Deciphering the underlying mechanisms of the oxidative perturbations and impaired meat quality in Wooden breast myopathy by label-free quantitative MS-based proteomics.

The study aimed to investigate biochemical mechanisms occurred in Wooden breast (WB) chicken meat, with attention to the impact on meat quality. Commercial chicken breasts were classified as Normal (N, n = 12), WB-M (moderate degree; focal hardness on cranial region, n = 12) and WB-S (severe degree; extreme and diffused hardness over the entire surface, n = 12). Samples were analyzed for physico-chemical properties, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, and discriminating sarcoplasmic proteins by using a Q-Exactive mass spectrometer. WB meat presented impaired composition and functionality and higher levels of lipid and protein oxidation markers than N meat. The proteomic profile of WB-S presents a dynamic regulation of the relevant proteins involved in redox homeostasis, carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolisms. Proteomics results demonstrate that the physiological and metabolic processes of muscles affected by WB myopathy are involved in combating the inflammatory process and in repairing the damaged tissue by oxidative stress.

Improving the poor texture and technological properties of chicken wooden breast by enzymatic hydrolysis and low-frequency ultrasound.

Wooden breast (WB) is a recurrent myopathy in fast-growing birds, which alters the appearance, functionality, and the texture of the breast muscle. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the effect of a combined use of papain enzyme and ultrasound on the texture of WB chicken using response surface methodology and (ii) to assess the effect of marinating on the quality of WB chicken meat. Full factorial experimental design method was used to obtain the ideal conditions to soften the WB meat. The independent variables were the concentration of papain (0.1%-0.3%) and the time in ultrasonic bath (10-30 min); shear force (SF) was the dependent variable. The optimum results were obtained at a concentration of 0.2% papain and 20 min on ultrasound. Papain enzyme had a great influence on the texture of WB meat, reducing its hardness. However, the effect of the ultrasound time on the SF response was not observed. The marinated WB meat showed similar SF values and texture profile than those from normal (N) meat, with reduction in the parameters of protein and lipid oxidation. The use of papain without ultrasound bath proved to be an efficient means for improving the tenderness of WB breasts. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study shows the efficiency of the application of two technological procedures (enzymatic treatment and ultrasound) to improve the texture profile and technological properties of chicken breasts affected by the wooden breast myopathy. The economic loss caused by the world-wide occurrence of wooden breast is enormous, and the application of papain has been found to counteract the impaired properties of this abnormal chicken breasts. Since papain is already widely used in the food industry to tenderize meat, its application in improving the quality of WB meat is straightforward.

Two new cytotypes reinforce that Micronycteris hirsuta Peters, 1869 does not represent a monotypic taxon.

BACKGROUND: The genus Micronycteris is a diverse group of phyllostomid bats currently comprising 11 species, with diploid number (2n) ranging from 26 to 40 chromosomes. The karyotypic relationships within Micronycteris and between Micronycteris and other phyllostomids remain poorly understood. The karyotype of Micronycteris hirsuta is of particular interest: three different diploid numbers were reported for this species in South and Central Americas with 2n = 26, 28 and 30 chromosomes. Although current evidence suggests some geographic differentiation among populations of M. hirsuta based on chromosomal, morphological, and nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers, the recognition of new species or subspecies has been avoided due to the need for additional data, mainly chromosomal data. RESULTS: We describe two new cytotypes for Micronycteris hirsuta (MHI) (2n = 26 and 25, NF = 32), whose differences in diploid number are interpreted as the products of Robertsonian rearrangements. C-banding revealed a small amount of constitutive heterochromatin at the centromere and the NOR was located in the interstitial portion of the short arm of a second pair, confirmed by FISH. Telomeric probes hybridized to the centromeric regions and weakly to telomeric regions of most chromosomes. The G-banding analysis and chromosome painting with whole chromosome probes from Carollia brevicauda (CBR) and Phyllostomus hastatus (PHA) enabled the establishment of genome-wide homologies between MHI, CBR and PHA. CONCLUSIONS: The karyotypes of Brazilian specimens of Micronycteris hirsuta described here are new to Micronycteris and reinforce that M. hirsuta does not represent a monotypic taxon. Our results corroborate the hypothesis of karyotypic megaevolution within Micronycteris, and strong evidence for this is that the entire chromosome complement of M. hirsuta was shown to be derivative with respect to species compared in this study.

Trends in counterfeits amphetamine-type stimulants after its prohibition in Brazil.

Brazil is one of the world's highest users of anorectic drugs, mainly diethylpropione, fenproporex and sibutramine. The present work focuses on physical and chemical characteristics of 17 counterfeited capsules containing amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) from three seizures conducted by Brazilian Federal Police. The physical profile was useful in indicating forgery, bring complementary information, but the use of this data singly was not sufficient to distinguish between authentic and counterfeited medicines. The chemical analysis revealed that the seizures capsules labeled as Desobesi-M (fenproporex 25mg), actually contained the active pharmaceutical ingrediente (API) sibutramine. The amount of this API ranged from 1/3 to 2 times the amount of drug found in commercial product, may reach twice the recommended daily dose. Multivariate analysis with application of principal component analysis on data from spectroscopy attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared classified the samples according to their similarities, indicating that two seizures had common origin. This study represents the first step in the elucidation of falsification of ATS in Brazil. Considering the forensic intelligence these information are valuable in order to develop and establish a database that enables correlate samples from different locations and/or suppliers and to map the profile and trends of trafficking.

Sorption, solubility, shrinkage and mechanical properties of "low-shrinkage" commercial resin composites.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined the volumetric shrinkage, degree of conversion, sorption, solubility, and flexure properties (before and after aging) of commercial dental composites identified as "low shrinkage". METHODS: Six Bis-GMA-based composites (Point 4, ELS, Filtek Supreme, Aelite LS Posterior, Filtek Z250 and Heliomolar), a silorane-based (Filtek LS) and a dimer dicarbamate dimethacrylate-based composite (N'Durance) were studied. Total shrinkage was measured in a mercury dilatometer (n=3). Elastic modulus and flexural strength was determined by the three point bending test before and after 4 months aging in 75% ethanol solution (n=10). Sorption and solubility in water was assessed according to ISO 4049. Additionally, composite degree of conversion was determined using near-IR spectroscopy (n=3). Data were analysed using one-way/two-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis, and Tukey's test. Student's t-test was used to compare storage periods (α=0.05). RESULTS: The volumetric shrinkage values ranged between 1.5% (Filtek LS) and 3.4% (Point 4). The materials presented different behaviors regarding aging in ethanol, as evidenced by the large range in values of percentage reduction for elastic modulus (26-75%) and flexural strength (25-86%). Sorption values ranged from 8.2µg/mm(3) (Aelite LS Posterior) to 38.2µg/mm(3) (Point 4). Solubility values ranged from -1.5µg/mm(3) (Filtek LS) to 5.7µg/mm(3) (Aelite LS Posterior). The degree of conversion values at 10min ranged between 28% (Filtek LS) and 73% (Point 4). At 72h after curing the values ranged between 39% (Filtek LS) and 83% (Point 4). SIGNIFICANCE: Among the materials identified by their manufacturers as "low shrinkage", only Filtek LS presented statistically lower values of shrinkage compared to composites based on conventional dimethacrylates, but lower degree of conversion as well. Overall materials with higher filler content presented higher initial values of flexural properties. However, their resistance to ethanol degradation seems to be influenced by different compositional factors and, therefore, cannot be directly related to water sorption results.

Aspectos hematológicos de caprinos (Capra hircus) da raça Canindé criados no Rio Grande do Norte / Hematological aspects of Canindé goats (Capra hircus) raised in Rio Grande do Norte

Objetivou-se com este trabalho estudar o perfil hematológico de caprinos (Capra hircus) da raça Canindé, criados no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, como também a busca de valores de referência que se adequem à nossa região. Foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas de 58 animais clinicamente sadios, distribuídos em 4 grupos (machos acima de 5 meses, fêmeas gestantes, fêmeas não gestantes e filhotes até 4 meses de idade). A partir de única amostra de sangue de cada animal foram realizados o eritrograma (contagem de hemácias, hematócrito, hemoglobina, volume corpuscular médio e concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média) e o leucograma (contagem total e diferencial de leucócitos). Os dados obtidos foram avaliados por meio do teste de Tukey para variáveis paramétricas e Kruskal-Wallis seguido pelo teste de Dunn para não paramétricos em nível de significância de (p<0.05). Os resultados apontam para existência de maiores quantidades de He nos machos adultos e fêmeas não gestantes, diferente do que ocorre com o VCM; já com relação ao leucograma temos que os eosinófilos mostram-se mais elevados nas fêmeas adultas e os monócitos se elevam quando na presença da gestação. Os valores deste trabalho podem servir de referência para raça Canindé, tornando possível futuras interpretações para os parâmetros verificados, além de subsidiar novos estudos em animais hígidos ou doentes. Mostra a necessidade de pesquisas que evidenciem as condições semiáridas de manejo e alimentação, bem como a avaliação dos fatores de variação, sobre constituintes do sangue, que levem em conta o sexo, a idade e estado fisiológico dos animais.(AU)

The objective of this paper was to study the hematological profile of Canindé breed goats (Capra hircus) raised in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, as well as the acquirement of reference values appropriate to our region. Blood samples were collected from 58 clinically healthy animals, distributed in 4 groups (males, over 5-month-old, pregnant and not pregnant females and young goats, up to 4 months of age). From a single blood sample from each animal, it was possible to perform the red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and the white blood cell (WBC) count and differential). The obtained data was statically evaluated by the Tukey test for parametric variables and Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's test for nonparametric-level significance (p<0.05). The results of this study can be used as a reference for this breed of goats, making future interpretations possible from the evaluated parameters, and can support further studies in healthy or diseased animals. It shows the need for further research that demonstrates the semiarid conditions of handling and feeding, as well as assessment of variation factors on the constituents of blood taking into account sex, age and the physiological state of animals.(AU)

Adsorption of beta 2-microglobulin on dialysis membranes: comparison of different dialyzers and effects of reuse procedures.

In order to measure beta 2-microglobulin adsorption on dialysis membranes, uremic plasma was passed through different dialyzers in a simulated hemodialysis circuit in which both plasma and dialysate compartments were organized as closed loops, the ultrafiltration pressure being adjusted to minimize water shifts. Under these conditions, comparison of the amounts of beta 2-m in the plasma and dialysate compartments allowed us to calculate the binding of beta 2-m to the membrane at different times of the procedure. Whereas cuprophane membrane (Gambro gf 180m, 1.8m2) did not bind beta 2-m, AN69 (Filtral, 1.1 m2), high flux polysulfone (F60, 1.2m2) and modified polyamide (Polyflux 130, Gambro, 1.3m2) were found to adsorb 49 +/- 8 mg (mean +/- SEM), 17 +/- 5 mg and 38 +/- 4 mg of beta 2-m, respectively. These data were confirmed in trace labeling experiments with 125I-beta 2-m. Adsorption was a saturable phenomenon occurring during the first 90 min of in vitro dialysis. After reuse with peracetic acid, the adsorption capacity of AN69 membrane was lowered to 20 +/- 4 mg of beta 2-m, contrasting with the unchanged adsorption after reuse with sodium hypochlorite. These data indicate that adsorption significantly contributes to beta 2-m removal during hemodialysis with certain dialyzers and that reuse procedures may affect the propensity of dialysis membranes to bind beta 2-m.

Red blood cell destruction in single-needle dialysis.

A high incidence of hemolytic episodes has been documented by increased lacticodeshydrogenase levels after dialysis. When symptomatic, these episodes presented frequently with nausea and abdominal or back pain occurring typically in the last hour of the dialysis session. A prospective study, comparing two different access devices (needle and catheter) and three double-pump systems, demonstrated the critical role of the access device configuration. In addition, the neccessity to monitor the pressures in the arterial and venous lines when working with high blood flow rates is also stressed. By comparison, red blood cell destruction is negligible in conventional double-needle dialysis.

Complement activation and leucopenia on cellulosic haemodialyzers: influence of the membrane area and role of hydroxyl moieties.

We analysed the impact of the area of the dialysis membrane and of its content in hydroxyl moieties on the magnitude of haemodialysis-induced complement activation and leucopenia. First, in five patients successively treated with cellulose acetate membranes of different areas, we found that increase of the area results in an increase in complement activation determined by C3a levels before and at 15 min of dialysis. The levels of leucopenia were similarly affected, and a significant correlation was found between complement activation and leucopenia (r = 0.89, P less than 0.05). When we compared the biocompatibility characteristics of a dialyser made of saponified cellulose ester with those of two dialysers made of cellulose acetate, we found that index of complement activation (18.1 +/- 2 vs 9.9 +/- 1.1 and 11.5 +/- 1.1, P less than 0.01) as well as index of leucopenia (69 +/- 4 vs 40 +/- 2 and 37 +/- 3, P less than 0.001) were significantly higher on the saponified cellulose ester dialysers suggesting that hydroxyl groups of cellulosic membranes play an important role in the pathophysiology of dialysis-induced changes.

Infections associated with subclavian dialysis catheters: the key role of nurse training.

Two hundred subclavian dialysis catheters were placed in 148 patients who kept them in place for a total of 2,798 days. Catheterization time ranged from 1 to 79 days with an average of 14.0 +/- 1.0 days per catheter and 18.9 +/- 1.0 days per patient. Twenty nine catheters were infected, 17 of which were the source of bacteremias due to Staphylococcus epidermidis in 13 cases and to Staphylococcus aureus in 4 cases. The incidence of sepsis was not significantly greater in diabetic patients, in patients with corticotherapy or in patients presenting an underlying systemic disease. On the contrary, the incidence was greater in hospitalized patients (15 bacteremias during 1,948 catheter days) than in ambulatory patients (2 bacteremias during 850 catheters-days) as well as during a period corresponding to a greater number of untrained nurses enrolled in the dialysis team. During this period, 6 sepsies occurred in 19 catheters (other periods: 7 sepsies/116 catheters, p less than 0.01). 6 of 28 nurses had less than 3 months of professional experience (other periods: 1 of 25, p less than 0.01). These data underline the key role of nurse training in the prevention of catheter-related infections.

[Comparative effects of oral water load of different mineral compositions on the excretion of ions and oxalic acid]. / Effets comparés sur l'excrétion des ions et de l'acide oxalique de charges orales en eaux de compositions minérales différentes.

The effects on urinary excretion of a 1500 ml daily load of three drinking waters with different ionic contents were studied in six normal subjects. Diuresis was similarly increased by the three waters of an amount equal to the load. Urine output of urea, creatinin, uric acid, phosphate, potassium, magnesium was not significantly modified by the three waters as compared to a control period. Natriuresis was significantly increased following the intake of the water which contained sodium as well as calciuria with the water containing calcium. Urine output of oxalate was increased by the three waters in correlation with the free water content of the load. This effect is probably due to a reduction in passive tubular reabsorption of oxalate since a similar effect was observed with an equivalent water load given by intravenous route. Nevertheless, due to the dilution of urine, the index of urine saturation for calcium oxalate was diminished by the three waters.