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A fully encapsulated c-Si solar cell was evaluated using focused X-ray and laser beams to probe the microscopic electrical performance and composition. Particular emphasis was placed on the influence of the silver fingers on the laser (LBIC) and X-ray beam induced current (XBIC). Therefore, an uncommonly high X-ray energy of 28keV was utilized for maximum sensitivity to the Ag distribution measured by X-ray fluorescence through the back sheet. The direct comparison of LBIC and XBIC measurements yields a comprehensive picture of these techniques, illustrating the advantages and challenges of both approaches. Specifically, the effect of heavy elements acting as a secondary photon source that increase the XBIC signal is discussed and supported by Monte-Carlo simulations.

In this work, the anthocyanins’ profile of two hybrid grape varieties—Cabernet Carbon and Prior—grown in two experimental plots in Trentino (Northern Italy) was investigated during 2016 and 2017 harvests. The focus was on the mono- and di-glycoside anthocyanins extraction during the fermentative maceration. It was optimized an HPLC-DAD method, which allows the separation and quantification of mono- and di-glucoside anthocyanin forms (non-esterified, acetylated, and p-coumaroylated) in a single chromatographic run. Furthermore, an HPLC-DAD/HQOMS approach was used to confirm the compound identification. The skin contact fermentation was conducted for 7 days at 24 °C, punching down manually the cap twice a day. Must samples were collected every 24 h. As expected, every anthocyanin showed an initial net extraction phase described by a first-order kinetic, followed by a decrease until the end of the maceration. The analysis of the accumulation rate showed a faster increase of the di-glucoside anthocyanins concentration compared to the corresponding mono-glucoside, due to their richness in the initial grapes. Moreover, the di-glucosides concentration at the end of the alcoholic fermentation underwent a three times minor percentage decrease with respect to the maximum reached. This paper intend to improve the knowledge of the kinetics of each anthocyanin form during the maceration step, providing information about the behavior of di-glucoside compounds, never investigated before in terms of accumulation and percentage decrease.

Prenatal exposure to phthalates is associated with reproductive and metabolic systems alterations. We investigated the effects of in utero and lactational exposure to Di-(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) on the reproductive system and glycemic homeostasis in male and female offspring of rats. Pregnant rats were exposed to equimolar doses (0.018, 0.18 and 1.8 mmol/kg/day) of DEHP or DBP corresponding to 7, 70, and 700 mg/kg/day for DEHP and 5, 50, and 500 mg/kg/day for DBP, respectively, by oral gavage from gestation day 13 to postnatal day 21, and using canola oil as vehicle control. Male and female offspring were examined for body weight development, external markers of prenatal androgenization and puberty onset, plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin, insulin tolerance (ITT), glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 protein (PDX-1). Male and female rats exposed to the highest doses of DEHP and DBP exhibited increased fasting glucose levels. In rats exposed to DEHP 700 mg/kg/day we also observed a reduced glucose decay rate (Kitt) following insulin administration and decreased insulin secretion in the GSIS assay. Male offspring exposed to DEHP 700 mg/kg/day had reduced anogenital distance (AGD) on PDN 4 and delayed preputial separation at puberty, while female offspring exposed to DEHP 70 and 700 mg/kg/day and to the highest DBP dose had delayed vaginal opening. Our results suggest that maternal treatment with DEHP and DBP can induce a wide range of metabolic and reproductive alterations in offspring rats, with more pronounced effects following DEHP exposure.

Background The aim of the present study was to investigate outcomes of anti-TNF-alpha (ATA) withdrawal in selected pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease who achieved clinical remission and mucosal and histological healing (MH and HH). Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on children and adolescents affected by Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) who were followed up at 2 tertiary referral centers from 2008 through 2018. The main outcome measure was clinical relapse rates after ATA withdrawal. Results One hundred seventy patients received scheduled ATA treatment; 78 patients with CD and 56 patients with UC underwent endoscopic reassessment. We found that MH was achieved by 32 patients with CD (41%) and 30 patients with UC (53.6%); 26 patients with CD (33.3%) and 22 patients with UC (39.3%) achieved HH. The ATA treatment was suspended in 45 patients, 24 affected by CD and 21 by UC, who all achieved concurrently complete MH (Simplified Endoscopic Score for CD, 0; Mayo score, 0, respectively) and HH. All the patients who suspended ATA shifted to an immunomodulatory agent or mesalazine. In contrast, 17 patients, 8 with CD and 9 with UC, continued ATA because of growth needs, the persistence of slight endoscopic lesions, and/or microscopic inflammation. Thirteen out of 24 patients with CD who suspended ATA experienced disease relapse after a median follow-up time of 29 months, whereas no recurrence was observed among the 9 patients with CD who continued treatment (P = 0.05). Among the patients with UC, there were no significant differences in relapse-free survival among those who discontinued ATA and those who did not suspend treatment (P = 0.718). Conclusions Despite the application of rigid selection criteria, ATA cessation remains inadvisable in CD. In contrast, in UC, the concurrent achievement of MH and HH may represent promising selection criteria to identify patients in whom treatment withdrawal is feasible.

Aims Vascular dysfunction plays a key role in sepsis but the role of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) in this condition is relatively unknown. Main methods Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The responses of the aorta and superior mesenteric artery to norepinephrine in the presence or absence of PVAT were evaluated. Fluorescent probes measured the production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). NO synthases (NOS) and β3-adrenoceptor expression were detected by immunofluorescence and S-nitrosylation by the biotin switch assay. Key findings Aorta and superior mesenteric arteries from septic animals with intact PVAT showed a worsened response to the vasoconstrictor compared to vessels without PVAT. PVAT from the aorta (APVAT) produced NO and ROS whereas PVAT from the superior mesenteric artery (MPVAT) produced only ROS. Septic APVAT exhibited a higher density of NOS-1 and NOS-3. S-nitrosylation was found in APVAT. Donor (PVAT obtained from normal or septic rats):Host (normal vessel without PVAT) experiments showed that L-NAME, ODQ and β3-adrenergic receptor antagonist blocked the septic APVAT anti-contractile effect. None of these compounds affected MPVAT; tempol, but not apocynin, blocked its anti-contractile effect. Significance PVAT contributes to the anti-contractile effect in the aorta and mesenteric artery of septic rats through different pathways. β3-Adrenergic receptor and NO appear to be key mediators of this effect in APVAT, but not in MPVAT where ROS seem to be a relevant mediator. Therefore, PVAT is a relevant player of sepsis vascular dysfunction.

The effect of ultrasound (20 kHz, 153 &mu, m) on the prefermentation extraction mechanisms in Sauvignon Blanc grapes was studied, focusing on 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) and 4-mercapto-4-methyl-pentan-2-one (4MMP) precursors linked to glutathione (GSH) and cysteine (Cys). The treatment determined a positive extraction trend between the duration (untreated, 3 and 5 min) and the conductivity or the concentration of catechins and total phenols, significantly differentiated after 5 min. Nevertheless, the concentration of the thiol precursors in grape juice not only remained undifferentiated, but that of 3-S-glutathionyl mercaptohexan-1-ol showed a negative trend with the treatment time applied (168 &plusmn, 43, 156 &plusmn, 36, and 149 &plusmn, 32 &mu, g/L, respectively, for control, 3 and 5 min). The divergence on the effect between families of compounds suggests an interaction between the sonication treatment and thiol precursor molecules. In order to evaluate the possible degradation properly, ultrasound was applied in a model solution spiked with 3MH and 4MMP precursors, reproducing the conditions of grapes. Except for Cys-3MH, the mean concentration (n = 5) for the rest of the precursors was significantly lower in treated samples, predominantly in those linked to glutathione (~&minus, 22% and ~18% for GSH-3MH and GSH-4MMP) rather than to cysteine (~&minus, 6%~&minus, 8% for Cys-3MH and Cys-4MMP). The degradation of precursors was associated with a significant increase of 3MH and 4MMP. The formation of volatile thiols following sonication is interesting from a technological point of view, as they are key aroma compounds of wine and potentially exploitable in the wine industry through specific vinification protocols.

Background Human exposure to phthalates and other non-persistent chemicals in developing countries is largely unknown. A preliminary analysis of urinary samples from pregnant Brazilian women revealed the presence of metabolites of Diisopentyl phthalate (DiPeP). Objectives Reliably quantify DiPeP metabolites in human urine and investigate the potential antiandrogenic activity of this phthalate in rats. Methods We initiated a pilot pregnancy cohort in Curitiba, Brazil, to examine phthalate exposure in urine samples collected in early pregnancy ( n = 50) or pooled samples from early, mid and late pregnancy ( n = 44). Our well established phthalate method was modified to include the primary DiPeP metabolite, monoisopentyl phthalate (MiPeP), and two additional secondary oxidized metabolites, 3OH-MiPeP and 4OH-MiPeP. In a parallel approach, we orally exposed pregnant rats to DiPeP or Di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP; reference phthalate) at 0, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day from gestation day 14 to 18 and measured ex vivo fetal testis testosterone production. Results We were able to detect and quantify specific DiPeP metabolites in nearly all (98%) of the early pregnancy urine samples and in all gestational pool samples with a median concentration for MiPeP of 3.65 and 3.15 μg/L, respectively, and for the two oxidized metabolites between 1.00 and 1.70 μg/L. All three urinary DiPeP metabolites were strongly correlated ( r = 0.89 to 0.99). In the rat model, the effective dose (mg/kg/day) inhibiting fetal testosterone production by 50% (ED 50 [95% confidence interval]) was 93.6 [62.9–139.3] for DiPeP which was significantly lower than for DnBP (220.3 [172.9–280.7]), highlighting the strong antiandrogenic potency of DiPeP within the spectrum of the phthalates. Conclusions We unveiled and confirmed the exposure of pregnant Brazilian women to DiPeP via specific urinary metabolites. This unexpected and ubiquitous DiPeP exposure indicates to unique DiPeP exposure sources in Brazil. These exposures spark considerable concern because DiPeP is one of the most potent antiandrogenic phthalates.

Nitric oxide (NO) participates in several physiological processes such as maintenance of blood pressure, host defense, neurotransmission, inhibition of platelet aggregation and learning and memory. NO is also involved in several diseases or dysfunctions in the cardiovascular, central nervous and musculoskeletal systems. NO also has been shown to be a major player in sepsis. NOS-1-derived NO has been shown to be a relevant species in physiology but also is an important element in pathology. There exist some NOS-1 inhibitors and among of them, 7-nitroindazole has been used for its in vivo selectivity. However, 7-NI has a very short half-life (∼2 h) and a poor water solubility. In this study, we describe the preparation and characterization of 7-NI-loaded nanoemulsions (NE 7-NI ). The chemical stability of 7-NI was greatly increased and the drug release rate could be controlled after nanoemulsification. NE 7-NI reduced NO production in a long-lasting manner in vascular smooth muscle cells and skeletal muscle, without cytotoxicity. Our results evidenced that nanoemulsification approach increases the effective action time of 7-NI, rendering a suitable dosage form, which may be an interesting tool to study the role of NOS-1 in physiology and disease.

The aim of the study was to establish 24 month changes in upper limb function using a revised version of the performance of upper limb test (PUL 2.0) in a large cohort of ambulant and non-ambulant boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and to identify possible trajectories of progression. Of the 187 patients studied, 87 were ambulant (age range: 7-15.8 years), and 90 non-ambulant (age range: 9.08-24.78). The total scores changed significantly over time (p

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this international collaborative effort was to report 36-month longitudinal changes using the 6MWT in ambulant patients affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy amenable to skip exons 44, 45, 51 or 53. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 92 patients included in the study, 24 had deletions amenable to skip exon 44, 27 exon 45, 18 exon 51, and 28 exon 53. Five patients with a single deletion of exon 52 were counted in both subgroups skipping exon 51 and 53. RESULTS: The difference between subgroups amenable to skip different exons was not significant at 12 months but became significant at both 24 (p≤0.05) and 36 months (p≤0.01). DISCUSSION: Mutations amenable to skip exon 53 had lower baseline values and more negative changes than the other subgroups while those amenable to skip exon 44 had better results both at baseline and at follow up. Deletions amenable to skip exon 45 were associated with a more variable pattern of progression. Single exon deletions were more often associated with less drastic changes but this was not always true in individual cases. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that the progression of disease can differ between patients with different deletions, although the changes only become significant from 24 months onwards. This information is relevant because there are current clinical trials specifically targeting patients with these subgroups of mutations. ispartof: PLOS ONE vol:14 issue:6 ispartof: location:United States status: published

A high throughput, high-sensitivity procedure, involving simultaneous microwave-assisted extraction (MAS) and unsaponifiable extraction, followed by on-line liquid chromatography (LC)-gas chromatography (GC), has been optimised for rapid and efficient extraction and analytical determination of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in cereal-based products of different composition. MAS has the advantage of eliminating fat before LC-GC analysis, allowing an increase in the amount of sample extract injected, and hence in sensitivity. The proposed method gave practically quantitative recoveries and good repeatability. Among the different cereal-based products analysed (dry semolina and egg pasta, bread, biscuits, and cakes), egg pasta packed in direct contact with recycled paperboard had on average the highest total MOSH level (15.9 mg kg(-1)), followed by cakes (10.4 mg kg(-1)) and bread (7.5 mg kg(-1)). About 50% of the pasta and bread samples and 20% of the biscuits and cake samples had detectable MOAH amounts. The highest concentrations were found in an egg pasta in direct contact with recycled paperboard (3.6 mg kg(-1)) and in a milk bread (3.6 mg kg(-1)).

Hydrocarbon contaminants in foods can be grouped into two main classes, based on the main process involved in their formation. The first class of contaminants is represented by mineral oil hydrocarbons, which include both saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons (mainly alkylated), originating from petrogenic processes. The other class of compounds originates from incomplete pyrogenic processes and comprises parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with 2-6 rings. The contamination with these compounds can occur at any stage of food production, namely from field environmental contamination, farming practices, food transformation processes (industrial and domestic), and migration from packaging materials. Although these contaminants are very similar from a chemical point of view and as far as some analytical issues are concerned, sample preparation and the final analytical determination applied are very specific. In this review the two classes of contaminants will be discussed separately, considering not only the analytical approach but also their source of contamination, toxicity and legislation issues.

Mineral oils, which are mainly composed of saturated hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons, are widespread food contaminants. Liquid chromatography coupled to gas chromatography with flame ionization detection represents the method of choice to determine these two families. However, despite the high selectivity of this technique, the presence of olefins (particularly squalene and its isomers) in some samples as in olive oils, does not allow the correct quantification of the mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons fraction, requiring additional off-line tools to eliminate them. In the present research, a novel on-line liquid chromatography coupled to gas chromatography method is described for the determination of hydrocarbon contamination in edible oils. Two different liquid chromatography columns, namely a silica one (to retain the bulk of the matrix) and a silver-ion one (which better retains the olefins), were coupled in series to obtain the mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons hump free of interfering peaks. Furthermore, the use of a simultaneous dual detection, flame ionization detector and triple quadrupole mass spectrometer allowed us not only to quantify the mineral oil contamination, but also to evaluate the presence of specific markers (i.e. hopanes) to confirm the petrogenic origin of the contamination.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fermentation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on organic acids, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and carotenoids of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) juices. Juices from ‘Tarocco’ and ‘Washington navel’ oranges were fermented at 30 °C for 48 h with L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. paracasei, and L. brevis without supplementation. The juice from ‘Washington navel’ resulted the best medium to grow LAB, especially L. brevis (1.98 ± 0.36 log CFU mL−1 at 48 h). Malic acid was thoroughly converted into lactic acid. Ascorbic acid increased in ‘Tarocco’ juice, peaking to 295 ± 25.3 g L−1 when fermented by L. brevis. The effects of LAB on phenolic compounds were matrix-specific, e.g., L. rhamnosus increased the levels of phenolics in ‘Washington navel’ juice (36.8 ± 1.51 mg L−1; p

Nanosponges are a novel class of hyperbranched cyclodextrin-based nanostructures that exhibits remarkable potential as a drug host system for the improvement in biopharmaceutical properties. This work aims the development of cyclodextrin-based nanosponge of norfloxacin to improve its physicochemical characteristics. β-cyclodextrin was used as base and diphenyl carbonate as crosslinker agent at different proportions to produce nanosponges that were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo techniques. The proportion cyclodextrin:crosslinker 1:2 M/M was chosen due to its higher encapsulation efficiency (80%), revealing an average diameter size of 40 nm with zeta potential of −19 mV. Norfloxacin-loaded nanosponges exhibited higher passage of norfloxacin in comparison to norfloxacin drug alone by Ussing chamber method. The nanosponge formulation also revealed a mucoadhesive property that could increase norfloxacin absorption thus improving its antibiotic activity in an in vivo sepsis model. Therefore, nanosponges may be suitable carrier of norfloxacin to maximize and facilitate oral absorption.

Migration of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH), polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons (POSH), and polyalphaolefins (PAO from hot melts) into dry semolina and egg pasta packed in direct contact with virgin paperboard or polypropylene (PP) flexible film was studied. Migration was monitored during shelf life (up to 24 months), through storage in a real supermarket (packs kept on shelves), conditions preventing exchange with the surrounding environment (packs wrapped in aluminium foil), and storage in a warehouse (packs inside of the transport box of corrugated board). Semolina pasta packed in virgin paperboard (without hot melts) had a MOSH content lower than 1.0 mg kg(-1). An increasing contamination with PAO belonging to the adhesives used to close the boxes was detected in egg pasta, wrapped in aluminium (1.5 and 5 mg kg(-1) after 3 and 24 months, respectively). An environmental contribution to total hydrocarbon contamination was observed in egg pasta kept on shelves that, after 3 and 24 months, showed levels of PAO/MOSH < C25 around 3 and 10 mg kg(-1), respectively. The migration of POSH from PP film into egg pasta wrapped in aluminium was around 0.6 mg kg(-1) after 3 months of contact and reached 1.7 mg kg(-1) after 24 months of contact. After 9 months of contact, semolina pasta packed in PP film and stored in the transport box showed that some MOSH migrated into the pasta from the board of the transport box (through the plastic film).

Waxes and fatty acid alkyl esters are minor components used as official parameters to control the authenticity and quality of a high-value olive oil product. A poor measurement can lead to a misleading classification of the oil. The official method requires their analysis together by capillary gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector and an on-column injector to avoid discrimination and thermal degradation. The degradation can occur to a different extent if different (and not properly optimized) injectors are used. However, other injection techniques, such as programmed-temperature vaporizer, are much more versatile and more widespread. The aim of the present work was to compare the performance of a programmed-temperature vaporizer injector, in on-column and splitless mode, with the on-column injector to analyze alkyl esters and waxes. Discrimination among high-boiling compounds was evaluated, as well as the occurrence of thermal degradation, especially of sterols and diterpene alcohol (phytyl and geranylgeraniol) esters. A proper optimization of a programmed-temperature vaporizer injection, with particular attention to the liner selection, was proven to provide comparable results to the traditional on-column injection. A performance comparison was carried out both on standard mixtures and on real oil samples.

The present research is based on the development of an effective, environmentally-friendly and low-cost method for investigation of minor components in vegetable oils, exploiting the advantages of a miniaturized solid-phase extraction (SPE) and the potential of flow modulation (FM) comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), coupled to a mass spectrometer (MS) and a flame ionization detector (FID). The initial sample preparation step was carried out using a miniaturized approach characterized by a SPE process in a Pasteur pipette. Then, the isolated fraction was injected into an FM GC×GC system. Tentative identification was carried out by means of MS spectral information, while quantification was carried out by using the FID data. Four different vegetable oil samples were analyzed using the proposed method, namely an extra virgin olive oil (EVO), a hazelnut oil (HO), a borage oil, and an EVO/HO mixture.

Female Fischer 344 rats were orally exposed to a mixture of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) of broad molecular mass range at doses of 40, 400 and 4000 mg/kg feed. Amounts and compositions of the MOSH were analyzed in liver, spleen, adipose tissue and the carcass after exposure during 30, 60, 90 and 120 d as well as after 90 d exposure followed by 30 d depuration. At 40 mg/kg in the feed, after 30 d of exposure, 10.9% of the ingested MOSH were recovered from the animal body; after 90 d plus 30 d depuration it was 3.9%. In liver and spleen, the maximum retention in terms of molecular mass (simulated distillation) was at n-C29; in adipose tissue and carcass it was at n-C15/16. The differentiation between MOSH below and above n-C25 (Class I versus Class II and III oils), used for present regulation, is not supported by the present data on accumulation; structural characteristics seem more pertinent than molecular mass. Concentrations in the tissues increased far less than proportionally with the dose, rendering linear extrapolation to low doses questionable. No steady state was reached after 120 d. In fact, comparing with the concentrations in human tissues at the estimated exposure, extrapolation from animal experiments seems to grossly underestimate human internal exposure. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) was used to characterize the MOSH residues in the tissues with the aim of identifying the most strongly accumulated types. In the liver and spleen, the highly branched hydrocarbons dominated, whereas in the adipose tissue it was the n-alkanes and species with main n-alkyl moieties. Strong MOSH accumulation is not of concern per se, but the safety at the high concentrations in human tissues needs to be re-evaluated, possibly taking into account also end points other than granuloma formation.

Female Fischer 344 rats were exposed to three MUSH mixtures: oils largely below and above C-25 (S-C25 and L-C25) and a 1:1 mixture of L-C25 with a wax; doses of 400, 1000 and 4000 mg/kg feed were administered during 120 days. MOSH were determined by on-line HPLC-GC-FID in liver, spleen, adipose tissue and the carcass. The composition of the hydrocarbons accumulated in the tissues was further analyzed by comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC x GC). MUSH in the mass range of C26-30 were more strongly accumulated than those between C26-25, which does not support the present classification of MUSH differentiating at n-C-25 for risk assessment Compared to the total of the MOSH, n-alkanes and n-alkyl monocyclic naphthenes were generally enriched in adipose tissue. In liver and spleen, n-alkanes up to C-25 were eliminated, but strongly accumulated at around Cm. Based on this prtifile, poor solubility anti the melting points, it is hypothesized that crystallization protects these wax components against metabolism and elimination. In the liver, relative retention of n-alkanes decreased again beyond Cm, accentuated at high exposure, suggesting reduced absorption. Compared to the animal data, accumulation of n-alkanes from food sources, such as apples, into human tissues seems low, perhaps because of low absorption due to their presence in crystalline form. A series of dominant isoalkanes, accumulated in all tissues analyzed, was characterized, though without proposing a structure. Implications on present regulation of white mineral oil products are discussed.

Of 37 subjects aged 25–91 y (mean 67 y), mineral oil hydrocarbons were measured in subcutaneous abdominal fat tissue, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), spleen, liver and lung, for some of them also in kidney, heart and brain. No mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) were detected. The mean concentration of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) in the mesenteric lymph nodes was 223 mg/kg, in liver 131 mg/kg, in fat tissue 130 mg/kg, in spleen 93 mg/kg and in lung 12 mg/kg. They were clearly lower in kidney, heart and brain. The maxima, found in MLN and spleen, were 1390 and 1400 mg/kg, respectively. For a quarter of the subjects a total amount of MOSH in the body above 5 g was calculated. The MOSH composition in the fat tissue and the MLN appeared virtually identical and varied little between the subjects. It was centered on the n -alkanes C 23 –C 24 , ranged from C 16 to C 35 and included hydrocarbons of plant origin. The MOSH in spleen and liver had almost the same composition for a given subject, but varied somewhat between subjects. They were centered between C 25 and C 27 , ranged from C 18 to beyond C 45 and were without hydrocarbons of plant origin. Part of the MOSH seem to be strongly accumulated, resulting in far higher concentrations in human tissues related to exposure than observed in shorter term animal experiments. The composition of the accumulated MOSH does not support that Class I mineral oils, sometimes termed “food grade”, are less accumulated in the human body than Class II and III oils, which questions the present classification.

Heat shock and salicylic acid have been studied on shelf-life extension of fruits. The benefits of these techniques have been related to their effect on inducing physiological defense responses against the oxidative stress and pathogen development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat shock and salicylic acid on the postharvest preservation and contents of total phenolics, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, fresh weight loss and microbiological quality of organic strawberries cv. Dover. Strawberries produced organically and stored at 5 ºC were subjected to heat shock (45 ºC ± 3 ºC for 3 h), application of salicylic acid (soaking in 2.0 mmol L^-1 solution), heat shock in combination with salicylic acid and control. After treatment, the fruits were packed and stored in a climatic chamber at 5 ºC ± 2 ºC. At 1, 7 and 14 days, the experimental units were removed from refrigeration and kept at room temperature of approximately 20 ºC for two days. There was no effect of treatments on fresh weight loss, incidence of pathogens or chemical variations in strawberry fruits during the storage period. In natural conditions, organically grown strawberries remained in good condition for sale up to seven days of storage in all treatments. O choque térmico e o uso do ácido salicílico têm sido estudados como técnicas de extensão da vida útil de frutos. A ação benéfica dessas técnicas tem sido relacionada com seus efeitos na indução de respostas fisiológicas de defesa contra estresses oxidativos e desenvolvimento de patógenos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do choque térmico e do ácido salicílico na conservação pós-colheita e nos teores de compostos fenólicos totais, antocianinas, ácido ascórbico, perda de matéria fresca e qualidade microbiológica de frutos de morangos 'Dover', produzidos organicamente e armazenados a 5 ºC. Os morangos foram submetidos aos tratamentos de choque térmico (45 ºC ± 3 ºC, por 3 h), aplicação de ácido salicílico (imersão em solução aquosa 2,0 mmol L^-1), combinação de choque térmico com ácido salicílico e controle. Após tratamento, os frutos foram embalados e armazenados em câmara climatizada, a 5 ºC ± 2 ºC. Em intervalos de 1, 7 e 14 dias, as unidades experimentais foram retiradas da refrigeração e mantidas em ambiente a aproximadamente 20 ºC, por dois dias. Não houve influência dos tratamentos sobre a perda de matéria fresca e a incidência de patógenos ou variações químicas em frutos de morango, durante o período de armazenamento. Natural-mente, os morangos produzidos organicamente mantiveram-se em boas condições para a comercialização até sete dias de armazenamento, em todos os tratamentos.

This work aims to investigate the glycerin from the biodiesel as fuel in the combustion synthesis into two routes, one for high temperature called direct route, in order to inhibit the formation of acrolein and compare it with the conventional combustion synthesis at low temperatures, using as fuels saccharose, pure glycerin, pure glycerin gel, glycerin from biodiesel, biodiesel from glycerin dried 24 h, biodiesel from glycerin gel dried 24 h to obtain the magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4). The synthesis was performed from the mixture of the precursors (Al (NO3)3.9H2O and Mg (NO3)2.6H2O) in water with the addition of the fuels. In the direct route case, the mixture was placed in a furnace heated to 500°C followed by calcination at different temperatures for 2 h. In the conventional route cases, the mixtures were slowly heated to 800°C for 2 h. The obtained powders, product of the combustion reactions, were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser scattering particle size analyzer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the product (powder) obtained by direct reaction was the MgAl2O4 as the only crystalline phase formed with particle sizes of approximately 41 μm. Even so, small particles with sizes of about 30 nm were also observed according to measurements on SEM images.

The present investigation deals with a method improvement to increase data throughput and reduce solvent consumption for both saturated and aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbon determination using a coupled liquid-gas chromatographic system. The starting point of this work was the method proposed by Biedermann, Fiselier, and Grob in 2009. A total time and solvent reduction of 34 and 23%, respectively, was obtained by speeding up the GC run and reducing the LC-reconditioning step. The band broadening, occurring in the LC column during stop-flow in the multitransfer mode, was assessed by comparing the variances of the perylene peak width recorded in the stop-flow and normal modes. Band broadening directly proportional to the stop time of the LC pumps was observed, however, it did not affect the analytical reliability. A series of real samples (paperboards and pasta) was analyzed obtaining comparable results using both the reference and proposed method, both in the normal and multitransfer modes.

Neste trabalho, os conteudos de compostos fenolicos totais, B-caroteno, acido ascorbico e a atividade antioxidante (pelos metodos DPPH e TEAC) foram determinados no suco do maracuja-amarelo durante o armazenamento a 5 e 24 oC, em intervalos de 10 dias, durante 40 dias. A qualidade dos frutos foi determinada durante o armazenamento, tomando como parâmetros as variaveis perda de massa, enrugamento, cor da casca e o indice de degradacao por patogenos. Amostras de frutos em estadio de maturacao com a cor da casca predominantemente verde, em inicio de amarelecimento, foram utilizadas nos ensaios. Os teores de compostos fenolicos totais e B-caroteno, e a atividade antioxidante do suco do maracuja-amarelo nao foram influenciados pela temperatura de armazenamento. O conteudo de compostos fenolicos totais do suco aumentou com o tempo de armazenamento. Os efeitos da temperatura de armazenamento foram mais evidentes e impactantes na aparencia do fruto do que na qualidade nutricional do suco. A atividade antioxidante do suco, expressada em sequestro do radical DPPH, diminuiu durante o armazenamento. Com base na qualidade microbiologica, a vida util do maracujaamarelo se estendeu ate 20 dias no armazenamento refrigerado.

This study investigated the effects of Rubus imperialis, a berry known as “amora-branca”, in colitis dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced in mice. Animals were treated orally with vehicle (water), 5-aminosalicylic acid (100 mg/kg) or methanolic extract from leaves of R. imperialis (MERI, 100 mg/kg), once a day during seven days. The disease activity index (DAI) was observed daily. Colons were collected for histological, histochemical and biochemical analysis. The administration of MERI exacerbated colitis, as indicated by DAI heightened weight loss and increased histological colonic injury. MERI also decreased the colon mucin levels and increased colonic TNF content. The colonic levels of reduced glutathione and the superoxide dismutase activity in colitic group treated with MERI were decreased. Despite the worsening of colitis, MERI not altered the intestinal transit, body weight, colon length or organs weight in normal mice. Tormentic acid (TA) and 2β,3β,19α-trihydroxyursolic acid (THA), compounds isolated from MERI, reduced the L929 cells viability. Thus, MERI may have aggravated the DSS-induced colitis through intense intestinal mucus barrier impairment, which would lead to inflammatory responses, TA and THA contribute to the intestinal damage verified suggesting caution about the use of R. imperialis preparations, particularly in inflammatory bowel diseases.

We examined the anogenital distance (AGD) plasticity in rats through the manipulation of the androgen environment in utero and during puberty. Dams were treated from gestation days 13–20 with vehicle, flutamide (20 mg/kg/day), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, 750 mg/kg/day), or testosterone (1.0 mg/kg/day). After weaning, male pups were randomly assigned to one of four postnatal groups, which received the same treatments given prenatally. Sixteen treatment groups were established based on the combination of pre- and postnatal exposures. The postnatal treatments were conducted from postnatal days 23–53. In utero flutamide and DEHP exposure significantly shortened male AGD, although this effect was more pronounced in flutamide-exposed rats. Postnatal flutamide, DEHP, and testosterone induced slight but significant reductions in male AGD. Our study indicates that AGD is a stable anatomical landmark that reflects the androgen action in utero , although it can also be slightly responsive to changes in the androgen environment following pubertal exposure.

The profile of minor compounds, such as alcohols, sterols, free and alkyl fatty acids, waxes, etc., was investigated in different vegetable oils by a comprehensive gas chromatographic system, coupled with a simultaneous dual detection (flame ionisation detector and mass spectrometer) for quantitative and qualitative purposes. Such a system generated a unique two-dimensional chromatogram to be used as a chemical fingerprint. Multi-level information, due not only to a more “comprehensive” preparation technique, but also thanks to the exploitation of a more powerful and sensitive analytical determination allowed the extrapolation of diagnostic information from the minor components profile of different vegetable oils, along with their characteristic profile. Furthermore, an admixture of an extra virgin olive oil with a low amount of sunflower and palm oils was evaluated, attesting to the powerful diagnostic information provided by the proposed approach.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential influence of endogenous ovarian hormones on cardiac oxida-tive stress in renovascular hypertension. Female Wistar rats (N = 10 per group) were divided among 4 groups: (i) normoten-sive control; (ii) hypertensive control; (iii) normotensive ovariectomized; and (iv) hypertensive ovariectomized rats. To induce hypertension, 2-kidney 1-clip (2K1C) Goldblatt's method was followed. Blood pressure (BP) was enhanced (25%) in 2K1C and it was not further altered in hypertensive ovariectomized animals. Lipid peroxidation (measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; TBARS) increased in heart homogenates after ovariectomy (253%) and was additionally augmented when associated with hypertension (by 28%). Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were similar in both hypertensive groups. Hypertension enhanced glutathione peroxidase activity (75%), but the association with ovariectomy prevented this change. Total radical trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) decreased in hypertensive rats (34%) and was recovered when associated with ovariectomy. However, this adaptation seems not to be sufficient to avoid the increased oxidative damage in ovariectomized hypertensive animals. These results suggest a protective role for physiological ovarian hormones in the cardiac oxidative stress induced by 2K1C hypertension. Fil: Barp, Jaqueline. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Sartório, Carmem Luiza. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Campos, Cristina. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Llesuy, Susana Francisca. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Araujo, Alex Sander. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Belló Klein, Adriane. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil

Phthalates are a group of synthetic compounds mainly used as plasticizers, which have been classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals and potential human-cancer causing agents. They can be found in high amounts in foods, deriving mainly from plastic packaging. The analytical determination of these compounds is very challenging since they are ubiquitous. Therefore, minimization of sample manipulation is highly desirable. The present work exploited the application of a solid-phase microextraction method for the analysis of phthalates in vegetable oil. A preliminary comparison between a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a Carbopack Z/PDMS fiber was carried out both in the headspace and direct immersion extraction modes. Before immersing the fiber, a rapid liquid–liquid extraction was performed using acetonitrile to remove the bulk of triglycerides. PDMS in the direct immersion mode showed the best performance. The method was fully validated obtaining a good linearity with a coefficient of correlation of over 0.9960 for all compounds, repeatability and accuracy values generally better than 10%, and very good limit of quantification values.

Mineral oil hydrocarbons are by far the largest contaminant in the human body. Their composition differs from that in the mineral oils humans are exposed to, and varies also between different tissues of the same individual. Using the presently best technique for characterizing the composition of mineral oil hydrocarbons, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), the hydrocarbons in human tissues were compared to those of various mineral oils. This provided information about the strongly accumulated species and might give hints on the flow path through the human body. The selectivity of accumulation is probably also of interest for the risk assessment of synthetic hydrocarbons (polyolefins). GC×GC grouped the MOSH into classes of n-alkanes, paraffins with a low degree of branching, multibranched paraffins and naphthenes (alkylated cyclic hydrocarbons) with 1-4 rings. Metabolic elimination was observed for constituents of all these classes, but was selective within each class. The MOSH in the subcutaneous abdominal fat tissues and the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) had almost the same composition and included the distinct signals observed in mineral oil, though in reduced amounts relative to the cloud of unresolved hydrocarbons. The MOSH in the liver and the spleen were different from those in the MLN and fat tissue, but again with largely identical composition for a given individual. Virtually all constituents forming distinct signals were eliminated, leaving an unresolved residue of highly isomerized hydrocarbons.

The purpose of the present study was to examine myocardial antioxidant and oxidative stress changes in male and female rats in the presence of physiological sex hormone concentrations and after castration. Twenty-four 9-week-old Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 6 animals each: 1) sham-operated females, 2) castrated females, 3) sham-operated males, and 4) castrated males. When testosterone and estrogen levels were measured by radioimmunoassay, significant differences were observed between the castrated and control groups (both males and females), demonstrating the success of castration. Progesterone and catalase levels did not change in any group. Control male rats had higher levels of glutathione peroxidase (50%) and lower levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD, 14%) than females. Control females presented increased levels of SOD as compared to the other groups. After castration, SOD activity decreased by 29% in the female group and by 14% in the male group as compared to their respective controls. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) was assessed to evaluate oxidative damage to cardiac membranes by two different methods, i.e., TBARS and chemiluminescence. LPO was higher in male controls compared to female controls when evaluated by both methods, TBARS (360%) and chemiluminescence (46%). Castration induced a 200% increase in myocardial damage in females as determined by TBARS and a 20% increase as determined by chemiluminescence. In males, castration did not change LPO levels. These data suggest that estrogen may have an antioxidant role in heart muscle, while testosterone does not.

The potentiality of a multidimensional comprehensive gas chromatographic (GC × GC) method, employing a simultaneous dual detection (FID and mass spectrometer), to generate peculiar two-dimensional chromatograms to be used as a chemical fingerprint, was investigated to characterize minor compounds in edible oil, particularly olive oil. The best column combination for this application was investigated comparing two column sets (orthogonal or reverse-type), equivalent in terms of theoretical plate number, but differing in stationary phase combination. The apolar × mid-polar set gave a superior separation power, thus was used for further characterization. Different levels of information were extrapolated from the two-dimensional chromatogram. Using the FID, reliable quantification of the alkyl esters fatty acids and waxes was obtained, comparable to the results obtained using the official method, as required by the European legislation. However, thanks to a slight modification of the sample preparation method, the increased separation power obtained using the GC × GC method, and the support of the mass spectrometer detector, further diagnostic information was extrapolated considering the free sterol and tocopherol fractions. In particular, the profiles of extra virgin olive oil samples were compared with a hazelnut oil sample, highlighting that the latter was characterized by a larger number of compounds, completely absent in the extra virgin olive oil samples, which can be used to detect illegal admixtures.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes induced by isolated soy protein (ISP)-based diet on glycemia and oxidative stress biomarkers in diabetic rats. Fifteen male Wistar rats (35 ± 4 g, aged 21 days) were assigned to three groups: Casein (C group), which received casein-based diet during experimental protocol; Diabetic treated with Casein (D + C group) that received casein-based diet before and after diabetes induction; Diabetic treated with ISP (D + S group) that received casein-based diet before diabetes induction and after received ISP-based diet for the experimental protocol. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight i.v.). After three weeks of dietary treatment, total nitrates, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were measured in heart homogenates. ISP-based diet promoted an improvement in the glycemic levels of diabetic rats compared with casein-based diet (362 ± 25 vs 461 ± 30 mg/dL). CAT activity demonstrated a significant decrease in D + C and D + S groups. D + S group presented a significant increase in SOD and GST activities. Lipid peroxidation was not different among experimental groups. The overall results suggested the potential benefits of ISP-based diet consumption to improve the life quality of diabetic patients.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of experimental diabetes on the oxidant and antioxidant status of latissimus dorsi (LD) muscles of male Wistar rats (220 +/- 5 g, N = 11). Short-term (5 days) diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg, iv; glycemia300 mg/dl). LD muscle of STZ-diabetic rats presented higher levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and chemiluminescence (0.36 +/- 0.02 nmol/mg protein and 14706 +/- 1581 cps/mg protein) than LD muscle of normal rats (0.23 +/- 0.04 nmol/mg protein and 7389 +/- 1355 cps/mg protein). Diabetes induced a 92% increase in catalase and a 27% increase in glutathione S-transferase activities in LD muscle. Glutathione peroxidase activity was reduced (58%) in STZ-diabetic rats and superoxide dismutase activity was similar in LD muscle of both groups. A positive correlation was obtained between catalase activity and the oxidative stress of LD, as evaluated in terms of TBARS (r = 0.78) and by chemiluminescence (r = 0.89). Catalase activity also correlated inversely with glutathione peroxidase activity (r = 0.79). These data suggest that an increased oxidative stress in LD muscle of diabetic rats may be related to skeletal muscle myopathy.

The aim of the present work was to optimize a preparation step for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a fatty extract. Solid-phase microextraction is an easy preparation technique, which allows to minimize solvent consumption and reduce sample manipulation. A Carbopack Z/polydimethylsiloxane fiber, particularly suitable for extraction of planar compounds, was employed to extract polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from a hexane solution obtained after a previous extraction with acetonitrile from oil, followed by a liquid-liquid partition between acetonitrile and hexane. The proposed method was a rapid and sensitive solution to reduce the interference of triglycerides saving the column life and avoiding frequent cleaning of the mass spectrometer ion source. Despite the non-quantitative extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from oil using acetonitrile, the signal-to-noise ratio was significantly improved obtaining a limit of detection largely below the performance criteria required by the European Union legislation.

The present work is focused on the development/optimization of a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography method, with dual detection [flame ionization (FID) and mass spectrometric], for the simultaneous identification and quantification of mineral-oil contaminants in a variety of food products. The two main classes of contaminants, namely saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons, were previously fractionated on a manually-packed silver silica solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge. The quantitative results were compared with those obtained by performing a large volume injection, in a GC-FID system, after the same SPE process and by an on-line liquid–gas chromatography method, with very similar results observed. The presence of a series of unknown compounds, that appeared when using the off-line methods, was investigated using the mass spectrometric data, and were tentatively-identified as esterified fatty acids, most probably derived from vegetable oil based ink.

This investigation focused on direct comparison of two popular multidimensional liquid–gas chromatography (LC–GC) systems, the Y-interface (retention gap approach) and the syringe-based interface (programmed temperature vaporizer approach). Such transfer devices are structurally very different, and could potentially have a substantial effect on the outcome of a specific application. In this work the application was a topic of much current interest, determination of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) contamination of a series of food products (rice, pasta, icing sugar, olive oil); the final results were then compared. The two LC–GC methods developed were validated for linearity over the calibration range, analyte discrimination, precision, accuracy, and limits of detection and quantification. No significant differences were found between the two approaches.

A rapid off-line solid phase extraction-large volume injection-gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection (SPE-LVI-GC-FID) method, based on the use of silver silica gel and low solvent consumption, was developed for mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbon (MOAH) determination in cardboard and dried foods packaged in cardboard. The SPE method was validated using LVI with a conventional on-column injector and the retention gap technique (which allowed to inject up to 50 μL of the sample). Detector response was linear over all the concentration range tested (0.5–250 μg/mL), recoveries were practically quantitative, repeatability was good (coefficients of variation lower than 7%) and limit of quantification adequate to quantify the envisioned limit of 0.15 mg/kg proposed in Germany for MOAH analysis in food samples packaged in recycled cardboard. Rapid heating of the GC oven allowed to increase sample throughput (3–4 samples per hour) and to enhance sensitivity. The proposed method was used for MOSH and MOAH determination in selected food samples usually commercialised in cardboard packaging. The most contaminated was a tea sample (102.2 and 7.9 mg/kg of MOSH and MOAH below n-C25, respectively), followed by a rice and a sugar powder sample, all packaged in recycled cardboard.

An optimised off-line SPE–GC–FID method based on the use of silver-silica gel was developed for the determination of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) in vegetable oils, including olive pomace oil. The method is specific in not including the aromatic hydrocarbons. The performance of different silica gels (untreated, activated and treated with silver nitrate) was compared in terms of capacity to retain fat and retention of interfering olefins present in particularly large amounts in refined olive oils. A coefficient of variation of 9% was obtained performing six replicate analyses of an extra virgin olive oil fortified with an amount of MOSH near the estimated LOQ (15 mg/kg). Recoveries were close to 100%. The use of activated aluminium oxide as an additional tool to eliminate interference by endogenous long-chain n-alkanes, is discussed.

The habit of cigarette smoking is associated with higher oral candidal carriage and possible predisposition to oral candidosis. The effects of exposure to smoke on the virulence properties of oral yeasts remain obscure. Hence, we showed in vitro the effect of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) on ten clinical isolates of Candida albicans obtained from nonsmoking volunteers, as well the type-strain CBS562. CSC was generated by complete burn of five commercial cigarettes in an in-house smoking machine and used to prepare the culture broth in which the strains were grown. In 24-h intervals (T24, T48, and T72), the cells were harvested, washed, subcultured, and the resultant growth were evaluated for possible variations for secreted aspartyl protease, phospholipase, chondroitinase, and hemolysins, adhesion to acrylic and cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH). The results indicated a temporal increase in the secretion rates of enzymes, particularly when yeast cells were exposed to CSC for 48–72 h (P < 0.05). Similarly, adhesion to acrylic and CSH increased with exposure period (P < 0.05). Based on foregoing, we concluded that CSC may promote significant enhance in the secretion of candidal histolytic enzymes and adherence to denture surfaces, thereby promoting oral yeast carriage and possible infection.

Myocardial activity and gene expression of antioxidant defenses and oxidative damage were examined in an experimental model of pressure overload hypertrophy. Male Wistar rats were divided into abdominal aortic-banded or sham-operated groups. After 30 days, arterial pressure and heart rate were measured. Heart, lung, and liver were extracted and weighted to evaluate cardiac hypertrophy and pulmonary and hepatic congestion. Heart homogenates were prepared to quantify lipid peroxidation (LPO); the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR); and Cu-Zn SOD and GST concentrations. Total glutathione (GSH) myocardial content was also measured. Arterial pressure (142 +/- 17 mmHg) and cardiac hypertrophy index (3.4 +/- 0.45 mg/g) were significantly increased (by 38% and 22%, respectively, p

In the present work we investigated the effect of ovariectomy on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and ganglioside content in cerebral cortex of female rats. We also studied the activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in serum of these animals. Adult Wistar rats were divided into three groups: (1) naive females (control), (2) sham-operated females and (3) castrated females (ovariectomy). Thirty days after ovariectomy, rats were sacrificed by decapitation without anaesthesia. Blood was collected and the serum used for BuChE determination. Cerebral cortex was homogenized to determine AChE activity and extracted with chlorophorm:methanol for ganglioside evaluation. Results showed that rats subjected to ovariectomy presented a significant increase of AChE activity, but did not change the content and the profile of gangliosides in cerebral cortex when compared to sham or naive rats. BuChE activity was decreased in serum of rats ovariectomized. Our findings suggest that the alteration in the activity of brain AChE, as well as serum BuChE activity caused by ovariectomy may contribute to the impaired cognition and/or other neurological dysfunction found in post-menopausal women.

Reactive oxygen species are formed in physiological and pathological conditions in mammalian tissues. Because of their high reactivity, they may interact with biomolecules, inducing oxidative injury. Increases in lipid peroxidation can result in oxidative damage to cellular membranes. Protection against oxidative damage is provided by enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses. Antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation, as an index of oxidative stress injury, were evaluated in different seasons over one year in the heart and liver of rats, maintained on a 12 h light and dark cycle. Glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, in both tissues, were maximal in the summer season. Lipid peroxidation in the heart was maximal in the spring as compared to the other seasons and it did not vary in the liver during the year. These findings suggest that any study of antioxidants or oxidative stress must take into account such seasonal variations for a more precise analysis of changes due to any pathological condition. © 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved. Fil: Belló Klein, A.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saude; Brasil Fil: Morgan Martins, M. I.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saude; Brasil Fil: Barp, J.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saude; Brasil Fil: Llesuy, Susana Francisca. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular; Argentina Fil: Bello, A. A.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saude; Brasil Fil: Singal, P. K.. St Boniface General Hospital Research Centre; Canadá

The entomogenous nematode Neoaplectana carpocapsae Weiser and the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki were evaluated in the field against the artichoke plume moth infesting artichoke in its vegetative growth phase. In general, nematode concentrations ≥ 1,000 nematodes/ml were highly effective against older larvae when applied to artichoke plants to runoff. Used at 2,000 nematodes per ml, the nematode gave 100% control of 3rd and 4th instars 15 days after treatment, and its residual effect, evaluated 24 days after treatment, was greater than that of a commonly used insecticide, methidathion. Although B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki used at the rate of 19.6 billion International Units/ ha gave significant larval control, its efficacy was numerically but not significantly lower than that of methidathion. Combination of the nematode and B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki did not result in significantly greater control than that achieved by the nematode used alone. The moist micro habitat and moderate temperatures during most of the artichoke-growing season in the fog belt region of the central coast of California, together with the tunneling habit of the host larvae, suggest that the nematode could be successfully used as a biological control agent against the artichoke plume moth larvae infesting the vegetative shoots.

Total phosphate was higher in erythrocytes of patients with Huntington's disease (HD) than in erythrocytes of age- and sex-matched normal adults. A more rapid rate of organic phosphate degradation was also noted in HD erythrocytes during metabolic depletion. These variations may be associated with alterations of membrane permeabilities of HD erythrocytes to inorganic phosphate and to cations.

In 8 trained subjects (T) and 9 untrained subjects (UT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TRAP), superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured in the blood before and after three different intensities of exercise on the treadmill, determined from ventilatory threshold and maximal oxygen uptake data, obtained from a maximal aerobic power test. In plasma, LPO decreased from 3589 ± 193 to 3274 ± 223 cps•mg Hb−1(p −1trolox (p −1•mg protein−1) and high (21.75 ± 4.91 to 12.1 ± 2.46 nM•min−1•mg protein−1) intensities (p −1) and moderate (8.89 ± 0.98 to 10.44 ± 0.86 U SOD•mg protein−1) intensity in UT (p