Are biomarkers associated with sensitivity to physical activity?

BACKGROUND: Activity-based treatments play an integral role in managing musculoskeletal conditions including low back pain. However, while therapeutic exercise has been shown to reduce pain in such conditions, certain individuals experience a paradoxical pain increase in response to exercise. The physiological processes underlying this sensitivity to physical activity (SPA) are not fully understood, however stress and inflammation have been shown to contribute to SPA. The present cross-sectional study investigated whether physiological indicators of stress (cortisol) and inflammation (IL-6) help explain SPA. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with chronic low back pain and 21 healthy controls completed a 1-h exercise session of standardized physical tasks. SPA was calculated from the difference between post- and pre-exercise pain levels. Participant's saliva was collected at several timepoints for cortisol and IL-6 levels quantification. Their waking cortisol response was calculated to reflect their cortisol regulation. Reactivity of IL-6 and cortisol was calculated to reflect changes in these measures during exercise. RESULTS: IL-6 reactivity was significantly and positively correlated with SPA among participants with low back pain. In contrast, neither cortisol waking response nor cortisol reactivity was significantly correlated within the low back pain group. No significant differences in IL-6 reactivity, cortisol reactivity or cortisol waking response were observed. CONCLUSION: These findings are the first to link SPA to an objective biomarker among people with low back pain. These findings help describe the physiological mechanisms of SPA and can support new clinical research that targets the inflammatory response of patients with chronic low-back pain and elevated SPA. SIGNIFICANCE: This study reveals a correlation between SPA and an objective salivary biomarker of IL-6 in people with low back pain, improving our understanding of this clinically relevant subjective experience.

Dietary phytate induces subclinical mechanical allodynia in mice.

Neuropathic pain is a condition with varying origins, including reduced dietary micronutrient intake. Phytate is a polyphosphate found in seeds and grains that can act as an antinutrient due to the ability of sequester essential divalent metals. Here we tested whether moderate dietary phytate intake could alter nociceptive pain. We subjected weaning mice to a chow supplemented with 1% phytate for eight weeks. Body weight gain, glycemic responses, food ingestion, water ingestion, and liver and adipose tissue weights were not altered compared to controls. We observed a decreased mechanical allodynia threshold in the intervention group, although there were no changes in heat- or cold-induced pain. Animals consuming phytate showed reduced spinal cord tumor necrosis factor (TNF), indicating altered inflammatory process. These data provide evidence for a subclinical induction of mechanical allodynia that is independent of phytate consumption in animals with otherwise normal phenotypic pattern.

Effect of AT1 receptor blockade on cardiovascular outcome after cardiac arrest: an experimental study in rats.

Angiotensin II receptor 1(AT1) antagonists are beneficial in focal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). However, in cases of global I/R, such as cardiac arrest (CA), AT1 blocker's potential benefits are still unknown. Wistar male rats were allocated into four groups: Control group (CG)-animals submitted to CA by ventricular fibrillation induced by direct electrical stimulation for 3 min, and anoxia for 5 min; Group AT1 (GAT1)-animals subjected to CA and treated with 0.2 mg/kg of candesartan diluted in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) (0.1%); Vehicle Group (VG): animals subjected to CA and treated with 0.2 ml/kg of DMSO and Sham group (SG)-animals submitted to surgical interventions, without CA. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation consisted of group medications, chest compressions, ventilation, epinephrine (20 mcg/kg) and defibrillation. The animals were observed up to 4 h after spontaneous circulation (ROSC) return, and survival rates, hemodynamic variables, histopathology, and markers of tissue injury were analyzed. GAT1 group had a higher rate of ROSC (62.5% vs. 42.1%, p < 0.0001), survival (100% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.027), lower incidence of arrhythmia after 10 min of ROSC (10% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.000), and lower neuronal and cardiac injury scores on histology evaluation (p = 0.025 and p = 0.0052, respectively) than GC group. The groups did not differ regarding CA duration, number of adrenaline doses, or number of defibrillations. AT1 receptor blockade with candesartan yielded higher rates of ROSC and survival, in addition to neuronal and myocardial protection.

Genomic and phenotypic features of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from oil reservoirs reveal a novel subspecies specialized in degrading hazardous hydrocarbons.

The genus Acinetobacter encompasses biotechnologically relevant species and nosocomial pathogens. In this study, nine isolates recovered from different oil reservoir samples showed the ability to grow with petroleum as the only carbon source and possessed the ability to emulsify kerosene. The whole genomes of the nine strains were sequenced and analyzed. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of all strains were compared to the reference strains, and the results were below the reference values (<97.88 and 82, respectively), suggesting that the isolates belong to a new subspecies of Acinetobacter baumannii. The name Acinetobacter baumannii oleum ficedula is proposed. A comparison of the whole genome repertoire of 290 Acinetobacter species indicated that the strains in this study resemble non-pathogenic Acinetobacter strains. However, the new isolates resemble A. baumannii when comparing virulence factors. The isolates in this study carry many genes involved in hydrocarbon degradation, indicating the potential to degrade most toxic compounds listed by environmental regulatory agencies such as ATSDR, EPA, and CONAMA. In addition, despite the absence of known biosurfactant or bioemulsifier genes, the strains showed emulsifying activity, suggesting the presence of new pathways or genes related to this process. This study investigated the genomic, phenotypic, and biochemical features of the novel environmental subspecies A. baumannii oleum ficedula, revealing their potential to degrade hydrocarbons and to produce biosurfactants or bioemulsifiers. Applying these environmental subspecies in bioaugmentation strategies sheds light on future approaches to bioremediation. The study shows the importance of genomic analysis of environmental strains and their inclusion in metabolic pathways databases, highlighting unique enzymes/alternative pathways for consuming hazardous hydrocarbons.

Validation of the North America expert consensus statement on reporting CT findings for COVID-19 in individuals with lung cancer.

The aim of our study was to validate the use of the standardized Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) reporting system in individuals with known lung cancer who presented to the emergency department with suspected COVID-19. We included patients aged 18 years or older from the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo (ICESP) with a confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer, admitted to the emergency department and undergoing chest computed tomography (CT) for suspicion of COVID-19. Comparison between SARS-CoV2 RT-PCR across RSNA categories was performed in all patients and further stratified by diagnosis of lung cancer progression. Among 58 individuals included in the analysis (65±9 years, 43% men), 20 had positive RT-PCR. Less than a half (43%) had no new lung findings in the CT. Positive RT-PCR was present in 75% of those with typical findings according to RSNA and in only 9% when these findings were classified as atypical or negative (P<0.001). Diagnostic accuracy was even higher when stratified by the presence or absence of progressive disease (PD). Extent of pulmonary inflammatory changes was strongly associated with higher mortality, reaching a lethality of 83% in patients with >25% of lung involvement and 100% when there was >50% of lung involvement. The lung involvement score was also highly predictive of prognosis in this population as was reported for non-lung cancer individuals. Collectively, our results demonstrated that diagnostic and prognostic values of chest CT findings in COVID-19 are robust to the presence of lung abnormalities related to lung cancer.

Dietary phytate induces subclinical mechanical allodynia in mice

Neuropathic pain is a condition with varying origins, including reduced dietary micronutrient intake. Phytate is a polyphosphate found in seeds and grains that can act as an antinutrient due to the ability of sequester essential divalent metals. Here we tested whether moderate dietary phytate intake could alter nociceptive pain. We subjected weaning mice to a chow supplemented with 1% phytate for eight weeks. Body weight gain, glycemic responses, food ingestion, water ingestion, and liver and adipose tissue weights were not altered compared to controls. We observed a decreased mechanical allodynia threshold in the intervention group, although there were no changes in heat- or cold-induced pain. Animals consuming phytate showed reduced spinal cord tumor necrosis factor (TNF), indicating altered inflammatory process. These data provide evidence for a subclinical induction of mechanical allodynia that is independent of phytate consumption in animals with otherwise normal phenotypic pattern.

In vitro- and in vivo-derived early antral follicles have comparable in vitro follicular growth and oocyte maturation rates in goats.

Recent in vitro follicle culture (IVFC) studies in caprine have yielded lower maturation rates using late preantral follicles compared to early antral follicles. Thus, research focusing on developing stage-specific customized culture systems able to improve the efficiency of IVFC for late preantral follicles are warranted. This study aimed to compare the morphometric features, estradiol production, and gene expression between early antral caprine follicles produced in vitro and in vivo. In vitro-derived early antral follicles were produced after a 6-day in vitro culture of late preantral follicles, while in vivo-derived early antral follicles were yielded immediately after isolation from the ovaries; antral follicles were, thereafter, cultured for 18 days. In vitro-derived antral follicles were cultured either in a medium developed for preantral follicles (PF medium) or in a medium developed for antral follicles (AF medium). In vivo-derived early antral follicles, on the other hand, were cultured in AF medium (Control treatment). Results demonstrated that in vitro-derived antral follicles cultured in PF medium produced higher estradiol concentration, and m-RNA expression for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and insulin receptor when compared to both in vitro- and in vivo-derived antral follicles cultured in AF medium. Remarkably, in vitro-derived antral follicles cultured in PF medium had similar MII and oocytes ≥110 µm rates compared with in vivo-derived antral follicles (Control treatment). In conclusion, when cultured in a single and appropriate medium (i.e., PF medium), in vitro-derived early antral follicles had comparable oocyte maturation rates to the in vivo-derived early antral follicles.

Is immunohistochemistry more sensitive than hematoxylin-eosin staining for identifying perineural or lymphovascular invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze whether immunohistochemistry (IHC) is more sensitive than hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining for identifying perineural invasion (PNI) or lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis (Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews - CRD 42021256515), data were obtained from six databases (PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, Web of Science, EBSCO, LIVIVO, Embase) and the grey literature. Cross-sectional observational studies of the diagnostic sensitivity of IHC for PNI and LVI were included. Studies were selected in two phases: first collection and reference retrieval. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool assessed study quality, while the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach assessed evidence quality. The meta-analysis (random effects model) was performed using MedCalc 18.2.1 software (MedCalc®) (p<0.05). RESULTS: Four studies (560 patients with 295 biopsies) were analyzed. The combined sensitivity was 76% (95% confidence interval [CI], 44.30-97.19%) and specificity was 42% (95% CI, 23.40-62.02%). The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 61% (95% CI, 49.78-71.53%) and 70% (95% CI, 37.63-94.43%). The overall accuracy was 58% (95% CI, 45.17-70.65%). The risk of bias was low, and GRADE analysis showed a very low certainty of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that IHC staining to highlight PNI/LVI may be useful in cases in which H&E analysis results in a negative decrease in the prevalence of false-negative cases and underestimated treatment.

Phytotoxicity of plant extracts of Vismia japurensis cultivated in vivo and in vitro / Fitotoxicidade de extratos de plantas de Vismia japurensis cultivadas in vivo e in vitro

Plants that produce secondary metabolites with allelopathic activity or phytotoxicity can be biotechnologically important, serving as sources of allelochemicals, and thus contributing to the agroindustrial sector. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) is an Amazonian species that grows in clumps called vismiais, from which most other plants are absent. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify possible phytotoxicity effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Vismia japurensis leaves and branches in vivo and from seedlings grown in vitro on Lactuca sativa. In addition, fresh and dry leaves were assayed by the sandwich method in order to determine their ability to release allelochemicals. The hexanic extract from in vitro seedlings reduced germination by 10%, while the methanol extract produced a 16% reduction in germination speed. Root growth of Lactuca sativa was inhibited by 64.7% when subjected to hexane leaf extract, by 39.3% under the influence of hexane branch extract, and by 96.09% for in vitro seedling hexanic extract. When analysed by thin layer chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, extracts showed evidence of terpenes, anthraquinones and flavonoids, with greater intensity of signals in the aromatic region of in vitro seedling hexanic extract. Clearly, Vismia japurensis has a high biotechnological potential in terms of the production of substances of low polarity with capacity to interfere in plant development.

Plantas que produzem metabólitos secundários com atividade alelopática ou fitotóxica podem ser biotecnologicamente importantes, servindo como fontes de aleloquímicos e, assim, contribuindo para o setor agroindustrial. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) é uma espécie amazônica que cresce em grupos, formando vismiais. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar possíveis efeitos fitotóxicos de extratos hexânicos e metanólicos de folhas e ramos de Vismia japurensis in vivo e de plântulas cultivadas in vitro sobre Lactuca sativa. Além disso, folhas frescas e secas foram analisadas pelo método sanduíche, a fim de determinar sua capacidade de liberação de aleloquímicos. O extrato hexânico de plântulas in vitro reduziu a germinação em 10% e o extrato metanólico promoveu uma redução de 16% na velocidade de germinação. O crescimento radicular de Lactuca sativa foi inibido em 64,7% quando submetido ao extrato hexânico das folhas, em 39,3% sob influência do extrato hexânico dos galhos e em 96,09% para o extrato de hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Quando analisados por cromatografia em camada delgada e ressonância magnética nuclear de 1H, os extratos mostraram evidências de terpenos, antraquinonas e flavonoides, com maior intensidade de sinais na região aromática do extrato hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Assim, Vismia japurensis possui elevado potencial biotecnológico em termos de produção de substâncias de baixa polaridade com capacidade de interferência no desenvolvimento de plantas.

Phytotoxicity of plant extracts of Vismia japurensis cultivated in vivo and in vitro

Abstract Plants that produce secondary metabolites with allelopathic activity or phytotoxicity can be biotechnologically important, serving as sources of allelochemicals, and thus contributing to the agroindustrial sector. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) is an Amazonian species that grows in clumps called vismiais, from which most other plants are absent. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify possible phytotoxicity effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Vismia japurensis leaves and branches in vivo and from seedlings grown in vitro on Lactuca sativa. In addition, fresh and dry leaves were assayed by the sandwich method in order to determine their ability to release allelochemicals. The hexanic extract from in vitro seedlings reduced germination by 10%, while the methanol extract produced a 16% reduction in germination speed. Root growth of Lactuca sativa was inhibited by 64.7% when subjected to hexane leaf extract, by 39.3% under the influence of hexane branch extract, and by 96.09% for in vitro seedling hexanic extract. When analysed by thin layer chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, extracts showed evidence of terpenes, anthraquinones and flavonoids, with greater intensity of signals in the aromatic region of in vitro seedling hexanic extract. Clearly, Vismia japurensis has a high biotechnological potential in terms of the production of substances of low polarity with capacity to interfere in plant development.

Resumo Plantas que produzem metabólitos secundários com atividade alelopática ou fitotóxica podem ser biotecnologicamente importantes, servindo como fontes de aleloquímicos e, assim, contribuindo para o setor agroindustrial. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) é uma espécie amazônica que cresce em grupos, formando vismiais. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar possíveis efeitos fitotóxicos de extratos hexânicos e metanólicos de folhas e ramos de Vismia japurensis in vivo e de plântulas cultivadas in vitro sobre Lactuca sativa. Além disso, folhas frescas e secas foram analisadas pelo método sanduíche, a fim de determinar sua capacidade de liberação de aleloquímicos. O extrato hexânico de plântulas in vitro reduziu a germinação em 10% e o extrato metanólico promoveu uma redução de 16% na velocidade de germinação. O crescimento radicular de Lactuca sativa foi inibido em 64,7% quando submetido ao extrato hexânico das folhas, em 39,3% sob influência do extrato hexânico dos galhos e em 96,09% para o extrato de hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Quando analisados por cromatografia em camada delgada e ressonância magnética nuclear de 1H, os extratos mostraram evidências de terpenos, antraquinonas e flavonoides, com maior intensidade de sinais na região aromática do extrato hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Assim, Vismia japurensis possui elevado potencial biotecnológico em termos de produção de substâncias de baixa polaridade com capacidade de interferência no desenvolvimento de plantas.

Phytotoxicity of plant extracts of Vismia japurensis cultivated in vivo and in vitro / Fitotoxicidade de extratos de plantas de Vismia japurensis cultivadas in vivo e in vitro

Plants that produce secondary metabolites with allelopathic activity or phytotoxicity can be biotechnologically important, serving as sources of allelochemicals, and thus contributing to the agroindustrial sector. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) is an Amazonian species that grows in clumps called vismiais, from which most other plants are absent. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify possible phytotoxicity effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Vismia japurensis leaves and branches in vivo and from seedlings grown in vitro on Lactuca sativa. In addition, fresh and dry leaves were assayed by the sandwich method in order to determine their ability to release allelochemicals. The hexanic extract from in vitro seedlings reduced germination by 10%, while the methanol extract produced a 16% reduction in germination speed. Root growth of Lactuca sativa was inhibited by 64.7% when subjected to hexane leaf extract, by 39.3% under the influence of hexane branch extract, and by 96.09% for in vitro seedling hexanic extract. When analysed by thin layer chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, extracts showed evidence of terpenes, anthraquinones and flavonoids, with greater intensity of signals in the aromatic region of in vitro seedling hexanic extract. Clearly, Vismia japurensis has a high biotechnological potential in terms of the production of substances of low polarity with capacity to interfere in plant development.

Plantas que produzem metabólitos secundários com atividade alelopática ou fitotóxica podem ser biotecnologicamente importantes, servindo como fontes de aleloquímicos e, assim, contribuindo para o setor agroindustrial. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) é uma espécie amazônica que cresce em grupos, formando vismiais. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar possíveis efeitos fitotóxicos de extratos hexânicos e metanólicos de folhas e ramos de Vismia japurensis in vivo e de plântulas cultivadas in vitro sobre Lactuca sativa. Além disso, folhas frescas e secas foram analisadas pelo método sanduíche, a fim de determinar sua capacidade de liberação de aleloquímicos. O extrato hexânico de plântulas in vitro reduziu a germinação em 10% e o extrato metanólico promoveu uma redução de 16% na velocidade de germinação. O crescimento radicular de Lactuca sativa foi inibido em 64,7% quando submetido ao extrato hexânico das folhas, em 39,3% sob influência do extrato hexânico dos galhos e em 96,09% para o extrato de hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Quando analisados por cromatografia em camada delgada e ressonância magnética nuclear de 1H, os extratos mostraram evidências de terpenos, antraquinonas e flavonoides, com maior intensidade de sinais na região aromática do extrato hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Assim, Vismia japurensis possui elevado potencial biotecnológico em termos de produção de substâncias de baixa polaridade com capacidade de interferência no desenvolvimento de plantas.

Validation of the North America expert consensus statement on reporting CT findings for COVID-19 in individuals with lung cancer

The aim of our study was to validate the use of the standardized Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) reporting system in individuals with known lung cancer who presented to the emergency department with suspected COVID-19. We included patients aged 18 years or older from the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo (ICESP) with a confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer, admitted to the emergency department and undergoing chest computed tomography (CT) for suspicion of COVID-19. Comparison between SARS-CoV2 RT-PCR across RSNA categories was performed in all patients and further stratified by diagnosis of lung cancer progression. Among 58 individuals included in the analysis (65±9 years, 43% men), 20 had positive RT-PCR. Less than a half (43%) had no new lung findings in the CT. Positive RT-PCR was present in 75% of those with typical findings according to RSNA and in only 9% when these findings were classified as atypical or negative (P<0.001). Diagnostic accuracy was even higher when stratified by the presence or absence of progressive disease (PD). Extent of pulmonary inflammatory changes was strongly associated with higher mortality, reaching a lethality of 83% in patients with >25% of lung involvement and 100% when there was >50% of lung involvement. The lung involvement score was also highly predictive of prognosis in this population as was reported for non-lung cancer individuals. Collectively, our results demonstrated that diagnostic and prognostic values of chest CT findings in COVID-19 are robust to the presence of lung abnormalities related to lung cancer.

Human health risk assessment associated with the consumption of mussels (Perna perna) and oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae) contaminated with metals and arsenic in the estuarine channel of Vitória Bay (ES), Southeast Brazil.

The estuarine channel of Vitória Bay was evaluated regarding bioaccumulation of metals (Al, Ba, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cd, Hg) and As in mollusks. Mussels from an aquaculture farm and transplanted into the estuary, whereas oysters were collected in situ in the same area. Concentrations of Al, Mn, Fe, Cr and As were higher in P. perna, whereas C. rhizophorae bioaccumulated more Ba, Zn and Cu. Arsenic concentrations in P. perna exceeded the limit of the Brazilian legislation in the outer estuary. Salinity seemed to influence metal uptake differently for each bivalve, with P. perna absorbing more metal at higher salinities and C. rhizophorae in areas of lower salinity. Hazard index (HI) >1 revealed risk for both bivalves for high level consumers. Target Cancer Risk (TCR) for As revealed threat for human health associated with the consumption of mussels and oysters from the study area.

Influence of Nitric Oxide-Cyclic GMP and Oxidative STRESS on Amyloid-ß Peptide Induced Decrease of Na,K-ATPase Activity in Rat Hippocampal Slices.

Amyloid-ß peptide (Aß) has been shown to cause synaptic dysfunction and can render neurons vulnerable to excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. Na,K-ATPase plays an important role to maintain cell ionic equilibrium and it can be modulated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic GMP pathway. Disruption of NO synthase (NOS) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production could lead to changes in Na,K-ATPase isoforms' activities that may be detrimental to the cells. Our aim was to evaluate the signaling pathways of Aß in relation to NMDA-NOS-cyclic GMP versus oxidative stress on α1-/α2,3-Na,K-ATPase activities in rat hippocampal slices. Aß1-40 induced a concentration-dependent increase of NOS activity and increased cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), and 3-Nitrotyrosine (3-NT)-modified protein levels in rat hippocampal slices. The increase in NOS activity and cyclic GMP levels induced by Aß1-40 was completely blocked by MK-801 (inhibitor of NMDA receptor) and L-NAME (inhibitor of NOS) pre-treatment but changes in TBARS levels were only partially blocked by both compounds. The Aß treatment also decreased Na,K-ATPase activity which was reverted by N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) but not by MK-801 pre-treatment. The decrease in enzyme activity induced by Aß was isoform-specific since only α1-Na,K-ATPase was affected. These findings suggest that the activation of NMDA-NOS signaling cascade linked to α2,3-Na,K-ATPase activity may mediate an adaptive, neuroprotective response to Aß in rat hippocampus.

Impact of ethanol and heat stress-dependent effect of ultra-diluted Arnica montana 6 cH on in vitro embryo production in cattle.

This study evaluated the effect of adding ultra-diluted and dynamized Arnica montana 6 cH, and its vehicle (0.3% ethanol) to the in vitro maturation (IVM) medium, in the absence (experiment 1) or presence (experiment 2) of heat stress (HS), on bovine oocyte maturation and in vitro embryo production (IVEP). In experiment 1 (n = 902 cumulus oocyte complexes, COCs), the treatments were 1) IVM medium (Control treatment), 2) IVM medium + 0.3% ethanol, and 3) IVM medium + Arnica montana 6 cH. In experiment 2 (n = 1064 COCs), the treatments were 1) IVM medium without HS, 2) IVM medium under HS, 3) IVM medium + ethanol under HS, and 4) IVM medium + Arnica montana under HS. In the absence of HS (experiment 1), the addition of Arnica montana to the IVM medium had a deleterious effect on the IVEP (cleavage and blastocyst rates) and the total cell number/blastocysts. On the other hand, ethanol (0.3%) increased IVEP in relation to the Control and Arnica montana treatments. However, in the presence of HS during IVM (experiment 2), the addition of ethanol or Arnica montana increased IVEP when compared to the HS treatment alone, and the Arnica montana treatment resulted in greater total cell number/blastocysts compared to the other treatments. In conclusion, this study showed for the first time that the negative or positive effect of Arnica montana 6 cH on IVEP depends on the culture condition (i.e., absence or presence of HS during IVM). On the other hand, ethanol showed beneficial and consistent results on IVEP regardless of exposure to HS.

Evaluation of bioavailability of trace metals through bioindicators in a urbanized estuarine system in southeast Brazil.

The mussel Perna perna is one of the most used bioindicators of coastal areas and the most economically exploited species in Brazil through mariculture. In the present study, P. perna was used to investigate metal pollution in the estuarine area of Vitória Bay. Four sampling sites were located along an estuarine branch of Vitória Bay and stations were sampled during three campaigns. Trace metals in the tissues of P. perna were evaluated as well as dissolved trace metals and other ancillary variables in the water column. Dissolved Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, and Fe concentrations surpassed the tolerance limits stablished by legislation in all the sampling campaigns. P. perna exhibited concentrations in disagreement with the Brazilian legislation for Cr and As. A general trend of higher concentrations in outer stations was observed for most metals, what suggested the occurrence of flocculation process in the lower estuary, reducing the concentrations of dissolved elements and increasing their bioavailability for the biota through the particulate form. Cd was highlighted with elevated concentrations in dissolved fraction but not detected in P. perna, probably due to chlor-complex formation under influence of more saline waters. Al, Ba, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Pb, and As were considered bioavailable, once they were accumulated in the mussels' tissues. Hazard index (HI) and target cancer risk (TCR) showed that the consumption of mussels from the study area offers health risk issues, being iron and arsenic the main contributors for the high indexes.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, volatile and phenolic profiles of cabbage-stalk and pineapple-crown flour revealed by GC-MS and UPLC-MSE.

Unconventional parts of vegetables represent a rich source of health-promoting phytochemicals. The phenolic profile of cabbage-stalk flour (CSF), pineapple-crown flour (PCF), and their essential oils were characterized via UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MSE and GC-FID/MS. Antimicrobial activity was tested against five strains, and antioxidant activities were determined in free and bound extracts. Globally, 177 phenolics were tentatively identified in PCF (major p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde) and 56 in CSF (major chlorogenicacid, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, and p-coumaric acid). PCF exhibited a distinguished profile (lignans, stilbenes) and antioxidant capacity, especially in bound extracts (1.3 g GAE.100 g-1; 0.6 g catechin eq.100 g-1; DPPH: 244.7; ABTS: 467.8; FRAP: 762.6 µg TE.g-1, ORAC: 40.9 mg TE.g-1). The main classes of volatile compounds were fatty acids, their esters, and terpenes in CSF (30) and PCF (41). A comprehensive metabolomic approach revealed CSF and PCF as a promising source of PC, showing great antioxidant and discrete antimicrobial activities.