Eugenol as an efficient anesthetic for neotropical fish Prochilodus nigricans (Teleostei, Prochilodontidae) / [Eugenol como um anestésico eficaz para o peixe neotropical Prochilodus nigricans (Teleostei, Prochilodontidae)]

The use of anesthetics in fish farming is essential to reduce stress during management. The present study proposes to evaluate the effect of eugenol as an anesthetic for the management of curimatã (Prochilodus nigricans). Fifty specimens were used (221.34±9.0 g; 25.8 ±1.1 cm), submitted to five treatments with concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mgL−1 eugenol for 10 min. The times required to reach each anesthetic stage and the recovery of each fish were recorded. To check bloodglucose levels individual blood samples were taken from the fish before immersion and after ten minutes of anesthetic exposure. Evaluation of the anesthetic effect ongills was performed by histopathological analysis. The concentration of 50 mgL−1 was within the ideal limit of three minutes recommended for surgical anesthesia induction and did not significantly increase glucose levels when compared to the control group (35.7±19.4 mg dL−1), besides not causing gill injuries. At this concentration the fish presented controlled blood glucose levels within the basal levels, besides not taking the risk to have later problems concernig mortality, because this concentration ensures the good health of the gills and good recovery of the animals.(AU)

O uso de anestésicos em pisciculturas é indispensável para reduzir o estresse durante o manejo. O presente trabalho propôs avaliar o efeito do eugenol como anestésico para manejo do curimatã (Prochilodus nigricans). Foram utilizados 50 espécimes (221,34±9,0 g; 25,8 ±1,1 cm), submetidos a cinco tratamentos com concentrações de 0, 25, 50, 100 e 200 mg L−1 de eugenol em exposição de 10 minutos. Foram registrados os tempos necessários para atingir cada estágio anestésico e a recuperação de cada peixe. Para verificação dos níveis de glicose sanguínea, foram realizadas coletas individuais de sangue dos peixes antes da imersão e após os 10 minutos de exposição ao anestésico. A avaliação do efeito do anestésico sobre as brânquias foi realizada por meio de análises histopatológicas. A concentração de 50 mg L−1 ficou dentro do limite ideal de três minutos preconizado para indução à anestesia cirúrgica e não elevou significativamente os níveis de glicose quando comparada ao grupo controle (35,7±19,4 mg dL−1), além de não provocar lesões branquiais. Nessa concentração, os peixes apresentaram níveis de glicose sanguínea controlada, dentro dos teores basais, além de não correrem o risco de apresentarem problemas posteriores em relação à mortalidade, pois essa concentração garante a boa saúde das brânquias e uma boa recuperação dos animais.(AU)

Physiological adjustment to salt stress in Jatropha curcas is associated with accumulation of salt ions, transport and selectivity of K+, osmotic adjustment and K+/Na+ homeostasis.

This study assessed the capacity of Jatropha curcas to physiologically adjust to salinity. Seedlings were exposed to increasing NaCl concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100 mm) for 15 days. Treatment without NaCl was adopted as control. Shoot dry weight was strongly reduced by NaCl, reaching values of 35% to 65% with 25 to 100 mm NaCl. The shoot/root ratio was only affected with 100 mm NaCl. Relative water content (RWC) increased only with 100 mm NaCl, while electrolyte leakage (EL) was much enhanced with 50 mm NaCl. The Na(+) transport rate to the shoot was more affected with 50 and 100 mm NaCl. In parallel, Cl(-) transport rate increased with 75 and 100 mm NaCl, while K(+) transport rate fell from 50 mm to 100 mm NaCl. In roots, Na(+) and Cl(-) transport rates fell slightly only in 50 mm (to Na(+)) and 50 and 100 mm (to Cl(-)) NaCl, while K(+) transport rate fell significantly with increasing NaCl. In general, our data demonstrate that J. curcas seedlings present changes in key physiological processes that allow this species to adjust to salinity. These responses are related to accumulation of Na(+) and Cl(-) in leaves and roots, K(+)/Na(+) homeostasis, transport of K(+) and selectivity (K-Na) in roots, and accumulation of organic solutes contributing to osmotic adjustment of the species.

Bioactive amines and internal quality of commercial eggs.

The physicochemical and microbiological qualities of commercial eggs produced by layer hens of different ages (approximately 30 and 60 wk old) were submitted to storage under room temperature or refrigeration for 28 d. A total of 600 eggs were subjected to microbiological analyses of their inner contents and another 600 to a determination of Haugh units (HU) and bioactive amine content. A decrease in the quality of the inner contents of the eggs was observed during the experiment, mainly in the eggs from the 60-wk-old layers, which presented the worst HU values when stored at room temperature (P < 0.05). Microbiological analyses showed an absence of Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and coliforms, either total or thermal-tolerant; however, low counts of other Staphylococcus species, Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., mesophilic aerobic bacteria, and fungi were also recorded. The chromatographic analysis of bioactive amines detected the presence of phenylethylamine in all albumens (38.0 mg/kg) and spermidine in the yolks (1.02 mg/kg). It was concluded that the age of the hens and the time and temperature of storage influenced the quality parameters of the eggs (P < 0.05). Furthermore, despite the low levels of microbial contamination found, phenylethylamine was detected in the albumen. It was not possible to establish index of quality of eggs using bioactive amines present in the yolk and albumen of eggs.

Qualidade de ovos comerciais submetidos a diferentes condições de armazenamento / Quality of commercial eggs submitted to different storage conditions

Verificou-se a qualidade interna de 1440 ovos de consumo, provenientes de galinhas de linhagem comercial. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2x2x15, com duas diferentes idades das galinhas (33 e 60 semanas), duas condições de armazenamento (ambiente e refrigerado) e 15 períodos de estocagem (um, dois, três, quatro, cinco, seis, sete, oito, nove, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 e 15 dias). Os parâmetros de qualidade dos ovos avaliados foram Unidades Haugh (UH), pH do albúmen (pH), sólidos totais do albúmen (STA) e da gema (STG), e peso e porcentagem de albúmen, gema e casca. Foi observada diminuição da qualidade interna dos ovos durante o armazenamento. Os ovos produzidos por poedeiras velhas e armazenados em temperatura ambiente apresentaram os piores resultados de UH. O pH do albúmen aumentou no decorrer do armazenamento independentemente da idade da ave e da temperatura de estocagem, e os valores de STA aumentaram com o armazenamento em temperatura ambiente. Concluiu-se que a idade da ave, a temperatura e o tempo de armazenamento dos ovos exercem influência sobre os parâmetros de qualidade do ovo.

Physical-chemical egg qualities of 1440 egg from commercial layer hens of different ages (30 and 60-week-old) submitted to storage under room temperature or refrigeration conditions were evaluated according to the following traits: Haugh Unities (UH); pH of albumen (pH); total solids of albumen and yolk; and weight and percentage of albumen, yolk, and shell. Decrease of inner quality of the evaluated eggs was observed during the experiment, mainly eggs from old-layers, which presented the worst values of AA and HU when stored at room temperature. It was concluded that age, temperature and time of storage of eggs influenced egg quality.

Qualidade de ovos comerciais submetidos a diferentes condições de armazenamento / Quality of commercial eggs submitted to different storage conditions

Verificou-se a qualidade interna de 1440 ovos de consumo, provenientes de galinhas de linhagem comercial. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2x2x15, com duas diferentes idades das galinhas (33 e 60 semanas), duas condições de armazenamento (ambiente e refrigerado) e 15 períodos de estocagem (um, dois, três, quatro, cinco, seis, sete, oito, nove, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 e 15 dias). Os parâmetros de qualidade dos ovos avaliados foram Unidades Haugh (UH), pH do albúmen (pH), sólidos totais do albúmen (STA) e da gema (STG), e peso e porcentagem de albúmen, gema e casca. Foi observada diminuição da qualidade interna dos ovos durante o armazenamento. Os ovos produzidos por poedeiras velhas e armazenados em temperatura ambiente apresentaram os piores resultados de UH. O pH do albúmen aumentou no decorrer do armazenamento independentemente da idade da ave e da temperatura de estocagem, e os valores de STA aumentaram com o armazenamento em temperatura ambiente. Concluiu-se que a idade da ave, a temperatura e o tempo de armazenamento dos ovos exercem influência sobre os parâmetros de qualidade do ovo.(AU)

Physical-chemical egg qualities of 1440 egg from commercial layer hens of different ages (30 and 60-week-old) submitted to storage under room temperature or refrigeration conditions were evaluated according to the following traits: Haugh Unities (UH); pH of albumen (pH); total solids of albumen and yolk; and weight and percentage of albumen, yolk, and shell. Decrease of inner quality of the evaluated eggs was observed during the experiment, mainly eggs from old-layers, which presented the worst values of AA and HU when stored at room temperature. It was concluded that age, temperature and time of storage of eggs influenced egg quality.(AU)

Qualidade de leites fermentados funcionais elaborados a partir de bactérias ácido-lácticas isoladas de queijo de coalho / Quality of functional fermented milks produced by the use of lactic acid bacteria isolated from coalho cheese

Leites fermentados foram elaborados a partir de bactérias ácido-lácticas com propriedades funcionais, isoladas de queijo de coalho com e sem a adição de concentrado proteico de soro (CPS). Características físico-químicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais dos produtos elaborados foram analisadas durante 40 dias de estocagem sob refrigeração a 8-10ºC. Todos os leites fermentados elaborados, independentemente da adição de CPS e da cultura utilizada, apresentaram contagens adequadas de bactérias (>10(8)UFC/mL) durante todo o período de avaliação, o que garantiria seu possível potencial funcional. Leites fermentados por Lactobacillus acidophilus apresentaram melhor aceitação (P<0,05) pelos provadores aos 10 dias de estocagem; enquanto, aos 40 dias, o leite fermentado por Weissella confusa sem CPS resultou em pior aceitação (P<0,05). A associação de Lactobacillus acidophilus e Weissella confusa ou somente Lactobacillus acidophilus, independentemente da adição de CPS, seriam recomendados para elaboração industrial de novos leites fermentados potencialmente funcionais a partir de culturas lácticas brasileiras.

Fermented milks were produced using whey protein concentrate (WPC) and potentially functional lactic acid bacteria, which were isolated from coalho cheese produced in. Physical-chemical, microbiological, and sensorial characteristics of the fermented milks were analyzed during 40 days under refrigeration at 8-10ºC. All products, irrespectively of WPC adding or culture used, showed appropriated bacterial counts (>10(8)CFU/mL) throughout the evaluation time, which would guarantee their functional potential. Lactobacillus acidophilus fermented milks presented better sensorial approval (P<0.05) when evaluated at 10-day storage; while Weissella confusa fermented milks presented lower acceptance (P<0.05) at 40-day storage. The association of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Weissella confusa or Lactobacillus acidophilus isolatedly, irrespectively of WPC adding, should be recommended for the industrial elaboration of novel functional fermented milks using Brazilian lactic cultures as starters.

Qualidade de leites fermentados funcionais elaborados a partir de bactérias ácido-lácticas isoladas de queijo de coalho / Quality of functional fermented milks produced by the use of lactic acid bacteria isolated from coalho cheese

Leites fermentados foram elaborados a partir de bactérias ácido-lácticas com propriedades funcionais, isoladas de queijo de coalho com e sem a adição de concentrado proteico de soro (CPS). Características físico-químicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais dos produtos elaborados foram analisadas durante 40 dias de estocagem sob refrigeração a 8-10ºC. Todos os leites fermentados elaborados, independentemente da adição de CPS e da cultura utilizada, apresentaram contagens adequadas de bactérias (>10(8)UFC/mL) durante todo o período de avaliação, o que garantiria seu possível potencial funcional. Leites fermentados por Lactobacillus acidophilus apresentaram melhor aceitação (P<0,05) pelos provadores aos 10 dias de estocagem; enquanto, aos 40 dias, o leite fermentado por Weissella confusa sem CPS resultou em pior aceitação (P<0,05). A associação de Lactobacillus acidophilus e Weissella confusa ou somente Lactobacillus acidophilus, independentemente da adição de CPS, seriam recomendados para elaboração industrial de novos leites fermentados potencialmente funcionais a partir de culturas lácticas brasileiras.(AU)

Fermented milks were produced using whey protein concentrate (WPC) and potentially functional lactic acid bacteria, which were isolated from coalho cheese produced in. Physical-chemical, microbiological, and sensorial characteristics of the fermented milks were analyzed during 40 days under refrigeration at 8-10ºC. All products, irrespectively of WPC adding or culture used, showed appropriated bacterial counts (>10(8)CFU/mL) throughout the evaluation time, which would guarantee their functional potential. Lactobacillus acidophilus fermented milks presented better sensorial approval (P<0.05) when evaluated at 10-day storage; while Weissella confusa fermented milks presented lower acceptance (P<0.05) at 40-day storage. The association of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Weissella confusa or Lactobacillus acidophilus isolatedly, irrespectively of WPC adding, should be recommended for the industrial elaboration of novel functional fermented milks using Brazilian lactic cultures as starters.(AU)

Eficiência dos testes COPAN (Microplate e Single) na detecção de resíduos de antimicrobianos no leite / Efficacy of COPAN (Microplate and Single kits) in detection of antimicrobials residues in milk

Avaliou-se a eficiência dos testes microbiológicos COPAN (Microplate e Single) para detecção de resíduos de 13 antimicrobianos inoculados em leite isento de resíduos. Foram utilizadas quatro concentrações, sendo a primeira equivalente à metade do limite de detecção declarado pelo fabricante (C1); a segunda equivalente ao limite máximo de resíduos (LMR) estabelecido pela legislação brasileira (C2); a terceira equivalente ao limite de detecção declarado pelo fabricante (C3); e a quarta equivalente ao dobro do limite de detecção declarado pelo fabricante (C4). Os testes apresentaram 100 por cento de sensibilidade na detecção de amoxicilina, ampicilina, cloxacilina, penicilina, tilosina, sulfadiazina, sulfametoxazol, e 96,7 por cento na detecção de oxacilina para as concentrações informadas pelo fabricante como limite de detecção. Em relação às concentrações estabelecidas pela legislação brasileira, verificou-se que os testes foram capazes de detectá-las para a maioria dos antimicrobianos avaliados. Os testes não se mostraram eficientes na detecção das concentrações estabelecidas pela legislação para eritromicina, oxitetraciclina, tetraciclina, trimetoprim e gentamicina (Microplate).

The efficacy of the microbiological kits COPAN (Microplate and Single) for detection of antimicrobials residues was tested. Thirteen drugs were inoculated into milk without residues at four concentration levels: C1 - half of the detection threshold declared by the manufacturer, C2 - the maximum residues threshold established by the Brazilian legislation, C3 - the detection threshold declared by the manufacturer, and C4 - two fold the detection threshold declared by the manufacturer. The tests showed 100 percent efficient in detection of amoxicillin, cloxacillin, penicillin, tilosin, sulfadiazine, and sulfa methoxazol; and 96.7 percent for oxacillin considering the concentration stated by the manufacturer as threshold level. Regarding the concentrations established by the Brazilian legislation, all tested kits were able to detect most of the evaluated antimicrobials. The kits were not efficient in detection of the concentration levels established by the Brazilian legislation for erythromycin, oxytetracyclin, tetracyclin, trimetoprim, and gentamycin (Microplate).

Eficiência dos testes COPAN (Microplate e Single) na detecção de resíduos de antimicrobianos no leite / Efficacy of COPAN (Microplate and Single kits) in detection of antimicrobials residues in milk

Avaliou-se a eficiência dos testes microbiológicos COPAN (Microplate e Single) para detecção de resíduos de 13 antimicrobianos inoculados em leite isento de resíduos. Foram utilizadas quatro concentrações, sendo a primeira equivalente à metade do limite de detecção declarado pelo fabricante (C1); a segunda equivalente ao limite máximo de resíduos (LMR) estabelecido pela legislação brasileira (C2); a terceira equivalente ao limite de detecção declarado pelo fabricante (C3); e a quarta equivalente ao dobro do limite de detecção declarado pelo fabricante (C4). Os testes apresentaram 100 por cento de sensibilidade na detecção de amoxicilina, ampicilina, cloxacilina, penicilina, tilosina, sulfadiazina, sulfametoxazol, e 96,7 por cento na detecção de oxacilina para as concentrações informadas pelo fabricante como limite de detecção. Em relação às concentrações estabelecidas pela legislação brasileira, verificou-se que os testes foram capazes de detectá-las para a maioria dos antimicrobianos avaliados. Os testes não se mostraram eficientes na detecção das concentrações estabelecidas pela legislação para eritromicina, oxitetraciclina, tetraciclina, trimetoprim e gentamicina (Microplate).(AU)

The efficacy of the microbiological kits COPAN (Microplate and Single) for detection of antimicrobials residues was tested. Thirteen drugs were inoculated into milk without residues at four concentration levels: C1 - half of the detection threshold declared by the manufacturer, C2 - the maximum residues threshold established by the Brazilian legislation, C3 - the detection threshold declared by the manufacturer, and C4 - two fold the detection threshold declared by the manufacturer. The tests showed 100 percent efficient in detection of amoxicillin, cloxacillin, penicillin, tilosin, sulfadiazine, and sulfa methoxazol; and 96.7 percent for oxacillin considering the concentration stated by the manufacturer as threshold level. Regarding the concentrations established by the Brazilian legislation, all tested kits were able to detect most of the evaluated antimicrobials. The kits were not efficient in detection of the concentration levels established by the Brazilian legislation for erythromycin, oxytetracyclin, tetracyclin, trimetoprim, and gentamycin (Microplate).(AU)

Nitrate reductase activity, distribution, and response to nitrate in two contrasting Phaseolus species inoculated with Rhizobium spp.

The nitrate reductase activity distribution and response of two nodulated species of Phaseolus (Phaseolus vulgaris-common bean, and Phaseolus lunatus-lima bean) to different exogenous nitrate levels were studied during the vegetative period. These Phaseolus species showed to be very contrasting in respect to the pattern of nitrate reductase (NR) activity distribution thought the plant. The highest level of NR activity in P. vulgaris was clearly shown to occur in leaves in contrast with the lowest one detected in roots and nodules as widely seen for other tropical species of the Phaseoleae tribe. Conversely, P. lunatus had higher NR activity in the nodules, whereas its leaves exhibited a steadily decrease during the plant development. Indeed, at 32 days after emergence (pre-flowering stage), the nodulated P. vulgaris had approximately 95% of the total NR activity localized in its leaves, whereas in P. lunatus it was equally distributed in the nodules and in the leaves. Under long-term exposure to increasing exogenous level of nitrate, the leaf-NR activity of nodulated P. vulgaris presented a positive response, whereas the enzyme activity was very low and unresponsive in P. lunatus. In contrast, the nodule-NR activity showed a reverse response to the increasing NO(3)(-) level. The nodule-NR activity of P. lunatus significantly increased whereas in the P. vulgaris nodules it was very low and unresponsive. This present study suggests that P. lunatus inoculated with Rhizobium tropici presents a singular pattern of nitrate reduction distribution among leaves and nodules during the vegetative development. It is speculated that the nodulated Phaseolus lunatus may have different NR isoforms in their leaves (at least a constitutive type) and an inducible form in their nodules, responsive to long-term exposure to nitrate.

Cardiac involvement in total generalized lipodystrophy (Berardinelli- Seip syndrome).

Total generalized lipodystrophy (Berardinelli - Seip Syndrome) is a rare hereditary disease characterized by insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus and a small quantity of adipose tissue and is of unknown origin. Common cardiovascular alterations related to this syndrome are cardiac hypertrophy and arterial hypertension. This article reports a case of Berardinelli - Seip syndrome and reviews the literature with special emphasis on the cardiovascular manifestations of this syndrome.