Histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultraestructural evaluation of inflammatory response in Arius genus fish under experimental inoculation of BCG

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory response kinetics after experimental inoculation with BCG in the primitive Arius sp. fish. The BCG was applied through the intramuscular injection in the caudal peduncular region, and the samples were collected for the analyses at days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 33 post-injection. Acute phase inflammatory infiltrate was characterized by the predominant mononuclear cells, intersticial edema, and muscular tissue necrosis. As the inflammatory response evolved, a large number of multinuclear giant cells were formed containing the BCG. These giant cells were positive for the S100 protein at the histochemical analysis, which demonstrate the macrofage activity, confirmed by the ultra-structural analysis showing the lack of the cytoplasmic membrane enveloping the many nuclei within the giant cell. These results led to the conclusion that Arius sp. fish injected with the BCG showed a difuse inflammatory response characterized by a large number of mononuclear cells, absence of granuloma formation, and predominant giant cells.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and ready-to-eat garlic products: in vitro antioxidant activity

Garlic contains polyphenol and sulphur compounds, which are responsible for its antioxidant activity (AA). This study aimed at evaluating the AA of fresh garlic and its commercialised products and their shelf life. Fresh garlic (FG) and its products, i.e. chopped with salt (CGS), chopped without salt (CG), fried (FRG) and mixed garlic (FG with dehydrated garlic; MG) antioxidant activity was evaluated by three different methods: DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay, ß-carotene/linoleic acid assay and Rancimat® method. Amongst all the analysed products, fried garlic presented the highest antioxidant activity. The free radical-scavenging activity decreased during the shelf life of all analysed products that correlated with the decrease in the total polyphenol content. Our findings suggest that some compounds other than phenol may have contributed towards this outcome

Effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on oxidative stress in rats supplemented with different doses of fish oil

The diet and plasma lipid patterns associated with lipid oxidation susceptibility in rats fed different doses of polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) from fish oil were evaluated. Wistar rats were assigned into three groups and received diets containing 8% soybean oil (SOY), 4% soybean oil + 4% fish oil (SOY-FISH) and 8% fish oil (FISH) for 21 days. Linoleic, oleic and ?-linolenic acids in SOY diets were substituted by myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids in SOY-FISH and FISH diets reducing the n-6/n-3 ratio and increasing the peroxidability index (PI). Increased dietary EPA and DHA were observed in SOY-FISH and FISH plasma at the expense of linoleic and arachidonic acid levels. Saturated fatty acids, which were significantly different between the three diets (P < 0.01), were found at the same concentration in the plasma (P = 0.23). No changes were observed in oxidative stress as measured by the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) expressed in brain homogenates. However, TBARS concentration in the plasma of the SOY-FISH group was higher than the other two groups (P = 0.02). The major differences between these three groups were the n-3 PUFA content (0.4, 1.8 and 3.2 g/100 g diet) and the saturates/polyunsaturates ratio (0.3, 0.5 and 0.8) for SOY, SOY-FISH, and FISH groups, respectively. Thus, n-3 PUFA intake from fish oil only when followed by a decrease in saturated/polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio increased oxidative susceptibility in rats measured by plasma TBARS concentration

Effect of glutamate and inosinate on sensory and instrumental texture of extruded products

Expanded products have been developed by extrusion of non-conventional highly nutritious raw materials such as amaranth and chickpea blended with bovine lung. As sensory acceptance of these snacks is restricted, this study aimed at improving their texture, through the addition of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and disodium inosinate (IMP) flavor enhancers to the feeding material, or to the flavor added after the extrusion. Sensory and mechanical analyses showed that both enhancers affected texture, assessed by sensory and instrumental methods. Addition of IMP together with MSG to the chickpea-based snacks presented the best results. This beneficial effect was not observed in the amaranth-based snack, suggesting that IMP and MSG can favorably impact texture of extruded products depending on the amount and type of protein present

Nutrional aspects of the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

A osteoporose é um problema de saúde global, caracterizada por baixa massa óssea e deterioração da microarquitetura do tecido ósseo, com consequente aumento da fragilidade óssea e suscetibilidade a fraturas. A nutrição desempenha um papel fundamental na redução do risco de osteoporose por seu efeito sobre todos os fatores relacionados à fragilidade óssea, principalmente no desenvolvimento e na manutenção da massa óssea. Uma adequada ingestão de cálcio, vitamina D e proteína leva à redução da remodelação óssea, à maior retenção de cálcio, à redução da perda óssea relacionada à idade e à redução do risco de fraturas. Evidências recentes indicam que uma alimentação saudável, incluindo a ingestão de produtos lácteos (principalmente os desnatados), frutas e verduras, e uma quantidade adequada de carnes, peixes e aves, está relacionada positivamente com a saúde óssea. Além disso, a suplementação de vitaminas e minerais deve ser monitorada de perto, por profissionais de saúde, uma vez que pode ter efeitos adversos e ser insuficiente para assegurar uma eficaz proteção à saúde óssea

Caracterização físico-química e de frescor de filés de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) oriundas da pesca extrativista no médio Rio Tietê/SP, Brasil

For increasing, the fish consumption in Brazil, is necessary offer products, with quality control to guarantee food safety to the consumers. The Medium Tiete river region is the largest producer of Nile tilapia (Oreochromus niloticus) from catching in the Sao Paulo state and, thus, the aim of this research was to evaluate the physical-chemical parameters (protein, moisture, lipid, ash and freshness (non-protein nitrogen, total volatile base nitrogen -TVB-N and pH) in fish fillets - Anhembi, Botucatu and Igaracu do Tiete. The data was examined further using random blocks design and submitted to test of variance analysis and Tukey Test for comparison of means. The data showed significant difference (5%) amont the places, for the centesimal composition and freshness, being found the following medium values: misture (77.9 to 81.69 g/100g), protein (13.72 to 18.25 g/100g), lipids (0.6 to 1.9 g/100g), ash (0.6 to 1.0g), NNP(61.6 to 78.0 mg/100g), pH (6.2 to 6.4) and TVB-N (5.0 to 10.5 mg/100g). The values found in the physical-chemical and freshness analysis are in according with brazilian's legislation, the processing of fish in the places studied are-irregular and cannot guarantee food safety to the consumers and the quality of the product.

Chemometric Studies on Natural Products as Potential Inhibitors of the NADH Oxidase from Trypanosoma cruzi Using the VolSurf Approach

Natural products have widespread biological activities, including inhibition of mitochondrial enzyme systems. Some of these activities, for example cytotoxicity, may be the result of alteration of cellular bioenergetics. Based on previous computer-aided drug design (CADD) studies and considering reported data on structure-activity relationships (SAR), an assumption regarding the mechanism of action of natural products against parasitic infections involves the NADH-oxidase inhibition. In this study, chemometric tools, such as: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Consensus PCA (CPCA), and partial least squares regression (PLS), were applied to a set of forty natural compounds, acting as NADH-oxidase inhibitors. The calculations were performed using the VolSurf+ program. The formalisms employed generated good exploratory and predictive results. The independent variables or descriptors having a hydrophobic profile were strongly correlated to the biological data.

An AC-5 cathepsin B-like protease purified from Haemonchus contortus excretory secretory products shows protective antigen potential for lambs

The immunogenic properties of cysteine proteases obtained from excretory/secretory products (ES) of Haemonchus contortus were investigated with a fraction purified with a recombinant H. contortus cystatin affinity column. The enrichment of H. contortus ES for cysteine protease was confirmed with substrate SDS-PAGE gels since the cystatin-binding fraction activity was three times higher than total ES, despite representing only 3% of total ES. This activity was inhibited by a specific cysteine protease inhibitor (E64) and by recombinant cystatin. The one-dimensional profile of the cystatin-binding fraction displayed a single band with a molecular mass of 43 kDa. Mass spectrometry showed this to be AC-5, a cathepsin B-like cysteine protease which had not been identified in ES products of H. contortus before. The cystatin binding fraction was tested as an immunogen in lambs which were vaccinated three times (week 0, 2.5 and 5), challenged with 10 000 L3 H. contortus (week 6) before necropsy and compared to unvaccinated challenge controls and another group given total ES (n = 10 per group). The group vaccinated with cystatin-binding proteins showed 36% and 32% mean worm burden and eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) reductions, respectively, compared to the controls but total ES was almost without effect. After challenge the cystatin-binding proteins induced significantly higher local and systemic ES specific IgA and IgG responses.

Determination of Aflatoxins in Peanut Products in the Northeast Region of Sao Paulo, Brazil

The aim of the present study was to determine aflatoxin levels in peanut products traded in the Northeast region of Sao Paulo, Brazil. To this end, 240 samples of peanut products traded in the cities of Araras, Leme, Pirassununga and Porto Ferreira were collected from June 2006 to May 2007. The samples were analyzed for aflatoxins (AF) B(1), B(2), G(1) and G(2) by high performance liquid chromatography. Results showed 44.2% samples positive for AF at levels of 0.5 to 103.8 mu g.kg(-1). Nine of the positive samples (3.7% of the analysed samples) had total aflatoxin concentrations (B(1)+B(2)+G(1)+G(2)) higher than the limit established by Brazilian regulations (20 mu g.kg(-1)). Based on the above data, the probable mean daily intake (PDI(M)) of aflatoxins from peanut products in the Northeast region of Sao Paulo was estimated to be 0.23 ng kg b.w. day(-1). Although this PDI(M) value was relatively low, results indicate that aflatoxin contamination of peanut products may be a public health concern in Brazil, when considering the potential exposure of highly susceptible consumers. For example, it should be emphasized that children are potentially exposed to aflatoxins, since they consume large quantities of peanut candies, and these products had the highest number of samples positive for AFB(1).

Rapid formation of isoprene photo-oxidation products observed in Amazonia

Isoprene represents the single most important reactive hydrocarbon for atmospheric chemistry in the tropical atmosphere. It plays a central role in global and regional atmospheric chemistry and possible climate feedbacks. Photo-oxidation of primary hydrocarbons (e. g. isoprene) leads to the formation of oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs). The evolution of these intermediates affects the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere (by reacting with OH) and can contribute to secondary aerosol formation, a poorly understood process. An accurate and quantitative understanding of VOC oxidation processes is needed for model simulations of regional air quality and global climate. Based on field measurements conducted during the Amazonian Aerosol Characterization Experiment (AMAZE-08) we show that the production of certain OVOCs (e. g. hydroxyacetone) from isoprene photo-oxidation in the lower atmosphere is significantly underpredicted by standard chemistry schemes. Recently reported fast secondary production could explain 50% of the observed discrepancy with the remaining part possibly produced via a novel primary production channel, which has been proposed theoretically. The observations of OVOCs are also used to test a recently proposed HO(x) recycling mechanism via degradation of isoprene peroxy radicals. If generalized our observations suggest that prompt photochemical formation of OVOCs and other uncertainties in VOC oxidation schemes could result in uncertainties of modelled OH reactivity, potentially explaining a fraction of the missing OH sink over forests which has previously been largely attributed to a missing source of primary biogenic VOCs.

Total and inorganic mercury determination in fish tissue by flow injection cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectrometry

A simple and reliable method for Hg determination in fish samples has been developed. Lyophilised fish tissue samples were extracted in a 25% (w/v) tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solution; the extracts were then analysed by FI-CVAFS. This method can be used to determine total and inorganic Hg, using the same FI manifold. For total Hg determination, a 0.1% (w/v) KMnO(4) solution was added to the FI manifold at the sample zone, followed by the addition of a 0.5% (w/v) SnCl(2) solution, whereas inorganic Hg was determined by adding a 0.1% (w/v) L-cysteine solution followed by a 1.0% (w/v) SnCl(2) solution to the FI system. The organic fraction was determined as the difference between total and inorganic Hg. Sample preparation, reagent consumption and parameters that can influence the FI-CVAFS performance were also evaluated. The limit of detection for this method is 3.7 ng g(-1) for total Hg and 4.3 ng g(-1) for inorganic Hg. The relative standard deviation for a 1.0 mu gL(-1) CH(3)Hg standard solution (n = 20) was 1.1%, and 1.3% for a 1.0 mu gL(-1) Hg(2+) standard solution (n = 20). Accuracy was assessed by the analysis of Certified Reference Material (dogfish: DORM-2, NRCC). Recoveries of 99.1% for total Hg and 93.9% inorganic Hg were obtained. Mercury losses were not observed when sample solutions were re-analysed after a seven day period of storage at 4 degrees C.

FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF ACID, BIOLOGICAL AND ENZYMATIC FISH SILAGE

The use of the fish silage as an ingredient in feed for aquatic organisms is an alternative to solve sanitary and environmental problems caused by the lack of an adequate destination for the residues generated by the fishing industry. It would also lower the costs with feed, and consequently the fish production costs, since the expenses with the feed account for approximately 60% of the total cost. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid composition of the acid silage (AS), biological silage (BS) and enzymatic silage (ES) produced from discardings of the culture and from processing residues of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The values found for lipids (dry matter basis) were: 12.45; 12.25 and 12.17 g 100 g(-1) for BS, AS, and ES, respectively. The fatty acids present in the lipid fraction of the silages are predominantly unsaturated. Oleic acid was present in larger amounts (30.49, 28.60 and 30.60 g 100 g(-1) of lipids for BS, AS and ES, respectively). Among saturated fatty acids, palmitic and stearic acids were present in larger amounts. Only traces of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids were found. The silages produced from discardings of the culture and processing residues of the Nile tilapia are not a good source of EPA and DHA for fish feeds.

Relevance of extractives and wood transformation products on the biodegradation of Pinus taeda by Ceriporiopsis subvermispora

Ceriporiopsis subvermispora is a promising white-rot fungus for biopulping. However, the underlying biochemistry involved in lignin removal and insignificant cellulose degradation by this species is not completely understood. This paper addresses this topic focusing on the involvement of ethanol-soluble extractives and wood transformation products in the biodegradation process. Cultures containing ethanol-extracted or in natura wood chips presented similar levels of extracellular enzymes and degradation of wood components. Fe3+-reducing compounds present in undecayed Pinus taeda were rapidly diminished by fungal degradation. Lignin-degradation products released during biodegradation restored part of the Fe3+-reducing activity. However, Fe3+ reduction was ineffective in presence of 0.5 mM oxalate at pH 4.5. Fungal consumption of Fe3+-reducing compounds and secretion of oxalic acid minimized the significance of Fenton`s reaction in the initial stages of wood biotreatment. This would explain limited polysaccharide degradation by the fungus that also lacks a complete set of hydrolytic enzymes. Scientific relevance of the paper: Ceriporiopsis subvermispora is a white-rot fungus suitable for biopulping processes because it degrades lignin selectively and causes significant structural changes on the wood components during the earlier decay stages. However, the intricate mechanism to explain lignin transformation and insignificant cellulose degradation by this species remains poorly understood. Some recent evidences pointed out for lipid peroxidation reactions as all initiating process explaining lignin degradation. On the other hand, alkylitaconic acids produced by the fungus via transformations of fatty acids occurring in wood showed to prevent polysaccharide degradation in Fenton reactions. In this context, one may conclude that the involvement of native wood substances or their transformation products in the overall wood biodegradation process induced by C subvermispora is still a matter of discussion. While free and esterified fatty acids present in wood extractives may be involved in the biosynthesis of alkylitaconic acids and in lipid peroxidation reactions, some extractives and lignin degradation products can reduce Fe3+, providing Fe2+ species needed to form OH radical via Fenton`s reaction. The present study focuses on this topic by evaluating the relevance of ethanol-soluble extractives and wood transformation products on the biodegradation of P. taeda by C subvermispora. For this, solid-state cultures containing ethanol-extracted and in natura wood chips were evaluated in details for up to 4 weeks. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The recent occurrence, establishment and potential impact of Geophagus proximus (Cichlidae : Perciformes) in the Tiete River reservoirs: an Amazonian fish species introduced in the Parana Basin (Brazil)

The introduction of allochthonous fish species happens constantly in large bodies of freshwater, like as the reservoirs of Parana Basin, located in Brazilian southeast, representing a threat for local biodiversity. The fish species Plagioscion squamosissimus and Cichla ocellaris were introduced from the 1970s in several water bodies of this basin and had successfully established themselves in all six reservoirs located in the middle and lower Tiete River (SP, Brazil), particularly. After six decades from the first recorded species introduction, this hydrographic system remains open to the invasion of further fish species, owing to widespread fish-farming activity and by the channels opened between this system and other reservoirs and river basin. This study was an effort to confirm the Geophagus proximus occurrence in the six Tiete River reservoirs, verifying the actual introduction status and analyzing its potential environmental impacts on local species by the analysis of the population structure (abundance, body dimensions and feeding habits). By the results, this species was confirmed in the Ibitinga, Nova Avanhandava and Tres Irmaos reservoirs. The abundance and feeding analysis shows, respectively, it is successfully established in the Tres Irmaos reservoir with the same feeding habitats of local species, such as Geophagus brasiliensis. It was further shown to be very likely that G. proximus would spread throughout the reservoir system of the middle and lower Tiete River, in the manner of P. squamosissimus and C. ocellaris, and the competition pressure for food resources between G. proximus and the local species which represents a potential environmental impact system. These scientific evidences fortifies the knowledge basin for the implantation of a fish management system, to control and reduce the abundance of the invader and to prevent its becoming established in all the Tiete River Basin, avoiding the disastrous consequences for the native species of Parana River Basin.

Design and Characterization of a Biomimetic Piezoelectric Pump Inspired on Group Fish Swimming Effect

Flow pumps are important tools in several engineering areas, such as in the fields of bioengineering and thermal management solutions for electronic devices. Nowadays, many of the new flow pump principles are based on the use of piezoelectric actuators, which present some advantages such as miniaturization potential and lower noise generation. In previous work, authors presented a study of a novel pump configuration based on placing an oscillating bimorph piezoelectric actuator in water to generate flow. It was concluded that this oscillatory behavior (such as fish swimming) yields vortex interaction, generating flow rate due to the action and reaction principle. Thus, following this idea the objective of this work is to explore this oscillatory principle by studying the interaction among generated vortex from two bimorph piezoelectric actuators oscillating inside the same pump channel, which is similar to the interaction of vortex generated by frontal fish and posterior ones when they swim together in a group formation. It is shown that parallel-series configurations of bimorph piezoelectric actuators inside the same pump channel provide higher flow rates and pressure for liquid pumping than simple parallel-series arrangements of corresponding single piezoelectric pumps, respectively. The scope of this work includes structural simulations of bimorph piezoelectric actuators, fluid flow simulations, and prototype construction for result validation.