Supplementation of sulfate polysaccharides in the seminal cooling medium of common curimata (Prochilodus brevis).

BACKGROUND: The use of sulfated polysaccharides (PS) in seminal cooling is known to improve seminal quality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different concentrations of PS, extracted from the macroalgae Gracilaria domigensis as a supplement to the seminal cooling medium of the reophilic fish Prochilodus brevis (common curimatã). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five semen pools were diluted in ACP-104 (treatment T1), in BTS® (T2) and in BTS® with different concentrations of PS (0.5 [T3]; 1.0 [T4] and 1.5 [T5]). The samples were cooled for different times (0, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h) and after each hour they were analyzed for: morphology, membrane integrity, DNA integrity and sperm kinetics. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the treatments containing different concentrations of sulfated polysaccharides. Regarding the different cooling times, it was possible to observe that after hour 96, there was a reduction in the parameters of sperm kinetics. For DNA integrity there was no significant difference in relation to the treatments nor in relation to the hours. For membrane integrity, a reduction was noted as of hour 96, but there was no influence of polysaccharides. For the sperm morphology, there was no statistical difference between the hours, however the BTS was better than the ACP-104. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the use of polysaccharides in seminal cooling has no negative effect on sperm parameters and proves that seminal cooling keeps the material viable for up to 72 hours. Doi: 10.54680/fr23410110512.

Potential application of yeasts from Ecuadorian chichas in controlled beer and chicha production.

The potential of yeasts isolated from traditional chichas as starter cultures, either for controlled production of the native beverage or for industrial beer production, has been investigated. Three S. cerevisiae strains and one T. delbrueckii strain isolated from four different Ecuadorian chichas were compared to ale and lager beer strains with respect to fermentation performance, sugar utilisation, phenolic off-flavour production, flocculation and growth at low temperature. Fermentations were performed in 15 °P all-malt wort and in a model chicha substrate at 12 °C and 20 °C. Tall-tube fermentations (1.5 L) were also performed with both substrates to assess yeast performance and beer quality. Among the strains tested, only one Ecuadorian S. cerevisiae strain was able to ferment the wort sugars maltose and maltotriose. Fermentations with all Ecuadorian strains were poor in wort at 12 °C relative to 20 °C, but were similar in model chicha substrate at both temperatures. The aromatic profile was different between species and strains. These results indicate the potential of yeasts derived from traditional Andean fermented beverages for commercial applications. One of the chicha strains demonstrated traits typical of domesticated brewery strains and could be suitable for ale fermentation, while the other strains may have potential for low-alcohol beer or chicha production.

Caloric restriction-induced weight loss with a high-fat diet does not fully recover visceral adipose tissue inflammation in previously obese C57BL/6 mice.

Caloric restriction (CR) reduces body weight and systemic inflammation, but the effects on adipose tissue under dietary lipid overload are controversial. We evaluated the effects of CR-induced weight loss with a high-fat diet on adipose tissue inflammation of obese mice. Male mice were assigned into low-fat diet (LF) and high-fat diet (HF) groups. After 8 weeks, the mice in the HF group were reassigned for another 7 weeks into the following 3 conditions: (i) kept in the HF condition; (ii) changed to low-fat diet ad libitum (LFAL); and (iii) changed to high-fat calorie-restricted (RHF) diet to reach LFAL body weight. Serum markers, adipocytokines, morphology, and inflammatory infiltrates in retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RAT) were accessed. The body weights of the LFAL and RHF groups were reduced, equaling the body weights of the LF group. The LFAL mice had restored almost all inflammatory markers as the LF mice, except tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and adiponectin. Compared with the HF group, the RHF group had lowered visceral adiposity, retroperitoneal adipocyte sizes, and RAT inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as TNF-α, interleukin-6, and hepatic and serum C-reactive protein, which were higher than that of the LFAL group; adiponectin and MCP-1 did not change. CR with high-fat diet reduced body weight and attenuated visceral adiposity but did not fully recover visceral tissue inflammation. Novelty Caloric restriction in a high-fat diet ameliorated visceral adiposity. Caloric restriction in a high-fat diet did not recover visceral adipose tissue inflammation.

Adaptive Laboratory Evolution of Ale and Lager Yeasts for Improved Brewing Efficiency and Beer Quality.

Yeasts directly impact the efficiency of brewery fermentations as well as the character of the beers produced. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in yeast selection and development inspired by the demand to utilize resources more efficiently and the need to differentiate beers in a competitive market. Reviewed here are the different, non-genetically modified (GM) approaches that have been considered, including bioprospecting, hybridization, and adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE). Particular emphasis is placed on the latter, which represents an extension of the processes that have led to the domestication of strains already used in commercial breweries. ALE can be used to accentuate the positive traits of brewing yeast as well as temper some of the traits that are less desirable from a modern brewer's perspective. This method has the added advantage of being non-GM and therefore suitable for food and beverage production.

Caracterização microbiológica, físico-química e das condições de produção e comercialização da carne de sol de Salinas, Minas Gerais / Microbiological and physical-chemical characterization and conditions of production and commercialization of sun-dried meat from Salinas, Minas Gerais

Para avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias e tecnológicas (HST) de produção e comercialização da carne de sol no município de Salinas, na região Norte do estado de Minas Gerais, foram coletadas 40 amostras no comércio local para a realização de análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas. A carne de sol é produzida artesanalmente em estabelecimentos comerciais e considerada uma tradição da região. Nas análises físico-químicas de umidade, proteína, gordura, cinzas, cloretos e pH, foram encontrados valores médios de 70,13%, 22,35%, 2,25%, 5,09%, 3,63% e 5,8, respectivamente. Duas amostras (5%) foram positivas para Salmonella spp. e 16 (40%) apresentaram contagens de S. aureus superiores a 103UFC/g. Os valores encontrados nas análises de mesófilos aeróbicos, bolores e leveduras e coliformes totais e termotolerantes foram de 2,50x107 UFC/g, 1,73x104 UFC/g, 9,1NMP/g e 4,3NMP/g, respectivamente. A carne de sol produzida em Salinas é um produto artesanal, portanto heterogêneo quanto às características de produção, comercialização e de qualidade microbiológica e físico-química. A importância socioeconômica da carne de sol na região é considerável, o que justifica a necessidade de se conhecer melhor suas características para auxiliar no desenvolvimento de eventuais políticas públicas regionais visando ao controle sanitário desse produto.(AU)

In order to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary and technological conditions (HST) of production and commercialization of sun-dried meat, in the city of Salinas, in the North of Minas Gerais, 40 samples of the product were collected in the local commerce for carrying out physicochemical and microbiological analyses. The sun-dried meat is produced in the commercial establishments and considered a tradition of the region. In the physicochemical analyzes of moisture, protein, fat, ash content, chlorides and pH were found values of 70.13%, 22.35%, 2.25%, 5.09%, 3.63% and 5.8, respectively. Two samples (5%) were positive for Salmonella spp. and 16 (40%) had Staphylococcus aureus counts higher than 10 3 CFU/g. The values found for the analyses of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, yeasts and molds and total and thermotolerant coliforms were 2.50 x 10 7 CFU/g, 1.73 x 10 4 CFU/g, 9.1MPN/g and 4.3MPN/g, respectively. The sun-dried meat from Salinas is a handmade product, therefore heterogeneous in terms of production, and physicochemical and microbiological quality. The socioeconomic importance of the sun-dried-meat in the region is considerable, which justifies the need to know its characteristics better to help in the development of regional public policies aiming at sanitary control of the product.(AU)

Impaired decision-making and time perception in individuals with stroke: Behavioral and neural correlates.

Several studies have demonstrated that stroke subjects present impairment of functions related to decision-making and timing, involving the information processing in the neural circuits of the cerebellum in association with the prefrontal cortex. This review is aimed to identify the gaps, and demonstrate a better understanding of decision-making and timing functions in the patients with stroke. Electronic literature database was searched and the findings of relevant studies were used to explore the mechanisms of decision-making and timing in patients with stroke, as well as the circuit connections in timing mediated by prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. A literature review was conducted with 65 studies that synthesized findings on decision-making and time perception in individuals with stroke. Types of neurobiological modalities in this study included: Relationships among decision-making, time perception, related cognitive aspects (such as discrimination tasks, verbal estimation, bisection tasks, time production and motor reproduction), and motor control. We demonstrate that the timing processes are important for the performance in cognitive tasks and that the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex are involved in decision-making and time perception. In the context, the decision-making is impaired in stroke patients has a great impact on executive functions, and this seems to be important in determining neurobiological aspects relevant to the time interval interpretation.

New yeasts-new brews: modern approaches to brewing yeast design and development.

The brewing industry is experiencing a period of change and experimentation largely driven by customer demand for product diversity. This has coincided with a greater appreciation of the role of yeast in determining the character of beer and the widespread availability of powerful tools for yeast research. Genome analysis in particular has helped clarify the processes leading to domestication of brewing yeast and has identified domestication signatures that may be exploited for further yeast development. The functional properties of non-conventional yeast (both Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces) are being assessed with a view to creating beers with new flavours as well as producing flavoursome non-alcoholic beers. The discovery of the psychrotolerant S. eubayanus has stimulated research on de novo S. cerevisiae × S. eubayanus hybrids for low-temperature lager brewing and has led to renewed interest in the functional importance of hybrid organisms and the mechanisms that determine hybrid genome function and stability. The greater diversity of yeast that can be applied in brewing, along with an improved understanding of yeasts' evolutionary history and biology, is expected to have a significant and direct impact on the brewing industry, with potential for improved brewing efficiency, product diversity and, above all, customer satisfaction.

Degradation of organic contaminants in effluents-synthetic and from the textile industry-by Fenton, photocatalysis, and H2O2 photolysis.

In this study, the oxidation of the dye rhodamine B (RhB), present in a synthetic effluent, and the degradation of organic matter present in a textile effluent, were assessed by photolysis (H2O2, UV), homogeneous Fenton (Fe2+, H2O2), and photocatalysis (TiO2, UV). The results showed that photolysis and Fenton had an efficiency of 100 % and photocatalysis, 96 %, to discoloration 10 mg L-1 RhB, present in the synthetic effluent. The best experimental conditions determined for these reactions showed that the one performed with 51 mg L-1 H2O2 and UV light had the best results, where 100 % of RhB was discolored in only 6 min of reaction. The optimum conditions determined in the first part of this study for the RhB oxidation did not show satisfactory results for the degradation of organic matter present in the textile effluent sample, and it was necessary to increase the amount of reagents in the three processes. After resizing the concentration of the reagents for the reactions with the textile effluent, the following reductions of color, total organic carbon (TOC), and total soluble solids (SS) were obtained: photocatalysis 29, 25, and 32 %; photolysis 85, 69, and 35 %; Fenton 98, 90, and 23 %; and biological (followed by physicochemical) treatment carried out by the textile industry 96, 48, and 9 %. It is observed that the Fenton reaction showed the best result, followed by photolysis reaction, a treatment carried out by industry and, at last, photocatalysis.

Distinct beneficial effects of continuous vs accumulated exercise training on cardiovascular risk factors in Wistar rats.

We compared the effects of continuous exercise (CE) vs accumulated exercise (AE) training on CVD risk factors and heart of young male Wistar rats. The exercise training (ET) was performed in a swimming pool for 30-60 min/day, 5 days/week over 15 weeks. CE group performed the ET in a single long daily session (30-60 min), while AE group performed the ET at the same frequency, intensity, and duration of CE rats, but in three short bouts over the course of a day (10-20 min in three daily sessions). AE training was more efficient than CE in attenuating body and fat weight gain and inhibiting visceral adipocyte hypertrophy at the same food intake level. CE training was more efficient in improving systolic blood pressure, LDL/HDL cholesterol, and serum triglyceride. Both ET protocols increased heart function, decreased lipid peroxidation, and increased intracellular Hsp72 content in the heart. This work shows distinct beneficial effects of CE vs AE training suggesting that the prescription of one or other may be preferred to prevent the increase of a specific CVD risk factor.

Clinical response after chitosan microparticle administration and preliminary assessment of efficacy in preventing metritis in lactating dairy cows.

The objectives were to evaluate the clinical response to intrauterine administration of chitosan microparticles (CM) and to assess efficacy for preventing metritis in dairy cows. Holstein cows (n=104; 40 primiparous and 64 multiparous) at increased risk for metritis (cows that had abortion, dystocia, twins, stillbirth, or retained placenta) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments at 1d in milk (DIM; 24h postpartum): CM group (n=52), daily intrauterine infusion of 8g of CM dissolved in 40mL of sterile water for 5d; control (CON) group (n=52), daily intrauterine infusion of 40mL of sterile water for 5d. Clinical response was assessed by evaluation of parameters associated with inflammation (rectal temperature and plasma haptoglobin concentration) and metabolism [plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) and ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations] up to 14 DIM, and daily milk yield up to 30 DIM. Uterine discharge pH was evaluated at 4, 7, 10, and 14 DIM as an indicator of bacterial load and acid byproduct production. The cumulative incidence of metritis was evaluated up to 4, 7, 10, and 14 DIM. Continuous and dichotomous outcomes were evaluated with mixed linear and logistic regression analysis, respectively. Treatment with CM did not affect rectal temperature (39.17±0.04 vs. 39.14±0.04°C), haptoglobin (1.10±0.05 vs. 1.07±0.05mg/mL), NEFA (0.64±0.04 vs. 0.63±0.04mmol/L), BHB (0.61±0.03 vs. 0.57±0.03mmol/L), or milk yield (30.3±0.92 vs. 30.1±0.97kg/d) compared with CON. An interaction between treatment and time showed that NEFA concentrations were lower for CM than CON at 10 DIM (0.46±0.06 vs. 0.64±0.06mmol/L). Treatment with CM resulted in greater uterine discharge pH than CON (6.91±0.03 vs. 6.83±0.02). Cows that developed metritis had increased concentrations of haptoglobin and BHB, and decreased uterine discharge pH and milk yield. Treatment with CM resulted in decreased incidence of metritis up to 7 DIM compared with CON (46.2 vs. 65.4%); however, no differences were found at 4 (11.5 vs. 17.3%), 10 (61.5 vs. 73.1%), and 14 DIM (63.5 vs. 73.1%) for CM versus CON, respectively. In conclusion, CM did not alter clinical parameters of cows at risk for metritis, and may merit further investigation for prevention of metritis. However, the duration of treatment may have to be extended to effectively reduce the incidence of metritis during the high-risk period.

Recovery of sperm after epididymal refrigeration from domestic cats using ACP-117c and Tris extenders / Recuperação de espermatozoides após refrigeração do epidídimo de gatos domésticos utilizando os diluidores ACP-117c e Tris

We aimed to compare fresh sperm and sperm cooled to 4ºC that had been recovered from the epididymides of cats using powdered coconut water (ACP-117c) and Tris extenders. Sixty epididymides were divided into 6 groups: 10 fresh epididymides were recovered using Tris (T0h); 10 were kept at 4°C/2h and recovered using Tris (T2h); 10 were kept at 4°C/4h and recovered using Tris (T4h); 10 fresh were recovered using ACP-117c (A0h); 10 were kept at 4°C/2h and recovered using ACP-117c (A2h), and 10 were kept at 4°C/4h and recovered using ACP-117c (A4h). The testis-epididymis complexes (TEC) control were not cooled. The others were cooled at 4°C for 2 or 4h. The epididymis was separated and the sperm was recovered by the modified flotation method. Sperm kinetic parameters were evaluated by a computer-system analysis, and vigor, viability, concentration, membrane function and morphology of the sperm were assessed under a light microscope. The progressive motility with ACP-117c declined after 2h of cooling, but did not differ between fresh and 4h. The vigor and membrane function were higher in A4h than A0h. The vigor at T2h and T4h were decreased compared to T0h. T0h was higher than A0h for vigor and sperm membrane function. However, after 4h of cooling, ACP-117c maintained a higher percentage of living cells. Feline epididymal sperm quality can be maintained to the degree necessary for artificial breeding programs following cooling and ACP-117c may be successfully used to recover cat sperm that have been cooled for up to 4h.(AU)

Objetivou-se comparar a qualidade de espermatozoides recuperados a fresco e após refrigeração a 4ºC do epidídimo de gatos domésticos utilizando-se os diluidores ACP-117c e Tris. Sessenta epidídimos foram distribuídos em seis grupos: 10 epidídimos a fresco com o Tris (T0h), 10 a 4°C/2h e recuperados com Tris (T2h), 10 a 4°C/4h e recuperados com Tris (T4h), 10 epidídimos a fresco com o ACP-117c (A0h), 10 a 4 °C/2h e recuperados com ACP-117c (A2h), 10 a 4°C/4h e recuperados com ACP-117c (A4h). Os complexos testículo-epidídimo (CTE) do controle não foram refrigerados. Os outros foram refrigerados a 4°C durante duas e quatro horas. Os epidídimos foram separados das demais estruturas, e os espermatozoides recuperados pela técnica de flutuação modificada. Os parâmetros cinéticos foram avaliados em um sistema computadorizado, e o vigor, a viabilidade, a concentração, a funcionalidade de membrana e a morfologia celular foram avaliados em microscopia de luz. A motilidade progressiva com ACP-117c declinou após duas horas de refrigeração, mas não diferiu entre a recuperação a fresco e após refrigeração por quatro horas. Vigor e integridade funcional da membrana celular foram significativamente superiores no grupo A4h em comparação ao A0h. O vigor espermático em T2h e T4h reduziu significativamente em comparação com T0h. T0h foi significativamente superior ao A0h quanto aos parâmetros de vigor e integridade funcional da membrana espermática, entretanto, após quatro horas de refrigeração, o ACP-117c apresentou um maior percentual de células vivas. Os espermatozoides epididimários de felinos domésticos conseguem manter a qualidade necessária para serem utilizados em programas de reprodução artificial após serem refrigerados e recuperados por meio da técnica de flutuação modificada, e o diluidor ACP-117c pode ser utilizado com sucesso para recuperação de células espermáticas refrigeradas de gatos por até quatro horas.(AU)

Atypical Toxoplasma gondii genotype in feral cats from the Fernando de Noronha Island, northeastern Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii isolates from Brazil have a different phenotypic and genotypic pattern, with predominance of virulent isolates and recombinant genotypes, compared to the North Hemisphere. Considering that a new T. gondii genotype, non-pathogenic to mice, was previously identified from free-range chickens from the Fernando de Noronha Island, Brazil, this study aimed to identify genotypes of this parasite in tissue samples of feral cats (Felis catus) from this Brazilian Island. Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 18/31 (58%) feral cats. Two non-virulent T. gondii isolates were obtained by mouse bioassay. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP using 10 genetic markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, PK1, L358 and Apico) and an atypical strain of T. gondii (ToxoDB #146) was identified. This is the first report of this genotype in feral cats.

Vector Surveillance for Dengue Virus Detection in the Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil.

Aedes aegypti (L.) has become an efficient vector of important arboviruses due to its anthropophilic and domiciliary behaviors. Since the 1980s, dengue affects thousands of people every year in Brazil; in Fernando de Noronha (FN), a touristic archipelago, dengue cases have occurred since 2001. Once Ae. aegypti populations are well established in the inhabited areas of FN, the threat of dengue or another arbovirus epidemic is continuously imminent. This study aimed to monitor the DENV serotypes in mosquito samples collected in FN, where at least one resident was clinically diagnosed as dengue patient. Entomological surveillance was conducted in 2011 and 2012. Mosquitoes were sorted by sex and location and were stored in pools. DENV detection was performed using polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription (RT-PCR) and the Platelia Dengue NS1 Ag. RNA integrity was checked by RT-PCR using rpL8 primers, and the minimum infection rate (MIR) was calculated. In total, 339 pools were analyzed, and only one was positive (DENV-1) by Multiplex RT-PCR (MIR = 1.53). When considering only pools with RNA integrity, the MIR was 2.92. Using the Platelia kit, the MIR was 9.18 (considering all the pools) and 17.54 (only 140 pools with RNA integrity). Our results showed the importance of a constant entomological surveillance in that area, the need to improve storage and transportation protocols, and an endogenous control in the RT-PCR to avoid false-negative results. Finally, our study indicated that the NS1-Ag detection was the most sensitive method and should be used routinely for DENV surveillance in mosquitoes if the serotype identification is not required.

Estudo preliminar toxicológico, antibacteriano e fitoquímico do extrato etanólico das folhas de Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. (pinhão-bravo, Euphorbiaceae), coletada no Município de Tauá, Ceará, Nordeste Brasileiro / Toxicological, antibacterial, and phytochemical preliminary study of the ethanolic extract of Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill (pinhão-bravo, Euphorbiaceae) leaves, collected in Tauá, Ceará, Northeastern Brazil

RESUMO A cada dia, cepas bacterianas estão tornando-se resistentes a diversos antibióticos, o que faz necessária a busca de novas substâncias eficazes para o tratamento de doenças. Desta forma, este trabalho reporta o estudo preliminar toxicológico, antibacteriano e fitoquímico do extrato etanólico das folhas de Jatropha mollissima (pinhão-bravo, Euphorbiaceae), coletada no Município de Tauá, Ceará, Nordeste Brasileiro. Inicialmente, realizou-se o teste de toxicidade do extrato contra Artemia salina. Na sequencia, foi realizado o ensaio antibacteriano contra quatro cepas bacterianas Gram-negativas (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Hafnia alvei ATCC 51873, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883) e uma cepa Gram-positiva (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212). Finalmente, fez-se a análise fitoquímica preliminar do extrato ativo para detecção das principais classes de metabólitos especiais. Como resultado, o extrato etanólico das folhas de J. mollissima se mostrou tóxico para Artemia salina, pois apresentou CL50 igual a 406,02 μg/mL. Quanto à ação antibacteriana, o extrato se mostrou ativo contra a bactéria Gram-positiva Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, apresentando moderada atividade antibacteriana (halo de inibição igual a 7,03 mm). Evidenciou-se no extrato bioativo a presença de cumarinas, fenóis, taninos, flavonoides (flavonóis e flavanonas), alcaloides e esteroides, ambas as classes reportadas como antimicrobianos. Portanto, esse extrato tem potencial para ser usado na produção de fármacos contra infecções causadas por bactérias Gram-positivas. No entanto, as informações direcionam estudos futuros para o isolamento e identificação dos compostos bioativos, monitorados sob a ação antibacteriana mais expressiva.

ABSTRACT Each day, bacterial strains are becoming more resistant to various antibiotics, which requires the search for new effective substances for the treatment of diseases. Thus, this study reports the toxicological, antibacterial, and phytochemical preliminary study of the ethanolic extracts of Jatropha mollissima (pinhão-bravo, Euphorbiaceae) leaves, collected in Tauá, Ceará, Northeast of Brazil. Initially, we performed the toxicity testing of the extract against Artemia salina. Then, we conducted the antibacterial assay against four Gram-negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Hafnia alvei ATCC 51873, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883), and one Gram-positive strain (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212). Finally, we carried out the preliminary phytochemical analysis of the active extract to detect the main classes of special metabolites. As a result, the ethanolic extract of J. mollissima leaves was toxic to Artemia salina, because it presented LC50 equal to 406.02 µg/mL. Regarding antibacterial action, the extract was active against the Gram-positive bacteria Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, with moderate antibacterial activity (inhibition zone equal to 7.03 mm). The bioactive extract had the presence of coumarins, phenols, tannins, flavonoids (flavanols and flavonones), alkaloids and steroids, both classes reported as antimicrobials. Therefore, this extract has the potential to be used in the production of drugs against infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. However, these information require further studies for the isolation and identification of bioactive compounds, monitored under the more expressive antibacterial action.

Hypertension is associated with greater heat exchange during exercise recovery in a hot environment

Individuals with systemic arterial hypertension have a higher risk of heat-related complications. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the thermoregulatory responses of hypertensive subjects during recovery from moderate-intensity exercise performed in the heat. A total of eight essential hypertensive (H) and eight normotensive (N) male subjects (age=46.5±1.3 and 45.6±1.4 years, body mass index=25.8±0.8 and 25.6±0.6 kg/m2, mean arterial pressure=98.0±2.8 and 86.0±2.3 mmHg, respectively) rested for 30 min, performed 1 h of treadmill exercise at 50% of maximal oxygen consumption, and rested for 1 h after exercise in an environmental chamber at 38°C and 60% relative humidity. Skin and core temperatures were measured to calculate heat exchange parameters. Mean arterial pressure was higher in the hypertensive than in the normotensive subjects throughout the experiment (P<0.05, unpaired t-test). The hypertensive subjects stored less heat (H=-24.23±3.99 W·m−2vs N=-13.63±2.24 W·m−2, P=0.03, unpaired t-test), experienced greater variations in body temperature (H=-0.62±0.05°C vsN=-0.35±0.12°C, P=0.03, unpaired t-test), and had more evaporated sweat (H=-106.1±4.59 W·m−2vs N=-91.15±3.24 W·m−2, P=0.01, unpaired t-test) than the normotensive subjects during the period of recovery from exercise. In conclusion, essential hypertensive subjects showed greater sweat evaporation and increased heat dissipation and body cooling relative to normotensive subjects during recovery from moderate-intensity exercise performed in hot conditions.

Morphometry, Morphology and Ultrastructure of Ring-tailed Coati Sperm (Nasua nasua Linnaeus, 1766).

The ring-tailed coati (Nasua nasua) is a procyonid whose population is in sharp decline. Therefore, studies are needed to better understand the reproduction of this animal. For this reason, this study aimed to evaluate the morphology, morphometry and sperm ultrastructure of ring-tailed coati sperm. Four captive adult males were used for this study. Slides stained with Bengal Rose were used for the morphometric and morphologic analyses. The length and width of the head were measured, as well as the length of the midpiece and tail and the total length of the sperm. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used for the ultrastructural analyses. The most obvious morphological abnormalities observed were coiled tails (6.1 ± 8.7%) and the lack of acrosomes (5.4 ± 4.4%). Regarding the morphometry, the measurements of the head (length × width), midpiece (length) and tail (length) were (mean ± SD) 6.2 ± 0.4 × 8.1 ± 0.6 µm, 14.1 ± 0.5 and 63.9 ± 4.1 µm, respectively, and the total length of the sperm was 86.1 ± 4.3 µm. Through electron microscopy, the presence of electron-lucent points in the nucleus and the presence of approximately 55 mitochondrial spirals in the midpiece were identified. The data obtained in this study provide detailed information on the sperm characteristics of coatis and may inform future research on germplasm conservation, both for this species and other threatened procyonids.

Hypertension is associated with greater heat exchange during exercise recovery in a hot environment.

Individuals with systemic arterial hypertension have a higher risk of heat-related complications. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the thermoregulatory responses of hypertensive subjects during recovery from moderate-intensity exercise performed in the heat. A total of eight essential hypertensive (H) and eight normotensive (N) male subjects (age=46.5±1.3 and 45.6±1.4 years, body mass index=25.8±0.8 and 25.6±0.6 kg/m2, mean arterial pressure=98.0±2.8 and 86.0±2.3 mmHg, respectively) rested for 30 min, performed 1 h of treadmill exercise at 50% of maximal oxygen consumption, and rested for 1 h after exercise in an environmental chamber at 38°C and 60% relative humidity. Skin and core temperatures were measured to calculate heat exchange parameters. Mean arterial pressure was higher in the hypertensive than in the normotensive subjects throughout the experiment (P<0.05, unpaired t-test). The hypertensive subjects stored less heat (H=-24.23±3.99 W·m-2vs N=-13.63±2.24 W·m-2, P=0.03, unpaired t-test), experienced greater variations in body temperature (H=-0.62±0.05°C vsN=-0.35±0.12°C, P=0.03, unpaired t-test), and had more evaporated sweat (H=-106.1±4.59 W·m-2vs N=-91.15±3.24 W·m-2, P=0.01, unpaired t-test) than the normotensive subjects during the period of recovery from exercise. In conclusion, essential hypertensive subjects showed greater sweat evaporation and increased heat dissipation and body cooling relative to normotensive subjects during recovery from moderate-intensity exercise performed in hot conditions.

Cinética de degradação in situ das silagens de capim Andropogon gayanus produzidas em três idades de corte / In situ degradation kinetic of Andropogon gayanus grass silages harvested at three stages of maturity

A idade ao corte é considerada o principal fator a afetar o valor nutritivo das forragens. Objetivou-se avaliar e comparar a cinética de degradação ruminal da matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB) e fibra insolúvel em detergente neutro (FDN) das silagens de capim Andropogon gayanus obtidas em três diferentes idades de corte (56, 84 e 112 dias). As amostras das silagens secas e trituradas (5 mm) foram incubadas em sacos de nylon no rúmen por 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 e 72 h. Os parâmetros da cinética de degradação das silagens de cada tratamento (3 silagens) em cada animal (5 vacas) foram determinados pelo modelo: y = a + b(1 − e −c(t−L)). Os parâmetros gerados pela equação foram analisados como blocos inteiramente ao acaso, sendo que as idades de corte foram inseridas como efeito fixo e os animais como efeito aleatório (blocos). A silagem da planta aos 56 dias de rebrote apresentou maiores (P<0,05) valores de degradabilidade efetiva da MS e da FDN calculada para a taxa de passagem de 2,0%/h. Todas as silagens apresentaram baixa fração solúvel (<25,4%) e degradabilidade efetiva (<40,1%) da proteína bruta com taxa de passagem de 2%. Foi observado maior (P<0,05) tempo de colonização da FDN para as silagens realizadas com as plantas aos 84 e 112 dias de crescimento em comparação com a silagem produzida aos 56 dias. Os resultados da cinética de degradação ruminal das silagens de capim Andropogon gayanus indicam que a planta ensilada aos 56 dias de rebrote apresentou melhor valor nutricional...

Maturity is considered the primary factor affecting the nutritive value of forages. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ruminal degradation kinetics of Andropogon gayanus grass silages harvested at three stages of maturity (56, 84 and 112 d). Dried and ground silage samples (5 mm) were incubated in nylon bags inside the rumen for 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h to estimate the kinetics of ruminal DM, CP and NDF degradation. The ruminal kinetic parameters of the silages from each treatment (56, 84 and 112 d of regrowth) in each animal (5 cows) were determined by the model: y = a + b(1 − e−c(t−L)). The parameters generated by the model were analyzed as randomized block design, with grass regrowth age as the fixed effect and animal the as random effect (blocks). The grass silage ensiled with 56 days of regrowth had the highest (P<0.05) effective degradability of DM and NDF calculated for fractional rate of particulate passage of 2%/h. All silages had low CP soluble fraction (<25.4%) and effective degradability calculated for fractional rate of particulate passage of 2%/h (<40.1%). A greater (P<0.05) NDF lag time was observed for the silages ensiled with 84 and 112d compared to the silage produced with 56d of regrowth. The ruminal degradation kinetics of Andropogon gayanus grass silages showed that the grass ensiled with 56 days of regrowth had higher nutritional value...

Contamination from an affluent of Furnas reservoir by trace metals / Contaminação de um afluente do Reservatório de Furnas por metais traço

This study aims to determine concentrations and characterize trace metals distribution in an affluent of Furnas reservoir, Alfenas-MG. Water and sediment samples were taken monthly, 2010/10-2011/07 in five sites of Córrego do Pântano for subsequent determination of Pb, Cd and Zn levels by chemical analysis. The stream studied is in disagreement with Brazilian legislation for Class II water bodies (CONAMA 357). The highlights are the unsuitable concentrations of Pb for human consumption, according to Ministry of Health 2914 decree, providing risk for population.

Este trabalho objetiva determinar as concentrações e caracterizar a distribuição de metais traço em um afluente do Reservatório de Furnas, em Alfenas-MG. Foram coletadas amostras de água e sedimento de Outubro de 2010 a Julho de 2011 em cinco pontos do Córrego do Pântano para posterior determinação dos níveis de Cd, Pb e Zn através da análise química. O córrego estudado encontra-se em desacordo com a legislação brasileira para corpos de água Classe II (CONAMA 357). Destacam-se as concentrações de Pb inadequadas para consumo humano, conforme a portaria n° 2914 do Ministério da Saúde, oferecendo risco à população.

Performance of lactating crossbred cows on pasture supplemented with conventional urea or slow release urea / Desempenho de vacas mestiças lactantes em pasto suplementadas com ureia convencional ou ureia de liberação lenta

The effect of using conventional urea (CU) or slow release urea (SRU) was evaluated by replacing soybean meal (SBM) in concentrated supplements in levels of 2, 4 or 6% (dry matter basis) on productive performance of crossbred Holstein x Zebu lactating dairy cows (499±61kg body weight and 167 days of lactation) grazing on elephant grass (11.5% CP and 60% NDF) under rotational grazing during the rainy season. A supplement control (no urea) was used containing SBM as a protein source. A total of 21 cows were distributed an incomplete randomized block design with three periods of 21 days each (14 days of adaptation and seven days of collection). The animals entered the paddocks with a pasture height of 110-120cm and left when the grass reached the height of 40-50cm. The concentrated isonitrogenous supplements (24% crude protein, dry matter basis) were provided in the amount of 3.2kg/cow/day (fed basis). There was no effect (P>0.05) on source of crude protein (SBM vs source NPN), source NPN, level of NPN, interaction between source NPN and level of NPN on milk production (10.0kg/day), fat milk production corrected to 3.5% (10.7kg/day), levels of fat (4.01%), protein (3.66%), lactose (4.16%), total solids (12.86%) and non-fat solids (8.60%) in milk. The replacement of CU by SRU does not promote improvement in the productive performance of crossbred dairy cows grazing on elephant grass during the rainy season. Urea (CU or SRU) can be included in up to 6% of the DM concentrated supplements, replacing SBM, without affecting the productive performance of crossbred cows (Holstein x Zebu) in pasture during the rainy season...

Avaliou-se o efeito da utilização de ureia convencional (UC) ou de ureia de liberação lenta (ULL) em suplementos concentrados, nos níveis de 2, 4 ou 6% (base da matéria seca), em substituição ao farelo de soja, sobre o desempenho produtivo de vacas mestiças Holandês x Zebu (499±61kg de peso corporal e 167 dias de lactação) mantidas em pastos de capim-elefante (11,5% de proteína bruta e 60% de FDNcp), sob lotação intermitente, no período das chuvas. Um suplemento controle (sem ureia) foi utilizado contendo farelo de soja como fonte proteica. Foram utilizadas 21 vacas, distribuídas em delineamento em blocos incompletos balanceados, com três períodos de 21 dias cada (14 dias de adaptação e sete dias de coleta). Os animais entraram nos piquetes com altura do pasto de 110-120cm e saíram quando atingiram altura de 40-50cm. Os suplementos concentrados isonitrogenados (24% de proteína bruta, base da matéria seca) foram fornecidos na quantidade de 3,2kg/vaca/dia (base da matéria natural). Não houve efeito (P>0,05) de fonte de proteína bruta (farelo de soja vs. fonte de NNP), de interação entre fonte de NNP (UC vs. ULL) e nível de NNP (2, 4 e 6% na MS do suplemento), de fonte de NNP e de nível de NNP e sobre a produção de leite (10,0kg/dia), produção de leite corrigida para 3,5% de gordura (10,7kg/dia), teores de gordura (4,01%), proteína (3,66%), lactose (4,16%), extrato seco total (12,86%) e extrato seco desengordurado (8,60%) no leite. A substituição da ureia convencional pela ULL não promove melhoria no desempenho produtivo de vacas leiteiras mestiças em pastagem de capim-elefante, no período das chuvas. A ureia (convencional ou de liberação lenta) pode ser incluída em até 6% na MS de suplementos concentrados, em substituição ao farelo de soja, sem afetar o desempenho produtivo de vacas mestiças (Holandês x Zebu) em pastagem, no período das chuvas...