Metabolomics can provide a readout of the biochemical and physiological state of a biological system. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been widely applied for metabolomic analysis due to its numerous advantages, such as good sensitivity, high resolution, reproducibility, extensive database, lower acquisition cost and greater coverage. In addition, combined with efficient methods of sampling and sample preparation, the metabolomic analysis of damaged skin based on GC-MS can provide an important step toward elucidating several skin diseases. Based on this, this review presents a comprehensive overview of sampling, sample preparation, data processing and GC-MS analysis of metabolomic studies of damaged skin. Also, part of the biological interpretation of metabolites such as cis- and trans-urocanic acid (UCA) altered in photoexposed skin and lauric acid (C12:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0) in melanoma is discussed. Finally, to improve decision-making, a part of the integration of skin metabolomics with other omics sciences for the advancement of diagnosis is presented. system GCMS GC MS (GC-MS advantages sensitivity resolution reproducibility database coverage addition preparation diseases Also cis transurocanic trans urocanic UCA (UCA C120 C C12 0 (C12:0 C160 C16 (C16:0 discussed Finally decisionmaking, decisionmaking decision making, making decision-making presented C1 (C12: (C16: (C12 (C16 (C1 (C

Resumo: O armazenamento prolongado pode levar a perda da qualidade das sementes, influenciando negativamente na germinação e vigor e impedindo a obtenção de um estande promissor. A qualidade das sementes é um fator crucial, e o desempenho do lote pode ser alterado pelo vigor, dormência e principalmente, pelo tempo e condições em que as sementes ficaram armazenadas. No experimento foi avaliada a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de 14 genótipos de capim-bufel (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) armazenados por treze anos em câmara fria. As sementes foram submetidas a tratamento para indução da germinação com nitrato de potássio (KNO3), e posteriores avaliações para identificação da presença e ausência de embrião. O período em que as sementes ficaram armazenadas afetou sua capacidade de germinação e o KNO3 utilizado não induziu aumento na germinação das sementes. Baixo número de sementes cheias foi verificado para o genótipo 613 (12%). As porcentagens de germinação relativa não subestimaram o potencial de germinação das sementes de C. ciliaris, como usualmente é calculada, fornecendo distinção melhorada entre os genótipos avaliados. O KNO3 incrementou positivamente nas partes das plântulas de alguns genótipos, bem como na biomassa seca destas, sendo uma característica importante para a forragicultura em geral. O armazenamento prolongado afetou a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de C. ciliaris. A produção de sementes sem embrião é um problema encontrado nessa espécie, interferindo na qualidade final dos lotes produzidos.

Abstract: Prolonged storage of seeds may lead to decreases in seed quality, negatively affecting germination and vigor and preventing the obtaining of a promising stand. Seed quality is a critical factor, and the performance of the lot can be altered by vigor, dormancy and, mainly, by the time and conditions in which the seeds were stored. In the experiment, the physiological quality of seeds 14 genotypes of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) genotypes stored for a period of thirteen years in cold conditions was evaluated. The seeds were subjected to germination induction treatment with potassium nitrate (KNO3) and evaluated to identify seeds with presence and absence of embryos. The seed storage period affected their germination capacity and the use of KNO3 did not increase seed germination. A low number of full seeds was found for genotype 613 (12%). The relative germination percentages did not underestimate the buffel grass seed germination potential, as it is usually calculated, providing an improved distinction between the evaluated genotypes. The use of KNO3 increased the seedling root and shoot weights of some genotypes, as well as the dry matter weight of seedlings, an important characteristic for forage production. The prolonged storage affects the physiological quality of buffel grass seeds. The production of seeds without embryo is a problem found for this species, which affects the final quality of the seed lots produced.

RESUMO Dez quatis adultos de vida livre (dois machos e oito fêmeas) foram contidos empregando-se a formulação denominada “ZAD-50”. A fórmula foi preparada a partir do conteúdo desidratado de um frasco de Zoletil/50® diluído em 0,25mL de atropina a 1%, 0,265mL de Dormiun-V® e 2,2mL de água destilada, obtendo-se volume final de 3,0mL. A associação foi administrada, por via intramuscular, a cada animal capturado e contido fisicamente com puçá, em dose calculada por meio de extrapolação alométrica interespecífica. A perda da reação postural de endireitamento (RPE) ocorreu aos 2,3±0,8 minutos pós-injeção (MPI), observando-se início da anestesia aos 4,4±2,7 MPI. Miorrelaxamento e analgesia foram considerados excelentes em todos os momentos da avaliação. Reações conscientes foram observadas aos 78,7±22,2 MPI, o retorno da RPE ocorreu aos 101±18 MPI, e os animais voltaram à ambulação normal aos 137,0±31,0 MPI. Os valores médios dos parâmetros fisiológicos mensurados a cada 10 minutos entre 10 e 50 MPI foram 152,2 batimentos por minuto para frequência cardíaca, 66,4 movimentos por minuto para frequência respiratória, 39,2oC para temperatura retal, 86,2% para saturação parcial de oxigênio e 14,6mmHg para pressão arterial sistólica. Nesses tempos, observou-se ritmo sinusal no eletrocardiograma, e não foram observadas reações adversas.

ABSTRACT Ten free-living adult coatis (two males and eight females) were chemically restrained with "ZAD-50", a concentrated formulation prepared with the dehydrated content of a Zoletil/50® vial diluted with 0.25mL of 1% atropine, 0.265mL of Dormiun-V®, and 2.2mL of distilled water, being exactly 3.0mL. The formula was administered to each animal previously captured and physically contained with a net. The loss of righting reflex (RR) occurred at 2.3±0.8 minutes post-injection (MPI), with anesthesia beginning at 4.4±2.7 MPI. Myorelaxant and analgesia were considered excellent at all moments of the evaluation. Conscious reactions were observed at 78.7±22.2 MPI, the return of the RR occurred at 101 ± 18 MPI, and normal ambulation was acquired at 137.0±31.0 MPI. The mean values of physiological parameters measured every 10 minutes between 10 and 50 MPI were 152.2 heartbeats per minute for heart rate, 66.4 respiratory movements per minute for respiratory rate, 39.2oC for rectal temperature, 86.2% for SpO2 and 14.6 mmHg for systolic blood pressure. In the same times, the EEG registered sinus rhythm. No adverse reactions were observed, and the assessed vital parameters remained compatible with the state of chemical restraint.

This work presents the application of a simple and sensitive method developed for the simultaneous analysis of the levels of twenty two underivatizated free L-amino acids in plasma samples of preeclampsia patients by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometer (LC-HRMS) using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) silica column. The linearity was evaluated in the range of 0.009 to 8.018 µmol L-1 showing coefficients of determination (R2) in the range of 0.999 to 0.911 (p < 0.05). The intra- and inter-day precisions were above of 9.84 and 15.31, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were in the range of 0.003 to 0.683 µmol L-1 and 0.009 to 2.276 µmol L-1, respectively. The results of the investigation of free L-amino acids showed that the levels of GABA, Arg, Ser, Leu, Ile, Met, Val, Ala, Gly, Bet, His and Lys in plasma of patients with preeclampsia were significantly different from healthy patients.

RESUMO Os quatis são mamíferos carnívoros da família Procyonidae, são animais onívoros, encontrados nas Américas do Norte, Central e Sul, sendo amplamente distribuídos no Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar as alterações nos parâmetros sanguíneos de duas diferentes populações de quatis (Nasua nasua), da região oeste do Paraná, e avaliar a qualidade de vida e a interferência antrópica nos hábitos alimentares desses animais. A análise sorológica foi realizada em duas diferentes populações de quatis (Nasua nasua) que habitam duas unidades de conservação em regiões distintas no município de Foz do Iguaçu. Em uma das populações, foram visualizados cerca de cinquenta indivíduos, os quais se revelam em exposição direta aos seres humanos, e outra população menor, em torno de trinta indivíduos, os quais não possuem exposição direta aos seres humanos, o que, por sua vez, revelou importantes indicativos da qualidade de vida e de saúde desses animais. Foram realizadas avaliações bioquímicas do soro sanguíneo de 10 quatis adultos; cinco animais do grupo 1, população exposta aos seres humanos, e cinco animais do grupo 2, população com menor exposição. Com os resultados obtidos, foram feitas as comparações dos valores bioquímicos entre os grupos e com os valores de referência pesquisados na literatura. Os exames bioquímicos revelaram alterações significativas nos níveis de glicose e proteínas totais e alterações no nível plasmático de triglicerídeos nos quatis capturados na população em contado direto com seres humanos. Conclui-se que a saúde dos animais que possuem exposição direta com seres humanos está sendo afetada pelo consumo de uma dieta rica em carboidratos e gorduras, oriunda de alimentos industrializados fornecidos pelos turistas.

ABSTRACT The coatis, carnivorous mammals of the Procyonidae family, are omnivorous animals, found in North, Central and South America and are widely distributed in Brazil. The objective of this study was to analyze changes in blood parameters in two different populations of coatis (Nasua nasua), of the western region of Paraná, and to evaluate the quality of life and the human interference in eating habits of these animals. Serologic analysis was performed in two different populations of coatis (Nasua nasua) inhabiting two conservation units in different areas in the city of Foz do Iguaçu. In one population, approximately fifty individuals were visualized, revealing themselves in direct exposure to humans as well as another minor population of about thirty individuals, which have no direct exposure to humans, which revealed important indicatives of the quality of life and health of these animals. Biochemical assessments of ten adults coatis serum were perfomred, five animals in group 1, population exposed to humans and five animals of the group 2, population less exposed. With the obtained results, comparisons were made between the groups’ biochemical values and the reference values found in the literature. Biochemical tests revealed significant changes in glucose levels and total protein and changes in plasma levels of triglycerides in coatis captured in the population in direct contact with humans. It follows that the health of animals that have direct exposure to humans is being affected by the consumption of a diet high in carbohydrates and fats, coming from processed foods provided by tourists.

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography has been successfully applied to the analysis of various organic contaminants; however, few studies report its use in the analysis of endocrine disrupting compounds. These compounds are suspected to cause dysfunction of the endocrine system in humans and animals. This work describes the development of a method to analyse dibutylphthalate, benzylbutylphthalate, nonylphenol and octylphenol in water using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with a flame ionisation detector. The merit parameters of the comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with flame ionisation detector method were weighed against a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-single ion monitoring method of endocrine disrupting compounds analysis. The compounds were evaluated over a concentration range of 0.2 to 6.0 µg L-1 . The use of a two-dimensional chromatography method proved to be advantageous in analysing endocrine disrupting compounds, according to the observed increase of the signal relative to the noise and peak resolution.

The aim of our study was to determine the impact of psychiatric comorbidities on the health-related quality of life of HCV-infected patients. Assessment of clinical, socio-demographic and quality of life data of the patients followed up at a Hepatology unit was performed by using a standard questionnaire and the SF-36 instrument. Psychiatric diagnoses were confirmed by using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Brazilian version 5.0.0 (MINI Plus). Evaluation using the MINI plus demonstrated that 46 (51%) patients did not have any psychiatric diagnosis, while 44 (49%) had at least one psychiatric diagnosis. Among patients with a psychiatric comorbidity, 26 (59.1%) had a current mental disorder, out of which 22 (84.6%) had not been previously diagnosed. Patients with psychiatric disorders had lower scores in all dimensions of the SF-36 when compared to those who had no psychiatric diagnosis. Scores of physical functioning and bodily pain domains were lower for those suffering from a current psychiatric disorder when compared to those who had had a psychiatric disorder in the past. Females had lower scores of bodily pain and mental health dimensions when compared to males. Scores for mental health dimension were also lower for patients with advanced fibrosis. The presence of a psychiatric comorbidity was the variable that was most associated with the different scores in the SF-36, compared to other variables such as age, gender, aminotransferase levels, and degree of fibrosis.

O tratamento da obesidade a longo prazo mostra que a maioria dos pacientes reganha peso, isto é, apresenta peso flutuante (PF). Estudamos a prevalência do PF (ganho e perda >5% do peso inicial, PI) em 218 mulheres selecionadas em um ambulatório de obesidade, com tempo mínimo de seguimento de 12 meses, no período entre 1992 e 2000. Foram excluídas pacientes com doenças psiquiátricas, infecciosas ou crônicas (exceto síndrome metabólica), gravidez e uso de glucocorticóide. A idade média das pacientes foi 38±10 anos (18 a 68) e o IMC médio 41,0±6,6 kg/m² (30 a 76). Todas foram tratadas com dieta hipocalórica e aumento da atividade física. Medicação anti-obesidade foi utilizada por 61% delas em curtos períodos de tempo. No acompanhamento de 28±16 meses (12 a 92), observou-se o PF em 62/218 (28,4%) das pacientes, das quais 53 perderam e posteriormente ganharam peso e 9 ganharam peso e depois perderam. Entre as cíclicas que inicialmente perderam peso, 59,1% recuperaram o peso no primeiro ano. O PF foi 2,4 mais freqüente naquelas com o consumo > 60g de álcool/semana em relação àquelas com o consumo menor ou ausente (RR 2,4; 95%, IC= 1,2-4,7). Não houve associação significante entre PF e classe de obesidade ou tabagismo. Concluímos que, nestas mulheres obesas, o PF apresentou elevada freqüência e o consumo de álcool foi um fator preditivo.

Long-term treatment of obese patients shows that the majority of them regains weight or has weight cycling (WC). We have studied the frequency of WC (weight lost and regain of at least 5% of initial weight, IW) in 218 obese women selected from a University Hospital with a follow-up of >12 months admitted between 1992 and 2000. Patients with psychiatric, infectious or chronic disease (except metabolic syndrome), pregnancy, or using glucocorticoids were excluded. Mean age was 38±10 years (range 18 to 68) and the mean BMI was 41.0±6.6 kg/m² (range 30 to 76). All were treated with a hypocaloric diet and increased physical activity. Anti-obesity medications were used in 61% of them for short periods of time. In the follow-up of 28±16 months (range 12 to 92 mo, median 23 mo), WC was observed in 62/218 (28.4%) of them and 53 had weight lost followed by weight regain. In the weight-cyclers, 59.1% of patients regained weight before the first year of treatment. WC was associated with alcohol consumption higher than 60g/week, (RR 2.4; 95% CI= 1.2-4.7) but not with obesity class, smoking or smoke cessation. We conclude that WC is highly frequent and alcohol consumption is a predictive risk factor.

A headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) for the determination of 1,4 dioxane in cosmetics by gas chromatography is described. A manual SPME holder with 85 µm polyacrylate coating is utilized. The method is determined to have good resolution, satisfactory linerity (correlation coefficient r=0.997 for 0.20-10.00 mg Kg-1 range), a relative standard deviation of 6.3% and a detection limit of 5.00 µg Kg-1. Some cosmectic products were analyzed.