Temperature increase impairs recognition among nestmates in the social wasp Polybia paulista H. von Ihering, 1896 (Vespidae: Polistinae: Epiponini)

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) of most terrestrial arthropods primarily serve as a protective barrier against desiccation and infection. Throughout evolution, these compounds have acquired another fundamental function: the exchange of signals during interactions between nestmates. However, even though cuticular hydrocarbons perform a dual function in social insects, little is known about the effect(s) of one function on the other in social insects, and no study has evaluated this relationship in social wasps. Therefore, the present study tests the hypothesis that the level of aggressiveness presented during induced encounters between nestmates of Polybia paulista who were subjected to different conditions temperature is different than between nestmates who remained under the same temperature conditions. If the hypothesis is confirmed, it is likely because the cuticle of the wasps that had been exposed to temperature variation adjusted to these conditions leading them not to recognize the cuticular chemical signature of their colony. To test this hypothesis, workers were exposed to temperature variation in a BOD chamber and then subjected to encounters with workers who were maintained at a constant temperature of 24℃. We also used control groups to evaluate the effect of isolation alone among the groups. According to our results, our hypothesis was confirmed, the level of aggressiveness presented between nestmates who were exposed to temperature variation and those who remained at 24℃ was significantly higher than the levels of aggressiveness presented between nestmates who remained isolated but under constant temperature during the same period, in some cases, it was similar to the aggressiveness presented in encounters between wasps from different colonies. During these encounters, wasps performed alarm behavior, bites, and stings not seen during encounters between wasps that remained under the same temperature, but in isolated groups. The lack of aggressive behavior under isolated conditions indicates that isolation had no effect on chemical recognition signature. These results suggest that temperature variation may have caused some change in the cues that allow recognition between nestmates. On the other hand, these results were not caused by isolation or stress generated by the study design and difference in the CHC profile of workers, as described in the literature, is consistent with our results.(AU)

Anthropic action affects the cuticular chemical profile of social wasps

As a result of environmental change by anthropic action, animal species that inhabit these areas may suffer the effects of it on their phenotypes as a consequence of adapting to these conditions. In the case of social wasps, cuticular chemical compounds may be influenced, since these vary depending on genetic and environmental factors. However, few studies have investigated the synanthropic effects over the cuticular surface of social wasps. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how cuticular compounds vary according to the different degrees of human activity and test the hypothesis that cuticular compounds of social wasps are affected by the level of anthropic activity in which their nests are found. Data on the cuticular chemical compounds composition of colonies of 3 species of social wasps were used along with the level of anthropization of their nesting sites in four municipalities in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. From the geographical coordinates of the sampling sites, the percentages of urban construction areas, agriculture, water body, vegetation and exposed land were calculated, and the nesting sites of the colonies were classified as more or less anthropized areas. The chemical profile was determined by extraction of cuticular compounds and analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). The results show that the cuticular chemical composition of the individuals of these species is affected by the level of anthropization in their nesting sites, with a qualitative and quantitative variation that must be tied not only to genetic differences, but, above all, to the local environmental conditions to which their colonies are subjected.(AU)

Cytotoxicity and the bioconversion strategy of Aristolochia spp

Aristolochia plants are notable from an ethnopharmacological viewpoint, but the relevance of these species for medicinal purposes has been debated because of their inherent toxicity. The convergence of these contrasting realities can be readily achieved using bioconversion methods, which have been shown to be useful tools for numerous applications, including the detoxification of biomass. In this context, methanolic extracts of leaves from Aristolochia triangularis and Aristolochia gibertii, as well as the feces of Battus polydamas larvae fed with leaves from these plants, were prepared, and their cytotoxic activities were evaluated on a human fibroblast cell line (GM07492). The leaf extracts were found to be cytotoxic, leading to reductions of 42.1 and 33.8% on cell viability, respectively, while the fecal extracts were considered inactive. In addition to evidencing the cytotoxicity of A. triangularis and A. gibertii, these findings demonstrated a potential bioconversion strategy for obtaining aristolochiaceous extracts with reduced toxicity using the larvae of a specialist phytophagous insect, thus renewing expectations in relation to the pharmacological importance of Aristolochia spp. The results were also ecologically relevant, as B. polydamas larvae were found to be able to detoxify compounds from host plants.(AU)

Cytotoxicity and the bioconversion strategy of Aristolochia spp

Aristolochia plants are notable from an ethnopharmacological viewpoint, but the relevance of these species for medicinal purposes has been debated because of their inherent toxicity. The convergence of these contrasting realities can be readily achieved using bioconversion methods, which have been shown to be useful tools for numerous applications, including the detoxification of biomass. In this context, methanolic extracts of leaves from Aristolochia triangularis and Aristolochia gibertii, as well as the feces of Battus polydamas larvae fed with leaves from these plants, were prepared, and their cytotoxic activities were evaluated on a human fibroblast cell line (GM07492). The leaf extracts were found to be cytotoxic, leading to reductions of 42.1 and 33.8% on cell viability, respectively, while the fecal extracts were considered inactive. In addition to evidencing the cytotoxicity of A. triangularis and A. gibertii, these findings demonstrated a potential bioconversion strategy for obtaining aristolochiaceous extracts with reduced toxicity using the larvae of a specialist phytophagous insect, thus renewing expectations in relation to the pharmacological importance of Aristolochia spp. The results were also ecologically relevant, as B. polydamas larvae were found to be able to detoxify compounds from host plants.(AU)

Fatty acids profile, atherogenic and thrombogenic health lipid indices in the meat of lambs that received canola grain / Perfil de ácidos graxos, índices de lipídios aterogênicos e trombogênicos em carne de cordeiros alimentados com grãos de canola

This study evaluated the fatty acid composition and qualitative characteristics of meat from lambs feed in feedlot with increasing levels of canola grain. Meat obtained from 27 lambs fed 0, 8 and 16% inclusion of canola grain were analyzed. There was a reduction in the content of saturated fatty acids (SFA): lauric, heptadecanoic, and stearic; and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA): palmitoleic, oleic, and eicosatrienoic, with the increasing levels of canola grain. There was a linear reduction for the ω3 acid and the ω3: ω6 ratio, while the ω6: ω3 ratio increased. But the values observed for this ratio (ω6: ω3) were lower than 4, which is considered a satisfactory value. There was a slight increase (~2%) for the thrombogenicity index and atherogenicity index with the inclusion of canola grain. There was a reduction in the hypocholesterolemic: hypercholesterolemic ratio, with mean values of 2.09 for the diet with 0% inclusion, and 2.06 for 8 and 16% inclusion of canola. Although the inclusion of canola grain for lambs decreased the content of some UFA, reflecting alterations in the correlated nutritional properties, there is a reduction of SFA. The results for instrumental analysis, proximate composition, and sensory acceptance of the lamb meat were similar among the treatments.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a composição dos ácidos graxos e as características qualitativas da carne de cordeiros terminados com níveis crescentes de canola grão na dieta. Foram estudadas amostras de carne provenientes de 27 cordeiros, confinados por 45 dias e alimentados com 00, 08 e 16% de inclusão de canola grão. Houve efeito para os ácidos graxos saturados (AGS): laurico, heptadecanoico e esteárico; ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (AGMI): palmitoleico e oleico; e ácidos graxos polinsaturados (AGPI): eicosatrienoico. Estes ácidos reduziram à medida que os níveis da canola grão aumentaram. Para os AGMI, houve efeito com maior concentração no músculo dos cordeiros alimentados sem a canola grão (49,80%). Houve uma redução linear para o ácido ω3 e para a relação ω3:ω6, enquanto que a relação ω6:ω3 aumentou. A canola grão influenciou o índice de aterogenicidade, com média de 0,57 para o tratamento com 0% de inclusão e 0,58 para os tratamentos com 8% e 16% de inclusão. Observou-se aumento linear para o índice de trombogenicidade com a inclusão da canola grão, cujas médias foram, respectivamente, 0,16, 0,17 e 0,18 para os tratamentos 0%, 8% e 16% de inclusão. Houve redução para a relação hipocolesterolêmicos-hipercolesterolêmicos, com médias de 2,09 para a dieta com 0% de inclusão, e 2,06 para 8% e 16% de inclusão da canola em grão na dieta. A canola grão não influenciou a análise instrumental, composição centesimal e atributos sensoriais da carne.(AU)

Fatty acids profile, atherogenic and thrombogenic health lipid indices in the meat of lambs that received canola grain / Perfil de ácidos graxos, índices de lipídios aterogênicos e trombogênicos em carne de cordeiros alimentados com grãos de canola

This study evaluated the fatty acid composition and qualitative characteristics of meat from lambs feed in feedlot with increasing levels of canola grain. Meat obtained from 27 lambs fed 0, 8 and 16% inclusion of canola grain were analyzed. There was a reduction in the content of saturated fatty acids (SFA): lauric, heptadecanoic, and stearic; and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA): palmitoleic, oleic, and eicosatrienoic, with the increasing levels of canola grain. There was a linear reduction for the ω3 acid and the ω3: ω6 ratio, while the ω6: ω3 ratio increased. But the values observed for this ratio (ω6: ω3) were lower than 4, which is considered a satisfactory value. There was a slight increase (~2%) for the thrombogenicity index and atherogenicity index with the inclusion of canola grain. There was a reduction in the hypocholesterolemic: hypercholesterolemic ratio, with mean values of 2.09 for the diet with 0% inclusion, and 2.06 for 8 and 16% inclusion of canola. Although the inclusion of canola grain for lambs decreased the content of some UFA, reflecting alterations in the correlated nutritional properties, there is a reduction of SFA. The results for instrumental analysis, proximate composition, and sensory acceptance of the lamb meat were similar among the treatments.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a composição dos ácidos graxos e as características qualitativas da carne de cordeiros terminados com níveis crescentes de canola grão na dieta. Foram estudadas amostras de carne provenientes de 27 cordeiros, confinados por 45 dias e alimentados com 00, 08 e 16% de inclusão de canola grão. Houve efeito para os ácidos graxos saturados (AGS): laurico, heptadecanoico e esteárico; ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (AGMI): palmitoleico e oleico; e ácidos graxos polinsaturados (AGPI): eicosatrienoico. Estes ácidos reduziram à medida que os níveis da canola grão aumentaram. Para os AGMI, houve efeito com maior concentração no músculo dos cordeiros alimentados sem a canola grão (49,80%). Houve uma redução linear para o ácido ω3 e para a relação ω3:ω6, enquanto que a relação ω6:ω3 aumentou. A canola grão influenciou o índice de aterogenicidade, com média de 0,57 para o tratamento com 0% de inclusão e 0,58 para os tratamentos com 8% e 16% de inclusão. Observou-se aumento linear para o índice de trombogenicidade com a inclusão da canola grão, cujas médias foram, respectivamente, 0,16, 0,17 e 0,18 para os tratamentos 0%, 8% e 16% de inclusão. Houve redução para a relação hipocolesterolêmicos-hipercolesterolêmicos, com médias de 2,09 para a dieta com 0% de inclusão, e 2,06 para 8% e 16% de inclusão da canola em grão na dieta. A canola grão não influenciou a análise instrumental, composição centesimal e atributos sensoriais da carne.(AU)

Effect of natural feed additives on meat quality and caecotrophic fatty acid profile of New Zealand rabbits / Efeito de aditivos alimentares naturais na qualidade de carne e no perfil de ácidos graxos cecotrófico de coelhos Nova Zelândia

The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of commercial probiotic and chitosan as food additives on the quality and meat composition of 36 New Zealand White rabbits (57 ± 8 days old and 1,648 ± 0.194 kg) and on the fatty acid profile of caecotrophs. The treatments were CT (diets without inclusion of additives), PRO (inclusion of 4 g / kg of commercial probiotic) and CHI (inclusion of 4 g / kg of chitosan). The additives increased triglycerides and decreased urea compared to the control group, as well as increased oleic and linoleic acids, Ʃ unsaturated, Ʃ monounsaturated and Ʃ polyunsaturated in caecotrophs. CHI animals showed a decrease in myristic and palmitic acids compared to PRO. CHI decreased the meat's crude protein and the meat's fat. In addition, there was a decrease in omega-3, omega-6 and the relationship unsaturated and saturated fatty acids for the CHI group and an increase in erucic acid and a decrease in the rate of hypocholesterolemic acids. As a conclusion, the data showed that the animals that ingested probiotic had better meat quality, for having better fatty acid profile and hypocholesterolemic index, compared to the treatment with chitosan. The additives improved the caecotrophs fatty acid profile.(AU)

Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram avaliar os efeitos do probiótico e da quitosana como aditivos alimentares na qualidade e composição da carne de 36 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia Branco (57±8 dias de idade e 1.648±0.194 kg) e no perfil de ácidos graxos dos cecotrofos. Os tratamentos foram CT (dietas sem inclusão de aditivos), PRO (inclusão de 4 g/kg de probiótico) e CHI (inclusão de 4 g/kg de quitosana). Os aditivos aumentaram os triglicerídeos e diminuíram a ureia em comparação ao grupo controle, bem como amentaram os ácidos oleico e linoleico, Ʃ insaturados, Ʃ monoinsaturados e Ʃ poli-insaturados nos cecotrofos. Os animais CHI apresentaram diminuição nos ácidos mirístico e palmítico em comparação ao PRO. A CHI diminuiu a proteína bruta da carne e o extrato etéreo da carne. Além disso, houve uma diminuição no ômega-3, ômega-6 e a relação entre ácidos graxos insaturados e saturados para o grupo CHI e aumento do ácido erúcico e diminuição do índice de hipocolesterolemia. Como conclusão, os dados mostraram que os animais que ingeriram probiótico apresentaram melhor qualidade da carne, por apresentarem melhores perfil de ácidos graxos e índice hipocolesterolêmico, em comparação ao tratamento com quitosana. Os aditivos melhoraram o perfil de ácidos graxos dos cecotrofos.(AU)

Effect of natural feed additives on meat quality and caecotrophic fatty acid profile of New Zealand rabbits / Efeito de aditivos alimentares naturais na qualidade de carne e no perfil de ácidos graxos cecotrófico de coelhos Nova Zelândia

The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of commercial probiotic and chitosan as food additives on the quality and meat composition of 36 New Zealand White rabbits (57 ± 8 days old and 1,648 ± 0.194 kg) and on the fatty acid profile of caecotrophs. The treatments were CT (diets without inclusion of additives), PRO (inclusion of 4 g / kg of commercial probiotic) and CHI (inclusion of 4 g / kg of chitosan). The additives increased triglycerides and decreased urea compared to the control group, as well as increased oleic and linoleic acids, Ʃ unsaturated, Ʃ monounsaturated and Ʃ polyunsaturated in caecotrophs. CHI animals showed a decrease in myristic and palmitic acids compared to PRO. CHI decreased the meat's crude protein and the meat's fat. In addition, there was a decrease in omega-3, omega-6 and the relationship unsaturated and saturated fatty acids for the CHI group and an increase in erucic acid and a decrease in the rate of hypocholesterolemic acids. As a conclusion, the data showed that the animals that ingested probiotic had better meat quality, for having better fatty acid profile and hypocholesterolemic index, compared to the treatment with chitosan. The additives improved the caecotrophs fatty acid profile.

Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram avaliar os efeitos do probiótico e da quitosana como aditivos alimentares na qualidade e composição da carne de 36 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia Branco (57±8 dias de idade e 1.648±0.194 kg) e no perfil de ácidos graxos dos cecotrofos. Os tratamentos foram CT (dietas sem inclusão de aditivos), PRO (inclusão de 4 g/kg de probiótico) e CHI (inclusão de 4 g/kg de quitosana). Os aditivos aumentaram os triglicerídeos e diminuíram a ureia em comparação ao grupo controle, bem como amentaram os ácidos oleico e linoleico, Ʃ insaturados, Ʃ monoinsaturados e Ʃ poli-insaturados nos cecotrofos. Os animais CHI apresentaram diminuição nos ácidos mirístico e palmítico em comparação ao PRO. A CHI diminuiu a proteína bruta da carne e o extrato etéreo da carne. Além disso, houve uma diminuição no ômega-3, ômega-6 e a relação entre ácidos graxos insaturados e saturados para o grupo CHI e aumento do ácido erúcico e diminuição do índice de hipocolesterolemia. Como conclusão, os dados mostraram que os animais que ingeriram probiótico apresentaram melhor qualidade da carne, por apresentarem melhores perfil de ácidos graxos e índice hipocolesterolêmico, em comparação ao tratamento com quitosana. Os aditivos melhoraram o perfil de ácidos graxos dos cecotrofos.

Dietary yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) influences lipid profile of broiler meat / Erva mate na dieta influencia o perfil lipídico da carne de frangos de corte

Yerba mate ( Ilex paraguariensis) has in its composition organic compounds wich can modify chemical composition of broiler meat. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of yerba mate in chemical composition and lipid profile of broiler breast and thigh meat. The trial was conducted using 500 broiler chicks distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0.1; 0.2; 0.4, and 0.6%) and five replicates with 25 chicks each. The chicken were raised form 1 to 42 days old and slaughtered for analysis of breast and thigh meat. The addition of mate did not affect the chemical composition and the lipid profile of the chicken breast, however, the composition of the meat of thigh meat was affected. It was observed effect of the addition of the yerba mate to saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the chicken meat. Stands out the reduction in saturated fatty acid concentrations and the increase in the concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially Linolenic and Eicosapentaenoic, thus demonstrating the potential of mate grass in altering the lipid profile of poultry meat.(AU)

A erva mate ( Ilex paraguariensis) possui em compostos orgânicos com propriedades de modificar a composição química de carne de frangos de corte, desta maneira este estudo avaliou a influência da erva mate sobre a composição química e o perfil lipídico de carne de peito, coxas e sobrecoxas de frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 500 pintainhos de corte distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com inclusões de erva mate nas dietas (0.1; 0.2; 0.4, e 0.6%) com quatro repetições de 25 aves em cada tratamento, criados de 1 a 42 dias de idade para posterior abate e análises da composição de cortes cárneos. A adição de erva mate não afetou a composição química e o perfil lipídico dos peitos de frangos, porém a composição da carne de sobrecoxas foi afetada. Foi observado efeito da adição da erva mate em ácidos graxos saturados, insaturados, monoinsaturados e poli-insaturados na carne de sobrecoxas de frango, destacando-se a redução nas concentrações de ácidos graxos saturados e o aumento das concentrações dos ácidos poli-insaturados, em especial Linolênicoe Eicosapentaenoico, demonstrando assim o potencial da erva mate em alterar o perfil lipídico da carne de aves.(AU)

Dietary yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) influences lipid profile of broiler meat / Erva mate na dieta influencia o perfil lipídico da carne de frangos de corte

Yerba mate ( Ilex paraguariensis) has in its composition organic compounds wich can modify chemical composition of broiler meat. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of yerba mate in chemical composition and lipid profile of broiler breast and thigh meat. The trial was conducted using 500 broiler chicks distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0.1; 0.2; 0.4, and 0.6%) and five replicates with 25 chicks each. The chicken were raised form 1 to 42 days old and slaughtered for analysis of breast and thigh meat. The addition of mate did not affect the chemical composition and the lipid profile of the chicken breast, however, the composition of the meat of thigh meat was affected. It was observed effect of the addition of the yerba mate to saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the chicken meat. Stands out the reduction in saturated fatty acid concentrations and the increase in the concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially Linolenic and Eicosapentaenoic, thus demonstrating the potential of mate grass in altering the lipid profile of poultry meat.

A erva mate ( Ilex paraguariensis) possui em compostos orgânicos com propriedades de modificar a composição química de carne de frangos de corte, desta maneira este estudo avaliou a influência da erva mate sobre a composição química e o perfil lipídico de carne de peito, coxas e sobrecoxas de frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 500 pintainhos de corte distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com inclusões de erva mate nas dietas (0.1; 0.2; 0.4, e 0.6%) com quatro repetições de 25 aves em cada tratamento, criados de 1 a 42 dias de idade para posterior abate e análises da composição de cortes cárneos. A adição de erva mate não afetou a composição química e o perfil lipídico dos peitos de frangos, porém a composição da carne de sobrecoxas foi afetada. Foi observado efeito da adição da erva mate em ácidos graxos saturados, insaturados, monoinsaturados e poli-insaturados na carne de sobrecoxas de frango, destacando-se a redução nas concentrações de ácidos graxos saturados e o aumento das concentrações dos ácidos poli-insaturados, em especial Linolênicoe Eicosapentaenoico, demonstrando assim o potencial da erva mate em alterar o perfil lipídico da carne de aves.

Meat quality of Pantaneiro lambs at different body weights / Qualidade da carne de cordeiros Pantaneiros de diferentes pesos corporais

The aim of this study was to assess the meat quality of Pantaneiro lambs finished in confinement and slaughtered at different body weights (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 kg). Forty-five non-castrated male Pantaneiro lambs were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and nine replicates. The animals were housed in individual pens and slaughtered when they reached the target weights. For instrumental and centesimal analyses, the Semimembranosus, Longissimus lumborum, Gluteobiceps, and Triceps brachii muscles were used, whereas for fatty acid profile analysis only the Longissimus lumborum muscle was used. The different body weights influenced the final pH of the meat, but this still remained within the recommended values; however, the meat of heavier lambs had increased water-holding capacity (WHC), redness (a*), and fat content, making it the tenderest but least luminous and humid meat. Greater body weight led to a higher saturated fatty acid (SFA) content, reduction of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), higher hypercholesterolemic fatty acid content (H), and higher atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity indexes (TI). Therefore, it was concluded that the meat of lambs slaughtered at lower body weight presented better nutritional quality, making it more suitable for human consumption.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade da carne de cordeiros Pantaneiros terminados em confinamento e abatidos com diferentes pesos corporais (15, 20, 25 30 e 35 kg). Foram utilizados 45 cordeiros Pantaneiros, machos, não castrados, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e nove repetições. Os animais foram alojados em baias individuais e abatidos quando atingiram os pesos pré-determinados. Para as análises instrumentais e centesimais, foram utilizados os músculos Semimembranosus, Longissimus lumborum, Gluteobiceps e Triceps brachii, enquanto que apenas o Longissimus lumborum foi utilizado para análise de perfil de ácidos graxos. Os diferentes pesos corporais influenciaram no pH final da carne, mas este se manteve ainda dentro do valor recomendado; porém, a elevação do peso corporal dos cordeiros, aumentou a capacidade de retenção de água (CRA), o índice de vermelho (a*) e os teores de lipídeos da carne, deixando-a mais macia, porém, menos luminosa e úmida. O maior peso corporal levou a um maior teor de ácidos graxos saturados (AGS), redução nos teores de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (AGMI) e poli-insaturados (AGPI), aumento da hipercolesterolemia (H) e dos índices de aterogenicidade (IA) e trombogenicidade (IT). Portanto, concluiu-se que a carne de cordeiros abatidos com menor peso corporal apresentou melhor qualidade nutricional, tornando-a mais adequada ao consumo humano.(AU)

Toxicological properties of an aqueous extract of Aristolochia triangularis leaves, using the brine shrimp lethality and Allium cepa bioassays / Propriedades toxicológicas de um extrato aquoso de folhas de Aristolochia triangularis utilizando os bioensaios de letalidade com Artemia salina e Allium cepa

The aqueous extract of Aristolochia triangularis leaves showed activity against Artemia salina larvae, with an LD50 of 370.6 µg/mL. In experiments with Allium cepa seeds, the extract caused a 51.26% reduction in the germination index, inhibited mean root growth, and was cytotoxic at concentrations of 668 and 2,000 µg/mL. Its antioxidant activity was additionally assessed in this research and the ferric reducing antioxidant power value was found to be 391.2 µM/g. Such health-beneficial property can be attributed partly to the total phenolic content, spectrophotometrically determined as 52.67 mg/g. The occurrence of cytotoxicity suggested caution when consuming teas from A. triangularis leaves for medicinal purposes, and equally reveals the need for further studies to investigate their adverse effects.(AU)

O extrato aquoso de folhas de Aristolochia triangularis mostrou atividade sobre larvas de Artemia salina, com um DL50 de 370,6 µg/mL. Em experimentos com sementes de Allium cepa, o extrato provocou uma redução de 51,26% no índice de germinação, inibiu o crescimento radicular médio e foi citotóxico nas concentrações de 668 e 2.000 µg/mL. Sua atividade antioxidante foi adicionalmente avaliada nesta pesquisa e o valor de poder redutor de íons férrico foi de 391,2 µM/g. Tal propriedade benéfica para a saúde pode ser parcialmente atribuída ao conteúdo de compostos fenólicos totais, espectrofotometricamente determinada como 52,67 mg/g. A ocorrência de citotoxicidade sugeriu cautela ao consumir chás de folhas de A. triangularis para propósitos medicinais, e igualmente revela a necessidade por estudos adicionais para investigar os efeitos adversos deles.(AU)

Meat quality of Pantaneiro lambs at different body weights / Qualidade da carne de cordeiros Pantaneiros de diferentes pesos corporais

The aim of this study was to assess the meat quality of Pantaneiro lambs finished in confinement and slaughtered at different body weights (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 kg). Forty-five non-castrated male Pantaneiro lambs were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and nine replicates. The animals were housed in individual pens and slaughtered when they reached the target weights. For instrumental and centesimal analyses, the Semimembranosus, Longissimus lumborum, Gluteobiceps, and Triceps brachii muscles were used, whereas for fatty acid profile analysis only the Longissimus lumborum muscle was used. The different body weights influenced the final pH of the meat, but this still remained within the recommended values; however, the meat of heavier lambs had increased water-holding capacity (WHC), redness (a*), and fat content, making it the tenderest but least luminous and humid meat. Greater body weight led to a higher saturated fatty acid (SFA) content, reduction of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), higher hypercholesterolemic fatty acid content (H), and higher atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity indexes (TI). Therefore, it was concluded that the meat of lambs slaughtered at lower body weight presented better nutritional quality, making it more suitable for human consumption.

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade da carne de cordeiros Pantaneiros terminados em confinamento e abatidos com diferentes pesos corporais (15, 20, 25 30 e 35 kg). Foram utilizados 45 cordeiros Pantaneiros, machos, não castrados, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e nove repetições. Os animais foram alojados em baias individuais e abatidos quando atingiram os pesos pré-determinados. Para as análises instrumentais e centesimais, foram utilizados os músculos Semimembranosus, Longissimus lumborum, Gluteobiceps e Triceps brachii, enquanto que apenas o Longissimus lumborum foi utilizado para análise de perfil de ácidos graxos. Os diferentes pesos corporais influenciaram no pH final da carne, mas este se manteve ainda dentro do valor recomendado; porém, a elevação do peso corporal dos cordeiros, aumentou a capacidade de retenção de água (CRA), o índice de vermelho (a*) e os teores de lipídeos da carne, deixando-a mais macia, porém, menos luminosa e úmida. O maior peso corporal levou a um maior teor de ácidos graxos saturados (AGS), redução nos teores de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (AGMI) e poli-insaturados (AGPI), aumento da hipercolesterolemia (H) e dos índices de aterogenicidade (IA) e trombogenicidade (IT). Portanto, concluiu-se que a carne de cordeiros abatidos com menor peso corporal apresentou melhor qualidade nutricional, tornando-a mais adequada ao consumo humano.