Salt stress and organic fertilization on the growth and biochemical metabolism of Hylocereus costaricensis (red pitaya) seedlings.

Red pitaya (Hylocereus costaricensis) is a promising species, with high cultivation potential due to the organoleptic and functional qualities of its fruits. However, irrigation water salinity can affect the crop yield. Therefore, materials rich in organic substances can minimize the damage caused by excess salts in soil and/or water. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of organic matter sources as attenuators of salt stress on the production and biochemical responses of red pitaya seedlings. A completely randomized design in 4 × 5 factorial scheme, with five sources of organic matter (humus, sheep manure, biofertilizer, organic compost and sand + soil) and four salinities (0.6, 2.6, 4.6 and 6.6 dS m-1) with four replicates and two plants per plot was used. The shoot length, root length, cladode diameter, number of cladodes, number of sprotus, root volume, shoot dry mass, root dry mass and total dry mass, root and shoot dry mass ratio, chlorophyll a, b and total, amino acids and soluble sugars were evaluated at 120 days after the treatments began to be applied. Red pitaya is moderately tolerant to salinity (ECw from 4.0 to 6.0 dS m-1). Organic compost and sheep manure attenuate the harmful effects of salinity on red pitaya seedlings. Under salt stress conditions, red pitaya plants increase their levels of proline, amino acids and total sugars.

Identificação de portadores de Staphylococcus enterotoxigênicos e avaliação da sensibilidade a antimicrobianos / Identification of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus carriers and antimicrobial susceptibility evaluation

This study identified Staphylococcus aureus carriers among students of nutrition course, evaluating the capacity of producing staphylococcal enterotoxins (VIDAS Kit) and also the antimicrobial susceptibility (Kirby-Bauer method) of the isolates. Among 173 students sampled, 62 (35.8%) were detected as carriers of S. aureus, being 38 (61.3%) in nostrils; nine (14.5%) on the hands, and 15 (24.2%) in both sites. The production of staphylococcal toxins was detected in 71.4% of the positive-coagulase pools and in 7.1% of the negative-coagulase pools. Even though considerable resistance had been observed with azithromycin (38%), erithromycin (36%), and tetracycline (14%); cephalothin, cefoperazone, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, and oxacillin were effective to inhibit the microorganism growth. The high score of healthy carriers was alarming; however, many of the isolated Staphylococcus showed sensitive to most of the antimicrobial tested. The production of toxins was also relevant, mainly by strains that the current Brazilian legislation consider harmless.

Electromyographic activity of sternocleidomastoid muscle in patients with Parkinson's disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of levo-dopa, which means without effect-off state and under effect-on state, on the sternocleidomastoid muscle electromyographic activity (SCM-EA) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) at rest and to compare it to asymptomatic subjects. Ten patients with PD, mean age 64.6+/-6.2 (SD) years and nine asymptomatic subjects, mean age 61.4+/-5.9 (SD) years were studied. The SCM-EA was evaluated during maximal inspiratory pressure and breathing at rest through surface electromyography. Statistical analysis was performed with t-test (anthropometric data and SCM-EA of patients in off state to asymptomatic), Mann-Whitney (SCM-EA of patients in on state to asymptomatic) and Wilcoxon test (SCM-EA off and on states). The effect size index (d) was calculated for statistically significant differences. There were no significant differences in SCM electromyographic activity between patients with PD comparing off to on (p=0.13) or among on state to asymptomatic subjects (p=0.06). However, when subjects with PD in off where compared to asymptomatic there was a significantly higher SCM electromyographic activity (p=0.03, d=1.09). These patients, without levo-dopa effect, when compared with asymptomatic subjects, present a significantly higher electromyographic activity of SCM, the main accessory respiratory muscle, which could be related to an increased work of breathing.

Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from rice bran.

A study on the preparation of rice bran-based activated carbon was conducted, with and without an acid treatment step prior the activation process. The influence of the activation time on the structure of the activated carbons was evaluated. The acid treatment had a significant positive influence on sorption properties. The rice bran-activated carbon presented a BET surface area of 652m(2)g(-1) and a pore volume of 0.137cm(3)g(-1), with mesopores predominance (ca. 55%). These experimental results indicated the potential use of rice bran as a precursor in the activated carbon preparation process, thus representing an economically promising material.

The prevalence of reported asthma is independent of exposure in house dust mite-sensitized children.

In areas with low house dust mite (HDM) allergen exposure, both mite sensitization and asthma prevalence are low. In most other areas, HDM allergen exposure is higher than the threshold for sensitization. In this setting, is HDM allergen exposure a factor which is causally related to the development of asthma in HDM-sensitive individuals? To answer this question, the cumulative prevalence of asthma was evaluated in a group of 157 schoolchildren, aged 10 and 11 yrs, who were allergic to HDM allergen, and compared it with HDM allergen exposure and atopic status, using univariate and multivariate analysis. HDM allergen levels were measured in mattress dust using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Of mattress dust samples, 94% had an HDM allergen level >2 microg x g dust(-1). Atopy was evaluated by means of skin prick tests using five common allergens. Among the predictive variables studied by means of univariate analysis, only the number of positive skin tests and male sex correlated with asthma prevalence, but not HDM allergen exposure. Logistic regression analysis also demonstrated that the number of positive skin tests correlated with asthma prevalence (odds ratio (OR)=1.38, p=0.05), whereas the OR for HDM allergen exposure was 1.0. This survey suggests that, in a geographical area with high HDM allergen exposure, asthma prevalence is not linked with HDM allergen levels.

Omega-3 fatty acids in baked freshwater fish from south of Brazil.

Lipid and fatty acid levels in the edible flesh of 17 baked freshwater fish from Brazil's southern region were determined. Analyses of fatty acids methyl esters were performed by gas chromatography. Palmitic acid (C16:0) was the predominant saturated fatty acid, accouting for 50-70% of total saturated acids. Linoleic acid (C18:2 omega 6), linolenic acid (C18:3 omega 3), and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 omega 3) were the predominant polyunsatured fatty acids (PUFA). The data revealed that species such as barbado, corvina, pintado, and truta were good sources of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and that most freshwater fish examined were good sources of PUFA-omega 3.

Sex difference in Fel d 1 allergen production.

BACKGROUND: Previous experiments have shown that in vivo Fel d 1 production is under hormonal control. It strongly decreased 1 month after castration of male cats and increased after testosterone injection. OBJECTIVE: These results led us to put forward the hypothesis that Fel d 1 production could be more important in male that in female cats. Five adult male and five adult female cats were studied. METHODS: On day 0 three separate sites of each cat's trunk were shaved, and a 5.72 cm2 area in each site was washed twice (D0a and D0b) with 5 ml of distilled water. Then a collar was attached to the neck to prevent contamination from saliva. Twenty-four hours later on day 1, all areas were washed again once (D1a). Skin washes and fur extracts from the shaved areas were evaluated for Fel d 1 content. The same procedures (apart from collection of fur) were repeated 5 months later. RESULTS: The Fel d 1 level was higher in the first skin wash of male cats compared with that of female cats on each separate site of the trunk in both experiments, initially and 5 months later. Results were significant in the first experiment (median Fel d 1 per milliliter: 69.4 and 28.9 mU, respectively, for the combined three sites; p < 0.05). Fel d 1 production over a 24-hour period was higher in male cats, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, correlation between Fel d 1 levels in washes D0a and in fur was highly significant (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These results confirm that Fel d 1 originates from skin. Furthermore, they suggest that Fel d 1 production is higher in male than in female cats.

Fel d I levels in cat anal glands.

BACKGROUND: Major cat allergen Fel d I is produced consistently by skin and by sebaceous glands before being spread on the fur. OBJECTIVE: Since cats have tubular anal glands secreting sebum, proteins and lipids, we looked at the possible presence of Fel d I in these secretions and compared the levels found to those already reported in other cat tissues or secretions. METHODS: Thirty-seven cats were studied. Fel d I dosage in the anal sacs' secretions was performed using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and total protein evaluation by the Bradford's method. RESULTS: The geometric mean Fel d I concentration was 41 U/g secretion which represents 3.4% of the total protein levels. This amount is the highest ever reported in cat tissues or secretions. CONCLUSION: The close association of Fel d I protein with skin sebaceous glands and anal sacs both with holocrine function and lipids' secretions in one hand, and the homology of chain I of Fel d I with some steroid-binding proteins in other hand, suggest a possible physiological role for Fel d I in the regulation of lipids on skin and cat fur.

Indoor allergen levels in day nurseries.

BACKGROUND: Because allergic sensitization seems to occur especially during infancy, we decided to evaluate such an exposure in day nurseries. METHODS: Thirty day nurseries in Marseilles, which were selected at random, were visited during 2 weeks in April 1993. Routine cleaning includes daily cleaning of smooth floors, weekly laundering of sheets, and monthly cleaning of soft toys. Mattresses are encased in synthetic covers. Dust samples were collected from four settings: infants' mattresses and pillows, smooth floors, and soft toys. Levels of mite, cockroach, cat, and dog allergens were analyzed with a monoclonal antibody-based ELISA. RESULTS: Mite allergen levels were lower than the proposed threshold level for sensitization (2 micrograms/gm of dust) on 94% of mattresses and soft toys and on 100% of floors and pillows. Cat allergen levels in mattresses ranged from less than 0.1 to 4.5 micrograms/gm dust. On floors, cat allergen levels ranged from less than 0.1 to 2.4 micrograms/gm dust. Only 10% of pillows and soft toys had levels greater than 2 micrograms/gm of dust. Fel d I levels were significantly higher (p < 0.03) in mattresses from nurseries with curtains and were correlated with the percentage of children with a cat at home. In almost all day nurseries, cockroach allergen (Bla g I and Bla g II) levels were very low. Only three samples from mattresses had dog allergen levels greater than 2 micrograms of Can f I allergen per gram of dust. On floors the level was always lower than 2 micrograms/gm. CONCLUSIONS: These data clearly show that indoor allergen levels are much lower in day nurseries than in most houses. Most samples contain allergen levels below threshold levels for sensitization. Thus children of atopic parents are less likely to become sensitized to indoor allergens in day nurseries than in their own homes. In addition, this study emphasizes the efficacy of avoidance measures such as use of synthetic protective mattress covers, frequent washing of sheets and soft toys, and avoidance of carpets and curtains.

House dust mite allergen content in two areas with large differences in relative humidity.

BACKGROUND: Striking differences in mite counts and mite-allergen levels have been documented between dwellings located at sea level and high altitude. Apart from relative humidity (RH), several other factors, ie, temperature, UV exposure, and altitude per se could account for this difference. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether RH by itself could influence mite infestation by comparing mite-allergens levels in two towns differing only with respect to RH. METHODS: We compared group I allergen content in two Moroccan towns: Casablanca, located on the seashore and Marrakech located at 1404 feet. Mean (+/- SD) RH in years 1990 and 1991 was 81.2 +/- 2.9% in Casablanca and 56.0 +/- 7.6% in Marrakech. Mean annual temperatures were 17.7 +/- 4.0 degrees C and 20.2 +/- 6.4 degrees C in Casablanca and Marrakech, respectively. In each town, 20 asymptomatic subjects agreed to participate in the study. Their mattresses were vacuum-cleaned for a standardized duration (2 min/m2). Mite allergen-content was evaluated using monoclonal antibodies and ELISA and results expressed as micrograms of group I (Der pI+Der f I) allergens per gram of dust (micrograms/g dust). RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) group I allergen level was 8.3 +/- 8.8 micrograms/g in Casablanca and 0.6 +/- 0.6 micrograms/g dust in Marrakech, a difference that is highly significant (P = .001). In both areas, mean Der f I allergen level was low (0.7 +/- 0.5 and < 0.1 micrograms/g dust, in Casablanca and Marrakech, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study shows that house dust mite allergen content in households depends on RH rather than on temperature.