RESUMO
A method for separating M. oryzae from rice samples infected with multiple pathogens using basic laboratory equipment is described. We conducted a series of experiments to obtain a single spore of M. oryzae. This method can also be used to isolate spores from other fungal species.
Assuntos
Oryza , Doenças das Plantas , Esporos Fúngicos , Oryza/microbiologia , Esporos Fúngicos/isolamento & purificação , Doenças das Plantas/microbiologia , Técnicas Microbiológicas/métodos , AscomicetosRESUMO
The biometric differences between fruits and seeds are useful characteristics that can provide important data for the investigation and preservation of the species and may be linked to environmental and genetic influences. In this sense, considering the importance of this species and the need for conservation, the objective was to carry out physical characterization of the fruits and seeds of Hymenaea martiana as well as to determine the seed imbibition curve. The experiment was conducted at the Seed Analysis Laboratory at the Agricultural Sciences Center at the Federal University of Paraíba in Areia, PB. The evaluations carried out were as follows: biometry of fruits and seeds, number of seeds per fruit, colorimetry of fruits and seeds, percentage of damaged seeds, weight of a thousand seeds, seed water content, mass and imbibition curve. The biometric data were subjected to descriptive analysis to determine the minimum, maximum, average value, standard deviation, asymmetry, and kurtosis of the fruits and seeds. In terms of the biometric characteristics of the fruits and seeds of H. martiana, there was a marked variation, with average fruit lengths of 90.28 mm, widths of 46.83 mm, thicknesses of 34.69 mm, weights of 65.86 g and four seeds per fruit. The average length, width, thickness and weight of the seeds were 23.75 mm, 18.34 mm, 12.71 g and 4.13 g, respectively. The fruits were darker than the seeds, and both the fruits and seeds had red tones. Compared with nonscarified seeds, scarified seeds absorb a greater amount of water.
Assuntos
Biometria , Frutas , Hymenaea , Sementes , Sementes/anatomia & histologia , Frutas/anatomia & histologia , Hymenaea/anatomia & histologia , Hymenaea/classificação , Hymenaea/químicaRESUMO
Abstract Many Solidarity Economic Venture (SEV) are family farmers who seek to add value to production through artisanal processing, which can lead to food contamination. Thus, this study aimed to genotypically characterize thermotolerant coliforms (TtC) strains from food produced by local agribusinesses of SEV during January to April 2019. Samples from thirteen production units (PU) from the SEV were submitted to a microbiological analysis of thermotolerant coliforms (AFNOR 3M1/2 - 09/89), using a fast count method in Petrifilm™ dishes. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was used to verify the following virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli: stx, typical from enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC); bfpA typical from entheropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and elt and slt, typical from entherotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). The results showed that two samples of queijadinha (typical Brazilian candy made with eggs and coconut) and one sample of cassava cake presented characteristic colonies TtC. This way, three strains were isolated in order to perform the PCR technique. However, the genes used in the reaction were not detected in the isolated strains. Therefore, it is suggested that the isolated strains are from E. coli pathotypes with different virulence genes than the ones analyzed belong other types of TtC, such as Enterobacter and Klebsiella. Although the virulence of genes has not been confirmed, the presence of TtC on food indicates hygiene flaws during production and, therefore, measurements to control and prevent contamination should be taken.
Resumo Muitos Empreendimentos Econômicos Solidários (EES) são formados por agricultores familiares que buscam agregar valor à produção por meio do beneficiamento artesanal, que pode ocasionar a contaminação dos alimentos. Desta forma, este estudo objetivou caracterizar genotipicamente coliformes termotolerantes (CT) isolados em alimentos produzidos por agroindústrias de um EES no período de janeiro a abril de 2019. Então, foi realizada análise microbiológica de coliformes termotolerantes (AFNOR 3M1/2 - 09/89), utilizando um método contagem de contagem rápida em placas Petrifilm™, em amostras de alimentos de treze Unidades de Produção (UP) do EES. Foram coletadas assepticamente cinco amostras de cada UP, totalizando 65 amostras. Utilizou-se a técnica de Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase (PCR) para verificação dos seguintes genes de virulência de Escherichia coli: stx, característico de E. coli enterohemorrágica (EHEC), bfpA, característico de E. coli enteropatogênica (EPEC) e elt e stI, característicos de E. coli enterotoxigênica (ETEC). Os resultados demonstraram que duas amostras de queijadinha e uma amostra do bolo de aipim apresentaram colônias características de coliformes termotolerantes. Desta forma, foram isoladas três cepas para a realização da PCR, no entanto os genes utilizados nas reações não foram identificados nas cepas isoladas. Portanto, sugere-se que as cepas isoladas sejam de patótipos de E. coli com genes de virulência diferentes dos analisados ou de outro membro dos CT, como Enterobacter e Klebsiella. Apesar de não serem confirmados os genes de virulência analisados, a detecção dos CT nos alimentos indica falhas na higiene durante a produção, portanto medidas para controlar e prevenir a contaminação dos produtos devem ser tomadas.
Assuntos
Humanos , Infecções por Escherichia coli , Escherichia coli Êntero-Hemorrágica , Virulência/genética , Brasil , Fatores de VirulênciaRESUMO
Many Solidarity Economic Venture (SEV) are family farmers who seek to add value to production through artisanal processing, which can lead to food contamination. Thus, this study aimed to genotypically characterize thermotolerant coliforms (TtC) strains from food produced by local agribusinesses of SEV during January to April 2019. Samples from thirteen production units (PU) from the SEV were submitted to a microbiological analysis of thermotolerant coliforms (AFNOR 3M1/2 - 09/89), using a fast count method in Petrifilm™ dishes. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was used to verify the following virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli: stx, typical from enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC); bfpA typical from entheropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and elt and slt, typical from entherotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). The results showed that two samples of queijadinha (typical Brazilian candy made with eggs and coconut) and one sample of cassava cake presented characteristic colonies TtC. This way, three strains were isolated in order to perform the PCR technique. However, the genes used in the reaction were not detected in the isolated strains. Therefore, it is suggested that the isolated strains are from E. coli pathotypes with different virulence genes than the ones analyzed belong other types of TtC, such as Enterobacter and Klebsiella. Although the virulence of genes has not been confirmed, the presence of TtC on food indicates hygiene flaws during production and, therefore, measurements to control and prevent contamination should be taken.
Assuntos
Escherichia coli Êntero-Hemorrágica , Infecções por Escherichia coli , Brasil , Humanos , Virulência/genética , Fatores de VirulênciaRESUMO
AIMS: To investigate the effects of the lectin from Punica granatum sarcotesta (PgTeL) on growth, viability, cell structure, biofilm formation and chitinase activity of Listeria monocytogenes. In addition, the effect of PgTeL on the adhesion and invasion of human cells (HeLa) was determined. METHODS AND RESULTS: PgTeL showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on the strains L. monocytogenes N53-1 and EGD-e, causing morphometric alterations, cell aggregation, strong deformation and cell disruption. PgTeL inhibited biofilm formation by EGD-e and N53-1 and also interfered with the adhesion and invasion processes of EGD-e and N53-1 in HeLa cells. Finally, the chitinase activity of L. monocytogenes EGD-e was reduced in the presence of PgTeL, which can be involved in the inhibition of adhesion process. CONCLUSION: PgTeL is an antibacterial agent against L. monocytogenes, inhibiting growth and promoting cell death, as well as impairing biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion and invasion into human cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results stimulate future investigations on the potential of PgTeL for protection of contamination in food products.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Lectinas/farmacologia , Listeria monocytogenes/efeitos dos fármacos , Punica granatum , Aderência Bacteriana/efeitos dos fármacos , Biofilmes/efeitos dos fármacos , Células HeLa , Humanos , Listeria monocytogenes/fisiologiaRESUMO
In this paper, we complement our previous study on the antiproliferative activity of Calea fruticosa (Asteraceae) by isolating the compounds apigenin-4',7-dimethyl ether (1), budlein A (2), quercetin (3), and cichoriin (4) from the plant's aerial parts. The antiproliferative activity of these compounds was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method against human tumor cell lines. Compound 3 displayed moderate antiproliferative activity in three cell lines (HCT-116, PC-3, and SF-295, with cell growth inhibition values of 72.97, 74.55, and 68.94%) and high antiproliferative activity (90.86%) in the HL-60 cell line. The in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) of the extracts and compound 4, with and without sunscreen, was determined by a spectrophotometric method. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest SPF (9.67) at a concentration of 0.100 mg/mL, while compound 4, isolated from this extract, showed a SPF of 13.79 at the same concentration. A relative increased efficacy of SPF was observed for the extracts and compound 4 when sunscreen was also used. Compound 4 has not been reported previously from any species within the genus Calea. Compounds 1-4 were obtained from this species for the first time.
Assuntos
Asteraceae , Extratos Vegetais , Substâncias Protetoras , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , HumanosRESUMO
In this paper, we complement our previous study on the antiproliferative activity of Calea fruticosa (Asteraceae) by isolating the compounds apigenin-4',7-dimethyl ether (1), budlein A (2), quercetin (3), and cichoriin (4) from the plant's aerial parts. The antiproliferative activity of these compounds was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method against human tumor cell lines. Compound 3 displayed moderate antiproliferative activity in three cell lines (HCT-116, PC-3, and SF-295, with cell growth inhibition values of 72.97, 74.55, and 68.94%) and high antiproliferative activity (90.86%) in the HL-60 cell line. The in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) of the extracts and compound 4, with and without sunscreen, was determined by a spectrophotometric method. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest SPF (9.67) at a concentration of 0.100 mg/mL, while compound 4, isolated from this extract, showed a SPF of 13.79 at the same concentration. A relative increased efficacy of SPF was observed for the extracts and compound 4 when sunscreen was also used. Compound 4 has not been reported previously from any species within the genus Calea. Compounds 1-4 were obtained from this species for the first time.
Assuntos
Humanos , Extratos Vegetais , Asteraceae , Substâncias Protetoras , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Sporotrichosis is caused by species of fungi within the Sporothrix schenckii complex that infect man and animals. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, an epidemic has been observed since 1998, with most of the cases being related to transmission from infected cats. Although the definitive diagnosis of feline sporotrichosis is made by fungal culture, cytopathological and histopathological examinations are used routinely, because the long culture period may delay treatment onset. However, alternative methods are desirable in cases of low fungal burden. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been described as a sensitive method for diagnosing human and canine sporotrichosis, but there are no reports of its application to cats. The aim of this study was to analyse the sensitivity of cytopathological examination (Quick Panoptic method), histopathology (Grocott silver stain) and anti-Sporothrix IHC by blinded comparisons, using fungal culture as the reference standard. Samples were collected from 184 cats with sporotrichosis that exhibited skin ulcers. The sensitivities of Grocott silver stain, cytopathological examination and IHC were 91.3%, 87.0% and 88.6%, respectively. Grocott silver stain showed the best performance. IHC showed high sensitivity, as did cytopathological examination and these may be considered as alternative methodologies. When the three methods were combined, the diagnosis was established in 180 (97.8%) out of 184 cases. Taken together, these findings indicate the need to implement these methods as routine tools for the early diagnosis of sporotrichosis in cats, notably when fungal culture is not available.
Assuntos
Doenças do Gato/diagnóstico , Esporotricose/veterinária , Animais , Gatos , Citodiagnóstico/métodos , Diagnóstico Precoce , Imuno-Histoquímica/métodos , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Coloração e Rotulagem/métodosRESUMO
The electrodegradation of the 4-aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (4AN1S), 5-aminonaphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (5AN2S) and 8-aminonaphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (8AN2S) was studied, using two electrode materials as anode, BDD and Ti/Pt/PbO2, and two different electrolytes, sodium sulfate and sodium chloride. The highest COD removal rates were obtained at BDD: for 5AN2S and 8AN2S results were similar in both electrolytes; for 4AN1S, results were better in sodium chloride. The lowest COD removal rates were obtained at the system Ti/Pt/PbO2-sodium sulfate, for all the studied amines. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal was much higher at BDD for all the amines, in sulfate for 5AN2S and 8AN2S and in chloride for 4AN1S. Nitrogen removal was always almost irrelevant in sulfate medium but higher than 60%, after 6-h assays, in chloride. The highest combustion efficiencies were attained at the system BDD-sodium sulfate and were: 4AN1S-75%; 5AN2S-84%; 8AN2S-74%. HPLC results show that total degradation of the studied aminonaphthalene sulfonates is attained at both anode materials, utilizing any of the electrolytes, with a first order kinetics. However, kinetic constants obtained with the variation of the amines concentration in time are 10-40 times higher in chloride, being slightly higher at Ti/Pt/PbO2 than at BDD. Regarding the presence of carboxylic acids during the degradation assays, it was observed that the electrolysis of the amines 5AN2S and 8AN2S always lead to higher amounts of oxalic acid and lower quantities of acetic acid than the electrolysis of the amine 4AN1S.
Assuntos
Aminas/química , Eletrólise/métodos , Naftalenos/química , Eletrodos , Cinética , Nitrogênio , Oxirredução , Sulfatos , Ácidos Sulfônicos/química , Titânio , Poluentes Químicos da Água/químicaRESUMO
Polyphosphates have been found in all cell types examined to date and play diverse roles depending on the cell type. In eukaryotic organisms, polyphosphates have been investigated mainly in mammalian cells, and only a few studies have addressed arthropods. Pyrophosphatases have been shown to regulate polyphosphate metabolism. However, these studies were restricted to trypanosomatids. Here we focus on the tick Rhipicephalus microplus, a haematophagous ectoparasite that is highly harmful to cattle. We produced a recombinant R. microplus pyrophosphatase (rRmPPase) with the aim of investigating its kinetic parameters using polyphosphates as substrate. Molecular docking assays of RmPPase with polyphosphates were also carried out. The kinetic and Hill coefficient parameters indicated that rRmPPase has a greater affinity, higher catalytic efficiency and increased cooperativity for sodium phosphate glass type 15 (polyP15 ) than for sodium tripolyphosphate (polyP3 ). Through molecular docking, we found that polyP3 binds close to the Mg2+ atoms in the catalytic region of the protein, participating in their coordination network, whereas polyP15 interactions involve negatively charged phosphate groups and basic amino acid residues, such as Lys56, Arg58 and Lys193; polyP15 has a more favourable theoretical binding affinity than polyP3 , thus supporting the kinetic data. This study shows, for the first time in arthropods, a pyrophosphatase with polyphosphatase activity, suggesting its participation in polyphosphate metabolism.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Artrópodes/genética , Pirofosfatase Inorgânica/genética , Polifosfatos/metabolismo , Rhipicephalus/genética , Animais , Proteínas de Artrópodes/metabolismo , Hidrólise , Pirofosfatase Inorgânica/metabolismo , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Rhipicephalus/enzimologia , Rhipicephalus/metabolismoRESUMO
Abstract Many Solidarity Economic Venture (SEV) are family farmers who seek to add value to production through artisanal processing, which can lead to food contamination. Thus, this study aimed to genotypically characterize thermotolerant coliforms (TtC) strains from food produced by local agribusinesses of SEV during January to April 2019. Samples from thirteen production units (PU) from the SEV were submitted to a microbiological analysis of thermotolerant coliforms (AFNOR 3M1/2 09/89), using a fast count method in Petrifilm dishes. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was used to verify the following virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli: stx, typical from enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC); bfpA typical from entheropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and elt and slt, typical from entherotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). The results showed that two samples of queijadinha (typical Brazilian candy made with eggs and coconut) and one sample of cassava cake presented characteristic colonies TtC. This way, three strains were isolated in order to perform the PCR technique. However, the genes used in the reaction were not detected in the isolated strains. Therefore, it is suggested that the isolated strains are from E. coli pathotypes with different virulence genes than the ones analyzed belong other types of TtC, such as Enterobacter and Klebsiella. Although the virulence of genes has not been confirmed, the presence of TtC on food indicates hygiene flaws during production and, therefore, measurements to control and prevent contamination should be taken.
Resumo Muitos Empreendimentos Econômicos Solidários (EES) são formados por agricultores familiares que buscam agregar valor à produção por meio do beneficiamento artesanal, que pode ocasionar a contaminação dos alimentos. Desta forma, este estudo objetivou caracterizar genotipicamente coliformes termotolerantes (CT) isolados em alimentos produzidos por agroindústrias de um EES no período de janeiro a abril de 2019. Então, foi realizada análise microbiológica de coliformes termotolerantes (AFNOR 3M1/2 09/89), utilizando um método contagem de contagem rápida em placas Petrifilm, em amostras de alimentos de treze Unidades de Produção (UP) do EES. Foram coletadas assepticamente cinco amostras de cada UP, totalizando 65 amostras. Utilizou-se a técnica de Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase (PCR) para verificação dos seguintes genes de virulência de Escherichia coli: stx, característico de E. coli enterohemorrágica (EHEC), bfpA, característico de E. coli enteropatogênica (EPEC) e elt e stI, característicos de E. coli enterotoxigênica (ETEC). Os resultados demonstraram que duas amostras de queijadinha e uma amostra do bolo de aipim apresentaram colônias características de coliformes termotolerantes. Desta forma, foram isoladas três cepas para a realização da PCR, no entanto os genes utilizados nas reações não foram identificados nas cepas isoladas. Portanto, sugere-se que as cepas isoladas sejam de patótipos de E. coli com genes de virulência diferentes dos analisados ou de outro membro dos CT, como Enterobacter e Klebsiella. Apesar de não serem confirmados os genes de virulência analisados, a detecção dos CT nos alimentos indica falhas na higiene durante a produção, portanto medidas para controlar e prevenir a contaminação dos produtos devem ser tomadas.
RESUMO
The ultrastructure of in vivo-produced ovine embryos, at the morula, early blastocyst and late blastocyst stages, was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. Embryonic cells were characterized by the presence of intact intercellular junctions, numerous mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum cisternae and light vesicles. Polyribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, secondary lysosomes, Golgi complexes and lipid droplets were also observed in the cytoplasm. The nucleus was well defined and organized, with an intact envelope rich in nuclear pore complexes, and one or more reticular nucleoli. Microvilli were present in external blastomeres of morulae and became more abundant in trophectoderm cells of early and late blastocysts. Light vesicles seemed to be associated with small cisternae of Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum origin. These cisternae fused and created light vesicles with engulfed heterogeneous cytosolic structures, small cisternae and vesicles. Their labile membrane enabled them to rapidly coalesce into medium-sized vesicles that began to engulf mitochondria and lipid droplets, forming giant vacuoles mostly filled with fat. Incomplete matured secretory vesicles were observed to exocytose into the perivitelline space of morulae, whereas fully matured secretory vesicles appeared only in trophectoderm cells, being exocytosed into the blastocoelic cavity. These observations suggested that these endoplasmic-/Golgi-derived vesicles behave as active autophagic organelles presenting probably a maturation process from compact morulae to blastocyst.
Assuntos
Blastocisto/ultraestrutura , Mórula/ultraestrutura , Ovinos , Animais , Blastocisto/citologia , Feminino , Masculino , Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão , Mórula/citologia , GravidezRESUMO
RESUMOEste trabalho realizou um levantamento sobre o uso de plantas medicinais na cidade de Picos-PI, identificou as plantas cultivadas no horto pertencente ao Laboratório Fitoterápico de Picos (LAFIPI), e analisou o uso de fitoterápicos dispensados pelo Programa Farmácia Viva no triênio 2008-2010. Do total dos 750 entrevistados, 37,6% foram homens e 62,4 % mulheres, dentre os quais a maioria não concluiu o segundo grau (69,2%) e 77,2% possuíam renda mensal de até dois salários mínimos. Com relação ao consumo de plantas medicinais, 76,3% afirmaram utilizá-las para tratar doenças, principalmente por considerá-las mais saudáveis (84,8%). A indicação do uso foi orientada, sobretudo, por familiares (82,2%), embora a maioria adquira as plantas em feiras livres (32,8%). Das 127 plantas relatadas, as mais citadas foram erva-cidreira, boldo e hortelã, sendo as folhas a parte mais utilizada (42,3%), predominantemente por infusão (39,4%). As aplicações mais lembradas foram para tratar dores em geral (17%), distúrbios respiratórios (16,5%) e digestivos (16%). As espécies mais cultivadas no horto são chambá (Justicia pectoralis), alecrim pimenta (Lippia sidoides), malva santa (Plectranthus barbatus) e erva cidreira (Lippia alba). O lambedor de chambá foi o fitoterápico mais procurado pela população entre 2008 e 2010. Esse estudo descreveu, pela primeira vez, o uso tradicional de plantas medicinais no município de Picos e demonstrou, também de forma inédita, a relevância de investimentos do Programa Farmácia Viva no município de Picos e sua inclusão no Programa Saúde da Família como forma de disponibilizar à população de baixa renda fitoterápicos produzidos localmente a custos reduzidos.
ABSTRACTThis study performed a research about the use of medicinal plants in Picos city, identifying the plants grown in the garden belonging to the Laboratory of Phytotherapics in Picos (LAFIPI) and analying the use of phytotherapics distributed by the Farmácia Viva Project between 2008-2010. From the total of 750 interviewed participants, 37.6% were men and 62.4 % women. Most of them do not have secondary education (69.2%) and 77.2% had an income of up until two minimum wages. Regarding consumption of medicinal plants, 76.3 % used them to treat diseases, mainly because they considered them to be healthier (84.8%). The indication of use of the plants was mainly suggested by relatives (82.2%), even though the majority of the participants acquires plants in open markets (32.8%). From the 127 plants mentioned, the most cited ones were balm, boldo and mint, and leaves were the most utilized parts (42.3%), predominantly by infusion (39.4%). The most common reasons for the usewere to treat pain in general (17%), and respiratory (16.5%) and digestive disorders (16%). The most cultivated species in the garden were chambá (Justicia pectoralis), alecrim pimenta (Lippia sidoides), malva santa (Plectranthus barbatus) and erva cidreira (Lippia alba). The "chambá licker" was the most herbal medicine searched by the population between 2008 and 2010. This investigation described, for the first time, the traditional use of medicinal plants in Picos and demonstrated,alsounprecedentedly, the relevance of investments in the Farmácia Viva Project in Picos city and its inclusion in the Family Health Program as a strategyin order to provide locally producedphytotherapics for low-income population at low costs.
Assuntos
Farmácia/instrumentação , Plantas Medicinais/classificação , Fitoterapia , Etnobotânica/instrumentação , Toxicidade/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Quantum dots exhibit extraordinary optical and mechanical properties, and the number of their applications is increasing. In order to investigate a possible effect of coating on the inhalation toxicity of previously tested non-coated CdS/Cd(OH)2 quantum dots and translocation of these very small particles from the lungs, rats were exposed to coated quantum dots or CdCl2 aerosol (since Cd(2+) was present as impurity), 6h/d for 5 consecutive days. Cd content was determined in organs and excreta after the end of exposure and three weeks thereafter. Toxicity was determined by examination of broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and microscopic evaluation of the entire respiratory tract. There was no evidence for translocation of particles from the respiratory tract. Evidence of a minimal inflammatory process was observed by examination of broncho-alveolar lavage fluid. Microscopically, minimal to mild epithelial alteration was seen in the larynx. The effects observed with coated quantum dots, non-coated quantum dots and CdCl2 were comparable, indicating that quantum dots elicited no significant effects beyond the toxicity of the Cd(2+) ion itself. Compared to other compounds with larger particle size tested at similarly low concentrations, quantum dots caused much less pronounced toxicological effects. Therefore, the present data show that small particle sizes with corresponding high surfaces are not the only factor triggering the toxic response or translocation.
Assuntos
Compostos de Cádmio/toxicidade , Glutaral/toxicidade , Hidróxidos/toxicidade , Pontos Quânticos/toxicidade , Sistema Respiratório/efeitos dos fármacos , Sulfetos/toxicidade , Aerossóis , Animais , Líquido da Lavagem Broncoalveolar , Cloreto de Cádmio/toxicidade , Compostos de Cádmio/metabolismo , Compostos de Cádmio/urina , Fezes/química , Glutaral/metabolismo , Glutaral/urina , Hidróxidos/metabolismo , Hidróxidos/urina , Exposição por Inalação , Masculino , Tamanho da Partícula , Pontos Quânticos/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Sistema Respiratório/metabolismo , Sistema Respiratório/patologia , Sulfetos/metabolismo , Sulfetos/urina , Fatores de Tempo , Distribuição Tecidual , Testes de Toxicidade AgudaRESUMO
The effectiveness and safety of treatment with ketoconazole and itraconazole were compared in 773 sporotrichosis-infected cats over a four-year period (2002 to 2005). Five hundred and ninety-eight cats received oral ketoconazole and 175 received oral itraconazole. Treatment was successful in 238 (30.8 per cent) cats, of which 171 (28.6 per cent) of 598 received 13.5 to 27.0 mg/kg/day ketoconazole and 67 (38.3 per cent) of 175 received 8.3 to 27.7 mg/kg/day itraconazole. Adverse effects were reported in 306 (39.6 per cent) of the cats, 105 (13.6 per cent) died and 430 (55.6 per cent) dropped out of treatment or were still under treatment at the time of data analysis.
Assuntos
Antifúngicos/uso terapêutico , Doenças do Gato/tratamento farmacológico , Itraconazol/uso terapêutico , Cetoconazol/uso terapêutico , Esporotricose/veterinária , Administração Oral , Animais , Antifúngicos/efeitos adversos , Apetite/efeitos dos fármacos , Gatos , Diarreia/induzido quimicamente , Diarreia/veterinária , Feminino , Itraconazol/efeitos adversos , Estimativa de Kaplan-Meier , Cetoconazol/efeitos adversos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Esporotricose/tratamento farmacológico , Resultado do Tratamento , Vômito/induzido quimicamente , Vômito/veterináriaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: There is increasing concern over the local and systemic side effects of TiO(2) and ZnO coated nanoparticles widely used in sun blockers. OBJECTIVE: To determine the localization and possible skin penetration of TiO(2) and ZnO nanoparticles, dispersed in 3 sunscreen formulations, under realistic in vivo conditions in normal and altered skin. METHODS: Nuclear microscopy techniques provided spatially resolved quantitative analysis of Ti and Zn nanoparticle distributions in transversal cryosections of skin obtained by biopsy with no further treatment. A test hydrophobic formulation containing coated 20-nm TiO(2) nanoparticles and 2 commercial sunscreen formulations containing TiO(2) alone or in combination with ZnO were tried, taking into account realistic use conditions by consumers and compared with the recommended standard condition for the sun protection factor test. The protocols consisted of an open test. RESULTS: Following a 2-hour exposure period of normal human skin to TiO(2)- and ZnO-containing sunscreens, detectable amounts of these physical blockers were only present at the skin surface and in the uppermost stratum corneum regions. Layers deeper than the stratum corneum were devoid of TiO(2) or exogenous ZnO, even after 48 h of exposure to the sunscreen, under occlusion. Deposition of TiO(2) and ZnO nanoparticles in the openings of the pilosebaceous follicles was also observed, suggesting a preferential fixation area. Penetration of nanoparticles into viable skin tissue could not be detected. CONCLUSIONS: TiO(2) or ZnO nanoparticles are absent or their levels are too low to be tested under the stratum corneum in human viable epidermal layers. Therefore, significant penetration towards the underlying keratinocytes is unlikely.
Assuntos
Epiderme/efeitos dos fármacos , Epiderme/metabolismo , Nanopartículas/administração & dosagem , Absorção Cutânea/efeitos dos fármacos , Titânio/metabolismo , Óxido de Zinco/metabolismo , Administração Cutânea , Adulto , Idoso , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Testes do Emplastro/métodos , Absorção Cutânea/fisiologia , Protetores Solares/administração & dosagem , Protetores Solares/metabolismo , Titânio/administração & dosagem , Óxido de Zinco/administração & dosagemRESUMO
Controlled slow freezing and vitrification have been successfully used for ovine embryo cryopreservation. Selection of embryos for transfer is based on stereomicroscopical embryo scoring after thawing, but the subjectivity inherent to this selection step has been demonstrated by ultrastructural studies of controlled slow frozen, in vivo produced ovine morulae and blastocysts. These studies have shown that certain abnormalities remain undetected by stereomicroscopy only. In the present study, using ovine in vivo produced morulae and blastocysts, we have studied the ultrastructural alterations induced by open pulled straw vitrification (OPS) and controlled slow freezing, compared stereomicroscopical embryo scoring with light microscopy evaluation of embryo's semithin sections, and related the ultrastructural cellular damage with the embryo classification by stereomicroscopical embryo scoring of embryos' and semithin section evaluation by light microscopy. The ultrastructural lesions found for OPS-vitrified and controlled slow frozen embryos were similar, independently of embryo stage. A significant higher number of grade 3 embryos was found at stereomicroscopical scoring after controlled slow freezing (P=0.02), and a significant higher number of grade 3 blastocysts was found at semithin sectioning after OPS vitrification (P=0.037). The extension of ultrastructural damage, especially of mitochondria and cytoskeleton, was related to the semithin classification but not to stereomicroscopical scoring at thawing. This suggests that semithin scoring is a useful tool for predicting ultrastructural lesions and new improvements in cryopreservation and thawing methods of ovine embryos are still warranted, including in the case of blastocysts cryopreserved by OPS vitrification.
Assuntos
Blastocisto/ultraestrutura , Criopreservação/veterinária , Inseminação Artificial/veterinária , Mórula/ultraestrutura , Ovinos/embriologia , Animais , Membrana Celular/ultraestrutura , Núcleo Celular/ultraestrutura , Criopreservação/instrumentação , Criopreservação/métodos , Citoplasma/ultraestrutura , Feminino , Inseminação Artificial/métodos , Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão , Mitocôndrias/ultraestruturaRESUMO
Previous work has shown that tree turnover, tree biomass and large liana densities have increased in mature tropical forest plots in the late twentieth century. These results point to a concerted shift in forest ecological processes that may already be having significant impacts on terrestrial carbon stocks, fluxes and biodiversity. However, the findings have proved controversial, partly because a rather limited number of permanent plots have been monitored for rather short periods. The aim of this paper is to characterize regional-scale patterns of 'tree turnover' (the rate with which trees die and recruit into a population) by using improved datasets now available for Amazonia that span the past 25 years. Specifically, we assess whether concerted changes in turnover are occurring, and if so whether they are general throughout the Amazon or restricted to one region or environmental zone. In addition, we ask whether they are driven by changes in recruitment, mortality or both. We find that: (i) trees 10 cm or more in diameter recruit and die twice as fast on the richer soils of southern and western Amazonia than on the poorer soils of eastern and central Amazonia; (ii) turnover rates have increased throughout Amazonia over the past two decades; (iii) mortality and recruitment rates have both increased significantly in every region and environmental zone, with the exception of mortality in eastern Amazonia; (iv) recruitment rates have consistently exceeded mortality rates; (v) absolute increases in recruitment and mortality rates are greatest in western Amazonian sites; and (vi) mortality appears to be lagging recruitment at regional scales. These spatial patterns and temporal trends are not caused by obvious artefacts in the data or the analyses. The trends cannot be directly driven by a mortality driver (such as increased drought or fragmentation-related death) because the biomass in these forests has simultaneously increased. Our findings therefore indicate that long-acting and widespread environmental changes are stimulating the growth and productivity of Amazon forests.
Assuntos
Biodiversidade , Monitoramento Ambiental , Árvores , Biomassa , Carbono/análise , Geografia , Estudos Longitudinais , Mortalidade , Dinâmica Populacional , Chuva , Reprodução/fisiologia , Solo/análise , América do Sul , Clima TropicalRESUMO
Several widespread changes in the ecology of old-growth tropical forests have recently been documented for the late twentieth century, in particular an increase in stem turnover (pan-tropical), and an increase in above-ground biomass (neotropical). Whether these changes are synchronous and whether changes in growth are also occurring is not known. We analysed stand-level changes within 50 long-term monitoring plots from across South America spanning 1971-2002. We show that: (i) basal area (BA: sum of the cross-sectional areas of all trees in a plot) increased significantly over time (by 0.10 +/- 0.04 m2 ha(-1) yr(-1), mean +/- 95% CI); as did both (ii) stand-level BA growth rates (sum of the increments of BA of surviving trees and BA of new trees that recruited into a plot); and (iii) stand-level BA mortality rates (sum of the cross-sectional areas of all trees that died in a plot). Similar patterns were observed on a per-stem basis: (i) stem density (number of stems per hectare; 1 hectare is 10(4) m2) increased significantly over time (0.94 +/- 0.63 stems ha(-1) yr(-1)); as did both (ii) stem recruitment rates; and (iii) stem mortality rates. In relative terms, the pools of BA and stem density increased by 0.38 +/- 0.15% and 0.18 +/- 0.12% yr(-1), respectively. The fluxes into and out of these pools-stand-level BA growth, stand-level BA mortality, stem recruitment and stem mortality rates-increased, in relative terms, by an order of magnitude more. The gain terms (BA growth, stem recruitment) consistently exceeded the loss terms (BA loss, stem mortality) throughout the period, suggesting that whatever process is driving these changes was already acting before the plot network was established. Large long-term increases in stand-level BA growth and simultaneous increases in stand BA and stem density imply a continent-wide increase in resource availability which is increasing net primary productivity and altering forest dynamics. Continent-wide changes in incoming solar radiation, and increases in atmospheric concentrations of CO2 and air temperatures may have increased resource supply over recent decades, thus causing accelerated growth and increased dynamism across the world's largest tract of tropical forest.