Effect of ultrasound on Biceps femoris muscle tenderization in Nellore cattle / Efeito do ultrassom no amaciamento do músculo Biceps femoris em bovinos Nelore

The effect of ultrasound on Biceps femoris muscle tenderness was investigated using a 22 Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) with triplicates at the central point. We evaluated the following independent variables: ultrasound intensity ranging from 11.30 to 33.90 W cm-2 and exposure time between 35 and 205 s. The ultrasound bath's frequency (80 kHz) and temperature (10 ºC) were the fixed ones. To validate the model, the muscle was treated at the CCRD's optimized condition (80 kHz, 22.60 W cm-2, 120 s, 10 ºC) evaluated, and compared with the muscle control sample (non-treated). A 22% shear force reduction was observed compared to the control sample (no ultrasound treatment) after 144 h, and stored at 5 ºC. Moreover, a sarcoplasmic calcium concentration increase was noted for ultrasound-treated muscle, probably activating the calpain enzyme system. In contrast, no significant influence (P > 0.05) was observed for pH, color index, lipid oxidation, water holding capacity, and drip loss by ultrasound treatment at the optimized conditions. Therefore, ultrasound application is promising and suitable for improving muscle tenderness without losing meat quality. This study highlighted the ultrasound effect on the tenderness of a less studied muscle (Biceps femoris) by combining short ultrasound exposure (120 s) and an 80 kHz frequency.

O efeito do ultrassom sob a maciez do músculo Biceps femoris foi avaliado usando um Delineamento Composto Central Rotacional (DCCR) 22 com triplicatas no ponto central. As variáveis independentes estudadas foram a intensidade do ultrassom que variou de 11,30 a 33,90 W cm-2 e o tempo de exposição de 35 e 205 s. A frequência do banho de ultrassom (80 kHz) e a temperatura (10 ºC) foram fixas. Para validar o modelo, a carne foi tratada na condição otimizada do DCCR (80 kHz, 22,60 W cm-2, 120 s, 10 ºC), avaliada e comparada à amostra controle (não tratada). Uma redução de 22% na força de cisalhamento foi observada em comparação à amostra controle após 144 h e armazenada a 5 ºC. Além disso, um aumento da concentração de cálcio sarcoplasmático foi observado para o músculo tratado com ultrassom, o que provavelmente ativou o sistema enzimático da calpaína. Em contraste, o tratamento com ultrassom nas condições otimizadas não influenciou significativamente (P > 0,05) o pH, cor, oxidação lipídica, capacidade de retenção de água e perda de gotejamento. Portanto, a aplicação do ultrassom é promissora e adequada para melhorar a maciez do músculo sem perder a qualidade da carne. Este estudo destacou o efeito do ultrassom na maciez de um músculo pouco estudado (Biceps femoris) ao combinar exposição curta ao ultrassom (120 s) e uma frequência de 80 kHz.

Variants of the Circle of Willis as seen on magnetic resonance angiography and carotid siphon calcifications in community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Information on the association between anatomical variants of the Circle of Willis (CoW) and intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is limited and results are controversial. In this population-based study, we aimed to assess whether an incomplete CoW is associated with high calcium content in carotid siphons (a reliable biomarker of ICAD) in community-dwelling older adults of Amerindian ancestry. METHODS: Individuals aged ≥60 years enrolled in the Three Villages Study received a head computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) of intracranial vessels. The CoW was classified in complete or incomplete according to the presence or absence of one A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery or one or both P1 segments of posterior cerebral arteries. Calcium content in carotid siphons was rated as low or high. A multivariate logistic model was fitted to assess the independent association between incompleteness of the CoW and high calcium content in carotid siphons, after adjusting for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 581 individuals were enrolled (mean age: 71 ± 8.4 years; 57% women). MRA revealed an incomplete CoW in 227 (39%) individuals, and high-resolution CT disclosed high calcium content in carotid siphons in 185 (32%). A risk factor logistic regression model showed no independent association between incompleteness of the CoW and high calcium content in carotid siphons (odds ratio: 0.91; 95% confidence interval: 0.62-1.34; p = 0.631). CONCLUSION: Study results disclosed no association between anatomical variants of the CoW and the presence of high calcium content in carotid siphons.

Mozzarella Cheese Stretching: A Minireview.

Mozzarella cheese stretching is a thermomechanical treatment influenced by factors such as pH, acidity, stretching time and temperature. The aim of this minireview is to provide information about the stretching step and the effect of the main factors on the functional properties of mozzarella. The presented studies show that stretching under higher temperatures promotes more interactions in the protein matrix, and changes occur in the calcium balance throughout the storage period that influence water mobility, proteolysis and lead to changes in mozzarella properties. Therefore, the information presented in this minireview may facilitate the production of mozzarella cheese with specific functional properties.

Substitution of limestone for eggshell powder in the diet of Japanese laying quails / Substituição do calcário calcítico pela farinha de casca de ovos de codorna na dieta de codornas japonesas em postura

Were evaluated the effects of substituting limestone with quail eggshell powder on the zootechnical performance, egg quality, and economic efficiency of Japanese quails during peak egg production (11-20 weeks old). The experimental period was 63 days, divided into three 20-day periods. A completely randomized experimental design was used with five treatments (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% substitution of limestone by eggshell powder), six repetitions, and seven birds per experimental unit, for a total of 210 quails. Feed intake, production of egg/bird/day, egg production per bird housed, marketable egg production, egg viability, feed conversion per egg mass, Seedor index, tibia calcium content, and percentage of calcium excreted were determined. The following variables for egg quality were analyzed: egg weight, specific weight, percentage of egg yolk, albumen and shell, and shell thickness. Economic efficiency was evaluated in fresh and industrialized eggs. Statistical analyses were performed using the SAS software, version 9.2 (2010). Substitution of limestone for eggshell powder had no significant effect on zootechnical performance, tibia calcium content, or egg quality. However, there were significant effects on the percentages of albumen and calcium excreted. The substitution of limestone by eggshell powder in quail feed resulted in higher economic efficiency indexes. These results indicate that the use of 100% eggshell powder in the feed of Japanese laying quails is viable.(AU)

Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da substituição do calcário pela farinha de casca de ovo de codorna sobre o desempenho zootécnico, a qualidade dos ovos e a eficiência econômica de codornas japonesas no pico de postura (11 a 20 semanas de idade), foram utilizadas 210 codornas em um período experimental com duração de 63 dias, divididos em três períodos de 21 dias cada. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, composto de cinco tratamentos (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de substituição de calcário calcítico por casca de ovo), seis repetições e sete aves por unidade experimental. Avaliou-se o consumo de ração, produção de ovo/ave/dia, produção de ovo ave/alojada, produção de ovos comercializáveis, viabilidade, conversão alimentar massa de ovos, índice de Seedor, teor de cálcio na tíbia e porcentagem de cálcio excretado. Para avaliação da qualidade dos ovos, foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: peso do ovo, peso específico, porcentagem da gema, de albúmen e de casca e espessura da casca. A eficiência econômica foi avaliada no ovo in natura e no ovo industrializado. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando o software SAS, 2010 (Statistical Analysis System, versão 9.2). Não houve efeito significativo da substituição do calcário calcítico por farinha de casca de ovo sobre o desempenho zootécnico, porcentagem de cálcio na tíbia e qualidade de ovos. Entretanto, a porcentagem de albúmen e a porcentagem de cálcio excretado foram alterados significativamente. A substituição do calcário pela farinha de casca de ovo nas rações resultou na melhora dos índices de eficiência econômica. É possível substituir em 100% a farinha de casca de ovo em rações para codornas japonesas em postura.(AU)

Adaptation of plants to high-calcium content kart regions: possible involvement of symbiotic microorganisms and underlying mechanisms / Adaptação de plantas a regiões de kart com alto teor de cálcio: possível envolvimento de microrganismos simbióticos e mecanismos subjacentes

Rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes can help their hosts absorb nutrients and regulate the levels of plant hormones. Moreover, they can modulate the expressions of host genes, assist hosts in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secreting volatile organic compounds. Therefore, rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes are considered as determinant factors driving processes involved in the growth of host plants. However, the physiological and ecological functions, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying the behavior of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes in their role in the adaptive capacity of host plants in the karstic high-calcium environment have not been systematically studied. This review summarizes the physiological and molecular mechanisms of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes which help host plants to adapt to various kinds of adverse environments. The adaptive capacities of plants growing in adverse environments, partly, or totally, depends on microorganisms co-existing with the host plants.(AU)

Os microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera podem ajudar seus hospedeiros a absorver nutrientes e regular os níveis de hormônios vegetais. Além disso, eles podem modular as expressões dos genes hospedeiros, auxiliar os hospedeiros na eliminação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e secretar compostos orgânicos voláteis. Portanto, microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera são considerados determinantes dos processos envolvidos no crescimento de plantas hospedeiras. No entanto, as funções fisiológicas e ecológicas, bem como o mecanismo molecular subjacente ao comportamento dos microrganismos e endofíticos da rizosfera no seu papel na capacidade adaptativa das plantas hospedeiras no ambiente cárstico de alto teor de cálcio, não foram sistematicamente estudados. Esta revisão resume os mecanismos fisiológicos e moleculares de microrganismos e endófitos da rizosfera que ajudam as plantas hospedeiras a se adaptarem a vários tipos de ambientes adversos. As capacidades adaptativas das plantas que crescem em ambientes adversos, em parte ou totalmente, dependem de microrganismos coexistentes com as plantas hospedeiras.(AU)

Substitution of limestone for eggshell powder in the diet of Japanese laying quails / Substituição do calcário calcítico pela farinha de casca de ovos de codorna na dieta de codornas japonesas em postura

Were evaluated the effects of substituting limestone with quail eggshell powder on the zootechnical performance, egg quality, and economic efficiency of Japanese quails during peak egg production (11-20 weeks old). The experimental period was 63 days, divided into three 20-day periods. A completely randomized experimental design was used with five treatments (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% substitution of limestone by eggshell powder), six repetitions, and seven birds per experimental unit, for a total of 210 quails. Feed intake, production of egg/bird/day, egg production per bird housed, marketable egg production, egg viability, feed conversion per egg mass, Seedor index, tibia calcium content, and percentage of calcium excreted were determined. The following variables for egg quality were analyzed: egg weight, specific weight, percentage of egg yolk, albumen and shell, and shell thickness. Economic efficiency was evaluated in fresh and industrialized eggs. Statistical analyses were performed using the SAS software, version 9.2 (2010). Substitution of limestone for eggshell powder had no significant effect on zootechnical performance, tibia calcium content, or egg quality. However, there were significant effects on the percentages of albumen and calcium excreted. The substitution of limestone by eggshell powder in quail feed resulted in higher economic efficiency indexes. These results indicate that the use of 100% eggshell powder in the feed of Japanese laying quails is viable.

Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da substituição do calcário pela farinha de casca de ovo de codorna sobre o desempenho zootécnico, a qualidade dos ovos e a eficiência econômica de codornas japonesas no pico de postura (11 a 20 semanas de idade), foram utilizadas 210 codornas em um período experimental com duração de 63 dias, divididos em três períodos de 21 dias cada. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, composto de cinco tratamentos (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de substituição de calcário calcítico por casca de ovo), seis repetições e sete aves por unidade experimental. Avaliou-se o consumo de ração, produção de ovo/ave/dia, produção de ovo ave/alojada, produção de ovos comercializáveis, viabilidade, conversão alimentar massa de ovos, índice de Seedor, teor de cálcio na tíbia e porcentagem de cálcio excretado. Para avaliação da qualidade dos ovos, foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: peso do ovo, peso específico, porcentagem da gema, de albúmen e de casca e espessura da casca. A eficiência econômica foi avaliada no ovo in natura e no ovo industrializado. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando o software SAS, 2010 (Statistical Analysis System, versão 9.2). Não houve efeito significativo da substituição do calcário calcítico por farinha de casca de ovo sobre o desempenho zootécnico, porcentagem de cálcio na tíbia e qualidade de ovos. Entretanto, a porcentagem de albúmen e a porcentagem de cálcio excretado foram alterados significativamente. A substituição do calcário pela farinha de casca de ovo nas rações resultou na melhora dos índices de eficiência econômica. É possível substituir em 100% a farinha de casca de ovo em rações para codornas japonesas em postura.

Adaptation of plants to high-calcium content kart regions: possible involvement of symbiotic microorganisms and underlying mechanisms / Adaptação de plantas a regiões de kart com alto teor de cálcio: possível envolvimento de microrganismos simbióticos e mecanismos subjacentes

Abstract Rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes can help their hosts absorb nutrients and regulate the levels of plant hormones. Moreover, they can modulate the expressions of host genes, assist hosts in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secreting volatile organic compounds. Therefore, rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes are considered as determinant factors driving processes involved in the growth of host plants. However, the physiological and ecological functions, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying the behavior of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes in their role in the adaptive capacity of host plants in the karstic high-calcium environment have not been systematically studied. This review summarizes the physiological and molecular mechanisms of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes which help host plants to adapt to various kinds of adverse environments. The adaptive capacities of plants growing in adverse environments, partly, or totally, depends on microorganisms co-existing with the host plants.

Resumo Os microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera podem ajudar seus hospedeiros a absorver nutrientes e regular os níveis de hormônios vegetais. Além disso, eles podem modular as expressões dos genes hospedeiros, auxiliar os hospedeiros na eliminação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e secretar compostos orgânicos voláteis. Portanto, microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera são considerados determinantes dos processos envolvidos no crescimento de plantas hospedeiras. No entanto, as funções fisiológicas e ecológicas, bem como o mecanismo molecular subjacente ao comportamento dos microrganismos e endofíticos da rizosfera no seu papel na capacidade adaptativa das plantas hospedeiras no ambiente cárstico de alto teor de cálcio, não foram sistematicamente estudados. Esta revisão resume os mecanismos fisiológicos e moleculares de microrganismos e endófitos da rizosfera que ajudam as plantas hospedeiras a se adaptarem a vários tipos de ambientes adversos. As capacidades adaptativas das plantas que crescem em ambientes adversos, em parte ou totalmente, dependem de microrganismos coexistentes com as plantas hospedeiras.

Adaptation of plants to high-calcium content kart regions: possible involvement of symbiotic microorganisms and underlying mechanisms

Abstract Rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes can help their hosts absorb nutrients and regulate the levels of plant hormones. Moreover, they can modulate the expressions of host genes, assist hosts in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secreting volatile organic compounds. Therefore, rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes are considered as determinant factors driving processes involved in the growth of host plants. However, the physiological and ecological functions, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying the behavior of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes in their role in the adaptive capacity of host plants in the karstic high-calcium environment have not been systematically studied. This review summarizes the physiological and molecular mechanisms of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes which help host plants to adapt to various kinds of adverse environments. The adaptive capacities of plants growing in adverse environments, partly, or totally, depends on microorganisms co-existing with the host plants.

Resumo Os microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera podem ajudar seus hospedeiros a absorver nutrientes e regular os níveis de hormônios vegetais. Além disso, eles podem modular as expressões dos genes hospedeiros, auxiliar os hospedeiros na eliminação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e secretar compostos orgânicos voláteis. Portanto, microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera são considerados determinantes dos processos envolvidos no crescimento de plantas hospedeiras. No entanto, as funções fisiológicas e ecológicas, bem como o mecanismo molecular subjacente ao comportamento dos microrganismos e endofíticos da rizosfera no seu papel na capacidade adaptativa das plantas hospedeiras no ambiente cárstico de alto teor de cálcio, não foram sistematicamente estudados. Esta revisão resume os mecanismos fisiológicos e moleculares de microrganismos e endófitos da rizosfera que ajudam as plantas hospedeiras a se adaptarem a vários tipos de ambientes adversos. As capacidades adaptativas das plantas que crescem em ambientes adversos, em parte ou totalmente, dependem de microrganismos coexistentes com as plantas hospedeiras.

Adaptation of plants to high-calcium content kart regions: possible involvement of symbiotic microorganisms and underlying mechanisms

Abstract Rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes can help their hosts absorb nutrients and regulate the levels of plant hormones. Moreover, they can modulate the expressions of host genes, assist hosts in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secreting volatile organic compounds. Therefore, rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes are considered as determinant factors driving processes involved in the growth of host plants. However, the physiological and ecological functions, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying the behavior of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes in their role in the adaptive capacity of host plants in the karstic high-calcium environment have not been systematically studied. This review summarizes the physiological and molecular mechanisms of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes which help host plants to adapt to various kinds of adverse environments. The adaptive capacities of plants growing in adverse environments, partly, or totally, depends on microorganisms co-existing with the host plants.

Resumo Os microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera podem ajudar seus hospedeiros a absorver nutrientes e regular os níveis de hormônios vegetais. Além disso, eles podem modular as expressões dos genes hospedeiros, auxiliar os hospedeiros na eliminação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e secretar compostos orgânicos voláteis. Portanto, microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera são considerados determinantes dos processos envolvidos no crescimento de plantas hospedeiras. No entanto, as funções fisiológicas e ecológicas, bem como o mecanismo molecular subjacente ao comportamento dos microrganismos e endofíticos da rizosfera no seu papel na capacidade adaptativa das plantas hospedeiras no ambiente cárstico de alto teor de cálcio, não foram sistematicamente estudados. Esta revisão resume os mecanismos fisiológicos e moleculares de microrganismos e endófitos da rizosfera que ajudam as plantas hospedeiras a se adaptarem a vários tipos de ambientes adversos. As capacidades adaptativas das plantas que crescem em ambientes adversos, em parte ou totalmente, dependem de microrganismos coexistentes com as plantas hospedeiras.

Regulation of intestinal calcium absorption by luminal calcium content: role of intestinal alkaline phosphatase.

SCOPE: Intestinal alkaline phosphatase is a brush border enzyme that is stimulated by calcium. Inhibition of intestinal alkaline phosphatase increases intestinal calcium absorption. We hypothesized that intestinal alkaline phosphatase acts as a minute-to-minute regulatory mechanism of calcium entry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanism by which intestinal luminal calcium controls intestinal calcium absorption. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed kinetic studies with purified intestinal alkaline phosphatase and everted duodenal sacs and showed that intestinal alkaline phosphatase modifies the luminal pH as a function of enzyme concentration and calcium luminal content. A decrease in pH occurred simultaneously with a decrease in calcium absorption. The inhibition of intestinal alkaline phosphatase by l-phenylalanine caused an increase in calcium absorption. This effect was also confirmed in calcium uptake experiments with isolated duodenal cells. CONCLUSION: Changes in luminal pH arising from intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity induced by luminal calcium concentration modulate intestinal calcium absorption.