Evaluation of the Concentration of Nonessential and Essential Elements in Chicken, Pork, and Beef Samples Produced in Brazil

Food safety is a global concern. Meat represents the most important protein source for humans. Thus, contamination of meat products by nonessential elements is a ready source of human exposure. In addition, knowledge of the concentration of essential elements is also relevant with respect to human nutrition. The aim of the present study was to determine the concentration of 17 elements in pork, beef, and chicken produced in Brazil. Meat samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The estimated daily intake for nonessential elements including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and antimony (Sb) through meat consumption is below the toxicological reference values. However, high levels were detected for the nonessential element cesium (Cs), mainly in beef samples, an observation that deserves future studies to identify the source of contamination and potential adverse consequences.

The interaction of postural and voluntary strategies for stability in Parkinson's disease

de Lima-Pardini AC, Papegaaij S, Cohen RG, Teixeira LA, Smith BA, Horak FB. The interaction of postural and voluntary strategies for stability in Parkinson's disease. J Neurophysiol 108: 1244-1252, 2012. First published June 6, 2012; doi:10.1152/jn.00118.2012.-This study assessed the effects of stability constraints of a voluntary task on postural responses to an external perturbation in subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy elderly participants. Eleven PD subjects and twelve control subjects were perturbed with backward surface translations while standing and performing two versions of a voluntary task: holding a tray with a cylinder placed with the flat side down [low constraint (LC)] or with the rolling, round side down [high constraint (HC)]. Participants performed alternating blocks of LC and HC trials. PD participants accomplished the voluntary task as well as control subjects, showing slower tray velocity in the HC condition compared with the LC condition. However, the latency of postural responses was longer in the HC condition only for control subjects. Control subjects presented different patterns of hip-shoulder coordination as a function of task constraint, whereas PD subjects had a relatively invariant pattern. Initiating the experiment with the HC task led to 1) decreased postural stability in PD subjects only and 2) reduced peak hip flexion in control subjects only. These results suggest that PD impairs the capacity to adapt postural responses to constraints imposed by a voluntary task.

Comparison of Ozone and Chlorine in Low Concentrations as Sanitizing Agents of Chicken Carcasses in the Water Immersion Chiller

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the use of chlorine or ozone as sanitizing agents in the water of chicken immersion chilling, using the residual levels usually applied in Brazil (1.5 ppm), comparing the effects of these treatments on the microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics of carcasses. Chicken carcasses were chilled in water (4 degrees C) with similar residual levels of ozone and chlorine until reaching temperatures below 7 degrees C (around 45 min). The stability of carcasses was assessed during 15 days of storage at 2 +/- 1 degrees C. Microbiological, surface color (L*, a*, b* parameters), pH value, lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances index), and sensory evaluation (on a 9-point hedonic scale for odor and appearance) analyses were carried out. The presence of Salmonella was not detected, coagulase-positive staphylococci counts were below 10(2) CFU/ml of rinse fluid, and Escherichia coil and total coliform counts were below 10(5) CFU/ml of rinse fluid until the end of the storage period for both treatments. Psychrotrophic microorganism counts did not differ (P > 0.05) between chlorine and ozone treatments, and both values were near 10(9) CFU/ml of rinse fluid after 15 days at 4 +/- 1 degrees C. pH values did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05) or during the storage period (P > 0.05). In addition, neither chlorine nor ozone treatment showed differences (P > 0.05) in the lipid oxidation of carcasses; however, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances index of both treatments increased (P <= 0.05) during the storage period, reaching values of approximately 0.68 mg of malonaldehyde per kg. Samples from both treatments did not differ (P > 0.05) in their acceptance scores for odor and overall appearance, but in the evaluation of color, ozone showed an acceptance score significantly higher (P <= 0.05) than that for the chlorine treatment. In general, under the conditions tested, ozone showed results similar to the results for chlorine in the disinfection of chicken carcasses in the immersion chilling, which may indicate its use as a substitute for chlorine in poultry slaughterhouses.

Compatible blends of thermoplastic starch and hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers

Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) with 19% of vinyl acetate and its derivatives modified by hydrolysis of 50 and 100% of the initial vinyl acetate groups were used to produce blends with thermoplastic starch (TPS) plasticized with 30 wt% glycerol. The blends were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction, water absorption, stress-strain mechanical tests, dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. In contrast to the blends with unmodified EVA. those made with hydrolyzed EVA were compatible, as demonstrated by the brittle fracture surface analysis and the results of thermal and mechanical tests. The mechanical characteristics and water absorption of the TPS were improved even with a small addition (2.5 wt%) of hydrolyzed EVA. The glass transition temperature rose with the degree of hydrolysis of EVA by 40 and 50 degrees, for the EVA with 50 and 100% hydrolysis, respectively. The addition of hydrolyzed EVA proved to be an interesting approach to improving TPS properties, even when very small quantities were used, such as 2.5 wt%. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bone tissue, cellular, and molecular responses to titanium implants treated by anodic spark deposition

A myriad of titanium (Ti) surface modifications has been proposed to hasten the osseointegration. In this context, the aim of this study was to perform histomorphometric, cellular, and molecular analyses of the bone tissue grown in close contact with Ti implants treated by anodic spark deposition (ASD-AK). Acid-etched (AE) Ti implants either untreated or submitted to ASD-AK were placed into dog mandibles and retrieved at 3 and 8 weeks. It was noticed that both implants, AE and ASD-AK, were osseointegrated at 3 and 8 weeks. Histomorphometric analysis showed differences between treatments only for bone-to-implant contact, being higher on AE implants. Although not backed by histomorphometric results, gene expression of key bone markers was higher for bone grown in close contact with ASD-AK and for cells harvested from these fragments and cultured until subconfluence. Cell proliferation at days 7 and 10 and alkaline phosphatase activity at day 10 was higher on AE surfaces. No statistical significant difference was noticed for extracellular matrix mineralization at 17 days. Our results have shown that the Ti fixtures treated by ASD-AK allowed in vivo osseointegration and induced higher expression of key markers of osteoblast phenotype, suggesting that this surface treatment could be considered to produce implants for clinical applications. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:30923098, 2012.

Soil sulfur fractions dynamics and distribution in a tropical grass pasture amended with nitrogen and sulfur fertilizers

Soil sulfur (S) partitioning among the various pools and changes in tropical pasture ecosystems remain poorly understood. Our study aimed to investigate the dynamics and distribution of soil S fractions in an 8-year-old signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf.) pasture fertilized with nitrogen (N) and S. A factorial combination of two N rates (0 and 600?kg N ha1 y1, as NH4NO3) and two S rates (0 and 60?kg S ha1 y1, as gypsum) were applied to signal grass pastures during 2 y. Cattle grazing was controlled during the experimental period. Organic S was the major S pool found in the tropical pasture soil, and represented 97% to 99% of total S content. Among the organic S fractions, residual S was the most abundant (42% to 67% of total S), followed by ester-bonded S (19% to 42%), and C-bonded S (11% to 19%). Plant-available inorganic SO4-S concentrations were very low, even for the treatments receiving S fertilizers. Low inorganic SO4-S stocks suggest that S losses may play a major role in S dynamics of sandy tropical soils. Nitrogen and S additions affected forage yield, S plant uptake, and organic S fractions in the soil. Among the various soil fractions, residual S showed the greatest changes in response to N and S fertilization. Soil organic S increased in plots fertilized with S following the residual S fraction increment (16.6% to 34.8%). Soils cultivated without N and S fertilization showed a decrease in all soil organic S fractions.

Two-phase flow patterns and pressure drop inside horizontal tubes containing twisted-tape inserts

This paper presents an experimental study on two-phase flow patterns and pressure drop of R134a inside a 15.9 mm ID tube containing twisted-tape inserts. Experimental results were obtained in a horizontal test section for twisted-tape ratios of 3, 4, 9 and 14, mass velocities ranging from 75 to 250 kg/m(2) s and saturation temperatures of 5 and 15 degrees C. An unprecedented discussion on two-phase flow patterns inside tubes containing twisted-tape inserts is presented and the flow pattern effects on the frictional pressure drop are carefully discussed. Additionally, a new method to predict the frictional pressure drop during two-phase flow inside tubes containing twisted-tape inserts is proposed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anatomy and essential oils from aerial organs in three species of Aldama (Asteraceae-Heliantheae) that have a difficult delimitation

Recently, molecular analysis caused the South American Viguiera Kunth species to be transferred to Aldama La Llave. However, the circumscription has not been established for certain of the South American species, including Aldama filifolia (Sch. Bip. ex Baker) E. E. Schill. & Panero, A. linearifolia (Chodat) E. E. Schill. & Panero and A. trichophylla (Dusen) Magenta (comb. nov.), which had previously been treated as synonyms because of their high similarity. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the anatomy of the aerial organs, and the yield and chemical composition of the essential oils from these three species, to determine the differences among them and thereby assist in species distinction. The anatomical analysis identified characteristics unique to each species, which are primarily related to the position and occurrence of secretory structures. Histochemical analysis demonstrated that the glandular trichomes and the canals secrete lipophilic substances, which are characterised by the presence of essential oils. The analysis of these essential oils identified monoterpenes as their major constituent and allowed for the recognition of chemical markers for each species. The anatomical and chemical characteristics identified by the present study confirmed that the studied samples belong to three distinct taxa.

Topical Insulin Accelerates Wound Healing in Diabetes by Enhancing the AKT and ERK Pathways: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Wound healing is impaired in diabetes mellitus, but the mechanisms involved in this process are virtually unknown. Proteins belonging to the insulin signaling pathway respond to insulin in the skin of rats. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulation of the insulin signaling pathway in wound healing and skin repair of normal and diabetic rats, and, in parallel, the effect of a topical insulin cream on wound healing and on the activation of this pathway. Research Design and Methods: We investigated insulin signaling by immunoblotting during wound healing of control and diabetic animals with or without topical insulin. Diabetic patients with ulcers were randomized to receive topical insulin or placebo in a prospective, double-blind and placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial (NCT 01295177) of wound healing. Results and Conclusions: Expression of IR, IRS-1, IRS-2, SHC, ERK, and AKT are increased in the tissue of healing wounds compared to intact skin, suggesting that the insulin signaling pathway may have an important role in this process. These pathways were attenuated in the wounded skin of diabetic rats, in parallel with an increase in the time of complete wound healing. Upon topical application of insulin cream, the wound healing time of diabetic animals was normalized, followed by a reversal of defective insulin signal transduction. In addition, the treatment also increased expression of other proteins, such as eNOS (also in bone marrow), VEGF, and SDF-1 alpha in wounded skin. In diabetic patients, topical insulin cream markedly improved wound healing, representing an attractive and cost-free method for treating this devastating complication of diabetes.

In vitro evaluation of combined hyperthermia and photodynamic effects using magnetoliposomes loaded with cucurbit[7]uril zinc phthalocyanine complex on melanoma

The aims of this study were two fold; to develop magnetoliposomes (MLs) loaded with zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) complexed with cucurbituril (CB) (CB:ZnPc-MLs) and to evaluate their in vitro photodynamic (PD) and/or hyperthermia (HT) effects while using melanoma cells (B16-F10) as model. The liposomal formulations were characterized by both average diameter and zeta potential. The vesicle average size ranged from 150 to 200 nm and the polydispersity index (PdI) from 0.093 to 0.230. The zeta potential was significantly positive with values between 48 and 57 mV. The cell viability (CV) after PD and HT treatments was assessed by colorimetric MTI method. Melanoma cells were initially treated with the liposome formulation without light and magnetic field application, revealing cell viability not different from the control cells (p > 0.05). Photodynamic and hyperthermia assays were also applied separately, demonstrating that PD is more effective than HT in reducing the CV of the neoplastic cells. Combined application of both PD and HT treatments was even more effective in reducing the CV of B16-F10 cells. At the highest light dose (2 J/cm(2)) and under magnetic field activation the CV was about half than PD applied alone. Therefore, the use of the photosensitizer-loaded magnetoliposome for combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and magnetohyperthermia (MHT) application can be considered as a potential tool to treat malignant melanoma. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multi-molecular markers and metals as tracers of organic matter inputs and contamination status from an Environmental Protection Area in the SW Atlantic (Laranjeiras Bay, Brazil)

The sources and concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), faecal and biogenic sterols, and trace metals at 10 sampling sites located in Laranjeiras Bay, a large Environmental Protection Area in the southern Atlantic region of Brazil, were determined to assess the sources of organic matter and the contamination status of estuarine sediments. Organic compounds were determined by GC-FID and GC-MS, and ICP-OES was used to evaluate trace metals. The total AHs concentration ranged from 0.28 to 8.19 mu g g(-1), and n-C-29 and n-C-31 alkanes were predominant, indicating significant inputs from higher terrestrial plants. Unresolved complex mixtures (UCM) were not detected at any site, suggesting that the study area was not significantly contaminated by fossil fuels. The total PAH concentration varied from 3.85 to 89.2 ng g(-1). The ratio between selected PAH isomers showed that combustion of biomass, coal, and petroleum is the rnain source of PAHs in the study area. The concentrations of the faecal sterols coprostanol and epicoprostanol were below the detection limits, suggesting that sewage was not a significant contributor to sedimentary organic matter. The concentrations of the trace metals (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were low, except near sites located at the mouths of rivers that discharge into the study area and near urbanised regions (Paranagua city and the adjoining harbour). In general, the concentrations of PAHs were below the threshold effect concentrations (TEL) levels. Although the As, Cr and Ni concentrations were above the TEL levels, the study area can be considered as preserved from human activities.

Changes in spatial and temporal gene expression during incompatible interaction between common bean and anthracnose pathogen

Common bean, one of the most important legumes for human consumption, may have drastic reduction in yield due to anthracnose, a disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Rapid induction of the plant defense mechanisms is essential to establish an incompatible interaction with this pathogenic fungus. In this study, we evaluated spatial (leaves, epicotyls and hypocotyls) and temporal (24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after inoculation [HAI]) relative expression (RE) of 12 defense-related transcripts selected from previously developed ESTs libraries, during incompatible interaction between the resistant common bean genotype SEL 1308 and the avirulent anthracnose pathogen race 73, using real time quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. All selected transcripts, including the ones coding for pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins (PR1a, PR1b, PR2, and PR16a and PR16b) were differentially regulated upon pathogen inoculation. The expression levels of these transcripts were dependent on the tissue and time post inoculation. This study contributes to a better understanding of the kinetics of induced defenses against a fungal pathogen of common bean and may be used as a base line to study defenses against a broad range of pathogens including bacteria as well as non-host resistance. (C) 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

ASSESSING Bemisia tabaci (GENN.) BIOTYPE B RESISTANCE IN SOYBEAN GENOTYPES: ANTIXENOSIS AND ANTIBIOSIS

Since it was first reported in Brazil in the 1990s, the B biotype of silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci [Genn.], Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) has been recognized as an important pest in soybeans (Glycine max L.), reducing the productivity of this legume species in some areas of the country. As an alternative to chemical control, the use of resistant genotypes represents an important tool for integrated pest management (IPM). This study evaluated the performance of 10 soybean genotypes prior to whitefly infestation, by testing attractiveness and preference for oviposition in the greenhouse and antibiosis in the laboratory. In a multiple-choice test, 'IAC-17' was the least attractive to insects. In a no-choice test, 'IAC-17' was the least attractive for, egg deposition, indicating the occurrence of non-preference for oviposition on this genotype. Trichome density was positively correlated with the oviposition site and may be associated with the resistance of 'IAC-17' to infestation. The genotypes 'IAC-PL1', 'IAC-19', 'Conquista', 'IAC-24' and 'IAC-17' extended the insect's life cycle, indicating the occurrence of a small degree of antibiosis and/or non-preference for feeding.

Behavioral characterization of the alarm reaction and anxiolytic-like effect of acute treatment with fluoxetine in piaucu fish

In Ostariophysan fish, the detection of the alarm substance liberated into the water as a consequence of an attack by a predator elicits an alarm reaction or anti-predatory behavior. In this study, experiments were performed to: (i) describe and quantitatively characterize the behavioral and ventilatory responses in piaucu fish (Leporinus macrocephalus), individually and as part of a school, to conspecific alarm substance (CAS) and; (ii) test the effect of acute fluoxetine treatment on alarm reaction. Histological analysis revealed the presence of club cells in the intermediate and superficial layers of the epidermis. The predominant behavioral response to CAS was freezing for fish held individually, characterized by the cessation of the swimming activity as the animal settles to a bottom corner of the aquarium. Fish exposed to CAS showed decrease in the mean ventilatory frequency (approximately 13%) relative to control. In schools, CAS elicited a biphasic response that was characterized by erratic movements followed by increased school cohesion and immobility, reflected as an increased school cohesion (65.5% vs. -5.8% for controls) and in the number of animals near the bottom of the aquarium (42.0% vs. 6.5% for controls). Animals treated with single i.p. injections of fluoxetine (10 mu g/g b.w.) did not exhibit alarm behavior following CAS stimulation. These results show that an alarm pheromone system is present in piaucu fish, evidenced by the presence of epidermal club cells and an alarm reaction induced by CAS and consequently of a chemosensory system to transmit the appropriate information to neural structures responsible for initiating anti-predator behavioral responses. In addition, fluoxetine treatment caused an anxiolytic-like effect following CAS exposure. Thus, the alarm reaction in piaucu can be a useful model for neuroethological and pharmacological studies of anxiety-related states. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator in Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury and Multi-Organ Dysfunction

Background: Despite advances in supportive care, sepsis-related mortality remains high, especially in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Erythropoietin can protect organs against ischemia and sepsis. This effect has been linked to activation of intracellular survival pathways, although the mechanism remains unclear. Continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) is an erythropoietin with a unique pharmacologic profile and long half-life. We hypothesized that pretreatment with CERA would be renoprotective in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis-induced AKI. Methods: Rats were randomized into three groups: control; CLP; and CLP+CERA (5 mu g/kg body weight, i.p. administered 24 h before CLP). At 24 hours after CLP, we measured creatinine clearance, biochemical variables, and hemodynamic parameters. In kidney tissue, we performed immunoblotting-to quantify expression of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2), aquaporin 2 (AQP2), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), erythropoietin receptor (EpoR), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B)-and immunohistochemical staining for CD68 (macrophage infiltration). Plasma interleukin (IL)-2, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10, interferon gamma, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were measured by multiplex detection. Results: Pretreatment with CERA preserved creatinine clearance and tubular function, as well as the expression of NKCC2 and AQP2. In addition, CERA maintained plasma lactate at normal levels, as well as preserving plasma levels of transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase. Renal expression of TLR4 and NF-kappa B was lower in CLP+CERA rats than in CLP rats (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively), as were CD68-positive cell counts (p<0.01), whereas renal EpoR expression was higher (p<0.05). Plasma levels of all measured cytokines were lower in CLP+CERA rats than in CLP rats. Conclusion: CERA protects against sepsis-induced AKI. This protective effect is, in part, attributable to suppression of the inflammatory response.