UK Food Standards Agency alpha-linolenic acid workshop report

The UK Food Standards Agency convened a group of expert scientists to review current research investigating whether n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from plant oils (a-linolenic acid; ALA) were as beneficial to cardiovascular health as the n-3 PUFA from the marine oils, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The workshop also aimed to establish priorities for future research. Dietary intake of ALA has been associated with a beneficial effect on CHD; however, the results from studies investigating the effects of ALA supplementation on CHD risk factors have proved equivocal. The studies presented as part of the present workshop suggested little, if any, benefit of ALA, relative to linoleic acid, on risk factors for cardiovascular disease; the effects observed with fish-oil supplementation were not replicated by ALA supplementation. There is a need, therefore, to first prove the efficacy of ALA supplementation on cardiovascular disease, before further investigating effects on cardiovascular risk factors. The workshop considered that a beneficial effect of ALA on the secondary prevention of CHD still needed to be established, and there was no reason to look further at existing CHD risk factors in relation to ALA supplementation. The workshop also highlighted the possibility of feeding livestock ALA-rich oils to provide a means of increasing the dietary intake in human consumers of EPA and DHA.

Higher PUFA and omega-3 PUFA, CLA, α-tocopherol and iron, but lower iodine and selenium concentrations in organic milk: a systematic literature review and meta- and redundancy analyses

Demand for organic milk is partially driven by consumer perceptions that it is more nutritious. However, there is still considerable uncertainty over whether the use of organic production standards affects milk quality. Here we report results of meta-analyses based on 170 published studies comparing the nutrient content of organic and conventional bovine milk. There were no significant differences in total SFA and MUFA concentrations between organic and conventional milk. However, concentrations of total PUFA and n-3 PUFA were significantly higher in organic milk, by an estimated 7 (95 % CI −1, 15) % and 56 (95 % CI 38, 74) %, respectively. Concentrations of α-linolenic acid (ALA), very long-chain n-3 fatty acids (EPA+DPA+DHA) and conjugated linoleic acid were also significantly higher in organic milk, by an 69 (95 % CI 53, 84) %, 57 (95 % CI 27, 87) % and 41 (95 % CI 14, 68) %, respectively. As there were no significant differences in total n-6 PUFA and linoleic acid (LA) concentrations, the n-6:n-3 and LA:ALA ratios were lower in organic milk, by an estimated 71 (95 % CI −122, −20) % and 93 (95 % CI −116, −70) %. It is concluded that organic bovine milk has a more desirable fatty acid composition than conventional milk. Meta-analyses also showed that organic milk has significantly higher α-tocopherol and Fe, but lower I and Se concentrations. Redundancy analysis of data from a large cross-European milk quality survey indicates that the higher grazing/conserved forage intakes in organic systems were the main reason for milk composition differences.

Elastase secretion in Acanthamoeba polyphaga

Acanthamoeba species are frequently isolated from soil and water collections. In the environment, the organisms multiply as phagotrophic trophozoites and encyst under adverse conditions. Several species are known to infect man, causing keratitis and opportunistic diseases. The mechanisms underlying tissue damage and invasion by the amoebae are being elucidated and the involvement of secreted peptidases, particularly serine peptidases, has been demonstrated. Here, elastase activity was examined in Acanthamoeba-conditioned medium (ACM), making use of elastin-Congo red (ECR) and synthetic peptide p-nitroanilide substrates. ACM hydrolysed ECR over a broad pH range and optimally at a pH of 7.5 and above. Indicating the activity of serine and metallopeptidases, Congo red release was potently inhibited by PMSF, antipain, chymostatin and 1,10-phenanthroline, partially reduced by elastatinal and EDTA, and unaffected by 1,7-phenanthroline and E-64. Screening with synthetic substrates mainly showed the activity of serine peptidases. ACM efficiently hydrolysed Suc-Ala(2)-Pro-Leu-pNA and Suc-Ala(2)-Pro-Phe-pNA over a broad pH range (7.0-9.5) and was weakly active against Suc-Ala(3)-pNA, a substrate found to be optimally hydrolysed at a pH around 7.0. Following ammonium sulfate precipitation of ACM proteins and FPLC analysis, the majority of the ECR-splitting activity, characterised as serine peptidases, bound to CM-sepharose and co-eluted with part of the Suc-Ala(2)-Pro-Phe-pNA-hyd to lysing activity in a gradient of 0-0.6 M NaCl. In the corresponding FPLC fractions, serine peptidases resolving in the region of 70-130 kDa were detected in gelatin gels. Overall, the results demonstrate that trophozoites secrete elastases, and additionally suggest the high molecular weight serine peptidases as possible elastase candidates. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On the Phase Transformation in Mechanically Alloyed Ni-Nb and Ni-Ta and Ni-Nb-Ta Powders

This paper reports on the phase transformation during the preparation of Ni-25Nb, Ni-25Ta, Ni-20Nb-5Ta and Ni-15Nb-10Ta (at-%) powders by high-energy ball milling from elemental powders. The milling process was performed in a planetary ball milling using stainless steel balls and vials, rotary speed of 300rpm, and a ball-to-powder of 10:1. To minimize contamination and spontaneous ignition the powders were handled under argon atmosphere in a glove box. The milled powders were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction techniques. Results indicated that the Ni atoms were preferentially dissolved into the Nb (and/or Ta) lattice at the initial milling times, which contributed to change the relative intensity on the diffraction peaks. After the dissolution of Nb (and/or Ta) into the Ni lattice, the Ni peaks were moved to the direction of lower diffraction angles in Ni-25Nb, Ni-25Ta, Ni-20Nb-5Ta, Ni-15Nb-10Ta powders, indicating that the mechanical alloying was achieved.

Ethyl Carbamate Analysis in German Fruit Spirits and Brazilian Sugarcane Spirits (Cachaca): Improved Sample Cleanup with Automated Parallel Evaporation

The analysis of alcoholic beverages for the important carcinogenic contaminant ethyl carbamate is very time-consuming and expensive. Due to possible matrix interferences, sample cleanup using diatomaceous earth (Extrelut) column is required prior to gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric measurement. A limiting step in this process is the rotary evaporation of the eluate containing the analyte in organic solvents, which is currently conducted manually and requires approximately 20-30 min per sample. This paper introduces the use of a parallel evaporation device for ethyl carbamate analysis, which allows for the simultaneous evaporation of 12 samples to a specified residual volume without manual intervention. A more efficient and, less expensive analysis is therefore possible. The method validation showed no differences between the fully-automated parallel evaporation and the manual operation. The applicability was proven by analyzing authentic spirit samples from Germany, Canada and Brazil. It is interesting to note that Brazilian cachacas had a relatively high incidence for ethyl carbamate contamination (55% of all samples were above 0.15 mg/l), which may be of public health relevance and requires further evaluation.

Fluorapatite solubilization by Aspergillus niger in vinasse medium

Fluorapatite solubilization by Aspergillus niger using diluted vinasse at a relative density of 45° Brix may be an alternative to the usual processes for obtaining soluble phosphate. After 13 days of culture, a production of 1.2g l-1 soluble phosphate was obtained for 5g l-1 fluorapatite added to the vinasse, as well as production of 11 gl-1 dry mycelial mass and a substantial reduction of the polluting components of the medium, i.e. a 78 and 94% reduction of total and reducing sugars, respectively, and a 48 and 80% reduction of total and soluble solids, respectively. In less diluted medium, increased sugar content led to a greater production of dry mass but also to a reduction of soluble phosphate content. When fluorapatite concentration in vinasse was increased from 5.0 to 7.5 or 10.0 g l-1, soluble phosphate accumulation increased by 0.28 and 0.15 g l-1, respectively. Addition of ammonium nitrate or rotary shaking of the culture mixture did not lead to the production of larger amounts of soluble phosphate than obtained in the absence of these factors. © 1990.

Economic performance clubs in the Americas: 1955-2003

Includes bibliography

Avaliação da instrumentação rotatória com limas de níquel e titânio, K3 e RaCe, em canais radiculares curvos simulados

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Parâmetros genéticos para rentabilidade monetária em cavalos de corrida da raça Quarto de Milha

Pós-graduação em Genética e Melhoramento Animal - FCAV

Avaliação genético-quantitativa de característica de desempenho em cavalos da raça Quarto de Milha

Pós-graduação em Zootecnia - FMVZ

Resistência à fadiga cíclica de instrumentos rotatórios de níquel-titânio de diferentes características geométricas antes e após o uso

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a resistência à fadiga cíclica de instrumentos rotatórios de níquel-titânio de diferentes características geométricas, antes e após o uso em canais artificiais. Foram selecionadas limas rotatórias do Sistema Race (FKG Dentaire) e do Sistema K3 (SybronEndo) de conicidade 0,04, com 25mm de comprimento e diâmetro de ponta de 25, padrão ISO. As mesmas foram divididas em quatro grupos experimentais, com doze limas cada, totalizando quarenta e oito instrumentos. Os grupos foram assim divididos: grupo A0, instrumentos Race sem nenhum uso; grupo A5, instrumentos Race de cinco usos; grupo B0, instrumentos K3 de nenhum uso e grupo B5, instrumentos K3 de cinco usos. A simulação de uso foi realizada em canais artificiais de resina, com curvatura de 40° e raio de 5mm, utilizando uma peça de mão com contra-ângulo, acionado por motor elétrico, na velocidade de 350 rpm e 1 N/cm de torque. Todos os grupos foram submetidos a ensaios de fadiga cíclica num dispositivo que permitia o instrumento girar livremente, reproduzindo uma instrumentação rotatória num canal curvo. O tempo despendido até a fratura foi aferido por um cronômetro. Para avaliação estatística empregou-se o teste ANOVA para dois fatores e foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante entre as amostras. O teste de Tukey foi utilizado para verificar a diferença entre as médias dos grupos. Os resultados mostraram que o uso e a característica geométrica dos instrumentos influenciam na sua resistência à fadiga cíclica (p<0,05). As limas do grupo B0 (K3 sem nenhum uso) apresentaram maior resistência à fadiga, quando comparadas às limas dos demais grupos experimentais, independente do número de uso.

Ciência em comunicação: estudo exploratório sobre os processos comunicacionais no Clube do Pesquisador Mirim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi

A divulgação científica é comumente associada aos conteúdos e formatos midiáticos que contemplam a temática da ciência. Além da centralidade midiática, as concepções e práticas de divulgação científica geralmente estão baseadas em um modelo linear e difusionista que separa, como que em polos opostos, os indivíduos que “têm conhecimento” (cientistas) e a sociedade em geral. Nesta dissertação, porém, questionamos o que há de comunicacional nas relações entre ciência e sociedade, que percebemos estar além da presença de um aparato tecnológico, assim como envolve relações mais complexas do que uma simples transferência de conhecimentos. Investimonos, então, a compreender as dimensões comunicacionais de uma experiência amazônica desenvolvida pelo Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi: o Clube do Pesquisador Mirim. O Clube tem a proposta de oferecer a estudantes da educação básica vivências de compartilhamento e produção de conhecimento científico, de maneira interativa e colaborativa. Desafiamo-nos a realizar uma pesquisa de cunho exploratório, a partir de uma perspectiva transmetodológica, congregando procedimentos qualitativos e quantitativos na construção de um objeto de estudo na área da Comunicação. Nesse percurso, a análise dos processos comunicacionais desenvolvidos no e desencadeados pelo Clube se deu a partir da relação constante de nossos referenciais com o que o empírico nos possibilitava observar e interpretar. Trabalhamos com uma metodologia dialógica e colaborativa, por meio de procedimentos de recepção, que nos permitiram analisar os processos comunicacionais no Clube também a partir da própria percepção dos sujeitos participantes, além de poder experienciar as dimensões comunicacionais em nosso próprio processo de pesquisa. A partir de uma discussão mais ampla sobre ciência e comunicação, também realizamos a crítica da divulgação científica e de outras denominações afins, que nos levaram a trabalhar com o conceito de comunicação da ciência como processo que coloca em circulação práticas e concepções diversas, agregando o funcional e o normativo, o positivista e o pós-moderno, o funcionalista e o dialógico, o simples e o complexo, o sujeito e o objeto, em medidas e proporções variadas, em tempos imediatos e infinitos. Encontramos, na experiência do Clube, algumas dimensões comunicacionais (compartilhamento, sedução, afeto, convicção e convencimento, negociação e convivência, apropriação, papel atuante do sujeito e incomunicação) que se constituem como elementos que promovem o início e a continuidade dos fluxos comunicacionais da ciência. Compreendemos, assim, que a contribuição de nossa área para a discussão da temática da divulgação científica é refletir, evidenciar e problematizar que a comunicação não está apenas na difusão dos resultados de uma pesquisa, mas é inerente ao processo de construção de conhecimento científico, sobretudo, na contemporaneidade.

Avaliação goniométrica da amplitude de movimento do ombro de crianças praticantes de beisebol

Introduction: Baseball is a Sport disputed by two teams composed at least by nine players which compete between themselves in a game of six innings in the amateur game, for children up to 10 years old. Objective: The objective is to compare the movement degrees of the shoulder joint between the dominant and the non dominant shoulder. Methods: Eleven male subjects were assessed (8,63 ± 0,67 years old) whom practiced baseball at the Nikkey Club of the city of Marília – SP. All of the subjects were assessed by the same examiner, whom measured the range of motion (ROM) of both glenohumeral joint. The Student t test was used for the comparison of the shoulders, with level of significance of 5% (p≤0,05). Results: The subjects presented significant differences on the external rotation movement (p= 0,014) between the dominant shoulder (63,63 ± 12,92°) and the non dominant shoulder (55,45 ± 16,27°), and in the internal rotation movement (p= 0,001) between the dominant shoulder (32,90 ± 5,68°) and the non dominant shoulder (40,72 ± 5,74°). Conclusion: The results obtained in this study, on the experimental conditions utilized, allow us to conclude that the practice of baseball influence the range of motion of external rotation and internal rotation of the dominant shoulder, with increased external rotation, and a decreased internal rotation, provoking instability of the shoulder joint.

A compreensão das técnicas da equoterapia no campo da saúde: uma perspectiva fenomenológica no campo da saúde

Pós-graduação em Ciências da Motricidade - IBRC