females (n=136; 57.1%) and age ranged from 11 to 83 years. The parotid gland (n=188; 79%) was the most common anatomical site, and all patients were treated by surgical excision. Of the cases diagnosed as PA, malignant transformation to carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CAEXPA) occurred in 7 (3.9%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed the clinical and demographic profile of benign salivary gland neoplasms, which contributes to the continuous knowledge of current data about these lesions.

Complexo enzimático à base de xilanase, beta-glucanase e fitase em rações para poedeiras comerciais leves em pico de produção / Enzymatic complex based on xilanase, beta-glucanase and phytase on feeds for light commercial layers at peak production

Objetivou-se avaliar a suplementação de um complexo enzimático à base de xilanase, β-glucanase e fitase em rações para poedeiras comerciais leves em pico de produção de ovos sobre o desempenho e classificação dos ovos. Foram utilizadas 288 poedeiras, com idade inicial de 25 semanas, da linhagem Hy-Line W36, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições de 12 aves cada em quatro períodos de 21 dias. As rações experimentais foram formuladas à base de milho e farelo de soja: Ração CP - controle positivo (100% energia metabolizável recomendada, sem enzimas), Ração CN - controle negativo, constituído por reduções em 75 kcal de energia metabolizável/kg de MS; 0,12 pontos percentuais (pp) de Ca e de P disponível, Ração CN + 60 g/t de complexo enzimático e Ração CN + 100 g/t de complexo enzimático. O complexo enzimático foi à base de: xilanase = 12.000 u/g; β-glucanase = 2.500 u/g e fitase = 5.000 FTU/g. As variáveis avaliadas foram: produção média de ovos (% ovos/ave/dia), peso médio dos ovos (g), consumo médio de ração (g/ave/dia), conversão alimentar por massa de ovos (g/g) e classificação dos ovos de acordo com o peso. Não houve interação entre os tratamentos e os períodos de avaliação (P>0,05). É possível observar que a produção de ovos foi influenciada pelas reduções nutricionais das rações e a inclusão de 100 g/t do complexo enzimático possibilitou a recuperação na taxa de produção de ovos, igualando às poedeiras do tratamento controle positivo (P<0,01). O consumo de ração foi 1,5% maior (P<0,05) para as aves que receberam 100 g/t de complexo enzimático em comparação as poedeiras alimentadas com ração sem adição de complexo enzimático (CN) (98,66 vs 97,20 g/ave/dia). O peso dos ovos respondeu (P<0,01) as reduções nutricionais das rações, sendo mais leves no tratamento CN, mas com recuperação ao se adicionar 100 g/t de complexo enzimático (58,46 vs 59,29 g).(AU)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the supplementation of an enzymatic complex based on xylanase, β-glucanase and phytase in light commercial egg laying feeds at peak egg production,performance and egg classification. A total of 288 laying hens of the Hy-Line W36 breed were used in a completely randomized design in split plot with four treatments and six replicates of 12 layer each in four periods of 21 days each. The experimental rations were formulated based on corn and soybean meal, consisting of four types of ration: CP ration - positive control (100% recommended metabolizable energy without enzymes), CN ration - negative control, reductions in 75 kcal of metabolizable energy, 0.12 percentual points (pp) of Ca and P available, CN Ration + 60 g/t Enzyme Complex and CN Ration + 100 g/t Enzyme Complex. The enzyme complex was composed by: xylanase = 12,000 u/g; beta-glucanase = 2500 u/g and phytase = 5000 u/g. The variables evaluated were: average egg production (egg%/layerday), mean egg weight (g), mean feed intake (g/layer/day), feed conversion per egg mass, and classification according to weight. There was no interaction between the treatments and the evaluation periods (P> 0.05). It is possible to observe that the egg production was influenced by the nutritional reductions of the rations and the inclusion of 100 g/t of the enzymatic complex made it possible to recover the egg production rate, matching the layers of the positive control treatment (P<0.01). Feed intake was higher (P<0.05) for birds receiving 100 g/t enzyme complex compared to hens fed with ration without addition of enzyme complex (negative control). The weight of the eggs responded (P<0.01) to the nutritional reductions of the rations, being lighter in the negative control treatment, but with recovery when adding 100 g/t enzyme complex.(AU)

Complexo enzimático à base de xilanase, beta-glucanase e fitase em rações para poedeiras comerciais leves em pico de produção / Enzymatic complex based on xilanase, beta-glucanase and phytase on feeds for light commercial layers at peak production

Objetivou-se avaliar a suplementação de um complexo enzimático à base de xilanase, β-glucanase e fitase em rações para poedeiras comerciais leves em pico de produção de ovos sobre o desempenho e classificação dos ovos. Foram utilizadas 288 poedeiras, com idade inicial de 25 semanas, da linhagem Hy-Line W36, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições de 12 aves cada em quatro períodos de 21 dias. As rações experimentais foram formuladas à base de milho e farelo de soja: Ração CP - controle positivo (100% energia metabolizável recomendada, sem enzimas), Ração CN - controle negativo, constituído por reduções em 75 kcal de energia metabolizável/kg de MS; 0,12 pontos percentuais (pp) de Ca e de P disponível, Ração CN + 60 g/t de complexo enzimático e Ração CN + 100 g/t de complexo enzimático. O complexo enzimático foi à base de: xilanase = 12.000 u/g; β-glucanase = 2.500 u/g e fitase = 5.000 FTU/g. As variáveis avaliadas foram: produção média de ovos (% ovos/ave/dia), peso médio dos ovos (g), consumo médio de ração (g/ave/dia), conversão alimentar por massa de ovos (g/g) e classificação dos ovos de acordo com o peso. Não houve interação entre os tratamentos e os períodos de avaliação (P>0,05). É possível observar que a produção de ovos foi influenciada pelas reduções nutricionais das rações e a inclusão de 100 g/t do complexo enzimático possibilitou a recuperação na taxa de produção de ovos, igualando às poedeiras do tratamento controle positivo (P<0,01). O consumo de ração foi 1,5% maior (P<0,05) para as aves que receberam 100 g/t de complexo enzimático em comparação as poedeiras alimentadas com ração sem adição de complexo enzimático (CN) (98,66 vs 97,20 g/ave/dia). O peso dos ovos respondeu (P<0,01) as reduções nutricionais das rações, sendo mais leves no tratamento CN, mas com recuperação ao se adicionar 100 g/t de complexo enzimático (58,46 vs 59,29 g).

The objective of this work was to evaluate the supplementation of an enzymatic complex based on xylanase, β-glucanase and phytase in light commercial egg laying feeds at peak egg production,performance and egg classification. A total of 288 laying hens of the Hy-Line W36 breed were used in a completely randomized design in split plot with four treatments and six replicates of 12 layer each in four periods of 21 days each. The experimental rations were formulated based on corn and soybean meal, consisting of four types of ration: CP ration - positive control (100% recommended metabolizable energy without enzymes), CN ration - negative control, reductions in 75 kcal of metabolizable energy, 0.12 percentual points (pp) of Ca and P available, CN Ration + 60 g/t Enzyme Complex and CN Ration + 100 g/t Enzyme Complex. The enzyme complex was composed by: xylanase = 12,000 u/g; beta-glucanase = 2500 u/g and phytase = 5000 u/g. The variables evaluated were: average egg production (egg%/layerday), mean egg weight (g), mean feed intake (g/layer/day), feed conversion per egg mass, and classification according to weight. There was no interaction between the treatments and the evaluation periods (P> 0.05). It is possible to observe that the egg production was influenced by the nutritional reductions of the rations and the inclusion of 100 g/t of the enzymatic complex made it possible to recover the egg production rate, matching the layers of the positive control treatment (P<0.01). Feed intake was higher (P<0.05) for birds receiving 100 g/t enzyme complex compared to hens fed with ration without addition of enzyme complex (negative control). The weight of the eggs responded (P<0.01) to the nutritional reductions of the rations, being lighter in the negative control treatment, but with recovery when adding 100 g/t enzyme complex.

Effect of Sorghum Based Nutritional Programs on Performance, Carcass Yield and Composition of Breast in Broilers

An experiment was conducted to compare three nutritional programs, which were developed with tannin-free grain sorghum based diets, evaluating performance, carcass yield and bromatological composition of the pectoral muscle of broilers. A total 1360 chicks mixed (50:50), from one to 42 days old Hubbard Flex Broilers, were housed in a completely randomized design consisting of treatments and 10 replicates each, distributed as follows: three programs with whole sorghum grain based diets (nutritional program with daily adjustment, nutritional program with every three days adjustment and nutritional program with four stages and a program with ground and whole sorghum grain based feed (four stages). The cumulative performance was evaluated at, 21 and 42 days, determining feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and viability. At 42 days, the yield of eviscerated carcass, breast (full and boneless), thighs/drumsticks and wings and breast composition were evaluated. Nutritional adjustments showed better feed conversion, did not affect the carcass, commercial cuts yield and had a good breast meat quality. It can be concluded that daily feed programs could be performed in poultry industry with the mixture of whole sorghum grains and concentrates directly on farms contributing to better logistics and feed transportation cost.

Effect of Sorghum Based Nutritional Programs on Performance, Carcass Yield and Composition of Breast in Broilers

An experiment was conducted to compare three nutritional programs, which were developed with tannin-free grain sorghum based diets, evaluating performance, carcass yield and bromatological composition of the pectoral muscle of broilers. A total 1360 chicks mixed (50:50), from one to 42 days old Hubbard Flex Broilers, were housed in a completely randomized design consisting of treatments and 10 replicates each, distributed as follows: three programs with whole sorghum grain based diets (nutritional program with daily adjustment, nutritional program with every three days adjustment and nutritional program with four stages and a program with ground and whole sorghum grain based feed (four stages). The cumulative performance was evaluated at, 21 and 42 days, determining feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and viability. At 42 days, the yield of eviscerated carcass, breast (full and boneless), thighs/drumsticks and wings and breast composition were evaluated. Nutritional adjustments showed better feed conversion, did not affect the carcass, commercial cuts yield and had a good breast meat quality. It can be concluded that daily feed programs could be performed in poultry industry with the mixture of whole sorghum grains and concentrates directly on farms contributing to better logistics and feed transportation cost.(AU)

Productive and Economic Performance of Broiler Chickens Subjected to Different Nutritional Plans

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional plans on the productive and economic performance of Hubbard Flex broiler chickens. A completely randomized experimental design was applied, consisting of five treatments. Treatments consisted of five different nutritional plans: a basal diet containing the nutrient and energy levels recommended by literature and designated reference diet; two diets containing 1.5% and 3% lower levels than the reference diet; and two diets containing 1.5% and 3% higher levels than the reference diet (-3%, -1.5%, reference plan, +1.5% and +3%). Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), feed conversion rate (FCR), livability (L) and productive efficient index (PEI) were determined when broilers were 42 days old. Broilers were processed, and carcass and parts (breast fillet, leg, and wings) yields were determined. The economic viablility of the nutitional plans was evaluated as a function of feed cost/kg live and carcass weights, economic efficiency index (EEI), and cost index (CI). Feed intake and the feed conversion rate decreased as dietary nutrient and energy levels increased. Feed cost/kg live weight, economic efficiency index, and cost index cost increased as dietary nutrient and energy levels increased. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, production efficiency index, and breast yield improved with increasing nutritional and energy levels. However, worse economic results were obtained with higher nutritional and energy levels.

Productive and Economic Performance of Broiler Chickens Subjected to Different Nutritional Plans

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional plans on the productive and economic performance of Hubbard Flex broiler chickens. A completely randomized experimental design was applied, consisting of five treatments. Treatments consisted of five different nutritional plans: a basal diet containing the nutrient and energy levels recommended by literature and designated reference diet; two diets containing 1.5% and 3% lower levels than the reference diet; and two diets containing 1.5% and 3% higher levels than the reference diet (-3%, -1.5%, reference plan, +1.5% and +3%). Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), feed conversion rate (FCR), livability (L) and productive efficient index (PEI) were determined when broilers were 42 days old. Broilers were processed, and carcass and parts (breast fillet, leg, and wings) yields were determined. The economic viablility of the nutitional plans was evaluated as a function of feed cost/kg live and carcass weights, economic efficiency index (EEI), and cost index (CI). Feed intake and the feed conversion rate decreased as dietary nutrient and energy levels increased. Feed cost/kg live weight, economic efficiency index, and cost index cost increased as dietary nutrient and energy levels increased. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, production efficiency index, and breast yield improved with increasing nutritional and energy levels. However, worse economic results were obtained with higher nutritional and energy levels.(AU)

Dusky damselfish Stegastes fuscus relational learning: evidences from associative and spatial tasks.

This study investigated the ability of the dusky damselfish Stegastes fuscus to associate conditioned and unconditioned stimuli (single CS-US) and to find a specific place in a clueless ambiece (spatial learning). After tested for colour preference and showing no specific colour attractively, the fish were trained to associate a colour cue with a stimulus fish (conspecific). Fish were then challenged to locate the exact place where the stimulus fish was presented. Stegastes fuscus spent most time close to the zone where stimulus was presented, even without obvious marks for orientation. The results confirm that S. fuscus show single CS-US learning and suggest the fish ability for spatial orientation. Stegastes fuscus appears to use multiple senses (sight and lateral line) for cues association and recall, and appear to perform relational learning similar to mammals. These data suggest the importance of cognitive skill for reef fishes that may have contributed to their establishment and evolutionary success in such complex environment.

Feeding management strategy for male broiler breeders and its effects on body weight, hatchability and fertility

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the supply of a specific-male diet on rooster body weight, hatchability, and fertility. Two diets were supplied during the egg production period: treatment 1, diet formulated for females and containing, in average, 2,830 kcal ME/kg and 15% CP; and treatment 2, diet specifically formulated for male broiler breeders, containing 2,750 kcal ME/kg and 13.5% CP. In the experiment, 26 flocks, with approximately 7,000 females and 840 males each, belonging to the same broiler breeder commercial strain, were distributed into 26 houses (1200m²) on the same farm, and submitted to the same management practices. Body weight was evaluated in 13 flocks per treatment and for five weeks (45, 50, 55, 60, 65), and hatchability and fertility in four incubation lots per treatment and for the same weeks. Data were evaluated by the analysis of mixed models for repeated measurements, using the PROC MIXED of SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA), and means were compared by the test of Tukey-Kramer at 5% significance level. The specific-male diet allowed body weight control during all analyzed weeks and promoted high hatchability and egg fertility. The increase in the number of chicks hatched demonstrates the economic viability of feeding a specific diet for male broiler breeders.

Feeding management strategy for male broiler breeders and its effects on body weight, hatchability and fertility

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the supply of a specific-male diet on rooster body weight, hatchability, and fertility. Two diets were supplied during the egg production period: treatment 1, diet formulated for females and containing, in average, 2,830 kcal ME/kg and 15% CP; and treatment 2, diet specifically formulated for male broiler breeders, containing 2,750 kcal ME/kg and 13.5% CP. In the experiment, 26 flocks, with approximately 7,000 females and 840 males each, belonging to the same broiler breeder commercial strain, were distributed into 26 houses (1200m²) on the same farm, and submitted to the same management practices. Body weight was evaluated in 13 flocks per treatment and for five weeks (45, 50, 55, 60, 65), and hatchability and fertility in four incubation lots per treatment and for the same weeks. Data were evaluated by the analysis of mixed models for repeated measurements, using the PROC MIXED of SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA), and means were compared by the test of Tukey-Kramer at 5% significance level. The specific-male diet allowed body weight control during all analyzed weeks and promoted high hatchability and egg fertility. The increase in the number of chicks hatched demonstrates the economic viability of feeding a specific diet for male broiler breeders.(AU)

Litter characteristics and pododermatitis incidence in broilers fed a sorghum-based diet

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of footpad dermatitis and quality of broilers litter fed with sorghum grain and diets based in corn. It was used 544 male and female chicks, distributed in a completely randomized design with two treatments and eight replications. The chicken feed was formulated and produced from corn, soybean meal and sorghum grain. In the formulation were kept constant levels of energy and protein in accordance with the following treatments: A. Control (diet based on corn and soybean meal); B. Grain sorghum (Whole Sorghum + soybean meal). At 35 and 42 days were evaluated mineral matter (A %), calcium (Ca%), phosphorus (P%), pH and dry matter (DM %) of the poultry litter. To evaluate the footpad dermatitis were evaluated eight feet per treatment by visual analysis. At 35 and 42 days of age DM % MM (%), Ca (%) P (%) and pH of poultry litter no difference (p>0.05) was found between the treatments and the type of ingredient in the birds' diet is not related (p>0.05) with the incidence of footpad dermatitis. The incidence of footpad dermatitis and the quality of the litter weren't influenced by the type of the ingredient used in diet.(AU)

Influence of materials radiopacity in the radiographic diagnosis of secondary caries: evaluation in film and two digital systems.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of restorative materials on false-positive diagnoses of secondary caries using three imaging systems. METHODS: Class II preparations were made on the occlusal and mesial or distal faces of extracted healthy third molar teeth. The teeth were divided into five groups and, with the exception of Group 5, they received a flow resin base. Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 received a layer of Natural Flow (DFL, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), Filtek Flow (3M-ESPE, St. Paul, MN), Tetric Flow (Ivoclar/Vivadent, Liechtenstein, Germany) and Protect Liner F (Kuraray, Okayama, Japan) resins, respectively, and were restored with Filtek Supreme resin (3M-ESPE). Group 5 was restored with Filtek Supreme resin. The images on film and on the Digora Optime® (Helsinki, Finland) and charge coupled device (CCD) IOX (IOX, Monninkylä, Finland) digital systems were evaluated by five examiners and the data were analysed using the Fisher's exact and Friedman tests at a 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Group 3 showed the highest rate of correct answers (restored tooth) and the lowest proportion of secondary caries diagnosis (P ≤ 0.05). Group 4 showed the highest rate of secondary caries diagnosis and the lowest proportion of correct answers (P ≤ 0.05). The systems for obtaining images presented were similar for each material. CONCLUSIONS: The restorative material was found to have an influence on the diagnosis of secondary caries lesions by imaging. The imaging system had no influence. Materials with greater radiopacity, higher than that of enamel, were favourable for a true-negative diagnosis.

Effects of developer exhaustion on DFL Contrast FV-58 and Kodak Insight dental films.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the properties of the DFL Contrast FV-58 F-speed film (DFL Co., Rio de Janerio, Brazil) with the Kodak Insight E/F speed film (Eastman Kodak, Rochester, NY) in fresh and exhausted processing solutions. The parameters studied were the speed, average gradient and latitude. METHODS: Five samples of each type of film were exposed under standardized conditions over 5 weeks. The films were developed in fresh and progressively exhausted processing solutions. Characteristic curves were constructed from values of optical density and radiation dose and were used to calculate the parameters. An analysis of variance was performed separately for film type and time. RESULTS: DFL Contrast FV-58 film has a speed and average gradient that is significantly higher than Insight film, whereas the values of latitude are lower. Exhausted processing solutions were not significant in the parameters studied. CONCLUSION: DFL Contrast FV-58 film has stable properties when exhausted manual processing solutions are used and can be recommended for use in dental practice, contributing to dose reduction.

Prevalence and risk factors of mucous retention cysts in a Brazilian population.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and analyse the risk factors of mucous retention cysts (MRCs) of the maxillary sinus. METHODS: From November 2002 to May 2007, 6293 panoramic radiographs were taken and retrospectively reviewed to estimate the prevalence of MRCs and to analyse risk factors (month, relative air humidity and mean temperature). The months in which MRCs occurred were recorded and analysed. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to correlate MRCs with relative air humidity, environmental temperature and month (significance level R(2)>0.85). RESULTS: Of the 6293 radiographs analysed, 201 (3.19%) images were suggestive of MRCs. No significant correlation was found between MRCs and relative humidity (R(2) = 0.15) of the air or temperature (R(2) = 0.40). The months with the highest numbers of MRC cases were September, October and November. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MRCs was low, and no statistical correlation was found between MRCs and relative humidity of the air, mean temperature or month.

Kinetics of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis growth on high glucose concentrations.

The kinetic and general growth features of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis were evaluated. Initial glucose concentration (S0) in fermentation media varied from 10 to 152 g/l. The results afforded to characterize four morphologically and physiologically well-defined culture phases, independent of S0 values: Phase I, vegetative growth; Phase II, transition to sporulation; Phase III, sporulation; and Phase IV, spores maturation and cell lysis. Important process parameters were also determined. The maximum specific growth rates (microX,m) were not affected with S0 up to 75 g/l (1.0-1.1 per hour), but higher glucose concentrations resulted in growth inhibition by substrate, revealed by a reduction in microX,m values. These higher S0 values led to longer Phases III and IV and delayed sporulation. Similar biomass concentrations (Xm=15.2-15.9 g/l) were achieved with S0 over 30.8 g/l, with increasing residual substrate, suggesting a limitation in some other nutrients and the use of glucose to form other metabolites. In this case, with S0 from 30.8 to 152 g/l, cell yield (YX/S) decreased from 0.58 to 0.41 g/g. On the other hand, with S0=10 g/l growth was limited by substrate, and YX/S has shown its maximum value (0.83 g/g).

Protective effects of Passiflora alata extract pretreatment on carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative damage in rats.

The leaf extract of Passiflora alata Dryander (P. alata) has been demonstrated to possess antioxidant activity in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of P. alata leaf extract pretreatment on carbon tetrachloride-treated rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups: group 1 (control - vehicle), group 2 and 3 (P. alata extract - 1 and 5mg/kg, respectively) and group 4 (trolox - 0.18mg/kg). Rats received daily pretreatment by oral gavage for 30 days followed by a single dose of CCl(4) (3ml/kg i.p. in vegetable oil) on the 30th day and were killed after 6h. The pretreatment with the P. alata extract provided significant protection to liver, evidenced by lower degree of necrosis, decreased lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and higher catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. Additionally, pretreated-rats with P. alata (5mg/kg) showed significantly decreased cardiac TBARS levels. Our results indicate that a low oral dose of P. alata leaf extract has both hepato and cardioprotective effects on rats treated with CCl(4).

Série plaquetária: valores de referência e correlações observadas entre os parâmetros plaquetários em uma população aparentemente saudável / Platelet series: reference values and correlations observed among the platelet parameters in an apparently healthy population

Os novos parametros plaquetarios: volume plaquetário médio (VPM), coeficiente de variação do volume plaquetário médio (PDW) e plaquetócrito (PCT) podem ser importantes para melhorar a identificação inicial dos distúrbios plaquetários. Os objetivos deste estudo são estabelecer valores de referência para a contagem de plaquetas (PLT), VPM, PDW e PCT em uma população de 1346 adultos aparentemente saudáveis, em ambos os sexos, bem como avaliar as correlações existentes entre os parâmetros plaquetários e construir os nomogramas necessários para a interpretação clínica da série plaquetária. Os parametros plaquetários foram analisados em amostras sangüíneas coletadas em sais do ácido etilenodiaminotetracético di-potássio (EDTA K2) pelo método de impedância elétrica. Foi verificada uma correlação inversa não linear entre VPM e PLT e entre PDW e PLT no intervalo de referência da contagem de plaquetas: as alterações no VPM e PDW foram mais acentuadas entre as contagens de plaquetas menores. Devido a esta correlação inversa não linear, foram construídos nomogramas VPM vs. PLT e PDW vs. PLT. O conhecimento das correlações existentes entre os parâmetros plaquetários na população normal pode contribuir para estabelecer o significado clínico real desses novos índices em muitas doenças.

Standardization of platelet parameters determination in blood samples collected with EDTA

O contador de células Cell-Dyn 3000 (Abbott) elabora um histograma do volume plaquetário que é determinado pelo método de impedância elétrica e por meio deste histograma estabelece a contagem de plaquetas (PLT), o volume plaquetário médio (VPM) e o coeficiente de variação do volume plaquetário médio (PDW). Calcula também o plaquetócrito (PCT), que é o produto da contagem plaquetária e do VPM. As plaquetas aumentam de volume em contato com sais do ácido etilenodiaminotetra-acético, na dependência do tempo de armazenamento das amostras sangüíneas e geram resultados de VPM elevados. Para avaliar o efeito do tempo de armazenamento no VPM, PDW, PCT e PLT, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 23 pacientes com anemia falciforme durante a fase estável (Grupo I) e 50 indivíduos normais do mesmo sexo, idade e raça (Grupo II), em Vacutainer contendo ácido etilenodiaminotetra-acético di-potássico e determinados durante 24 horas, nos seguintes intervalos de tempo: imediatamente após a punção venosa (tempo 0),15,30,60,120,240,360,480 e 1440 minutos. Os valores médio de VPM e PCT aumentaram (p<0,0001) ao longo do tempo de armazenamento em ambos os grupos. Os valores médio de PLT e PDW foram praticamente estáveis ao longo do tempo de armazenamento nos dois grupos.

The biotechnological production of sorbitol.

Sorbitol, a polyol found in many fruits, is of increasing industrial interest as a sweetener, humectant, texturizer and softener. At present, it is produced chemically. The bacterium Zymomonas mobilis is able to produce sorbitol and gluconic acid from fructose and glucose, respectively. This is possible in a one-step reaction via a glucose-fructose oxidoreductase so far only known from Z. mobilis. The possibilities for the industrial production of sorbitol by Z. mobilis are discussed, and compared with the current chemical production method as well as other microbiological processes.