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Highways limit the movement and dispersion of wild animals and contribute to their loss due to roadkills, leading to the isolation and decline of populations, increasing the risk of local extinction. The Lowland Tapir Tapirus terrestris is the largest neotropical herbivore-frugivore, and despite its wide distribution in South America it is threatened with extinction. In this study we report six roadkill events of tapirs between 2014 and 2019 in a section of a federal highway crossing the mosaic of Atlantic Forest reserves called Sooretama, one of the last tapir refuges in southeastern Brazil. The traffic in this area is heavy with inadequate speed control, while exotic fruit trees growing along the highway attract wild animals. Water drainage tunnels serve as passageways for some species, including tapirs. However, the tunnels located under the highway are not continuously maintained, reducing its effectiveness. The loss of at least one tapir per year can have serious long-term consequences for one of the last viable lowland tapir populations in the entire Atlantic Forest. Emergency measures are required to avoid vehicle-tapir collisions.

Flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) have been found in a wide range of natural and anthropogenic environments, from forests to deserts. The state of Maranhão, located in Northeastern Brazil, has a diverse phytogeography, but few faunistic studies have been conducted in this area. Therefore, the objective of this study was to inventory species of Sarcophagidae and compare abundance patterns between the Cerrado (savanna-like vegetation) and riparian forests in the municipality of Codó, state of Maranhão. Twelve sampling events were carried out from the second half of 2015 to the first half of 2017. This resulted in 3,220 specimens, 27.15% of which were males, from nine genera and 27 species. A total of 491 specimens (16 species) were collected in the Cerrado, and 383 specimens (21 species) in the riparian forest. Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann) was the most abundant species (56,18% of the specimens sampled), followed by Peckia (Peckia) pexata (Wulp) (13%); Peckia (Euboettcheria) collusor (Curran & Walley) (13%), and Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma Wiedemann (10%). Only P. (E.) collusor was found in greater abundance in the Cerrado. Oxysarcodexia angrensis (Lopes), Peckia (Peckia) enderleini (Engel), and Retrocitomiya andina Lopes are all new records to Maranhão and the entire Northeast Region of Brazil. Titanogrypa (Cuculomyia) albuquerquei (Lopes) is also a new to Maranhão. Resumo: As moscas Sarcophagidae podem ser encontradas em vários tipos de ambientes, naturais ou antropizados, desde florestas até desertos. O estado brasileiro do Maranhão, localizado na Região Nordeste, possui uma grande variedade de áreas fitogeográficas, mas poucos estudos faunísticos tem sido realizados nesta região. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi inventariar as espécies de sarcofagídeos e comparar os seus padrões de abundância entre as áreas de cerrado (vegetação tipo savana) e de mata ciliar do município de Codó, estado do Maranhão. Foram realizadas 12 coletas, do segundo semestre de 2015 ao primeiro semestre de 2017. Foram coletados 3.220 espécimes, dos quais 27,15% são machos, representados por nove gêneros e 27 espécies. No cerrado foram coletados 491 espécimes (16 espécies), na mata ciliar foram coletados 383 espécimes (21 espécies). As espécies mais abundantes foram Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann) (56,18% dos indivíduos amostrados), Peckia (Peckia) pexata (Wulp) (13%), Peckia (Euboettcheria) collusor (Curran & Walley) (13%) e Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma Wiedemann (10%). Apenas P. (E.) collusor foi significativamente mais abundante na área de cerrado. Oxysarcodexia angrensis (Lopes), Peckia (Peckia) enderleini (Engel) e Retrocitomiya andina Lopes são novos registros para a Região Nordeste do Brasil e Titanogrypa (Cuculomyia) albuquerquei (Lopes) é novo registro para o estado do Maranhão.

Marine fish are considered a source of high quality proteins and fatty acids. However, the consumption of fish may pose a health risk as it may have potentially toxic elements in high concentrations. In this study we quantify the multielemental composition of muscle and fins for three species of commercial marine fish from Brazil: Sphyraena guachancho (Barracuda), Priacantus arenatus (Common bigeye) and Genidens genidens (Guri sea catfish). We then assessed the potential risk of fish consumption by means of a Provisional Hazard Indices. Amongst the elements detected in fish tissue were potentially toxic elements such as Ag, Ba, Cd, Cr and Hg. Concentration differences were species-specific, and affected by the species trophic level, morphological characteristics and feeding habits. Results suggest the higher the trophic level of the fish, the higher the risk of consumption. Caution is recommended for the frequent ingestion of high trophic level fish species in Brazil.

Excess sodium in food is associated with an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases. Faced with this reality, consumers are becoming aware of the importance of eating foods with reduced sodium content. This work assesses the effects of partial replacement of NaCl by KCl on the microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of uncooked lamb sausage treated with different doses of gamma radiation. Analyses of thermotolerant coliforms, sulfite-reducing Clostridium, Salmonella sp., protein, moisture, ash, lipids, pH, water activity, and color were performed. The results showed that the formulations with reduced sodium content did not differ significantly concerning microbial growth and met the identity and quality standards considering its physicochemical characteristics. Also, irradiation is efficient as a microbiological control method, and the ± 3-kGy dose was the most effective to eliminate pathogenic bacteria present in the sausage formulation prepared with reduced sodium content, inducing less intense changes in physicochemical parameters.

In order to evaluate the effect of sodium butyrate on the performance of juvenile tilapia 400 fish (28.55 ± 1.55 g) were used, distributed randomly in 20 tanks (250 L) connected in a closed water circulation system. For 55 days, five levels of sodium butyrate (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g kg-1) were tested, with each experimental unit represented by 20 fish. To evaluate the treatments, the zootechnical performance, the hepatosomatic index, the viscerosomatic relationship, the centesimal composition of the fish, the hematology and the histology of the intestine were analyzed. Significant differences were observed with quadratic behavior for fish weight gain and specific growth factor, with 1.21 g kg-1 being the best result found for weight gain, while for growth factor 1.13 g kg-1 of organic acid. The feed conversion and the viscerosomatic relationship showed linear behavior, reducing the values ​​in relation to the increase in the level of sodium butyrate. In the hematological analysis, triglyceride levels showed a significant difference for the treatment with 0.5 g kg-1, which was 190.75 mg dl-1. In the histological analysis of the intestines and fish composition, there was no significant difference between treatments. The evaluated data demonstrate an effective action of sodium butyrate with the best result for fish performance at the level of 1.21 g kg-1. Para evaluar el efecto del butirato de sodio en el rendimiento de tilapia juvenil se utilizaron 400 peces (28.55 ± 1.55 g), distribuidos aleatoriamente en 20 tanques (250 L) conectados en un sistema cerrado de circulación de agua. . Durante 55 días se probaron cinco niveles de butirato de sodio (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 y 2.0 g kg-1), representando cada unidad experimental 20 peces. Para evaluar los tratamientos se analizó el desempeño zootécnico, el índice hepatosomático, la relación viscerosomática, la composición centesimal de los peces, la hematología e histología del intestino. Se observaron diferencias significativas con el comportamiento cuadrático para la ganancia de peso de los peces y el factor de crecimiento específico, siendo 1.21 g kg-1 el mejor resultado encontrado para la ganancia de peso, mientras que para el factor de crecimiento 1.13 g kg-1 de ácido orgánico. La conversión alimenticia y la relación viscerosomática mostraron un comportamiento lineal, reduciendo los valores en relación al aumento del nivel de butirato de sodio. En el análisis hematológico, los niveles de triglicéridos mostraron una diferencia significativa para el tratamiento con 0.5 g kg-1, que fue 190.75 mg dl-1. En el análisis histológico de los intestinos y la composición del pescado, no hubo diferencia significativa entre tratamientos. Los datos evaluados demuestran una acción eficaz del butirato de sodio con el mejor resultado para el rendimiento de los peces al nivel de 1.21 g kg-1. Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito do butirato de sódio sobre o desempenho de juvenis de tilápia foram utilizados 400 peixes (28,55 ± 1,55 g), distribuídos casualmente em 20 tanques (250 L) interligados num sistema de circulação fechada de água. Durante 55 dias foram testados cinco níveis de butirato de sódio (0, 0,5, 1,0, 1,5 e 2,0 g kg-1) sendo cada unidade experimental representada por 20 peixes. Para avaliação dos tratamentos foram analisados o desempenho zootécnico, o índice hepatossomático, a relação viscerossomático, a composição centesimal dos peixes, a hematologia e a histologia do intestino. Foram observadas diferenças significativas com comportamento quadrático para o ganho de peso dos peixes e o fator de crescimento específico, sendo 1,21 g kg-1 o melhor resultado encontrado para o ganho de peso, enquanto para o fator de crescimento foi encontrado 1,13 g kg-1 do ácido orgânico. A conversão alimentar e a relação viscerossomático apresentaram comportamento linear, reduzindo os valores em relação ao aumento do nível de butirato de sódio. Na análise hematológica os níveis de triglicerídeos apresentaram diferença significativa para o tratamento com 0,5 g kg-1, que foi 190,75 mg dl-1. Na análise histológica dos intestinos e composição centesimal dos peixes não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos. Os dados avaliados demonstram ação efetiva do butirato de sódio com o melhor resultado para o desempenho dos peixes no nível de 1,21 g kg-1.

Therapeutic options for the treatment of leishmaniasis are insufficient and need improvements owing to their low efficiency and high toxicity as well as the emergence of resistant strains. The limited number of new drugs for neglected diseases and lack of innovation in your development are still challenges. In this context, the process of discovery and development of biological assays play a pivotal role for the identification of bioactive compounds. The assays currently used for screening of drugs with cytotoxic activity against Leishmania parasites, include different processes that utilize intact parasite (free or intracellular) or specific enzymes of metabolism as a target cell. These assays allow the screening of large numbers of samples followed by more detailed secondary confirmatory assays to confirm the observed activity and assess their toxicity. In the present study, we described the development of a new functional and more complete assay that enables simultaneous assessment of potential anti-Leishmania compounds through evaluation of internalization of fluorescein-labeled L. braziliensis promastigotes by human peripheral blood monocytes and their cytotoxicity by flow cytometry. We standardized the conditions for parasite labeling to achieve better phagocytosis analysis by setting the ratio of number of parasites per cell as 1 to 2, at incubation time of 6h. The cytotoxicity assessment was performed by the quantification of cells undergoing early/late apoptosis and necrosis using a double labelling platform employing 7AAD for late apoptosis and necrosis analysis and Annexin-V for early apoptosis evaluation. Hemolysis analysis was an additional parameter to test cytotoxicity. Two drugs used on clinic (Amphotericin B and Glucantime®) were used to validate the proposed methodology, and the assay was able to detect their known leishmanicidal activity and immunotoxicity properties. This new predictive assay will contribute to the development of translational medicine strategies in drug discovery for neglected diseases such as leishmaniasis.

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the irradiation process in the control of Campylobacter spp. in chilled chicken heart samples, since this microorganism is related to the contamination of meat and chicken giblets and is responsible for enteritis in humans. The methodology and standards recommended by RDC no. 12 (Brazil, 2001) were applied for the bacteriological analyses. The chilled chicken heart samples were acquired in an industry that undergoes sanitary inspection, located in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Samples were divided into two groups, non-contaminated (NC - originally from the industrial plant) and contaminated (CAMPY– contaminated with C. jejuni ATCC 33291/CCAMP/FIOCRUZ 00262 strains by CCAMP/LABZOO/IOC/FIOCRUZ), subsequently separated into four groups: NC and CAMPY control groups and samples irradiated at 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 kGy. The eight subgroups were analyzed for the presence of Campylobacter sp. No statistically significant difference was observed between the four groups namely the non-irradiated controls and the 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 kGy irradiated samples (p> 0.05). Elimination of Campylobacter sp. was observed, with no bacterial growth in any of the irradiated, non-contaminated (CN) and infected (CAMPY) samples. Thus, the efficiency of the Co60 irradiation process of chilled chicken heart for the elimination of the surveyed microorganisms was proven. The lowest dose applied was sufficient to eliminate the enteric pathogen which is of great significance in a public health point of view. However, it should be noted that the Brazil legislation determining the microbiological standards for food does not include a microbiological standard for Campylobacter sp. This means that any amount of this enteric pathogen may bring public health risks. Key words: Food irradiation; chicken heart; Campylobacter sp.; Foodborne illness; public health.

O conhecimento do valor nutritivo de alimentos e um passo importante na formulacao de dietas para maximizar a produtividade animal. Foi realizado um estudo para determinar os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente (CDA) da materia seca (CDAMS), da proteina bruta (CDAPB), da energia bruta (CDAEB) e dos aminoacidos (CDAAA) de ingredientes convencionais para juvenis de carapeba (13 ± 3,23 g). O estudo foi realizado no Laboratorio de Nutricao e Alimentacao de Peixes (AQUANUT), utilizando 80 exemplares de carapeba, coletados na natureza, que foram mantidos em aquarios de digestibilidade no periodo de 21 dias. Foram avaliados os seguintes ingredientes: farinha de peixe, farelo de soja, fuba de milho, farelo de gluten de milho, farelo de arroz, farelo de trigo e amido, que substituiram 30% de uma dieta referencia peletizada com 325,00 g kg-1 de proteina bruta e 3692 Kcal kg-1 de energia bruta, utilizando 1,0 g kg-1 oxido de cromo como marcador. As excretas foram obtidas utilizando tres repeticoes para cada ingrediente testado, e apos a secagem foram realizadas as analises laboratoriais. O farelo de soja apresentou o melhor resultado para o CDAMS (67,45%) seguido pelos demais ingredientes. Para o CDAPB nao houve diferenca significativa entre o farelo de soja (95,16%), a farinha de peixe (92,97%) e o fuba de milho (91,90%) que apresentaram os melhores coeficientes de digestibilidade. Em relacao ao CDAEB os resultados do farelo de soja e fuba de milho foram 65,23 e 60,31%, respectivamente, seguidos pela farinha de peixe (51,85%). A carapeba aproveita alimentos tanto de origem animal quanto de origem vegetal, evidenciando tambem eficiencia em absorver aminoacidos como a lisina, metionina e treonina, para os mesmos ingredientes estudados.

The present study investigated the water mobility in muscle of salted sardines (Sardinella brasiliensis) on different days of storage, by the use of Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF NMR 1H). The exponential fitting of the transverse relaxation (T2) data revealed three components (three pools): one with a relaxation time of 11.2–17.5 ms; a second with a relaxation time ranging from 35.3 to 44.7 ms and the third with a relaxation time of 161.7–256.5 ms. Conventional physical and chemical analyses revealed changes in the quality of the salted fish during storage. A close correlation was observed between the indication of quality (good, regular and poor) obtained through the physical and chemical parameters analyzed (cooking test, presence of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide), and the relaxation data (NMR) (p

The marine species of snapper, Lutjanus analis, has carnivorous eating habits and with potential for cultivation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the apparent digestibility coefficient (CDA) of mutton snapper, and to evaluate its enzymatic profile after feeding with vegetable and animal protein sources. CDA was the indirect method of fecal collection, using chromic oxide as a biological marker. Eight hundred fish, with an average weight of 28.0 ± 2.58 g, were acclimated for 15 days in a net tank (2 m³), ​​and installed in the same collection environment. The acclimatization of 54 fish was carried out in digestibility aquariums (200 L), and the collection of feces started. For mutton snapper, the supply of octopus flour improves (P

The purpose of this study was to characterise the prevalence and risk factors associated with genital mycoplasmas ( Mycoplasma hominis [MH], M. genitalium [MG]) and ureaplasmas ( Ureaplasma urealyticum [UU], U. parvum [UP]) in Portuguese women of reproductive age. The cross-sectional study included 612 cervicovaginal self-collected samples from women aged 15–44 years, tested for MH, MG, UU, UP by polymerase chain reaction. Y chromosome (Yc) DNA was detected as a biomarker of recent unprotected sexual intercourse. The prevalences of UU, UP, MH and MG were 28.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.0–32.1), 22.4% (95% CI 19.3–25.9), 8.5% (95% CI 6.5–11.0) and 0.8% (95% CI 0.4–1.9), respectively. Overall, women aged 20–29 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.78; P = 0.010) and the presence of Yc-DNA (OR 2.33; P = 0.038) were associated with an increased risk of UU. Lifetime number of sexual partners was a predictor of UU, UP and MH (OR 2.46; P

The reproductive system of some fish species presents elaborate mechanisms by which the females store spermatozoa inside their ovaries, keeping them viable for fertilization for an extended period of time. However, as intriguing as this sperm storage is, it is not yet understood how the sperm can remain viable in the ovary. Aiming to understand this phenomenon, the epithelium covering the ovarian lamellae, that is, the germinal epithelium, of the Cangati (Trachelyopterus galeatus), an inseminating catfish, was evaluated taking into account the different stages of the annual reproductive cycle. The germinal epithelium morphology changed during the annual reproductive cycle, presumably in preparation to receive the spermatozoa and keep them viable until fertilization. There was a progressive increase of the epithelium height. Also the number of intercellular junctions, desmosomes, and extended tight junctions, apparently increased forming chains that could be regarded as a barrier to isolate the sperm from the female immune system. Synthetic organelles were active releasing cytoplasmic granules and secretion in the epithelial enfolds in which the spermatozoa were deeply embedded. Concomitantly, oogonium nests were formed in the germinal epithelium during early folliculogenesis.

Total mercury (Hg) levels were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry (CVAAS) in tissues of two species of carnivorous fishes and in the soft tissue of oysters caught in Sepetiba Bay, Brazil. Hg was distributed unevenly in the organs and tissues of the fish; the mean Hg content was highest in the kidneys (0.048 μg/g wet weight) and lowest in the gills (0.004 μg/g w.w.). Mean Hg levels were higher in the oysters (0.052 μg/g w.w.) than in the fish (0.022 μg/g w.w). The total Hg concentration did not exceed the maximum concentration for food allowed by Brazilian legislation in any of the fish and oyster samples analyzed. Moreover, the Hg concentrations observed were all within the maximum level for fish recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO; 0.5 μg/g w.w.).

The growth of the Brazilian aquaculture has stimulated the development of the productive chain of native species, including marine environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance of juvenile mojarra fish (Diapterus rhombeus) fed diets containing different concentrations of crude protein (32, 36, 40 and 44 g 100 g-1). The 80 juvenile mojarra (7.2±1.5 g) were kept in 16 circular tanks (150 L). The study design used was completely randomized with four treatments and four repetitions. The fish were fed four times a day. At the end of the experiment (60 days) the final weight, feed intake, weight gain (WG), feed:gain ratio (FGR), protein efficiency rate (PER), energy efficiency rate, specific growth, survival rate and, body composition were evaluated. It was verified significant effect of protein level on the WG, with the best value at the level of 38.20 g 100 g-1 of crude protein. For FGR, the best estimated value occurred with 38.06 g 100 g-1 of crude protein, similar to that reported for the PER (38.91 g 100 g-1). The other performance parameters and body composition were not influenced by crude protein levels. Diet crude protein concentrations between 38.06 and 38.91 g 100 g-1 provide the best performance indices for juvenile mojarra. RESUMO O crescimento da aquicultura brasileira tem estimulado o desenvolvimento da cadeia produtiva de espécies nativas, incluindo de ambiente marinho. Objetivou-se, neste estudo, avaliar o desempenho dos juvenis de carapeba (Diapterus rhombeus) alimentados com rações contendo diferentes concentrações de proteína bruta (32, 36, 40 e 44 g 100 g-1), caracterizando um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições. Foram distribuídos 80 juvenis (7,2 ± 1,5 g) de carapeba em 16 tanques circulares (150 L). Os peixes foram alimentados quatro vezes ao dia. Após 60 dias, foram avaliados o peso final, o consumo de ração, o ganho de peso (GP), a conversão alimentar (CA), a taxa de eficiência proteica (TEP), a taxa de eficiência energética, o crescimento específico, a taxa de sobrevivência e a composição corporal dos peixes. Verificou-se efeito significativo do nível de proteína com o melhor valor de GP obtido com 38,20 g 100 g-1 de proteína bruta. Para a CA, o melhor valor estimado ocorreu com 38,06 g 100 g-1 de proteína bruta, próximo ao observado para o TEP (38,91 g 100 g-1). Os demais parâmetros de desempenho e de composição corporal não foram influenciados pelos níveis de proteína bruta. As concentrações de proteína bruta na dieta entre 38,06 e 38,91 g 100 g-1 promovem os melhores índices de desempenho de juvenis de carapeba.

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho zootécnico e a composição corporal de juvenis de tambacu alimentados com rações contendo níveis crescentes de celulose. 128 juvenis de tambacu (29,0±6,0g) foram distribuídos em 16 tanques (150 L), na densidade de oito exemplares por tanque, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos (níveis crescentes de celulose: 0; 20; 40 e 60 g kg-1) e quatro repetições. Os parâmetros de desempenho avaliados foram: peso final (PF), consumo de ração (CR), ganho de peso (GP), conversão alimentar aparente (CAA), taxa de eficiência proteica (TEP) e sobrevivência (SOB). Para a análise de composição corporal, foram analisados matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), energia bruta (EB) e matéria mineral (MM). Verificou-se comportamento quadrático (P0,05) dos níveis de inclusão da celulose sobre a TEP, SOB e sobre os parâmetros de composição corporal MS, PB, EE, EB e MM. As rações com maiores níveis de inclusão da celulose afetaram negativamente o desempenho de juvenis de tambacu, no entanto, as modificações fisiológicas e metabólicas provocadas por essas rações não foram suficientes para afetar a composição corporal. Aimed to evaluate the growth performance and body composition of juvenile tambacu fed diets containing increasing levels of cellulose. 128 juveniles (29.0±6.0g) were distributed into 16 tanks (150 L), at a density of eight fish per tank, in a completely randomized design with four treatments (increasing levels of cellulose: 0, 20, 40 and 60 g kg-1) and four replications. For the growth performance parameters it was evaluated: final weight (FW), feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion rate (FCR), protein efficiency rate (PER) and survival (SUR). For the analysis of body composition, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), gross energy (GE) and mineral matter (MM) were analyzed. There was a quadratic response (P0.05) of levels of inclusion of cellulose on the PER, SUR and on the parameters of body composition in DM, CP, EE, GE and MM. Diets with high inclusion levels of cellulose adversely affected the performance of juvenile tambacu. However, the physiological and metabolic changes caused by these rations were not sufficient to affect body composition.

The aim of this research was to study the impact of in vitro gamma radiation on Anisakis sp. larvae collected from Genypterusbrasiliensis assessing the use of this technological process in the prevention of human anisakiasis. The parasites wereirradiated with doses of 1, 3 and 6 kGy in a 0.65% NaCl solution and kept chilled between 5oC and 8°C. The most effective doseused was 6 kGy, in which these parasite survived for a maximum period of 14 days.

The objectives of this work were to determine the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and gross energy (GE) of coconut biscuit residues (CBR), sweet biscuits (SBR) and noodles (NR) for Nile tilapia and evaluate the performance of fingerlings fed with diets containing the residues with the highest nutritional value. In the digestibility study, 72 juveniles (with an average weight of 70.5 ± 2.7 g) were organized in a completely randomized design with three treatments and three replications (12 fish per replication). ADC was determined using an indirect method in which 0.10% chromium oxide (Cr2O3) acted as an indicator. To evaluate performance, 225 fingerlings (with an average weight of 3.4 ± 0.5 g) were distributed across 15 tanks (150 L), creating a completely randomized design with five treatments and three replications. The test diets contained 0, 4, 8, 12 or 16% CBR. ADCDM, ADCCP and ADCGE for each of the different residues were, respectively: 85, 88 and 86% for CBR; 32, 51 and 46% for SBR; 24, 31 and 26% for NR. The inclusion of CBR significantly affected final weight of the fish, specific growth rate and protein retention rate, as well as the carcass composition values for dry matter, mineral matter, gross energy and ethereal extract. CBR presents better digestibility than the other tested residues and it can be used as a substitute for maize meal in quantities up to 11.62%, thus improving fish performance.

Summary In this work we use paramagnetic defects induced by radiation in the fruit pulp to identify gamma-irradiated kiwi, papaya and tomato. Pulp without seed, peels or stalks are treated by alcoholic extraction in order to remove water, soluble fractions and solid residue. The ESR spectra of pulp samples of irradiated fruit is composed of species A (g = 2.0045) and species C (g = 2.0201 and g = 1.9851), which are also observed in irradiated stalks and skins. In comparison with samples which are not submitted to alcoholic extraction, species C is stable enough to be used as a dose marker. Furthermore, the species C signal can be detected perfectly even in pulp samples irradiated with doses as low as 200 Gy. Irradiation doses of fruit, exposed to 200–900 Gy of a gamma rays, were estimated with an overall uncertainty of 15% using dried pulp samples. These results indicate that radicals induced in pulp have potential to be used in the identification and absorbed dose determination of irradiated fruit.

Polonium-210 (210Po) concentration was quantified in the muscle tissue and organs of two predatory marine fishes (Genypterus brasiliensis and Cynoscion microlepidotus) from Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The species C. microlepidotus, a benthic carnivore, registered higher 210Po in its tissue. The organs associated with digestion displayed the maximum radionuclide compared with other organs. The average activity was 2 mBq kg−1 for G. brasiliensis and it was 6 mBq kg−1 for C. microlepidotus. The activity concentrations varied significantly between the species and among organs.

The productive performance and the variable cost of production were evaluated for different feeding strategies for tilapia during the production cycle. A sample of 2,000 juvenile tilapia was distributed (23.55 ± 2.38 g) into five treatments and with four repetitions as follows: C (feed consumption to apparent satiety), R20 (beginning feed restriction when fish reached an average weight of 20 g), R200 (beginning feed restriction when fish reached an average weight of 200 g), R400 (beginning feed restriction when fish reached an average weight of 400 g) and R600 (beginning feed restriction when fish reached an average weight of 600 g). The fish were given extruded commercial feed containing 34% crude protein until they reached a weight of 200 g, at which time they received feed containing 32% crude protein. Monthly biometrics were performed in order to determine the food restriction starting point, which was one day of restriction followed by six feeding days. The following parameters were evaluated: water quality, productive performance variables, the variable costs of production and excreted nitrogen. The results were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were compared using Tukey’s test (5% significance). No statistical differences were observed in final weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion or survival. The fish from the R20 treatment had the lowest variable cost of production (g fish-1) and the lowest nitrogen excretion into the water. This suggests that feed restriction from the early stages of life does not compromise the productive performance and contributes to reducing the variable costs and the quantity of nitrogen excreted into the environment. Thus, a one-day per week feed restriction strategy can be applied from the earliest stages of life without compromising the productive performance or body composition of Nile tilapia. This strategy can also reduce variable costs of production by means of reducing relative labour and feed costs.

The placenta is fundamental for fetal development. The aim of this study was to determine Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn content in the fetal and maternal portions of the placentas of teenage and adult women. Measurement of the minerals was conducted using Synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence. Forty samples from the fetal portion of teenagers and adults and 40 samples from the maternal portion of teenagers and adults were analyzed. There were significant differences in the Ca and Cu concentrations of the placenta’s maternal portion when compared to the fetal portion, for both teenagers and adults. There were differences in Fe and Zn concentrations only when comparing the maternal portion of placenta with the fetal portion of the adults. These results suggest important differences in mineral content based on the placental portion. No significant difference was observed between the minerals studied of the maternal portion of teenagers and adults; however, in the fetal portion, mineral concentrations were greater in adults than in teenagers. Therefore, the mineral concentration of the fetal portion of the placenta is influenced by the mother’s age. If there is mineral’s competition between the mother and fetus during pregnancy in adolescence due to the importance of these minerals in growth and development, then the mechanism and reason for it should be elucidated in future research. In addition, we believe that further research should be carried out on transporters of these minerals in the same portions of the placentas analyzed by our group, in teenagers and adults.

We examined the spermatozoa and their relationship with the ovarian lamellae in the catfish Trachelyopterus galeatus by classical light microscopy, high-resolution light microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Trachelyopterus galeatus is an internally inseminating species the spermatozoon of which presented an elongated cylindrical head (12.3 ± 1.5 μm), elongated midpiece (5.0 ± 0.7 μm), and flagellum (23.9 ± 2.8 μm). Fertilized eggs or embryos were not found in its ovaries. Spermatozeugmata were demonstrated for the first time in this species. At the ultrastructural level, the anterior region of the head was devoid of chromatin with its shape being rounded with a hyaline tip in frontal sections and flattened in sagittal sections. The proximal centriole and most of the distal centriole were contained within a nuclear fossa. Mitochondria with lamellar cristae, as well as glycogen granules, were located just caudal to the nuclear fossa and distally in the midpiece. A single row of accessory microtubules ran peripherally in the midpiece. The flagellar axoneme had the typical 9 + 2 arrangement, having electron-dense and electron-lucent A-tubules at different points along the flagellum; flagellar fins were lacking. The ovarian lamellae were covered by a simple cuboidal epithelium. In maturing/mature females, spermatozoa were free in the ovarian lumen or inserted in pits of the lamellar epithelial cells. Tight junctions and desmosomes were seen between the epithelial cells. In addition to nourishment of the spermatozoon, the lamellar epithelial cells may play a role in protecting the spermatozoa against the female immune system. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

As amostras de filé de peixe-sapo (Lophius gastrophysus) receberam doses de 3, 5, e 7kGy de radiação gama. A contagem de bactérias heterotróficas aeróbicas psicotróficas foi realizada em diferentes tempos de estocagem à temperatura de 0°C, juntamente com a amostra controle. Também foi analisado o perfil sensorial de sabor e aroma, além da avaliação da preferência quanto à cor. Dentre as amostras irradiadas, a que obteve melhor qualidade, quanto aos atributos e às amplitudes de sabor e aroma, foi a amostra irradiada a 5kGy. As amostras controle, 3, e 5kGy não diferiram significativamente entre si, sendo consideradas como as mais preferidas quanto à cor, sugerindo uma aparência de maior frescor, quando comparadas com a amostra 7kGy. Sugere-se a dosagem de radiação gama de 5kGy como a mais eficiente na manutenção da qualidade bacteriológica e sensorial em filé de peixe-sapo refrigerado. The samples of the fillets of peixe-sapo (Lophius gastrophysus) received 3, 5 and 7kGy gamma irradiation. The count of psicotrophic aerobic heterotrophic bacteria was accomplished in different times of store to the temperature of 0°C, together with the sample control the sensory profile of the was analyzed. Also flavor and aroma besides the evaluation of the preference with relationship to color. Among the irradiated samples the on that obtained better quality, as attributes and flavor widths and aroma, it was the sample radiated to the 5kGy. The samples control, 3, and 5kGy didn't differ significantly each other being considered as the most favorite with relationship to the color, suggesting an appearance of larger coolness when compared with 7kGy sample. Dosage of radiation is suggested it gamma of the most efficient 5kGy as in the maintenance of the bacteriological and sensory quality in fillet of cooled peixe-sapo.

In this work, synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (SRTXRF) was used to determine trace elements in eight hypoglycemiant plants (Trigonella foenum graecum, Panax ginseng, Pfaffia paniculata, Myrcia speciosa, Zea mays, Harpagophytum procumbens, Syzygium jambolona, and Bauhinia forficate). The elements P, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Sr were detected in all medicinal plants investigated, whereas Si, S, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Se, Nb, Mo, Sn, Sb, Ba, Hg, and Pb were detected only in some of the samples. The concentration of elements in hypoglycemiant plants varied from 0.15 microg/g of Co to 3.0 x 10(4) microg/g of K and the mean of experimental limit of detection for these elements were 0.14 and 3.6 microg/g, respectively.

The aim of this study was to evaluate infection by gastrointestinal parasites in Santa Ines and Bergamasca sheep kept on cultivated pastures (Andropogon gayanus and Panicum maximum cv Vencedor) in the Federal District. Sixty adult ewes (30 of each breed) with mean body weight 46.2 kg were used, distributed randomly in pastures of 1 hectare. Fecal Egg Count (FEC) was obtained individually every 15 days making a total of 480 FECs. Feces were tested for Strongyloides sp., Strongyle, Moniezia sp. and Eimeria sp. All animals with FEC above 3000 were dewormed. The proportion of variance explained by the model was low, indicating that other factors are involved in parasite infection level. Higher FEC was seen in Bergamasca compared to Santa Ines. Strongyle level depended on month and pasture type. FEC for Bergamasca on Andropogon was significantly higher than Santa Ines on the same pasture and significantly higher than both breeds on Vencedor. This reflects a genotype environment interaction.

O presente estudo foi realizado com 258 mulheres, com e sem sintomas de candidíase vulvovaginal, atendidas no Centro de Saúde Geraldo Paula Souza, da Faculdade de Saúde Pública da USP. Leveduras foram isoladas em 162 mulheres, sendo que 34% foram de mulheres assintomáticas, 34% com sintomas de candidíase vulvovaginal primária (CVV) e 32% com candidíase vulvovaginal recorrente (CVVR). As espécies mais isoladas foram C . albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata e C. tropicalis. Espécies como C. metapsilosis e C. haemulonii também foram encontradas. A produção de proteinase foi vista em 88% das amostras e de fosfolipase foi de 39%. A sensibilidade in vitro aos antifúngicos foi realizada pelo Etest e, nos isolados resistentes a anfotericina B, fluconazol e itraconazol foram realizados ensaios de microdiluição (CLSIM27S3) e EUCAST EDef7.1, que confirmaram a diminuição da sensibilidade ao itraconazol em isolados de C. parapsilosis (1); C. guilliermondii (1), C. glabrata (3) e Trichosporon spp (1). A diminuição da sensibilidade ao fluconazol foi observada em isolados de C. parapsilosis (1), C. glabrata (3), C. krusei e Rhodotorula spp (1). As leveduras do grupo das CVVRs foram as que apresentaram menor sensibilidade. Em 61 isolados de várias espécies foi realizada a cariotipagem em campo pulsado (PFGE) e não foram observadas similaridade entre elas. Os dados obtidos reforçam a importância da realização de exames laboratoriais que permitam identificar as espécies presentes no conteúdo vaginal, de modo a nortear a escolha terapêutica. This study was conducted with 258 women, with and without symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis, seen at the Health Center \"Geraldo Paula Souza\", School of Public Health of USP. Yeasts were isolated in 162 women, 34% of women were asymptomatic, 34% with primary symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and 32% with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (CVVR). The species were more isolated C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis. Species such as C. metapsilosis and C. haemulonii were also found. The production of proteinase was seen in 88% of the samples and phospholipase was 39%. Sensitivity \"in vitro\" Antifungal was by the \"Etest\" and in isolates resistant to amphotericin B, fluconazole and itraconazole microdilution tests were performed (CLSIM27S3) and EUCAST EDef7.1, which confirmed the decreased sensitivity to itraconazole in isolates C. parapsilosis (1), C. guilliermondii (1), C. glabrata (3) and Trichosporon spp (1). The decreased sensitivity to fluconazole was observed in isolates of C. parapsilosis (1), C. glabrata (3), C. krusei and Rhodotorula spp (1). Yeasts of the group CVVRs were those who had lowest sensitivity. In 61 isolated from various species karyotyping was performed pulsed field (PFGE) and there were no similarity between them. The data emphasize the importance of laboratory tests to identify the species present in the vaginal content in order to guide the therapeutic choice.