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.

Perinatal exposure to a high-fat diet alters proopiomelanocortin, neuropeptide Y and dopaminergic receptors gene expression and the food preference in offspring adult rats / Exposição perinatal a uma dieta hiperlipídica altera a expressão gênica de proopiomelanocortina, neuropepitídeo Y e receptores dopaminérgicos e a preferência alimentar em ratos adultos descendentes

Exposure to the hight-fat diet may alter the control of food intake promoting hyperphagia and obesity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of this diet on dopamine receptors (drd1 and drd2), proopiomelanocortin (pomc), neuropeptideY (npy) genes expression, and preference food in adult rats. Wistar female rats were fed a hight-fat or control diet during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring were allocated into groups: Lactation - Control (C) and High-fat (H). Post-weaning ­ Control Control (CC), offspring of mothers C, fed a control diet after weaning; Control Hight-fat (CH), offspring of mothers C, fed a hight-fat diet after weaning; Hight-fat Control (HC), offspring of mothers H, fed with control diet after weaning; and Hight-fat Hight-fat (HH), offspring of mothers H, fed a H diet after weaning. The groups CH and HH presented greater expression of drd1 in comparison to the CC. The drd2 of CH and HC presented higher gene expression than did CC. HH presented higher pomc expression in comparison to the other groups. HC also presented greater expression in comparison to CH. The npy of HH presented greater expression in relation to CH and HC. HH and HC have had a higher preference for a high-fat diet at 102º life's day. The high-fat diet altered the gene expression of the drd1, drd2, pomc and npy, and influencing the food preference for high-fat diet.

A exposição à dieta hiperlipídica pode alterar o controle da ingestão de alimentos, promovendo hiperfagia e obesidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos dessa dieta sobre a expressão gênica dos receptores de dopamina (drd1 e drd2), da proopiomelanocortina (pomc) e neuropeptídeo Y (npy), e preferência alimentar em ratos adultos. Ratas Wistar foram alimentadas com uma dieta hiperlipídica ou controle durante a gestação e lactação. Os descendentes foram alocados em grupos: Lactação ­ Controle (C) e Hiperlipídica (H). Pós-desmame - Controle Controle (CC), descendentes das genitoras do grupo controle e alimentados com dieta controle após o desmame; Controle Hiperlipídica (CH), descendentes das genitoras do grupo controle e alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica após o desmame; Hiperlipídica Controle (HC), descendentes das genitoras do grupo hiperlipídica e alimentados com dieta controle após o desmame; Hiperlipídica Hiperlipídica (HH), descendentes das genitoras do grupo hiperlipídica e alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica após o desmame. Os grupos CH e HH apresentaram maior expressão de drd1 em comparação ao CC. O drd2 de CH e HC apresentou maior expressão gênica que o CC. HH apresentou maior expressão de pomc em comparação com os outros grupos. O HC também apresentou maior expressão de pomc em comparação ao CH. O npy do HH apresentou maior expressão em relação ao CH e HC. HH e HC tiveram uma preferência maior por uma dieta rica em gordura no 102º dia de vida. A dieta hiperlipídica alterou a expressão gênica dos drd1, drd2, pomc e npy e influenciou na preferência alimentar pela dieta hiperlipídica.

Perinatal exposure to a high-fat diet alters proopiomelanocortin, neuropeptide Y and dopaminergic receptors gene expression and the food preference in offspring adult rats / Exposição perinatal a uma dieta hiperlipídica altera a expressão gênica de proopiomelanocortina, neuropepitídeo Y e receptores dopaminérgicos e a preferência alimentar em ratos adultos descendentes

Exposure to the hight-fat diet may alter the control of food intake promoting hyperphagia and obesity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of this diet on dopamine receptors (drd1 and drd2), proopiomelanocortin (pomc), neuropeptideY (npy) genes expression, and preference food in adult rats. Wistar female rats were fed a hight-fat or control diet during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring were allocated into groups: Lactation – Control (C) and High-fat (H). Post- weaning – Control Control (CC), offspring of mothers C, fed a control diet after weaning; Control Hight-fat (CH), offspring of mothers C, fed a hight-fat diet after weaning; Hight-fat Control (HC), offspring of mothers H, fed with control diet after weaning; and Hight-fat Hight-fat (HH), offspring of mothers H, fed a H diet after weaning. The groups CH and HH presented greater expression of drd1 in comparison to the CC. The drd2 of CH and HC presented higher gene expression than did CC. HH presented higher pomc expression in comparison to the other groups. HC also presented greater expression in comparison to CH. The npy of HH presented greater expression in relation to CH and HC. HH and HC have had a higher preference for a high-fat diet at 102º life’s day. The high-fat diet altered the gene expression of the drd1, drd2, pomc and npy, and influencing the food preference for high-fat diet.

A exposição à dieta hiperlipídica pode alterar o controle da ingestão de alimentos, promovendo hiperfagia e obesidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos dessa dieta sobre a expressão gênica dos receptores de dopamina (drd1 e drd2), da proopiomelanocortina (pomc) e neuropeptídeo Y (npy), e preferência alimentar em ratos adultos. Ratas Wistar foram alimentadas com uma dieta hiperlipídica ou controle durante a gestação e lactação. Os descendentes foram alocados em grupos: Lactação – Controle (C) e Hiperlipídica (H). Pós-desmame – Controle Controle (CC), descendentes das genitoras do grupo controle e alimentados com dieta controle após o desmame; Controle Hiperlipídica (CH), descendentes das genitoras do grupo controle e alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica após o desmame; Hiperlipídica Controle (HC), descendentes das genitoras do grupo hiperlipídica e alimentados com dieta controle após o desmame; Hiperlipídica Hiperlipídica (HH), descendentes das genitoras do grupo hiperlipídica e alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica após o desmame. Os grupos CH e HH apresentaram maior expressão de drd1 em comparação ao CC. O drd2 de CH e HC apresentou maior expressão gênica que o CC. HH apresentou maior expressão de pomc em comparação com os outros grupos. O HC também apresentou maior expressão de pomc em comparação ao CH. O npy do HH apresentou maior expressão em relação ao CH e HC. HH e HC tiveram uma preferência maior por uma dieta rica em gordura no 102º dia de vida. A dieta hiperlipídica alterou a expressão gênica dos drd1, drd2, pomc e npy e influenciou na preferência alimentar pela dieta hiperlipídica.

Perinatal exposure to a high-fat diet alters proopiomelanocortin, neuropeptide Y and dopaminergic receptors gene expression and the food preference in offspring adult rats

Abstract Exposure to the hight-fat diet may alter the control of food intake promoting hyperphagia and obesity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of this diet on dopamine receptors (drd1 and drd2), proopiomelanocortin (pomc), neuropeptideY (npy) genes expression, and preference food in adult rats. Wistar female rats were fed a hight-fat or control diet during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring were allocated into groups: Lactation Control (C) and High-fat (H). Post-weaning Control Control (CC), offspring of mothers C, fed a control diet after weaning; Control Hight-fat (CH), offspring of mothers C, fed a hight-fat diet after weaning; Hight-fat Control (HC), offspring of mothers H, fed with control diet after weaning; and Hight-fat Hight-fat (HH), offspring of mothers H, fed a H diet after weaning. The groups CH and HH presented greater expression of drd1 in comparison to the CC. The drd2 of CH and HC presented higher gene expression than did CC. HH presented higher pomc expression in comparison to the other groups. HC also presented greater expression in comparison to CH. The npy of HH presented greater expression in relation to CH and HC. HH and HC have had a higher preference for a high-fat diet at 102º lifes day. The high-fat diet altered the gene expression of the drd1, drd2, pomc and npy, and influencing the food preference for high-fat diet.

Resumo A exposição à dieta hiperlipídica pode alterar o controle da ingestão de alimentos, promovendo hiperfagia e obesidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos dessa dieta sobre a expressão gênica dos receptores de dopamina (drd1 e drd2), da proopiomelanocortina (pomc) e neuropeptídeo Y (npy), e preferência alimentar em ratos adultos. Ratas Wistar foram alimentadas com uma dieta hiperlipídica ou controle durante a gestação e lactação. Os descendentes foram alocados em grupos: Lactação Controle (C) e Hiperlipídica (H). Pós-desmame Controle Controle (CC), descendentes das genitoras do grupo controle e alimentados com dieta controle após o desmame; Controle Hiperlipídica (CH), descendentes das genitoras do grupo controle e alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica após o desmame; Hiperlipídica Controle (HC), descendentes das genitoras do grupo hiperlipídica e alimentados com dieta controle após o desmame; Hiperlipídica Hiperlipídica (HH), descendentes das genitoras do grupo hiperlipídica e alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica após o desmame. Os grupos CH e HH apresentaram maior expressão de drd1 em comparação ao CC. O drd2 de CH e HC apresentou maior expressão gênica que o CC. HH apresentou maior expressão de pomc em comparação com os outros grupos. O HC também apresentou maior expressão de pomc em comparação ao CH. O npy do HH apresentou maior expressão em relação ao CH e HC. HH e HC tiveram uma preferência maior por uma dieta rica em gordura no 102º dia de vida. A dieta hiperlipídica alterou a expressão gênica dos drd1, drd2, pomc e npy e influenciou na preferência alimentar pela dieta hiperlipídica.

Perinatal exposure to a high-fat diet alters proopiomelanocortin, neuropeptide Y and dopaminergic receptors gene expression and the food preference in offspring adult rats.

Exposure to the hight-fat diet may alter the control of food intake promoting hyperphagia and obesity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of this diet on dopamine receptors (drd1 and drd2), proopiomelanocortin (pomc), neuropeptideY (npy) genes expression, and preference food in adult rats. Wistar female rats were fed a hight-fat or control diet during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring were allocated into groups: Lactation - Control (C) and High-fat (H). Post-weaning - Control Control (CC), offspring of mothers C, fed a control diet after weaning; Control Hight-fat (CH), offspring of mothers C, fed a hight-fat diet after weaning; Hight-fat Control (HC), offspring of mothers H, fed with control diet after weaning; and Hight-fat Hight-fat (HH), offspring of mothers H, fed a H diet after weaning. The groups CH and HH presented greater expression of drd1 in comparison to the CC. The drd2 of CH and HC presented higher gene expression than did CC. HH presented higher pomc expression in comparison to the other groups. HC also presented greater expression in comparison to CH. The npy of HH presented greater expression in relation to CH and HC. HH and HC have had a higher preference for a high-fat diet at 102º life's day. The high-fat diet altered the gene expression of the drd1, drd2, pomc and npy, and influencing the food preference for high-fat diet.

Curcumin loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles for activity-enhanced antibacterial and anticancer applications.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles and curcumin have been shown to be excellent antimicrobial agents and promising anticancer agents, both on their own as well as in combination. Together, they have potential as alternatives/supplements to antibiotics and traditional anticancer drugs. In this study, different morphologies of zinc oxide-grafted curcumin nanocomposites (ZNP-Cs) were synthesized and characterized using SEM, TGA, FTIR, XRD and UV-vis spectrophotometry. Antimicrobial assays were conducted against both Gram negative and Gram-positive bacterial stains. Spherical ZnO-curcumin nanoparticles (SZNP-Cs) and rod-shaped ZnO-curcumin nanoparticles showed the most promising activity against tested bacterial strains. The inhibition zones for these curcumin-loaded ZnO nanocomposites were consistently larger than their bare counterparts or pure curcumin, revealing an additve effect between the ZnO and curcumin components. The potential anticancer activity of the synthesized nanocomposites was studied on the rhabdomyosarcoma RD cell line via MTT assay, while their cytotoxic effects were tested against human embryonic kidney cells using the resazurin assay. SZNP-Cs exhibited the best balance between the two, showing the lowest toxicity against healthy cells and good anticancer activity. The results of this investigation demonstrate that the nanomatrix synthesized can act as an effective, additively-enhanced combination delivery/therapeutic agent, holding promise for anticancer therapy and other biomedical applications.

Facile and low-cost synthesis of pure hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles from naturally occurring laterites and their superior adsorption capability towards acid-dyes.

Hematite nanoparticles have a broad range of outstanding applications such as in wastewater treatment, electrolytic studies, and photoelectrochemical and superparamagnetic applications. Therefore, the development of facile and novel methods to synthesize hematite nanoparticles using low-cost raw materials is an important and timely requirement. In this study, we have developed a facile economical route to synthesize hematite nanoparticles, directly from the naturally occurring material laterite. Laterite is a rock that is rich in Fe and Al with extensive distribution in large mineable quantities in many countries around the world, though not yet utilized for major industrial applications. In this method, ferric ions in the laterite were leached out using acid and the solution obtained was hydrolyzed with slow-release hydroxyl ions which were acquired by aqueous decomposition of urea. The resulted precursor was calcined to obtain hematite nanoparticles. Characterization data shows that the final product is comprised of spherical hematite nanoparticles with a narrow particle size vs. frequency distribution with an average particle diameter of 35 nm. The synthesized product has a purity of over 98%. Furthermore, the synthesized nanoparticles show an excellent adsorption percentage as high as 70%, even when the initial dye concentration in water is 5000 ppm and the amount of material is minimal, towards acid dyes which are excessively used in textile based industries. Such acid dyes are a threat to the environment when they are released into water bodies by industries in massive quantities. Therefore synthesized hematite nanoparticles are ideal to treat dye wastewater in industrial effluents because such nanoparticles are low cost and economical, and the synthesis procedure is rather facile and effective.

Effect of networked hybridized nanoparticle reinforcement on the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of natural rubber composites.

Thermal conductivity of natural rubber (NR) was enhanced by incorporating novel conductive hybrid nanofillers, namely polyaniline grafted carbon black (PANI/CB) nanoparticles and carbon black nanoparticles linked with carbon microfiber (CF/CB) composites. The PANI/CB hybrid fillers were synthesized using an in situ method, where aniline monomers were initially adsorbed onto carbon black spherical domains and, afterwards, it was polymerized in the presence of an oxidizer. Final rubber composites were prepared through melt mixing, where PANI/CB and CF/CB filler loading was kept at 40 parts per hundred of rubber (phr). The thermal conductivity values of the rubber composites with CF/CB (20 : 20) and PANI/CB (20 : 20) yield were 0.45 W m-1 K-1 and 0.31 W m-1 K-1, respectively and the thermal conductivity improved significantly compared to the control (0.25 W m-1 K-1) sample. The higher thermal conductivity values of CF/CB and PANI/CB incorporated composites suggest that the generated networked structure of CF and PANI nanofibers with CB nanoparticles has immensely contributed to enhancing the heat dissipation compared to that of the neat CB rubber composite. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) confirmed the attachment of the synthesized PANI onto the spherical CB nanoparticles and interconnected morphology of CF/CB and PANI/CB hybrid fillers. The synthesized PANI/CB hybrid filler was further characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to evaluate the chemical properties. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis revealed the higher thermal stability of CF/CB (20 : 20) and PANI/CB (20 : 20) composites compared to the control. Moreover, the addition of CF/CB (20 : 20) and PANI/CB (20 : 20) improved the mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength, modulus at break, resilience and abrasion resistance significantly and well above the minimum required standard mechanical parameters in the tyre industry. These reinforced composites show great potential to be used as heat dissipating rubber composites in the tyre industry.

Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Reinforced Electrospun Alginate-Based Nanofibrous Scaffolds with Improved Physical Properties.

Mechanically robust alginate-based nanofibrous scaffolds were successfully fabricated by electrospinning method to mimic the natural extracellular matrix structure which benefits development and regeneration of tissues. Alginate-based nanofibres were electrospun from an alginate/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polyelectrolyte complex. SEM images revealed the spinnability of the complex composite nanofibrous scaffolds, showing randomly oriented, ultrafine, and virtually defects-free alginate-based/MgO nanofibrous scaffolds. Here, it is shown that an alginate/PVA complex scaffold, blended with near-spherical MgO nanoparticles (⌀ 45 nm) at a predetermined concentration (10% (w/w)), is electrospinnable to produce a complex composite nanofibrous scaffold with enhanced mechanical stability. For the comparison purpose, chemically cross-linked electrospun alginate-based scaffolds were also fabricated. Tensile test to rupture revealed the significant differences in the tensile strength and elastic modulus among the alginate scaffolds, alginate/MgO scaffolds, and cross-linked alginate scaffolds (P < 0.05). In contrast to cross-linked alginate scaffolds, alginate/MgO scaffolds yielded the highest tensile strength and elastic modulus while preserving the interfibre porosity of the scaffolds. According to the thermogravimetric analysis, MgO reinforced alginate nanofibrous scaffolds exhibited improved thermal stability. These novel alginate-based/MgO scaffolds are economical and versatile and may be further optimised for use as extracellular matrix substitutes for repair and regeneration of tissues.

Comportamento ingestivo e parâmetros sanguíneos em ovinos que receberam dietas contendo aditivos à base de extratos de própolis em pó / Ingestive behavior and blood profile in sheep fed with diets containing powdered propolis extract additives

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do extrato de própolis (LLOSC2) sobre o comportamento ingestivo e os parâmetros sanguíneos em cordeiros alimentados com dieta concentrada. Foram utilizados quatro cordeiros machos, castrados, sem raça definida e com peso médio inicial de 32±1,92kg, mantidos em gaiolas metabólicas individuais durante todo o período experimental. O delineamento experimental foi em quadrado latino 4x4, com quatro animais, quatro dietas e quatro períodos experimentais. As dietas diferiram em relação à adição ou não de extratos de própolis à ração. As dietas testadas diferiam na adição de zero (controle), 1(88,16mg/g de flavonoides), duas (176,32mg/g de flavonoides) ou três (264,48mg/g de flavonoides) doses de aditivo à base de extrato de própolis LLOSC2. A dieta tinha relação volumoso:concentrado de 40:60 e foi formulada para ganhos de 250g. A ração concentrada era composta de milho e farelo de soja. O comportamento ingestivo dos animais foi observado por 24 horas, divididas em quatro períodos de seis horas. As coletas de sangue eram realizadas no último dia do período. Não houve efeito das doses LLOSC2 sobre o tempo despendido em alimentação, ruminação, ócio e ingestão de água. A duração do ciclo ruminativo foi maior nos animais que receberam duas doses de LLOSC2, e o número de movimentos mastigatórios também tendeu a aumentar no período que compreendia das 13 às 19h. Já a dieta contendo uma dose de LLOSC2 aumentou a duração da ruminação do bolo bem como o seu número total de mastigações no período de uma a sete horas. Houve uma diminuição nos níveis séricos de cortisol com a adição de três doses de LLOSC2. O hemograma, o leucograma, o perfil bioquímico e as imunoglobulinas não foram afetados pela inclusão das doses de LLSOC2. A administração de extrato de própolis LLOSC2 à dieta de ovinos não afetou seu comportamento ingestivo, os parâmetros hematológicos, bioquímicos e imunológicos estudados.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of propolis extract (LLOS 2) on feeding behavior and blood parameters in lambs fed concentrate diet. Four male lambs were castrated, mongrel and average weight of 32±1.92kg, kept in individual metabolic cages throughout the trial period. The experimental design was a Latin square 4 x 4 with four animals, four treatments and four experimental periods. The diets differed according to addition or not of propolis extracts to feed. The experimental diets differed in addition to zero (control), 1 (88.16mg/g flavonoids) 2 (176.32mg/g flavonoids) or 3 (264.48mg/g flavonoids) Additive doses based on LLOSC2 propolis extract. The diet had a forage:concentrate ratio of 40:60 and was formulated to 250g gains. The concentrate ration was composed based on corn and soybean meal. The feeding behavior of the animals were observed for 24 hours, divided into four periods of 6 hours. Blood collections were made on the last day of the period. There was no effect of LLOSC2 doses on time spent eating, ruminating, leisure and water intake. The duration of the ruminative cycle was higher in animals that received two doses of LLOSC2 and the number of chewing movements also tended to increase in the period comprised from 13 to 19h. Since the diet containing a dose of LLOSC2, increased duration of rumination cake as well as its total number of chewing in the period of 1 to 7 hours. There was a decrease in serum cortisol with the addition of three doses of LLOSC2. The blood count, white blood cell count, biochemical profile and immunoglobulins were not affected by the inclusion of doses of LLSOC2. Administration of LLOSC2 propolis extract the sheep diet did not affect their feeding behavior, hematological, biochemical and immunological studies.(AU)

Joint lavage followed by viscosupplementation and triamcinolone in patients with severe haemophilic arthropathy: objective functional results.

INTRODUCTION: Viscosupplementation can improve function in haemophilia patients. Viscosupplementation results can be improved by prior joint lavage and triamcinolone administration. AIM: To objectively assess whether viscosupplementation and associated triamcinolone use in patients with severe haemophilic arthropathy following joint lavage improves force and balance and reduces bleeding events. METHODS: Fourteen patients with haemophilic knee arthritis with and without the involvement of other joints underwent joint lavage and subsequent injections of Hylan G-F20 and triamcinolone into all affected joints. Patients were evaluated with NeuroCom® force and balance platforms using the step-up-and-over task (STP), sit-to-stand test (STS), one-leg stance (UNI) and weight-bearing squat (WBS) at baseline and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure. Bleeding events in the year prior to and the year after the procedure were analysed. RESULTS: Sixteen knees, 15 ankles, eight elbows and one shoulder were treated. The STP results indicated improvements in the lift-up indices (right leg) at all time points evaluated (P = 0.03). The STS results revealed coupled improvement in weight transfer and the rising index for up to a year (P = 0.02). Balance (UNI) with eyes open or closed improved in all evaluations. The WBS results revealed improvements at all degrees of flexion (0, P = 0.003; 30°, P = 0.001; 60°, P < 0.001 and 90°, P < 0.001). The numbers of total and traumatic bleeding events were reduced (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Joint lavage followed by injections of triamcinolone and Hylan G-F20 improved balance, function and bleeding events in severe haemophilic arthropathy patients.

Nano-MgO reinforced chitosan nanocomposites for high performance packaging applications with improved mechanical, thermal and barrier properties.

Chitosan nanocomposite thin films were fabricated by incorporating MgO nanoparticles to significantly improve its physical properties for potential packaging applications. A novel in-situ method was developed to synthesise spherical shaped MgO nanoparticles by heat-treating magnesium carbonate/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composite precursor. Optimum mechanical properties of chitosan composites were yielded at 5 (w/w%) of MgO concentration, where tensile stress and elastic modulus significantly improved by 86% and 38%, respectively, compared to those of pure chitosan films. These improvements are due to the interaction of hydroxyl and amine groups of chitosan with MgO as confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Fracture surface morphology indicated the interplay between MgO dispersion and aggregation on the mechanical properties at different MgO concentrations. Furthermore, the chitosan/MgO nanocomposites displayed remarkable thermal stability, flame retardant properties (satisfied V0 rating according to the UL-94 standards), UV shielding and moisture barrier properties, which could certainly add value to the packaging material.

Uso do enriquecimento ambiental na manutenção de Spilotes pullatus (Serpentes: Colubridae) no Museu Biológico do Instituto Butantan

O enriquecimento ambiental é um princípio de manejo animal que visa incrementar os cuidados com os animais cativos através de intervenções no recinto onde o animal está alojado, com a intenção de promover os estímulos necessários ao bem-estar psicológico e fisiológico, aumentando a qualidade de vida dos animais. O enriquecimento pode ser alimentar, olfativo ou mobiliário (intervenções no espaço onde vive o animal), e o conhecimento prévio da história natural da espécie a ser trabalhada é essencial para seu sucesso. Já bastante utilizado e com bons resultados em mamíferos e aves, o enriquecimento ambiental foi pouquíssimo trabalhado com serpentes, animais que respondem pouco aos estímulos e cujo comportamento dificulta e mensuração da resposta a esses estímulos. O Museu Biológico do Instituto Butantan tem como objetivos a divulgação científica,educação ambiental e a pesquisa por meio da exposição de animais que compõem a fauna herpetológica do Brasil. A espécie escolhida para este trabalho foi a S. pullatus, serpente arborícola de grande porte, de coloração amarelo e preta, que geralmente atrai a atenção do público. Este trabalho contempla a área de pesquisa em herpetologia, além de tentar proporcionar melhores condições às serpentes. O enriquecimento ambiental no recinto das S. pullatus trouxe resultados positivos, oferecendo locais apropriados para repouso às serpentes, e maiores opções de locomoção, além de tornar o recinto mais atrativo ao público.

Biomechanical and structural parameters of tendons in rats subjected to swimming exercise.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of swimming exercise, without overloading, on the biomechanical parameters of the calcaneal tendon of rats. 27 male Wistar rats (70 days) were distributed randomly into 2 groups, Control Group (CG; n=15) with restricted movements inside the cage and Swimming Group (SG; n=12), subjected to exercise training in a tank with a water temperature of 30±1°C, for 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. All animals were kept in a reversed light/dark cycle of 12 h with access to food and water ad libitum. After that, they were anesthetized and had their calcaneus tendons collected from their left rear paws. The tendon was submitted to a mechanical test on a conventional test machine. From the stress vs. strain curve, the biomechanical data were analyzed. For the statistical analysis, the Student-T test was used (p<0.05). Of the variables examined, the maximum tension (p=0.009), maximum force (p=0.03), energy of deformation/tendon cross sectional area (p=0.017) and elastic modulus of the tendon (p=0.013) showed positive outcomes in SG. There was no difference in the other parameters. The results indicate that the swimming exercise training, without overloading, was an important stimulus for improving the biomechanical parameters and structural properties of the calcaneal tendon.

Single sublethal dose of microcystin-LR is responsible for different alterations in biochemical, histological and physiological renal parameters.

Microcystins (MCYSTs) are very stable cyclic peptidic toxins produced by cyanobacteria. Their effects on hepatic tissue have been studied extensively, and they are considered to be a potent hepatotoxin. However, several effects of MCYST on other organs have also been described, but generally in studies using higher doses of MCYST. In the present work, we investigated the effect of a single sublethal dose of MCYST-LR (55 µg/kg) in Wistar rats and analyzed different aspects that influenced renal physiology, including toxin accumulation, excretion, histological morphology, biochemical responses and oxidative damage in the kidney. After 24 h of exposure to MCYST-LR, it was possible to observe an increased glomerular filtration rate (6.28 ± 1.56 vs 2.16 ± 0.48 µl/min per cm(2)) compared with the control group. Increase of interstitial space and collagen deposition corresponded to a fibrotic response to the increased production of reactive oxygen species. The observed decrease of Na(+) reabsorption was due to inhibition of the activity of both Na(+) pumps in proximal tubules cells. We suggested that this modulation is mediated by the effect of MCYST as a phosphatase protein inhibitor that maintains the sustained kinase-mediated regulatory phosphorylation of the ATPases. The observed alteration of Na(+) active transporters lead to damage of renal function, since are involved in regulation of water and solute reabsorption in proximal tubules. The results of this report reinforce the importance of understanding the molecular effects of a single sublethal dose of MCYST-LR, which, in this study, was responsible for macro-alterations found in the renal parenchyma and renal physiology in rats.

Clinical and ultrasonographic correlation between scapular dyskinesia and subacromial space measurement among junior elite tennis players.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the hypothesis that tennis players with scapular dyskinesia present a smaller subacromial space than non-athletes was investigated. Additionally, the correlation between the size of the subacromial space and abnormalities in scapular movement during arm abduction was studied. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 53 elite tennis players and 20 control participants were enrolled in the study. Participation was restricted to elite-level, junior tennis players who had no current shoulder pain or history of shoulder injuries. INTERVENTION: Each individual was examined for scapular dyskinesia by a single physician and by ultrasound, with the results analysed in a blind fashion by a single radiologist. RESULTS: 43.4% of the tennis players and 20% of control participants presented with scapular dyskinesia. Of the 106 shoulders evaluated, 39.6% of tennis players and 10% of control participants presented with scapular dyskinesia in the clinical examination (p = 0.005). Ultrasonographic measurements demonstrated that tennis players presented statistically smaller subacromial spaces compared with control participants (p<0.001). A decrease in the subacromial space was observed in tennis players when the shoulder was raised from 0 degrees to 60 degrees of abduction; however, dyskinesia-afflicted athletes demonstrated a significantly greater decrease following this movement (19.3 vs 13.8 mm, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that tennis players with scapular dyskinesia present a smaller subacromial space than control participants. Furthermore, when the shoulder was analysed dynamically, moving from neutral abduction to 60 degrees of elevation, the tennis players with scapular dyskinesia presented a greater reduction in the subacromial space compared with unaffected athletes.

Sacral stress fracture: an unusual cause of low back pain in an amateur tennis player.

Stress fractures are common in athletes, and their incidence in sport is estimated at 2-4%. A case is reported of a stress fracture of the sacrum in an amateur tennis player. The patient was treated with rest and physiotherapy, focusing on stretching programmes and analgesic treatments, followed by an educational programme of tennis training and muscle strengthening. This appears to be the first report of this pathology in a tennis player.

Shoulder strength profile in elite junior tennis players: horizontal adduction and abduction isokinetic evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To establish normative data for muscle performance during isokinetic horizontal abduction and adduction of the shoulder in elite junior tennis players. METHODS: Thirty six tennis players were evaluated (23 male, 13 female; mean age 14 years (range 12-18)). An isokinetic dynamometer was used to test the shoulder horizontal abductors and adductors at 60 and 180 degrees/s. Absolute and relative peak torque (PT and PT/BW), total work (TW), endurance ratio (ER), and the ratio of the peak torque between horizontal abductors and adductors (HAB/HAD ratio) were recorded. Data were compared for the dominant and non-dominant shoulders, horizontal abductor and adductor muscles, and between players grouped according to age. RESULTS: The dominant shoulder was significantly (p<0.05) stronger than the non-dominant shoulder in all variables except ER and HAB/HAD ratio. The abductors were significantly (p<0.05) weaker than the adductors in all subjects. The type of backhand (one handed or two handed) did not influence the strength of the shoulder horizontal abductors on the dominant side. The number of years of tennis practice had an effect on muscle strength as evaluated by absolute data (PT and TW) but not relative measurements (PT/BW and TW/BW). CONCLUSION: The findings confirm that horizontal abduction and adduction are stronger in the dominant shoulder of junior tennis players. The clinical relevance of these findings is not established, and more studies are needed to compare tennis players with athletes from other sports and non-athletes.

Medical assistance at the Brazilian juniors tennis circuit--a one-year prospective study.

A prospective study was conducted during one year to evaluate injuries in Brazilian Junior tennis players during the national circuit, in 2001. Male and female athletes in the age categories under 12, under 14, under 16 and under 18 years, all members of The Brazilian Tennis Confederation, participated in the study. Two physiotherapists and/or one physician evaluated the athletes. A total of 280 medical examinations were performed in 151 tennis players who needed medical treatment during the tournaments. The 151 athletes had 1-6 medical treatments during the tournaments and the mean was 1.8 treatment per athlete. The overall incidence was 6.9 medical treatments for every 1,000 games played. Medical assistance tothe athletes was performed on court in 83 (29.6%) occasions, 185 (66.1%) at the medical department and in both in 12 (4.3%) occasions. Retirement of the match was reported in 9 (3.2%) lesions. The most frequent injuries were: muscle contractures (76 - 27.14%), muscle pain/fatigue (36-12.85%), muscle strain (35-12.52%), tendinopathies (20 - 7.14%), cramps (16 -5.71%), ankle sprain (12 -4.28%) and low back pain (10-3.57%). Muscle pathology was the major source of injuries causing the athlete to seek medical assistance. Preventative measures are important to reduce the number of injuries, which may include muscle stretching programs and adequate nutrition and hydration.

[Type I neurofibromatosis presenting as a progressive cervical myelopathy. The first case reported in Kaxinawa Indians]. / Neurofibromatosis tipo I manifestada como mielopatía cervical progresiva. Primer caso descrito entre los indios Kaxinawa.

INTRODUCTION: Type I neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominant disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1/3,000. Half of the new cases are due to mutations; their penetration is complete in adults and may affect any ethnic group. We describe the first reported case of type I neurofibromatosis in a Kaxinawa Indian from the state of Acre, Brazil, in whom the presenting symptoms were of progressive tetraparesis due to multiple paraspinal neurofibromata. CLINICAL CASE: A 16 year old indigenous Kaxinawa boy presented with progressive myelopathy for the past six months. On neurological examination he had hyperreflexive spastic tetraparesia, predominantly on the right side, with the sensory level at C3/C4, multiple medullary automatisms and respiratory difficulty. He also had diffuse café-au-lait stains, including one particularly prominent one measuring 15 cm on his right buttock. MR of the spine showed many hypo-intense lesions at T1 and hyperintense lesions at T2, which took up contrast and were present at all the conjugation foramens bilaterally. These lesions originated at the roots and were suggestive of neurofibromata. On mediastinal tomography there were several neurofibromata in the mediastinum. The patient had a surgical operation for spinal decompression, with a laminectomy at C1/C2 and removal of the neurofibromata on the spinal cord at C1 and C2. The patient has a sister with multiple café-au-lait stains. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the traditional isolation of the Kaxinawa Indians, with whom contact was made at the beginning of the twentieth century, this first case reported of type I neurofibromatosis may be due to a new mutation which presented as a florid form of the disease with multiple spinal neurofibromata.