Effect of a parenteral fish-oil-containing lipid emulsion on liver lipid perioxidation and antioxidative defenses in Lewis rats.

BACKGROUND: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), naturally abundant in fish oil (FO), are known for their anti-inflammatory and potential antioxidant properties. The aim in this article is to evaluate the effect of the infusion of a parenteral FO-containing lipid emulsion on markers of liver lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in rats undergoing central venous catheterization (CVC). METHODS: After 5-day acclimatization, adult Lewis rats (n = 42) receiving a 20-g/day AIN-93M oral diet were randomly subdivided into four groups: (1) basal control (BC) (n = 6), without CVC or LE infusion; (2) SHAM (n = 12), with CVC but without LE infusion; (3) soybean oil (SO)/medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) (n = 12), with CVC and receiving LE without FO (4.3 g/kg fat); and (4) SO/MCT/FO (n = 12), with CVC and receiving LE containing 10% FO (4.3 g/kg fat). Animals from the BC group were euthanized immediately after acclimatization. The remaining groups of animals were euthanized after 48 or 72 h of surgical follow-up to assess profiles of liver and plasma fatty acids by gas chromatography, liver gene transcription factor Nrf2, F2-isoprostane lipid peroxidation biomarker, and the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. R program (version 3.2.2) was utilized for data analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the other groups, liver EPA and DHA levels were higher in the SO/MCT/FO group, which also showed the highest liver Nrf2, GPx, SOD, and CAT levels and lower liver F2-isoprostane (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Experimental delivery of FO via EPA and DHA sources in a parenteral LE was associated with a liver antioxidant effect.

Impacts of mining pollution on coastal ecosystems: is fish body condition a reliable indicator?

Identifying reliable biological indicators is fundamental to efficiently assess human impacts on biodiversity and to monitor the outcomes of management actions. This study investigates whether body condition is an appropriate indicator of putative effects from iron ore mining tailings on marine fishes, focusing on the world's largest mining disaster - known as the Mariana disaster, in Brazil. Eight species were used to test the hypothesis that individuals inhabiting an area severely impacted by tailings have reduced body condition in comparison to those in control areas near (<60 km) and distant (>120 km) from the impact site. Contrary to our prediction, no significant difference in condition was detected between the impacted area and both near and distant controls in seven of the eight species. The results indicate that body condition, as measured by the scaled mass index, has limited applicability as indicator of impact from mining pollution on the fishes analysed. Hypotheses that could explain our findings are proposed, including nutrient provisioning from continental drainage that could indirectly influence fish condition and compensate for the deleterious effects of mining pollution.

Marine fish assemblages of Eastern Brazil: An update after the world's largest mining disaster and suggestions of functional groups for biomonitoring long-lasting effects.

When the Fundão dam collapsed in Brazil, 50 million m3 of iron ore tailings were released into the Doce river, resulting in the world's largest mining disaster. The contaminated mud was transported 668 km downstream of the Doce river and reached the Atlantic Ocean 17 days after the collapse. Seven months later, there was evidence that the tailings had reached the largest and richest coral reef formation in the South Atlantic Ocean. This study provides the first description of species composition, abundance, and diversity patterns of fish assemblages in estuaries, coastal areas, and coral reefs affected by the rupture of the mining dam in the Doce river. A linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to evaluate the influence of salinity on fish abundance across estuarine and coastal ecosystems. In addition, based on functional traits related to habitat use and feeding habits, this study identified fish species suitable as bioindicators of the long-lasting effects of this major mining disaster. Bottom trawls were used to sample five estuaries and their respective coastal areas, and a visual census was employed to sample five reef areas, representing an impact gradient. A total of 269 species were recorded in all three habitats, but only seven were shared among them. The results showed lower similarity in assemblages among estuarine areas compared to the coastal and reef areas. Species composition among estuaries and reef ecosystems was more heterogeneous. In contrast, coastal habitats exhibited high homogeneity. Salinity had no statistically significant effect on fish abundance either in estuaries (p = 0.22) and along the coast (p = 0.14). Twelve fish species were identified as suitable bioindicators for evaluating the long-lasting effects of resuspension of contaminated sediments. These species are commonly found in the ecosystems under the influence of the disaster inhabiting potentially contaminated substrates and substrate-associated benthic preys.

Alien hotspot: Benthic marine species introduced in the Brazilian semiarid coast.

In this study, we provide a baseline assessment of introduced marine species along the extensive (~600 km) Brazilian semiarid coast. We reported 27 introduced and 26 cryptogenic species. Moreover, the main vectors of introduction were ballast water, shipping lines, oil and gas activities, biofouling, and rafting on plastic debris. The taxa were Ascidiacea (17 species) and Bryozoa (17), followed by Crustacea (6), Mollusca (6), Cnidaria (3), Echinodermata (3), and Porifera (1). Among these invertebrates, some species are recognized as drivers of impacts such as the invasive corals (Tubastraea tagusensis and Tubastraea coccinea), the bivalves Isognomom bicolor and Perna viridis, the crab Charybdis hellerii, the brittle star Ophiothela mirabilis, and, finally, the bryozoan Membraniporopsis tubigera. These species threaten the biodiversity of unique ecosystems such as intertidal sandstone reefs, shallow-water coral reefs, and mesophotic ecosystems. Moreover, the up-to-date results highlight that this region is a hotspot of bioinvasion in the tropical South Atlantic.

Is There an Advantage in Enriching Parenteral Lipid Emulsions Containing Fatty Acids From Fish Oil With Medium-Chain Triglycerides? A Study on Body Pool Concentrations of ω-3 Fatty Acids in Lewis Rats.

BACKGROUND: The addition of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) into parenteral lipid emulsions rich in fatty acids from fish oil (FOLEs) has been shown to improve their clearance and extrahepatic uptake. We assessed whether this effect could favor the leukocyte uptake of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for immunomodulatory purposes METHODS: Following 5-day adaptation in metabolic cages, 42 male Lewis rats fed with AIN-93M chow were killed (baseline control group [BC]) or submitted to central venous catheterization and distributed into (1) surgical control group without parenteral infusion (chow group), (2) test emulsion (MCT/LCT/FO) group with the parenteral infusion of a FOLE containing 40% MCT, and (3) control emulsion group (LCT/FO) with the parenteral infusion of an FOLE without MCT. The 2 FOLEs had similar ω-3 PUFA contents and ω-6/ω-3 PUFA ratios and were infused during 48 and 72 hours. Concentrations of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs in plasma, liver, and blood mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes were assessed by gas chromatography RESULTS: In both FOLE groups, leukocyte concentrations of ω-3 PUFAs peaked after 48 hours' infusion (vs BC). At this time point, plasma concentrations of ω-3 PUFAs were higher in MCT/LCT/FO group than in LCT/FO group and the opposite was found in the liver (P<.05), but no differences in PUFA concentrations were observed between these groups in leukocytes (P>.05) CONCLUSION: The ω-3 PUFAs provided by FOLEs rich in MCT were less incorporated by liver and remained more available for extrahepatic cell delivery, but this did not result in a clear benefit in increasing their incorporation by peripheral leukocytes.

Quality control of enteral nutrition therapy in cancer patients at nutritional risk.

INTRODUCTION: Quality indicators in nutritional therapy (QINTs) allow for the practical assessment of quality in the management of enteral nutrition therapy (ENT) among hospitalized patients. OBJECTIVE: To control ENT quality in cancer patients at nutritional risk. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was performed with cancer patients over 19 years of age who had undergone exclusive ENT for at least 72 h. Nutritional Risk Screening was used to assess nutritional risk; in the presence of nutritional risk, the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) was used. Six QINTs were applied. RESULTS: Our study included 211 patients (mean age: 59 ± 10 years, 67.3% men). Most common cancer diagnoses were head and neck (68.2%) and gastrointestinal (18%). Nutritional risk was identified in 93.3% (n = 197) of patients; SGA identified malnutrition in 84.2% of patients (n = 166). ENT was used for 9.7 ± 7 days, presenting a daily deficit of -243.1 ± 141 ml of dietary volume, -363.3 ± 214.1 kcal, and -14.2 ± 8.41 g of protein. Three of the six QINTs were in accordance with the proposed goal: frequency of SGA application, calculations of nutritional needs, and frequency of diarrhea. Three of the six QINTs were in disagreement with the proposed goal: ENT infused volume exceeding 70% of prescribed volume, frequency of digestive fasting exceeding 24 h, and frequency of constipation. Prescriptions for anticholinergic drugs (p = 0.023) and diuretics (p = 0.007) were associated with diarrhea. CONCLUSION: Nutritional risk and malnutrition are frequent among ENT cancer patients. Quality control in ENT was moderately impaired by episodes of fasting and intestinal motility disorders.

Quality indicators for enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy: application in critically ill patients "at nutritional risk".

INTRODUCTION: Quality Indicators for Nutritional Therapy (QINT) allow a practical assessment of nutritional therapy (NT) quality. OBJECTIVE: To apply and monitor QINT for critically ill patients at nutritional risk. METHODS: Cross sectional study including critically ill patients > 18 years old, at nutritional risk, on exclusive enteral (ENT) or parenteral nutritional therapy (PNT) for > 72 hours. After three consecutive years, 9 QINT were applied and monitored. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 17.0. RESULTS: A total of 145 patients were included, 93 patients were receiving ENT, among then 65% were male and the mean age was 55.7 years (± 17.4); 52 patients were receiving PNT, 67% were male and the mean age was 58.1 years (± 17.4). All patients (ENT and PNT) were nutritionally screened at admission and their energy and protein needs were individually estimated. Only ENT was early initiated, more than 70% of the prescribed ENT volume was infused and there was a reduced withdrawal of enteral feeding tube. The frequency of diarrhea episodes and digestive fasting were not adequate in ENT patients. The proper supply of energy was contemplated only for PNT patients and there was an expressive rate of oral intake recovery in ENT patients. CONCLUSION: After three years of research, the percentage of QINT adequacy varied between 55%-77% for ENT and 60%-80% for PNT. The results were only made possible by the efforts of a multidisciplinary team and the continuous re-evaluation of the procedures in order to maintain the nutritional assistance for patients at nutritional risk.

Adequacy of energy and protein balance of enteral nutrition in intensive care: what are the limiting factors?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors that influence the adequacy of enteral nutritional therapy in an intensive care unit. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted in an intensive care unit between 2010 and 2012. Patients >18 years of age underwent exclusive enteral nutritional therapy for ≥72 hours. The energy and protein requirements were calculated according to the ICU protocols. The data regarding enteral nutrition, the causes of non-compliance, and the biochemical test results were collected daily. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients admitted to the intensive care unit were evaluated. Among these patients, 82% underwent early enteral nutritional therapy, and 80% reached the nutritional goal in <36 hours. In addition, 81.6%±15.4% of the enteral nutrition volume was infused, with an adequacy of 82.2%±16.0% for calories, 82.2%±15.9% for proteins, and a mean energy balance of -289.9±277.1 kcal/day. A negative correlation of C-reactive protein with the volume infused and the energy and protein balance was observed. In contrast, a positive correlation was found between C-reactive protein and the time required to reach nutritional goals. Extubation was the main cause for interrupting the enteral nutritional therapy (29.9% of the interruption hours), and the patients >60 years of age exhibited a lower percentage of recovery of the oral route compared with the younger patients (p=0.014). CONCLUSION: Early enteral nutritional therapy and the adequacy for both energy and protein of the nutritional volume infused were in accordance with the established guidelines. Possible inadequacies of energy and protein balance appeared to be associated with an acute inflammatory response, which was characterized by elevated C-reactive protein levels. The main cause of interruption of the enteral nutritional therapy was the time spent in extubation.

The effect of spectral light quality on in vitro culture of sugarcane / Efeito da qualidade espectral da luz no cultivo in vitro de cana-de-açúcar

The effects of different light quality treatments on in vitro growth and multiplication of sugarcane (RB867515) were investigated. The plantlets were cultivated on MS medium containing 1.3 µM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), and exposed to five light treatments: three combinations of blue/red LED (70:30, 50:50, 30:70), white-LED and fluorescent lamps, during 24 days. Among the LED light treatments, blue/red combination in 50:50 proportions proved to have the best results for stem length, fresh mass, leaf number and shoot multiplication. Higher content of photosynthetic pigments was also obtained with LEDs. Results suggested that the light quality emitted by LEDs was suitable for plant growth and development and it may be used as alternative and economic light source for micropropagation of sugarcane variety under analysis.

Foram investigados os efeitos de diferentes tratamentos de qualidade da luz sobre o crescimento e multiplicação in vitro de cana-de-açúcar (RB867515). As plantas foram cultivadas em meio MS contendo 1,3 µ M de 6-benzilaminopurina (BAP) e expostas a cinco tratamentos de luz: três combinações de LED azul/vermelho (70:30, 50:50, 30:70), LED branco e lâmpadas fluorescentes, durante 24 dias. Entre os tratamentos de luz de LED, a combinação azul/vermelho na proporção 50:50 apresentou os melhores resultados para altura, massa fresca, número de folhas e multiplicação de brotos. Maior teor de pigmentos fotossintéticos também foi obtido com a utilização de LEDs. Os resultados sugerem que a qualidade da luz emitida pelos LEDs foi adequada para o crescimento e desenvolvimento das plantas e pode ser utilizada como fonte de luz alternativa e econômica para a micropropagação da variedade de cana-de-açúcar estudada.

Adequação dos balanços energético e proteico na nutrição por via enteral em terapia intensiva: quais são os fatores limitantes? / Adequacy of energy and protein balance of enteral nutrition in intensive care: what are the limiting factors?

Objetivo: Determinar os fatores que influenciam na adequação da terapia nutricional enteral em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo e observacional realizado em uma unidade de terapia intensiva entre 2010 e 2012. Foram incluídos pacientes >18 anos em terapia nutricional enteral exclusiva por ≥72 horas. As necessidades de energia e proteínas foram calculadas segundo protocolo da unidade. Foram coletados diariamente dados relacionados à nutrição enteral, causas de não conformidade e exames bioquímicos. Resultados: Dentre os pacientes internados na unidade, 93 foram avaliados, 82% iniciaram a terapia nutricional enteral precocemente e 80% atingiram a meta nutricional em <36 horas. Foram administrados 81,6% (±15,4) de volume de terapia nutricional enteral, com adequação de 82,2% (±16,0) de calorias, 82,2% (±15,9) de proteínas e balanço energético médio de -289,9 kcal/dia (±277,1). Houve correlação negativa da proteína C-reativa com o volume administrado e os balanços energético e proteico, e correlação positiva com o tempo para atingir a meta nutricional. A pausa para extubação foi a principal causa de interrupções (29,9% das horas de pausa) e os pacientes >60 anos apresentaram menor porcentagem de recuperação da via oral em relação aos mais jovens (p=0,014). Conclusão: O início precoce da terapia nutricional enteral, e a adequação do volume administrado, de energia e de proteínas estiveram de acordo com as diretrizes. A inadequação dos balanços energético e proteico parece estar associada à resposta inflamatória aguda (proteína C-reativa elevada). A principal causa de interrupção da oferta da terapia nutricional foi a pausa para extubação. .

Objective: To determine the factors that influence the adequacy of enteral nutritional therapy in an intensive care unit. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in an intensive care unit between 2010 and 2012. Patients >18 years of age underwent exclusive enteral nutritional therapy for ≥72 hours. The energy and protein requirements were calculated according to the ICU protocols. The data regarding enteral nutrition, the causes of non-compliance, and the biochemical test results were collected daily. Results: Ninety-three patients admitted to the intensive care unit were evaluated. Among these patients, 82% underwent early enteral nutritional therapy, and 80% reached the nutritional goal in <36 hours. In addition, 81.6%±15.4% of the enteral nutrition volume was infused, with an adequacy of 82.2%±16.0% for calories, 82.2%±15.9% for proteins, and a mean energy balance of -289.9±277.1kcal/day. A negative correlation of C-reactive protein with the volume infused and the energy and protein balance was observed. In contrast, a positive correlation was found between C-reactive protein and the time required to reach nutritional goals. Extubation was the main cause for interrupting the enteral nutritional therapy (29.9% of the interruption hours), and the patients >60 years of age exhibited a lower percentage of recovery of the oral route compared with the younger patients (p=0.014). Conclusion: Early enteral nutritional therapy and the adequacy for both energy and protein of the nutritional volume infused were in accordance with the established guidelines. Possible inadequacies of energy and protein balance appeared to be associated with an acute inflammatory response, which was characterized by elevated C-reactive protein levels. The main cause of interruption of the enteral nutritional therapy was the time spent in extubation. .