Sustainable Development Goals' health-related indicators for Brazil and Ecuador: an analysis for the period of 1990-2019.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to analyse the evolution of 40 Sustainable Development Goals' (SDGs) health-related indicators in Brazil and Ecuador from 1990 to 2019. STUDY DESIGN: Epidemiological study of long-term trends in 40 SDGs' health-related indicators for Brazil and Ecuador from 1990 to 2019, using estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study. METHODS: Forty SDGs' health-related indicators and an index from 1990 to 2017 for Brazil and Ecuador, and their projections up to 2030 were extracted from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's Global Burden of Disease website and analysed. The percent annual change (PC) between 1990 and 2019 was calculated for both countries. RESULTS: Both countries have made progress on child stunting (Brazil: PC = -38%; Ecuador: PC = -43%) and child wasting prevalences (Brazil: PC = -42%; Ecuador: PC = -41%), percent of vaccine coverage (Brazil: PC = +215%; Ecuador: PC = +175%), under-5 (Brazil: PC = -75%; Ecuador: PC = -60%) and neonatal mortality rates (Brazil: PC = -69%; Ecuador: PC = -51%), health worker density per 1000 population (Brazil: PC = +153%; Ecuador: PC = +175%), reduction of neglected diseases prevalences (Brazil: PC = -40%; Ecuador: PC = -58%), tuberculosis (Brazil: PC = -27%; Ecuador: PC = -55%) and malaria incidences (Brazil: PC = -97%; Ecuador: PC = -100%), water, sanitation and hygiene mortality rates (Brazil and Ecuador: PC = -89%). However, both countries did not show sufficient improvement in maternal mortality ratio to meet SDGs targets (Brazil: PC = -37%; Ecuador: PC = -40%). Worsening of indicators were found for violence, such as non-intimate partner violence for both countries (Brazil: PC = +26%; Ecuador: PC = +18%) and suicide mortality rate for Ecuador (PC = +66%), child overweight indicator for Brazil (PC = -67%), disaster mortality rates (Brazil: PC = +100%; Ecuador: PC = +325%) and alcohol consumption (Brazil: PC = +46%; Ecuador: PC = +35%). CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvements are necessary in both countries requiring the strengthening of health and other policies, particularly concerning the prevention and management of violence and alcohol consumption, and preparedness for dealing with environmental disasters.

Undernutrition, and overweight and obesity: the two faces of malnutrition in Brazil, analysis of the Global Burden of Disease, 1990 to 2019.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyse the global burden of disease attributable to undernutrition and high body mass index (BMI) in Brazil and its 27 states, as well as its association with the socio-demographic index (SDI) from 1990 to 2019. STUDY DESIGN: This is an epidemiological time-series study. METHODS: This study analysed the undernutrition and high BMI estimated by the Global Burden of Disease study conducted from 1990 to 2019 for Brazil and its states, using the following metrics: absolute number of deaths, standardised mortality rate, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). This study also analysed the correlation between the percentage variation of mortality rates and SDI. RESULTS: A decrease in the number of deaths (-75 %), mortality rate (-75.1 %), and DALYS (-72 %) attributable to undernutrition was found in Brazil and in all regions. As regarding the high BMI, an increase in the number of deaths was found (139.6 %); however, the mortality rate (-9.7) and DALYs (-6.4 %) declined in all regions, except in the North and Northeast regions, which showed an increase. A strong correlation was identified between undernutrition and high BMI with SDI. CONCLUSION: Our study observed a double burden of malnutrition in Brazil, with a reduction in the burden of diseases due to malnutrition in Brazil and variation in the burden due to high BMI according to the socioeconomic status of the region. Public policies are necessary in order to guarantee the human right to a healthy and sustainable diet, together with food and nutrition security and a diminishing of social inequality.

Effect of temperature on embryonic development and first exogenous feeding of goldfish Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758).

Goldfish or Kinguio is a widely marketed species worldwide due to the ornamental market. There is some lack of acknowledgment of the production of the species under specific climatic conditions. To evaluate the effect of temperature on embryonic development and the first exogenous feeding of goldfish, an experiment was proposed. Fifteen incubators, organized in five treatments (18, 22, 26, 30, and 34 °C) with three replications each, were used to keep the fertilized goldfish eggs until the first exogenous feeding of the larvae. The main development events were observed to understand the possible effects of these temperatures on embryos and larvae of the species. Temperature influences embryo development and the time of first exogenous feeding of goldfish. The temperature of 34 °C was lethal to the species causing 100% of anomalies in the embryos and larvae. The experiment data allow us to conclude that the species presents a maximum thermal limit during embryogenesis, and these data are important to the aquaculture industry and to understand the effect of climate changes on goldfish. The data obtained in this experiment will assist in the management of invasive species and production of the species (aquaculture).

Mortality by road transport injury in Brazilian municipalities between 2000 and 2018.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate patterns of mortality by road transport injury (RTI) in Brazilian municipalities, focused on deaths of motorcyclists, between 2000 and 2018, and their relation with population size and economic status. STUDY DESIGN: This was an ecological epidemiological study with a descriptive and analytical nature. METHODS: The age-standardized RTI mortality rates were calculated for the Brazilian municipalities, referring to the 3-year periods of 2000/2002 (T1), 2009/2011 (T2), and 2016/2018 (T3). The rates were stratified according to macroregion and population size and were compared in terms of percentage variation from one 3-year period to another. The Moran Global and Local indices were used in the spatial point-pattern analysis of the rates. To verify the association with the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, the Spearman correlation coefficient was applied. RESULTS: A decline in RTI mortality rates was found between 2000 and 2018, with the most significant declines observed in municipalities from the South and Southeast regions of Brazil. However, increases were observed among motorcyclists. Clusters of municipalities were detected, which presented high mortality rates among the motorcyclists in the Northeast region and in some states of the North and Midwest regions. The mortality rates showed a negative correlation with the GDP per capita of the Brazilian municipalities. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were decreases in RTI mortality rates between 1990 and 2018, there was a significant increase in deaths among motorcyclists, especially in the Northeast, North, and Midwest regions of the country. Such differences can be explained by unequal growth in the size of the motorcycle fleet in those regions, by less law enforcement capability, and by the implementation of educational actions.

Ovarian development of Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Crustacea: Penaeidae) from Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil.

This study aimed to describe and characterize the stages of gonadal development of females of Xiphopenaeus kroyeri caught by artisanal fishers in Espírito Santo state, southeastern region of Brazil. All females (n= 1,831) were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic morphological analysis (n= 333) of the ovaries. From the morphology, coloration and degree of turgidity of the fresh ovary, macroscopic analysis determined five stages of gonadal development. The macroscopic analysis showed difficulties in differentiating the immature and spawning stages due to the similarity between the colors of the ovaries, which confirms the need to perform the macroscopic and histological analysis simultaneously for fisheries management studies. Microscopic observations allowed us to analyze the following six stages of cell development: oogonia, previtellogenic oocytes, primary vitellogenic oocytes, secondary vitellogenic oocytes, mature oocytes and atretic oocytes. From this, five stages of gonadal development were defined, i.e., immature, early development, advanced development, mature and spawned. The presence of peripheral bodies was not observed in this species. These results help to clarify and better understand the reproductive and population aspects of the Atlantic Seabob, which are fundamental for the establishment of management and conservation measures of this resource.

Analysis of Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcomes Associated With Abdominal Hypertension in Major Burn Patients.

The objective of this study is to analyze incidence and risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in major burn patients. Aprospective cohort study was conducted at a Burns Treatment Center, including all patients with a burned body surface area ≥20% admitted from August 2015 to January 2018. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured periodically during the first week of ICU stay. Sixty-four patients were analyzed, with median age of 39 years (interquartile range ITQ: 28-53) and 66% were male. Median burned body surface area was 30% (ITQ: 20-46). Twenty-eight (56%) patients presented criteria for IAH and seven (14%) developed clinical signs compatible with ACS. Burn severity was greater in the group that developed IAH, represented by the ABSI score. This group also presented higher values of creatinine and positive fluid balance. The group of patients with ACS showed a higher frequency of alterations in renal and respiratory functions. The organ systems most frequently affected in groups with diagnostic criteria for IAH and ACS were renal, cardiovascular and respiratory. Mortality rate at hospital outcome was 56%. In conclusion, the incidence of IAH during the study period was high in patients with extensive burns. The occurrence of ACS was associated with organic dysfunctions of the respiratory, cardiovascular and renal systems. The factors associated with intra-abdominal hypertension were age, extension of burned body surface, inhalation injury, and need for mechanical ventilation.

Cette étude a pour objectifs d'analyser l'incidence de l'hyperpression abdominale (HPA) et du syndrome du compartiment abdominal (SCA) chez les brûlés graves. Il s'agit d'une étude monocentrique prospective conduite auprès des 64 patients admis avec une brûlure >20% SCT entre août 2015 et janvier 2018. La préssion intraabdominale (PIA) était régulièrement mesurée pendant la première semaine. L'âge médian des patients était de 39 ans (IQR 28-53) et les 2/3 d'entre eux étaient des hommes. La SCT médiane était de 30% (IQR 20-46). Vingt huit (56%) patients avaient des critères d'HPA et 7 (14%) ont présenté des signes de SCA. Le score ABSI et la créatininémie étaient plus élevés chez les patients avec HPA, qui avaient aussi un bilan entrées-sorties positif. Les patients avec un SCA avaient plus de défaillances rénale et respiratoire. Les défaillances les plus fréquemment observées chez les patients avec HPA/SCA étaient rénales, cardio-vasculaires et respiratoires. La mortalité était de 56%. En conclusion, l'incidence de HPA est élevée chez les patients gravement brûlés. La survenue de SCA est une cause de défaillances rénale, cardio-vasculaire et respiratoire. Les facteurs prédicitifs de HPA étaient l'âge, la surface brûlée, l'inhalation de fumées et le recours à la ventilation mécanique.

Influence of garlic extract on larval performance and survival of juvenile angelfish Pterophyllum scalare during transport / Influência do extrato de alho no desempenho larval e na sobrevivência durante o transporte de juvenis de acará bandeira Pterophyllum scalare

The objective of this study was to evaluate the properties of garlic as a growth promoter in larvae of angelfish Pterophyllum scalare and its benefits during transport of juveniles of this species. The experiment was conducted in recirculation aquaculture system, consisting of 20 tanks of 40 L equipped with independent water input and output. We used 1,400 larvae distributed among five treatments, with four repetitions, which totaled 20 experimental units. The treatments were 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg of garlic extract per kilo of feed. The results showed that the inclusion of levels of garlic extract in the feed did not significantly effect the fish’s development or their transport. Neither did the inclusion of levels of garlic extract affect the survival of the larvae during the trial period. New research with extracts of higher dosages should be performed to elucidate the effect of garlic extract as a growth promoter.

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as propriedades do alho como promotor de crescimento em larvas de acará bandeira Pterophyllum scalare e seus benefícios no transporte de juvenis da mesma espécie. O experimento foi conduzido em sistema de recirculação composto por 20 aquários de 40 L de volume útil, dotado de entrada e saída de água independentes e teve a duração de 40 dias. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, totalizando 20 unidades experimentais. Foram utilizadas 1.400 larvas de acará bandeira (Pterophyllum scalare) divididas entre os tratamentos. Os tratamentos consistiram em: 0, 50, 100, 200 e 400 mg de extrato de alho por quilo de ração. Os resultados mostraram que não houve efeito significativo dos níveis de inclusão do extrato do alho sobre os índices zootécnicos avaliados e posteriormente no transporte dos juvenis. Também não foi observado influência na sobrevivência das larvas durante o período experimental. Novas pesquisas com dosagens maiores de extratos devem ser realizados para melhor elucidação do efeito do extrato de alho como promotor de crescimento.

Influence of garlic extract on larval performance and survival of juvenile angelfish Pterophyllum scalare during transport

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the properties of garlic as a growth promoter in larvae of angelfish Pterophyllum scalare and its benefits during transport of juveniles of this species. The experiment was conducted in recirculation aquaculture system, consisting of 20 tanks of 40 L equipped with independent water input and output. We used 1,400 larvae distributed among five treatments, with four repetitions, which totaled 20 experimental units. The treatments were 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg of garlic extract per kilo of feed. The results showed that the inclusion of levels of garlic extract in the feed did not significantly effect the fishs development or their transport. Neither did the inclusion of levels of garlic extract affect the survival of the larvae during the trial period. New research with extracts of higher dosages should be performed to elucidate the effect of garlic extract as a growth promoter.

Resumo O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as propriedades do alho como promotor de crescimento em larvas de acará bandeira Pterophyllum scalare e seus benefícios no transporte de juvenis da mesma espécie. O experimento foi conduzido em sistema de recirculação composto por 20 aquários de 40 L de volume útil, dotado de entrada e saída de água independentes e teve a duração de 40 dias. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, totalizando 20 unidades experimentais. Foram utilizadas 1.400 larvas de acará bandeira (Pterophyllum scalare) divididas entre os tratamentos. Os tratamentos consistiram em: 0, 50, 100, 200 e 400 mg de extrato de alho por quilo de ração. Os resultados mostraram que não houve efeito significativo dos níveis de inclusão do extrato do alho sobre os índices zootécnicos avaliados e posteriormente no transporte dos juvenis. Também não foi observado influência na sobrevivência das larvas durante o período experimental. Novas pesquisas com dosagens maiores de extratos devem ser realizados para melhor elucidação do efeito do extrato de alho como promotor de crescimento.

Influence of garlic extract on larval performance and survival of juvenile angelfish Pterophyllum scalare during transport / Influência do extrato de alho no desempenho larval e na sobrevivência durante o transporte de juvenis de acará bandeira Pterophyllum scalare

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the properties of garlic as a growth promoter in larvae of angelfish Pterophyllum scalare and its benefits during transport of juveniles of this species. The experiment was conducted in recirculation aquaculture system, consisting of 20 tanks of 40 L equipped with independent water input and output. We used 1,400 larvae distributed among five treatments, with four repetitions, which totaled 20 experimental units. The treatments were 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg of garlic extract per kilo of feed. The results showed that the inclusion of levels of garlic extract in the feed did not significantly effect the fish's development or their transport. Neither did the inclusion of levels of garlic extract affect the survival of the larvae during the trial period. New research with extracts of higher dosages should be performed to elucidate the effect of garlic extract as a growth promoter.

Resumo O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as propriedades do alho como promotor de crescimento em larvas de acará bandeira Pterophyllum scalare e seus benefícios no transporte de juvenis da mesma espécie. O experimento foi conduzido em sistema de recirculação composto por 20 aquários de 40 L de volume útil, dotado de entrada e saída de água independentes e teve a duração de 40 dias. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, totalizando 20 unidades experimentais. Foram utilizadas 1.400 larvas de acará bandeira (Pterophyllum scalare) divididas entre os tratamentos. Os tratamentos consistiram em: 0, 50, 100, 200 e 400 mg de extrato de alho por quilo de ração. Os resultados mostraram que não houve efeito significativo dos níveis de inclusão do extrato do alho sobre os índices zootécnicos avaliados e posteriormente no transporte dos juvenis. Também não foi observado influência na sobrevivência das larvas durante o período experimental. Novas pesquisas com dosagens maiores de extratos devem ser realizados para melhor elucidação do efeito do extrato de alho como promotor de crescimento.

Trypanosoma cruzi modulates lipid metabolism and highjacks phospholipids from the midgut of Rhodnius prolixus.

Chagas disease is potentially life-threatening and caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The parasite cannot synthesize some lipids and depends on the uptake of these lipids from its vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. To achieve this, T. cruzi may need to modify the physiology of the insect host for its own benefit. In this study, we investigated the interaction of T. cruzi (Y strain) with its insect vector Rhodnius prolixus and how it manipulates the vector lipid metabolism. We observed a physiological change in lipid flux in of infected insects. In the fat body of infected insects, triacylglycerol levels decreased by 80.6% and lipid storage droplet-1(LSD-1) mRNA levels were lower, when compared to controls. Lipid sequestration by infected midguts led to increased levels of 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and activation in the fat body, inhibiting the synthesis of fatty acids and stimulating their oxidation. This led to reduced lipid levels in the fat body of infected insets, despite the fact that T. cruzi does not colonize this tissue. There was a 3-fold increase, in lipid uptake and synthesis in the midgut of infected insects. Finally, our results suggest that the parasite modifies the lipid flux and metabolism of its vector R. prolixus through the increase in lipid delivery from the fat body to midgut that are then scavenge by T cruzi.

Innovative application of brackish groundwater without the addition of nutrients in the cultivation of Spirulina and Chlorella for carbohydrate and lipid production.

Brackish groundwater is promising for the cultivation of economically important microalgae; however, its effects have been evaluated only after nutrient supplementation. In this study, 100% brackish groundwater was evaluated as a culture medium for Spirulina sp. (BGWS) and Chlorella fusca (BGWC). In addition, the effects of supplementation with 25% of the nutrients from Zarrouk (BGWS25) and BG-11 (BGWC25) culture media were evaluated. BGWS and BGWC increased the concentration (68.1% w w-1) and productivity of carbohydrate (35.3 mg L-1 d-1) in Spirulina sp. and increased the concentration (56.4% w w-1) and productivity (13.5 mg L-1 d-1) of lipids in C. fusca biomass, when compared to that in the respective controls. The use of brackish groundwater as the sole culture medium is an innovative alternative for the economic production of biomass rich in carbohydrates and lipids. This has potential applications for biofuel production.

Influence of garlic extract on larval performance and survival of juvenile angelfish Pterophyllum scalare during transport.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the properties of garlic as a growth promoter in larvae of angelfish Pterophyllum scalare and its benefits during transport of juveniles of this species. The experiment was conducted in recirculation aquaculture system, consisting of 20 tanks of 40 L equipped with independent water input and output. We used 1,400 larvae distributed among five treatments, with four repetitions, which totaled 20 experimental units. The treatments were 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg of garlic extract per kilo of feed. The results showed that the inclusion of levels of garlic extract in the feed did not significantly effect the fish's development or their transport. Neither did the inclusion of levels of garlic extract affect the survival of the larvae during the trial period. New research with extracts of higher dosages should be performed to elucidate the effect of garlic extract as a growth promoter.

Aspectos sociales, sobrecarga y calidad de vida de las madres de niños con microcefalia / Social aspects, work overload, and quality of life among mothers of children with microcephaly / Aspectos sociais, sobrecarga e qualidade de vida de mães de crianças com microcefalia

RESUMEN Introducción: Cuidar completamente de niños con microcefalia es un gran desafío para sus cuidadores. La situación de vulnerabilidad social junto con la complejidad de la atención puede llevar a sobrecarga con pérdida de la calidad de vida. Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre aspectos socioeconómicos, dominio social de la calidad de vida y la sobrecarga de madres cuidadoras de niños con microcefalia. Metodología: Estudio transversal con 105 participantes, mediante aplicación de cuestionarios sociodemográficos, WHOQOL-BREF, sobrecarga del cuidador. Se utilizaron pruebas ANOVA, t de Student, coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (r). Resultados: Población de madres mestizas (65.7%), desempleadas (88.6%), dependientes de la prestación social (76.2%), bajo nivel educativo (50.5%) e insuficiencia financiera (90.5%). El promedio del dominio social se consideró bajo (51.11). Hubo asociación entre beneficio social y puntaje de calidad de vida total (p=0.046). Las madres sufren sobrecarga severa (39%) e intensa (30.4%). Se encontró asociación entre niveles de sobrecarga y variables etnia (p= 0.027), ocupación (p= 0.043) y medios de transporte (p <0.0001). La sobrecarga tiene impacto negativo en la calidad de vida (r= -.463, p <0.0001), percepción de la calidad de vida (r= -.476, p= <0.0001), calidad de vida total (r= -.576, p= <0.0010). Conclusiones: Las madres cuidadoras manifiestan sobrecarga con pérdida de calidad de vida. Los aspectos sociales influyen directamente y pueden potenciar la sobrecarga del cuidado. El personal de enfermería tiene un papel fundamental para crear e implementar líneas de atención con énfasis en promover la salud y alivio de la sobrecarga en el cuidador.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Taking care of children with microcephaly is a great challenge for their care providers because of the associated social vulnerability, work overload, and loss of quality of life. Objective: To analyze the associations related to the social aspects, the quality of life, and the work overload among care providing mothers of children with microcephaly. Methodology: This is a transversal study with 105 participants. Social and demographic questionnaires and WHOQOL-BREF were used. ANOVA tests, Student's t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were calculated. Results: 65.7% were of mixed ethnicity; 88.6% were unemployed; 76.2% were dependent on Social Welfare; 50.5% had a low level of education; and 90.5% were financially insufficient. The social domain average was considered low (51.11). An association was found between social benefits and quality of life (p=0.046). 39% of these mothers suffer from severe work overload while 30.4% suffer from intense work overload. An association was found between the levels of work overload and ethnicity (p= 0.027), occupation (p= 0.043), and transportation means (p <0.0001). Work overload had a negative impact on the quality of life (r= -.463, p <0.0001), the perception of quality of life (r= -.476, p= <0.0001), and total quality of life (r= -.576, p= <0.0010). Conclusions: These care providing mothers suffer work overload with an associated loss of quality of life. Social aspects have a direct influence and can increase work overload. Nursing professionals have a fundamental role in the creation and implementation of attention initiatives aimed at promoting health and relief to this kind of care providing mothers.

RESUMO Introdução: Cuidar completamente das crianças com microcefalia é um grande desafio para os seus cuidadores. A situação de vulnerabilidade social aliada à complexidade do cuidado pode levar à sobrecarga com perda de qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre aspectos socioeconómicos, domínio social da qualidade de vida e sobrecarga de mães cuidadoras de crianças com microcefalia. Metodologia: Estudo transversal com 105 participantes, por meio da aplicação de questionários sociodemográficos, WHOQOL-BREF, sobrecarga do cuidador. Foram utilizados os testes ANOVA, t de Student, e coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r). Resultados: População de mães pardas (65.7%), desempregadas (88.6%), dependentes de benefícios sociais (76.2%), baixa escolaridade (50.5%) e insuficiência financeira (90.5%). A média do domínio social foi considerada baixa (51.11). Houve associação entre benefício social e pontuação total de qualidade de vida (p=0.046). As mães sofrem sobrecarga severa (39%) e intensa (30.4%). Foi encontrada associação entre os níveis de sobrecarga e as variáveis de etnia (p= 0.027), ocupação (p= 0.043) e meio de transporte (p <0.0001). A sobrecarga tem um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida (r= -.463, p <0.0001), percepção de qualidade de vida (r= -.476, p= <0.0001), qualidade de vida total (r= -.576, p= <0.0010). Conclusões: As mães cuidadoras sofrem sobrecarga com perda de qualidade de vida. Os aspectos sociais influenciam diretamente e podem potenciar a sobrecarga do cuidado. A enfermagem tem um papel fundamental na criação e implementação de linhas de cuidados com ênfase na promoção da saúde e no alívio da sobrecarga do cuidador.

Bones of teleost fish demonstrate high fracture strain.

The endoskeleton of teleosts (bony fish) includes a vertebral spine with articulating rib bones (RBs) similar to humans and further encompasses mineralized tissues that are not found in mammals, including intermuscular bones (IBs). RBs form through endochondral ossification and protect the inner organs, and IBs form through intramembranous ossification within the myosepta and play a role in force transmission and propulsion during locomotion. Based on previous findings suggesting that IBs show a much higher ability for fracture strain compared to mammalian bones, this study aims to investigate whether this ability is general to teleost bones or specific to IBs. We analyzed RBs and IBs of 25 North Atlantic Herring fish. RBs were analyzed using micro-mechanical tensile testing and micro-computed tomography, and both RB and IB were additionally analyzed with Raman spectroscopy. Based on our previous results from IB, we found that RBs are more elastically deformable (on average, 50% higher yield strain and 115% higher elastic work) and stronger (55% higher fracture stress) than values reported for IBs. However, these differences were neither associated with a higher Young's modulus nor a higher degree of mineralization in RBs. Astonishingly, RBs and IBs showed similar fracture strains (12-15% on average, reaching up to 20%), reflecting a much higher ability for tensile deformation than reported for mammalian bone, and further highlighting the biomimetic potential of teleost fish bones for inspiring innovative biomaterials.

Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultivation in seawater and reduced nutrients: Bioprocess strategy for increasing carbohydrates in biomass.

This study aimed to evaluate the growth and production of biomolecules by Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultivated in seawater. The seawater was used without nutrient addition (SW0) and supplemented with 100% (SW100), 50% (SW50), and 25% (SW25) nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, and EDTA concentrations that make up the Zarrouk culture medium. When grown in SW0, Spirulina sp. LEB 18 showed maximum biomass concentration (2.17 g L-1) on the 11th d of cultivation and an increase in the carbohydrate content and productivity by 203% and 52%, respectively, when compared to the control culture. This cultivation strategy demonstrated the feasibility of using seawater as an alternative to freshwater in cultures as well as reduced nutritional requirements for biomass and carbohydrate production.

Divergência fenotípica entre éguas Crioulas das linhagens uruguaia "La invernada", argentina "Cardal" e chilena / [Phenotypic divergence between Criollo mares lines of the Uruguayan "La invernada", Argentine "Cardal" and Chilean]

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a dissimilaridade fenotípica de amostras populacionais de três linhagens de éguas Crioulas, uruguaia (La Invernada), argentina (Cardal) e chilena, para caracteres morfológicos, apontando as características de maior variância intra e entre as diferentes linhagens que são passíveis de seleção. Foram avaliadas 22 características morfológicas de 113 éguas da linhagem uruguaia "La Invernada", 38 argentinas "Cardal" e 73 chilenas puras, totalizando 224 éguas de cria pertencentes à raça Crioula. Para determinação das variáveis lineares e de perímetro, foi utilizada fita métrica, prumo, paquímetro e hipômetro. Verificou-se variabilidade nas características morfológicas entre as três linhagens (P<0,05), incluindo as características lineares altura, perímetro de tórax e perímetro de canela (P<0,01), consideradas de caráter impositivo para fins de registro. Maior variação fenotípica foi observada nas éguas da linhagem chilena em relação aos outros dois grupos genéticos (P<0,01). As características morfológicas altura garupa, perímetro rostral pescoço, comprimento metatarso, largura garupa, profundidade do tórax, comprimento dorsal pescoço e comprimento do corpo foram passíveis de seleção entre as éguas Crioulas pertencentes às linhagens argentina (Cardal), uruguaia (La Invernada) e chilena. Em conclusão, não há homogeneidade entre as linhagens estudadas, o que identifica a diversidade entre as linhagens de éguas Crioulas estudadas.(AU)

The aim of the study was to analyze the phenotypic dissimilarity of morphological characteristics of three strains of Criollo mares, Uruguian (La Invernada), Argentine (Cardal), and Chilena, pointing to the characteristics of higher variance within and among the different strains that are selectable. We evaluated 22 morphological characteristics of 113 mares of the Uruguaian line, 38 Argentines and 73 pure Chilean, totaling 224 breeding mares belonging to the criollo breed. For the determination of the linear and perimeter variables, a metric tape, plumb, pachymeter and hypometer were used. There was variability in the morphological characteristics between the three strains (P<0.05), including the linear characteristics of height, chest circumference and perimeter of cinnamon (P<0.01), considered as taxation for registration purposes. Higher phenotypic variation was observed in the mares of the Chilean line in relation to the other two genetic groups (P<0.01). The morphological characteristics of height croup, rostral perimeter neck, metatarsal length, croup width, chest depth, dorsal neck length, and body length were the selectable characteristics among the breeding mares belonging to the Argentine (Cardal), Uruguaian (La Invernada) and Chilena strains. In conclusion, there is no homogeneity between the studied strains, which identifies the diversity among the lines of Criollo mares studied.(AU)

Histological analysis of elastic cartilages treated with alkaline solution / Análise histológica de cartilagens elásticas tratadas com solução alcalina

The elastic cartilage is composed by chondroblasts and chondrocytes, extracellular matrix and surrounded by perichondrium. It has a low regeneration capacity and is a challenge in surgical repair. One of obstacles in engineering a structurally sound and long-lasting tissue is selecting the most appropriate scaffold material. One of the techniques for obtaining biomaterials from animal tissues is the decellularization that decreases antigenicity. In this work, alkaline solution was used in bovine ear elastic cartilages to evaluate the decellularization and the architecture of the extracellular matrix. The cartilages were treated in alkaline solution (pH13) for 72 hours and lyophilized to be compared with untreated cartilages by histological analysis (hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome and Verhoeff slides). Areas of interest for cell counting and elastic fiber quantification were delineated, and the distribution of collagen and elastic fibers and the presence of non-fibrous proteins were observed. The results demonstrated that the alkaline solution caused 90% decellularization in the middle and 13% in the peripheral region, and maintenance of the histological characteristics of the collagen and elastic fibers and non-fibrous protein removal. It was concluded that the alkaline solution was efficient in the decellularization and removal of non-fibrous proteins from the elastic cartilages of the bovine ear.(AU)

A cartilagem elástica é composta por condroblastos e condrócitos, matriz extracelular e envolta por pericôndrio. Possui uma baixa capacidade de regeneração e é um desafio em reparos cirúrgicos. Um dos obstáculos na engenharia de tecido estruturalmente sólido e de longa duração é a seleção do material de arcabouço mais adequado. Uma das técnicas para obtenção de biomateriais oriundos de tecidos animais é a descelularização, que diminui a antigenicidade. Neste trabalho, foi utilizada solução alcalina em cartilagem elástica auricular bovina para avaliar a descelularização e a arquitetura da matriz extracelular. As cartilagens foram tratadas em solução alcalina (pH13) durante 72 horas e liofilizadas, e comparadas com cartilagens não tratadas por análise histológica (hematoxilina-eosina, tricrômio de Masson e Verhoeff). Foram determinadas as áreas de interesse para contagem celular e quantificação de fibras elásticas, observada a distribuição de colágeno e fibras elásticas e a presença de proteínas não fibrosas. Os resultados demonstraram que a solução alcalina causou 90% de descelularização na região central e 13% na região periférica, manutenção das características histológicas do colágeno e fibras elásticas e remoção das proteínas não fibrosas. Concluiu-se que a solução alcalina foi eficiente na descelularização e retirada de proteínas não fibrosas de cartilagens elásticas da orelha de bovinos.(AU)