Abstract Background: Human Polyomaviruses such as MCPyV and HPyV6 are frequently found as part of healthy skin microbiota and have been associated with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), pruritic and dyskeratotic dermatoses, respectively. Their presence in other types of skin conditions varies greatly depending on lesion type and population. Objectives: To analyse comparatively the presence of MCPyV and HPyV6 in nonmelanoma skin cancers and healthy skin. Methods: The authors utilized qPCR techniques to quantify these pathogens in NMSC, premalignant diseases, and healthy skin of 87 patients. Results: MCPyV was detected in over 40% of samples, while HPyV6 was in 9.6%. MCPyV load was higher in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) compared to basal cell carcinomas (BCC) (p = 0.016) and HPyV6 showed a higher percentage of infected cells in areas of low solar exposure as well as normal skin (p = 0.012). A fair agreement (kappa = 0.301) was found between MCPyV detection in lesions and their respective perilesional skin, indicating a random process of local dissemination of the virus. Study limitations: The lack of a larger sampling of different lesion types and protein expression analyses limits the correlation findings. Conclusions: This is the first report of HPyV6 detection in the healthy skin of a Brazilian population, but the role of both polyomaviruses in NMSC has yet to be demonstrated.

RESUMO A mastite representa uma das principais enfermidades nos rebanhos de caprinos leiteiros, com implicações na produção de leite e na qualidade final dos derivados. Objetivou-se observar a influência do tratamento da mastite com o extrato etanólico da Hymenaea martiana Hayne sobre as características físico-químicas e sensoriais do queijo tipo coalho. Uma pomada contendo extrato foi elaborada para uso intramamário em seis fêmeas caprinas especializadas na produção de leite. As metades esquerdas dos tetos das cabras receberam essa infusão, enquanto a metade direita era controle. O experimento foi conduzido em três momentos experimentais. Realizou-se ordenha manual e análise físico-química do leite. Para o queijo, foram realizados testes físico-químicos e teste sensorial. Quantos aos aspectos físico-químicos do leite, é possível afirmar que não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os grupos. Houve diferença estatística para sólidos não gordurosos nos momentos experimentais M1 e M2. As médias de proteína variaram entre 3,33 e 3,62, e houve diferença estatística em dois momentos. As médias de lactose variaram entre 4,79% e 5,38%. Os aspectos físico-químicos do queijo mantiveram resultados similares entre os dois tratamentos. Os parâmetros sensoriais para o queijo coalho de cabra não tiveram diferença estatística entre os tratamentos, contudo a aparência se destacou em relação aos demais parâmetros sensoriais. O uso da pomada elaborada com extrato de jatobá não interferiu sobre as características físico-químicas do leite de cabra e sobre as características físico-químicas e sensoriais do queijo tipo coalho de cabra.

ABSTRACT Several studies have assessed the therapeutic potential of natural products against mastitis, but only a few have evaluated the impacts of this alternative therapy on the main properties of milk and dairy products. In this study, we observed how the treatment of mastitis with ethanolic extract of Jatobá (Hymenaea martiana Hayne) influenced the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of coalho cheese. An ointment containing the ethanolic extract was prepared for intramammary use in six dairy goats. The experiment was conducted in three experimental moments. Milking was performed, manually, and both milk and cheese were subjected to physicochemical and sensory tests. No difference was observed (p>0.05) in the physicochemical aspects of milk between the studied groups. The solids-non-fat showed a statistical difference between experimental moments M1 and M2. The protein means varied from 3.33 to 3.62, and there was a statistical difference between the two moments, while the lactose means varied from 4.79 to 5.38%. The physicochemical aspects of cheese remained similar with both treatments. Except for appearance, the sensory characteristics showed no statistical difference. In conclusion, the use of Jatobá extract ointment did not influence the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of goat milk or cheese.

Seminal studies stated that bean proteins are efficient neuronal tracers with affinity for brain tissue. A low molecular weight peptide fraction (<3kDa) from Phaseolus vulgaris (PV3) was previously reported to be antioxidant, non-cytotoxic, and capable of reducing reactive oxygen species and increasing nitric oxide in cells. We evaluated the effects of PV3 (5, 50, 100, 500, and 5000 µg/kg) on behavior and the molecular routes potentially involved. Acute and chronic PV3 treatments were performed before testing Wistar rats: i) in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) to assess the anxiolytic-like effect; ii) in the open field (OF) to evaluate locomotion and exploration; and iii) for depression-like behavior in forced swimming (FS). Catecholaminergic involvement was tested using the tyrosine hydroxylases (TH) enzyme inhibitor, α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (AMPT). Brain areas of chronically treated groups were dissected to assess: i) lipid peroxidation (LPO); ii) carbonylated proteins (CP); iii) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymatic activities. Neuronal nitric oxide synthases (nNOS) and argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) protein expression was evaluated by western blotting. Acute treatment with PV3 increased the frequency and time spent in the EPM open arms, suggesting anxiolysis. PV3 increased crossing episodes in the OF. These PV3 effects on anxiety and locomotion were absent in the chronically treated group. Acute and chronic PV3 treatments reduced the immobility time in the FS test, suggesting an antidepressant effect. TH inhibition by AMPT reverted acute PV3 effects. PV3 decreased LPO and CP levels and SOD and CAT activities, whereas nNOS and ASS were reduced in few brain areas. In conclusion, PV3 displayed central antioxidant actions that are concomitant to catecholaminergic-dependent anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.

Abstract The economic losses caused by parasite infections, aggravated by resistance to anthelmintics, have generated demand for alternatives involving non-chemical control, such as the selection of resistant animals. The objective of this study was to identify which characteristics best describe animals that are resistant, resilient or susceptible to Haemonchus contortus and estimate the percent number in each category. Sixty-one Morada Nova ewes were evaluated in an extensive system. The performance variables (weight, body condition score), hematological variables (packed cell volume, hemoglobin, white blood cells, segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes) and fecal egg counts were measured individually every 14 days during 6 months. The variables were transformed, and analysis of variance was carried out, with construction of a correlation network. Characteristics linked to parasite infection showed variations among the categories, which helped to identify sheep resistant, resilient or susceptible to H. contortus. Based on the analyses performed, 88.3% of the animals were resistant or resilient and only 11.7% were susceptible. Presence of Trichostrongylidae eggs, body condition score, packed cell volume (PCV) and eosinophil counts were found to be good indicators of naturally infected ewes, and there were significant differences between the categories and correlations between the traits.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a série histórica (2010-2019) de condenações parciais e totais de carcaças de aves por síndrome ascítica em abatedouros registrados no SIF localizados nos principais estados produtores de carne de frango. Através de dados oficiais, foram calculados o índice de ocorrência de condenações (IOC) e o índice de sazonalidade ajustado (ISA). A taxa de condenação foi de 1.140 carcaças condenadas total ou parcialmente por síndrome ascítica a cada 1.000.000 de aves abatidas. O menor e maior IOCs foram encontrados em São Paulo (fevereiro/2010) e em Goiás (janeiro/2017), respectivamente. A ocorrência de condenações por esta síndrome teve comportamento cíclico ao longo da série histórica, apresentando picos de condenação em todos os anos avaliados, sendo os maiores ISAs encontrados nos meses de julho, agosto e setembro, com índices variando entre 1,24 e 1,54 nestes meses. Considerando o período de alojamento pré-abate, os maiores valores de ISAs coincidiram com o período mais frio do ano (Maio a Agosto) para todos os estados analisados. Os resultados mostram que síndrome ascítica é um problema crescente no Brasil, com maior ocorrência durante os meses frios do ano, impactando negativamente a saúde dos animais e a lucratividade dos produtores e indústrias da cadeia produtiva de frango de corte.

ABSTRACT: Over the last decade, Brazil registered a 10.56% increase in the number of poultry slaughtered in establishments registered under the “Serviço de Inspeção Federal” (SIF - Federal Inspection Service), as a result of technological advances in management, health and genetics applied to national aviculture. At slaughter, during post-mortem inspection, carcasses can be totally or partially condemned for various reasons, including ascitic syndrome. This syndrome has economic implications for the industry, in addition to being a problem for the health and welfare of poultry. The objective of this work was to evaluate the historical series (2010-2019) of partial and total condemnations of poultry carcasses due to ascitic syndrome in slaughterhouses registered under the SIF and located in the main poultry-producing states. Through official data, the condemnation occurrence index (COI) and the adjusted seasonal index (ASI) were calculated. The condemnation rate was 1,140 carcasses condemned, totally or partially, for ascitic syndrome for every 1,000,000 poultry slaughtered. The smallest and largest COIs were found in São Paulo (February 2010) and in Goiás (January 2017), respectively. The occurrence of condemnations for this syndrome was cyclical throughout the historical series, showing peaks of condemnation in all years evaluated, with the highest ASIs in July, August and September, and with rates varying between 1.24 and 1.54 in these months. Considering the period of pre-slaughter housing, the highest ASIs coincide with the coldest period of the year (May to August) for all analyzed states. The results show that ascitic syndrome is a growing problem in Brazil, with greater occurrence during the coldest months of the year, having a negative impact on animal health and the profitability of producers and industries in the poultry production chain.

RESUMO O uso de anestésicos em pisciculturas é indispensável para reduzir o estresse durante o manejo. O presente trabalho propôs avaliar o efeito do eugenol como anestésico para manejo do curimatã (Prochilodus nigricans). Foram utilizados 50 espécimes (221,34±9,0 g; 25,8 ±1,1 cm), submetidos a cinco tratamentos com concentrações de 0, 25, 50, 100 e 200 mg L−1 de eugenol em exposição de 10 minutos. Foram registrados os tempos necessários para atingir cada estágio anestésico e a recuperação de cada peixe. Para verificação dos níveis de glicose sanguínea, foram realizadas coletas individuais de sangue dos peixes antes da imersão e após os 10 minutos de exposição ao anestésico. A avaliação do efeito do anestésico sobre as brânquias foi realizada por meio de análises histopatológicas. A concentração de 50 mg L−1 ficou dentro do limite ideal de três minutos preconizado para indução à anestesia cirúrgica e não elevou significativamente os níveis de glicose quando comparada ao grupo controle (35,7±19,4 mg dL−1), além de não provocar lesões branquiais. Nessa concentração, os peixes apresentaram níveis de glicose sanguínea controlada, dentro dos teores basais, além de não correrem o risco de apresentarem problemas posteriores em relação à mortalidade, pois essa concentração garante a boa saúde das brânquias e uma boa recuperação dos animais.

ABSTRACT The use of anesthetics in fish farming is essential to reduce stress during management. The present study proposes to evaluate the effect of eugenol as an anesthetic for the management of curimatã (Prochilodus nigricans). Fifty specimens were used (221.34±9.0 g; 25.8 ±1.1 cm), submitted to five treatments with concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mgL−1 eugenol for 10 min. The times required to reach each anesthetic stage and the recovery of each fish were recorded. To check bloodglucose levels individual blood samples were taken from the fish before immersion and after ten minutes of anesthetic exposure. Evaluation of the anesthetic effect ongills was performed by histopathological analysis. The concentration of 50 mgL−1 was within the ideal limit of three minutes recommended for surgical anesthesia induction and did not significantly increase glucose levels when compared to the control group (35.7±19.4 mg dL−1), besides not causing gill injuries. At this concentration the fish presented controlled blood glucose levels within the basal levels, besides not taking the risk to have later problems concernig mortality, because this concentration ensures the good health of the gills and good recovery of the animals.

RESUMO A relação da eficiência nutricional com a idade e o peso à puberdade e as características reprodutivas foram estudadas em 35 novilhas F1 Holandês x Gir, em ensaios usando o consumo alimentar residual (CAR) nos períodos pós-desaleitamento (PD) e pós-puberdade (PP). Novilhas PD (P<0,0001) e PP (P<0,001) foram ranqueadas como de alta, intermediária e baixa eficiências e apresentaram CAR de -0,259 -0,014 e 0,346kg/dia e -0,848 -0,096 e 0,842kg/dia, respectivamente. Novilhas PD diferiram (P<0,05) na idade à puberdade entre ranques de alta, intermediária e baixa eficiências, em média, aos 339,7; 346,4; 315,3 dias, respectivamente. Os pesos à puberdade de novilhas PD com alta, intermediária e baixa eficiências foram, em média, de 321±28,1kg e não diferiram (P>0,05) entre CAR. Não foi verificada correlação entre diâmetro folicular, taxa de crescimento do folículo, número de ondas foliculares no ciclo estral e taxa de gestação à primeira IA com o CARPD ou CARPP. Novilhas F1HG selecionadas para CAR com baixa eficiência podem ter idade à puberdade 10 dias a mais, quando comparadas às novilhas de alta eficiência para CAR. Não foi verificado que novilhas selecionadas para alta ou baixa eficiências alimentares, usando CAR, tivessem algum impacto negativo sobre características reprodutivas avaliadas.

ABSTRACT The relationship between nutritional efficiency and age and weight at puberty and reproductive traits was studied in 35 F1 Holstein x Gyr heifers, in trials using residual food consumption (CAR) in the post-weaning (PW) and post-pubertal (PP) periods. PD heifers (P<0.0001) and PP (P<0.001) were classified as high, intermediate and low efficiencies and presented CAR of -0.259 -0.014 and 0.346kg/day and -0.848 -0.096 and 0.842kg/day, respectively. PD heifers differed (P<0.05) in age at puberty between high, intermediate and low efficiencies, on average, at 339.7, 346.4 and 315.3 days, respectively. The weight at puberty of PD heifers with high, intermediate and low efficiencies were, on average, 321±28.1kg and did not differ (P>0.05) between CAR. No correlation was found between follicular diameter, follicle growth rate, number of follicular waves in the estrous cycle and pregnancy rate at 1st AI with the CARPD or CARPP. F1HG heifers selected for CAR with low efficiency can be aged at puberty 10 days longer when compared to high-efficiency heifers for CAR. These results did not show that heifers selected for high or low food efficiency, using CAR, had negative impact on the reproductive characteristics evaluated.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a condição metabólica e estrutural das células espermáticas bovinas após congelação, com adição prévia de IGF-I e insulina no meio diluidor seminal. Os ejaculados de seis touros Nelore foram submetidos a quatro tratamentos: controle; insulina (100µUI/mL); IGF-I (150ng/mL) e insulina + IGF-I (50µUI/mL e 75ng/mL, respectivamente). Após a congelação, realizaram-se os testes de termorresistência rápida, coloração pelo corante azul de tripan e Giemsa, além da análise computadorizada da motilidade espermática, da integridade das membranas plasmática e acrossomal, e da peça intermediária por meio de sondas fluorescentes. O teste de termorresistência rápida apresentou efeito dentro do tempo de cada tratamento, mas não entre os tratamentos. Na análise computadorizada da motilidade espermática, foram observados movimento, motilidade e velocidade espermáticos; não houve efeitos dos tratamentos sobre qualquer uma dessas variáveis. Respostas iguais foram obtidas com as sondas fluorescentes e o corante azul de tripan/Giemsa. A adição de insulina e IGF-I, de forma isolada ou combinada, ao meio diluidor para congelação de sêmen não produziu efeitos sobre as condições metabólica e estrutural das células espermáticas.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic and structural condition of the spermatic bovine cells after the freezing, with addition, previously, of IGF-I and Insulin in the seminal thinner medium. The semen of 6 Nellore bulls were submitted to four treatments: Control, Insulin (100µUI/mL); IGF-I (150ng/mL) and Insulin + IGF-I (50µUI/mL and 75ng/mL, respectively). After freezing, rapid resistance tests, Tripan and Giemsa Blue staining, and computerized analysis of sperm motility and integrity of the plasma and acrosomal membranes and the intermediate part were performed by fluorescent probes. The term rapid resistance test had effect within the time of each treatment, but not between treatments. In the computer analysis of sperm motility, sperm movement, motility and velocity no effects of treatments were observed on any of these variables. The same results were obtained with the fluorescent probes and the Blue dye Trypan / Giemsa. The addition of Insulin and IGF-I, alone or in combination, to the semen freezing dilution medium had no effect on the metabolic and structural condition of sperm cells.

Bredemeyera floribunda roots are popularly used to treat snakebites in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil, and previous studies indicate the anti-ophidian actions of triterpenoid saponins found in its roots. To assess B. floribunda root extract (BFRE) activity against the effects of Bothrops jararacussu venom (BjuV), antiphospholipasic, antiproteolytic, antihemorrhagic, antinecrotic, and anti-edematogenic activities were investigated in mice. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and sugars, with rutin and saccharose being the major constituents of BFRE. Acute toxicity was determined and BFRE was nontoxic to mice. Phospholipase A2 and proteolytic activities induced by BjuV were inhibited in vitro by BFRE at all concentrations tested herein. BFRE (150 mg/kg) inhibited paw edema induced by BjuV (50 µg/animal), reducing total edema calculated by area under the curve, but carrageenan-induced paw edema was unchanged. Hemorrhagic and necrotizing actions of BjuV (50 µg/animal) were considerably decreased by BFRE treatment. Thus, BFRE blocked the toxic actions of B. jararacussu venom despite having no anti-inflammatory activity, which points to a direct inhibition of venom’s toxins, as demonstrated in the in vitro assays. The larger amounts of rutin found in BFRE may play a role in this inhibition, since 3′,4′-OH flavonoids are known inhibitors of phospholipases A2.

Resumo Nosso trabalho consistiu em analisar um processador quântico real, chamado IBM Q experience (IBM-Q), como um recurso pedagógico na aplicação de conceitos da computação quântica. Este processador de 5-qbits pode ser acessado remotamente pela internet através de uma plataforma desenvolvida pela empresa de tecnologia IBM. Nos concentramos na caracterização do IBM-Q referente a vários aspectos práticos e metodológicos. Avaliamos quais seriam as principais condições para o acesso a esse processador quântico e, quanto a sua utilização, avaliamos a sua interface com respeito a simplicidade e execução. Em nossa análise, os resultados de projetos executados no IBM-Q estão de acordo com as previsões teóricas. Nossos resultados também demonstram a eficácia do IBM-Q como um recurso pedagógico, voltado para tarefas como montagem e execução de blocos simples de circuitos quânticos.

Abstract Our study consisted in analyzing a real quantum processor, called IBM Q experience (IBM-Q), as a pedagogical resource for the application of quantum computing concepts. This 5-qubits processor can be accessed remotely by internet using a platform developed by IBM technology company. We focused on characterizing several practical and methodological aspects of the IBM-Q. We have evaluated the main conditions for accessing this quantum processor and the interface quality regarding to simplicity and execution. In our analysis, the results of the computational projects are in agreement with the theoretical predictions. The overall results have also demonstrated the IBM-Q is an effective pedagogical resource, focused on tasks such as and assembly execution of simple blocks of quantum circuits.

RESUMO O período de transição é uma fase de grandes desafios para vacas leiteiras, e desequilíbrios minerais são frequentes. O objetivo ao desenvolver este trabalho foi de entender melhor o perfil mineral de vacas leiteiras F1 Holandês x Gir e suas performances sob as diferentes condições de verão e inverno. Para isso, foram mensurados cálcio, magnésio e fósforo sanguíneo. As coletas de sangue foram realizadas durante os períodos de verão e inverno, e utilizaram-se, respectivamente, 15 e 13 vacas leiteiras pluríparas, todas F1 Holandês x Gir. As coletas de sangue começaram quatro semanas antes da data prevista do parto até 30 dias pós-parto. As concentrações médias e o padrão de variação dos três minerais foram distintos em cada estação do ano, representando a interação tempo de coleta x estação do ano. A concentração de cálcio foi menor no inverno, período em que todos os animais apresentaram hipocalcemia subclínica, enquanto no verão 38,46% apresentaram essa condição. A concentração de magnésio foi maior no verão e nenhum animal teve hipomagnesemia, enquanto no inverno 46,67% dos animais apresentaram hipomagnesemia subclínica, contribuindo para a maior frequência de hipocalcemia observada no inverno. Uma alta proporção de animais teve hiperfosfatemia, o que pode representar um problema ambiental. A alta frequência de animais com hipocalcemia subclínica é alarmante principalmente devido às consequências geradas por essa condição.

ABSTRACT The transition period is often a great challenge for dairy cows and mineral imbalances are frequent. With the aim to better understand the mineral profile of F1 Holstein x Gyr dairy cows and their performances under the different conditions of summer and winter, we collected blood samples to measure calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Samplings were performed during summer and winter, on 15 and 13 pluriparous F1 Holstein x Gyr dairy cows, respectively. Blood sampling started 4 weeks prior to the expected calving date until 30 days postpartum. The mean concentrations of all three minerals had a different pattern during the transition period in each season, representing the interaction time x season. Calcium concentration was lower in winter and more animals suffered from subclinical hypocalcemia (100%) then in summer (38.46%). Magnesium concentration was also lower in winter and 46.67% of animals had hypomagnesemia, contributing for the higher hypocalcemia frequency observed in the same season. A high proportion of animals had hyperphosphatemia what can represent an environmental problem and more attention should be given to it. The high frequency of animals with subclinical hypocalcemia is alarming once that can lead to greater consequences.

RESUMO Com o objetivo de detectar a presença do lentivírus caprino (LVC) no leite de ovelhas e no sêmen de carneiros, utilizaram-se 10 matrizes e quatro reprodutores infectados experimentalmente com o LVC. Foram coletadas amostras de leite das ovelhas durante os quatro meses de lactação, ocorrendo cinco coletas por animal, totalizando 50 amostras. Quanto aos carneiros, realizaram-se oito coletas de sêmen por animal, durante um ano de experimentação, totalizando 32 amostras. As amostras de leite e de sêmen foram submetidas à extração de DNA e à prova de reação em cadeia da polimerase do tipo nested (nPCR) visando à detecção de DNA proviral do LVC. Oito (16%) amostras de leite foram positivas na nPCR oriundas de duas ovelhas. Apenas uma (3,12%) amostra de sêmen apresentou positividade. Produtos da amplificação foram sequenciados, confirmando-se tratar de sequência genômica do LVC. Dessa forma, demonstrou-se a presença do DNA proviral do LVC em leite e sêmen de ovinos, confirmando a viabilidade da infecção entre espécies e, assim, alertando sobre o risco de que a infecção seja disseminada.

ABSTRACT With the objective of detecting the presence of caprine lentivirus (CLV) in ewe milk and in ram semen, ten matrixes and four reproducers experimentally infected with CLV were used. Samples of ewe milk were collected during the four months of lactation, five collections per animal, totaling 50 samples. Regarding the rams, eight semen collections were made per animal, during one year of experimentation, totaling 32 samples. The milk and semen samples were submitted to DNA extraction and the nested polymerase chain reaction test (nPCR) to detect CLV proviral DNA. Eight (16%) of the milk samples were positive in nPCR originating from two ewes. Only one (3.12%) semen sample was positive. The amplification products were sequenced, and were confirmed to be a CLV genomic sequence. Thus, the presence of CLV proviral DNA in sheep milk and semen was demonstrated, confirming the feasibility of infection between species, and alerting to the risk of spreading infections.

Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis (Asteraceae) is a plant commonly known as arnica-do-campo and belongs to the native flora of the Brazilian Cerrado. The alcoholic extract of the plant has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in folk medicine, but the biological mechanism of action has not been elucidated. The present study evaluated the composition of P. brasiliensis aqueous extract and its effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation. The extracts were prepared by sequential maceration of P. brasiliensis leaves in ethanol, ethyl acetate, and water. Extract cytotoxicity was evaluated by trypan blue exclusion assay, and apoptosis and necrosis were measured by staining with annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide. The ethanolic (ETA) and acetate (ACE) extracts showed cytotoxic effects. The aqueous extract (AQU) was not cytotoxic. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin and treated with AQU (100 μg/mL) showed reduced interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression. AQU also inhibited lymphocyte proliferative response after nonspecific stimulation with phytohemagglutinin. The aqueous extract was analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection and mass spectrometry. Quinic acid and its derivatives 5-caffeoylquinic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, as well as the flavonoids luteolin and luteolin dihexoside, were detected. All these compounds are known to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that P. brasiliensis aqueous extract can inhibit the pro-inflammatory cytokine production and proliferative response of lymphocytes. These effects may be related to the presence of chemical substances with anti-inflammatory actions previously reported in scientific literature.

The aim of the present study was to provide new spirometry reference equations in a sample of the Brazilian population for the following parameters: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak of expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow at 50% (FEF50%), 75% average vital capacity (FEF25-75%), and average forced expiratory flow time (FEFT). This was a prospective study using results from chest radiographs, electrocardiograms, and questionnaires to investigate the participants' respiratory symptoms, sedentarism, and comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index). From December 2010 to July 2014, individuals were randomly selected from various locations in the state of Rio de Janeiro. All individuals were examined by a single technician in the morning at the laboratory, and performed the spirometry with the same spirometer. Spirometry values were tabulated for the creation of three equation models: linear regression, logarithmic regression, and logarithms through a method that incorporates the lambda, median, and coefficient of variation (LMS method). Initially, 7003 individuals from both genders were contacted, and 454 were recruited. The data from the new equations were compared with one Brazilian and eight international equations, resulting in a high correlation (r>0.9). The values derived from the LMS method and linear regression were very similar (P>0.5), and both could be used to acquire the reference values for Brazilian spirometry. Data derived from the equations of this study were different from the current Brazilian equation, which could be justified by the different method used.

RESUMO A ocratoxina é um dos maiores grupos de micotoxinas; são metabólitos secundários produzidos principalmente por fungos dos gêneros Aspergillus e Penicillium. Possui propriedades tóxicas e nefrotóxicas, está relacionada à nefropatia endêmica dos Bálcãs, a tumores do trato urinário e foi classificada pela Agência Internacional de Pesquisa do Câncer (IARC) como pertencente ao grupo 2B, por ser possivelmente carcinogênica para humanos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da ocratoxina A (OTA) no desempenho do camarão-branco-do-pacífico (Litopenaues vannamei). O experimento foi feito simulando o manejo produtivo de uma fazenda de camarão marinho do litoral localizada em Luís Correia, Piauí. Foram utilizados cinco tratamentos com diferentes níveis de micotoxinas: T1- 100µg/kg de OTA; T2- 500µg/kg de OTA; T3- 1000µg/kg de OTA; T4- 100µg/kg de OTA e 500µg/kg afatoxina B1 e T5 - 0,0µg/kg de OTA. A produção de OTA foi realizada por meio da fermentação do milho, utilizando-se a cepa de Aspergillus ochraceus. Rações comerciais foram contaminadas com os núcleos de milho. A detecção e a quantificação de OTA dos núcleos, das rações comerciais e dos tecidos do camarão (cefalotórax e abdome) foram realizadas por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE). Para simular o sistema de criação da fazenda, os animais foram cultivados por um período de oito semanas, sendo 20 animais por caixa, recebendo alimentação duas vezes por dia. O menor ganho de peso observado foi no T2 e no T4 e os maiores ganhos de peso foram obtidos no T1 e no T5, que também apresentaram a melhor conversão alimentar. Após 56 dias de experimento, foi detectada OTA residual nas amostras de abdome apenas nos camarões do T1. Logo, camarões alimentados com rações contaminadas com OTA têm seu desempenho produtivo comprometido, o que gera impactos econômicos negativos para a indústria carcinicultora, além de ser um risco à saúde do consumidor, devido aos resíduos em sua musculatura.

ABSTRACT Ochratoxin A is the second largest group of mycotoxins. It is a secondary metabolite produced mainly by fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium, and has toxic and nephrotoxic properties that are associated with the Balkan endemic nephropathy and urinary tract tumors. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as group 2B: possibly carcinogenic to humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ochratoxin A (OTA) on the performance of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaues vannamei). The experiment simulated the productive management of a shrimp farm located on the marine coast of Luis Correia, Piauí State. Five treatments with different levels of mycotoxins were used: T1- 100µg/kg of OTA; T2- 500µg/kg of OTA; T3 - 1000µg/kg of OTA; T4- 100µg/kg of OTA and 500μg/kg afatoxina B1 and T5 - 0.0µg/kg of OTA. OTA was produced by fermenting corn, using the Aspergillus ochraceus strain. Commercial feeds were contaminated with the corn kernels. OTA in the kernels, commercial feeds and shrimp tissues (cephalothorax and abdomen) were detected and quantified via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). To simulate the farming system, totaling 20 animals per box. The animals were fed twice a day and raised under these conditions for eight weeks. The shrimp gained weight during the weeks of the test, when subjected to different OTA treatments. The lowest weight gain was observed in T2 and T4 and the highest weight gains were in T1 and T5, which also presented the best feed conversion ratio. After 56 days, residual OTA was detected in samples of shrimp abdomen only in T1. Therefore, the productive performance of shrimp that are fed with OTA-contaminated feed is compromised, which has a negative economic impact on the shrimp industry, and is a health risk to consumers due to residues in the muscles.