EMBALAGEM INDIVIDUAL DE MANGAS CV. TOMMY ATKINS em FILME PLÁSTICO: EFEITO SOBRE A VIDA DE PRATELEIRA

Estudou-se o efeito da embalagem de policloreto de vinila (PVC) sobre a vida de prateleira de mangas cv. Tommy Atkins armazenadas sob refrigeração. Mangas no estádio de maturidade fisiológica, com casca verde ou levemente avermelhada, foram embaladas individualmente, com filme de 10mm de espessura, e armazenadas por 28 dias a 12ºC (80-90% UR). Frutos sem embalagem serviram de controle. Durante o período de armazenagem, foram feitas avaliações sensoriais utilizando o método de escala hedônica não estruturada para aceitação da aparência e do sabor, utilizando-se de 30 provadores não treinados por sessão. Determinou-se também a perda de massa, a acidez titulável e os teores de sólidos solúveis e vitamina C ao longo da armazenagem. As mangas embaladas apresentaram uma vida de prateleira de 21 dias contra 6 dias das não embaladas, e uma taxa de perda de massa 3,5 vezes menor que as não embaladas. em relação à taxa de degradação de vitamina C, não houve diferença entre os tratamentos. A combinação da embalagem com a armazenagem a 12ºC aumentou a vida de prateleira do produto pela redução da atividade metabólica e do desenvolvimento de podridão.

Manutenção da qualidade de rosas cortadas cv. Vega em soluções conservantes

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

New insights into the in vitro organogenesis process: the case of Passiflora

We present evidences that ultrastructural electron microscope findings are valuable ways to understand the in vitro regeneration process, in particular in the yellow passion fruit. Shoot-regeneration was induced in hypocotyl and leaf-derived explants using 4.44 mu M BAP, and the entire organogenic process was analyzed using conventional histology, scanning and transmission electronic microscopy. Both direct and indirect regeneration modes were observed in hypocotyl explants, but only direct regeneration occurred in leaf-derived cultures. In the direct pathway from both explant types, meristemoids developed into globular structures, here called protuberances. The peripheral meristematic layers of the protuberances displayed ultrastructural characteristics indicative of a high metabolic activity, and only these cells originated shoots and leaf primordia, the latter being frequent when leaf explants were used. Moreover, the peripheral cells of the protuberances derived from leaf explants lost adhesion during the culture, diminishing the regeneration rates. We recommend the use of hypocotyls as a source of explant to obtain shoots as well as a genetic transformation system for the yellow passion fruit. However, the direct pathway is preferred because a type of amitosis occurred in the peripheral cells of hypocotyl-derived calli, which has the potential to result in genetic instability of the regenerating plants/tissue.

beta(2)-Agonists and cAMP inhibit protein degradation in isolated chick (Gallus domesticus) skeletal muscle

1. The role of beta(2)-agonist and of cAMP in chick skeletal muscle proteolytic pathways and protein synthesis was investigated using an in vitro preparation that maintains tissue glycogen stores and metabolic activity for several hours.2. In extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle total proteolysis decreased by 15 to 20% in the presence of equimolar concentrations of epinephrine, clenbuterol, a selective beta(2)-agonist, or dibutyryl-cAMP. Rates of protein synthesis were not altered by clenbuterol or dibutyryl-cAMP.3. The decrease in the rate of total protein degradation induced by 10(-5) M clenbuterol was paralleled by a 44% reduction in Ca2+-dependent proteolysis, which was prevented by 10(-5) M ICI 118.551, a selective beta(2)-antagonist.4. No change was observed in the activity of the lysosomal, ATP-dependent, and ATP-independent proteolytic systems. Ca2+-dependent proteolytic activity was also reduced by 58% in the presence of 10(-4) M dibutyryl-cAMP or isobutylmethylxanthine.5. The data suggest that catecholamines exert an inhibitory control of Ca2+-dependent proteolysis in chick skeletal muscle, probably mediated by beta(2)-adrenoceptors, with the participation of a cAMP-dependent pathway.

Cytotoxic effects of cleansing solutions recommended for chemical lavage of pulp exposures

Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effects of three cleansing solutions used for chemical lavage of pulp exposures. Materials and Methods: the immortalized odontoblast cell line (MDPC-23) was plated (30,000 cells/cm(2)) and incubated for 72 hrs in 24-well dishes. After counting the cell number under inverted light microscopy, 20 mul of the experimental and control solutions were added to 980 mul of fresh culture medium. Then, hydrogen peroxide (3%, H2O2), sodium hypochlorite (6%, NaOCl) or calcium hydroxide-saline solution (5g of Ca(OH)(2) in 10 mi of sterile distilled water) were added to wells for experimental Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The positive and negative control groups received Syntac Sprint bonding agent (SS) and phosphate buffered saline (PBS), respectively. Following incubation for 120 min the cell number was counted again, the cell morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the cell metabolism was determined by the methyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. The scores obtained from cell counting and MTT assay were analyzed with an ANOVA followed by Fisher's PLSD tests. Results: H2O2 NaOCl solutions, and SS bonding agent were more cytotoxic than Ca(OH)2 or PBS. In the groups with H2O2 Or SS, only a few cells remained attached to the bottom of wells. The difference between these two groups was not statistically significant. H2O2, NaOCl and SS depressed the mitochondrial enzyme response by 97.7%, 97.3%, and 95.0%, respectively. on the other hand, Ca(OH)2 depressed the metabolic activity of cells by only 5%. While H2O2, NaOCl and SS caused extreme changes on the cell morphology, neither Ca(OH)2 nor PBS promoted dramatic changes in the cell morphology.

The relationship of oral malodor in patients with or without periodontal disease

Background: Halitosis has been correlated with the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) produced in the oral cavity by metabolic activity of bacteria colonizing the periodontal area and the dorsum of the tongue. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is some relationship between the presence of N-benzoyl-DL-arginine-2-napthylamide (BANA)positive species Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Bacteroides forsythus and clinical and oral malodor parameters.Methods: Twenty-one subjects (21 to 59 years old) with probing depths (PD) >3.0 mm and 20 subjects (21 to 63 years old) with PD less than or equal to3.0 mm (controls) participated. The quality of the mouth air was assessed organoleptically, and a portable sulfide monitor was used to measure the concentration of VSC. Clinical parameters, plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI), were obtained from 6 teeth. Samples for BANA test were taken from the dorsal surface of the tongue, saliva, and the 6 reference teeth.Results: the scores of PI, GI, subgingival samples that tested positive for BANA hydrolyzing species, organoleptic ratings, and VSC values were significantly higher in the subjects with PD >3.0 mm (P <0.01, Mann-Whitney U test). There was a correlation between BANA hydrolysis by subgingival plaque bacteria and VSC values (r = 0.55, P <0.01), and between GI and VSC values (r = 0.48, P <0.05) in patients with PD >3.0 mm. There was no significant correlation between these parameters in the control group.Conclusion: These results confirm that the BANA hydrolyzing bacteria in the subgingival plaque are an important source of malodor production in the oral cavity.

Geochemical Assessment of a Subtropical Reservoir: A Case Study in Curitiba, Southern Brazil

Suspended particles and dissolved substances in water provide reactive surfaces, influence metabolic activity and contribute to the net sediment deposition. It therefore plays an important part in the ecology and quality of the water mass. The water quality in reservoirs is crucial and it is naturally maintained by flushing and sedimentation, which continuously remove phosphorus from the water. In some reservoirs, however, these removal processes are countered by recycling of ions which could play a key role to start and/or maintain the eutrophic state. The combination of macro-, trace- and microanalysis techniques can be useful to trace pollution sources through a chemical fingerprint, whether be during an acute environmental disaster or a long-term release of pollutants. The water quality and total metal content of reservoir sediments were assessed in a reservoir, situated in the capital of the Parana State, in the South-Eastern part of Brazil. The goal of this paper was to determine the metal presence in the sediment and metal and ionic speciation in the Green River reservoir water. Water and bed sediment samples, collected from various sites during 2008 and 2009, were investigated using XRF, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRD and zeta potential measurements. Based on the results, the heavy metal concentration and chemical composition of the suspended matter in the water samples, as well as the sediment's chemical composition will be discussed.

Soluble phosphate accumulation by Aspergillus niger from fluorapatite

In order to determine conditions that may provide greater solubilization of insouluble phosphate, the fungus Aspergillus niger was grown in a stationary culture containing modified citrate medium supplemented with 800 mg fluorapatite per litre. Solubilization of insouluble phosphate increased with fungal growth, reaching a maximum after 11 days of culture. Soluble phosphate levels were correlated with pH of the culture medium but not with titratable acidity values, probably due to the metabolic activity of the fungus resulting from consumption of sugar in the culture medium. Fructose, glucose, xylose, and sucrose were the carbohydrates that favoured fluorapatite solubilization the most when compared with galactose and maltose. Although increasing fructose concentrations in the culture medium favoured mycelial growth, increased total acidity and a fall in pH, soluble phosphate levels were reduced, probably owing to consumption by the rapidly growing fungus. Among the nitrogen sources tested, ammonium salts favoured the production of larger amounts of soluble phosphate than organic nitrogen (peptone or urea) or nitrate, corresponding to the lowest pH and highest titratable acidity values obtained. © 1988 Springer-Verlag.

Biomecánica da movimentação ortodôntica--resposta inicial dos tecidos periodontais.

There occurs a biological response of the tissues of dental support, in answer to the external physiological forces and those realized during clinical treatments with orthodontical purposes. These forces differ from the first ones because they are continuous and time dependent. A great dental mobility is related to the degree of tissue organization of the periodontium system and the orthodontical movement must utilize this exceptional capacity of renewal and adaptation of the periodontium structures adequately. Therefore, through histological means a search was made to evaluate the succession of alterations of the periodontium system after the application of an orthodontical force on the molars of young rats and to interpret the standards of horizontal mobility and their consequences on the periodontium structures, biologically. An orthodontic force was applied on young rats utilizing steel wire placed in a ring form on a contact point between the first and second lower molars. The animals were sacrificed after 30 minutes, 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 168 hours after the placement of the metal ring. After technical preparation, the microscopic slides were examined and the results were compared. In all the sections there was evidence of an intense metabolic activity. A gradual evolution of modification on the phenomenons had occurred.

The materno-fetal interface in llama (Lama guanicoe glama)

Samples from 9 llamas (28 through 36 weeks of gestation) were collected and fixed in 4% buffered paraformaldehyde (light microscopy) and in 2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde (transmission and scanning electron microscopy). The material was processed in paraplast and slides (5μm) were stained with HE, PAS, Masson-Trichrome, acid phosphatase and Perl's. The uteroferrin was immunolocalized. The results show that llama placenta is chorioallantoic, diffuse, folded and epitheliochorial, and the fetus is covered with an epidermal membrane. The trophoblast cells have variable morphology: cubic, rounded and triangular cells, with cytoplasm containing PAS-positive granules. Binucleated cells with large cytoplasm and rounded nuclei, as well as giant trophoblastic cells with multiple nuclei were also observed. Numerous blood vessels were observed beneath the cells of the uterine epithelium and around the chorionic subdivided branches. Glandular activity was shown by PAS, Perl's, and acid phosphatase positive reactions in the cytoplasm and glandular lumen, and by immunolocalization of the uteroferrin in the glandular epithelium. The uterine glands open in spaces formed by the areoles, which are filled by PAS-positive material. The llama fetus was covered by the epidermal membrane, composed of stratified epithelium, with up to seven layers of mono-, bi- or trinucleated cells. The high level of maternal and fetal vascularization surfaces indicates an intense exchange of substances across both surfaces. The metabolic activity shown in the uterine glands suggests an adaptation of the gestation to the high altitudes of the natural habitat of this species.

Localization of total proteins and lactate dehydrogenase in hamster epididymis

The concentration of total protein measured by photocolorimetric methodology and reported as units per 100 mg of tissue decreased from the initial segment to the cauda epididymidis of the Golden hamster, being significant the numeric difference observed between these two regions. This observation was related with an increased synthesis and secretion of proteins to the lumen in proximal segments of the epididymidis duct, mainly in initial segment, as proposed for other rodents. LDH activity was higher in initial segment and distal cauda than in the caput and corpus epididymidis, although no significant differences in mean values had been observed. The high LDH activity observed in initial segment and cauda epididymidis of hamster had been related to an expressive epithelium metabolic activity presented in these regions. This metabolic activity help to guarantee the survival of spermatozoa stored in cauda epididymidis. Furthermore, lower LDH activity noted in the caput and corpus epididymidis might be related with a progressive reduction of glycolysis in initial maturation step of spermatozoa mainly verified in corpus epididymidis. © 2007 Sociedad Chilena de Anatomía.

Cytotoxic effects of hard-setting cements applied on the odontoblast cell line MDPC-23

Objective: The present study evaluated the cytotoxic effects of hard setting applied on the odontoblastlike cells MDPC-23. Study design: Eighty round-shaped samples were prepared with the following experimental materials: calcium hydroxide, Vitrebond, RelyX Luting, and RelyX Unicem. The samples were placed in serum-free culture medium and incubated for 24 hours or 7 days at 37°C with 5% CO 2 and 95% air. The odontoblast cells were plated in the wells and incubated for 72 hours. After this period, the complete culture medium was replaced by the extracts obtained from every sample, and the methyltetrazolium assay was carried out to evaluate the cell metabolism. Results: For the 24-hour period, the experimental materials calcium hydroxide, Vitrebond, RelyX Luting, and RelyX Unicem decreased the cell metabolic activity by 91.52%, 81.14%, 78.17%, and 2.64%, respectively. For the 7-day period, calcium hydroxide, Vitrebond, RelyX Luting, and RelyX Unicem decreased the metabolic activity of the MDPC-23 cells by 91.13%, 87.27%, 79.04%, and 10.51%, respectively. Conclusion: RelyX Unicem presented the lowest cytopathic effects to the cultured odontoblast cell line. © 2007 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cytotoxic effects of different concentrations of chlorhexidine

Purpose: To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of different concentrations of Chlorhexidine (Chx) to the odontoblast cell line MDPC-23. Methods: The odontoblast-like cells were seeded (30,000 cells/cm 2) in 60 wells of 24-well dishes and then incubated in contact with the following experimental and control solutions: Group 1: 0.0024% Chx; Group 2: 0.004% Chx; Group 3: 0.02% Chx; Group 4: Phosphate buffer saline solution (PBS, negative control); and Group 5: 0.06% H 2O 2 (positive control). Cell metabolic activity was measured by MTT assay and the cell morphology was analyzed by SEM. Results: The cytotoxic effects of Chx are dose-dependent. The reduction in the cell metabolism for Groups 1, 2, and 3 was 24.8%, 29.9% and 70.8%, respectively. No statistical difference was observed between the Groups 1 and 2 in which no significant cell morphology changes occurred. Consequently, it was concluded that 0.02% Chx solution presents high cytotoxicity to the odontoblast-like cells MDPC-23. On theother hand, 0.0024% and 0.004% Chx causes slight cytopathic effects to the cultured cells.

Fermentation characteristics of several carbohydrate sources for dog diets using the in vitro gas production technique

Fermentable carbohydrates are an important part of the canine diet. They can improve gastrointestinal health by modifying gut microbial population and metabolic activity. The present study compared the fermentation characteristics and kinetic patterns of 10 carbohydrate sources using the in vitro gas production technique (IVGPT) with dog faecal inoculum. The substrates tested were: pure cellulose (PC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), sugar-cane fibre (SCF), beet pulp (BP), wheat bran (WB), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin, yeast cell wall (YCW), ground psyllium seed (PS), pea hulls (PH). All substrates were incubated at 39°C under anaerobic conditions with faeces collected from dogs as microbial inoculum. Gas production of fermenting cultures was recorded and after 48 h, pH, shortchain fatty acids (SCFA) and organic matter disappearance (OMD) were determined. The results confirm high fermentation by dog faecal bacteria of FOS and inulin that produced high amounts of propionate and that underwent very rapid fermentation. Three substrates (SCF, CMC and PC) were not able to support bacterial growth, with low gas and SCFA production, and high BCFA formation. The PH and BP showed moderate OMD and SCFA production. Wheat bran B underwent rapid fermentation and generated a high proportion of butyrate. Psyllium seeds underwent slow fermentation with delayed gas production, supporting a high formation of SCFA, with an adequate amount of butyrate for bacterial growth while YCW, which showed a delayed fermentation, gave moderate SCFA production. The fermentation characteristics of PS and YCW suggest their potential use in promoting a more distal fermentation on intestinal tract. © Copyright S. Calabrò et al., 2013 Licensee PAGEPress, Italy.

Photodynamic inactivation of planktonic cultures and biofilms of Candida albicans mediated by aluminum-chloride-phthalocyanine entrapped in nanoemulsions

New drug delivery systems, such as nanoemulsions (NE), have been developed to allow the use of hydrophobic drugs on the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. This study evaluated the photodynamic potential of aluminum-chloride- phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) entrapped in cationic and anionic NE to inactivate Candida albicans planktonic cultures and biofilm compared with free ClAlPc. Fungal suspensions were treated with different delivery systems containing ClAlPc and light emitting diode. For planktonic suspensions, colonies were counted and cell metabolism was evaluated by XTT assay. Flow cytometry evaluated cell membrane damage. For biofilms, the metabolic activity was evaluated by XTT and ClAlPc distribution through biofilms was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Fungal viability was dependent on the delivery system, superficial charge and light dose. Free ClAlPc caused photokilling of the yeast when combined with 100 J cm-2. Cationic NE-ClAlPc reduced significantly both colony counts and cell metabolism (P < 0.05). In addition, cationic NE-ClAlPc and free ClAlPc caused significant damage to the cell membrane (P < 0.05). For the biofilms, cationic NE-ClAlPc reduced cell metabolism by 70%. Anionic NE-ClAlPc did not present antifungal activity. CLSM showed different accumulation on biofilms between the delivery systems. Although NE system showed a lower activity for planktonic culture, cationic NE-ClAlPc showed better results for Candida biofilms. Candida albicans biofilm overview after 30 min of contact with free ClAlPc. This study presents the photodynamic potential of aluminum-chloride-phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) entrapped in cationic and anionic nanoemulsions (NE) to inactivate C. albicans planktonic cultures and biofilm comparing with free ClAlPc. The photodynamic effect was dependent on the delivery system, superficial charge and light dose. Cationic NE-ClAlPc and free ClAlPc caused significant reduction in colony counts, cell metabolism and damage to the cell membrane (P < 0.05). However, only the free ClAlPc was able to cause photokilling of the yeast. The anionic NE-ClAlPc did not present antifungal activity. Although NE system showed a lower activity for planktonic culture, cationic NE-ClAlPc showed better results for Candida biofilms. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Photochemistry and Photobiology © 2012 The American Society of Photobiology.