Physical and chemical characterization of drill cuttings: A review.

Drill cuttings comprise a mixture of rocks generated during drilling activities of exploration and production of oil and gas. These residues' properties are variable, depending on several drilling parameters and drilled rock composition. Many scientific studies have been published regarding the characterization of these residues. Articles summarizing these residues' characteristics and toxicity data are poorly explored in the literature. This work reviews the principal methods used to characterize drill cuttings and data about these residues' properties. Some authors have reported the large content of Zn in drill cuttings. These cuttings can be associated with base fluids (as olefins, varying from C11 to C18), and some time crude oil (high range of TPH, unresolved complex mixtures, and PAH compounds). Acute and chronic toxicity tests have shown negative impacts of different types of fluids, the components of these fluids, and cuttings on other marine organisms.

Evaluation of anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of low-level laser therapy on temporomandibular joint inflammation in rodents.

The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the nociceptive behavioral as well as histomorphological aspects induced by injection of formalin and carrageenan into the rat temporomandibular joint. The 2.5% formalin injection (FRG group) induced behavioral responses characterized by rubbing the orofacial region and flinching the head quickly, which were quantified for 45 min. The pretreatment with systemic administration of diclofenac sodium-DFN group (10 mg/kg i.p.) as well as the irradiation with LLLT infrared (LST group, 780 nm, 70 mW, 30 s, 2.1 J, 52.5 J/cm(2), GaAlAs) significantly reduced the formalin-induced nociceptive responses. The 1% carrageenan injection (CRG group) induced inflammatory responses over the time-course of the study (24 h, and 3 and 7 days) characterized by the presence of intense inflammatory infiltrate rich in neutrophils, scanty areas of liquefactive necrosis and intense interstitial edema, extensive hemorrhagic areas, and enlargement of the joint space on the region. The DFN and LST groups showed an intensity of inflammatory response that was significantly lower than in CRG group over the time-course of the study, especially in the LST group, which showed exuberant granulation tissue with intense vascularization, and deposition of newly formed collagen fibers (3 and 7 days). It was concluded that the LLLT presented an anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory response on the inflammation induced in the temporomandibular joint of rodents.

Chemopreventive potential of the tannase-mediated biotransformation of green tea.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. The cancer chemopreventive qualities of green tea have been well documented. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is often described as the most potently chemopreventive green tea catechin; however, the low bioavailability of EGCG is a limiting factor for its biological effect. Thus, the aim of this work was to test the chemopreventive potential of green tea extract and EGCG after tannase-mediated hydrolysis. The results showed that the biotransformed compounds retained most of the beneficial properties of the original compounds, and some beneficial properties were improved in the biotransformed compounds. Biotransformation of EGCG decreased its toxicity without affecting its antiproliferative effects. Furthermore, human cells gene expression profiling showed that the biotransformed compounds modulated the expression of several genes related to carcinogenesis. These results demonstrate the benefits of the biotechnological modification of natural food molecules, allowing the improvement of the nutraceutical potential of a beverage as green tea.

Effect of water flow rate and feed training on "pacamã" (Siluriforme: Pseudopimelodidae) juvenile production / Efeito do fluxo de água e do condicionamento alimentar na produção de juvenis de pacamã (Siluriforme: Pseudopimelodidae)

The effects of different water flow rates and feed training on the production of "pacamã" Lophiosilurus alexandri juveniles were evaluated. In the first experiment, nine day post-hatch larvae (n= 2,400) were stocked at a density of 5 larvae/L. Different water flow (F) rates were tested: F1 = 180; F2 = 600; F3 = 1,300; and F4 = 2,600mL/min. Artemia nauplii were offered as food during the first 15 days of active feeding. In the second experiment for feed training, 720 juveniles (total length of 22.2mm) were stocked at a density of 1.5 juveniles/L. A water flow rate similar to F1 was used. The use of extruded dry diet was tested, and feed training was done with and without other enhanced flavors (Artemia nauplii or Scott emulsion). The water flow rates did not influence the survival or growth of L. alexandri. Cannibalism occurred during feed training. The worst survival, specific growth rate and high mortality were found with the use of extruded dry diet, while similar values were registered with the different feed training diets used. Reduced water flow rate can be used to lower water consumption during larviculture and feed training of L. alexandri.

Avaliaram-se os efeitos de diferentes fluxos de água e do condicionamento alimentar sobre a produção de juvenis de pacamã Lophiosilurus alexandri. Larvas com nove dias pós-eclosão (n=2.400) foram estocadas na densidade de 5 larvas/L. Diferentes fluxos (F) de água foram testados: F1 = 180; F2 = 600; F3 = 1.300; e F4 = 2.600mL/min. Náuplios de Artemia foram usados como alimento nos primeiros 15 dias de alimentação ativa. No segundo experimento, para o condicionamento alimentar, 720 juvenis (comprimento total de 22,2mm) foram estocados na densidade de 1,5 juvenis/L. Fluxo de água similar a F1 foi utilizado. Foram testados o uso de dieta extrusada e o condicionamento alimentar adicionado ou não de náuplios de Artemia ou emulsão Scott. Os diferentes fluxos de água não afetaram a sobrevivência e o crescimento de L. alexandri. Durante o condicionamento alimentar foi registrada a ocorrência de canibalismo. Pior sobrevivência, taxa de crescimento específica e maior mortalidade foram registradas para o uso da dieta comercial, enquanto valores similares foram verificados para as diferentes dietas usadas no condicionamento alimentar. Fluxo de água reduzido pode ser empregado durante a larvicultura e condicionamento alimentar de L. alexandri.

The role of mechanical bowel preparation for colonic resection and anastomosis: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To evaluate the effect of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) on colonic resection and anastomosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Mongrel dogs were divided into two groups of 20 animals each. During the preoperative period (24 h) group A was not subjected to MBP, and group B was fasted and ingested 20 ml magnesium hydroxide plus 15 ml/kg 10% mannitol orally. All animals underwent segmental colectomy followed by end-to-end anastomosis. The survivors of both groups were reoperated upon on the 7th postoperative day. RESULTS: Mortality before reoperation was significantly higher in group A (45%) than in group B (10%; P<0.05). Upon reoperation on surviving animals the incidence of localized anastomotic leakage, leakage with peritonitis, and healed anastomoses was 72.72%, 9.09%, and 18.8% in group A, and 66.66%, 22.22%, and 11.11% in group B, respectively (P>0.05). Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures showed similar growth in the two groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the omission of MBP increased the mortality due to early anastomotic leakage with peritonitis; MBP did not change the rate of localized anastomotic leakage, leakage with peritonitis, or intact anastomoses on the 7th day; no quantitative or qualitative differences were observed in the bacteria isolated from the two groups.