Novel Antioxidants for Animal Nutrition.

In recent years, the importance of nutrition has notably escalated, with antioxidants emerging as crucial ingredients in the formulation of functional diets pivotal for promoting animal health and preventing diseases [...].

Seed-specific expression of porcine verotoxigenic Escherichia coli antigens in tobacco plants as a potential model of edible vaccines.

Vaccines can reduce the use of antibiotics by preventing specific infective diseases in pigs. Plant-based edible vaccines are particularly attractive because, upon oral ingestion via feed, they can elicit the local immune system against a foreign disease-causing organism. The aim of this study was to engineer two different independent lines of tobacco plants for the seed-specific expression of immunogenic proteins of VTEC as a model of an edible vaccine. For each antigen, fifty Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Xanthi leaf disks were transformed by agroinfection for the seed-specific expression of the structural parts of the fimbrial subunit FedF of F18 and the B-subunit of Vt2e genes. The synthetic genes, optimized by the codon adaptation index for their expression in tobacco, were inserted into expression cassettes under the control of ß-conglycinin promoter. Regenerated tobacco plants (T0) were characterized by molecular and immunoenzymatic techniques. Our results showed that both FedF and Vt2eB genes were integrated into tobacco genome efficiently (> 80%) and they are also maintained in the second generation (T1). Western blotting analyses carried out on the positive producing lines, showed the tissue-specific expression in seeds and the temporal protein accumulation in the mid-late maturation phases. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed seed expression levels of 0.09 to 0.29% (from 138 to 444 µg/g of seeds) and 0.21 to 0.43% (from 321 to 658 µg/g of seeds) of total soluble protein for the FedF and Vt2eB antigens, respectively. This study confirmed the seed-specific expression of the selected antigens in plant seeds. The expression level is suitable for seed-based edible vaccination systems, which could represent a cost-effective way to prevent VTEC infection. Our findings encourage further in vivo studies focused on the activation of the local immune response.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Chestnut and Quebracho Tannin Supplementation on Neonatal Diarrhoea in Preweaning Calves.

Neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD) poses a significant health challenge in cattle herds, resulting in considerable economic losses and antimicrobial use. In response to the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance, viable alternatives are imperative, aligning with European policies. This study evaluated the in-milk supplementation of the chestnut and quebracho tannin extract in preweaning calves on performance, diarrhoea occurrence, Cryptosporidium spp. shedding, protein digestibility, and intestinal health. Twenty newborn calves were divided, after colostrum administration, into two experimental groups for 30 days as follows: the control (CTRL) was fed with whole milk and solid feed, and tannins (TAN) were fed whole milk supplemented with 6/g day of tannin extract and solid feed. Faecal samples were collected on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 30 for the evaluation of Cryptosporidium oocyst shedding and protein digestibility. Faecal consistency was evaluated during the sampling using the faecal score scale (0-3 scale, considering diarrhoea > 1). The results showed a significant reduction in diarrhoea frequency in the TAN compared to the CTRL group (p < 0.05) over 30 days of the trial. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was generally low (12%), considering all analysed samples. Protein digestibility revealed comparable values for the TAN and CTRL groups, suggesting that tannins did not negatively affect milk protein availability. In conclusion, the in-milk supplementation of 6/g day of the chestnut and quebracho tannin extract could be considered a valuable functional feed additive to decrease NCD occurrence, thus supporting animal health and decreasing antibiotic use in livestock.

Tobacco Seed-Based Oral Vaccination against Verocytotoxic O138 Escherichia coli as Alternative Approach to Antibiotics in Weaned Piglets.

Post-weaning diarrhoea and enterotoxaemia caused by Escherichia coli are serious threats in the pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) livestock industry and are responsible for economic losses related to mortality, morbidity and stunted growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an engineered tobacco seeds-based edible vaccine in O138 Escherichia coli-challenged piglets throughout a multidisciplinary approach. Thirty-six weaned piglets were enrolled and randomly divided into two experimental groups, a control (C; n = 18) group and a tobacco edible vaccination group (T, n = 18), for 29 days of trial. At days 0, 1, 2, 5 and 14, piglets of the T group were fed with 10 g of the engineered tobacco seeds line expressing F18 and VT2eB antigens, while the C group received wild-type tobacco seeds. After 20 days, 6 piglets/group were orally challenged with the Escherichia coli O138 strain (creating four subgroups: UC = unchallenged control, CC = challenged control, UT = unchallenged tobacco, CT = challenged tobacco) and fed with a high protein diet for 3 consecutive days. Zootechnical, clinical, microbiological, histological and immunological parameters were assayed and registered during the 9 days of post-challenge follow up. At 29 days post-challenge, the CT group displayed a lower average of the sum of clinical scores compared to the CC group (p < 0.05), while the CC group showed a higher average sum of the faecal score (diarrhoea) (p < 0.05) than the CT group. A decreased number of days of shedding of the pathogenic strain was observed in the CT compared to the CC group (p < 0.05). Specific anti-F18 IgA molecules were significantly higher in the CT group compared to the CC group's faecal samples during the post-challenge period (p < 0.01). In conclusion, edible vaccination with engineered tobacco seeds showed a protective effect on clinical symptoms and diarrhoea incidence during the post-challenge period, characterized by a limited time of pathogenic strain shedding in faeces.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Algal and Cyanobacterial Extracts: An In Vitro Study.

Algae and cyanobacteria, other than their nutritional value, possess different beneficial properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial ones. Therefore, they can be considered functional ingredients in animal feed and natural substitutes for antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity against porcine O138 E. coli of Ascophyllum nodosum, Chlorella vulgaris, Lithotamnium calcareum, Schizochytrium spp. as algal species and Arthrospira platensis as cyanobacteria. The antioxidant capacity was determined by ABTS Radical Cation Decolorization Assay testing at three different concentrations (100%; 75%; 50%). The growth inhibition effect of the extracts at concentrations of 25%, 12.5%, 6%, 3% and 1.5% against porcine O138 E. coli was genetically characterized by PCR to detect the presence of major virulence factors; this was evaluated by following the microdilution bacterial growth method. The ABTS assay disclosed that Ascophyllum nodosum was the compound with the major antioxidant properties (57.75 ± 1.44 percentage of inhibition; p < 0.0001). All the extracts tested showed growth inhibition activity at a concentration of 25%. Among all extracts, A. nodosum was the most effective, showing a significant growth inhibition of E. coli; in particular, the log10 cells/mL of E. coli used as a control resulted in a significantly higher concentration of 25% and 12.5% after 4 h (8.45 ± 0.036 and 7.22 ± 0.025 log10 cells/mL, respectively; p < 0.005). This also suggests a dose-dependent relationship between the inhibitory activity and the concentration. Also, a synergistic effect was observed on antioxidant activity for the combination of Ascophyllum nodosum and Lithotamnium calcareum (p < 0.0001). Moreover, to determine if this combination could affect the viability of the IPEC-J2 cells under the normal or stress condition, the viability and membrane integrity were tested, disclosing that the combination mitigated the oxidative stress experimentally induced by increasing the cell viability. In conclusion, the results obtained highlight that the bioactive compounds of algal species are able to exert antioxidant capacity and modulate O138 E. coli growth. Also, the combination of Ascophyllum nodosum and Lithotamnium calcareum species can enhance their bioactivity, making them a promising functional feed additive and a suitable alternative to antibiotics.

Evaluation of Adhesive Characteristics of L. plantarum and L. reuteri Isolated from Weaned Piglets.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains, previously isolated from weaned piglets, were considered for the evaluation of their adhesive characteristics. Lactobacilli were treated with LiCl in order to remove the surface protein layer, and probiotic activity was compared with those of untreated strains. The autoaggregation, co-aggregation to E. coli F18+, and adhesive abilities of LiCl-treated Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) compared with the respective untreated strain. The hydrophobic and basic phenotypes were observed due to the strong affinity to chloroform and low adherence to ethyl acetate. In particular, L. plantarum showed higher hydrophobicity compared to L. reuteri, which may reflect their different colonizing ability. After treatment with LiCl to remove surface proteins, the adherence capabilities of L. reuteri and L. casei on IPEC-J2 cells decreased significantly (p < 0.001) and L. reuteri adhered more frequently. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed that both L. reuteri and L. plantarum had several bands ranging from 20 to 100 kDa. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed an acidic profile of the surface-layer polypeptides for both bacterial strains, and more studies are needed to characterize their profile and functions. The results confirm the pivotal role of surface proteins in the probiotic potential of L. reuteri and L. plantarum.

In Vitro Digestion of Chestnut and Quebracho Tannin Extracts: Antimicrobial Effect, Antioxidant Capacity and Cytomodulatory Activity in Swine Intestinal IPEC-J2 Cells.

Quebracho (Qu) and chestnut (Ch) are natural sources of tannins and they are currently used in animal nutrition as feed ingredients. However, to date the bio-accessibility, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and intestinal epithelial cell stimulatory doses of Qu and Ch have not been determined. Our study investigates the antioxidant and E. coli F4+ and F18+ growth inhibitory activity of Qu, Ch, and their combinations after solubilization in water (to evaluate the already bio-accessible molecules) and after simulated gastro-intestinal digestion in vitro. The effect of an in vitro digested Ch and Qu combination was also tested on intestinal epithelial IPEC-J2 cells experimentally stressed with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS). The results showed that undigested Qu and Ch alone, and in combination, exerted a valuable antioxidant capacity and E. coli F4+ and F18+ growth inhibitory activity. The concentration of 1200 µg/mL exhibited the highest E. coli growth inhibitory activity for all the samples tested. In addition, after in vitro digestion, Qu and Qu50%-Ch50% maintained E. coli growth inhibitory activity and a modest antioxidant capacity. Three hours pre-treatment with in vitro digested Qu50%-Ch50% counteracted the H2O2 and DSS experimentally-induced stress in the intestinal IPEC-J2 cells. Ch and Qu tannin extracts, particularly when combined, may exert E. coli F4+ and F18+ growth inhibitory activity and valuable antioxidant and cell viability modulation activities.

Evaluation of functionality in children aged 4-6 years presenting congenital toxoplasmosis and retinochoroiditis / Avaliação da funcionalidade em crianças de 4-6 anos apresentando toxoplasmose congênita e retinocoroidite

Abstract Introduction: In Brazil, congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) is the main cause of visual impairment in childhood. It causes retinochoroiditis, which should lead to blindness. Minas Gerais has a prevalence of 1 newborn with congenital toxoplasmosis for every 770 live births. Objective: To evaluate visual functionality and tasks of self-care with TC classified in groups according to a visual acuity. Method: A cross-sectional study with 96 preschoolers with CT. Ophthalmologic examination and assessment of some functionalities were performed: The Functional Vision Evaluation (AVIF-2 at 6 years) and the Pediatric Disability Assessment Inventory (PEDI-Brazilian version). Results: Children were classified into three groups according to visual acuity: moderate / severe visual loss (n=16), low level (n=39) and normal vision (n=41). The chance of difference is not greater than AVIF-2 at 6 years among the three groups (p=0.001), being (p <0.0001) between the groups with moderate/severe visual and normal vision. The domain scores are displayed as the end result (p=0.022). The test PEDI is not able to make a difference between the groups. It is not different between the scores of the tests carried out. Conclusion: Children with CT without moderate / severe visual impairment, compromising visual functionality with greater impairment without visual accompaniment. The AVIF-2 at 6 years test demonstrated the impairment between groups with different visual acuities. The PEDI (self-care) test was not performed with a significant difference in scores between the groups. The AVIF-2 at 6 years test may contribute to the more effective intervention in the visual habilitation of children with CT and low vision.

Resumo Introdução: No Brasil, a toxoplasmose congênita (TC) é a principal causa de deficiência visual na infância. É causa de retinocoroidite, que pode levar à cegueira. Minas Gerais apresenta prevalência de um neonato com TC para cada 770 nascidos vivos. Objetivo: Avaliar funcionalidade visual e tarefas do autocuidado de crianças com TC classificadas em grupos de acordo com a acuidade visual. Método: Estudo transversal com 96 pré-escolares com TC. Realizado exame oftalmológico e avaliada a funcionalidade por dois instrumentos: O teste Avaliação da Visão Funcional (AVIF-2 a 6 anos) e Inventário de Avaliação Pediátrica de Incapacidade (PEDI-versão brasileira). Resultados: As crianças foram classificadas em três grupos conforme a acuidade visual: perda visual moderada/grave (n=16), perda leve (n=39) e visão normal (n=41). Houve diferença significativa no escore total do AVIF-2 a 6 anos entre os três grupos (p=0,001), e entre os grupos com perda visual moderada/grave e visão normal (p<0,0001). Os escores do domínio seguimento visual apresentaram pior resultado (p=0,022). O teste PEDI não mostrou diferença significativa entre os grupos. Não houve correlação entre os escores dos testes aplicados. Conclusão: Crianças com TC e perda visual moderada/grave apresentaram comprometimento da funcionalidade visual com maior prejuízo no seguimento visual. O teste AVIF-2 a 6 anos demonstrou esse comprometimento entre os grupos com diferentes acuidades visuais. O teste PEDI (autocuidado) não mostrou diferença estatística significativa dos escores entre os grupos. O teste AVIF- 2 a 6 anos pode contribuir para intervenção mais objetiva na habilitação visual de crianças com TC e baixa visão.

Body image dissatisfaction among gym-goers in brazil / Insatisfação com a imagem corporal em frequentadores de academias de ginástica no brasil / Insatisfacción con la imagen corporal en frecuentadores de gimnasios en brasil

ABSTRACT Introduction: During decades of epidemiological investigation, a consensus was reached regarding physical activity and its association with benefits for the health of the population, including a reduced risk for coronary diseases, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis and depression. Such associations led to the promotion of an active life style to be included in guidelines and governmental programs and absorbed by the fitness and supplement industries, often displaying different interests although there is growing evidence of an increase in body dissatisfaction. Objective: To evaluate body dissatisfaction among gym-goers and its relationship with age, sex, participation in gym activities and nutritional status. Methods: Participants were 227 users of 3 fitness academies with an average age of 31.4 (12.3) years; 51.5% of the participants were men. Collected data were related to anthropometry and fitness activity participation, and a body image scale was applied. Results: Body image dissatisfaction was found in 67.4% of the sample, of which 64.8% expressed a desire to be slimmer. Such dissatisfaction was also present in those of normal weight, of whom 11.5% were male and 9.2% female. For women of average weight, the odds of dissatisfaction were estimated to be 0.20-fold greater than for men (p<10-6). Discussion: Fitness academies in Brazil and several other parts of the world, with an approach based on the fitness model that emphasizes the cult of the body beautiful, are likely to attract a male audience more inclined to experience body dissatisfaction. Constant monitoring of nutritional care is recommended for these individuals, in order to prevent exaggerated body dissatisfaction patterns Conclusions: Body image dissatisfaction was greater among female athletes who wished to achieve a slimmer look. Due to the large number of eutrophic gym-goers with body image dissatisfaction, campaigns for adequate body weight maintenance are recommended. These would take the emphasis off the adoption of body types with low fat percentages and risky behaviors like diets and food restriction, which trigger eating disorders. Level of Evidence I; Diagnostic studies - Investigating a diagnostic test.

RESUMO Introdução: Durante décadas de investigação epidemiológica, foi estabelecido um consenso para a prática de atividade física e sua associação aos benefícios para a saúde da população, incluindo a redução do risco de doenças coronarianas, hipertensão, obesidade, osteoporose e depressão. Tais associações levaram à promoção de um estilo de vida ativo a ser incluído nas diretrizes e programas governamentais e absorvido pelas indústrias de fitness e suplementos, muitas vezes mostrando diferentes interesses, embora haja cada vez mais provas de aumento da insatisfação corporal. Objetivo: Avaliar a insatisfação corporal de frequentadores de academia de ginástica, e a sua relação com idade, sexo, participação nas atividades da academia e estado nutricional. Métodos: Participaram no total 227 frequentadores de três academias de ginástica, com média de idade de 31,4 (12,3) anos, sendo 51,5% do sexo masculino. Foram coletados dados antropométricos e de participação na academia, e uma escala de imagem corporal foi aplicada. Resultados: Constatou-se insatisfação com imagem corporal em 67,4% da amostra, sendo que 64,8% expressaram desejo de ser mais magros. Essa insatisfação ainda foi presente naqueles com peso normal, sendo 11,5% do sexo masculino e em 9,2% do feminino. Para as mulheres com peso normal, foi estimada chance de insatisfação de 0,20 vezes maior do que para os homens (p < 10-6). Discussão: É provável que as academias de ginástica no Brasil e em várias outras partes do mundo, com uma abordagem baseada no modelo de fitness que enfatiza o culto do corpo, provavelmente atrairão convergência de um público masculino mais propenso à insatisfação corporal. Aconselha-se permanente monitoração do cuidado nutricional para estes indivíduos, a fim de coibir padrões de insatisfação corporal exacerbados. Conclusões: A insatisfação com imagem corporal foi maior entre desportistas do sexo feminino que desejam alcançar uma imagem mais magra. Devido ao grande número de frequentadores de academia eutróficos insatisfeitos com a imagem corporal, aconselham-se campanhas de manutenção de peso corporal adequado. Essas campanhas devem evitar a ênfase sobre a adoção de tipos corporais com baixo percentual de gordura e comportamentos de risco, como dietas e restrição alimentar, que desencadeiam transtornos alimentares. Nível de Evidência I; Estudos diagnósticos - Investigação de um exame para diagnóstico.

RESUMEN Introducción: Durante décadas de investigación epidemiológica, se estableció un consenso para la práctica de actividad física e su asociación a los beneficios para la salud de la población, incluyendo la reducción del riesgo de enfermedades coronarias, hipertensión, obesidad, osteoporosis y depresión. Estas asociaciones llevaron a la promoción de un estilo de vida activo a ser incluido en las directrices y programas de gobierno y absorbido por las industria de "fitness" y suplementos, aunque hay cada vez más pruebas del aumento de la insatisfacción corporal. Objetivo: Evaluar la insatisfacción corporal de frecuentadores de gimnasios y su relación con edad, sexo, participación en las actividades de los gimnasios y estado nutricional. Métodos: Participaron en total 227 frecuentadores de tres gimnasios, con promedio de edad de 31,4 (12,3) años, siendo el 51,5% del sexo masculino. Se recogieron datos antropométricos y de participación en el gimnasio, y una escala de imagen corporal fue aplicada. Resultados: Se constató insatisfacción con la imagen corporal en 67,4% de la muestra, siendo que el 64,8% expresó deseo de ser más delgados. Esta insatisfacción aún estaba presente en aquellos con peso normal, siendo el 11,5% del sexo masculino y el 9,2% del femenino. Para las mujeres con peso normal, se estimó una probabilidad de insatisfacción de 0,20 veces mayor que para los hombres (p < 10-6). Discusión: Es probable que los gimnasios en Brasil y en varias otras partes del mundo, con un enfoque basado en el modelo de fitness que enfatiza el culto al cuerpo, probablemente atraerán la convergencia de un público masculino más propenso a la insatisfacción con el cuerpo. Se aconseja permanente monitoreo del cuidado nutricional para estos individuos, a fin de cohibir patrones de insatisfacción corporal exacerbados. Conclusiones: La insatisfacción con la imagen corporal fue mayor en entre los deportistas del sexo femenino que desean alcanzar imagen más delgada. Debido al gran número de frecuentadores eutróficos de los gimnasios insatisfechos con la imagen corporal, se aconseja campañas de mantenimiento del peso corporal adecuado. Estas campañas deben evitar el énfasis en la adopción de tipos corporales con bajo porcentaje de grasa y comportamientos de riesgo, como dietas y restricción alimentaria, que desencadenan trastornos alimentarios. Nivel de Evidencia I; Estudios de diagnósticos - Investigación de un examen para diagnóstico.

Retarded germination of Nicotiana tabacum seeds following insertion of exogenous DNA mimics the seed persistent behavior.

Tobacco seeds show a coat-imposed dormancy in which the seed envelope tissues (testa and endosperm) impose a physical constraint on the radicle protrusion. The germination-limiting process is represented by the endosperm rupture which is induced by cell-wall weakening. Transgenic tobacco seeds, obtained by insertion of exogenous genes codifying for seed-based oral vaccines (F18 and VT2eB), showed retarded germination with respect to the wild type and modified the expression of endogenous proteins. Morphological and proteomic analyses of wild type and transgenic seeds revealed new insights into factors influencing seed germination. Our data showed that the interference of exogenous DNA influences the germination rather than the dormancy release, by modifying the maturation process. Dry seeds of F18 and VT2eB transgenic lines accumulated a higher amount of reserve and stress-related proteins with respect to the wild type. Moreover, the storage proteins accumulated in tobacco F18 and VT2eB dry seeds have structural properties that do not enable the early limited proteolysis observed in the wild type. Morphological observations by electron and light microscopy revealed a retarded mobilization of the storage material from protein and lipid bodies in transgenic seeds, thus impairing water imbibition and embryo elongation. In addition, both F18 and VT2eB dry seeds are more rounded than the wild type. Both the morphological and biochemical characteristics of transgenic seeds mimic the seed persistent profile, in which their roundness enables them to be buried in the soil, while the higher content of storage material enables the hypocotyl to elongate more and the cotyledons to emerge.

Instruments for evaluation of functionality in children with low vision: a literature review / Instrumentos para avaliação da funcionalidade da criança com baixa visão: uma revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT We conducted a literature review of tools used to evaluate functionality in children with low vision with the aim of analyzing the applicability, advantages, and disadvantages for children <6 years of age, an age at which visual development is mostly complete. Publications in Portuguese, English and, Spanish describing functional evaluation tools for children aged 0-18 years with low vision in the following databases were included: Web of Science, Virtual Health Library, Cochrane, Scielo, and PubMed. A total of 181 articles were collected, 15 of which were included in this review. Thirteen tools were identified, nine of which evaluated overall functionality and quality of life through questionnaires. The other 4 instruments, using a observational test model, evaluated functionality and they were elected. Observational tests chosen for their accuracy and lower selection bias were used to evaluate visual functionality. Of these, the Functional Vision Assessment up to 6 years seems to be promising. In conclusion, we observed a lack of tools for evaluating functionality in children with low vision. This type of evaluation is necessary for planning visual rehabilitation to improve quality of life in children with low vision.

RESUMO Realizada revisão bibliográfica dos instrumentos de avaliação da funcionalidade da criança com baixa visão analisando sua aplicabilidade, vantagens e desvantagens, principalmente entre crianças abaixo de 6 anos de idade, período de grande importância para a reabilitação visual. Publicações descrevendo instrumentos para avaliação funcional nas bases de dados Web of Science, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Cochrane, Scielo e Pubmed; em crianças (0-18 anos) com baixa visão, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. Recuperaram-se 181 artigos, sendo 15 incluídos na revisão. Foram identificados 13 instrumentos, sendo nove para avaliar funcionalidade global e qualidade de vida, em modelo de questionário. Os demais, (4 instrumentos), em modelo de testes observacionais, avaliavam funcionalidade visual e foram eleitos. Para avaliar funcionalidade visual foram utilizados testes observacionais, eleitos por serem precisos e com menos viés de seleção. Destes, o AVIF-2 a 6 anos mostrou-se um instrumento promissor. Concluindo, observou-se escassez de instrumentos para avaliar funcionalidade em crianças com baixa visão. Essa avaliação é necessária para planejamento da reabilitação visual e melhora na qualidade de vida de crianças com baixa visão.

Cytotoxicity, apoptosis, DNA damage and methylation in mammary and kidney epithelial cell lines exposed to ochratoxin A.

This study aimed to investigate the in vitro damage induced by ochratoxin A (OTA) in BME-UV1 and MDCK epithelial cells. Both cells lines were treated with OTA (0 up to 10 µg/mL), and cell viability (MTT assay), membrane stability (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay) and apoptotic cell rate (Tunel assay) were investigated. Further, the effect of the incubation with OTA has been evaluated at DNA level by the determination of DNA integrity, by the quantification of DNA adduct formation (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)) and by the assessment of the global DNA methylation status (5-methyl-cytosine (5-mC)). The obtained results showed that after 24 h of OTA treatment, BME-UV1 cell viability was reduced in a dose-dependent way. OTA significantly (P < 0.05) increased LDH release in BME-UV1 cells at all concentrations tested. OTA (1.25 µg/mL) induced 35 % LDH release in MDCK cells (P < 0.05). A significant (P < 0.05) change in percentages of apoptotic BME-UV1 (10 ± 0.86) and MDCK (25 ± 0.88) cells was calculated when the cells were co-incubated with OTA. The level of 8-OHdG adduct formation was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in BME-UV1 cells treated with 1.25 µg/mL of OTA. The results of the present study suggest that a different mechanism of action may occur in these cell lines. Graphical abstract Study results overview.

Análise da eficiência energética, ambiental e econômica entre lâmpadas de LED e convencionais / Analysis of energy efficiency, environmental and economical between LED and conventional lamps

RESUMO Os Diodos Emissores de Luz, mais conhecidos como LED's, são componentes eletrônicos semicondutores que conseguem transformar a energia elétrica em luz, diferente das lâmpadas convencionais. O LED é um componente bipolar, que quando passa corrente elétrica, a luz é gerada. As lâmpadas modernas utilizam LED em sua formação, as quais liberam menos calor e utilizam menos energia, sendo assim mais econômicas que as incandescentes e as fluorescentes. Além de apresentarem maior durabilidade que as demais, as lâmpadas LED não promovem o aquecimento dos ambientes internos e seu descarte tem reduzido impacto ambiental. A associação de vantagens ambientais e econômicas torna esta tecnologia atrativa ao consumidor, embora o custo para sua aquisição seja superior aos demais modelos de lâmpadas disponíveis no mercado. Neste estudo foram realizados testes de verificação do fluxo luminoso e eficiência energética, além de análise ambiental das lâmpadas domésticas. Os resultados obtidos comprovaram o potencial da tecnologia LED em relação às demais lâmpadas analisadas, especialmente quanto à questão econômica e ambiental conforme estudos prévios analisados.

ABSTRACT Light Emitter Diode, more commonly known as LED´s, are semiconductor electronic components that can transform electrical energy into light, unlike conventional lamps. LED has a bipolar component, when polarized, allows the passage of electric current creating light. Modern lamps use LED in their formation, which release less heat, use less energy, and are more economic than incandescent and fluorescent. Besides present more durability than the others, LED lamps do not heat up the environment and their disposals do not attack the environment. The association of environmental and economic advantages makes this technology attractive to consumer, although the cost of acquisition is higher than the other lamps models available in market. The verification of luminous flux and energy efficiency tests were realized in this study, beyond an environmental analysis. The obtained results proved the potential of LED technology due to other analyzed lamps, especially economic and environmental issue as previous studies analyzed.

Avaliação da dependência à prática de karatê e a sua relação com o tempo de treino / Assessment of physical exercise addiction in Karate and its relation to time of engagement / La dependencia de la evaluación a la práctica del karate y su relación con el tiempo de entrenamiento

INTRODUÇÃO: a prática de artes marciais tem se tornado uma atividade em grande ascensão, seja no âmbito recreacional ou competitivo. Embora sejam inegáveis os benefícios da prática regular de exercícios físicos, crescem as evidências do excesso de treino entre atletas e desportistas de diferentes modalidades, chegando mesmo à dependência da prática em situações negativas e patológicas. Este excesso, denominado Dependência da Prática de Exercícios (DPE), pode se apresentar na forma primária ou secundária. OBJETIVO: avaliar a Dependência da Prática de Karatê (DPK) em atletas e desportistas para determinar a prevalência e o grau de dependência e sua associação a comportamentos de risco. MÉTODOS: foram recrutados 46 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, com média de 45,4(10,6) anos, 74,8(10,7) kg, 173,1(7,2) cm, cujo índice de massa corporal de 24,89(2,93) kg/m2 os classificou como eutróficos. Nós consideramos medidas antropométricas, índices de uma escala de dependência adaptada para DPK, e informações sobre a percepção da autoimagem corporal. RESULTADOS: foi constatado um índice significativamente maior de DPK em atletas mais experientes, porém quanto à insatisfação da autoimagem corporal, esta foi significativa apenas no grupo de praticantes menos experientes. CONCLUSÃO: a aplicação da Escala de DPK mostrou-se útil na detecção de dependência em praticantes de karatê em relação ao tempo de treino, embora não se tenha indicação de desdobramentos negativos advindos deste quadro de dependência. Recomenda-se a aplicação desta escala para as diferentes artes marciais, a fim de determinar, nos diferentes estilos, as motivações e possíveis consequências de um engajamento patológico no esporte. .

INTRODUCTION: martial arts training has been showing tremendous growth at both entertainment and competitive levels. Although the benefits of regular exercising are undeniable, we have growing evidence of excessive practice among athletes and sportsmen, with presence of pathological addiction traits. Physical Exercise Addiction (PEA) is displayed in primary and secondary forms. OBJECTIVE: our goal is to assess the Karate Practice Addiction (KPA) in athletes and sportsmen determining its prevalence and dependence levels, as well as associations with risky behaviors. METHODS: we studied 46 individuals, from both genders, with mean age 45.4 (10.6), 74.8 (10.7) kg, 173.1 (7.2) cm, for which the body mass index 24.89 (2.93) kg / m2 established an eutrophic pattern. We gathered anthropometric measurements, scores from an addiction scale adapted for KPA, and body image perception data. RESULTS: seasoned athletes showed a significantly higher KPA score, while less experienced practitioners were significantly less satisfied with their body image. CONCLUSION: the KPA scale proved useful to correlate addiction and time of engagement to Karate. We recommend the use of this scale as an assessment tool to determine motivations and risks of pathological behavior in Karate and other martial arts. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: las artes marciales se han transformado en actividades con gran crecimiento, ya sea desde el punto de vista recreacional o competitivo. Aunque sean innegables los beneficios de la práctica regular de ejercicios físicos, aumentan las evidencias de que el exceso de ejercicio entre atletas y deportistas de diferentes modalidades deportivas puede llevar a la dependencia e incluso a situaciones patológicas. Este exceso denominado Dependencia de la Práctica del Ejercicio (DPE) puede presentarse en la forma primaria o secundaria. OBJETIVO: evaluar la Dependencia de la Práctica de Karate (DPK) en atletas y deportistas para determinar la prevalencia y el grado de dependencia y asociar a potenciales consecuencias negativas o riesgos. MÉTODOS: fueron reclutados 46 individuos de ambos sexos con promedio de edad de 45,4 (10,6) años, 74,8 (10,7) kg, 173,1 (7,2) cm cuyo índice de masa corporal de 24,89 (2,93) kg/cm2 los clasificó como eutróficos. Además de la evaluación antropométrica fue aplicada la Escala de Dependencia de Práctica de Karate (DPK) adaptada para las artes marciales y una escala de evaluación para la autoimagen corporal. RESULTADOS: fue constatado un aumento significativo de DPK en atletas con más experiencia, pero cuanto a la insatisfacción de la auto imagen corporal, ésta fue significativa apenas en el grupo de practicantes con menor experiencia. CONCLUSIÓN: la aplicación de la Escala de DPK se mostró útil en la detección de la dependencia en practicantes de karate en relación al tiempo de práctica, aunque no hubo manifestación negativa como consecuencia de este cuadro de dependencia. Se recomienda la aplicación de esta escala para las diferentes artes marciales a fin de determinar en los diferentes estilos las motivaciones y posibles consecuencias de algún problema patológico en el deporte. .

Protective effect of oral administration of transgenic tobacco seeds against verocytotoxic Escherichia coli strain in piglets.

The use of transgenic plants as delivery system for antigenic proteins is attractive for its simplicity and increases likelihood for local immune response at sites of infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of oral administration of tobacco seeds, expressing the FedA, the major protein of the F18 adhesive fimbriae, and B subunit of verocytotoxin, against verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) strain in piglets. Forty-three early weaned piglets, were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups: 3 test groups and a control. Treatment groups orally received a bolus, with different dose of tobacco seeds on 0, 1, 2, 14 days post primary administration. After challenge, with 1*10(10) CFU of O138 Escherichia coli strain, piglets showed clinical scores significantly higher in the control group compared to orally immunized groups (P < 0.05) and the latter showed a faster recovery than in CG. In conclusion, oral administration of recombinant tobacco seeds expressing antigenic proteins against VTEC strains can induce a protective effect against challenger strain in piglets.

Efeitos da reposição hídrica com água de cocosobre o rendimento de praticantes de Spinning / The impact of offering coconut water for hydration in theperformance of Spinning practitioners

O ciclismo estacionário indoor ou spinning é uma atividade aeróbica de alta intensidade muito praticada em academiasde ginástica. O alto gasto energético imposto aos praticantes induz grande produção de suor e consequente quadro dedesidratação, que pode gradativamente influenciar no rendimento. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto daoferta de água de coco ou de água mineral na hidratação e rendimento dos desportistas, sendo este avaliado pela força depreensão palmar antes e após a aula. Participaram do estudo 8 indivíduos de ambos os sexos com idade entre 26 e 45 anosde uma academia do estado de São Paulo. O estudo compreendeu três etapas de avaliação crossover com participação detodos os alunos: treino sem ingestão hídrica; treino com ingestão de água mineral e de água coco. Foram obtidos dadosantropométricos (massa corporal, estatura, IMC), parâmetros de hidratação (taxa de sudorese e porcentagem de perdahídrica) e a força de preensão palmar. Concluiu-se que os desportistas apresentaram melhora estatisticamente significativano rendimento com a ingestão de água de coco em comparação com água mineral. Como perspectivas futuras, seria importantecomparar, empregando o mesmo protocolo, diferentes suplementos hidroeletrolíticos para buscar prescrição nutricionalalternativa ao uso de produtos comercialmente disponíveis, e comumente ingeridos em academias de ginástica.

The form of stationary cycling known as “indoor” or “spinning” is a high intensity aerobic activity frequently practiced infitness clubs. The high energy expenditure imposed to the practitioners leads to high production of sweat and consequentlyto dehydration, which can affect gradationally in the performance. This study assess the impact of offering coconut water,when compared with the ingestion of mineral water, in the hydration and the performance of practitioners, evaluated bythe before and after class grip strength. We examined 8 individuals from both sexes aging from 26 to 45 in a fitness clubin São Paulo. The study contemplated three phases of evaluation: non ingestion of liquids, ingestion of mineral water, andingestion of coconut water. We gathered anthropometrical data (body mass, height, BMI), hydration parameters (sweatingrate and percentage of water loss) and grip strength. We concluded that the sportsmen, despite of being submitted to lightdehydration, presented statistically significant improvement in their performance when ingesting coconut water, whencompared to mineral water. For future studies, it would be important to compare, using the same protocol, different sportsdrinks, to determine an alternative nutritional prescription for the use of commercially available products routinely usedin fitness clubs.

Expression of verocytotoxic Escherichia coli antigens in tobacco seeds and evaluation of gut immunity after oral administration in mouse model.

Verocytotoxic Escherichia (E.) coli strains are responsible for swine oedema disease, which is an enterotoxaemia that causes economic losses in the pig industry. The production of a vaccine for oral administration in transgenic seeds could be an efficient system to stimulate local immunity. This study was conducted to transform tobacco plants for the seed-specific expression of antigenic proteins from a porcine verocytotoxic E. coli strain. Parameters related to an immunological response and possible adverse effects on the oral administration of obtained tobacco seeds were evaluated in a mouse model. Tobacco was transformed via Agrobacteium tumefaciens with chimeric constructs containing structural parts of the major subunit FedA of the F18 adhesive fimbriae and VT2e B-subunit genes under control of a seed specific GLOB promoter. We showed that the foreign Vt2e-B and F18 genes were stably accumulated in storage tissue by the immunostaining method. In addition, Balb-C mice receiving transgenic tobacco seeds via the oral route showed a significant increase in IgA-positive plasma cell presence in tunica propria when compared to the control group with no observed adverse effects. Our findings encourage future studies focusing on swine for evaluation of the protective effects of transformed tobacco seeds against E. coli infection.

Confiabilidade da avaliação da visão funcional para crianças com baixa visão de dois a seis anos: em busca de evidências / Reliability of functional vision assessment in children with low vision from 2 to 6 years old: searching for evidences

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a confiabilidade interexaminadores, fazer o teste-reteste e verificar a consistência interna da avaliação da visão funcional para crianças com baixa visão de dois a seis anos de idade (AVIF-2 a 6 anos). MÉTODOS: Foram testados sete domínios: fixação visual, seguimento visual, campo visual de confrontação, coordenação olho-mão, visão de contraste, deslocamento no ambiente e visão de cores, em 40 crianças, 20 com baixa visão e 20 sem alterações visuais. A consistência interna foi examinada para o teste de todas as crianças e a confiabilidade interexaminadores e teste-reteste para 12 delas. RESULTADOS: Seis domínios apresentaram ao teste-reteste coeficiente de correlação intraclasse com valores de 0,5361 a 1,000. Para o domínio deslocamento no ambiente esse coeficiente foi de 0,37. Na confiabilidade interexaminadores, somente o campo visual de confrontação apresentou valor abaixo do esperado (0,3901). O coeficiente kappa ponderado obteve resultados que variaram de -0,087 a 1,000. O valor do alfa de Cronbach variou de 0,584 (no deslocamento no ambiente) a 0,973 (na visão de contraste). CONCLUSÃO: A AVIF-2 a 6 anos apresentou bons índices de confiabilidade, mas a confiabilidade dos domínios, quando analisados isoladamente, precisa ser aprimorada.

PURPOSE: The functional vision assessment (AVIF-2 to 6 years) for low vision children with ages from 2 to 6 years old was analyzed. The inter-rater, test-retest and the internal consistency were verified for reliability. METHODS: The test, composed by seven domains (visual fixation, visual following, visual field confrontation, eye-hand coordination and surrounding locomotion, contrast vision and color vision discrimination), was applied to 40 children, 20 with low vision and 20 without low vision. The inter-rater and test-retest reliability were analyzed with 12 children and the internal consistency with 40 children. RESULTS: Concerning test-retest reliability, six domains exhibited intra-class correlation coefficients ranging from 0.5361 to 1.000. For the movement within surroundings category, this coefficient was 0.37. For inter-rater reliability, only the category of confrontation visual field was bellow expectations (0.3901). The weighted kappa coefficient exhibited values ranged from -0.087 to 1.000. Cronbach's alfa ranged from 0.584 (movement within surroundings) to 0.973 (contrast sensitivity). CONCLUSION: AVIF-2 to 6 years presented good reliability indexes, however a few items within the domains need minor adjustments in order to improve scores' consistency of some items.

Avaliação da visão funcional para crianças com baixa visão de dois a seis anos de idade - estudo comparativo / Functional vision assessment in children with low vision from two to six years of age - a comparative study

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar a capacidade da AVIF-2 a 6 anos para discriminar os diferentes níveis de resposta visual de crianças com baixa visão. A AVIF-2 a 6 anos foi criada no Setor de Baixa Visão Infantil do Hospital São Geraldo, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Após a discussão da adequação dos itens do teste, com especialistas de diversas áreas, a AVIF-2 a 6 anos foi aplicada em 40 crianças de dois a seis anos de idade, 20 das quais com baixa visão (Grupo 1) e 20, sem baixa visão (Grupo 2). O grupo 1 foi recrutado do Setor de Baixa Visão Infantil do Hospital São Geraldo. As crianças do grupo 2 foram selecionadas em duas creches públicas. Sete domínios foram estudados: fixação visual, seguimento visual, campo visual de confrontação, coordenação olho-mão, visão de contraste, deslocamento no ambiente e visão de cores. As crianças do grupo 1 foram submetidas a exame oftalmológico completo e as do grupo 2 a triagem oftalmológica. Crianças com baixa visão e alterações neurológicas foram excluidas. Os dois grupos foram emparelhados por idade, sexo e nível socioeconômico, e os dados comparados entre as crianças do grupo geral e dos subgrupos de idade (24 a 35 meses, 36 a 59 meses e 60 a 78 meses) e de acuidade visual (< que 1,0 logMAR e >1,0 logMAR). RESULTADOS: No total da AVIF-2 a 6 anos e dos domínios fixação visual, seguimento visual, campo visual de confrontação, coordenação olho-mão e deslocamento no ambiente foram constatadas diferenças com significância estatística (p<0,05) entre os dois grupos. As medianas da pontuação da AVIF-2 a 6 anos foram inferiores para as crianças com baixa visão nas três faixas etárias. CONCLUSÃO: A AVIF-2 a 6 anos demonstrou ter potencial para discriminar diferentes níveis de visão funcional, entretanto, serão necessários ainda novos estudos para que o teste possa ser disponibilizado para uso clínico. (ETIC 684/07).

PURPOSE: The Functional Vision Assessment (AVIF-2 to 6 years)'s capacity to differentiate visual ability levels in children with low vision was analyzed. The AVIF-2 to 6 years was created at the Infantile Low Vision Sector from São Geraldo Hospital, Brazil. METHODS: After a debate among professionals from different areas regarding the appropriateness of the test items, AVIF-2 to 6 years was applied to 40 children aged from 2 to 6 years; twenty children with low vision (Group 1) and twenty without it (Group 2) were assessed. Group 1 was recruited from the Infantile Low Vision Sector from São Geraldo Hospital. Group 2 comprised children from two different public day care centers and children were matched by age, gender and social level with group 1. Seven domains were studied: visual fixation, visual following, visual field confrontation, eye-hand coordination and surrounding locomotion, contrast vision and color vision discrimination. Group 1 children were submitted to a complete ophthalmologic exam and group 2 to ophthalmologic screening. Children with low vision and neurologic disease were excluded. Comparative analyzes were performed for both groups and for distinct subgroups classified by age (24 to 35 months, 36 to 59 months and 60 to 78 months) and by visual acuity subgroups (<1.0 logMAR and >1.0 logMAR). RESULTS: The scores at total AVIF-2 to 6 years and its domains were statistically significant (p<0.05), except for the contrast vision and color vision discrimination domains. The total AVIF- 2 to 6 years median was lower for group 1 at the three interval ages. CONCLUSION: AVIF- 2 to 6 years can discriminate different levels of functional vision of low vision children, however the authors emphasize that although the results are encouraging, further studies shall be done until the test is ready for clinical use.

Avaliação qualitativa e quantitativa do consumo alimentar de mulheres fisicamente ativas / Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of nourishing consumption of physically active women / Evaluación cualitativa y cuantitativa del consumo alimentario de mujeres físicamente activas

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar quanti e qualitativamente o consumo alimentar de mulheres fisicamente ativas, com a finalidadede investigar o seu padrão alimentar e tecer recomendações de consumo alimentar com base na Pirâmide Alimentar Brasileira. Para tanto, foram selecionadas em 3 academias de médio e grande porte, 83 fichas de anamnese alimentar e registro de 24 horas, para a análise das variáveis antropométricas:peso, estatura, índice de massa corporal, além do gasto e do consumo energético total, assim como o consumo alimentar qualitativo em 8 diferentes grupos alimentares segundo a Pirâmide Alimentar Brasileira. Constatou-se baixo consumo energético total, frente ao gasto em atividades físicas diárias,acompanhado de baixíssima ingestão dos grupos dos pães e cereais, hortaliças, frutas e lácteos; e baixo consumo dos grupos das leguminosas e açúcares. Globalmente, nossos resultados apontaram uma alimentação abaixo das recomendações, nos âmbitos quanti e qualitativo dessas mulheres fisicamente ativas. Dessa forma, em futuros desdobramentos, um instrumento de obtenção mais fidedigno e representativo do consumo habitual deve ser empregado,para confirmar as hipóteses levantadas neste estudo exploratório. Como recomendação nutricional para esse grupo, seria desejável aumentar o consumo energético proveniente do grupo dos pães e cereais, leite e das FLV (frutas, legumes e verduras), cujo padrão é condizente, segundo diversas diretrizes nacionais e internacionais, com a adequação nutricional para a qualidade de vida e manutenção de um padrão de vida ativo fisicamente.

This study aimed to evaluate quantitatively and qualitatively the nourishing consumption of physically active women in order to investigatetheir nourishing style and to weave recommendations of nourishing consumption base on the Brazilian Nourishing Pyramid. For that, we selected, in 3 reputed fitness centers 83 cards of nourishing anamnesis and registry of 24 hours for analysis of the anthropometric variables: weight, height, index of corporal mass, besides the cost and total power consumption, as well as the qualitative nourishing consumption in 8 different nourishing groups according to the Brazilian Nourishing Pyramid. We observed total power consumption inferior to the cost in daily physical activities, accompanied by lowest ingestion by the groups of breads and milky cereals, vegetables, fruits and milk by products; and low consumption of the groups of leguminous and sugars. In globalterms, our results have indicated feeding underthe recommendations both in quantitative and qualitative terms of those physically active women; thus, in future deployments, a more reliable and representative instrumentfor habitual consumption must be used in order to confirm the assumptions formulated in this exploratory study. As nutritional recommendation for that group, it would be desirable to increase power coming from the consumption of thegroup of breads and cereals, milk, and FLV (fruits, leguminous and vegetables), whose register is agreed, according to diverse national and international directives, with nutritional adjustment for quality of life and maintenance of a physically active life style.

Este estudio ha tenido como objetivo evaluar cuanti y cualitativamente el consumo alimentario de mujeres físicamente activas con la finalidadde investigar su padrón alimentario y tejer recomendaciones de consumo alimentario con base en la Pirámide Alimentaria Brasileña. Para eso, han sido seleccionadas, en 3 academias de medio y grande porte, 83 fichas de anamnesis alimentaria y registro de 24 horas para análisis de las variables antropométricas: peso, talla, índice de masa corporal, además del gasto y del consumo energético total, así como el consumo alimentario cualitativo en 8 diferentes grupos alimentarios según la Pirámide Alimentaria Brasileña. Constatóse bajo consumo energético total delante del gasto en actividades físicas diarias, acompañado de bajísima ingestión de los grupos de los panes y cereales, hortalizas, frutas y lácteos; y bajo consumo de los grupos de las leguminosas y azúcares. En términos globales, nuestros resultados han indicado alimentación debajo de las recomendaciones en los ámbitos cuanti y cualitativo de esas mujeres físicamente activas; de esa manera, en futuros desdoblamientos, debe ser empleado un instrumento de obtención más confiable y representativadel consumo habitual a fin de confirmar los supuestos formulados en este estudio exploratorio. Como recomendación nutricional para ese grupo, sería deseable aumentar el consumo energético proveniente del grupo de los panes y cereales, leche, y de las FLV (frutas, legumbres y verduras), cuyo padrón es acorde, según diversas directrices nacionales e internacionales, con adecuación nutricional para calidad de vida y mantenimiento de un padrón de vidafísicamente activo.