Kernel processing increases starch digestibility in whole-plant corn silage (WPCS). Corn silage processing score (CSPS), the percentage of starch passing through a 4.75-mm sieve, is widely used to ...assess degree of kernel breakage in WPCS. However, the geometric mean particle size (GMPS) of the kernel-fraction that passes through the 4.75-mm sieve has not been well described. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate particle size distribution and digestibility of kernels cut in varied particle sizes; (2) to propose a method to measure GMPS in WPCS kernels; and (3) to evaluate the relationship between CSPS and GMPS of the kernel fraction in WPCS. Composite samples of unfermented, dried kernels from 110 corn hybrids commonly used for silage production were kept whole (WH) or manually cut in 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 or 64 pieces (2P, 4P, 8P, 16P, 32P, and 64P, respectively). Dry sieving to determine GMPS, surface area, and particle size distribution using 9 sieves with nominal square apertures of 9.50, 6.70, 4.75, 3.35, 2.36, 1.70, 1.18, and 0.59mm and pan, as well as ruminal in situ dry matter (DM) digestibilities were performed for each kernel particle number treatment. Incubation times were 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. The ruminal in situ DM disappearance of unfermented kernels increased with the reduction in particle size of corn kernels. Kernels kept whole had the lowest ruminal DM disappearance for all time points with maximum DM disappearance of 6.9% at 24 h and the greatest disappearance was observed for 64P, followed by 32P and 16P. Samples of WPCS (n=80) from 3 studies representing varied theoretical length of cut settings and processor types and settings were also evaluated. Each WPCS sample was divided in 2 and then dried at 60°C for 48 h. The CSPS was determined in duplicate on 1 of the split samples, whereas on the other split sample the kernel and stover fractions were separated using a hydrodynamic separation procedure. After separation, the kernel fraction was redried at 60°C for 48 h in a forced-air oven and dry sieved to determine GMPS and surface area. Linear relationships between CSPS from WPCS (n=80) and kernel fraction GMPS, surface area, and proportion passing through the 4.75-mm screen were poor. Strong quadratic relationships between proportion of kernel fraction passing through the 4.75-mm screen and kernel fraction GMPS and surface area were observed. These findings suggest that hydrodynamic separation and dry sieving of the kernel fraction may provide a better assessment of kernel breakage in WPCS than CSPS.
•Silver catfish were acclimated in hypoxia and posteriorly exposed to Mn.•Hypoxia acclimation decreased Mn accumulation in vital organs of silver catfish.•Hypoxia acclimated fish showed reduced ...oxidative damages in different vital organs.•Hypoxia acclimation prevents molecular changes in pituitary hormones.•Hypoxia acclimation reduces Mn toxicity and oxidative damages, possibly by hormesis.
The aim of this study was to assess the Mn toxicity to silver catfish considering Mn accumulation and oxidative status in different tissues, as well as pituitary hormone expression after acclimation to hypoxia. Silver catfish acclimated to hypoxia for 10 days and successively exposed to Mn (9.8mgL−1) for an additional 10 days exhibited lower Mn accumulation in plasma, liver, kidneys and brain and prevented the hematocrit decrease observed in the normoxia group. Hypoxia acclimation also modified Mn-induced oxidative damage, which was observed by lower reactive species (RS) generation in gills and kidneys, decreased lipid peroxidation (LP) levels in gills, liver and kidneys and decreased protein carbonyl (PC) levels in liver, kidneys and brain. Manganese accumulation showed positive correlations with LP levels in gills and kidneys, as well as with PC levels in gills, liver and brain. In addition, hypoxia acclimation and Mn exposure increased catalase (CAT) activity in gills and kidneys and Na+/K+-ATPase activity in gills, liver and brain. Silver catfish that were acclimated under normoxia and exposed to Mn displayed increased pituitary prolactin (PRL) and decreased somatolactin (SL) expression. Interestingly, hypoxia acclimation prevented hormonal fluctuation of PRL and SL in fish exposed to Mn. These findings indicate that while the exposure of silver catfish to Mn under normoxia was related to metal accumulation and oxidative damage in tissues together with endocrine axis disruption, as represented by PRL and SL, hypoxia acclimation reduced waterborne Mn uptake, thereby minimizing oxidative damage and changes in hormonal profile. We hypothesized that moderate hypoxia is able to generate adaptive responses, which may be related to hormesis, thereby ameliorating Mn toxicity to silver catfish.
Orally available antivirals against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are necessary because of the continuous circulation of new variants that challenge immunized ...individuals. Because severe COVID-19 is a virus-triggered immune and inflammatory dysfunction, molecules endowed with both antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity are highly desirable. We identified here that kinetin (MB-905) inhibits the in vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2 in human hepatic and pulmonary cell lines. On infected monocytes, MB-905 reduced virus replication, IL-6 and TNFα levels. MB-905 is converted into its triphosphate nucleotide to inhibit viral RNA synthesis and induce error-prone virus replication. Coinhibition of SARS-CoV-2 exonuclease, a proofreading enzyme that corrects erroneously incorporated nucleotides during viral RNA replication, potentiated the inhibitory effect of MB-905. MB-905 shows good oral absorption, its metabolites are stable, achieving long-lasting plasma and lung concentrations, and this drug is not mutagenic nor cardiotoxic in acute and chronic treatments. SARS-CoV-2-infected hACE-mice and hamsters treated with MB-905 show decreased viral replication, lung necrosis, hemorrhage and inflammation. Because kinetin is clinically investigated for a rare genetic disease at regimens beyond the predicted concentrations of antiviral/anti-inflammatory inhibition, our investigation suggests the opportunity for the rapid clinical development of a new antiviral substance for the treatment of COVID-19.
BiFeO
3
nanoparticles (<200 nm) were synthesized using the Pechini method and submitted to structural, microstructural, magnetic and electrical investigations. Two different structural symmetries ...were proposed to describe the BiFeO
3
structure and the observed electrical properties, rhombohedral (R3c space group) and orthorhombic (Pbmn). Electric conductivity results obtained as a function of temperature, show two completely reversible changes in the baseline (310 °C and 385 °C), indicating two magnetic corresponding transitions associated with the orthorhombic and rhombohedral symmetries. These transitions were linked to predicted insulating-metal transition when magnetic arrangement changes from antiferromagnetic to a nonmagnetic ordering.
The aim of this study was to quantify the production and determine the energy potential of forest wood biomass resulting from the exploitation of species in the Caatinga Biome. The study was carried ...out in an “Annual Production Unit,” with seven temporary plots allocated. Forest inventories were carried out of individuals with bole diameter at breast height of at least 2 cm. Based on the result of the importance value index, a sample of tree species was selected and felled in each plot to determine the moisture content, basic density, and higher heating value of the wood. After wood extraction, the resulting biomass was weighed in kg and divided into strata according to the parameters arboreal stratum (live trees) and necromass (dead trees), with subdivision of each into wood (
Ø
> = 2 cm DBH) and co-product (
Ø
< 2 cm DBH). The following values volumetric production were verified: arboreal stratum: wood – 38.0 m
3
ha
−1
(60.63%) and co-product – 16.27 m
3
ha
−1
(25.90%); necromass stratum: wood – 6.33 m
3
ha
−1
(10%) and co-product – 2.09 m
3
ha
−1
(34%). There were significant differences between the vegetation strata, suggesting the existence of mosaics suitable for energy exploitation of wood from the Caatinga Biome, since the co-products of living biomass and necromass amounted to 29.2% of the total biomass per hectare and represented potential energy generation of 30.30 kWh ha
−1
, 14% of the total estimated energy potential of the area.
Highlights
Species diversity, mass quantification, and wood biomass classification into tree strata and necromass were investigated.
The subdivisions into strata were significant and should be considered when exploiting forests in semiarid regions.
The energy properties of wood from the semiarid region were better than those observed for native wood species from other biomes.
Graphical abstract
The anti-inflammatory and redox protective effects of the citronellal (CT) were evaluated using in vivo and in vitro tests. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of CT (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) ...inhibited (p < 0.05) the carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity. Additionally, the carrageenan- and arachidonic acid-induced rat hind paw edema was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) by i.p. administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg of the compound. When the redox activity was evaluated, CT (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced hepatic lipoperoxidation (p < 0.001), as well as oxidation of plasmatic (p < 0.05) and hepatic (p < 0.01) proteins. The results of the present study support the hypothesis that CT possesses anti-inflammatory and redox protective activities. It is suggested that its effects are associated with the inhibition of the enzymes in the arachidonic acid pathway, which prevent cell migration by inhibiting leukotriene production, edema formation and the increase of reactive oxygen species in tissues. Therefore, CT is of potential benefit to manage inflammatory disorders and correlated damages caused by oxidant agents.
Context: Chrysobalanus icaco L. (Chrysobalanaceae) has been used for the treatment of abdominal pain and cramps.
Objective: Assess the chemical and pharmacological profile of the lyophilized aqueous ...extract from C. icaco leaves (AEC).
Materials and methods: Chromatographic methods were used to assess compounds from AEC. Mice were treated with vehicle (control group) or AEC (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) (group with 7-8 mice) and the analgesic profile was assessed employing the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, hot plate tests and hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan (CG) or tumour necrosis factor-alpha. The animal motor performance was assessed using rota-rod and grip strength tests.
Results: The chromatographic profile of AEC demonstrated the presence of terpenoid compounds. The acute pretreatment with AEC, at all doses, produced a significant (p < 0.01) inhibition of painful bahaviour (11.4 ± 3.6; 10.3 ± 2.8; 11.3 ± 2.2) when compared to the control group (24.7 ± 4.7) in acetic acid-induced writhing test. In the formalin test, AEC were effective in the second phase (p < 0.01) (57.2 ± 10.3; 56.3 ± 9.2; 54.7 ± 8.9) when compared to control group (121.9 ± 18.5). No response was observed in the hot plate test. The higher dose of AEC produced a significant (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) inhibitory effect on the mechanical hyperalgesia test. AEC did not affect the motor performance of the mice.
Discussion: The terpenoids from AEC are known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. So, these results corroborate the experiments using the AEC in inflammatory pain protocols.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that AEC act against inflammatory pain.
ABSTRACT The biological behaviour of the tumours vary according to the species in which they occur, its location within the cavity, clinical stage and histopathological nature. Lingual neoplasms are ...generally uncommon in companion animals. Rhabdomyosarcomas are malignant, solid, aggressive formations with high metastatic potential. The clinical signs are variable and a definitive diagnosis can only be reached through histopathological analysis of biopsy and necropsy specimen. In some cases, immunohistochemical study may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. This paper aims to highlight important points about this uncommon condition in dogs, using a case report of lingual rhabdomyosarcoma, which showed no evidence of metastasis after diagnosis, nor of local recurrence after surgical excision with a wide safety margin. It was concluded that early diagnosis, the correct interpretation of the complementary tests and the appropriate therapeutic approach contributed to improving the quality of life and survival of the patient in question.
RESUMO O comportamento biológico dos tumores varia de acordo com a espécie animal, a localização na cavidade, a fase clínica e a natureza histopatológica. As neoplasias orais são geralmente incomuns em animais de companhia. Os rabdomiossarcomas são formações malignas, sólidas e agressivas, com alto potencial metastático. Os sinais clínicos são variáveis e o diagnóstico definitivo só pode ser alcançado por meio da análise histopatológica do material colhido. Em alguns casos, o estudo imuno-histoquímico pode ser necessário para confirmar o diagnóstico. Este trabalho tem como objetivo destacar pontos importantes sobre essa condição incomum em cães, utilizando um relato de caso de rabdomiossarcoma lingual, no qual não se evidenciaram metástases após o diagnóstico, nem recorrência local após a excisão cirúrgica com ampla margem de segurança. Concluiu-se que o diagnóstico precoce, a correta interpretação dos exames complementares e a abordagem terapêutica adequada contribuíram para melhorar a qualidade de vida e a sobrevida do paciente em questão.
Accelerated carbonation of Ca- and Mg-rich solid wastes is a transformative method to control CO2 emissions and eliminate waste and by-products, such as basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS). This ...technology is considered a feasible method to limit volumetric instability and bring economic and environmental value to BOFS aggregates. This study evaluated the effect of pre-treatment carbonation conditions (temperature, moisture conditions and CO2 pressure) of BOFS subsequently used as aggregates for alkali-activated mortars. The mechanical, physical and microstructural properties of alkali-activated mortars containing 100 % BOFS aggregates carbonated from different conditions were assessed. The results showed that the carbonation process of BOFS aggregates is mainly influenced by its moist conditions, followed by the CO2 pressure. In general, carbonated BOFS aggregates present after the pre-treatment a rougher surface characterized by a higher specific surface area, which improves the bonding between the matrix and aggregate, with consequent improvements in the mechanical properties of the alkali-activated mortars.
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