Biotechnological and socio-environmental potential of Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae): an interdisciplinary review.

Guavira (Campomanesia adamantium, Myrtaceae) is a native fruit from the Brazilian Cerrado savanna and is socio-economically important for the indigenous and traditional people living in the Central-West. This is a bibliographic review of the biological properties of guavira and its derivatives, and, after discussing experimental studies, an interdisciplinary approach is conducted highlighting the im-portance of Agroforestry Systems as an ecological restoration tool to leverage the production chain of guavira while providing ecosystem services. Many research groups studied effects of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds and biological properties of this fruit and other plant parts such as antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-diarrheic and antitumoral activities, cardiovascular and hepatic protection and action against neuropathic pain. Besides, guavira by-products benefit poultry intestinal health, similarly to antibiotics added to their feed. Furthermore, several biotechnological products were found, like pulp flour, seasoning from the peel, sunscreen, and seed oil similar to olive oil with pharmaceutical and industrial potential. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of guavira for restoration and preservation of the threatened Brazilian Cerrado, and for the socio-environmental development of family agriculture. The same approach and study are welcome and necessary in other regions and domains worldwide having their native flora as means for a restorative end.

Culture of rat mesenchymal stem cells on PHBV-PCL scaffolds: analysis of conditioned culture medium by FT Raman spectroscopy / Cultivo de células-tronco mesenquimais de rato sobre arcabouços de PHBV-PCL: análise do meio de cultura condicionado por espectroscopia de FT-Raman

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for application in cell therapy and tissue engineering procedures because of their plasticity and capacity to differentiate into different cell types. Given the widespread use of MSCs, it is necessary to better understand some properties related to osteogenic differentiation, particularly those linked to biomaterials used in tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to develop an analysis method using FT-Raman spectroscopy for the identification and quantification of biochemical components present in conditioned culture media derived from MSCs with or without induction of osteogenic differentiation. All experiments were performed between passages 3 and 5. For this analysis, MSCs were cultured on scaffolds composed of bioresorbable poly(hydroxybutyrate co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) polymers. MSCs (GIBCO®) were inoculated onto the pure polymers and 75:25 PHBV/PCL blend (dense and porous samples). The plate itself was used as control. The cells were maintained in DMEM (with low glucose) containing GlutaMAX® and 10% FBS at 37ºC with 5% CO2 for 21 days. The conditioned culture media were collected and analyzed to probe for functional groups, as well as possible molecular variations associated with cell differentiation and metabolism. The method permitted to identify functional groups of specific molecules in the conditioned medium such as cholesterol, phosphatidylinositol, triglycerides, beta-subunit polypeptides, amide regions and hydrogen bonds of proteins, in addition to DNA expression. In the present study, FT-Raman spectroscopy exhibited limited resolution since different molecules can express similar or even the same stretching vibrations, a fact that makes analysis difficult. There were no variations in the readings between the samples studied. In conclusion, FT-Raman spectroscopy did not meet expectations under the conditions studied.

As células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) possuem grande potencial para aplicação em procedimentos terapêuticos ligados a terapia celular e engenharia de tecidos, considerando-se a plasticidade e capacidade de formação em diferentes tipos celulares por elas. Dada a abrangência no emprego das MSCs, há necessidade de se compreender melhor algumas propriedades relacionadas à diferenciação osteogênica, particularmente liga à biomateriais usados em engenharia de tecidos. Este projeto objetiva o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de análise empregando-se a FT-Raman para identificação e quantificação de componentes bioquímicos presentes em meios de cultura condicionados por MSCs, com ou sem indução à diferenciação osteogênica. Todos os experimentos foram realizados entre as passagens 3 e 5. Para essas análises, as MSCs foram cultivadas sobre arcabouços de polímeros biorreabsorvíveis de poli (hidroxibutirato-co-hidroxivalerato) (PHBV) e o poli (ε-caprolactona) (PCL). As MSCs (GIBCO®) foram inoculadas nos polímeros puros e na mistura 75:25 de PHBV / PCL (amostras densas e porosas). As células foram mantidas em DMEM (com baixa glicose) contendo GlutaMAX® e 10% de SFB a 37oC com 5% de CO2 por 21 dias. A própria placa foi usada como controle. Os meios de cultura condicionados foram coletados e analisadas em FT-Raman para sondagem de grupos funcionais, bem como possíveis variações moleculares associadas com a diferenciação e metabolismo celular. Foi possível discernir grupos funcionais de moléculas específicas no meio condicionado, como colesterol, fosfatidilinositol, triglicerídeos, forma Beta de polipeptídeos, regiões de amida e ligações de hidrogênio de proteínas, além da expressão de DNA. Na presente avaliação, a FT-Raman apresentou como uma técnica de resolução limitada, uma vez que modos vibracionais de estiramento próximos ou mesmo iguais podem ser expressos por moléculas diferente, dificultando a [...].

Culture of rat mesenchymal stem cells on PHBV-PCL scaffolds: analysis of conditioned culture medium by FT-Raman spectroscopy

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for application in cell therapy and tissue engineering procedures because of their plasticity and capacity to differentiate into different cell types. Given the widespread use of MSCs, it is necessary to better understand some properties related to osteogenic differentiation, particularly those linked to biomaterials used in tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to develop an analysis method using FT-Raman spectroscopy for the identification and quantification of biochemical components present in conditioned culture media derived from MSCs with or without induction of osteogenic differentiation. All experiments were performed between passages 3 and 5. For this analysis, MSCs were cultured on scaffolds composed of bioresorbable poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(-caprolactone) (PCL) polymers. MSCs (GIBCO®) were inoculated onto the pure polymers and 75:25 PHBV/PCL blend (dense and porous samples). The plate itself was used as control. The cells were maintained in DMEM (with low glucose) containing GlutaMAX® and 10% FBS at 37oC with 5% CO2 for 21 days. The conditioned culture media were collected and analyzed to probe for functional groups, as well as possible molecular variations associated with cell differentiation and metabolism. The method permitted to identify functional groups of specific molecules in the conditioned medium such as cholesterol, phosphatidylinositol, triglycerides, beta-subunit polypeptides, amide regions and hydrogen bonds of proteins, in addition to DNA expression. In the present study, FT-Raman spectroscopy exhibited limited resolution since different molecules can express similar or even the same stretching vibrations, a fact that makes analysis difficult. There were no variations in the readings between the samples studied. In conclusion, FT-Raman spectroscopy did not meet expectations under the conditions studied.

Resumo As células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) possuem grande potencial para aplicação em procedimentos terapêuticos ligados a terapia celular e engenharia de tecidos, considerando-se a plasticidade e capacidade de formação em diferentes tipos celulares por elas. Dada a abrangência no emprego das MSCs, há necessidade de se compreender melhor algumas propriedades relacionadas à diferenciação osteogênica, particularmente liga à biomateriais usados em engenharia de tecidos. Este projeto objetiva o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de análise empregando-se a FT-Raman para identificação e quantificação de componentes bioquímicos presentes em meios de cultura condicionados por MSCs, com ou sem indução à diferenciação osteogênica. Todos os experimentos foram realizados entre as passagens 3 e 5. Para essas análises, as MSCs foram cultivadas sobre arcabouços de polímeros biorreabsorvíveis de poli (hidroxibutirato-co-hidroxivalerato) (PHBV) e o poli (-caprolactona) (PCL). As MSCs (GIBCO®) foram inoculadas nos polímeros puros e na mistura 75:25 de PHBV / PCL (amostras densas e porosas). As células foram mantidas em DMEM (com baixa glicose) contendo GlutaMAX® e 10% de SFB a 37oC com 5% de CO2 por 21 dias. A própria placa foi usada como controle. Os meios de cultura condicionados foram coletados e analisadas em FT-Raman para sondagem de grupos funcionais, bem como possíveis variações moleculares associadas com a diferenciação e metabolismo celular. Foi possível discernir grupos funcionais de moléculas específicas no meio condicionado, como colesterol, fosfatidilinositol, triglicerídeos, forma Beta de polipeptídeos, regiões de amida e ligações de hidrogênio de proteínas, além da expressão de DNA. Na presente avaliação, a FT-Raman apresentou como uma técnica de resolução limitada, uma vez que modos vibracionais de estiramento próximos ou mesmo iguais podem ser expressos por moléculas diferente, dificultando a análise. Não houve variações nas leituras entre as amostras estudadas, concluindo-se que a FT-Raman não atendeu às expectativas nas condições estudadas.

Culture of rat mesenchymal stem cells on PHBV-PCL scaffolds: analysis of conditioned culture medium by FT-Raman spectroscopy / Cultivo de células-tronco mesenquimais de rato sobre arcabouços de PHBV-PCL: análise do meio de cultura condicionado por espectroscopia de FT-Raman

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for application in cell therapy and tissue engineering procedures because of their plasticity and capacity to differentiate into different cell types. Given the widespread use of MSCs, it is necessary to better understand some properties related to osteogenic differentiation, particularly those linked to biomaterials used in tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to develop an analysis method using FT-Raman spectroscopy for the identification and quantification of biochemical components present in conditioned culture media derived from MSCs with or without induction of osteogenic differentiation. All experiments were performed between passages 3 and 5. For this analysis, MSCs were cultured on scaffolds composed of bioresorbable poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) polymers. MSCs (GIBCO®) were inoculated onto the pure polymers and 75:25 PHBV/PCL blend (dense and porous samples). The plate itself was used as control. The cells were maintained in DMEM (with low glucose) containing GlutaMAX® and 10% FBS at 37oC with 5% CO2 for 21 days. The conditioned culture media were collected and analyzed to probe for functional groups, as well as possible molecular variations associated with cell differentiation and metabolism. The method permitted to identify functional groups of specific molecules in the conditioned medium such as cholesterol, phosphatidylinositol, triglycerides, beta-subunit polypeptides, amide regions and hydrogen bonds of proteins, in addition to DNA expression. In the present study, FT-Raman spectroscopy exhibited limited resolution since different molecules can express similar or even the same stretching vibrations, a fact that makes analysis difficult. There were no variations in the readings between the samples studied. In conclusion, FT-Raman spectroscopy did not meet expectations under the conditions studied.

Resumo As células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) possuem grande potencial para aplicação em procedimentos terapêuticos ligados a terapia celular e engenharia de tecidos, considerando-se a plasticidade e capacidade de formação em diferentes tipos celulares por elas. Dada a abrangência no emprego das MSCs, há necessidade de se compreender melhor algumas propriedades relacionadas à diferenciação osteogênica, particularmente liga à biomateriais usados em engenharia de tecidos. Este projeto objetiva o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de análise empregando-se a FT-Raman para identificação e quantificação de componentes bioquímicos presentes em meios de cultura condicionados por MSCs, com ou sem indução à diferenciação osteogênica. Todos os experimentos foram realizados entre as passagens 3 e 5. Para essas análises, as MSCs foram cultivadas sobre arcabouços de polímeros biorreabsorvíveis de poli (hidroxibutirato-co-hidroxivalerato) (PHBV) e o poli (ε-caprolactona) (PCL). As MSCs (GIBCO®) foram inoculadas nos polímeros puros e na mistura 75:25 de PHBV / PCL (amostras densas e porosas). As células foram mantidas em DMEM (com baixa glicose) contendo GlutaMAX® e 10% de SFB a 37oC com 5% de CO2 por 21 dias. A própria placa foi usada como controle. Os meios de cultura condicionados foram coletados e analisadas em FT-Raman para sondagem de grupos funcionais, bem como possíveis variações moleculares associadas com a diferenciação e metabolismo celular. Foi possível discernir grupos funcionais de moléculas específicas no meio condicionado, como colesterol, fosfatidilinositol, triglicerídeos, forma Beta de polipeptídeos, regiões de amida e ligações de hidrogênio de proteínas, além da expressão de DNA. Na presente avaliação, a FT-Raman apresentou como uma técnica de resolução limitada, uma vez que modos vibracionais de estiramento próximos ou mesmo iguais podem ser expressos por moléculas diferente, dificultando a análise. Não houve variações nas leituras entre as amostras estudadas, concluindo-se que a FT-Raman não atendeu às expectativas nas condições estudadas.

Culture of rat mesenchymal stem cells on PHBV-PCL scaffolds: analysis of conditioned culture medium by FT-Raman spectroscopy.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for application in cell therapy and tissue engineering procedures because of their plasticity and capacity to differentiate into different cell types. Given the widespread use of MSCs, it is necessary to better understand some properties related to osteogenic differentiation, particularly those linked to biomaterials used in tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to develop an analysis method using FT-Raman spectroscopy for the identification and quantification of biochemical components present in conditioned culture media derived from MSCs with or without induction of osteogenic differentiation. All experiments were performed between passages 3 and 5. For this analysis, MSCs were cultured on scaffolds composed of bioresorbable poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) polymers. MSCs (GIBCO®) were inoculated onto the pure polymers and 75:25 PHBV/PCL blend (dense and porous samples). The plate itself was used as control. The cells were maintained in DMEM (with low glucose) containing GlutaMAX® and 10% FBS at 37oC with 5% CO2 for 21 days. The conditioned culture media were collected and analyzed to probe for functional groups, as well as possible molecular variations associated with cell differentiation and metabolism. The method permitted to identify functional groups of specific molecules in the conditioned medium such as cholesterol, phosphatidylinositol, triglycerides, beta-subunit polypeptides, amide regions and hydrogen bonds of proteins, in addition to DNA expression. In the present study, FT-Raman spectroscopy exhibited limited resolution since different molecules can express similar or even the same stretching vibrations, a fact that makes analysis difficult. There were no variations in the readings between the samples studied. In conclusion, FT-Raman spectroscopy did not meet expectations under the conditions studied.

Zinc supplementation in children and adolescents with acute leukemia.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Zinc is known as an essential micronutrient for human health because of its structural and biochemical functions, influencing growth and affecting multiple aspects of the immune system. Zinc has been extensively studied in neoplastic processes but its role in children with leukemia still remains to be elucidated in several aspects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral zinc supplementation on weight gain and infectious episodes in children and adolescents with acute leukemia. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study included 38 patients, and was carried out as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation. The dosage of plasma zinc levels and the evaluation of nutritional status were performed during a period of 60 days. Zinc was supplemented orally, 2 mg/kg/day, in the form of amino acid salt. RESULTS: The results showed that plasma zinc concentrations did not increase significantly with the addition of the micronutrient. However, from a clinical point of view, it has become evident that supplementary zinc exerts a positive effect on nutritional status as positive weight gain. Moreover, the number of infection episodes was significantly reduced, possibly because of the immune stimuli. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, zinc supplementation can prevent some of the chemotherapy adverse effects in children with leukemia, improving their quality of life.

Zeólita na dieta de bovinos de corte / Zeolite in the diet of beef cattle

Avaliou-se o efeito da inclusão de zeólita na dieta de bovinos de corte sobre os parâmetros ruminais, as digestibilidades total e parcial, a produção de nitrogênio, a eficiência microbiana e as características do sangue. Os tratamentos, com base na matéria seca (MS) da dieta, foram: 0; 0,75; 1,5; 2,25 e 3,0% de zeólita. Utilizaram-se cinco bovinos machos mestiços, fistulados no rúmen e abomaso, alimentados com silagem de milho e concentrado, representando 65% de volumoso e 35% de concentrado. O delineamento utilizado foi em quadrado latino 5×5, com cinco períodos de 15 dias. Os animais receberam 15g de dióxido de titânio (TiO2) do terceiro ao 12º dia de cada período. Houve efeito (P<0,05) sobre o consumo diário (kg/dia) de proteína bruta (PB) e efeito (P<0,05) sobre o consumo de MS e de fibra em detergente neutro corrigida para cinza e proteína, expresso em g/kg de peso. A digestibilidade total dos nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) foi influenciada pelos tratamentos (P<0,05). A digestibilidade ruminal dos carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF) foi afetada quadraticamente (P<0,05), assim como a intestinal da PB e dos CNF. A ingestão e a excreção fecal de nitrogênio (g/dia) foram influenciadas linearmente (P<0,05) pela inclusão de zeólita. Concluiu-se que a adição de zeólita na dieta, embora tenha aumentado os consumos de MS e de FDN, não melhorou a utilização da ureia em dietas de bovinos de corte.

We evaluated the effect of the inclusion of zeolite in the diet of beef cattle on the ruminal digestibility, total and partial production of nitrogen, microbial efficiency and blood characteristics. Treatments based on the dietary dry matter (DM) were: 0%, 0.75%, 1.5%, 2.25% and 3.0% of zeolite. We used five crossbred steers fistulated in the rumen and abomasum, fed corn silage and concentrate, representing 65% forage and 35% concentrate. The design was a 5x5 latin square with five periods of 15 days. The animals received 15g of titanium dioxide (TiO2) from the third to the 12th day of each period. A significant effect (P<0.05) on the daily consumption (kg/day) of crude protein (CP) was observed (P<0.05) for DM intake and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) expressed in g/kg. The total digestibility of total digestible nutrients (TDN) was influenced by treatments (P<0.05). Ruminal digestibility of non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) was affected quadratically (P<0.05) as well as intestinal CP and NFC. Intake and fecal excretion of nitrogen (g/day) were affected linearly (P<0.05) by adding zeolite. It was concluded that the addition of zeolite in the diet, while increasing the intake of DM and NDF, did not improve the use of urea in the diet of beef cattle.

Electric field effects in the excitation of cold Rydberg-atom pairs.

In this work, we study the role of the ac Stark effects on the excitation of nS1/2 cold Rydberg atoms produced in a rubidium magneto-optical trap. We have observed an atomic population in the nP3/2 state after excitation of nS1/2 for 29