Hand position on the bunch and source-sink ratio influence the banana fruit susceptibility to crown rot disease

The postharvest development of crown rot of bananas depends notably on the fruit susceptibility to this disease at harvest. It has been shown that fruit susceptibility to crown rot is variable and it was suggested that this depends on environmental preharvest factors. However, little is known about the preharvest factors influencing this susceptibility. The aim of this work was to evaluate the extent to which fruit filling characteristics during growth and the fruit development stage influence the banana susceptibility to crown rot. This involved evaluating the influence of (a) the fruit position at different levels of the banana bunch (hands) and (b) changing the source-sink ratio (So-Si ratio), on the fruit susceptibility to crown rot. The fruit susceptibility was determined by measuring the internal necrotic surface (INS) after artificial inoculation of Colletotrichum musae. A linear correlation (r = -0.95) was found between the hand position on the bunch and the INS. The So-Si ratio was found to influence the pomological characteristics of the fruits and their susceptibility to crown rot. Fruits of bunches from which six hands were removed (two hands remaining on the bunch) proved to be significantly less susceptible to crown rot (INS = 138.3 mm 2) than those from bunches with eight hands (INS = 237.9 mm 2). The banana susceptibility to crown rot is thus likely to be influenced by the fruit development stage and filling characteristics. The present results highlight the importance of standardising hand sampling on a bunch when testing fruit susceptibility to crown rot. They also show that hand removal in the field has advantages in the context of integrated pest management, making it possible to reduce fruit susceptibility to crown rot while increasing fruit size.

EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE PROTEINIC QUALITY OF THE GENETICALLY MODIFIED AND ORGANIC SOY BEANS IN THE GROWTH OF TWO GENERATIONS OF RATS WISTAR

Feijo, T.S., Cardozo, SX, Daleprane, J.B., Sabaa Srur, A.U.O. & Boaventura, G.T. [Evaluation of the influence of the proteinic quality of the genetically modified and organic soy beans in the growth of two generations of rats Wistar.] Avaliacao da influencia da qualidade proteica da soja geneticamente modificada e organica no crescimento de duas geracoes de ratos Wistar. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinaria, 31(3):139-144, 2009. Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Patologia, Hospital Universitario Antonio Pedro. Centro de Ciencias Medicas, Universidade Federal Fluminense. Rua Marques do Parana, 303, Niteroi, RJ 24030-210, Brasil. E-mail: sergian@ufnj.br Sixty four Wistar rats, male of two consecutive generations determined as F(0) and F(1) were used to study the cumulative effect of two variety soy beans, cultivated with organic seasoning and genetically modified, The animals of each generation were divided into three groups of eight rats each fed on diets consisted of organic soy, soy genetically modified and casein respectively. All the animals received water and the diet ad libitum for period of 28 days. Where the diet consumption and the animals weight were evaluated. After statistic analysis of the results no expressive differences were observed on diet consumption, weight variation, protein efficient ratio and food efficiency ratio on same group of animals in the different generations. On the other hand, significant difference was found on final proteinic retention on animal descendants of the same groups; however of different generations. With this, the supplementation of organic soy with L-cistin provided better avail of this protein in relation to the protein of the soy genetically modified. However, this supplementation did not reveal efficiency in keeping the proteinic employment from one generation to another one, since soy varieties presented better performance on F(0) generation when compared with F(1).

Evaluation of culture media for enumeration of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium animalis in the presence of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus

The study compared the growth capability of probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus La05, Lactobacillus casei Lc01 and Bifidobacterium animalis Bb12) and non-probiotic (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) cultures on twenty-one culture media grouped according to selectivity: nonselective agars, selective agars without antibiotics and MRS agars containing different combinations of lithium chloride, cystein, bile salts and antibiotics. Four of these media were selected for quantitative enumeration of L acidophilus La05, L casei Lc01, and B. animalis Bb12. The best culture media and incubation conditions for enumeration of the probiotic cultures were: B. animalis: MRS agar with dicloxacillin, 37 degrees C or 42 degrees C, anaerobiosis; L acidophilus: MRS agar with bile salts, 37 degrees C or 42 degrees C, aerobiosis; L casei: MRS agar with lithium chloride and sodium propionate, 37 degrees C or 42 degrees C, aerobiosis or anaerobiosis. Plating on MRS with glucose replaced by maltose, 37 degrees C or 42 degrees C, anaerobiosis, will distinguish probiotic from non-probiotic cultures. For enumeration of each probiotic in a mixed culture, the following media and incubation conditions were recommended: B. animalis: 4ABC-MRS, 42 degrees C, anaerobiosis, L acidophilus: LC medium, 42 degrees C, aerobiosis or anaerobiosis and L casei: LP-MRS, 42 degrees C, aerobiosis or anaerobiosis. In all experiments, differences in counts using pour plating or surface plating were not significant (P <= 0.05). (C) 2008 Swiss Society of Food Science and Technology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sensory evaluation of probiotic Minas fresh cheese with Lactobacillus acidophilus added solely or in co-culture with a thermophilic starter culture

Sensory acceptance of formulations of probiotic Minas fresh cheese was investigated. Cheeses were prepared and supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus (T1 - probiotic), Lactobacillus acidophilus + Streptococcus thermophilus (T2 - probiotic + starter) or produced with no addition of cultures (T3 - control). Sensory acceptance tests were performed after 7 and 14 days of storage at 5 degrees C, using a 9-point hedonic scale (1 = dislike extremely; 9 = like extremely). After 7 days, no significant difference was detected among cheeses T1, T2 and T3 (P > 0.05). After 14 days, cheeses T1 and T2 presented higher acceptance and differed significantly from cheeses T3. Cheeses T3 presented significant difference between 7 and 14 days of storage (P < 0.05), whereas probiotic cheeses T1 and T2 were stable in the same period (P > 0.05). The addition of L. acidophilus, either solely or in co-culture with a thermophilic starter culture, resulted in good acceptance of Minas fresh cheese, improving sensory performance of the product during storage.

Development of nitrosyl ruthenium complex-loaded lipid carriers for topical administration: improvement in skin stability and in nitric oxide release by visible light irradiation

The prominent nitric oxide (NO) donor [Ru(terpy)(bdqi)NO](PF(6))(3) has been synthesized and evaluated with respect to noteworthy biological effects due to its NO photorelease, including vascular relaxation and melanoma cell culture toxicity. The potential for delivering NO in therapeutic quantities is tenable since the nitrosyl ruthenium complex (NRC) must first reach the ""target tissue"" and then release the NO upon stimulus. In this context. NRC-loaded lipid carriers were developed and characterized to further explore its topical administration for applications such as skin cancer treatment. NRC-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers were prepared via the microemulsification method, with average diameters of 275 +/- 15 nm and 211 +/- 31 nm and zeta potentials of -40.7 +/- 10.4 mV and -50.0 +/- 7.5 mV, respectively. In vitro kinetic studies of NRC release from nanoparticles showed sustained release of NRC from the lipid carriers and illustrated the influence of the release medium and the lyophilization process. Stability studies showed that NO is released from NRC as a function of temperature and time and due to skin contact. The encapsulation of NRC in SLN followed by its lyophilization, significantly improved the complex stability. Furthermore, of particular interest was the fact that in the NO photorelease study, the NO release from the NRC-loaded SLN was approximately twice that of just NRC in solution. NRC-loaded SLN performs well enough at releasing and protecting NO degradation in vitro that it is a promising carrier for topical delivery of NO. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stereoselective determination of midodrine and desglymidodrine in culture medium: Application to a biotransformation study employing endophytic fungi

A CE method was developed and validated for the stereoselective determination of midodrine and desglymidodrine in Czapek culture medium to be applied to a stereoselective biotransformation study employing endophytic fungi. The electrophoretic analyses were performed using an uncoated fused-silica capillary and 70 mmol/L sodium acetate buffer solution (pH 5.0) containing 30 mmol/L heptakis (2, 3, 6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-CD as running electrolyte. The applied voltage and temperature used were 15 kV and 15 C, respectively. The UV detector was set at 200 nm. The sample preparation was carried out by liquid-liquid extraction using ethyl acetate as extractor solvent. The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.1-12 mu g/mL for each enantiomer of midodrine and desglymidodrine (r >= 0.9975). Within-day and between-day precision and accuracy evaluated by RSDs and relative errors, respectively, were lower than 15% for all analytes. The method proved to be robust by a fractional factorial design evaluation. The validated method was used to assess the midodrine biotransformation to desglymidodrine by the fungus Phomopsis sp. (TD2), which biotransformed 1.1% of (-)-midodrine to (-)-desglymidodrine and 6.1% of (+)-midodrine to (+)-desglymidodrine.

Enantioselective Analysis of Fluoxetine and Norfluoxetine by LC in Culture Medium for Application in Biotransformation Studies Employing Fungi

A liquid chromatography method is described for the analysis of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine enantiomers in fungi cultures. The analytes were separated simultaneously by LC employing a serial system. The resolution was performed using a mobile phase of ethanol: 15 mM ammonium acetate buffer solution, pH 5.9: acetonitrile (77.5:17.5:5, v/v/v). UV detection was at 227 nm. Hexane: isoamyl alcohol (98:2, v/v) was used as extractor solvent. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 12.5-3,750 ng mL(-1) (r a parts per thousand yen 0.996). The values for intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy were a parts per thousand currency sign10% for all analytes. The validated method was used to evaluate fluoxetine biotransformation to its mammalian metabolite, norfluoxetine, by selected endophytic fungi. Although the desired biotransformation was not observed in the conditions used here, the method could be used to evaluate the biotransformation of fluoxetine by other fungi or to be extended to other matrices with adequate procedures for sample preparation.

The influence of positive or negative charges in the passive and iontophoretic skin penetration of porphyrins used in photodynamic therapy

Meso-tetra-(N-methylpiridinium-4-yl)-porphyrin (TMPyP) and meso-tetra-(4-sulfonatophenyl)-porphyrin (TPPS(4)) are photosensitizing drugs (PS) used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Based on the fact that these compounds present similar chemical structures but opposite charges at pH levels near physiological conditions, this work aims to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo influence of these electrical charges on the iontophoretic delivery of TMPyP and TPPS4, attempting to achieve maximum accumulation of PS in skin tissue. The iontophoretic transport of these drugs from a hydrophilic gel was investigated in vitro using porcine ear skin and vertical, flow-through diffusion cells. In vivo experiments using rats were also carried out, and the penetration of the PSs was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy to visualize the manner of how these compounds were distributed in the skin after a short period of iontophoresis application. In vitro, both passive and iontophoretic delivery of the positively charged TMPyP were much greater (20-fold and 67-fold, respectively) than those of the negatively charged TPPS(4). TPPS(4) iontophoresis in vivo increased the fluorescence of the skin only in the very superficial layers. On the other hand, iontophoresis of the positively charged drug expressively increased the rat epidermis and dermis fluorescence, indicating high amounts of this drug throughout the skin layers. Moreover, TMPyP was homogeneously distributed around and into the nuclei of the skin cells, suggesting its potential use in topical PDT. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of the Photostabilizer in the Photoprotective Effects of a Formulation Containing UV-Filters and Vitamin A

Vitamin A palmitate has been used in cosmetics; however, studies report that this substance shows photoreactivity that can lead to loss of safety and efficacy. On the other hand, photostabilizers have been used to increase sunscreen photostability and consequently their safety and effectiveness. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of photostabilizers on the photoprotective effects of a cosmetic formulation containing UV-filters and vitamin A palmitate. The formulation containing UV-filters was supplemented with vitamin A palmitate and the photostabilizers diethylhexyl 2,6-naphthalate (DEHN), bumetrizole and benzotriazolyl dodecyl p-cresol (BTDC). Hairless mice were treated daily by topical applications and irradiated (UVA/B). Erythema index, transepidermal water loss, histological/histometric analysis and number of sunburn cells (SBC) were evaluated. The results showed that all formulations protected from UV-induced enhancement of erythema and SBC but there was no difference among them. The formulation with no stabilizers reduced viable epidermis thickness due to atrophy induced by UV radiation. Thus, it can be concluded that the presence of photostabilizers influenced the effects of formulations containing UV-filters and vitamin A palmitate, which could be seen by histological and histometric analysis. Furthermore, the formulations containing the stabilizers DEHN and BTDC showed better protective effects on hairless mice skin.

A HPLC method to evaluate the influence of photostabilizers on cosmetic formulations containing UV-filters and vitamins A and E

This paper reports a simple and reliable HPLC method to evaluate the influence of two currently available photostabilizers on cosmetic formulations containing combined UV-filters and vitamins A and E. Vitamins and UV-filters, widely encountered in products of daily use have to be routinely evaluated since photoinstability can lead to reductions in their efficacy and safety. UV-irradiated formulation samples were submitted to a procedure that included a reliable, precise and specific HPLC method employing a C18 column and detection at 325 and 235 nm. Methanol, isopropanol and water were the mobile phases in gradient elution. The method precision was between 0.28 and 5.07. The photostabilizers studied [diethylhexyl 2,6-naphthalate (DEHN) and benzotriazolyl dodecyl p-cresol (BTDC)], influenced the stability of octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) associated with vitamins A and E. BTDC was considered the best photostabilizer to vitamins and OMC when the UV-filters were combined with both vitamins A and E. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of Phase Inversion on the Formation and Stability of One-Step Multiple Emulsions

A novel method of preparation of water-in-oil-in-micelle-containing water (W/O/W(m)) Multiple emulsions using the one-step emulsification method is reported. These multiple emulsions were normal (not temporary) and stable over a 60 day test period. Previously, reported multiple emulsion by the one-step method were abnormal systems that formed at the inversion point of simple emulsion (where there is an incompatibility in the Ostwald and Bancroft theories, and typically these are O/W/O systems). Pseudoternary phase diagrams and bidimensional process-composition (phase inversion) maps were constructed to assist in process and composition optimization. The surfactants used were PEG40 hydrogenated castor oil and sorbitan oleate, and mineral and vegetables oils were investigated. Physicochemical characterization studies showed experimentally, for the First time, the significance of the ultralow surface tension point oil multiple emulsion formation by one-step via phase inversion processes. Although the significance of ultralow surface tension has been speculated previously, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental confirmation. The multiple emulsion system reported here was dependent not only upon the emulsification temperature, but also upon the component ratios, therefore both the emulsion phase inversion and the phase inversion temperature were considered to fully explain their formation. Accordingly, it is hypothesized that the formation of these normal multiple emulsions is not a result of a temporary incompatibility (at the inversion point) during simple emulsion preparation, as previously reported. Rather, these normal W/O/W(m) emulsions are a result of the simultaneous occurrence of catastrophic and transitional phase inversion processes. The formation of the primary emulsions (W/O) is in accordance with the Ostwald theory and the formation of the multiple emulsions (W/O/W(m)) is in agreement with the Bancroft theory.

Influence of Er:YAG Laser Frequency on Dentin Caries Removal Capacity

The purposes of this study were to evaluate in vitro the influence of different frequencies of Er:YAG laser on the human dentin caries removal capacity. Thirty fragments obtained from third molars were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 10) according to the laser frequency used: 4, 6, and 10 Hz. The caries lesion (+/-1 mm deep) was induced before the irradiation by S. mutans cultures for 6 weeks. The specimens of all groups were irradiated with 200 mJ of energy in noncontact and focused mode under constant refrigeration (water flow: 2.5 mL/min). Quantitative analysis of the caries removal was performed by DIAGNOdent (TM) and the Axion Vision (TM) software. Qualitative analysis was performed by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and light microscope (LM). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Fishers` tests. The DIAGNOdent (TM) revealed that the caries removal was similar with 4 and 6 Hz and was superior with 10 Hz (P < 0.05). The analysis with Axion Vision (TM) software revealed that the caries removal was similar with 6 and 10 Hz and the 4 Hz group promoted the lowest caries removal. Through SEM morphologic analysis, some specimens irradiated with 4 Hz presented, under the demineralized dentin, a disorganized collagenous matrix. The LM images revealed that all frequencies used promoted irregular caries removal, being observed over preparations with 6 and 10 Hz. It can be concluded that the increase of Er:YAG laser frequency provided a higher dentin caries removal without selectivity to the disorganized dentin. Microsc. Res. Tech. 74:281-286, 2011. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Biotype stability of Candida albicans isolates after culture storage determined by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA and phenotypical methods

P>Typing methods to evaluate isolates in relation to their phenotypical and molecular characteristics are essential in epidemiological studies. In this study, Candida albicans biotypes were determined before and after storage in order to verify their stability. Twenty C. albicans isolates were typed by Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), production of phospholipase and proteinase exoenzymes (enzymotyping) and morphotyping before and after 180 days of storage in Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and sterilised distilled water. Before the storage, 19 RAPD patterns, two enzymotypes and eight morphotypes were identified. The fragment patterns obtained by RAPD, on the one hand, were not significantly altered after storage. On the other hand, the majority of the isolates changed their enzymotype and morphotype after storage. RAPD typing provided the better discriminatory index (DI) among isolates (DI = 0.995) and maintained the profile identified, thereby confirming its utility in epidemiological surveys. Based on the low reproducibility observed after storage in SDA and distilled water by morphotyping (DI = 0.853) and enzymotyping (DI = 0.521), the use of these techniques is not recommended on stored isolates.

Influence of N-Hexane Inhalation on the Enantioselective Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism of Verapamil in Rats

Verapamil (VER) is commercialized as a racemic mixture of the (+)-(R)-VER and (-)-(S)-VER enantiomers. VER is biotransformed into norverapamil (NOR) and other metabolites through CYP-dependent pathways. N-hexane is a solvent that can alter the metabolism of CYP-dependent drugs. The present study investigated the influence of n-hexane (nose-only inhalation exposure chamber at concentrations of 88, 176, and 352 mg/m(3)) on the kinetic disposition of the (+)-(R)-VER, (-)-(S)-VER, (R)-NOR and (S)-NOR in rats treated with a single dose of racemic VER (10 mg/kg). VER and NOR enantiomers in rat plasma was analyzed by LC-MS/MS (m/z = 441.3 > 165.5 for the NOR and m/z 455.3 > 165.5 for the VER enantiomers) using a Chiralpak (R) AD column. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a monocompartmental model. The pharmacokinetics of VER was enantioselective in control rats, with higher plasma proportions of the (-)-(S)-VER eutomer (AUC(0-infinity) = 250.8 vs. 120.4 ng/ml/h; P <= 0.05, Wilcoxon test). The (S)-NOR metabolite was also found to accumulate in plasma of control animals, with an S/R AUC(0-infinity) ratio of 1.5. The pharmacokinetic parameters AUC(0-infinity), Cl/F, Vd/F, and t(1/2) obtained for VER and NOR enantiomers were not altered by nose-only exposure to n-hexane at concentrations of 88, 176, or 352 mg/m(3) (P > 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test). However, the verapamil kinetic disposition was not enantioselective for the animals exposed to n-hexane at concentrations equal to or higher than the TLV-TWA. This finding is relevant considering that the (-)-(S)-VER eutomer is 10-20 times more potent than R-(+)-VER in terms of its chronotropic effect on atrioventricular conduction in rats and humans. Chirality 22:29-34, 2010. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Influence of melatonin therapy and orchiectomy on T cell subsets in male Wistar rats infected with Trypanosoma cruzi

Gonadal steroids exert an important influence on the host immune response during infection. Changes resulting from the absence or replacement of gonadal hormones may represent a distinct evolution of a particular parasite. Taking into account the greater susceptibility of males to parasites, the magnitude of the immune response seems to depend on the interaction of many hormones that will act synergistically with other immune cells. The aims of this research were to evaluate the effects of the luck of male sex hormones due to orchiectomy, and the influence of oral administration of melatonin on the immune response of male Wistar rats infected with the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. The percentage of CD3(+) CD4(+) and CD3(+) CD8(+) lymphocyte T cell subsets were evaluated using flow cytometry and the measurement of IL-2 and IL-12. For all parameters examined, a synergistic action of melatonin and orchiectomy on the host`s immune response was observed, promoting an effective response against the parasite during the acute phase of infection. These results offer insight into other possibilities for possibly controlling T. cruzi proliferation through melatonin therapy and also the stimulatory effects on host`s immune response triggered by the absence of male gonadal steroids during the acute phase of infection.