Single and combined effects of ultraviolet radiation and triclosan during the metamorphosis of Solea senegalensis

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) and triclosan (TCS) affect the early development of marine fish; however, the corresponding molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. Therefore, this work aims to study the effects of the single and combined exposure to these stressors during the thyroid-regulated metamorphosis of the flatfish Solea senegalensis. Sub-lethal exposure (5.89 kJ m^-2 UV and/or 0.546 and 1.090 mg L^-1 TCS for 48 h) was performed at the beginning of metamorphosis (13 days after hatching, dah), followed by a period in clean media until complete metamorphosis (24 dah). Malformations, metamorphosis progression, length, behavior and the expression of thyroid axis-related genes were studied. TCS induced malformations, decreased swimming performance, and induced metamorphosis acceleration at 15 dah, followed by a significant metamorphosis delay. Such effects were more noticeable in the presence of UV. The down-regulation of five thyroid axis-related genes occurred after exposure to TCS (15 dah), and after 9 days in clean media two genes were still down-regulated. UV exposure increased the effect of TCS by further down-regulating gene expression immediately after the exposure. Since several effects persisted after the period in clean media, implications of these stressors (mainly TCS) on the ecological performance of the species are suggested.

Effect of dietary buriti oil on the quality, fatty acid profile and sensorial attributes of lamb meat

Forty crossbred (Santa Ines × Dorper) male lambs were used to investigate the effect of dietary buriti oil (BOIL) intake on meat quality, fatty acid (FA) composition and sensory attributes. A completely randomized design with five BOIL intake levels (0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 g/kg DM) was used. Increasing dietary BOIL intake linearly reduced the DMI, slaughter weight, cooking loss, shear force, yellowness, 16:0, c9-18:1 FA concentrations, and the delta-9-desaturase activity index computed using c9-16:1 and 16:0 as product and substrate pair, cis-MUFA and ƩMUFA/ƩSFA ratio of lamb meat (P ≤ 0.05); however, increasing dietary BOIL intake quadratically increased the energy intake, lipid content and linearly increased the total FA intake, chroma, collagen, total BI, 18:0, 20:3n-6 concentration and sensory attributes of lamb meat (P ≤ 0.05), without affecting health indexes regarding fat consumption. BOIL addition at levels above 24 g/kg DM in lamb diet reduces growth, however, improves tenderness, flavor and "goat" aroma intensity and slightly changes meat FA levels, promoting better acceptance by panelists.

[Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: Proposal of a Multidisciplinary Referral Guideline]

N/a.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of marine biofilms formed by filamentous cyanobacterium

Cyanobacterial molecular biology can identify pathways that affect the adhesion and settlement of biofouling organisms and, consequently, obtain novel antifouling strategies for marine applications. Proteomic analyses can provide an essential understanding of how cyanobacteria adapt to different environmental settings. However, only a few qualitative studies have been performed in some cyanobacterial strains. Considering the limited knowledge about protein expression in cyanobacteria in different growing conditions, a quantitative proteomic analysis by LC-MS/MS of biofilm cells from a filamentous strain was performed. Biofilms were also analysed through standard methodologies for following cyanobacterial biofilm development. Biofilms were formed on glass and perspex at two relevant hydrodynamic conditions for marine environments (average shear rates of 4 s^-1 and 40 s^-1). Biofilm development was higher at 4 s^-1 and no significant differences were found between surfaces. Proteomic analysis identified 546 proteins and 41 were differentially expressed. Differences in protein expression were more noticeable between biofilms formed on glass and perspex at 4 s^-1. When comparing biofilms formed on different surfaces, results suggest that biofilm development may be related to the expression of several proteins like a beta-propeller domain-containing protein, chaperone DnaK, SLH domain-containing proteins, an OMF family outer membrane protein, and/or additional uncharacterized proteins. Regarding the hydrodynamic effect, biofilm development can be related to SOD enzyme expression, to proteins related to photosynthetic processes and to a set of uncharacterized proteins with calcium binding domains, disordered proteins, and others involved in electron transfer activity. Studies that combine distinct approaches are essential for finding new targets for antibiofilm agents. The characterisation performed in this work provides new insights into how shear rate and surface affect cyanobacterial biofilm development and how cyanobacteria adapt to these different environmental settings from a macroscopic standpoint to a proteomics context.

Effects of triclosan on early development of Solea senegalensis: from biochemical to individual level

Harmful effects of triclosan (TCS) have been reported on several organisms; however, effects on early life stages of marine vertebrates are limited. Therefore, the objective of this work was to assess the effects of TCS during early development of the flatfish Solea senegalensis after initial characterization of cholinesterases (ChEs) and determination of selected biochemical markers baseline levels. Characterization of ChEs and determination of biochemical markers baseline levels of cholinergic activity, energy metabolism and oxidative stress were analysed in sole at 3 days after hatching (dah) and at the onset and end of metamorphosis. To assess TCS effects, fish were exposed during 96h to 30-500 μg L^-1 TCS until 3 dah. Fish at 13 dah were exposed during 48h to 200-1,500 μg L^-1 TCS and maintained until complete metamorphosis. Effects on survival, malformations, length, metamorphosis progression and biochemical markers were evaluated. The main ChE active form present in sole early life stages is acetylcholinesterase and baseline levels of oxidative stress and energy metabolism biomarkers changed according to fish developmental stage. Triclosan induced malformations (EC₅₀ = 180 μg L^-1 at 3 dah), decreased growth (95 μg L^-1 at 3 dah; 548 μg L^-1 at 24 dah) and affected metamorphosis progression (391 μg L^-1 at 17 dah). Impairment of antioxidant system was observed, with TCS affecting catalase at the end of metamorphosis test, however, no oxidative damage on lipids was detected. Glutathione S-transferase was the most sensitive endpoint during early larval test (LOEC = 30 μg L^-1). Exposure to TCS affected S. senegalensis at individual and sub-individual levels, both at early larval stage and during the critical period of metamorphosis.

Structure of Hierridin C, Synthesis of Hierridins B and C, and Evidence for Prevalent Alkylresorcinol Biosynthesis in Picocyanobacteria

Small, single-celled planktonic cyanobacteria are ubiquitous in the world's oceans yet tend not to be perceived as secondary metabolite-rich organisms. Here we report the isolation and structure elucidation of hierridin C, a minor metabolite obtained from the cultured picocyanobacterium Cyanobium sp. LEGE 06113. We describe a simple, straightforward synthetic route to the scarcely produced hierridins that relies on a key regioselective halogenation step. In addition, we show that these compounds originate from a type III PKS pathway and that similar biosynthetic gene clusters are found in a variety of bacterial genomes, most notably those of the globally distributed picocyanobacteria genera Prochlorococcus, Cyanobium and Synechococcus.

Effects of UV filter 4-methylbenzylidene camphor during early development of Solea senegalensis Kaup, 1858

The inclusion of organic UV filters in personal care products (PCPs) has increased in recent years. 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4MBC) is one of the most used UV filters, and thus it is commonly found in aquatic ecosystems, with proved negative effects on aquatic organisms. Effects on early life stages of marine vertebrates are largely unknown. Therefore, the main goal of this work was to evaluate 4MBC effects on Senegalese sole (Solea Senegalensis Kaup, 1858) larvae at different levels of biological organization. S. senegalensis were exposed to increasing concentrations of 4MBC from egg stage until 96 h. Mortality, growth, malformations, behaviour and biochemical responses, including enzymatic biomarkers were studied. The exposure to 4MBC until 96 h post-fertilization (hpf) induced mortality and malformations in a dose-response manner. Besides, reduced growth with increasing concentrations was observed. The exposure to 4MBC also caused alterations on behaviour, including overall lower swimming time during light and dark periods. Biomarker alterations caused by 4MBC included imbalance of neurotransmission related endpoints (increased acetylcholinesterase activity) and decreased activity of enzymes related to anaerobic metabolism (lower cellular lactate dehydrogenase activity) at the lower concentrations tested. Furthermore, our results suggest that 4MBC do not induce oxidative stress in S. senegalensis larvae, since catalase and lipid peroxidation levels were not significantly altered by 4MBC. S. senegalensis revealed to be a good model species for vertebrate animal testing in the marine environment. Sub-lethal concentrations of 4MBC induced toxic effects at all organizational levels. Swimming behaviour was a sensitive endpoint and showed that exposure to 4MBC causes impairment on response to light stimulus which is possibly linked with the observed imbalances on cholinesterase activity in larvae. Conservation concerns along distribution range of S. senegalensis should consider that increasing levels of UV filters in marine environment might have impact on the ecology of the species.

11(th) National Meeting of Organic Chemistry and 4(th) Meeting of Therapeutic Chemistry

For the first time under the auspices of Sociedade Portuguesa de Química, the competences of two important fields of Chemistry are brought together into a single event, the 11st National Organic Chemistry Meeting and the the 4th National Medicinal Chemistry Meeting, to highlight complementarities and to promote new synergies. Abstracts of plenary lectures, oral communications, and posters presented during the meeting are collected in this report.

Energy requirements for maintenance and growth of male saanen goat kids

The aim of study was to determine the energy requirements for maintenance and growth of forty-one Saanen, intact male kids with initial body weight (BW) of 5.12±0.19 kg. The baseline (BL) group consisted of eight kids averaging 5.46±0.18 kg BW. An intermediate group consisted of six kids, fed for ad libitum intake, that were slaughtered when they reached an average BW of 12.9±0.29 kg. The remaining kids (n = 27) were randomly allocated into nine slaughter groups (blocks) of three animals distributed among three amounts of dry matter intake (DMI; ad libitum and restricted to 70% or 40% of ad libitum intake). Animals in a group were slaughtered when the ad libitum-treatment kid in the group reached 20 kg BW. In a digestibility trial, 21 kids (same animals of the comparative slaughter) were housed in metabolic cages and used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the energetic value of the diet at different feed intake levels. The net energy for maintenance (NEm) was 417 kJ/kg(0.75) of empty BW (EBW)/d, while the metabolizable energy for maintenance (MEm) was 657 kJ/kg(0.75) of EBW/d. The efficiency of ME use for NE maintenance (km) was 0.64. Body fat content varied from 59.91 to 92.02 g/kg of EBW while body energy content varied from 6.37 to 7.76 MJ/kg of EBW, respectively, for 5 and 20 kg of EBW. The net energy for growth (NEg) ranged from 7.4 to 9.0 MJ/kg of empty weight gain by day at 5 and 20 kg BW, respectively. This study indicated that the energy requirements in goats were lower than previously published requirements for growing dairy goats.

Imidazolidin-4-one derivatives of primaquine as novel transmission-blocking antimalarials

Imidazolidin-4-one derivatives of primaquine were synthesized as potential double prodrugs of the parent drug. The title compounds inhibit the development of the sporogonic cycle of Plasmodium berghei, affecting the appearance of oocysts in the midguts of the mosquitoes. The imidazolidin-4-ones are very stable, both in human plasma and in pH 7.4 buffer, indicating that they are active per se. Thus, imidazolidin-4-ones derived from 8-aminoquinolines represent a new entry in antimalarial structure-activity relationships.

Hypertension in a female nursing staff--Pattern of occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment

OBJECTIVE

To report the pattern of occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension in a female nursing staff of an emergency hospital.

METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional study that included interviews and blood pressure measurements of 494 nursing professionals at an emergency hospital in the city of Salvador, in the state of Bahia, Brazil. We considered hypertensive all individual with blood pressure > or = 140/90 mmHg or normal pressure if on regular treatment.

RESULTS

We found a prevalence of hypertension of 36.4%. Only 18.3% of the individuals ignored their hypertensive condition, and 64.2% admitted not being having regular treatment. Of those individuals who were having treatment, 69.4% had elevated blood pressure on examination. The major reasons for not being on treatment was the occasional elevation of blood pressure (22.2%) and medical counseling (20.0%).

CONCLUSION

The results point to the need to introduce hypertension control measures in this occupational group, because of the magnitude of the disease and the potential impact on diffusion of knowledge and measures to control hypertension.

Making legal abortion available in Brazil: partnerships in practice

This article describes the participation of feminist groups who work in the area of women's reproductive health and rights in campaigns for the provision of legal abortion in public hospitals in Brazil. Brazilian criminal law permits therapeutic abortion in cases where pregnancy is the result of rape or poses a serious risk to the life of the woman. Today, as a result of the combined efforts of feminists, health professionals and policymakers, more than 20 hospitals in Brazil are officially permitted to perform therapeutic abortions within the existing law. A model programme has also been developed to train service providers to do legal abortions, where the agreement of a hospital board can be obtained. This training has also improved care for illegally obtained, incomplete abortions in those hospitals but not in hospitals where doctors have not been trained. Problems with lack of access and concerns about the lack of public acceptance of abortion remain. Women not only need the right to abortion but also more services and health professionals who are trained to perform abortions across the whole country.

[Reliability of arterial blood pressure measurement in an arterial hypertension study]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the relaibility of the blood pressure measurements in an arterial hypertension study.

METHODS

It was evaluated 502 nurse workers of a public hospital. After careful training and selection of the observers for the quality control at the fieldwork, it was analyzed the correlation between the 1st and 2nd measurements, final digit preference and mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic pressure (DBP). 5% of the sample had their measures compared with those checked by an expert.

RESULTS

There was a great confiability intra-observer (96.2% in the SBP and 93.4% in the DBP). The final digit distribution was almost identical. At the 5% sample, there was a strong correlation between them (96.0% in the SBP and 93.9% in the DBP).

CONCLUSION

This methodology is feasible in national studies and confers validity to the results.

Effectiveness of the diaphragm, used continuously, without spermicide

The experience of 670 diaphragm users from three Brazilian clinics was retrospectively reviewed. Most of the subjects (441) followed the traditional method (TM) of using the diaphragm, only at the time of sexual intercourse and with spermicide. One third (215) used the diaphragm continuously (CU), without spermicide, removing it only at the time of their daily shower to wash it, with immediate re-insertion. The total pregnancy rate was 7.0 per 100 women-years for the whole group. Patient and total failure rate were significantly lower in the CU (0.6 and 2.8), in comparison with the TM sub-group (6.5 and 9.8). The discontinuation rate for urinary infection or other medical reasons was not greater in the CU group. Logistic regression analysis, including age, parity, number of abortions and of living children, years of schooling, whether living with a partner, presence of mild cystocele or retroverted uterus, and form of use of diaphragm (TM or CU), showed that only the TM of diaphragm use was positively associated to patients' and total failure rate.