Resumo Com o crescente interesse no seu cultivo, estudos na produção de pitaya ((Selenicereus undatus (Haw.) D.R. Hunt, família Cactaceae) é de fundamental importância quando se busca novas técnicas para o incremento do cultivo e garantia de um pomar homogêneo e produtivo. Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do uso de diferentes concentrações de ácido giberélico e do estágio de maturação de frutos na germinação de sementes e vigor de plântulas de pitaya vermelha da polpa branca, tendo em vista a qualidade fisiológica de mudas produzidas a fim de subsidiar trabalhos de melhoramento genético e conservação da espécie. Foram utilizadas sementes de frutos de pitaya vermelha da polpa branca em dois estágios de maturação (fisiologicamente maduros e conservados à 10°C em BOD por 3 meses), tratadas com diferentes concentrações de ácido giberélico: 0, 50, 100 e 500 mg/L. Foi possível observar que houve influência do armazenamento de frutos na germinação, emergência e crescimento das plântulas em função das concentrações de ácido giberélico. Assim, verifica-se que, no caso de sementes extraídas de frutos maduros de pitaya vermelha da polpa branca, quando semeadas nas condições do presente estudo, é necessário a utilização de GA3 para incrementar a emergência e o vigor das plântulas, com doses ótimas variando entre 150 e 300 mg/L. No caso da necessidade em armazenar os frutos de pitaya para a posterior retirada de sementes, também nas mesmas condições de semeadura do presente estudo, observa-se que, em síntese, é necessária a utilização de GA3, porém em doses maiores do que o observado no primeiro, sendo de, no mínimo, 500 mg/L. O presente estudo mostra que há influência do estágio de maturação dos frutos de pitaya vermelha de polpa branca para retirada de sementes sobre a qualidade das mudas, concluindo que o uso de sementes extraídas de frutos maduros, sem fermentação, é mais adequado para esta finalidade.

Abstract With increased interest in cultivation, the study of white-fleshed pitahaya (Selenicereus undatus (Haw.) D.R. Hunt, Cactaceae family) seedling production is of fundamental importance in the search for novel techniques to increase cultivation and guarantee homogeneous and productive orchards. The present study investigated the influence of various gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations and fruit maturation stages on seed germination and vigor of white-fleshed pitahaya seedlings, considering the physiological quality of seedlings produced to support genetic breeding and conservation programs of the species. White-fleshed pitahaya seeds at two maturation stages (physiologically ripe and maintained at 10 °C in Biochemical Oxygen Demand incubators for three months) were treated with varying GA3 concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 500 mg/L. We observed the influence of fruit storage on seedling germination, emergence, and growth as a function of GA3 concentration. According to the results, seeds extracted from ripe white-fleshed pitahaya fruits grown under the conditions tested here required GA3 application to increase seedling emergence and vigor, with optimal doses in the 150–300-mg/L range. In the case of pitahaya fruits intended for storage for future seed removal and maintained under the same sowing conditions, the application of higher doses of GA3 was necessary when compared to the previous condition, with a minimum dose of 500 mg/L GA3. The present study shows that the maturation stage of white-fleshed pitahaya fruits intended for seed removal influences the quality of seedlings; therefore, the use of seeds extracted from ripe pitahaya fruits without fermentation is more appropriate for the purpose.

RESUMO Este trabalho objetivou a avaliação dos efeitos dos diferentes tempos de espera e da posição das caixas de transporte no caminhão sobre perfil bioquímico e hematológico, além de parâmetros físicos da carne, como cor e pH do peito, de frangos de corte. Os tratamentos foram definidos pelos animais abatidos com zero, duas, quatro e seis horas de espera no abatedouro, posicionados nas partes superior e inferior do caminhão. Como resultado, verificou-se que o aumento do tempo de espera no abatedouro, acima de duas horas, resultou em redução no número de linfócitos, elevação da razão heterófilos/ linfócitos (H/L) e de basófilos no hemograma. Houve aumento da atividade de lactato desidrogenase (LDH), dos níveis de colesterol e redução de triglicerídeos e glicose no plasma. O posicionamento das caixas na parte superior da carroceria do caminhão elevou a enzima creatina quinase (CK) sanguínea. Além disso, o tempo prolongado na área de espera aumentou o pH final e o valor de a* (teor de vermelho) e diminuiu a luminosidade dos filés. A interação significante dos fatores tempo de espera de quatro e seis horas e a posição superior das caixas de transporte propiciaram o desenvolvimento de carnes duras, firmes e escuras (DFD) em frangos de corte.

ABSTRACT An investigation was made into the effects of different lairage times and the position of chicken crates during transport to the slaughterhouse on the biochemical and hematological profile and physical parameters of broilers, such as color and pH of their breast meat. The treatments were defined by the animals slaughtered after 0, 2, 4 and 6 hours of lairage time at the slaughterhouse, transported in crates located in the top and bottom layers of the truck. It was found that increasing the lairage time at the slaughterhouse to over two hours reduced the number of lymphocytes and increased the heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and the basophil count in the hemogram. In addition, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and cholesterol levels increased and plasma triglyceride and glucose levels decreased. The position of the crates in the truck altered the creatine kinase (CK) activity, and the highest enzyme activity was found in birds transported in the top layer of crates in the truck. Furthermore, the long lairage time in the slaughterhouse increased the pH and the value of a* (redness value) and decreased the lightness value of breast fillets. The interaction significant between 4 and 6 hours of lairage time and the position of the crate in the top layer of the truck favored the development of dark, firm, dry (DFD) meat.

Abstract The “bacuri” (Platonia insignis Mart., Clusiaceae) is a native tropical fruit from the Brazilian Amazon and Northeast Regions. Its seeds are used to treat inflammatory diseases, diarrhea and skin problems in traditional medical practices. Regarding its widespread medicinal uses, it is important to evaluate the biological and toxicological potential of this species. This way, the aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects of the hexanic extract of P. insignis seeds, as well as its in vivo acute oral toxicity. The biological evaluation was performed by the determination of cytotoxic (MTT and hemolysis assay) and immunomodulatory (phagocytic capacity, lysosomal volume and nitrite production) activities of EHSB in murine peritoneal macrophages. In addition, the oral acute toxicity was evaluated using female Wistar rats treated with EHSB (2.0 g/kg), in accordance with the OECD 423 Guideline. The EHSB showed low toxicity for macrophages in the MTT test (CC50 value: 90.03 µg/ml), as well as for erythrocytes, which caused only 2.5% hemolysis at the highest concentration. A strong immunomodulatory activity was observed by a markedly increase of the NO production, phagocytic ability and lysosomal volume. On the other hand, it was not observed deaths or changes in the clinical and behavioral parameters in the toxicological evaluation. This manner, the present study contributes to the knowledge about the immunomodulatory and toxicological properties of the P. insignis. This may provide perspectives for the evaluation and development of effective and safe phytomedicines created from the Brazilian local biodiversity.

RESUMO Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. (Rutaceae) tem sido utilizada tradicionalmente no tratamento de infecções microbianas e doenças parasitárias. No presente estudo, o efeito antileishmania induzido pelo extrato etanólico de cascas do caule de Z. rhoifolium (ZR-EEtOH) e sua fração hexânica (ZR-FHEX) sobre a infecção e infectividade de macrófagos por formas promastigotas de Leishmania amazonensis foram investigados. Em diferentes experimentos, macrófagos ou promastigotas foram pré-tratadas com ZR-EEtOH ou ZR-FHEX em concentrações não-letais por 24 horas, e então os macrófagos foram submetidos à infecção pelas promastigotas. Além disso, seus efeitos sobre a ativação de macrófagos, assim como concentração de DNA, tamanho e número de promastigotas por citometria de fluxo também foram avaliados. A taxa de infecção e o número de formas amastigotas internalizadas foram consideravelmente reduzidos após os pré-tratamentos de macrófagos ou de promastigotas quando comparados com células não tratadas. O aumento na capacidade fagocítica e nas concentrações de nitrito também foi observado. Por sua vez, a redução na concentração de DNA, tamanho e número de promastigotas também foram observados. Em conclusão, ZR-EEtOH e ZR-FHEX promoveram um significativo efeito antileishmania e redução na infecção de macrófagos, provavelmente envolvendo ativação de mecanismos de defesa em macrófagos. Estes achados reforçam a potencial aplicação de Z. rhoifolium no tratamento da leishmaniose.

ABSTRACT Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. (Rutaceae) has been traditionally used in the treatment of microbial infections and parasitic diseases. In the present study, the antileishmanial effect induced by the ethanol extract of stem barks from Z. rhoifolium (ZR-EEtOH) and its n-hexane fraction (ZR-FHEX) on infection and infectivity of murine macrophages by promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis were investigated. In different set of experiments, macrophages or promastigotes were pretreated with ZR-EEtOH or ZR-FHEX at non-lethal concentrations for 24 hours, and then macrophages were submitted to infection by promastigotes. Moreover, their effects on activation of macrophages, as well as on the DNA content, size and number of promastigotes by flow cytometry were also evaluated. The infection rate and the number of internalized amastigote forms were markedly decreased after pretreatment of macrophages or promastigotes when compared with non-treated cells. The increase in phagocytic capability and nitrite content was also observed. Furthermore, the decrease of DNA content, size and number of promastigotes was also observed. In conclusion, ZR-EEtOH and ZR-FHEX promoted a markedly significant antileishmanial effect and reduction of infection of macrophages, probably underlying defense mechanisms activation in macrophages. These findings reinforce the potential application of Z. rhoifolium in the treatment of leishmaniasis.

<p>A deterioração da qualidade ambiental da bacia do Rio dos Sinos está diretamente associada a impactos oriundos da intensa industrialização e urbanização. A avaliação ambiental integrada (AAI) foi realizada nos meses de julho e setembro de 2012, em áreas junto às nascentes dos arroios Estância Velha/Portão, Pampa e Schmidt por meio de metodologias que utilizam parâmetros físicos, químicos e biológicos. Os três sítios amostrais apresentaram águas impróprias para o consumo humano, baixo índice de contaminação por tóxicos (ICT) e características mesotróficas. Um sítio foi enquadrado na Classe 4 e dois na Classe 3, segundo a legislação vigente. Os resultados da aplicação do protocolo de avaliação rápida (PAR) indicaram uma situação ambiental natural, quanto à diversidade de habitats e aos impactos ambientais, nos três sítios amostrados. O biondicador <italic>Tradescantia pallida</italic> (Rose) D.R. Hunt var. <italic>purpurea</italic> Boom evidenciou genotoxicidade da água em dois sítios amostrados. O diagnóstico integrado da qualidade das águas destes arroios é de fundamental importância para assegurar o gerenciamento sustentado dos recursos hídricos e seus múltiplos usos, além de estimar sua contribuição à poluição desta bacia hidrográfica.</p>

<p>The deterioration of environmental quality in the Sinos River basin is directly associated with the impacts of intense industrialization and urbanization. An integrated environmental assessment (IEA) was conducted in July and September of 2012, in areas along the sources of the EstânciaVelha/Portão, Pampa and Schmidt streams using physical, chemical and biological methods. The water in the three sampling sites was not proper for human consumption, presented a low toxic contamination index (TCI) and mesotrophic characteristics. One site was included in Class 4, and two, in Class 3, according to current legislation. The rapid assessment protocol (RAP) indicated a natural environmental condition for habitat diversity and environmental impact in the three sites. The <italic>Tradescantia pallida</italic> (Rose) D.R. Hunt var. <italic>purpurea</italic> Boom biomarker showed water genotoxicity in two of the sites. The integrated diagnosis of water quality in these streams is fundamentally important to ensure the sustainable management of water resources and their multiple uses, as well to estimate their contribution to pollution in this river basin.</p>

The kinetics of gas production and in vitro ruminal degradation of diets contained replacement of soybean meal (SBM) by detoxicated castorbean meal (DCBM) (0, 15, 30 and 45% of substitution) were evaluated in this study. Values of gas production of non-fibrous carbohydrates (Vf1), fibrous carbohydrates (Vf2) and total carbohydrates (V) showed quadratic behavior, and by observation of equations can be obtained inclusions of 25% the V and Vf1 obtained maximum values of 174.7 and 237.8 ml gas / g DM, respectively. The potential degradability (PD) and effective degradability (ED) of dry matter showed quadratic behavior and by observation of equations can be perceive that up to 18.0% there was an increase in the values of PD and ED that obtained maximum values of 93.7% and 55.7%, respectively. The replacement of SBM by DCBM from 15 to 30% increased the kinetics of gas production and rumen degradation.

Os efeitos da inclusão de levedura seca de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) na dieta de vacas lactantes foram avaliados com base no fornecimento de quatro dietas constituídas de diferentes níveis de substituição do farelo de soja pela levedura de cana-de-açúcar (0,00; 0,33; 0,67 e 1,00kg/kg de MS). O delineamento utilizado foi o quadrado latino 4 × 4. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre o consumo de MS, MO, EE, FDNi e NDT, porém ocorreu redução linear no consumo de PB e FDNcp e aumento do consumo de CNF. Diferenças estatísticas não foram verificadas para os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente da MS, MO, PB, CNF e NDT; no entanto os coeficientes do FDNcp e do EE decresceram linearmente. Não foi observado efeito sobre a produção e eficiência de síntese microbiana, utilização dos componentes nitrogenados e produção e composição do leite. Conclui-se que a levedura seca pode substituir 100% o farelo de soja na alimentação de vacas lactantes.

The effects of the inclusion of sugar cane dry yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in dairy cows feeding were evaluated based on the provision of four different diets with increasing proportions of sugar cane dry yeast (0.00; 0.33; 0.67 and 1.00kg/kg of DM). The design adopted for this research was the latin square, 4 × 4. It was observed that the levels of yeast inclusion did not affect the intake of DM, OM, EE, NDFi and TDN. However, the CP and NDFcp intake decreased linearly, whereas the NFC intake increased linearly with the increasing levels of yeast. No effect on the digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, NDFcp and NCF was observed. Nevertheless, the EE digestibility coefficient linearly decreased with the yeast inclusion in the experimental diets. There was no treatment effect on the production and efficiency of microbial synthesis, usage of nitrogenous components, as well as milk production and composition. It was concluded that the dried yeast can fully replace the soybean meal in diets of dairy cows.

The objective of the present study was to determine if there is a relationship between serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the number of T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T2/FLAIR) lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the study of MS. However, MRI has limitations and the use of other biomarkers such as BDNF may be useful for the clinical assessment and the study of the disease. Serum was obtained from 28 MS patients, 18-50 years old (median 38), 21 women, 0.5-10 years (median 5) of disease duration, EDSS 1-4 (median 1.5) and 28 healthy controls, 19-49 years old (median 33), 19 women. BDNF levels were measured by ELISA. T1, T2/FLAIR and gadolinium-enhanced lesions were measured by a trained radiologist. BDNF was reduced in MS patients (median [range] pg/mL; 1160 [352.6-2640]) compared to healthy controls (1640 [632.4-4268]; P = 0.03, Mann-Whitney test) and was negatively correlated (Spearman correlation test, r = -0.41; P = 0.02) with T2/FLAIR (11-81 lesions, median 42). We found that serum BDNF levels were inversely correlated with the number of T2/FLAIR lesions in patients with MS. BDNF may be a promising biomarker of MS.