ABSTRACT
1. The production of chicken meat has resulted in high volumes of byproducts, such as feathers, bones, skin, viscera, and feet. The structure of feathers is one of the most complex among vertebrates, with a central axis and lateral filamentary structures, providing rigidity, lightness, and flexibility. Chicken feathers are composed of proteins, lipids, and water, with the highest protein content, especially keratin, which is responsible for the material's rigidity.2. Industries still make little use of feathers, which are generally intended for the production of flour or organic fertilisers. These are low added value products, and discarded feathers can harm the environment.3. Keratin extraction techniques and resulting protein hydrolysates have been studied in chicken feathers. Acid, alkaline or enzymatic hydrolysis is the most commonly used method for obtaining molecules with functional properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive and antidiabetic activity.4. The development of keratin-based biodegradable films represents an area of interest for reducing the economic and environmental impacts caused by inappropriate disposal of feathers.
ABSTRACT
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents host unique ecosystems but face risks of incidents with Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) along busy shipping lanes such as the transatlantic route. We developed an Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) model of the Menez Gwen (MG) vent field (MG-EwE) (Mid-Atlantic Ridge) to simulate ecosystem effects of potential accidental spills of four different HNS, using a semi-Lagrangian Dispersion Model (sLDM) coupled with the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) calibrated for the study area. Food web modelling revealed a simplified trophic structure with low energy efficiency. The MG ecosystem was vulnerable to disruptions caused by all tested HNS, yet it revealed some long-term resilience. Understanding these impacts is vital for enhancing Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure plans (SPCC) in remote marine areas and developing tools to assess stressors effects on these invaluable habitats.
Subject(s)
Ecosystem , Hydrothermal Vents , Hazardous Substances , Food Chain , AccidentsABSTRACT
L-Arginine and chronic exercise reduce oxidative stress. However, it is unclear how they affect cardiomyocytes during cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. The aim of this research was to investigate the possible effects of L-arginine supplementation and aerobic training on systemic oxidative stress and their consequences on cardiomyocytes during cardiometabolic disease onset caused by excess fructose. Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control (C), fructose (F, 10% fructose in water), fructose training (FT; moderate running, 50-70% of the maximal velocity), and fructose arginine (FA; 880 mg/kg/day). Fructose was given for two weeks and fructose plus treatments for the subsequent eight weeks. Body composition, blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, nitrite, metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity, left ventricle histological changes, microRNA-126, -195, and -146, eNOS, p-eNOS, and TNF-α expressions were analyzed. Higher abdominal fat mass, triacylglycerol level, and insulin level were observed in the F group, and both treatments reversed these alterations. Myocardial vascularization was impaired in fructose-fed groups, except in FT. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was observed in all fructose-fed groups. TNF-α levels were higher in fructose-fed groups than in the C group, and p-eNOS levels were higher in the FA than in the C and F groups. Lipid peroxidation was higher in the F group than in the FT and C groups. During CVD onset, moderate aerobic exercise reduced lipid peroxidation, and both training and L-arginine prevented metabolic changes caused by excessive fructose. Myocardial vascularization was impaired by fructose, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy appeared to be influenced by pro-inflammatory and oxidative environments.
Subject(s)
Animals , Brazil , Pest Control, Biological , Solanum lycopersicum/parasitology , Hymenoptera , LepidopteraABSTRACT
En los pingüinos Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) y pingüinos gentoo (Pygoscelis papua), no existe un dimorfismo sexual conspicuo y a menudo resulta difícil determinar el sexo en base a la morfología externa. La información sobre el sexo es importante en muchos estudios de ecología y conservación. En este artículo se evaluó el uso de un par de cebadores (2550F/2718R) para identificar el sexo en aves sexualmente monomórficas. Para ambas especies de pingüinos la amplificación produjo dos bandas discretas, CHD1Z y CHD1W, que permitieron la identificación sexual. Se trata de un sistema sencillo, rápido y económico para el sexaje molecular de los pingüinos gentoo y Adélie.
In Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) and gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua), the conspicuous sexual dimorphism often makes it difficult to determine sex on the basis of external morphology. The information about sex is important in many ecology and conservation studies. In this paper we evaluated the use of an established primer pair (2550F/2718R) to identify sex in sexually monomorphic birds. In both penguin species, it resulted in two distinct CHD1Z and CHD1W PCR bands, allowing sex identification. This is a simple, rapid and cheap system for molecular sexing of gentoo and Adélie penguins.
ABSTRACT
The trigeminal nerve, fifth equal of cranial nerves, a mixed nerve is considered by possessing motor and sensitive components. The sensitive portion takes to the Nervous System Central somesthesics information from the skin and mucous membrane of great area of the face, being responsible also for a neural disease, known as the Trigeminal Neuralgia. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the main characteristics of Trigeminal Neuralgia, the relevant aspects for the diagnosis and treatment options for this pathology. This neuralgia is characterized by hard pains and sudden, similar to electric discharges, with duration between a few seconds to two minutes, in the trigeminal nerve sensorial distribution. The pain is unchained by light touches in specific points in the skin of the face or for movements of the facial muscles, it can be caused by traumatic sequels or physiologic processes degenerative associate the vascular compression. Prevails in the senior population, frequently in the woman. In a unilateral way it attacks more the maxillary and mandibular divisions, rarely happens in a simultaneous way in the three branches of trigeminal nerve three branches.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Facial Pain , Face/anatomy & histology , Trigeminal Nerve/physiopathology , Trigeminal Neuralgia/diagnosis , Trigeminal Neuralgia/etiology , Trigeminal Neuralgia/rehabilitationABSTRACT
Diabetes é alvo interessante para a busca de novos métodos de tratamento com a possibilidade de uso de várias espécies de plantas medicinais. Este trabalho objetivou descrever a prevalência do uso de plantas medicinais consideradas hipoglicemiantes por pacientes diabéticos em Vitória de Santo Antão. O estudo foi do tipo descritivo transversal realizado com 158 pacientes diabéticos atendidos pelo programa HIPERDIA nos PSF's da cidade entre julho de 2009 a maio de 2010, com a coleta de dados realizada por meio de formulário estruturado. Entre os entrevistados, 36% relatavam uso de plantas medicinais consideradas hipoglicemiantes. Foram citadas 35 plantas diferentes pertencentes à 24 famílias, sendo as mais freqüentes: Asteraceae (12,5%) e Myrtaceae (9,37%). A planta medicinal mais prevalente foi a pata de vaca (Bauhinia sp), com 16,8%, seguida por azeitona roxa (Syzygium jambolanum DC.) e insulina (Cissus sicyoides L.). A maioria dos indivíduos (58%) cultivava a planta medicinal que usavam e, entre aqueles que adquiriam, a principal fonte foi a de raizeiros (28,16%).
Diabetes is an attractive target to search for new methods of treatment, with the possibility of using several medicinal plant species. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of the use of medicinal plants considered hypoglycemic for diabetic patients from Vitoria de Santo Antão-Pernambuco State, Brazil. This was a transversal descriptive study conducted with 158 diabetic patients enrolled in the program HIPERDIA at the PSF's of this city, between July 2009 and May 2010 with data collected by means of structured form. Among interviewees, 36% reported the use of medicinal plants considered hypoglycemic. A total of 35 different plants belonging to 24 families were cited and the most frequent species were: Asteraceae (12.5%) and Myrtaceae (9.37%). The most prevalent medicinal plant was "pata-de-vaca" (Bahuinia sp.), with 16.8%, followed by "azeitona roxa" (Syzygium jambolanum DC.) and "insulina" (Cissus sicyoides L.). Most individuals (58%) cultivated the medicinal plant they used, and for those who acquired them, the main source was "raizeiros" [people similar to healers but who only sell medicinal plants] (28.16%).
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Plants, Medicinal/adverse effects , Diabetes Mellitus/pathology , Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage , Phytotherapy/methodsABSTRACT
Com o intuito de verificar algum dano nas células do miocárdio, utilizaram-se 38 cães, 20 com traçado eletrocardiográfico normal, grupo 1, e 18 com desníveis do segmento ST, grupo 2, em registro na derivação II, velocidade de 50mm/s e sensibilidade N (1mV=1cm). No grupo 1, a dosagem sérica da troponina I (cTnI) destinou-se à obtenção dos valores referenciais (ng/mL) que seriam confrontados com os obtidos no grupo 2. A média e o desvio-padrão foram, respectivamente, 0,16ng/mL e 0,11ng/mL e 0,20ng/mL e 0,11ng/mL, nos grupos 1 e 2. A cTnI não apresentou evidências de associação com idade, massa corpórea, creatinafosfoquinase total e potássio nos dois grupos. Não houve diferenças significativas nos valores de cTnI entre os grupos. Conclui-se que é possível a utilização do kit de ensaio imunométrico quimioluminescente humano para a espécie canina e que a hipóxia-isquemia, revelada pelo desnível do segmento ST não acarreta dano miocárdico ou este é mínimo e indetectável.
In order to investigate myocardial cells injury, 38 dogs were evaluated, being 20 with a normal electrocardiogram (group 1) and 18 with ST segment elevation or depression (group 2), recorded in lead II, at paper speed of 50 mm/sec and N sensibility (1 mV = 1cm). Serum measurement of troponin I (cTnI) in group 1 was determined to obtain reference values (ng/mL). These values were compared to those obtained in dogs from group 2, to confirm or not myocardial injury. Mean cTnI values in groups 1 and 2 were 0.16ng/mL (SD±0.11ng/mL) and 0.20ng/mL (SD±0.11ng/mL), respectively. Three cTnI null values were found in group 1. cTnI was not related to age, mass, CK-T or serum potassium concentration in both animal groups, for each level varied in the group. There was no difference in cTnI values between groups 1 and 2. In conclusion, it is possible to use the human chemiluminescent immunometric assay kit in canine species and hypoxia/ischemia revealed by ST segment deviation does not mean significant myocardium injury.
ABSTRACT
Uma infinidade de produtos de cosmetologia tem utilizado mirtilo, uma pequena fruta com inúmeras alegações de propriedades biológicas, na formulação de uma variedade de produtos como cremes hidratantes, esfoliantes, protetores da radiação ultravioleta, entre outros. Neste sentido, a composição química desta pequena fruta é associada a estas propriedades biológicas,no entanto, poucos relatos científicos são encontrados na literatura. Desta forma, o presente estudo avaliou os teores de compostos fenólicos e de flavonóides, bem como a relação destes compostos com a atividade antioxidante de extratos hidroalcoólicos preparados a partir de frutas de mirtilo cv. "Rabbiteye" (Vacciniumashei). Diferentes proporções de álcool (etanol ou metanol) em água deionizada (ou seja, 40:60, 60:40 e 80:20 (v/v)) foram avaliados quanto à capacidade de extração de fenólicos totais e de flavonóides de amostras de mirtilo em duas condições: frescas (frutas in natura)e secas (após secagem a 105ºC por 15 h). Todas as extrações alcoólicas foram realizadas à temperatura ambiente e sob agitação. Dentre as proporções utilizadas para a extração dos compostos fenólicos foi verificado que, em geral, a mistura metanol/água 80:20(v/v) e a mistura etanol/água 60:40 (v/v) foram os que apresentaram maiores teores de fenólicos e flavonoides totais, e que houve uma correlação positiva forte entre as concentrações de fenólicos e de flavonóides com a atividade antioxidante daqueles extratos hidroalcoólicos de mirtilo, segundo análise do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson.
A wide range of cosmetic products, including moisturizers, exfoliating scrubs and sunscreens, have been formulated with blueberry, a small fruit within numerable claims to biological properties. Although the chemical composition of these fruits has been associated with these biological properties, few studies can be found in the literature. In the present study, the phenolic and flavonoid contents of hydroalcoholic extracts of the rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei)were analyzed and the correlation of these compounds with the antioxidant activity of the extracts investigated (by Pearson's correlation coefficient). Various mixtures of alcohol (ethanol or methanol) with deionized water (40:60, 60:40 and 80:20 (v/v)) were tested for their capacity to extract phenolics and flavonoids from blueberries in two conditions: fresh (as picked) and dried (at 105ºC for 15 h). All the extractions were carried out at room temperature with shaking. Out of all the solvent mixtures used for the extractions it was found that, in general, the 80:20 (v/v) methanol/water and 60:40 (v/v) ethanol/water mixtures showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents, respectively, with a strong positive correlation between the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the blueberry hydroalcoholic extracts and their antioxidant activity.
Subject(s)
Antioxidants , Flavonoids , Phenols , Vaccinium myrtillus , Cosmetics , Plants, MedicinalABSTRACT
Investigou-se a eficácia do extrato de plantas no tratamento local do envenenamento botrópico. Veneno de serpentes Bothrops alternatus (1,25µg) diluído em 100µl de solução salina estéril foi inoculado (via intradérmica) entre as escápulas de 30 coelhos. Os animais foram divididos em seis grupos (tratamentos): grupo I: tratamento subcutâneo com extrato de Curcuma longa; grupo II: tratamento tópico com extrato hidroalcoólico de Curcuma longa; grupo III: tratamento tópico com ar-turmerone em vaselina; grupo IV: tratamento tópico com extrato metanólico de Curcuma longa; grupo V: tratamento tópico com pomada de Calendula officinalis e grupo VI: aplicação tópica de solução salina a 0,9 por cento (Controle). Os tratamentos foram realizados 30 minutos, 2h, 4h, 24h e 72h após a inoculação do veneno. Foram avaliados intensidade de edema local (com paquímetro), halo hemorrágico (régua com gabaritos circulares) e presença de necrose. Sete dias após a inoculação do veneno botrópico (168h) foi coletado sangue do coração, com e sem EDTA, para realização de hemograma, dosagem plasmática de fibrinogênio e dosagens séricas de proteína total, uréia e creatinina. Após as coletas de sangue, todos os animais foram anestesiados, sacrificados com inalação pelo éter etílico e necropsiados. Fragmentos de pele foram retirados para avaliação histopatológica. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o tratamento mais eficaz para inibição da evolução do edema, necrose e hemorragia local após envenenamento com Bothrops alternatus foi a aplicação tópica de ar-turmerone.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rabbits , Bothrops/immunology , Calendula/metabolism , Curcuma/metabolism , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Snake Bites/prevention & control , Snake Bites/therapy , Rabbits , Snake Venoms , PhytotherapyABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic action of flunixin meglumine and aqueous extract of Curcuma longa (10 percent) on local lesions caused by bothropic venom, comparing with the specific antivenom. Twelve adult dogs were inoculated in the middle third of the lateral face of the thigh with 0.3mg/kg of venom. The dogs were divided into three groups of four animals and the treatment was done two hours after venom inoculation as follows: Group I- specific antivenom diluted in saline (one dosage sufficient to neutralize the venom), Group II- flunixin meglumine (1.1mg/kg, IM, once a day for five days), Group III- topical application of aqueous extract of C. longa (10 percent) (three times a day for five days). Necrosis was observed in all dogs of groups I and II, and in two dogs of group III. Edema and hemorrhagic halo were observed in all dogs. Better recovery of lesions was observed in dogs of group I and III. The results denote a satisfactory effect of C. longa on treatment of local lesions caused by bothropic venom in dogs.
Subject(s)
Animals , Adult , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal , Dogs , Elapidae , Poisons , Snake VenomsABSTRACT
Um estudo comparativo foi realizado com a metoclopramida no sentido de avaliar seu efeito antiemético em pacientes submetidos à cesariana sob anestesia peridural. Oitenta pacientes foram divididas ao acaso em dois grupos de 40 pacientes: grupo 1 recebeu metoclopramida 20 mg e o grupo 2 soluçäo salina como placebo. As substâncias foram administradas por via venosa antes da realizaçäo do bloqueio. Näo há diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois grupos em relaçäo à idade, peso, nível sensitivo da anestesia, hipotensäo arterial e escore de Apgar dos recém-natos. A incidência de náusea e vômito foi bem menor no grupo tratado com a metoclopramida (5%) em comparaçäo com o grupo placebo (25%), estatisticamente significativo (p < 0,05). A metoclopramida é eficaz no controle profilático de náusea e vômito em cesarianas submetidas à anestesia peridural, mas o seu emprego rotineiro fica dependente de estudos do equilíbrio ácido-básico e comportamento neurológico dos recém-natos
Subject(s)
Pregnancy , Humans , Female , Anesthesia, Epidural , Cesarean Section , Metoclopramide/therapeutic use , Vomiting/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Foram estudadas as condicoes experimentais para padronizacao de um metodo de doseamento de benciclan, baseado na precipitacao com reineckato de amonio, seguido de determinacao espectrofotometrica. O complexo vermelho formado apresenta picos de absorcao maxima em 400 e 520 nm. O metodo foi aplicado na analise de medicamentos e a precisao foi cerca de 2%
Subject(s)
Ammonium Compounds , Bencyclane , Spectrophotometry , Chemical Precipitation , Quality ControlABSTRACT
La hipoplasia pulmonar es la causa de muerte en el 30 al 50 por ciento de los recién nacidos con hernia diafragmática congénita. La ligadura traqueal en el feto, previene esta alteración, estimulando el crecimiento de la vía aérea. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es investigar un método de prevención de la hipoplasia pulmonar, basado en la administración intraamniótica de drogas, pasible de ser utilizado en la especie humana. Fueron operadas 36 conejas en el día 24 de gestación. En el primer grupo de fetos se creó una hernia diafragmática. En otros tres grupos además de la hernia diafragmática se efectuaron tres procedimientos adicionales: a) ligadura traqueal b) administración intraamniótica de dexametasona c) administración intraamniótica de surfactante. Se tomó como grupo control a 14 fetos, no operados, en el día 30, se efectuó una cesarea y se procedió a canular la tráquea de todos los animales para medir los parámetros funcionales (curvas de histéresis y de compliance). Los pulmones fueron recolectados para estudios biométricos: peso, volúmen e histología (evaluación cualitativa) y estudios histomorfométricos: densidad de septos alveolares, número de alvéolos por mm y evaluación de la densidad de fibras elásticas y colágenas. Se observó que la hernia diafragmática provocó una disminución significativa en el peso y volúmen de ambos pulmones, con caída de la histéresis y la complacencia, espesamiento de los septos alveolares, disminución del contenido en fibras elásticas y aumento del colágeno. La administración de surfactante y corticoides intraamnióticos produjeron efectos similares a los de la ligadura traqueal, corrigiendo parcialmente las alteraciones pulmonares en los fetos con hernia diafragmática, presentando el surfactante efectos más acenntuados. Concluímos que la administración intraamniótica de surfactante o dexametasona pueden subsistir a la ligadura traqueal como método experimental de prevención de la hipoplasia pulmonar, presente en los fetos con hernia diafragmática congénita