The physiological quality of Vigna unguiculata L. seeds shows tolerance to salinity.

Salinity reduces feijão-caupi production, and the search for tolerant varieties becomes important within the agricultural context, as, in addition to being used in the field, they can be used in genetic improvement. The objective was to for a identify variety that is tolerant to salinity considering the physiological quality of seeds and seedling growth. A 2 × 4 factorial scheme was used, referring to the varieties Pingo-de-ouro and Coruja, and four electrical conductivities of water (0; 3.3; 6.6 and 9.9 dS m-1). The physiological quality of seeds and the growth of seedlings were analyzed, in addition to the cumulative germination. The Pingo-de-ouro variety showed no germination, length of the shoot and root, dry mass of the shoot and root compromised up to electrical conductivity of 6 dS m-1 in relation to 0.0 dS m-1. On the other hand, the Coruja variety showed reduced germination, increased shoot and root length. The creole variety Pingo-de-ouro proved to be tolerant to salinity.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma as a differential diagnosis for sellar and suprasellar lesions in child: Case report and review of literature.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare type of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Its systemic form affects 4% of patients. Lesions in the Central Nervous System (CNS) occur in 2% of systemic cases. Sellar JXG should be one of the differential diagnoses for sellar lesions in young. This is a 15-year-old patient with non-specific headache, progressive visual loss and magnetic resonance imaging showing sellar lesion with suprasellar extension. The patient underwent microsurgery by pterional craniotomy with partial resection of the tumor. Pathology evidenced JXG. It progressively evolved with impairment of neuroendocrine functions, new lesions in different CNS locations and death two years after diagnosis. Sellar JXG without cutaneous manifestations is rare. There are no specific findings of the disease. Diagnosis requires additional tests, being defined by pathological analysis. Total resection presents a greater potential control comparing to partial resection. Even so, some patients may have progressive disease with poor clinical outcome.

Biomass and enzymatic activities of marine bacteria in the presence of multiple metals.

Marine environments are a repository for metals, and humans have enhanced this phenomenon over the years. Heavy metals are notoriously toxic due to their ability to biomagnify in the food chain and interact with cellular components. Nevertheless, some bacteria have physiological mechanisms that enable them to survive in impacted environments. This characteristic makes them important as biotechnological tools for environmental remediation. Thus, we isolated a bacterial consortium in Guanabara Bay (Brazil), a place with a long metal pollution history. To test the growth efficiency of this consortium in Cu-Zn-Pb-Ni-Cd medium, we measured the activity of key enzymes of microbial activity (esterases and dehydrogenase) under acidic (4.0) and neutral pH conditions, as well as the number of living cells, biopolymer production, and changes in microbial composition during metal exposure. Additionally, we calculated the predicted physiology based on microbial taxonomy. During the assay, a slight modification in bacterial composition was observed, with low abundance changes and little production of carbohydrates. Oceanobacillus chironomi, Halolactibacillus miurensis, and Alkaliphilus oremlandii were predominant in pH 7, despite O. chironomi and Tissierella creatinophila in pH 4, and T. creatinophila in Cu-Zn-Pb-Ni-Cd treatment. The metabolism represented by esterases and dehydrogenase enzymes suggested bacterial investment in esterases to capture nutrients and meet the energy demand in an environment with metal stress. Their metabolism potentially shifted to chemoheterotrophy and recycling nitrogenous compounds. Moreover, concomitantly, bacteria produced more lipids and proteins, suggesting extracellular polymeric substance production and growth in a metal-stressed environment. The isolated consortium showed promise for bioremediation of multimetal contamination and could be a valuable tool in future bioremediation programs.

Cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in a greater bulldog bat (Noctilio leporinus) in northeastern Brazil.

An adult male greater bulldog bat (Noctilio leporinus) was found dead in a suburban area in the municipality of Patos, Paraiba, northeastern Brazil. At post-mortem examination, the bat was emaciated and had multifocal to coalescent grey, crusted, dry, scaly cutaneous lesions, irregularly distributed over the dorsal thoracoabdominal region, muzzle, labial commissures, ears and dorsoventral surfaces of the patagia. Histopathology revealed numerous longitudinal and transverse sections of fungal organisms, with weakly basophilic walls, associated with multifocal areas of ulceration of the epidermis, necrosis, rupture and discontinuity of collagen fibres in the dermis without any inflammatory response. Molecular identification matched the organism to Cladosporium spp, Curvularia spp, Exserohilum spp, Bipolaris spp (100%) and Alternaria spp (97%), all of which have been associated with phaeohyphomycosis. Phaeohyphomycosis should be included as a differential diagnosis of cutaneous lesions in chiropterans.

Analysis of relationship of psychosocial factors with patient safety culture in a Brazilian hospital: Study with structural equation modeling analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The scenario of the health system can develop physical and emotional impacts on health professionals, due to work overload and failure to manage the system. It is necessary to consolidate the theory that the safety of care provided by health services is affected by organizational conditions. The aim of this study is to assess whether safety culture is related to job satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and burnout syndrome among hospital professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an analysis with structural equation modeling, conducted in a teaching hospital in Brazil. Data collection was made via psychometric instruments, which sought to analyze job satisfaction (Job Satisfaction Survey), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire), burnout syndrome (Maslach Burnout Inventory), as well as the relationship between this factors and patient safety culture (Safety Attitudes Questionnaire). The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) were used for analysis. RESULTS: A higher work satisfaction was associated with a higher perception of safety culture (r=0.69; P<0.001). Depressive symptoms and burnout dimensions showed an inverse relationship with the safety culture (P<0.05). PLS-SEM enabled us to understand the behavior of this association. Thus, satisfaction at work and the absence of burnout proved to be predictive factors for the implementation of an ideal patient safety culture (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patient safety culture is related to job satisfaction and burnout among hospital professionals. These findings suggest that the psychosocial work environment influences the quality of care provided.

Polidocanol foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease in patients with bleeding disorders: a multicenter, prospective, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The management of hemorrhoidal disease (HD) in patients with bleeding disorders (BD) is challenging. Polidocanol foam sclerotherapy (PFS) is associated with a low rate of bleeding complications. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of PFS in the treatment of HD in patients with and without BD. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, cohort study enrolled patients with (group B) and without (group A) BD, with symptomatic internal HD grades I-III over an 18-month period. All patients were treated with PFS. Patients with congenital BD did not undergo prior replacement therapy and those with acquired BD due to antithrombotic drugs, did not discontinue therapy. Efficacy outcomes included therapeutic success and HD recurrence during a 1-year follow-up period. To evaluate safety the complications related to PFS were recorded. RESULTS: We included 228 patients (group A: 155, group B: 73; male/female: 114/114; mean age: 59.4 ± 15.9 years). The baseline hemorrhoidal disease bleeding grade (p < 0.001) and Sodergren hemorrhoidal symptom severity score (p = 0.019) were higher for group B. The overall therapeutic success rate was 93.4% with an average number of sessions of 1.51 ± 0.74, significantly higher for group B (1.68 ± 0.86 vs 1.43 ± 0.65, p = 0.013). Complications occurred in 11.4% of the patients, with bleeding reported in 4.8%. The majority of complications were mild (96.2%). No significant differences between the two groups were observed for therapeutic success, recurrence, or complication rate. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BD may have more symptomatic HD at baseline. Even so, PSF showed similar effectiveness and safety in patients with BD compared to patients without BD.

Growth and hematological responses of tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum fed different levels of rice, Oryza spp / Crescimento e resposta hematológica do tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum alimentados com diferentes níveis de arroz, Oryza spp

Abstract The tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) is a fish of primary importance in South American aquaculture, principally in the Amazon region and has a particularly unique diet in the wild. Oryza spp, or Wild rice as it is commonly known, is native to the floodplains of muddy rivers in the Amazon region. The aim of this study was to analyze the physical performance and the effects of dietary levels of Oryza spp. via the hematological parameters, total food intake, conversion efficiency, growth ratio and swimming performance of this fish. Diets containing 45% Oryza spp. induced the best performance in tambaqui. Diets containing 15% and 30% did not affect these indices, thus indicating that this amount of Oryza can be used as an alternative energy source for this important species within Brazilian aquaculture.

Resumo O tambaqui Colossoma macropomum é um peixe de importância na aquicultura brasileira, especialmente na região amazônica. O arroz silvestre é comum nas planícies inundadas dos rios de aguas barrentas da Amazônia. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os efeitos combinados do treinamento físico e dos níveis dietéticos de Oryza spp. nos parâmetros hematológicos, consumo de alimentos, eficiência de conversão, taxa de crescimento e desempenho de natação deste peixe. Dietas contendo 45% de arroz apresentaram o melhor desempenho para tambaquis. As dietas contendo 15% e 30% não afetaram esses índices, indicando que alguma quantidade de arroz pode ser usada como fonte de energia alternativa para esta importante espécie dentro da aquicultura.

Molossinema wimsatti infection in the brain of Pallas's mastiff bats (Molossus molossus).

The present report describes two cases of infection by Molossinema wimsatti in the brain of Pallas's mastiff bats (Molossus molossus). The first bat was captured and killed by a domestic cat in a suburban area of the municipality of Patos, Paraiba, northeastern Brazil. The second bat was found crawling on the ground in the same area before dying. No gross lesions were found at necropsy. Histology of the central nervous system revealed filarioid nematodes in the brain ventricles and cerebellum. There were adults, subadults and eggs, the latter sometimes containing microfilariae. No inflammatory response was observed in bat 1, while bat 2 presented a mild lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis. Three nematodes were recovered and submitted for parasitological examination. The diagnosis of M. wimsatti infection was based on the histomorphological and parasitological characteristics of the agent and its location in the brain ventricular system of insectivorous bats. The infection likely occurs in other insectivorous bats from South American and Caribbean countries but may be overlooked.

Triticale silage replaces sorghum silage in finishing of Braford heifers / Silagem de triticale substitui silagem de sorgo na terminação de novilhas da raça Braford

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sorghum silage substitution with different proportions of triticale silage on the performance and carcass of Braford heifers. Twenty-four Braford heifers were randomly assigned to four diets where sorghum silage was replaced at 0%, 30%, 60%, and 100% for triticale silage in a feedlot system. During sixty-tree days of the experiment, the feed intake, feed ratio conversion, and average daily gain were measured. The heifers were slaughtered and the effects of the sorghum and triticale silage in carcass characteristics were evaluated. The replacement of sorghum silage with triticale silage did not affect the feed intake and average daily gain (P> 0.05). Feed gain ratio was higher for the heifers that received lower proportions of triticale silage (0% and 30%) in replace sorghum silage (P <0.05). Eye loin area and fat thickness were similar among treatments (P<0.05). Other carcass characteristics, such as slaughter live weight, dressing percentage, conformation and fat classification were similar among experimental treatments (P<0.005). Triticale silage can replace sorghum silage for finishing beef heifers in feedlot system and provides similar carcass characteristics.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da substituição da silagem de sorgo por diferentes proporções de silagem de triticale no desempenho e na carcaça de novilhas Braford. A silagem de sorgo foi substituída em 0%, 30%, 60% e 100% pela silagem de triticale como fonte de volumoso na alimentação de 24 novilhas da raça Braford, em um sistema de confinamento. O período experimental total foi de 63 dias para a avaliação do consumo dos componentes da ração, a conversão alimentar e o ganho médio diário. Ao final do experimento, os animais foram abatidos e avaliados em relação às características de carcaça. A substituição da silagem de sorgo pela silagem de triticale não apresentou efeito no consumo dos componentes da ração e no ganho médio diário entre as novilhas (P>0,05). A conversão alimentar foi melhor para as novilhas que receberam menores proporções de silagem de triticale (0% e 30%) em substituição à silagem de sorgo (P<0,05). As características das carcaças foram semelhantes entre os animais independentemente da fonte de volumoso. A silagem de triticale apresenta-se como alimento alternativo à silagem de sorgo em regiões de transição climática para a terminação de novilhas de corte, proporcionando o mesmo desempenho animal e as mesmas características de carcaça.(AU)

Growth and hematological responses of tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum fed different levels of rice, Oryza spp.

The tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) is a fish of primary importance in South American aquaculture, principally in the Amazon region and has a particularly unique diet in the wild. Oryza spp, or Wild rice as it is commonly known, is native to the floodplains of muddy rivers in the Amazon region. The aim of this study was to analyze the physical performance and the effects of dietary levels of Oryza spp. via the hematological parameters, total food intake, conversion efficiency, growth ratio and swimming performance of this fish. Diets containing 45% Oryza spp. induced the best performance in tambaqui. Diets containing 15% and 30% did not affect these indices, thus indicating that this amount of Oryza can be used as an alternative energy source for this important species within Brazilian aquaculture.

Reverse transcriptase droplet digital PCR to identify the emerging vesicular virus Senecavirus A in biological samples.

Senecavirus A (SVA) belonging to the family Picornaviridae, genus Senecavirus was incidentally isolated in 2002 from the PER.C6 (transformed foetal retinoblast) cell line. However, currently, this virus is associated with vesicular disease in swine and it has been reported in countries such as the United States of America, Canada, China, Thailand and Colombia. In Brazil, the SVA was firstly reported in 2015 in outbreaks of vesicular disease in swine, clinically indistinguishable of Foot-and-mouth disease, a contagious viral disease that generates substantial economic losses. In the present work, it was standardized a diagnostic tool for SVA based on RNA reverse transcriptase droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) using one-step and two-step approaches. Analytical sensitivity and specificity were done in parallel with real-time PCR, RT-qPCR (one-step and two-step) for comparison of sensitivity and specificity of both methods. In the standardization of RT-ddPCR, the double-quenched probe and the temperature gradient were crucial to reduce background and improve amplitude between positive and negative droplets. The limit of detection and analytical specificity of techniques of one-step techniques showed superior performance than two-step methods described here. Additionally, the results showed 94.2% concordance (p < 0.001) for RT-ddPCR and RT-qPCR using the one-step assay approach and biological samples from Brazilian outbreaks of Senecavirus A. However, ddRT-PCR had a better performance than RT-PCR when swine serum pools were tested. According to the results, the one-step RT-ddPCR and RT-qPCR is highlighted to be used as an auxiliary diagnostic tool for Senecavirus A and for viral RNA absolute quantification in biological samples (RT-ddPCR), being a useful tool for vesicular diseases control programs.

Avaliação do estresse e do desempenho de suínos na fase de creche, empregando-se técnicas de enriquecimento ambiental / Evaluation of stress and performance of pigs during the nursery phase, using environmental enrichment techniques

O enriquecimento ambiental é uma ferramenta importante dentro dos sistemas de produção, a fim de promover o bem-estar e favorecer a saúde dos animais. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do enriquecimento ambiental sobre o estresse de suínos na fase de creche. Foram utilizados 32 leitões, alojados em granja experimental, distribuídos em quatro grupos (n= 8): corda, corrente, garrafa PET e controle negativo. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas no início e no final do experimento para contagem de leucócitos circulantes e determinação de antioxidantes não enzimáticos, óxido nítrico, malondialdeído, e de saliva para avaliação do cortisol. Foi aplicado etograma e fez-a ganho médio de peso diário e a conversão alimentar. Os parâmetros avaliados no primeiro dia do experimento não variaram entre os grupos (P>0,05). No último dia do experimento, os valores de neutrófilos e da relação neutrófilo/linfócito foram mais elevados nos leitões do grupo corrente, assim como os valores de cortisol salivar (P<0,05). O ácido úrico apresentou-se mais elevado nos leitões do grupo corrente e o malondialdeído (MDA) nos do grupo garrafa (P< 0,05). Os enriquecimentos ambientais estimularam comportamentos positivos nos leitões, tendo a corda se destacado como o mais atrativo. Por outro lado, a corrente apresentou efeito negativo sobre a fisiologia dos animais, gerando estresse, assim como a garrafa, que induziu a peroxidação lipídica e um menor ganho de peso nos leitões.(AU)

Environmental enrichment is an important tool within production systems to promote welfare and animal health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of enrichment objects on stress of piglets in nursery phase. 32 piglets housed in experimental farm were distributed in 4 groups (n= 8): rope, chain, pet bottle and negative control. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of the experiment to count circulating leukocytes and determine non-enzymatic antioxidants, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and saliva to evaluate cortisol. At the same time, an etogram and evaluation of mean daily gain and feed conversion were applied. The evaluated parameters on first day of the experiment did not vary between groups (P> 0.05). On the last day, neutrophil and neutrophil /lymphocyte ratios were higher in chain group piglets, as were salivary cortisol values (P< 0.05). Uric acid was higher in chain group and MDA in bottle group (P< 0.05). Environmental enrichment stimulated positive behaviors in piglets, where the rope stood out as the most attractive. On the other hand, chain had a negative effect on animal physiology, generating stress, as well as the bottle that induced lipid peroxidation and a lower weight gain in piglets.(AU)

Responses of antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates in micropropagated Pitcairnia encholirioides L.B. Sm. (Bromeliaceae) under ex vitro water deficit and after rehydration / Respostas de enzimas antioxidantes, pigmentos fotossintéticos e carboidratos em Pitcairnia encholirioides L.B. Sm. (Bromeliaceae) micropropagadas, sob déficit hídrico ex vitro e após reidratação

Abstract In this study, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic pigments, proline and carbohydrate contents in Pitcairnia encholirioides under ex vitro conditions of water deficit were evaluated. Results show that plants under progressive water stress, previously in vitro cultured in media supplemented with 30 g L-1 sucrose and GA3, accumulated more proline and increased peroxidase (POD) activity and the contents of photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates. For plants previously in vitro cultured with 15 g L-1 sucrose and NAA, no differences were found for proline content and there were reductions in activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and poliphenoloxidase (PPO), and in contents of carbohydrates, with progress of ex vitro water deficit. After rehydration, plants showed physiological recovery, with enzymatic activities and contents of metabolites similar to those found in the controls not submitted to dehydration, regardless of the previous in vitro culture conditions. These results show that micropropagated P. encholirioides has high tolerance to dehydration once in ex vitro conditions, which can ensure the survival of plants from tissue culture when transferred to its natural environment, emphasizing the importance of such biotechnology for the propagation of endangered species.

Resumo Neste estudo, foram avaliadas as atividades de enzimas antioxidantes, pigmentos fotossintéticos, conteúdo de prolina e carboidratos em Pitcairnia encholirioides sob déficit hídrico em condições ex vitro. Os resultados mostraram que as plantas sob estresse hídrico progressivo, previamente cultivadas in vitro em meio de cultura suplementado com 30 g L-1 de sacarose e GA3 acumularam mais prolina e aumentaram a atividade da peroxidase (POD) e os teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos e carboidratos. Para plantas previamente cultivadas in vitro com 15 g L-1 de sacarose e ANA, não foram encontradas diferenças nos conteúdos de prolina e houve reduções nas atividades da peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) e polifenoloxidase (PPO), e no conteúdo de carboidratos, com o progresso do déficit hídrico ex vitro. Após a reidratação, as plantas apresentaram recuperação fisiológica, com atividades enzimáticas e conteúdo de metabólitos semelhantes aos encontrados nos controles não sujeitos à desidratação, independentemente das condições de cultivo in vitro. Estes resultados mostram que P. encholirioides micropropagada tem alta tolerância à desidratação uma vez em condições ex vitro, o que pode garantir a sobrevivência de plantas provenientes da cultura de tecidos quando transferidas para seu ambiente natural, enfatizando a importância desta biotecnologia para a propagação de espécies ameaçadas.

Responses of antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates in micropropagated Pitcairnia encholirioides L.B. Sm. (Bromeliaceae) under ex vitro water deficit and after rehydration / Respostas de enzimas antioxidantes, pigmentos fotossintéticos e carboidratos em Pitcairnia encholirioides L.B. Sm. (Bromeliaceae) micropropagadas, sob déficit hídrico ex vitro e após reidratação

In this study, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic pigments, proline and carbohydrate contents in Pitcairnia encholirioides under ex vitro conditions of water deficit were evaluated. Results show that plants under progressive water stress, previously in vitro cultured in media supplemented with 30 g L-1 sucrose and GA3, accumulated more proline and increased peroxidase (POD) activity and the contents of photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates. For plants previously in vitro cultured with 15 g L-1 sucrose and NAA, no differences were found for proline content and there were reductions in activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and poliphenoloxidase (PPO), and in contents of carbohydrates, with progress of ex vitro water deficit. After rehydration, plants showed physiological recovery, with enzymatic activities and contents of metabolites similar to those found in the controls not submitted to dehydration, regardless of the previous in vitro culture conditions. These results show that micropropagated P. encholirioides has high tolerance to dehydration once in ex vitro conditions, which can ensure the survival of plants from tissue culture when transferred to its natural environment, emphasizing the importance of such biotechnology for the propagation of endangered species.

Neste estudo, foram avaliadas as atividades de enzimas antioxidantes, pigmentos fotossintéticos, conteúdo de prolina e carboidratos em Pitcairnia encholirioides sob déficit hídrico em condições ex vitro. Os resultados mostraram que as plantas sob estresse hídrico progressivo, previamente cultivadas in vitro em meio de cultura suplementado com 30 g L-1 de sacarose e GA3 acumularam mais prolina e aumentaram a atividade da peroxidase (POD) e os teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos e carboidratos. Para plantas previamente cultivadas in vitro com 15 g L-1 de sacarose e ANA, não foram encontradas diferenças nos conteúdos de prolina e houve reduções nas atividades da peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) e polifenoloxidase (PPO), e no conteúdo de carboidratos, com o progresso do déficit hídrico ex vitro. Após a reidratação, as plantas apresentaram recuperação fisiológica, com atividades enzimáticas e conteúdo de metabólitos semelhantes aos encontrados nos controles não sujeitos à desidratação, independentemente das condições de cultivo in vitro. Estes resultados mostram que P. encholirioides micropropagada tem alta tolerância à desidratação uma vez em condições ex vitro, o que pode garantir a sobrevivência de plantas provenientes da cultura de tecidos quando transferidas para seu ambiente natural, enfatizando a importância desta biotecnologia para a propagação de espécies ameaçadas.

Responses of antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates in micropropagated Pitcairnia encholirioides L.B. Sm. (Bromeliaceae) under ex vitro water deficit and after rehydration.

In this study, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic pigments, proline and carbohydrate contents in Pitcairnia encholirioides under ex vitro conditions of water deficit were evaluated. Results show that plants under progressive water stress, previously in vitro cultured in media supplemented with 30 g L-1 sucrose and GA3, accumulated more proline and increased peroxidase (POD) activity and the contents of photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates. For plants previously in vitro cultured with 15 g L-1 sucrose and NAA, no differences were found for proline content and there were reductions in activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and poliphenoloxidase (PPO), and in contents of carbohydrates, with progress of ex vitro water deficit. After rehydration, plants showed physiological recovery, with enzymatic activities and contents of metabolites similar to those found in the controls not submitted to dehydration, regardless of the previous in vitro culture conditions. These results show that micropropagated P. encholirioides has high tolerance to dehydration once in ex vitro conditions, which can ensure the survival of plants from tissue culture when transferred to its natural environment, emphasizing the importance of such biotechnology for the propagation of endangered species.

Changes on physiological parameters of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed with diets supplemented with Amazonian fruit Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) / Alterações em parâmetros fisiológicos de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) alimentados com dietas suplementadas com fruta amazônica camu camu (Myrciaria dubia)

Abstract The physiological responses of juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed commercial feed supplemented with different concentrations of camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) were evaluated. The design was completely randomized, with treatments arranged in a factorial design with three proportions of camu camu (15%, 30% and 45%) and a control treatment (100% commercial diet), with four replicates per treatment. A total of 96 tambaqui specimens were used, with a mean initial weight of 11.69 ± 2.68 g and a mean length of 7.06 ± 0.44 cm. After 30 days, hematological parameters, metabolic variables, growth and fish swimming performance were evaluated. The different proportions of camu camu in the diet did not cause significant changes to the tambaqui's hematological parameters during the feeding period, except for hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) after the 30th day, and hematocrit (Ht) after the swimming stress test, which increased significantly (p < 0.05). The significant increases in metabolic variables, such as cortisol, glucose, proteins and triglycerides, and in hematologic variables after the Ucrit test reflect, respectively, biochemical adaptations for maintenance of the energy mobilization process and a regulatory necessity in tissue oxygen demand during intense exercise. Fish fed 15% and 30% camu camu gained the most weight and achieved the best swimming performance, respectively. The results for camu camu concentrations above 30% suggest a saturation of its intrinsic properties in the diet at this level and a loss of nutrients from the commercial feed replaced by the fruit, reducing productive performance and nutritional assimilation.

Resumo As respostas fisiológicas de juvenis de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) alimentados com ração comercial suplementada com diferentes concentrações de camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) foram avaliados. As amostras analisadas foram inteiramente casualizadas, com os tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial com três proporções de camu camu (15%, 30% e 45%) e um tratamento controle (ração comercial 100%), com quatro repetições por tratamento. Um total de 96 amostras de tambaqui foram utilizadas, com um peso médio inicial de 11,69 ± 2,68 g e um comprimento médio de 7,06 ± 0,44 cm. Após 30 dias, foram avaliados os parâmetros hematológicos, variáveis ​​metabólicas, crescimento e desempenho natatório de peixes. As diferentes proporções de camu camu na dieta não causou alterações significativas nos parâmetros hematológicos dos tambaquis durante o período de alimentação, com exceção de hemoglobina (Hb) e concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM), após o 30º dia, e hematócrito (Ht), após o teste de natação de estresse, que aumentou de forma significativa (p <0,05). Os aumentos significativos nas variáveis ​​metabólicas, como o cortisol, glicose, proteínas e triglicerídeos, e nas variáveis ​​hematológicas após o teste Ucrit reflete, respectivamente, adaptações bioquímicas para a manutenção do processo de mobilização de energia e uma necessidade de regulamentação na demanda de oxigênio nos tecidos durante o exercício intenso. Os peixes alimentados com 15% e 30% de camu camu obtiveram mais peso e melhor desempenho natatório, respectivamente. Os resultados para as concentrações camu camu superiores a 30% indicam uma saturação das suas propriedades intrínsecas na dieta, a este nível e uma perda de nutrientes a partir da ração comercial substituído pelo fruto, reduzindo o desempenho produtivo e assimilação nutricional.

The main spoilage-related psychrotrophic bacteria in refrigerated raw milk.

Refrigerated raw milk may contain psychrotrophic microorganisms that produce thermoresistant exoproteases and lipases, which may compromise the quality of processed fluid milk and dairy products during storage. The aim of this work was to quantify and identify the deteriorating psychrotrophic microbiota in Brazilian refrigerated raw milk using genetic diversity analysis. The mean psychrotrophic count was 1.1 × 104 cfu/mL. Of the total isolates, 47.8 and 29.8% showed deteriorating activity at 35°C within 48 h and 7°C within 10 d, respectively. Among the proteolytic species, more isolated by this study were Lactococcus lactis (27.3%), Enterobacter kobei (14.8%), Serratia ureilytica (8%), Aerococcus urinaeequi (6.8%), and Bacillus licheniformis (6.8%). Observed among lipolytics were E. kobei (17.7%), L. lactis (15.6%), A. urinaeequi (12.5%), and Acinetobacter lwoffii (9.4%). The isolates S. ureilytica, E. kobei, Pseudomonas spp., and Yersinia enterocolitica potentially produced alkaline metalloprotease (aprX). Despite the low counts, a considerable portion of the psychrotrophic microbiota presented spoilage potential, which reaffirms the need for rigor in the control of contamination and the importance of rapid processing as factors that maintain the quality of milk and dairy products.

Changes on physiological parameters of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed with diets supplemented with Amazonian fruit Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia).

The physiological responses of juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed commercial feed supplemented with different concentrations of camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) were evaluated. The design was completely randomized, with treatments arranged in a factorial design with three proportions of camu camu (15%, 30% and 45%) and a control treatment (100% commercial diet), with four replicates per treatment. A total of 96 tambaqui specimens were used, with a mean initial weight of 11.69 ± 2.68 g and a mean length of 7.06 ± 0.44 cm. After 30 days, hematological parameters, metabolic variables, growth and fish swimming performance were evaluated. The different proportions of camu camu in the diet did not cause significant changes to the tambaqui's hematological parameters during the feeding period, except for hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) after the 30th day, and hematocrit (Ht) after the swimming stress test, which increased significantly (p < 0.05). The significant increases in metabolic variables, such as cortisol, glucose, proteins and triglycerides, and in hematologic variables after the Ucrit test reflect, respectively, biochemical adaptations for maintenance of the energy mobilization process and a regulatory necessity in tissue oxygen demand during intense exercise. Fish fed 15% and 30% camu camu gained the most weight and achieved the best swimming performance, respectively. The results for camu camu concentrations above 30% suggest a saturation of its intrinsic properties in the diet at this level and a loss of nutrients from the commercial feed replaced by the fruit, reducing productive performance and nutritional assimilation.

Aliskiren effect on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is highly associated with metabolic syndrome, a major cause of morbidity in the globalized society. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) influences hepatic fatty acid metabolism, inflammation and fibrosis. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, on metabolic syndrome-related NASH. METHODS: C57BL/6 male mice (n = 45) were divided into three groups: controls; animals inoculated with streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg/day) for 5 days and fed with high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks; and animals inoculated with STZ for 5 days, fed with HFD for 8 weeks and treated with aliskiren (100 mg/kg/day) for the final 2 weeks. Glycemic and insulin levels, hepatic lipid profile, histological parameters and inflammatory protein expression were analyzed. RESULTS: Aliskiren normalized plasma glucose and insulin levels, reduced cholesterol, triglycerides and total fat accumulation in liver and diminished hepatic injury, steatosis and fibrosis. These results could be explained by the ability of aliskiren to block angiotensin-II, lowering oxidative stress and inflammation in liver. Also, it exhibited a beneficial effect in increasing insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSION: These findings support the use of aliskiren in the treatment of metabolic syndrome underlying conditions. However, clinical studies are indispensable to test its effectiveness in the treatment of patients with metabolic syndrome.

Genetic diversity of Bacillus sp producers of amylase isolated from the soil.

The microorganisms are the best source of extracellular enzymes since they allow an economical technology with low-resource consumption compared to animals and plants. The amylases are among the most important enzymes being the genus Bacillus one of the most investigated due to its ability to produce this enzyme. The objective of this study was to isolate and analyze the genetic diversity among bacteria of the genus Bacillus sp producer of amylase originated from the soil. To this end, soil samples were collected and submitted to the condition of extreme temperature. The serial dilution procedure followed by seeding on solid medium containing starch was used for isolation of strains that produce amylase. The microorganisms isolated were subjected to standard morphological methods for presumptive identification of the genus Bacillus. The PCR assay with the universal genetic marker 16S rDNA was used for confirmation of bacterial strain. All the 10 isolates presumptively identified as bacteria amplified a fragment of 370 bp corresponding to the 16S rDNA gene. The enzymatic activity was expressed as an enzymatic index (EI), after 24 h of incubation. All isolate producers of amylase exhibited EI ≥ 2.0. The determination of the genetic profile and the clonal relationship among the isolates were performed by the method of ERIC-PCR polymorphism. The isolates of Bacillus spp were divided into 2 groups (I and II). Through this method, the discriminatory capacity of this analysis of polymorphisms was verified in differing producer strains from those not producing amylase.