Hydrothermal synthesis of a photocatalyst based on Byrsonima crassifolia and TiO2 for degradation of crystal violet by UV and visible radiation.

This work presents a one-step synthesis methodology for preparing a hydrochar (HC) doped with TiO2 (HC-TiO2) for its application on the degradation of crystal violet (CV) using UV and visible radiation. Byrsonima crassifolia stones were used as precursors along with TiO2 particles. The HC-TiO2 sample was synthesized at 210 °C for 9 h using autogenous pressure. The photocatalyst was characterized to evaluate the TiO2 dispersion, specific surface area, graphitization degree, and band-gap value. Finally, the degradation of CV was investigated by varying the operating conditions of the system, the reuse of the catalyst, and the degradation mechanism. The physicochemical characterization of the HC-TiO2 composite showed good dispersion of TiO2 in the carbonaceous particle. The presence of TiO2 on the hydrochar surface yields a bandgap value of 1.17 eV, enhancing photocatalyst activation with visible radiation. The degradation results evidenced a synergistic effect with both types of radiation due to the hybridized π electrons in the sp2-hybridized structures in the HC surface. The degradation percentages were on average 20% higher using UV radiation than visible radiation under the following conditions: [CV] = 20 mg/L, 1 g/L of photocatalyst load, and pH = 7.0. The reusability experiments demonstrated the feasibility of reusing the HC-TiO2 material up to 5 times with a similar photodegradation percentage. Finally, the results indicated that the HC-TiO2 composite could be considered an efficient material for the photocatalytic treatment of water contaminated with CV.

Differential gene expression pattern and plasma sex steroids during testicular development in Genyatremus luteus (Perciforme: Haemulidae) (Bloch, 1790).

The aim of the current study is to evaluate gene expression patterns of LH (lhr) and estrogen (er) receptors and plasma steroid levels during testicular development in Genyatremus luteus. Males were histologically classified as immature (n=7), maturing (n=7) and mature (n=7), based on the cellular structure of their testes. Plasma 11-KT concentration recorded peak at the final maturation stage. The highest plasma 17α-OHP concentrations were observed at the immature stage; they decreased at the maturation and mature stages. On the other hand, 17ß-estradiol (E2) recorded higher concentrations at the maturation stage. Er expression has significantly increased along the maturational development of animals' testes. The mRNA observed for the LH receptor has decreased from immature to maturing stage; it presented expression peak at the mature stage. There was high association between receptor gene expression and plasma steroid levels, mainly E2. The current study was the first to feature different reproductive maturation stages in male G. luteus specimens, based on cellular, endocrine and molecular aspects. In addition, it has shown that the gene expression profile for er and lhr receptors, as well as plasma 11-KT and E2 concentrations, are directly linked to testicular maturation, although they are not necessarily associated with the gonadosomatic index.

Efeito de diferentes concentrações de ingestão de gossipol livre sobre morfometria testicular e qualidade seminal de touros da raça Nelore / Effect of free gossypol intake in different levels on the testicular morphometry and seminal quality of Nelore bulls

A cotonicultura tem forte fator de impacto na economia nacional, e o estado de Mato Grosso se destaca por ser o maior produtor de algodão herbáceo e deter o maior rebanho bovino do país, condições essas que estimulam o uso do caroço, da torta e do farelo de algodão na alimentação animal. Considerando que o gossipol está presente nos subprodutos do algodão e que seus efeitos sobre a reprodução podem reduzir a fertilidade dos animais, objetivou-se, com essa pesquisa, avaliar o efeito da ingestão de dietas com diferentes teores de gossipol livre por dia sobre a morfometria testicular e a qualidade seminal de touros da raça Nelore. Foram utilizados 28 touros, distribuídos aleatoriamente em seis tratamentos: T0, 0 grama de gossipol livre/touro/dia ; T1, 1,08 grama de gossipol livre/touro/dia; T2, 2,07 gramas de gossipol livre/touro/dia; T3, 3,24 gramas de gossipol livre/touro/dia; T4, 3,82 gramas de gossipol livre/touro/dia e T5, 5,08 gramas de gossipol livre/touro/dia. Os animais de cada tratamento foram mantidos confinados em área média de 100m2, dotada de bebedouro, cochos para mistura mineral e para volumoso/concentrado. O consumo de 3,24 gramas de gossipol livre/touro/dia alterou a qualidade espermática e a morfometria testicular de touros.(AU)

The cotton industry has a strong impact factor in the Brazilian economy and the state of Mato Grosso stands out for being the largest upland-type cotton producer and also holds the largest cattle herd in the country, conditions that stimulate the use of cottonseed pie and cottonseed meal in animal feed. Whereas gossypol is present in cotton by-products and their effects on reproduction can reduce the animal fertility, this research evaluated the effect of diets with different free gossypol contents in the testicular morphometry and semen quality of Nelore bulls. 28 bulls were randomly distributed in six treatments: T0, receiving no free gossypol; T1, receiving 1.08g / bull / day; T2, receiving 2.07g / bull / day; T3, receiving 3.24g / bull / day; T4, receiving 3.82g / bull / day and T5, receiving 5.08g / bull / day of free gossypol respectively. The animals in each treatment were kept confined in an averaged area of 100m2, having fresh water, troughs for mineral mixture and roughage / concentrate. The consumption of 3.24g of free gossypol / bull / day altered the bulls sperm quality and testicular morphometry.(AU)

Unveiling the bioactive potential of the essential oil of a Portuguese endemism, Santolina impressa.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Santolina species are widely used in traditional medicine in the Mediterranean region for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, digestive, and analgesic properties. S. impressa, a Portuguese endemism, is traditionally recognized for its beneficial anti-inflammatory properties in several gastrointestinal affections and is also used in oropharyngeal infections. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aims to characterize the essential oil of S. impressa growing in Portugal and validate its traditional uses by assessing the anti-inflammatory potential of its essential oil at concentrations without toxicity. The antifungal properties of the oil are also addressed, as well as, the putative mechanism of action underlying these effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The essential oil was obtained in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia and characterized by GC and GC-MS. The anti-inflammatory potential of the oil was assessed on LPS-stimulated macrophages, through the production of nitric oxide (NO) using the Griess reaction. Putative mechanisms of action included the role of the oil as a NO scavenger, as well as its effect on the expression of two key pro-inflammatory enzymes, iNOS and COX-2 by Western blot analysis. The antifungal effect of the oil was evaluated according to the CLSI guidelines on several yeast and filamentous strains and on two major virulence factors in Candida albicans, namely germ tubes and biofilms. Ultrastructural modifications on dermatophytes were also unveiled by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: S. impressa essential oil was primarily characterized by the presence of monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes, being the main compounds ß-pinene (22.5%), 1,8-cineole (10.0%), limonene (9.1%), camphor (8.1%) and ß-phellandrene (8.0%). A significant decrease (ca 60.0%) in nitrite levels was observed in LPS-stimulated macrophages treated with the oil without affecting cell viability. This effect could be explained by a great reduction on iNOS expression (85.0% inhibition), thus underpinning the anti-inflammatory potential of the oil. The oil also showed a fungicidal effect, being more active against Cryptococcus neoformans, Epidermophyton floccosum and Trichophytum rubrum. For these dermatophytes, significant ultrastructural modifications in cell wall structure were detected. Strikingly, for C. albicans, the oil showed a significant anti-infective potential (at 0.07 mg/mL for germ tube inhibition and 0.02 mg/mL for biofilm disruption) before fungal growth inhibition occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Our results validate the main traditional use ascribed to S. impressa, namely its anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, an antifungal potential is pointed out, thus corroborating the antimicrobial uses and adding new value to an endemic species poorly recognized by the industry.

Toxicity of synthetic flavorings, nature identical and artificial, to hematopoietic tissue cells of rodents / Toxicidade de aromatizantes alimentares sintéticos idênticos aos naturais e artificiais a células de tecido hematopoiético de roedores

Abstract The goal of this study was to analyze cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity to bone marrow cells of mice of nature identical synthetic flavorings, passion fruit and strawberry, and artificial synthetic flavorings, vanilla, chocolate, tutti-frutti and cookie, at doses 0.5; 1.0; 2.0; 5.0 and 10.0 mL/kg. The additives were given to the animals by gavage in a single daily application for seven days. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post Tukey's post hoc test, p <0.05. Animals treated with 2.0; 5.0 and 10.0 mL/Kg of flavorings chocolate, strawberry and cookie, and 5.0 and 10.0 mL/Kg of flavorings vanilla and passion fruit died on the fifth and sixth day of the experiment, respectively. The doses 0.5 and 1.0 mL/Kg of the six additives significantly reduced erythropoiesis in the examined tissue. Also, treatments 0.5 and 1.0 mL/Kg of chocolate, and 1.0 mL/Kg of strawberry and biscuit induced the formation of micronuclei in the bone marrow erythrocytes, at a significant frequency. Therefore, under the study conditions, the six microingredients analyzed were cytotoxic and genotoxic, and additives strawberry, chocolate and cookie were also mutagenic in at least one of the evaluated doses.

Resumo Os aromatizantes são essenciais para a indústria na confecção de alimentos industrializados. Porém, pouco se sabe sobre o potencial tóxico desses microingredientes alimentares. Dessa forma, objetivou-se neste trabalho analisar, em células de medula óssea de camundongos, a citotoxicidade, genotoxicidade e mutagenicidade de aromatizantes alimentares sintéticos idênticos ao natural, de maracujá e morango, e artificiais, de baunilha, chocolate, tutti-frutti e biscoito, nas doses 0,5; 1,0; 2,0; 5,0 e 10,0 mL/Kg. Os aditivos foram administrados aos animais via gavagem em aplicação diária única durante sete dias. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao procedimento estatístico ANOVA com pós teste de Tukey, com p < 0.05. Os animais tratados com 2,0; 5,0 e 10,0 mL/Kg dos aromatizantes de chocolate, morango e biscoito, e 5,0 e 10,0 mL/Kg dos aromatizantes de baunilha e maracujá vieram a óbito no quinto e sexto dia de experimento, respectivamente. As doses 0,5 e 1,0 mL/Kg dos seis aditivos reduziram significativamente a eritropoiese do tecido analisado. Ainda, os tratamentos 0,5 e 1,0 mL/kg de chocolate, e 1,0 mL/Kg de morango e biscoito induziram a formação de micronúcleos aos eritrócitos de medula em frequência significante. Portanto, nas condições de estudo estabelecidas, os seis microingredientes analisados foram citotóxico e genotóxicos, e os aditivos de morango, chocolate e biscoito também foram mutagênicos em pelo menos uma das doses avaliadas.

Toxicity of synthetic flavorings, nature identical and artificial, to hematopoietic tissue cells of rodents.

The goal of this study was to analyze cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity to bone marrow cells of mice of nature identical synthetic flavorings, passion fruit and strawberry, and artificial synthetic flavorings, vanilla, chocolate, tutti-frutti and cookie, at doses 0.5; 1.0; 2.0; 5.0 and 10.0 mL/kg. The additives were given to the animals by gavage in a single daily application for seven days. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post Tukey's post hoc test, p <0.05. Animals treated with 2.0; 5.0 and 10.0 mL/Kg of flavorings chocolate, strawberry and cookie, and 5.0 and 10.0 mL/Kg of flavorings vanilla and passion fruit died on the fifth and sixth day of the experiment, respectively. The doses 0.5 and 1.0 mL/Kg of the six additives significantly reduced erythropoiesis in the examined tissue. Also, treatments 0.5 and 1.0 mL/Kg of chocolate, and 1.0 mL/Kg of strawberry and biscuit induced the formation of micronuclei in the bone marrow erythrocytes, at a significant frequency. Therefore, under the study conditions, the six microingredients analyzed were cytotoxic and genotoxic, and additives strawberry, chocolate and cookie were also mutagenic in at least one of the evaluated doses.

Exigência de proteína bruta para juvenis de curimatã-pacu / Crude protein requeriment to curimatã-pacu juveniles

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a exigência de proteína bruta (PB) de juvenis de curimatã-pacu (Prochilodus argenteus). O experimento foi conduzido por um período de 60 dias, utilizando um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos (dieta contendo 24,0; 28,0; 32,0 e 36,0% de PB) e cinco repetições cada, em que 100 juvenis (peso inicial de 0,33 ± 0,01g) foram distribuídos em 20 aquários experimentais com volume de 130L, sendo considerada como unidade experimental uma caixa com cinco peixes, sob recirculação de água. Avaliaram-se o desempenho produtivo, o crescimento heterogêneo, os parâmetros morfométricos, fisiológicos e a viabilidade econômica das rações em função do nível de PB. Pela análise de regressão, foi verificado um aumento linear nos parâmetros de desempenho, morfométricos e fisiológicos, com o aumento do nível proteico nas rações. Quando comparados pelo teste de Tukey, o melhor resultado (P>0,05) foi obtido com 36% de PB. Verificou-se menor heterogeneidade de crescimento dos peixes à medida que se aumentavam os níveis de PB na ração. Assim, considerando também a viabilidade econômica, recomenda-se a utilização de rações com 36% de proteína bruta para juvenis de curimatã-pacu.(AU)

The aim of this study was to determinate crude protein (CP) requirement to curimatã-pacu juveniles (Prochilodus argenteus). The experiment was conducted during 60 days in a completely randomized design, with four treatments (24.0, 28.0, 32.0 and 36.0% CP of diet) and five replications, where a hundred juvenile fishes (initial weight de 0.33 ± 0.01g), were distributed in twenty tanks (130L each). Each tank with five juveniles was considered an experimental unit, with water recirculation. Performance, heterogeneous growth, morphometric and physiological parameters, and economic viability of the rations according to the CP levels were evaluated. For the regression analysis, a linear increase in performance, heterogeneous growth and morphometric and physiological parameters with increased of the protein in rations were observed. When compared by the Tukey test (P>0.05), the best results were obtained with 36% CP. There was lower fish growth heterogeneity as the levels of CP in the diet increased. Thus, taking into consideration the economic viability it is recommended to use feed containing 36% of crude protein to curimatã-pacu juveniles.(AU)

Ultrastructure of bovine placenta during all gestational period / Ultraestrutura de placenta bovina durante todo o período gestacional

Placentas from pregnant cows with different gestation periods were used. Placental fragments of all groups were processed and evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. After fragment analysis, bovine placenta was observed to be epitheliochorial type in early pregnancy, becoming progressively sinepiteliocorial at the beginning of the second trimester. There are no ultrastructural evidences of inflammation in the region of caruncles throughout gestation, despite the invasion of caruncle proper lamina by trophoblast cells. However, throughout pregnancy and especially at the end, there were evident signs of cell degeneration in both trophoblast and the uterine epithelium. The active trophoblast cells intensely phagocytize cellular debris. There are complex interdigitations between the surface of the trophoblast and the uterine epithelium, which is related to the increase of the exchange surface between mother and fetus. At the end of pregnancy, interdigitations disappear, favoring the detachment and expulsion of the placenta after birth.(AU)

Foram utilizadas placentas de vacas abatidas em frigorífico com diversos tempos gestacionais. Fragmentos de placentomo de todos os grupos foram processados e avaliados em microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Após análise dos fragmentos, observou-se que a placenta bovina é do tipo epiteliocorial no início da gestação, tornando-se sinepiteliocorial progressivamente a partir do início do segundo mês de gestação. Não existem evidências ultraestruturais de inflamação na região das carúnculas durante toda a gestação, apesar da invasão da lâmina própria caruncular por células trofoblásticas. No entanto, durante toda a gestação e em especial ao seu final, foram observados sinais evidentes de degeneração celular, tanto do trofoblasto como do epitélio uterino. As células trofoblásticas ativas fagocitam intensamente os debris celulares originados dessas degenerações. Existem complexas interdigitações entre a superfície do trofoblasto e do epitélio uterino, o que estaria relacionado com o aumento da superfície de troca entre mãe e feto. Ao final da gestação, praticamente desaparecem essas interdigitações, favorecendo o descolamento e a expulsão da placenta após o parto.(AU)

Do we perform surgical programming well? How can we improve it? / ¿Realizamos bien la programación quirúrgica? ¿Cómo podemos mejorarla?

The objective is to establish the duration of our interventions, intermediate times and surgical performance. This will create a virtual waiting list to apply a mathematical programme that performs programming with maximum performance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 49 surgical sessions obtaining the delay in start time, intermediate time and surgical performance. Retrospective review of 4,045 interventions performed in the last 3 years to obtain the average duration of each type of surgery. Creation of a virtual waiting list of 700 patients in order to perform virtual programming through the MIQCP-P until achieving optimal performance. RESULTS: Our surgical performance with manual programming was 75.9%, ending 22.4% later than 3pm. The performance in the days without suspensions was 78.4%. The delay at start time was 9.7min. The optimum performance was 77.5% with a confidence of finishing before 15h of 80.6%. The waiting list has been scheduled in 254 sessions. DISCUSSION: Our manual surgical performance without suspensions (78.4%) was superior to the optimal (77.5%), generating days finished later than 3pm and suspensions. The possibilities for improvement are to achieve punctuality at the start time and adjust the schedule to the ideal performance. The virtual programming has allowed us to obtain our ideal performance and to establish the number of operating rooms necessary to solve the waiting list created. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained in virtual mathematical programming are reliable enough to implement this model with guarantees.

The effect of feed intake containing whole cottonseed on blood parameters of Nellore bulls / Efeito do consumo de rações contendo caroço de algodão sobre parâmetros sanguíneos de bovinos Nelore

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets containing whole cottonseed (WC) on blood biochemical parameters of bulls. Thirty bulls with 30±6 months and 382.7±28.4kg were kept in feedlot (85 days) and fed the following WC levels: 0, 2.22, 4.44, 6.66, 8.88 and 11.11%. In comparing biochemical indicators from the beginning to the end of the experiment, the control group (CG) and those fed diets containing 2.22, 8.88 and 11.11% of WC had an increase (P<0.05) in serum Ca concentrations (8.34±0.65−9.56±0.92mEqL-1). In relation to Fe (202.79±69.04−300.04±79.88µg/dL), the CG and those treated with 6.66% WC showed an increase (P<0.05) in serum concentrations. As to the Mg (1.92±0.18−2.40±0.27mEqL-1), groups treated with diet containing 2.22, 4.44 and 6.66% of WC had higher (p<0.05) concentrations at the end of the study. Regarding blood lipids, groups with diets containing 2.22; 4.44; 6.66 and 8.88% of WC increased (p<0.05), respectively, in concentrations of HDL, TG, VLDL and COL. The group that received 11.11% of WC increased (P<0.05) in the concentrations of COL and HDL. It can be concluded that diets containing WC, caused no alterations in the concentrations of blood parameters analyzed in this study, with the exception of Mg.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de dietas contendo caroço de algodão (CA) sobre os parâmetros sanguíneos de bovinos. Trinta touros com 30±6 meses e 382,7±28,4kg foram confinados (85 dias) e receberam dietas com as seguintes proporções de CA: 0; 2,22; 4,44; 6,66; 8,88, e 11,11%. Ao se compararem as concentrações dos indicadores bioquímicos do início com as do final do experimento, foi observado que o grupo controle e aqueles com dietas contendo 2,22; 8,88 e 11,11% de CA apresentaram aumento (P<0,05) na concentração sérica de Ca (8,34±0,65−9,56±0,92 mEqL-1). Já em relação ao Fe (202,79±69,04−300,04±79,88µg/dL), observou-se que apenas o grupo controle e aquele tratado com 6,66% apresentaram aumento (P<0,05) em sua concentração. Quanto ao Mg (1,92±0,18−2,40±0,27 mEqL-1), os grupos tratados com 2,22; 4,44 e 6,66% de CA apresentaram maiores concentrações (P<0,05) ao final do estudo. Com relação aos lipídeos sanguíneos, os grupos com dietas contendo 2,22; 4,44; 6,66 e 8,88% de CA tiveram aumento (P<0,05), respectivamente, nas concentrações de HDL, TG, VLDL e COL. O grupo que recebeu 11,11% de CA teve aumento (P<0,05) nas concentrações de COL e HDL. Conclui-se que as dietas contendo CA não causaram alterações (P>0,05) nas concentrações dos parâmetros sanguíneos analisados, com exceção do Mg.(AU)

Listening to doctors on patients' use of healthcare during the crisis: uncovering a different picture and drawing lessons from Portugal.

Background: The consequences of financial crises on patients' use of healthcare have been widely discussed. This paper seeks to ascertain whether the position of key players, i.e. doctors, may reveal realities other than those officially reported about the 2008 financial crisis. Methods: In 2013-14, a national survey of doctors was conducted in Portugal, which received international assistance in the wake of the financial crisis. An exploratory model comprising descriptive statistics, regression and independence analyses focused on doctors' experience of patients' use of medications, consultations, exams and treatment services, and whether they stopped treatments. Results: According to doctors, an unspecified number of patients experienced difficulties using healthcare as more patients requested prescriptions for cheaper medications or simply stopped treatments. Significant variations were found according to speciality, years of practice and sector of activity. Conclusions: Cost-containment mechanisms are regarded as necessary. However, the evidence indicated a side effect, i.e. a decrease in patients' ability to use healthcare, including in the National Health Service (NHS). It also highlighted the need to listen to health professionals as key informants on patient's behaviour and the daily functioning of health services.

Meat characteristics of cattle fed diets containing whole cottonseed / Características da carne de bovinos alimentados com dietas contendo caroço de algodão

Sensory and instrumental analyses evaluated the meat and fat characteristics of feedlot-finished steers fed a diet containing cottonseed. Global impression, texture, meat color, and fat color were assessed. Thirty Nellore bulls with an average age of 30 ± 6 months and initial body weight of 382.7 ± 28.4kg were kept in feedlot stalls and fed the following cottonseed levels: 0; 2.22 %; 4.44 %; 6.66 %; 8.88 %; 11.11 % of the dietary dry matter. The cottonseed used in this experiment had an average free gossypol content of 4.5g/kg of cottonseed. The overall impression of the samples, assessed by the triangle test for difference, did not differ for more than 62 % of the panelists (P>0.01). The shear strength of roasted meat varied from 6.00 to 6.54kg. According to texture profile analysis (TPA), the hardness, springiness, and chewiness of roast meat ranged from 24.15 to 28.01 N, 0.52 to 0.56, 8.42 to 11.01 N, respectively; of raw meat, 9.51 to 13.86 N, 0.26 to 0.29, and 1.38 to 1.81 N, respectively. The different treatments did not affect meat texture, meat color, or fat color (P>0.05). Meat color, luminosity, and red intensity ranged from 37.71 to 42.85, 20.68 to 25.25, and 6.74 to 8.61, respectively; fat color, luminosity, and yellow intensity ranged from 62.26 to 63.78, 11.13 to 11.62, and 10.53 to 10.86, respectively. Cottonseed intake of up to 1.13kg/animal/day, equivalent to a free gossypol intake of 5.05g/animal/day, in place of soybean meal and ground corn, did not significantly change the global sensory impression, texture, and color of the meat and fat.(AU)

Avaliou-se, por meio de análise sensorial e instrumental, o efeito da adição de caroço de algodão à dieta de bovinos confinados sobre as características da carne e da gordura. Foram avaliadas a impressão global, a textura, a cor da carne e a cor da gordura. Trinta touros da raça Nelore, com médias de idade e peso vivo inicial de 30 ± 6 meses e 382,7 ± 28,4kg, foram confinados e receberam dietas com os seguintes teores de caroço de algodão: 0; 2,22%; 4,44%; 6,66%; 8,88%; 11,11% na matéria seca da dieta. O caroço de algodão utilizado neste experimento apresentou conteúdo médio de 4,5g de gossipol livre/kg de caroço de algodão. A impressão global da carne, avaliada por meio de teste triangular de diferença, mostrou que mais de 62% dos provadores não perceberam diferença significativa (P>0,01) entre as amostras. A textura da carne assada avaliada por meio do teste de força de cisalhamento variou de 6,00 a 6,54kg. Na análise do perfil de textura (TPA) da carne assada, a dureza, a elasticidade e a mastigabilidade variaram, respectivamente, de 24,15 a 28,01N, de 0,52 a 0,56N e de 8,42 a 11,01N. Na TPA da carne crua, variaram, respectivamente, de 9,51 a 13,86N, de 0,26 a 0,29N e de 1,38 a 1,81N. Na avaliação da cor da carne, a luminosidade, a intensidade de vermelho e a intensidade de amarelo da cor da carne variaram, respectivamente, de 37,71 a 42,85, de 20,68 a 25,25 e de 6,74 a 8,61. E para a cor da gordura, variaram, respectivamente, de 62,26 a 63,78, de 11,13 a 11,62 e de 10,53 a 10,86. A textura, a cor da carne e a cor da gordura não apresentaram diferenças significativas (P>0,05) entre os diferentes tratamentos. O consumo de caroço de algodão em até 1,13kg/animal/dia, que resultou no consumo de 5,05g de gossipol livre/animal/dia, em substituição ao farelo de soja e ao grão de milho triturado, não causou alterações significativas nas características da carne quanto à impressão sensorial global, à textura, à cor da carne e à cor da gordura.(AU)

Suckling-induced Fos activation and melanin-concentrating hormone immunoreactivity during late lactation.

AIMS: Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is implicated in the control of food intake, body weight regulation and energy homeostasis. Lactation is an important physiological model to study the hypothalamic integration of peripheral sensory signals, such as suckling stimuli and those related to energy balance. MCH can be detected in the medial preoptic area (MPOA), especially around the 19th day of lactation, when this hormone is described as displaying a peak synthesis followed by a decrease after weaning. The physiological significance of this phenomenon is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate hypothalamic changes associated to sensory stimulation by the litter, in special its influence over MCH synthesis. MAIN METHODS: Female Wistar rats (n=56) were euthanized everyday from lactation days 15-21, with or without suckling stimulus (WS and NS groups, respectively). MCH and Fos immunoreactivity were evaluated in the MPOA and lateral and incerto-hypothalamic areas (LHA and IHy). KEY FINDINGS: Suckling stimulus induced Fos synthesis in all regions studied. An increase on the number of suckling-induced Fos-ir neurons could be detected in the LHA after the 18th day. Conversely, the amount of MCH decreased in the MPOA from days 15-21, independent of suckling stimulation. No colocalization between MCH and Fos could be detected in any region analyzed. SIGNIFICANCE: Suckling stimulus is capable of stimulating hypothalamic regions not linked to maternal behavior, possibly to mediate energy balance aspects of lactation. Although dams are hyperphagic before weaning, this behavioral change does not appear to be mediated by MCH.

[Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in a patient with Chiari I malformation]. / Hipertensión intracraneal idiopática en paciente con malformación de Chiari tipo I.

CASE REPORT: The case involves a 22-year-old woman who presented with headache and decreased vision. She showed asymmetric papilledema, and a 6-mm tonsillar descent was observed in the image tests. She was diagnosed with secondary intracranial hypertension coinciding with the symptoms of a Chiari malformation (MC). DISCUSSION: Chiari malformation type I is the most common in this group of malformations, and is characterized by a greater than 5mm descent of the tonsils, being able to cause increased intracranial pressure and papilledema by blocking the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. In this case, the MC was not the responsible for triggering the secondary intracranial hypertension, but a mere coincidence of both processes.