2,4-D Herbicide-Induced Hepatotoxicity: Unveiling Disrupted Liver Functions and Associated Biomarkers.

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a widely used herbicide worldwide and is frequently found in water samples. This knowledge has prompted studies on its effects on non-target organisms, revealing significant alterations to liver structure and function. In this review, we evaluated the literature on the hepatotoxicity of 2,4-D, focusing on morphological damages, toxicity biomarkers and affected liver functions. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus and 83 articles were selected after curation. Among these studies, 72% used in vivo models and 30% used in vitro models. Additionally, 48% used the active ingredient, and 35% used commercial formulations in exposure experiments. The most affected biomarkers were related to a decrease in antioxidant capacity through alterations in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and the levels of malondialdehyde. Changes in energy metabolism, lipids, liver function, and xenobiotic metabolism were also identified. Furthermore, studies about the effects of 2,4-D in mixtures with other pesticides were found, as well as hepatoprotection trials. The reviewed data indicate the essential role of reduction in antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in 2,4-D-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the mechanism of action of the herbicide is still not fully understood and further research in this area is necessary.

Biochemical Markers for Liver Injury in Zebrafish Larvae.

Liver plays a crucial role in detoxification processes and metabolism of xenobiotics, and therefore, it is a target organ of toxicity of different classes of chemicals. In this context, some key enzymes present in liver are considered to be good biochemical markers of hepatic damage and can have their activities determined via spectrophotometry. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glutathione peroxidase are enzymes that have activities often changed in response to hepatotoxic compounds and can be accessed through the larval period of zebrafish (Danio rerio). In this chapter, we described methodologies for analyses of these five biomarkers in pooled zebrafish larvae through spectrophotometry.

Chemical Composition, In Vitro Antitumor Effect, and Toxicity in Zebrafish of the Essential Oil from Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist (Asteraceae).

The essential oil from Conyza bonariensis (Asteraceae) aerial parts (CBEO) was extracted by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antitumor potential was evaluated against human tumor cell lines (melanoma, cervical, colorectal, and leukemias), as well as non-tumor keratinocyte lines using the MTT assay. The effect of CBEO on the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) was evaluated by DCFH-DA assay, and a protection assay using the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was also performed. Moreover, the CBEO toxicity in the zebrafish model was assessed. The majority of the CBEO compound was (Z)-2-lachnophyllum ester (57.24%). The CBEO exhibited selectivity towards SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells (half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50 = 18.65 ± 1.16 µg/mL), and induced a significant increase in ROS production. In addition, the CBEO's cytotoxicity against SK-MEL-28 cells was reduced after pretreatment with NAC. Furthermore, after 96 h of exposure, 1.5 µg/mL CBEO induced death of all zebrafish embryos. Non-lethal effects were observed after exposure to 0.50-1.25 µg/mL CBEO. Additionally, significant alterations in the activity of enzymes associated with oxidative stress in zebrafish larvae were observed. These results provide evidence that CBEO has a significant in vitro antimelanoma effect by increasing ROS production and moderate embryotoxicity in zebrafish.

A review on the ecotoxicity of macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazoles on aquatic organisms.

Despite its wide production and several applications, veterinary antiparasitics from macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazole classes have not received much scientific attention concerning their environmental risks. Thus, we aimed to provide insights into the state of the environmental research on macrocyclic lactone and benzimidazole parasiticides, emphasizing their toxicity to non-target aquatic organisms. We searched for relevant information on these pharmaceutical classes on PubMed and Web of Science. Our search yielded a total of 45 research articles. Most articles corresponded to toxicity testing (n = 29), followed by environmental fate (n = 14) and other issues (n = 2) of selected parasiticides. Macrocyclic lactones were the most studied chemical group (65% of studies). Studies were conducted mainly with invertebrate taxa (70%), with crustaceans being the most predominant group (n = 27; 51%). Daphnia magna was the most used species (n = 8; 15%). Besides, it also proved to be the most sensitive organism, yielding the lowest toxicity measure (EC50 0.25 µg/L for decreased mobility after 48 h-abamectin exposure) reported. Moreover, most studies were performed in laboratory settings, tracking a limited number of endpoints (acute mortality, immobility, and community disturbance). We posit that macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazoles warrant coordinated action to understand their environmental risks.

Toxicological Parameters of a Formulation Containing Cinnamaldehyde for Use in Treatment of Oral Fungal Infections: An In Vivo Study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to define the safety and toxicity of both isolated and embedded cinnamaldehyde using a pharmaceutical formulation for the treatment of oral fungal infections in an in vivo study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acute toxicity was assessed in studies with Galleria mellonella larvae and Danio rerio embryos (zebrafish), and genotoxicity was assessed in a mouse model. The pharmaceutical formulation (orabase ointment) containing cinnamaldehyde was evaluated for verification of both in vitro antifungal activity and toxicity in keratinized oral rat mucosa. RESULTS: In Galleria mellonella larvae, cinnamaldehyde was not toxic up to the highest dose tested (20 mg/kg) and presented no genotoxicity up to the dose of 4 mg/kg in the model using mice. However, it was found to be toxic in zebrafish embryos up to a concentration of 0.035 µg/mL; LC50 0.311; EC50 0.097 (egg hatching delay); and 0.105 (Pericardial edema). In the orabase antifungal susceptibility test, cinnamaldehyde exhibited activity in concentrations greater than 200 µg/mL. As for safety in the animal model with rats, the orabase ointment proved to be safe for use on keratinized mucosa up to the maximum concentration tested (700 µg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: At the concentrations tested, cinnamaldehyde was not toxic in vertebrate and invertebrate animal models and did not exhibit genotoxic activity. In addition, when used in the form of an ointment in orabase, having already recognized antifungal activity, it was shown to be safe up to the highest concentration tested.

Exposure to 2,4-D herbicide induces hepatotoxicity in zebrafish larvae.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide is the main ingredient in over 1500 commercially available products such as Weedestroy® AM40 and DMA® 4 IVM. Although the liver has been identified as one of the organs that are affected by this herbicide, reports on its hepatotoxic effects available in the literature are restricted to rats. Thus, there is a gap in information on other organisms that may be vulnerable to 2,4-D exposure, such as fish. Therefore, the present work aimed to assess the hepatotoxic potential of 2,4-D in fish using zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae as a model system. For this purpose, its acute toxicity to zebrafish embryos was assessed, as well as its sublethal effects (< LC50) on the activity of enzymes related to oxidative (GST, CAT and GPX) and metabolic (LDH) stress and liver parameters (AST, ALT and ALP) after 48 h of exposure. Morphological analyses of the liver were also assessed in zebrafish larvae. As a result, 2,4-D reduced larvae survival (LC50 15.010 mg/L in 96 h of exposure), induced malformations, altered the activity of LDH, GST and CAT enzymes and significantly increased the activity of all biomarkers for liver damage. Although no changes in the color or size of larval liver were observed, histopathological analysis revealed that treatment with 2,4-D caused severe changes in liver tissue, such as vacuolization of the cytosol, eccentric cell nucleus, loss of tissue architecture and cellular boundaries. Thus, the results showed that 2,4-D altered the enzymatic profile related to oxidative stress, and induces liver damage.

Moxidectin toxicity to zebrafish embryos: Bioaccumulation and biomarker responses.

Moxidectin is an antiparasitic drug belonging to the class of the macrocyclic lactones, subgroup mylbemicins. It is used worldwide in veterinary practice, but little is known about its potential environmental risks. Thus, we used the zebrafish embryo as a model system to study the potential effects of moxidectin on aquatic non-target organisms. The analyses were performed in two experimental sets: (1) acute toxicity and apical endpoints were characterized, with biomarker assays providing information on the activity levels of catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE); and (2) internal concentration and spatial distribution of moxidectin were determined using ultraperformance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-MS imaging (MALDI-MSi). The acute toxicity to zebrafish embryos (96 hpf) appeared mainly as a decrease in hatching rates (EC50 = 20.75 µg/L). It also altered the enzymatic activity of biomarker enzymes related to xenobiotic processing, anaerobic metabolism, and oxidative stress (GST, LDH, and CAT, respectively) and strongly accumulated in the embryos, as internal concentrations were 4 orders of magnitude higher than those detected in exposure solutions. MALDI-MSi revealed accumulations of the drug mainly in the head and eyes of the embryos (72 and 96 hpf). Thus, our results show that exposure to moxidectin decreases hatching success by 96 h and alters biochemical parameters in the early life stages of zebrafish while accumulating in the head and eye regions of the animals, demonstrating the need to prioritize this compound for environmental studies.

Pooling of sera for human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) screening in a time of increasing health care expenditure and limited resources.

Identifying the true prevalence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus, mostly type 1 (HTLV-1), and the number of patients with HTLV-1-associated diseases, in addition to introducing HTLV-1/2 serology during the prenatal of pregnant women and in individuals infected with other viruses that share transmission routes with HTLV-1, are actions that could help to recognize the importance of this virus by WHO and national health organizations, and to control its transmission/dissemination. As Brazil is endemic to HTLV and there is an increase in health care expenditure, but resources are limited, any strategy that could reduce the cost of HTLV screening is needed and welcomed. This study aimed to determine whether the strategy of pooling sera for HTLV antibody determination is feasible and reduces the costs. Two enzyme immunoassays (EIA Murex HTLV-I+II, Diasorin, UK, and Gold ELISA HTLV-1+2, REM Ind. Com. Ltda., SP, Brazil), and serum samples that resulted in different levels of HTLV-1/2 antibodies by EIA and of which a volume allowed assay validation were employed for analysis. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and Cohen's Kappa value, as well as the accuracy and precision were analyzed. After validating the five-sample pool using the EIA Murex (Cohen's Kappa = 1.0), the technique was employed for individual cost comparison in 2,625 serum samples from populations at risk of HTLV infections (HBV, HCV, and HIV-infected individuals). The results from individual and pooled samples confirmed the diagnostic sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%) of the pooling and a cost minimization varying from 60.7% to 73.6%. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest the use of pooling sera in sero-epidemiological surveillance studies and possibly in prenatal care screening programs in Brazil.

Surveillance of human retroviruses in blood samples from patients with hepatitis B and C in São Paulo, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Human retroviruses and the hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV, respectively) share routes of transmission; thus, coinfections occur and could alter subsequent disease outcomes. A preliminary study on human T-lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) in serum samples from HBV- and HCV-infected individuals in São Paulo revealed 1.3% and 5.3% rates of coinfection, respectively. These percentages were of concern since they were detected in HTLV-endemic regions and in high-risk individuals in Brazil. The present study was conducted to extend and confirm these data. METHODS: HTLV-1/2 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection status were identified in 1,984 sera for HBV and HCV viral load quantification - 1,290 samples from HBV-infected individuals (53.3% men, mean age: 47.1 years) and 694 samples from HCV-infected individuals (56.3% men, mean age: 50.1 years). HTLV-1/2 antibodies were detected by enzyme immunoassay, followed by western blotting and line immunoassay; HIV infection was detected by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: HTLV-1/-2 infection was detected in 1.9% HBV-infected individuals (0.7% HTLV-1 and 1.2% HTLV-2) and in 4.0% (2.4% HTLV-1 and 1.6% HTLV-2) HCV-infected individuals; HIV infection was detected in 9.2% and 14.5%, respectively. Strong associations with HTLV and HIV, male sex, and older age were found in HBV/HTLV and HCV/HTLV-coinfected individuals (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 were confirmed to be prevalent in individuals with HBV and HCV in São Paulo; coinfected individuals deserve further clinical and laboratory investigation.

Avaliação do emprego de pool de soros na triagem de infecção por HTLV-1/2 / Evaluation of the use of serum pool in screening for HTLV-1/2 infection

Os vírus linfotrópicos de células T humanas dos tipos um e dois (HTLV-1 e HTLV-2) são endêmicos no Brasil. A triagem para HTLV-1/2 é obrigatória em bancos de sangue no país desde 1993, e a partir de 2014 é recomendada ao menos uma vez no acompanhamento de pacientes com HIV/aids, mas não em outras populações consideradas de risco para adquirir/transmitir esta infecção, como por exemplo, gestantes e pacientes com hepatites virais dos tipos B e C. Como o número de indivíduos em risco para adquirir/transmitir os HTLV a serem testados anualmente no Brasil é alto, qualquer estratégia que reduza o custo da triagem sorológica é necessária e bem vinda. O presente estudo avaliou o desempenho e o custo-minimização do uso de pool de soros na triagem sorológica de infecção por HTLV-1/2. Oitenta e uma amostras de soro sabidamente positivas para HTLV-1/2 foram retestadas utilizando dois ensaios imunoenzimáticos na triagem (EIA Murex HTLV I+II, Diasorin, e GOLD ELISA HTLV-1/2, REM) e dois testes confirmatórios [Western blot (WB), HTLV BLOT 2.4, MP Biomedicals e imunoensaio de linha (LIA), INNO-LIA HTLV I/II Score, Fujirebio], e separadas de acordo com os valores de DO/cut-off em: fortemente reagentes (DO/cut-off >12), e moderadamente reagentes (DO/cut-off >2,0 a 12,0). Posteriormente, estas amostras foram diluídas na razão dois em bolsa de plasma negativa para marcadores de banco de sangue até a perda de reatividade, e em seguida diluídas em diferentes pools de soros positivos e negativos para HIV, HBV e HCV, com vistas a determinar, respectivamente, a maior diluição de soro sem perda de sensibilidade e garantir a especificidade da reação. Subsequentemente, amostras com volume suficiente para ensaios de validação de métodos de diagnóstico segundo os parâmetros estabelecidos pelo Instituto Adolfo Lutz (P-SG-0022) foram selecionadas e testadas quanto à estratégia de pool de soros; 40 pools foram utilizados nos testes de acurácia e sete pools nos de precisão. Para o cálculo de redução de custo (custo-minimização), 2.000 amostras de soro/plasma de pacientes com hepatites virais B e C, e 625 amostras de plasma de pacientes com HIV/aids que haviam sido testadas individualmente e cujos resultados haviam sido publicados foram avaliadas em pool. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o kit Murex foi mais sensível podendo ser diluído na razão 1:5 sem perda de sensibilidade e especificidade diagnóstica, com resultados de exatidão, precisão, sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo de 100% (coeficiente de correlação Kappa = 1). Em populações de risco, o uso da estratégia de pool de soros mostrou a mesma sensibilidade da análise individual, e uma redução de custo de 70,4% no grupo HBV, 60,7% no grupo HCV e 73,6% no grupo HIV/aids; estando o custo-minimização relacionado à prevalência da infecção nas populações de estudo: 1,9% (HBV), 4,0% (HCV), e 1,1% (HIV/aids). Concluindo, os resultados obtidos permitem sugerir a introdução da triagem sorológica para HTLV-1/2 utilizando pool de cinco soros e o kit Murex em inquéritos epidemiológicos, no acompanhamento de pacientes com outras infecções virais e possivelmente em gestantes no pré-natal. (AU)

The human T-cell lymphotropic viruses type 1 and type 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) are endemic in Brazil. HTLV-1/2 screening is mandatory in blood banks in the country since 1993, and from 2014 it is recommended at least once in the follow-up of patients with HIV/AIDS, but not in other populations considered at risk for acquiring/transmitting these infections, such as pregnant women and patients with viral hepatitis B and C. As the number of individuals at risk for acquiring/transmitting HTLV to be tested annually in Brazil is high, any strategy that reduces the cost of screening is necessary and welcomed. The present study evaluated the performance and costminimization of the use of pooling sera in serological screening for HTLV-1/2 infections. Eighty-one HTLV-1/2 truly positive serum samples were retested using two screening enzyme-linked immunoassays (EIA Murex HTLV I + II, Diasorin, and GOLD ELISA HTLV-1/2, REM) and two confirmatory assays [Western blot (WB), HTLV BLOT 2.4, MP Biomedicals and Line Immunoassay (LIA), INNO-LIA HTLV I / II Score, Fujirebio], and separated according to OD/cut-off values into: strongly reagents (OD/cut-off> 12), and moderately reagents (DO/ cut-off> 2.0 to 12.0). Subsequently, these samples were diluted at ratio two in serum from negative blood bag for infectious blood-borne diseases until the loss of reactivity to determine the highest serum dilution without loss of sensitivity, and next diluted in different pools of positive and negative HIV, HBV and HCV sera to ensure the specificity of the pooling strategy. Afterwards, samples with sufficient volume for diagnostic method validation assays according to the parameters established by the Adolfo Lutz Institute (P-SG-0022) were selected and tested for the pooling strategy: 40 pools for accuracy and 7 pools for precision analysis. For mostminimization calculation, 2,000 serum/plasma samples from patients with viral hepatitis B and C and 625 plasma samples from patients with HIV/AIDS that had been individually tested and the results had been published elsewhere were tested in pooling. The results obtained showed that the Murex kit was more sensitive and could be used at 1:5 dilution without loss of sensitivity. The accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 100% (Kappa correlation coefficient = 1). In at-risk populations, the use of the serum pooling strategy reduced the cost of screening (cost-minimization) by 70.4% in the HBV, 60.7% in the HCV, and 73.6% in HIV/AIDS groups of patients, which depended on the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 in such populations: 1.9% (HBV), 4.0% (HCV), e 1.1% (HIV/aids). In conclusion, the results obtained suggest the introduction of HTLV-1/2 serological screening using pooling of five sera and the Murex kit in epidemiological surveys, in the follow-up of patients with other viral infections and possibly in prenatal screening programs. (AU)

Pooling of sera for human t-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) screening in a time of increasing health care expenditure and limited resouces

Identifying the true prevalence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus, mostly type 1 (HTLV-1), and the number of patients with HTLV-1-associated diseases, in addition to introducing HTLV-1/2 serology during the prenatal of pregnant women and in individuals infected with other viruses that share transmission routes with HTLV-1, are actions that could help to recognize the importance of this virus by WHO and national health organizations, and to control its transmission/dissemination. As Brazil is endemic to HTLV and there is an increase in health care expenditure, but resources are limited, any strategy that could reduce the cost of HTLV screening is needed and welcomed. This study aimed to determine whether the strategy of pooling sera for HTLV antibody determination is feasible and reduces the costs. Two enzyme immunoassays (EIA Murex HTLV-I+II, Diasorin, UK, and Gold ELISA HTLV-1+2, REM Ind. Com. Ltda., SP, Brazil), and serum samples that resulted in different levels of HTLV-1/2 antibodies by EIA and of which a volume allowed assay validation were employed for analysis. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and Cohen's Kappa value, as well as the accuracy and precision were analyzed. After validating the five-sample pool using the EIA Murex (Cohen's Kappa = 1.0), the technique was employed for individual cost comparison in 2,625 serum samples from populations at risk of HTLV infections (HBV, HCV, and HIV-infected individuals). The results from individual and pooled samples confirmed the diagnostic sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%) of the pooling and a cost minimization varying from 60.7% to 73.6%. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest the use of pooling sera in sero-epidemiological surveillance studies and possibly in prenatal care screening programs in Brazil.

Surveillance of human retroviruses in blood samples from patients with hepatitis B and C in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION Human retroviruses and the hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV, respectively) share routes of transmission; thus, coinfections occur and could alter subsequent disease outcomes. A preliminary study on human T-lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) in serum samples from HBV- and HCV-infected individuals in São Paulo revealed 1.3% and 5.3% rates of coinfection, respectively. These percentages were of concern since they were detected in HTLV-endemic regions and in high-risk individuals in Brazil. The present study was conducted to extend and confirm these data. METHODS HTLV-1/2 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection status were identified in 1,984 sera for HBV and HCV viral load quantification - 1,290 samples from HBV-infected individuals (53.3% men, mean age: 47.1 years) and 694 samples from HCV-infected individuals (56.3% men, mean age: 50.1 years). HTLV-1/2 antibodies were detected by enzyme immunoassay, followed by western blotting and line immunoassay; HIV infection was detected by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS HTLV-1/-2 infection was detected in 1.9% HBV-infected individuals (0.7% HTLV-1 and 1.2% HTLV-2) and in 4.0% (2.4% HTLV-1 and 1.6% HTLV-2) HCV-infected individuals; HIV infection was detected in 9.2% and 14.5%, respectively. Strong associations with HTLV and HIV, male sex, and older age were found in HBV/HTLV and HCV/HTLV-coinfected individuals (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 were confirmed to be prevalent in individuals with HBV and HCV in São Paulo; coinfected individuals deserve further clinical and laboratory investigation.

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2G with myopathic-neurogenic motor unit potentials and a novel muscle image pattern.

BACKGROUND: Limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2G (LGMD2G) is a subtype of autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the telethonin gene. There are few LGMD2G patients worldwide reported, and this is the first description associated with early tibialis anterior sparing on muscle image and myopathic-neurogenic motor unit potentials. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report a 31 years old caucasian male patient with progressive gait disturbance, and severe lower limb proximal weakness since the age of 20 years, associated with subtle facial muscle weakness. Computed tomography demonstrated soleus, medial gastrocnemius, and diffuse thigh muscles involvement with tibialis anterior sparing. Electromyography disclosed both neurogenic and myopathic motor unit potentials. Muscle biopsy demonstrated large groups of atrophic and hypertrophic fibers, frequent fibers with intracytoplasmic rimmed vacuoles full of autophagic membrane and sarcoplasmic debris, and a total deficiency of telethonin. Molecular investigation identified the common homozygous c.157C > T in the TCAP gene. CONCLUSION: This report expands the phenotypic variability of telethoninopathy/ LGMD2G, including: 1) mixed neurogenic and myopathic motor unit potentials, 2) facial weakness, and 3) tibialis anterior sparing. Appropriate diagnosis in these cases is important for genetic counseling and prognosis.

Lactato de sódio, nisina e sua combinação na validade comercial da linguiça Toscana embalada a vácuo e estocada a 4°C / Sodium lactate, nisin and their combination in the shelf life of pork sausage vacuum packed and stored at 4°C

Objetivou-se, neste estudo, avaliar a validade comercial de quatro formulações de linguiça toscana (Controle - sem adição de aditivo, F1 - adicionada de 3% de lactato de sódio, F2 - adicionada de 0,5% de nisina e F3 - adicionada de 3% de lactato de sódio e 0,5% de nisina). As amostras foram distribuídas em sacos de polietileno contendo 200 gramas para cada formulação e dia de estocagem, para posteriores análises bacteriológicas e físico-químicas. Todas as formulações foram embaladas a vácuo e mantidas sob refrigeração a temperatura de 4°C. Em relação à validade comercial, as amostras foram submetidas às seguintes análises bacteriológicas: contagem de bactérias heterotróficas aeróbias mesófilas e psicrotróficas; contagem de bactérias ácido-láticas e contagem de enterobactérias. As análises fisico-químicas realizadas foram: pH, atividade de água e teor de substância reativa ao ácido tiobarbitúrico. Interpretando-se os resultados obtidos no experimento, concluiu-se que a utilização da combinação de 3% de lactato de sódio e 0,5% de nisina, aumentou a validade das amostras, quando comparada às demais.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shelf life of four commercial formulations pork sausage (Control - no added additive, F1 - added 3% sodium lactate, F2 - added 0.5% nisin and F3 - added 3 % sodium lactate and 0.5% nisin). The samples were distributed into polyethylene bags containing 200 grams for each day of storage and formulation for subsequent bacteriological and physicochemical analysis. All formulations were vacuum packed and stored at 4°C. Regarding the shelf life samples were submitted to the following bacteriological counts of heterotrophic bacteria aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic; count of lactic acid bacteria count and Enterobacteriaceae. The analyzes were carried out physico-chemical: pH, water activity and the content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance. Interpreting the results obtained in the experiment it was concluded that the use of a combination of 3% sodium lactate and 0.5% nisin increased the shelf life compared to other samples. Key words: natural antimicrobial, bacteriocin, storage and pork sausage filling.

Strategies for annotation and curation of translational databases: the eTUMOUR project.

The eTUMOUR (eT) multi-centre project gathered in vivo and ex vivo magnetic resonance (MR) data, as well as transcriptomic and clinical information from brain tumour patients, with the purpose of improving the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of future patients. In order to carry this out, among other work, a database--the eTDB--was developed. In addition to complex permission rules and software and management quality control (QC), it was necessary to develop anonymization, processing and data visualization tools for the data uploaded. It was also necessary to develop sophisticated curation strategies that involved on one hand, dedicated fields for QC-generated meta-data and specialized queries and global permissions for senior curators and on the other, to establish a set of metrics to quantify its contents. The indispensable dataset (ID), completeness and pairedness indices were set. The database contains 1317 cases created as a result of the eT project and 304 from a previous project, INTERPRET. The number of cases fulfilling the ID was 656. Completeness and pairedness were heterogeneous, depending on the data type involved.

Amylolytic microorganism from são paulo zoo composting: isolation, identification, and amylase production.

Composting is a way of transforming the organic waste into fertilizer, minimizing the use of inorganic compounds that may contaminate the environment. This transformation is the result of the microorganism action, converting complex carbon sources into energy. Enzymes that are exported by the microorganisms to the surrounding environment mediate this process. The aiming of the present work is to prospect the compost produced by the organic composting unit (OCU) of the Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo (FPZSP) to find novel starch hydrolyzing organisms (SHO) that secrete large amounts of amylases under harsh conditions, such as high temperature. We found five bacterial isolates that have amylolytic activity induced by soluble starch and 39°C temperature of growth. These bacterial strains were identified by MALDI-TOF (Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-Time of Flight) analysis, a rapid and efficient methodology for microbe identification in large scale. Our results present amylolytic strains that belong to diverse taxonomic groups (Solibacillus silvestris, Arthrobacter arilaitensis, Isoptericola variabilis, and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus); some of them have never been associated with this kind of hydrolytic activity before. The information regarding enzyme induction will be important to optimize the production by the bacterial isolates, which may be a great value for biotechnological applications.

Estudo da estabilidade da coluna lombar após facetectomia / Estudio de la estabilidad de la columna lumbar después de la facetectomía / The study of lumbar spine's stability after facetectomy

OBJETIVO: determinar a presença, ou não, de instabilidade lombar após a realização de facetectomia total unilateral para a descompressão radicular. MÉTODOS: os autores realizaram uma análise retrospectiva por avaliação clínica e radiográfica de 29 pacientes operadores, por discopatia, durante o período de janeiro de 1985 até janeiro de 1995. Os pacientes apresentavam queixa de dor ciática aguda, sem dor lombar prévia, e foram submetidos à facetectomia total unilateral para a descompressão radicular. Os casos operados por esta técnica necessitaram de manipulações excessivas com riscos de lesão da raiz nervosa. RESULTADOS: após um seguimento que variou de 9 a 17 anos, os resultados foram excelentes em 17 pacientes, bom em 9, regular em 3. CONCLUSÃO: nessa série de casos, a facetectomia total unilateral não foi fator determinante de instabilidade lombar.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the presence or absence of lumbar instability after the execution of unilateral total facetectomy for the root decompression. METHODS: the authors made a retrospective review by clinical and radiological evaluation of 29 discopathy operated patients, during the period from January 1985 to January 1995. These patients presented acute sciatica without previous lumbar pain, and they were submitted to unilateral total facetectomy for the radicular decompression. In this series, all cases needed an excessive manipulation and were under the risks of root lesion. RESULTS: after a follow-up that varied from 9 to 17 years old, the results were excellent for 17 patients, good for 9 and regular for 3. CONCLUSION: in these cases, unilateral total facetectomy was not a determinant factor of lumbar instability.

OBJETIVO: determinar la presencia o no de la inestabilidad lumbar después de la realización de facetectomía total unilateral para la descompresión radicular. MÉTODOS: los autores realizaron un análisis retrospectivo por evaluación clínica y radiográfica de 29 pacientes operados por discopatía, durante el periodo de Enero de 1985 hasta Enero de 1995. Los pacientes presentaban queja de dolor ciática aguda, sin dolor lumbar previa y fueron sometidos a la facetectomía total unilateral para la descompresión radicular. Los casos operados por esta técnica necesitaron de manipulaciones excesivas con riesgo de lesión de la raíz nerviosa. RESULTADOS: después de un seguimiento que varió de 9 a 17 años, los resultados fueron excelentes en 17 pacientes, bueno en 9 y regular en 3. CONCLUSIÓN: en esa serie de casos la facetectomía total unilateral no fue factor determinante de inestabilidad lumbar.

Utilização de medicamentos durante a gravidez na cidade de Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil / Drug use during pregnancy in Natal, Brazil

OBJETIVO: estudar o uso de medicamentos por gestantes atendidas durante o pré-natal em unidades básicas do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) na cidade de Natal, rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. MÉTODOS: foram entrevistadas 610 grávidas, entre o primeiro e o terceiro trimestre de gestação, que compareceram para consulta pré-natal em unidades de saúde localizadas nos quatro distritos sanitários de Natal, entre maio e julho de 2006. Os dados foram coletados com entrevistas estruturadas, baseando-se em perguntas uso-orientadas e medicamento-orientadas. Os fármacos foram classificados de acordo com o Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (ATC) e segundo critérios de risco para a gestação da Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Utilizou-se teste do chi2 para análise dos dados. RESULTADOS: eram utilizados 1.505 medicamentos, obtendo-se uma média de 2,4 drogas por mulher. O uso de pelo menos um fármaco na gravidez foi relatado por 86,6 por cento das gestantes. As classes mais utilizadas foram os antianêmicos (35,6 por cento dos medicamentos), analgésicos (24,9 por cento), drogas para distúrbios gastrintestinais (9,1 por cento) e vitaminas (7 por cento). De acordo com a classificação do FDA, dos medicamentos empregados 42,7 por cento pertencem a categoria A de risco; 27,1 por cento à categoria B, 29,3 por cento à categoria C; 0,3 à categoria D e nenhum à categoria X. Foram usados, no primeiro trimestre da gestação, 43,6 por cento dos fármacos. Observou-se maior uso de medicamentos quanto maior a escolaridade e a renda familiar da mulher. A automedicação ocorreu em 12,2 por cento dos medicamentos; esse índice foi maior no primeiro trimestre de gravidez e em gestantes de baixa escolaridade e multigestas. CONCLUSÕES: as gestantes de Natal estão sendo expostas a uma variedade de medicamentos, cuja segurança na gravidez ainda é incerta, o que exige prescrição criteriosa para evitar possíveis danos ao feto.

PURPOSE: to study the use of medicines by pregnant women during prenatal care in clinics of the national public health system in the city of Natal, Brazil. METHODS: a total of 610 pregnant women between the first and the third trimesters of pregnancy were interviewed in the public clinics of the four sanitary districts of Natal, from May to July 2006. The data were collected by a structured questionnaire, based in use-oriented and medicine-oriented questions. The drugs were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (ATC), in agreement with the gestation risk criteria from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). The statistical analysis was made by the chi2 test. RESULTS: a total of 1,505 drugs were used, with an average of 2.4 medications per woman. The use of at least one drug was found in 86.6 percent of the women. The most frequently used drugs were anti-anemics (35.6 percent), analgesics (24.9 percent), drugs for gastrointestinal disorders (9.1 percent) and vitamins (7 percent). According to the FDA classification, 42.7 percent belonged to category A risk, 27.1 percent to category B, 29.3 percent to category C, 0.3 percent to category D and none to category X. The use of medicines during the first trimester of pregnancy amounted to 43.6 percent. The rate of drug use increased with higher schooling level and family income. Self-medication was found in 12.2 percent of the drug intake and this rate was higher in the first trimester of gestation and with women with low education level and previous gestations. CONCLUSIONS: pregnant women from Natal are being exposed to a variety of medicines with uncertain safety in pregnancy. Therefore, more careful prescription is needed, to avoid possible fetal damage.

[Drug use during pregnancy in Natal, Brazil]. / Utilização de medicamentos durante a gravidez na cidade de Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil.

PURPOSE: to study the use of medicines by pregnant women during prenatal care in clinics of the national public health system in the city of Natal, Brazil. METHODS: a total of 610 pregnant women between the first and the third trimesters of pregnancy were interviewed in the public clinics of the four sanitary districts of Natal, from May to July 2006. The data were collected by a structured questionnaire, based in use-oriented and medicine-oriented questions. The drugs were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (ATC), in agreement with the gestation risk criteria from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). The statistical analysis was made by the chi2 test. RESULTS: a total of 1,505 drugs were used, with an average of 2.4 medications per woman. The use of at least one drug was found in 86.6% of the women. The most frequently used drugs were anti-anemics (35.6%), analgesics (24.9%), drugs for gastrointestinal disorders (9.1%) and vitamins (7%). According to the FDA classification, 42.7% belonged to category A risk, 27.1% to category B, 29.3% to category C, 0.3% to category D and none to category X. The use of medicines during the first trimester of pregnancy amounted to 43.6%. The rate of drug use increased with higher schooling level and family income. Self-medication was found in 12.2% of the drug intake and this rate was higher in the first trimester of gestation and with women with low education level and previous gestations. CONCLUSIONS: pregnant women from Natal are being exposed to a variety of medicines with uncertain safety in pregnancy. Therefore, more careful prescription is needed, to avoid possible fetal damage.