The 8:1:1 Supplementation of Branched-Chain Amino Acids in High-Intensity Training: A Case Study of the Protective Effect on Rhabdomyolysis.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing prevalence of high-intensity sports activities, notably the burgeoning popularity of CrossFit, underscores the contemporary significance of such physical pursuits. The discernible protective impact of branched-chain amino acids on muscle fatigue and injuries is emerging as a noteworthy area of investigation. Within the realm of sports, integrating BCAA supplementation into dietary practices holds promise for aiding athletes in their recovery, particularly in mitigating Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness. METHODOLOGY: This study adopted an experimental pilot design with repeated measures, employing a controlled and randomized approach through double-blind procedures. The participant engaged in high-intensity activity, specifically the CrossFit Karen® test, which entailed executing 150 wall ball throws (9 kg) to a height of 3 m. The trial incorporated three randomized supplementation conditions: BCAAs in an 8:1:1 ratio or a 2:1:1 ratio or a placebo condition. The participant consumed 15 g daily for 7 days, commencing 72 h prior to the initial blood sample and the first Karen® test. RESULTS: In this study, BCAA supplementation at an 8:1:1 ratio demonstrated a discernible protective effect against muscular damage, as evidenced by creatine kinase values and ratings of perceived exertion.

Ten weeks of Capsicum annuum L. extract supplementation did not change adipose tissue-derived hormones, appetite, body composition, and muscle strength when combined with resistance training in healthy untrained men: A clinical trial study.

Capsiate (CAP) is a nonpungent capsaicin analog (Capsicum annuum L. extract) that has been studied as a potential antiobesity agent. However, the interaction between chronic CAP supplementation and resistance training is not clear. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in adipose tissue-derived hormones, body composition, appetite, and muscle strength after 10 weeks of resistance training, combined with chronic CAP supplementation in healthy untrained men. We hypothesized that CAP could induce higher benefits when combined with resistance training after 10 weeks of intervention compared to resistance training alone. Twenty-four young men (age, 22.0 ± 2.9) were randomized to either capsiate supplementation (CAP = 12 mg/day) or placebo (PL), and both groups were assigned to resistance training. Body composition, leptin and adiponectin concentrations, subjective ratings of appetite, energy intake, and exercise performance were assessed at before and after 10 weeks of progressive resistance training. There was a significant increase in body mass (P < .001), fat-free mass (CAP: 58.0 ± 7.1 vs. post, 59.7 ± 7.1 kg; PL: pre, 58.4 ± 7.3 vs. post, 59.8 ± 7.1 kg; P < .001), resting metabolic rate (CAP: pre, 1782.9 ± 160.6 vs. post, 1796.3 ± 162.0 kcal; PL: pre, 1733.0 ± 148.9 vs. post, 1750.5 ± 149.8 kcal; P < .001), maximal strength at 45 leg press (P < .001) and bench press (P < .001) in both groups, but no significant (P > .05) supplementation by training period interaction nor fat mass was observed. For subjective ratings of appetite, energy intake, leptin, and adiponectin, no significant effect of supplementation by training period interaction was observed (P > .05). In conclusion, 10 weeks of resistance training increased total body weight, muscle mass, and maximum strength in healthy untrained men; however, CAP supplementation (12 mg, 7 days per week) failed to change adipose tissue-derived hormones, appetite, body composition and muscle strength in this population. Registered under Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-8cz9kfq).

Combination Therapy of Curcumin and Disulfiram Synergistically Inhibits the Growth of B16-F10 Melanoma Cells by Inducing Oxidative Stress.

Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathophysiology of melanoma. Curcumin (CUR) is a polyphenolic phytochemical that stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, while disulfiram (DSS) is a US FDA-approved drug for the treatment of alcoholism that can act by inhibiting the intracellular antioxidant system. Therefore, we hypothesized that they act synergistically against melanoma cells. Herein, we aimed to study the antitumor potential of the combination of CUR with DSS in B16-F10 melanoma cells using in vitro and in vivo models. The cytotoxic effects of different combination ratios of CUR and DSS were evaluated using the Alamar Blue method, allowing the production of isobolograms. Apoptosis detection, DNA fragmentation, cell cycle distribution, and mitochondrial superoxide levels were quantified by flow cytometry. Tumor development in vivo was evaluated using C57BL/6 mice bearing B16-F10 cells. The combinations ratios of 1:2, 1:3, and 2:3 showed synergic effects. B16-F10 cells treated with these combinations showed improved apoptotic cell death and DNA fragmentation. Enhanced mitochondrial superoxide levels were observed at combination ratios of 1:2 and 1:3, indicating increased oxidative stress. In vivo tumor growth inhibition for CUR (20 mg/kg), DSS (60 mg/kg), and their combination were 17.0%, 19.8%, and 28.8%, respectively. This study provided data on the potential cytotoxic activity of the combination of CUR with DSS and may provide a useful tool for the development of a therapeutic combination against melanoma.

Ether lipid deficiency disrupts lipid homeostasis leading to ferroptosis sensitivity.

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death associated with uncontrolled membrane lipid peroxidation and destruction. Previously, we showed that dietary dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA; 20: 3(n-6)) triggers ferroptosis in the germ cells of the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans. We also demonstrated that ether lipid-deficient mutant strains are sensitive to DGLA-induced ferroptosis, suggesting a protective role for ether lipids. The vinyl ether bond unique to plasmalogen lipids has been hypothesized to function as an antioxidant, but this has not been tested in animal models. In this study, we used C. elegans mutants to test the hypothesis that the vinyl ether bond in plasmalogens acts as an antioxidant to protect against germ cell ferroptosis as well as to protect from whole-body tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced oxidative stress. We found no role for plasmalogens in either process. Instead, we demonstrate that ether lipid-deficiency disrupts lipid homeostasis in C. elegans, leading to altered ratios of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content in cellular membranes. We demonstrate that ferroptosis sensitivity in both wild type and ether-lipid deficient mutants can be rescued in several ways that change the relative abundance of saturated fats, MUFAs and specific polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Specifically, we reduced ferroptosis sensitivity by (1) using mutant strains unable to synthesize DGLA, (2) using a strain carrying a gain-of-function mutation in the transcriptional mediator MDT-15, or (3) by dietary supplementation of MUFAs. Furthermore, our studies reveal important differences in how dietary lipids influence germ cell ferroptosis versus whole-body peroxide-induced oxidative stress. These studies highlight a potentially beneficial role for endogenous and dietary MUFAs in the prevention of ferroptosis.

Nickel oxide nanoparticles synthesis using plant extract and evaluation of their antibacterial effects on Streptococcus mutans.

Dental decay is known in the world as the most common human infectious disease. Ascending process of dental caries index in the world shows the failure of oral disease prevention. Streptococcus mutans bacteria cause acid damage and tooth decay by producing acid over time. Nanomaterials with suitable functionality, high permeability, extremely large surface area, significant reactivity, unique mechanical features, and non-bacterial resistance can be considered as promising agents for antimicrobial and antiviral applications. In this study, nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles with size range from 2 to 16 nm containing Stevia natural sweetener were eco-friendly synthesized via a simple method. Additionally, their various concentrations were evaluated on S. mutans bacteria by applying the broth dilution method. The results demonstrated that these spherical NiO nanoparticles had efficient bacteriostatic activity on this gram-positive coccus.

Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy After Prior Transurethral Resection of Prostate: An Analysis of Perioperative, Functional, Pathologic, and Oncologic Outcomes.

Background: We performed a retrospective comparison of surgical, oncologic, and functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy between patients who have undergone prior transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) to TURP-naive patients. Methods: Past robotic prostatectomy hospital data were scrutinized to form two matched groups of patients: those who have undergone prior TURP and TURP-naive patients. The perioperative and pathologic data along with functional and oncologic outcomes for a period of 3 years were compared between groups. Results: Compared with TURP-naive patients, prior TURP patients experienced longer robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy times (p < 0.001), increased incidence of bladder neck reconstruction (p = 0.03), greater blood loss (p = 0.0001), and lesser nerve sparing (p < 0.01). Complication rates (p = 0.3), positive surgical margin (p = 0.4), extracapsular disease (p = 0.3), or seminal vesicle invasion (p = 0.1) were comparable between groups. Continence (p = 0.5) and potency (p = 0.1) at 1 year were not different between groups. Biochemical recurrence rates were not different at 3 years (p = 0.9). Diabetes slowed recovery of continence in patients with prior TURP compared with TURP-naive patients until 6 months after surgery. Conclusion: Although prior TURP makes subsequent robotic prostatectomy more technically demanding, it can be safely performed by experienced surgeons without compromising long-term functional or oncologic outcomes.

Adolescent Plaque Brachytherapy for Large Choroidal Metastasis from Lung Carcinoid Tumor.

The purpose of this publication is to report a child with choroidal metastasis from a primary lung carcinoid tumor treated with 125-iodine plaque brachytherapy while achieving complete tumor regression. A 15-year-old girl with a history of stage IV lung carcinoid tumor developed painless progressive visual loss in her right eye. Ophthalmological exam documented a unilateral solitary large choroidal mass with complete exudative retinal detachment. Planned palliative treatment with plaque brachytherapy was performed utilizing a total dose of 45 Gy to the tumor apex. No tumor regression was noted after 6 months of follow-up. Ten months after primary therapy, re-treatment with a total dose of 90 Gy to the tumor apex was performed due to tumor progression. Complete regression was achieved after secondary treatment without evidence of recurrence after 18 months of follow-up. In conclusion, high-dose plaque brachytherapy may induce complete tumor regression in select adolescent patients with choroidal metastasis from lung carcinoid tumor.

Efficacy Prediction of Four Pharmaceutical Formulations for Intramammary Administration Containing Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. Combined With Ceftiofur or Cloxacillin in Lactating Cows as an Alternative Therapy to Treat Mastitis Caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Synergy or additive effect between Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. and beta-lactam (ß-lactam) antibiotics has been reported against Staphylococcus aureus, one of the most important etiological agents of cow mastitis. The goal of the present study was to predict the efficacy of intramammary formulations containing the Aloe vera gel extract in the combination with cloxacillin or ceftiofur at low concentrations in lactating cows as an alternative therapy. Each quarter of 20 healthy Holstein Friesian lactating cows were treated with a single dose of one of the following formulations, corresponding to one of these treatment groups: A1, A2, A3, and A4. A1 and A2 contained cloxacillin at 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml, whereas A3 and A4 contained ceftiofur 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml, respectively. In addition, all formulations contained 600 mg/ml of an alcoholic extract of Aloe vera. Milk samples were taken at predefined time points. Antibiotics and aloin (active compound of Aloe vera) concentrations were assessed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry system (LC-MS/MS). Pharmacokinetic profiles were obtained, and the efficacy index, the fraction of dosing interval in which the antimicrobial concentration remains above the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) (T > MIC) for each formulation, was calculated considering MIC values against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 as obtained for the combination Aloe vera + antibiotic and aloin concentration in the extract. Mammary gland safety assessment was performed for each combination. Values of the main efficacy index for this study, T > MIC (h) for Aloe vera were 23.29, 10.50, 27.50, and 13.89, whereas for cloxacillin or ceftiofur were 19.20, 10.9, 19.74, and 15.63, for A1, A2, A3, and A4, respectively. Only A1 and A3 reached aloin and antibiotic recommended values as predictors of clinical efficacy for cloxacillin, ceftiofur, and aloin (50, 70, and 60%, respectively), assuming a dose interval of 24 h. The efficacy index values obtained suggest that A1 and A3 might be an effective therapy to treat bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus after a single dose. Nevertheless, further trials in S. aureus mastitis clinical cases are mandatory to confirm the efficacy of Aloe vera formulations.

Biosaline agriculture: an agronomic proposal for onion (Allium cepa L.) production.

NOVELTY STATEMENT: The onion crop with brackish irrigation but accompanied by halophytes is productive, so halophytoremediation is an excellent agronomic proposal for areas where there is poor quality water used for irrigation.

Central serotonin participates in the anorexigenic effect of GLP-1 in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

The incretin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a major player in the gut-brain axis regulation of energy balance and in fish it seems to exert a negative influence on food intake. In this study, we investigated the role of the brain serotonergic system in the effects promoted by a peripheral GLP-1 injection on food intake in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). For this, in a first experiment the incretin was intraperitoneally injected (100 ng/g body weight) alone or in combination with a 5HT2C receptor antagonist (SB 242084, 1 µg/g body weight) and food intake was measured 30, 90, and 180 min later. In a second experiment, we studied the effect of these treatments on mRNA abundance of hypothalamic neuropeptides that control food intake. In addition, the effect of GLP-1 on serotonin metabolism was assessed in hindbrain and hypothalamus. Our results show that GLP-1 induced a significant food intake inhibition, which agreed with the increased expression of anorexigenic neuropeptides pomc and cart in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, GLP-1 stimulated the synthesis of serotonin in the hypothalamus, which might be indicative of a higher use of the neurotransmitter. The effects of GLP-1 on food intake were partially reversed when a serotonin receptor antagonist, SB 242084, was previously administered to trout. This antagonist also reversed the stimulatory effect of the hormone in hypothalamic pomca1 mRNA abundance. We conclude that hypothalamic serotonergic pathways are essential for mediating the effects of GLP-1 on food intake in rainbow trout. In addition, the 5HT2C receptor subtype seems to have a prominent role in the inhibition of food intake induced by GLP-1 in this species.

Monitoring chemical compositional changes of simulated spilled Brazilian oils under tropical climate conditions by multiple analytical techniques.

To comprehensively understand the chemical changes over time of spilled oils subject to tropical climate conditions and the active weathering processes, a spill simulation experiment was conducted along 210 days with two distinct Brazilian oils (19 and 24 API) under irradiation and non-irradiation of sunlight. Isoprenoids and n-alkanes showed a great loss after 40 days for both oils under the two conditions due to evaporation. Diagnostic ratios of saturated biomarkers showed no changes, whereas the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons had a decreasing concentration under both conditions mainly due to evaporation. Furthermore, oxygenated polar compounds produced by photooxidation were investigated by ESI(-) FT-ICR MS and showed changes only for the oils exposed to sunlight irradiation. Based on the observed polar compositional changes, new parameters are suggested using heteroatom classes to estimate oil spill time under tropical conditions: NO3/NO2; NO3/(NO + NO2); ∑NOx/N1; (O4 + O3)/(O2 + O1); O4/(O2 + O1); and O3/O2.

Interfacial and emulsifying properties of purified glycyrrhizin and non-purified glycyrrhizin-rich extracts from liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

This study compared the interfacial and emulsifying properties of purified saponins and non-purified saponin-rich extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra, and highlighted potential mechanisms by which crude surface-active compositions, such as liquorice root extract (LRE), act as emulsifiers. LRE presented different fluid properties, in comparison to purified glycyrrhizin (PG), at equivalent glycyrrhizin concentrations. Particularly, it exhibited limited glycyrrhizin fibrilization at pH < pKa and efficiently reduced the interfacial tension at the soybean oil/water interface, independently of pH. LRE also presented better emulsification properties, in comparison to PG samples. Emulsions prepared using LRE had lower droplet sizes when using higher oil mass fractions or lower homogenization pressures, which was attributed to 2 main factors: (i) efficient adsorption of glycyrrhizin molecules at relatively low interfacial curvatures, thus accelerating oil phase breakup during homogenization and (ii) sufficient coverage of newly generated droplets due to adsorption of residual surface-active components (e.g. proteins), thus minimizing droplet coalescence.

Evaluation of antileishmanial activity of harzialactone a isolated from the marine-derived fungus Paecilomyces sp.

Fractionation of extracts from the culture broth of the marine-derived fungus, Paecilomyces sp. 7A22, resulted in the isolation of the harzialactone A (HA), a known compound previously isolated from fungi of marine environments. The chemical structure of HA was determined by spectroscopic analyses. Upon evaluation of HA on antileishmanial assays against Leishmania amazonensis, HA exhibited significant activity against promastigotes forms with IC50 of 5.25 µg mL-1 and moderate activity against intracellular amastigotes with IC50 of 18.18 µg mL-1. This is the first report on the antileishmanial activity of HA, and the effects of HA presented in this work suggest that this class of compounds are suitable for future biological in vitro and in vivo studies for the search of natural products with activity against Leishmania spp. Furthermore, the present results corroborate marine-derived fungi as a promising source of natural products with antiparasitic activity.

Microfibrillated cellulose from Argania spinosa shells as sustainable solid particles for O/W Pickering emulsions.

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) from Argan (Argania spinosa) shells was prepared by chemical purification of cellulose, then mechanical disintegration via high pressure homogenization was performed to isolate fibrils of cellulose. Chemical characterization of raw argan shell (AS-R), purified cellulose (AS-C), and argan shell MFC (AS-MFC) included FT-IR, XRD and NMR. Morphological characterization of AS-MFC was assessed using TEM. Next, the use of AS-MFC as oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions stabilizer was investigated. The particle concentration was observed to affect the long-term stability of the emulsions; high concentrations (0.5-1 % w/w) of AS-MFC resulted in emulsions that were thermodynamically stable during 15 days of storage, which was demonstrated by the droplet's size evolution. The suitable oil concentration for a maximum volume of emulsion using 1 % w/w AS-MFC was demonstrated. The results show that AS-MFC is able to stabilize 70 % w/w MCT oil without visual phase separation. Finally, CLSM shows the adsorption of AS-MFC at the oil-water interface and the formation of a 3D network surrounding oil droplets, confirming Pickering emulsion formation and stabilization.

Assessing the behaviour of heavy metals in abandoned phosphogypsum deposits combining electrical resistivity tomography and multivariate analysis.

This study presents the results of a physical-chemical characterisation of phosphogypsum deposits generated with hydrochloric and sulphuric acid during the wet acid process. The paper aims to establish an efficient methodology based on electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), chemical analysis and multivariate analysis identifying the areas most contaminated by heavy metals in an abandoned factory where fertiliser was derived from phosphoric rock. This fertiliser has provided many benefits to agriculture; however, it generates a vast amount of waste (5 tonnes phosphoric rock/1 tonne fertiliser). The chemical composition of this by-product varies according to the industrial process performed. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) recovers more than 90% of phosphorus, while sulphuric acid (H2SO4) recovers around 30%. Therefore, a chemical assessment of the remaining waste is a necessary step prior to initiating any remediation process. ERT provided the geometry of the deposits and the distribution of the phosphogypsum. The chemical analyses consistently validated the electrical contrast found within the deposits. We employed a correlation analysis combined with multivariate analysis to identify the relationships among the metal concentrations and resistivity. Principal component analysis (PCA) reduced the information contained in all the variables to a few principal components. The first three principal components accounted for 74% of the variability of all the studied variables. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) for classification allowed the discrimination of the two populations. Electrical resistivity was the most influential variable for separating HCl waste from that of H2SO4. The use of ERT saves time and reduces costs yielding a methodology which facilitates the environmental assessment of large areas.

Larvicidal activity of substituted chalcones against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and non-target organisms.

BACKGROUND: The expansion of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) population has increased the number of cases of arboviruses, in part due to the inefficiency and toxicity of the chemical control methods available to control this vector. We synthesized 19 chalcone derivatives and examined their activity against Ae. aegypti larvae in order to select larvicidal compounds that are non-toxic to other organisms. RESULTS: Seven chalcone derivatives (3a, 3e, 3f, 6a, 6c, 6d, and 6f) had lethal concentrations of substituted chalcones capable of killing 50% (LC50 ) values lower than 100 mg mL-1 at 24 h post-treatment, which is the dose that the World Health Organization recommends for the selection of promising larvicides. The type of substituent added to (E)-1,3-diphenylprop-2-en-1-one (3a) markedly affected the larvicidal activity. Addition of chlorine, bromine and methoxy groups to the aromatic rings reduced the larvicidal activity, while replacement of the B-ring (phenyl) by a furan ring significantly increased the larvicidal activity. The furan-chalcone (E)-3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(furan-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (6c) killed Ae. aegypti larvae (LC50 = 6.66 mg mL-1 ; LC90 = 9.97 mg mL-1 ) more effectively than the non-substituted chalcone (3a) (LC50 = 14.43 mg mL-1 ; LC90 = 20.96 mg mL-1 ), and was not toxic to the insect Galleria mellonella, to the protozoan Tetrahymena pyriformis, and to the algae Chorella vulgaris. CONCLUSIONS: The substitution pattern of chalcones influenced their larvicidal activity. In the set of compounds tested, (E)-3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(furan-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (6c) was the most effective larvicide against Ae. aegypti, with no clear signs of toxicity to other animal models. Its mechanism of action and effectiveness under field conditions remain to be determined.

Assessing raw materials as potential adsorbents to remove acidic compounds from Brazilian crude oils by ESI (-) FT-ICR MS.

The presence of acidic compounds as naphthenic acids in crude oil causes several problems for the petroleum industry, including corrosion in both upstream and downstream production processes. Based on this scenario, the main objective of this work was to investigate the removal of the acidic compound from two Brazilian heavy oils by adsorption processes using six potential adsorbents: powdered shale, activated carbon, bentonite, silica gel, powdered sandstone and powdered wood. These raw materials were previously characterized by conventional and surface analysis techniques, which show that they offer a good surface area and thermal stability. To evaluate the removal efficiency at the molecular level, the crude oil samples and the filtered oils were analyzed by negative electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry [ESI (-) FTICR MS]. The O2 class, which is related to the relatively high acidity of the samples, was the most abundant in both crude oil samples, moreover, this class was more retained by adsorbents. Silica gel, activated carbon and bentonite were the best adsorbents of acidic compounds from the tested oils, in agreement with their markedly higher surface area and porous volume. Additionally, a chromatographic analysis was performed and showed no changes in the oil profile.

Chronic copper poisoning in beef cattle in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Intoxicação crônica por cobre em bovinos de corte no Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil

Copper is an essential micromineral in animal feed; however, when consumed in excess, it can cause liver necrosis, hemolytic crisis, hemoglobinuric nephrosis and death in cattle. Although uncommon in this species, copper poisoning occurs as a result of exacerbated supplementation, deficiency of antagonist microminerals, or previous liver lesions. An outbreak of chronic copper poisoning is reported in semi-confined cattle after supplementation with 50 mg/Kg of dry matter copper. The cattle showed clinical signs characterized by anorexia, motor incoordination, loss of balance, jaundice, brownish or black urine, diarrhea and death, or were found dead, 10 to 302 days after consumption. Of the 35 cattle that died, 20 underwent necropsy, whose frequent findings were jaundice, enlarged liver with evident lobular pattern, black kidneys, and urinary bladder with brownish to blackish content. Microscopically, the liver showed vacuolar degeneration and/or zonal hepatocellular centrilobular or paracentral coagulative necrosis, in addition to cholestasis, mild periacinal fibrosis, apoptotic bodies, and mild to moderate mononuclear inflammation. Degeneration and necrosis of the tubular epithelium and intratubular hemoglobin cylinders were observed in the kidneys. Copper levels in the liver and kidneys ranged from 5,901.24 to 28,373.14 µmol/kg and from 303.72 to 14,021 µmol/kg, respectively. In conclusion, copper poisoning due to excessive nutritional supplementation is an important cause of jaundice, hemoglobinuria, and death in semi-confined cattle.(AU)

Cobre é um micromineral essencial, que quando em excesso induz necrose hepática, crise hemolítica, nefrose hemoglobínurica e morte em bovinos. As intoxicações, apesar de incomuns nessa espécie, ocorrem devido a suplementação exacerbada de cobre, pela deficiência de microminerais antagonistas ou secundária a lesão hepática prévia. Relata-se um surto de intoxicação crônica por cobre em bovinos semiconfinados após suplementação com 50mg/kg de cobre em matéria seca. Os bovinos manifestaram sinais clínicos caracterizados por anorexia, incoordenação motora, perda de equilíbrio, icterícia, urina acastanhada ou negra, diarreia e morte ou foram encontrados mortos, após 10 a 302 dias do início de consumo. De 35 bovinos que morreram 20 foram submetidos à necropsia sendo achada frequente icterícia, fígado aumentado e com padrão lobular evidente, rins pretos e bexiga urinária repleta de conteúdo acastanhado a enegrecida. Microscopicamente, no fígado havia degeneração vacuolar e ou necrose coagulativa hepatocelular zonal, centrolobular ou paracentral, além de degeneração vacuolar com corpúsculos de Councilman, colestase, fibrose periascinar leve, e inflamação de discreta a moderada. Nos rins havia degeneração e necrose do epitélio tubular assim como cilindros de hemoglobina intratubulares. Os níveis de cobre no fígado e rim foram de 5.901,24 a 28.373,14µmol/kg e 303,72 a 14.021µmol/kg respectivamente. A suplementação nutricional excessiva com cobre pode causar doença hemolítica com icterícia, hemoglobinúria e morte de bovinos mantidos em sistema de semiconfinamento.(AU)

Supplementation with calcium salts of cottonseed oil improves performance of Bos indicus animals consuming finishing diets.

Lipid ingredients are often used into feedlot cattle diets, primarily to increase energy density and improve efficiency parameters of the herd. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of including calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) and increasing levels of cottonseed byproducts into feedlot diets. On day 0 of the study, 96 Bos indicus bullocks were individually weighed twice and initial body weight (BW) was considered the average of both measurements (initial BW = 287 ± 22.4 kg). Bulls were ranked by initial BW, allocated into 1 of 12 feedlot pens (eight bulls per pen), and pens randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) inclusion of 15.0% [dry matter (DM) basis] of cottonseed byproducts into the finishing diet (CTS-15; n = 4), 2) inclusion of 22.0% (DM basis) of cottonseed byproducts into the finishing diet (CTS-22; n = 4), and 3) inclusion of 2.7% (DM basis) of CSFA of cottonseed oil into the finishing diet (CSFA; n = 4). The experimental period lasted 135 d and consisted of 5 d of preadaptation, 15 d of adaptation (ADP), 31 d of growing (GRO), and 84 d of finishing (FIN). Performance and carcass characteristics data were evaluated at the end of the experimental period. A treatment × period interaction was observed on total DM intake (DMI; P < 0.0001), given that no treatment differences were observed during ADP (P > 0.33), whereas CSFA-supplemented animals had a reduced DMI during GRO and FIN phases (P < 0.05). When individual mean nutrient intake was evaluated, CSFA supplementation caused a reduction in crude protein and physically effective neutral detergent fiber intake (P ≤ 0.05), and tended to reduce metabolizable energy, net energy for maintenance and gain intake (P = 0.06). Additionally, CSFA inclusion or CTS increase into the diet did not affect final BW, BW change, average daily gain (ADG), hot carcass weight, carcass ADG, and yield gain (P ≥ 0.11). On the other hand, CSFA reduced DMI as percentage of BW and improved feed efficiency (FE; P < 0.02) and also tended to improve biological conversion (BC; P = 0.07) versus CTS. Similarly, increasing CTS byproducts in the diet improved FE and BC (P = 0.02) but also tended to increase dressing percentage (DP; P = 0.08). In summary, including CSFA into feedlot diets reduced DMI but improved FE and BC of beef cattle, demonstrating the efficacy of this technology on feedlot beef cattle diets. Moreover, increasing cottonseed byproducts into the diets also benefited FE, BC, and DP of finishinw B. indicus cattle.

Essential oil from leaves of Conobea scoparioides (Cham. & Schltdl.) Benth. (Plantaginaceae) causes cell death in HepG2 cells and inhibits tumor development in a xenograft model.

Conobea scoparioides (Cham. & Schltdl.) Benth. (syn. Sphaerotheca scoparioides Cham. & Schldtl.) (Plantaginaceae), popularly known as "pataqueira", "vassourinha-do-brejo" and/or "hierba-de-sapo", is a popular medicinal plant used to treat leishmaniasis, pain and beriberi. In addition, inhibition of cell adhesion, antioxidant, cytotoxic and leishmanicidal activities of compounds or fractions of C. scoparioides have been reported. In the present work, chemical constituents and in vitro and in vivo anti-liver cancer potential of essential oil (EO) from leaves of C. scoparioides were investigated using human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells as a cell model. EO was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and characterized by GC-MS and GC-FID. The in vitro cytotoxic effect was evaluated on three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HepG2 and HCT116) and one human non-cancerous cell line (MRC-5) using the Alamar blue assay. Phosphatidylserine externalization and cell cycle distribution were quantified in HepG2 cells by flow cytometry after 48 h incubation. The effectiveness of EO in anti-liver cancer model was studied with HepG2 cells grafted on C.B. 17 SCID mice. The main constituents of EO were thymol methyl ether (62 %), thymol (16 %) and α-phellandrene (14 %). EO displayed an in vitro cytotoxic effect against all human cancer cell lines and caused externalization of phosphatidylserine and DNA fragmentation in HepG2 cells, suggesting induction of apoptotic-like cell death. In vivo tumor mass inhibition of 36.7 and 55.8 % was observed for treatment with EO at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg, respectively. These results indicate in vitro and in vivo anti-liver cancer potential of EO from leaves of C. scoparioides.