Ontogenetic and sexual differences in the venom of Bothrops moojeni: insights from a litter and its mother.

Variability in snake venom composition is well-documented and crucial for understanding snake ecology and predicting snakebites. In this study, we characterize the venom composition and biological activities of newborn female and male Bothrops moojeni and their mother. Our results reveal significant differences between the venom of newborn females and males, demonstrating a broad and diverse range of proteins. The venoms of newborn females showed higher serine protease effects, increased hemorrhagic activity, and greater lethality compared to the venom of newborn males. However, no differences were observed in phospholipase A2 and coagulant activity. The differences in protein composition and toxic activities between maternal and neonatal venom, as well as between the venoms of newborn females and males, contribute to understanding the diverse outcomes of snakebites. These results underscore the importance of considering sex and ontogeny in understanding venom composition in snakes.

Synergistic effect of serine protease inhibitors and a bothropic antivenom in reducing local hemorrhage and coagulopathy caused by Bothrops jararaca venom.

Snakebite accidents are a public health problem that affects the whole world, causing thousands of deaths and amputations each year. In Brazil, snakebite envenomations are caused mostly by snakes from the Bothrops genus. The local symptoms are characterized by pain, swelling, ecchymosis, and hemorrhages. Systemic disturbances can lead to necrosis and amputations. The present treatment consists of intravenous administration of bothropic antivenom, which is capable of reversing most of the systemic symptoms, while presenting limitations to treat the local effects, such as hemorrhage and to neutralize the snake venom serine protease (SVSP). In this context, we aimed to evaluate the activity of selective serine protease inhibitors (pepC and pepB) in combination with the bothropic antivenom in vivo. Further, we assessed their possible synergistic effect in the treatment of coagulopathy and hemorrhage induced by Bothrops jararaca venom. For this, we evaluated the in vivo activity in mouse models of local hemorrhage and a series of in vitro hemostasis assays. Our results showed that pepC and pepB, when combinated with the antivenom, increase its protective activity in vivo and decrease the hemostatic disturbances in vitro with high selectivity, possibly by inhibiting botropic proteases. These data suggest that the addition of serine protease inhibitor to the antivenom can improve its overall potential.

Hypervirulent and hypermucoviscous extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella variicola in Chile.

Convergence of virulence and antibiotic-resistance has been reported in Klebsiella pneumoniae, but not in Klebsiella variicola. We, hereby, report the detection and genomic characterization of hypervirulent and hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae and K.variicola recovered in Chile from health-care associated infections, which displayed resistance to broad-spectrum cephalosporins. One hundred forty-six K. pneumoniae complex isolates were screened by hypermucoviscosity by the "string test." Two hypermucoid isolates, one hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae (hmKp) and one K. variicola (hmKv), were further investigated by whole-genome sequencing. In vivo virulence was analyzed by the Galleria mellonella killing assay. In silico analysis of hmKp UCO-494 and hmKv UCO-495 revealed the presence of multiple antibiotic-resistance genes, such as blaCTX-M-1, blaDHA-1 and blaLEN-25 among others clinically relevant resistance determinants, including mutations in a two-component regulatory system related to colistin resistance. These genetic features confer a multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype in both strains. Moreover, virulome in silico analysis confirmed the presence of the aerobactin gene iutA, in addition to yersiniabactin and/or colicin V encoding genes, which are normally associated to high virulence in humans. Furthermore, both isolates were able to kill G. mellonella and displayed higher virulence in comparison with the control strain. In summary, the convergence of virulence and the MDR-phenotype in K. pneumoniae complex members is reported for the first time in Chile, denoting a clinical problem that deserves special attention and continuous surveillance in South America.

FUT3 expression in human breast cancer cells under hypoxia and serum deprivation.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of hypoxia and serum deprivation on regulation of fucosyltransferase-3 (FUT3) expression in breast cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FUT3 expression was evaluated in T47D and MCF7 cells. Transcriptional and protein analysis was performed under hypoxia and serum deprivation conditions after 6 and 24 hours; and after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. RESULTS: In T47D cells, experimental conditions induced a significant decrease in FUT3 expression at both, transcriptional and protein levels, while in MCF7 cells the same conditions induced a significant increase of FUT3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Regulation of FUT3 expression under hypoxic and serum deprivation conditions may be involved in the acquisition of advantages related to apoptosis resistance and metastasis promotion, according to the intrinsic differences presented by T47D and MCF7 cells.

Is there a correlation between arthroscopic findings and the clinical signs and symptoms of patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint? A prospective study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between clinical signs and symptoms of patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and arthroscopic findings. The study included a sample of 67 patients who underwent TMJ arthroscopy. The variables evaluated were the arthroscopic findings of synovitis, chondromalacia, adhesion, and roofing. The Spearman correlation index was used to correlate these findings with the clinical signs and symptoms of internal derangement of the TMJ, namely maximum mouth opening, pain (visual analogue scale, VAS), and the Wilkes classification. The mean age of the population was 36.16 years, and 85% were female. There was a correlation between pain and synovitis (P=0.0029, r=0.3508), between mouth opening limitation and the amount of adhesion (P=0.0004, r=-0.4084), and between Wilkes classification and the presence of chondromalacia and disc displacement (P=0.001, r=0.374 and P=0.0045, r=-0.3357, respectively). No correlation was found between age and the presence of chondromalacia (P=0.3444, r=0.1147). Patients who had worse pain symptoms had more advanced stages of synovitis, and the increased presence of adhesions was associated with limitations in mouth opening. Furthermore, those with more advanced Wilkes stages had greater disc displacement and more severe stages of chondromalacia.

Outcomes of Liver Transplant Recipients With Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Exception: Single-Center Experience in the Northeast of Brazil.

The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) exception policy in liver transplantation is based on symptoms and clinical conditions not included in the calculated MELD score. Therefore, patients with chronic liver disease, like refractory ascites, chronic encephalopathy, recurrent cholangitis, and refractory pruritus, may benefit with extra points. The objective of this study was to establish the profile of the patients submitted to liver transplantation with MELD exceptions based on symptoms in the University Hospital Walter Cantídio, Ceara, Brazil, between the years of 2012 and 2015, analyzing donor and recipient data, with special attention to patients with refractory ascites and recurrent encephalopathy, including survival rates. The results demonstrated acceptable survival rates for MELD exception patients (78.4% in 3 years), showing that maybe this allocation criterion should be maintained, or even expanded.

The Berg Balance Scale as a clinical screening tool to predict fall risk in older adults: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is often used in clinical practice to predict falls in the older adults. However, there is no consensus in research regarding its ability to predict falls. OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the BBS can predict falls risk in older adults. DATA SOURCE: Manual and electronic searches (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Ageline, Lilacs, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and PEDro) were conducted using blocks of words (older adults, falls, BBS, study design) and their synonyms, with no language restrictions and published since 1989. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Prognostic studies or clinical trials were used to assess the BBS and falls history. DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS: In this narrative synthesis, two independent assessors extracted data from articles and a third reviewer provided consensus, in case of disagreement. The methodological quality was assessed using the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. RESULTS: 1047 studies were found and 8 studies were included in this review. The mean BBS score was high, regardless of the history of falls. Three studies presented cut-off scores for BBS, ranging from 45 to 51 points. Two studies reported a difference in the BBS score between fallers and non-fallers. Studies presented low to moderate risk of bias. LIMITATIONS: Unfeasible to conduct a meta-analysis due the heterogeneity of included studies. CONCLUSION: The evidence to support the use of BBS to predict falls is insufficient, and should not be used alone to determine the risk of falling in older adults. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42016032309.

Drought promotes increases in total mercury and methylmercury concentrations in fish from the lower Paraíba do Sul river, southeastern Brazil.

Bioaccumulation of mercury and methylmercury in fish represents a serious risk to human beings. Extreme climate events like droughts may increase the trophic transfer of contaminants and net methylation of mercury. The present study assessed the influence of the 2014 drought on total mercury and methylmercury levels in fish from the lower Paraiba do Sul river basin. Contaminant levels were compared for Pimelodus fur, Pachyurus adspersus, Pimelodella lateristriga, Oligosarcus hepsetus, and Crenicichla lacustris captured in five sites in 2013 (N = 212) and 2014 (N = 231). The results indicate that levels of contaminants were higher during the drought in most species. Rainfall was weakly and negatively correlated with total mercury levels in most of the species. The weak relationship between these two variables was due to the indirect influence of rainfall on mercury bioaccumulation. In summary, drought increased the levels of two contaminants in fish.

Biochemical Properties of α-Amylase from Midgut of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Larvae.

The lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), is the main insect pest in the poultry industry, thus causing serious damage to production. In this work, the properties of midgut α-amylase from larvae of A. diaperinus were characterized, and its in vitro activity to proteinaceous preparations from different cultivars of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) was determined, as well as the amylolitic activity of insects reared on different types of poultry diet. In order to establish some assay conditions, time course and enzyme concentration upon the reaction rate were determined. Product proceeded linearly with time, and the activity was directly proportional to the enzyme concentration. Banding patterns in mildly denaturing electrophoresis showed a single band with apparent molecular weight of 42 kDa. α-Amylase reached optimal temperature at 45°C and pH 5.0 as the optimal one. It maintained 34.6% of the activity after being kept at 60°C for 5 min, and 23%, after 60 min. However, at 80°C, only 14 and 6% remained after 5 and 60 min, respectively. The presence of Ca2+ and Na+ ions decreased the enzyme activity at concentrations higher than 2 and 100 mM, respectively. The activity was significantly inhibited by some proteinaceous extracts from common bean cultivars, and it declined with increasing proteinaceous concentration. No significant difference was observed when the amylolytic activity was determined in A. diaperinus reared on different poultry diets, offered to broilers in the starter, grower, finisher, and layer phases.

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated to spontaneous preterm birth and maternal aspects.

Preterm birth (PTB) is featured by less than 37weeks of gestational age or fewer than 259days since the first day from the last menstrual period. Complications of PTB are the major cause of neonatal deaths, several factors are linked to PTB increased risk including immunological and genetics. Vitamin D plays an important role in immune response modulation and its action occurs through the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which recently has been described as overexpressed in human placenta during the pregnancy. Herein we assessed two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) FokI (rs2228570 A>G) and Cdx-2 (rs11568820 T>C), within VDR, using TaqMan fluorogenic probes, and differential susceptibility to SPTB. We assessed 104 pregnant women with SPTB and 85 women with normal birth in a Northeastern Brazilian population. Statistically significant differences for both SNPs where found when comparing allele and genotype frequencies in both groups: the T allele for rs2228570 and A allele for rs11568820 were significantly more frequent in SPTB group than in normal birth group (p=0.000013 and p=0.00466, respectively). The rs11568820 A/A genotype was associated to clinical/demographic variables such as: premature birth (p=0.007), neonate weight (p=0.039), presence of infection during pregnancy (p=0.011) and premature birth among multiparous (p=0.015). The rs2228570 T/T genotype associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (p=0.044) and chorioamnionitis during pregnancy (p=0.043). In conclusion our findings indicate an association between polymorphisms FokI and Cdx-2 within VDR gene and SPTB, suggesting their involvement in the triggering of these syndromes.

Use of aqueous extract of noni in extender for sheep semen freezing / Utilização do extrato aquoso de noni em diluente para congelação de sêmen ovino

The study aimed to evaluate the action of aqueous extract of noni in an extender for sheep semen freezing. Treatments differed in inclusion of aqueous extract of noni in the extender: T1 ˗ no addition; T2 ˗ 24µg/mL; T3 ˗ 72µg/mL; and T4 ˗ 120µg/mL. Ejaculates were collected, diluted in the four treatments, and frozen. After thawing, the semen was subjected to a thermoresistance test and evaluated for subjective motility, vigor, membrane integrity assessment by hypo-osmotic swelling test, live-dead assay, computer-assisted sperm analysis and the status of sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. Data were subjected to ANOVA, and then to Student Newman Keuls's test at 5% significance level. In the thermoresistance test after two hours of incubation, motility in T4 (120µg/mL) was lower than in the other treatments, with no differences in the HoS test in either diluted semen or in the semen evaluated immediately post-thawing, while for the other times, treatments showed similar responses. Regarding the motility parameters, a difference was observed for progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, and amplitude of lateral head displacement. As to the sperm capacitation status, a difference was observed between treatments for the sperm capacitated with intact acrosome.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ação do extrato aquoso de noni em diluente para congelação de sêmen de carneiro. Os tratamentos diferiram quanto à inclusão de extrato aquoso de noni ao meio diluidor em: T1˗ sem adição de extrato; T2˗ 24µg/mL ; T3- 72µg/mL e 120µg/mL. Por meio de vagina artificial, 16 ejaculados foram coletados, diluídos entre os quatro tratamentos e congelados. Após o descongelamento, o sêmen foi submetido ao teste de termorresistência e avaliado quanto à motilidade subjetiva, ao vigor espermático, à integridade de membrana pelo teste hiposmótico, bem como ao teste supravital, à análise de sêmen assistida por computador (CASA) e ao status de capacitação espermática e de reação acrossomal. Os dados foram submetidos a uma análise de variância, seguida pelo teste de Student-Newman-Keuls com 5% de significância. No teste de termorresistência, após duas horas de incubação, a motilidade do T4 (120µg/mL) apresentou-se inferior aos demais tratamentos. Não houve diferença significativa no teste HOS tanto para o sêmen diluído quanto para o sêmen avaliado imediatamente pós-descongelação; para as demais horas, os tratamentos apresentaram comportamento semelhante. Para os parâmetros de cinética, foi observada diferença estatística para motilidade progressiva, velocidade curvilinear, velocidade do percurso médio e amplitude de deslocamento lateral da cabeça. Quanto ao estado de capacitação espermática, observou-se diferença entre os tratamentos para espermatozoide capacitado com acrossomo intacto.(AU)

Bone mineral density and inflammatory bowel disease severity.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD). In this study, the association between disease severity and BMD in patients with IBD was evaluated. Associations between BMD and the Montreal classification, disease activity and drug therapy were also tested. A cross-sectional prevalence study with a comparison group was conducted. One hundred and twenty-eight patients were evaluated: 68 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 60 with Crohn's disease (CD). The control group consisted of 67 healthy subjects. All patients and controls had BMD measured and in IBD patients, current medications, hospitalization, and disease location, extent and phenotype, according to the Montreal classification, were recorded. Multiple correspondence analysis was applied to evaluate categorical variables. In the CD group, most patients were diagnosed between 17-40 years of age. Ileocolonic and non-stricturing non-penetrating disease were the most frequent disease location and behavior, respectively. In UC patients, extensive colitis was the most frequent disease location. UC and CD patients were more likely to have osteopenia than controls (OR=14.93/OR=24.38, respectively). In the CD group, male patients, perianal disease, penetrating behavior and age at diagnosis >40 years were associated with low BMD. Taking azathioprine and infliximab also seemed to be associated with osteopenia. In the UC group, we observed an association between low BMD and male patients, left colitis, corticosteroid use and hospitalization. Disease activity was not associated with osteopenia or osteoporosis in CD and UC patients. Disease severity seems to be associated with osteopenia in IBD patients.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of geraniol in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and human hepatoma cell line (HepG2).

Geraniol is an acyclic monoterpene alcohol present in the essential oil of many aromatic plants and is one of the most frequently used molecules by the flavor and fragrance industries. The literature also reports its therapeutic potential, highlighting itself especially as a likely molecule for the development of drugs against cancer. In view of these considerations, this study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of geraniol, in an in vitro protocol, using two types of human cells: one without the ability to metabolize (peripheral blood mononuclear cells - PBMC), and the other with this capability (human hepatoma cell line - HepG2) through the comet assay and the micronucleus test. Four concentrations (10, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL) were selected for the genotoxic assessment for PBMC and three (1.25, 2.5, and 5 µg/mL) for HepG2 cells based on cytotoxicity tests (MTT assay). Results showed that geraniol did not present genotoxic or clastogenic/aneugenic effects on both cell types under the conditions studied. However, caution is advised in the use of this substance by humans, since a significant reduction in viability of HepG2 and a marked decrease in cell viability on normal PBMC were verified.

1, 25-dihidroxivitamina-D 3 sobre as características ósseas de frangos de corte fêmeas / 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 over bony characteristics of female broilers

Objetivou-se avaliar as características dos tibiotarsos de frangos de corte fêmeas. As variáveis analisadas foram os pesos in natura, secos e desengordurados, o comprimento, os diâmetros, a resistência óssea, o índice de Seedor (IS), os percentuais de proteínas colagenosas (PC), as proteínas não colagenosas (PNC), os minerais (cálcio, fósforo, potássio e sódio) e as cinzas. Foram utilizadas 648 aves, da marca comercial Cobb®, em um delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com seis tratamentos e seis repetições, com 18 aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram na suplementação de 0,00; 0,50; 1,00; 1,50; 2,00 e 2,50 µg de 1,25-dihidroxivitamina-D3 (1,25(OH)2D3)/kg de ração. Aos 21 e 35 dias de idade, as aves foram pesadas e uma ave por unidade experimental (UE) com o peso médio da UE foi eutanasiada para a obtenção dos tibiotarsos e subsequente análise dos parâmetros ósseos. As variáveis métricas, bem como a composição orgânica (PC), a densidade (IS) e a resistência à quebra dos ossos das aves, não foram influenciadas pelos tratamentos. No recebimento de 2,50 µg de 1,25(OH)2D3/kg de ração, observou-se maior retenção mineral (cinzas) nos ossos das aves aos 35 dias de idade.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of tibiotarsus of female broilers. The variables analyzed were the weights in natura, dry and degreased, length, diameter, bone strength, Seedor index, percentage of collagenous protein (CP), non-collagenous proteins (NCP), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium), and ash. Six hundred forty-eight, Cobb® birds were used, a design of randomized blocks with six treatments and six replicates of 18 birds each. The treatments consisted of supplementation of 0.00; 0.50; 1.00; 1.50; 2.00 to 2.50 µg of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 (1,25(OH)2D3)/kg of ration. At 21 and 35 days of age the birds were weighed and a unit/experimental unit (EU) with the EU average weight was euthanized to obtain the tibiotarsos and subsequent analysis of the bone parameters. The metric variables, as well as the organic composition (CP), density (IS) and resistance to breakage of the bones of the birds were not affected by treatments. Upon reception of 2.50 µg of 1,25(OH)2D3/kg ration, there was a higher mineral retention (ashes) in the bones of female broilers at 35 days of age.(AU)

Polymorphisms in key bone modulator cytokines genes influence bisphosphonates therapy in postmenopausal women.

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial and debilitating disease resulting from decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and loss of tissue microarchitecture. Ineffective therapies may lead to bone fractures and subsequent death. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in key immune regulator genes have been associated with therapeutic response to bisphosphonates, which are the first therapeutic line of choice for osteoporosis. However, cytokine pathways and their relation with therapeutic adhesion remain to be fully elucidated. Aimed at better understanding these processes, we investigated the response to bisphosphonate therapy in postmenopausal women and four SNPs in key proinflammatory cytokines genes: IL23R +2284 (C>A) (rs10889677), IL17A +672 (G>A) (rs7747909), IL12B +1188 (T>G) (rs3212227) and INF-γ -1616 (G>A) (rs2069705). A total of 69 patients treated with bisphosphonate were followed for a period of 1 up to 4 years, genotyped and compared according to their changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and level of biochemical markers during their treatment. The INF-γ -1616 G/G associated with increased BMD values in femoral neck (GG/AA, p = 0.016) and decreased BMD values in total hip (GG/GA, p = 0.019; GG/AA, p = 0.011). In relation to biochemical markers, INF-γ -1616 SNP associated with increased alkaline phosphatase (GG/AA; p < 0.0001) and parathyroid hormone levels (AA/GA; p = 0.017). Vitamin D values changes were related to IL17A +672 (GG/GA, p = 0.034) and to IL12B +1188 (TT/TG, p = 0.046) SNPs. Besides, significant differences in changes of calcium levels correlated with IL23R +2284 (CC/CA, p = 0.016) genotypes. Altogether, we suggest that these polymorphisms may play an important role for therapeutic decisions in osteoporosis treatment.

Tratamento de efluentes de abatedouro de frangos por meio de reator UASB seguido de filtro anaeróbio / Treatment of waste water poultry slaughter house through UASB reactor followed by anaerobic filter

O Brasil é um dos maiores produtores de aves do mundo e se destaca na exportação de carne de frango, que tem papel relevante na economia do país. Como resultado do crescimento da indústria de processamento do frango, há também um significativo aumento na geração de efluentes. Uma alternativa interessante para o tratamento desses resíduos são os reatores anaeróbios. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho do sistema reator UASB-Filtro anaeróbio no tratamento de efluentes de abate de frangos. O estudo foi desenvolvido em um abatedouro avícola, situado na região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. O sistema de tratamento foi composto por peneira estática, caixa de gordura, reator UASB e filtro anaeróbio. A vazão média diária de efluentes do abatedouro foi de 30m³/dia. A carga orgânica aplicada no reator UASB foi de 0,71kg DQO/m³.d. O monitoramento do sistema foi realizado por meio de análises físico-químicas do afluente e dos efluentes da caixa de gordura, reator UASB e filtro anaeróbio. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: temperatura, pH, demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO), sólidos suspensos totais (SST), e sólidos suspensos voláteis (SSV). Os valores efluentes médios encontrados para DBO, DQO e SST foram 106, 290 e 56mg/L, respectivamente. A eficiência de remoção do sistema para DBO variou de 83 a 99%, e para DQO de 50 a 98%. A eficiência de remoção média de SST e SSV foi de 92%. Conclui-se que o sistema reator UASB seguido de filtro anaeróbio apresentou alto desempenho na remoção de sólidos e carga orgânica. Dessa forma, esses reatores tornam-se uma alternativa viável para o tratamento de águas residuárias de frigoríficos, já que oferecem bons resultados de remoção de poluentes.

Brazil is one of the largest poultry producers in the world and stands out in exportation of chicken meat, which plays an important role in the economy. As a result of the growth of the poultry processing industry, there is also a significant increase in the generation of wastewater. An interesting alternative for the treatment of such wastes is anaerobic. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the system UASB reactor-anaerobic filter on wastewater treatment of slaughtering chickens. The study was conducted in a poultry slaughterhouse located in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. The treatment system was composed of static sieve, grease trap, UASB reactor and anaerobic filter. The daily average flow of effluent from the abattoir was 30m³/day. The organic load applied to the UASB reactor was 0.71kg COD/m³.d. The monitoring system was performed by means of physico-chemical analysis of the influent and effluent of fat, UASB reactor and anaerobic filter. The parameters evaluated were: temperature, pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (SS) and volatile suspended solids (VSS). The mean values for effluent BOD, COD and SS were 106, 290 and 56mg/L, respectively. The removal efficiency of BOD to the system ranged 83-99% for COD and 50-98%. The average removal efficiency of SS and SSV were 92%. We conclude that the system UASB reactor followed by anaerobic filter showed high performance in removing solids and organic load. Thus, these reactors become a viable alternative for treating wastewater slaughterhouses, offering good results in removing pollutants.

Plantas medicinais no processo de cicatrização de feridas: uma revisão de literatura / Medicinal plants in the wound healing process: a literature review

Uma busca foi realizada na literatura, visando sumarizar as pesquisas realizadas e obter informações acerca da utilização de plantas medicinais no processo de cicatrização de feridas. Utilizaram-se os descritores: Plantas Medicinais e Cicatrização de Feridas e seus equivalentes em inglês e espanhol, com o operador booleano "AND" em três bases eletrônicas de dados (PubMed, LILACS e COCHRANE). Foram selecionados 57 artigos para compor a revisão. Os resultados apontam que um total de 52 plantas medicinais e um composto de ervas foram estudados experimentalmente ou clinicamente, quanto aos seus efeitos no auxílio do processo de cicatrização, sendo que a maioria (88,5%) apresentou eficácia. Com isso, verifica-se que a utilização de plantas medicinais trata de importante alternativa no tratamento de feridas, que começa a fazer parte da atenção à saúde brasileira, o que sugere novos estudos de comprovação clínica, custos, e benefícios e a constante atualização acerca das publicações realizadas.

It was done a literature search aiming to sumarize earlier conducted researches and in order to obtain information on the use of medicinal plants in wound healing process. The descriptors used were as follows: Medicinal Plants and Wound Healing and their equivalents in English and Spanish with the Boolean operator "AND" in three electronic databases (PubMed, LILACS and COCHRANE). Fifty seven articles were chosen to compose the review. The findings from a total of fifty two medicinal plants and one herbal compound that were experimentally or clinically studied in respect to their effects in wound healing process indicate that the majority of them (eighty eight point five per cent) showed efficacy. Thus, it can be seen that the use of medicinal plants is an important alternative in wounds treatment that becomes part of Brazilian health care, suggesting further studies of clinical evidence, costs and benefits and constantly updating on produced publications.

Effect of menthol in experimentally induced ulcers: pathways of gastroprotection.

Based on ethnopharmacological indications that Mentha species may be used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, this study aimed to characterize the gastroprotective mechanisms of menthol (ME), the major compound of the essential oil from species of the genus Mentha. The gastroprotective action of ME was analyzed in gastric ulcers that were induced by ethanol or indomethacin in Wistar male rats. The mechanisms responsible for the gastroprotective effect were assessed by analyzing the amount of mucus secreted, involvement of non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) compounds, involvement of calcium ion channels and NO/cGMP/K(+)ATP pathway, gastric antisecretory activity and the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. The anti-diarrheal activity and acute toxicity of ME were also evaluated. Oral treatment with ME (50mg/kg) offered 88.62% and 72.62% of gastroprotection against ethanol and indomethacin, respectively. There was an increased amount of mucus and PGE2 production. The gastroprotective activity of ME involved NP-SH compounds and the stimulation of K(+)ATP channels, but not the activation of calcium ion channels or the production of NO. The oral administration of ME induced an antisecretory effect as it decreased the H(+) concentration in gastric juice. ME displayed anti-diarrheal and antiperistaltic activity. There were no signs of toxicity in the biochemical analyses performed in the rats' serum. These results demonstrated that ME provides gastroprotective and anti-diarrheal activities with no toxicity in rats.

Adição da parede celular de levedura (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) na dieta para frangos de corte / Addition of the yeast cell wall (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in the diet for broilers chickens

Os efeitos da parede celular de Saccharomyces cerevisiae (PCSc) na dieta para frangos foram avaliados com base nos tratamentos: dieta referência com avilamicina (AV); dieta referência (DR); DR com 0,1% de PCSc (PCSc0,1); DR com 0,2% de PCSc (PCSc0,2); DR com 0,3% de PCSc (PCSc0,3). O delineamento foi o de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e seis repetições de 10 aves, totalizando 300 frangos, machos. No período de nove a 21 dias de idade, o tratamento PCSc0,3 influenciou negativamente no ganho de peso (631g), e no período de 34 a 39 dias, o tratamento PCSc0,1 proporcionou melhor ganho de peso (461g) em relação ao tratamento com o antimicrobiano. O maior peso vivo ao abate, 2571g, foi obtido no tratamento PCSc0,1. Os pesos absolutos de sobrecoxa e coxa+sobrecoxa foram maiores nos tratamentos PCSc0,1 (290g e 560g) e PCSc0,2 (292g e 561g) e menores no tratamento PCSc0,3 (263g e 515g). Não houve influência na metabolizabilidade da ração e na contagem total de coliformes totais no íleo. Dietas com inclusão de até 0,2% de PCSc resultaram em índices produtivos adequados, podendo ser utilizadas como aditivo em dietas livres de antimicrobiano melhorador de desempenho sem o comprometimento do desempenho, características de carcaça, metabolizabilidade da ração e da contagem total de coliformes totais do íleo.

The effects of the yeast cell wall (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (CWSc) in the diet of broiler chickens were evaluated through the following treatments: reference diet with avilamicin (AV); reference diet (RD); RD with 0.1% CWSc (CWSc0,1); RD with 0.2% CWSc (CWSc0,2); RD with 0.3% CWSc (CWSc0,3). The study design was randomized blocks, with five treatments and six replicates of 10 birds, totaling 300 male broilers. In the period from 9 to 21 days treatment CWSc0.3 had a negative influence on weight gain (631g) and from 34 to 39 days CWSc0.1 provided better weight gain (461g) compared to the treatment with the antimicrobial. The highest live weight value at slaughter, 2,571 grams, was obtained in treatment CWSc0.1. The absolute weights of drumstick and thigh+drumstick were higher in treatments CWSc0.1 (290g and 560g) and CWSc0.2 (292g and 561g) and were lower for CWSc0.3 (263g and 515g). There was no influence of the treatments on both the metabolizability and the total count of coliforms in the ileum. Diets until 0.2% of PCSc inclusion resulted in correct productive rates and they can be used as a ration growth promoter additive in antimicrobial free diets without damage on performance, carcass characteristics, organ weight, metabolizability of the diets and total coliform count in the ileum.

Gastric Ulcers in Middle-Aged Rats: The Healing Effect of Essential Oil from Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae).

The elderly population has experienced increased life expectancy as well as the increased incidence of gastric ulcers. The peels of fruits from Citrus aurantium L., popularly known in Brazil as orange bitter, are commonly used asatea form for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disorders, such as ulcer and gastritis. We evaluated the healing effects of essential oil from the peels of Citrus aurantium fruits (OEC) on gastric ulcers in middle-aged rats. We examined the effects of a 14-day chronic OEC treatment on gastric mucosa in middle-aged male Wistar rats that were given acetic-acid-induced gastric lesions by morphometric and immunohistological analyses. Oral OEC treatment significantly reduced the lesion area (76%) within the gastric mucosa and significantly increased (P < .05) the height of regenerated mucosa (59%) when compared to the negative control group. Immunohistochemical analysis of the molecular markers such as COX-2, HSP-70, VEGF, and PCNA in the gastric mucosa confirmed that OEC treatment induced healing effects by increasing the number of new blood vessels and by augmenting gastric mucus in the mucosa glands. These results suggest that the oil from Citrus aurantium effectively heals gastric ulcers in middle-aged animals; however, safe use of OEC demands special care and precautions.