Effect of a simulated heat wave on stress parameters of broiler chicken housed at two different stocking densities

 A. Villagrá1, I. Olivas1, N. Fernández2, M. Lainez1, V. Fitas3, A. G. Torres2(1. Centro de Tecnología Animal. Polígono La Esperanza nº 100, 12400, Segorbe, Castellón, Spain;2. Instituto de Cienciay Tecnología Animal, E.T.S.I. Agrónomos, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain;3. ICAAM, Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Apartado 94, 7002-554, Évora, Portugal) Abstract: High temperatures and relative humidities are common in certain areas in summer (for example in the Mediterranean area), and can raise the indoor temperature of the farms.  The aim of this paper was to assess the possible differences in the response to this situation of broilers housed at two different stocking densities (15 and 20 birds/m2).  On day 29 until day 36, the indoor temperature increased to 32℃ from 10:00 to 14:00 and maintained at 28℃ for the rest of the day and the relative humidity was maintained at 75%.  Measured variables before and after this treatment were weight, plasma corticosterone, creatine kinase (CK), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), glucose (GLU), heterophil lymphocyte ratio and rectal temperature.  Results showed that no differences were found between the animals housed at 15 birds/m2 and those at  20 birds/m2, so stocking density had no significant effect on the measured parameters.  In addition, corticosterone concentration and alanine transferase appeared as not useful parameters to study this situation.Keywords: broiler, stocking density, enzymes activity, heat wave, hot conditions Citation: A. Villagrá, I. Olivas, N. Fernández, M. Lainez, V. Fitas, and A. G. Torres.  Effect of a simulated heat wave on stress parameters of broiler chicken housed at two different stocking densities.  Agric Eng Int: CIGR Journal, 2010, 12(3): 82-86.   &nbsp

Microbiological control of parenteral dosage forms

The microbiological control of injectable forms aims to ensure that the product does not contain any microorganisms that may be pathogenic or induce pathological symptoms after administration. Thus, the study of techniques that allow the elimination and prevention of microorganisms is extremely important. In this field, there are classic techniques that are used to evaluate certain drugs, and novel techniques are currently under development. These new approaches have advantages over the previous ones since they have a higher level of efficacy and accuracy. This review presents a simple description of the main techniques available (from the classic to the most recent) for microbiological control of parenteral dosage forms. It can be regarded as a useful practical tool for all professionals already working (or aiming to work) in this area

Fragaria vesca L. Extract: A Promising Cosmetic Ingredient with Antioxidant Properties

© 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).Fragaria vesca L. (F. vesca), popularly known as wild strawberry, is a plant from the Rosaceae family, found in temperate and subtropical areas of the northern hemisphere. F. vesca leaves have been shown to have antiseptic, emollient, and dermatological protection properties, due to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, ellagitannins, and proanthocyanidins. In this study, a F. vesca extract was obtained by an optimized extraction process, and was characterized by HPLC, ROS scavenging activity, cytotoxicity assays in HaCaT cells, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity determination. The most active extract was then incorporated in a hydrogel with hydroxyethylcellulose at 2% (w/w), which was characterized at the physicochemical, stability, cytotoxicity, and ROS scavenging activity levels to evaluate its quality, safety, and efficacy. In vivo studies, human repeat insult patch testing, and an assay to determine their antioxidant efficacy, were also performed. The results showed that the Fragaria vesca extracts had antioxidant activity and that the F. vesca extract-based hydrogel exhibited cutaneous compatibility, acceptability and antioxidant efficacy, being stable, and suitable for topical application.This work was supported by UID/QUI/50006/2019 with funding from FCT/MCTES through national funds, and by Programa de Cooperación Interreg V-A España—Portugal (POCTEP) 2014–2020 (project 0377_IBERPHENOL_6_E). This research was also funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal (UID/DTP/04138/2019 to iMedUlisboa) and by PhD Trials.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Seara Nova : tempos de mudança... e de perseverança (1940-1958)

A análise da revista Seara Nova, no arco cronológico (1940-1958), constitui o objecto deste trabalho. A conjuntura política nacional e internacional em mutação reflecte-se, inevitavelmente, na orientação da Revista que, através dos seus conteúdos, vai proceder a ajustamentos quer para ultrapassar problemas impostos pela censura, quer para se manter actualizada face a outra imprensa que, em concorrência e recentes no mercado, assimilaram uma postura activa mais condizente com a actualidade. Até que ponto a Seara vacilou em relação ao seu programa inicial (1921) face aos condicionalismos já referidos e ao afastamento dos seus principais doutrinadores - António Sérgio e Raul Proença - é o objectivo deste nosso trabalho

Influência da Estação do Ano Sobre as Performances do Porco em Fase de Crescimento e Acabamento em Relação com a Densidade de Alojamento e a Concentração Energética da Dieta

"Sem resumo feito pelo autor"; - Pretendeu-se com o presente estudo, que compreendeu três experiências, avaliar o efeito do ambiente térmico da estação do ano (Inverno ou Verão) nas performances de suínos em fase de crescimento e acabamento, alojados no Alentejo em construções com fraco nível de condicionamento ambiental (experiência 1) e, examinar as possíveis interacções com a densidade de alojamento (experiência 2) e com a densidade energética da dieta (experiência 3). O ambiente térmico é um factor importante e permanente que afecta a fisiologia, comportamento e produtividade do suíno. A bibliografia indica que a temperatura óptima para a fase de crescimento e acabamento se situa nos 20 a 25°C. Dentro deste intervalo de temperatura as necessidades energéticas de manutenção são mínimas, a taxa de crescimento não é afectada e as carcaças são, em geral, magras. Nas três experiências os animais, na maior parte do tempo estiveram sujeitos a temperaturas situadas abaixo da temperatura crítica inferior, no Inverno e, muitas vezes superiores à temperatura crítica superior, no Verão. Na experiência 1 verificou-se que, no Inverno o ganho médio diário foi superior ao do Verão, à custa de uma maior ingestão de alimento o que originou piores índices de conversão alimentar. Houve também um efeito sobre a distribuição da massa adiposa a qual foi depositada preferencialmente nas zonas externas, no Inverno e internamente no Verão. Na experiência 2 constatou-se que uma baixa densidade de alojamento acentuou os efeitos das baixas temperaturas quer nas performances de crescimento quer na composição corporal. Uma alta densidade de alojamento tornou mais evidentes os efeitos das altas temperaturas nas performances de crescimento, levando em ambas as estações do ano a uma diminuição da adiposidade, das carcaças. Na experiência 3 observou-se que uma dieta de baixa densidade energética é melhor valorizada no Inverno, pois conduziu a melhores taxas de crescimento. No Verão foi a dieta de maior densidade energética que levou, em termos gerais, a melhores performances de crescimento. Verificou-se também que o conteúdo lipídico e o rendimento de carcaça diminuíram com a diminuição da densidade energética, em ambas as estações do ano. De um modo geral, os resultados evidenciaram a importância que a temperatura ambiental exerce sobre as performances de suínos em fase de crescimento e acabamento. Demonstraram também que a prática de estratégias relacionadas com o maneio dos animais pode atenuar os efeitos do ambiente térmico. No entanto a sua utilização é de certo modo limitada, pois não permitem ultrapassar os problemas surgidos do facto da temperatura ambiental não se situar dentro das recomendações. Para que isto se verifique é necessário que as construções edificadas nesta zona sejam dotadas de sistemas de condicionamento ambiental, principalmente no que respeita à situação de Verão. ABSTRACT In the present research three experiments were carried on with the aims of evaluate the effects of thermal conditions of season (Winter or Summer) on performance of growing-finishing pig raised in Alentejo zone in buildings with low environmental control (experiment 1) and to examine the possible interactions with stocking density (experiment 2) and with dietary energy density (experiment 3). The thermal environment is an important and permanent factor affecting physiology, behaviour and productivity of swine. It is accepted that the optimal temperature for growing-finishing pig is between 20 and 25°C. Within this temperature range energy requirement for maintenance is minimal whereas growth rate is not affected and carcasses are leaner. In the three experiments the animals, the major part of the time were subjected to temperatures below the low critical temperature, in Winter and many times higher than upper critical temperature, in Summer. The results of experiment 1 showed that the average daily gain was higher in Winter than in Summer due to a higher feed intake which caused worst feed efficiency. There was also an seasonal effect on fat partition. Fat was preferentially deposited on external sites, in Winter and internally in Summer. In experiment 2 a low stocking density made more pronounced the low temperature effects both on growth performance and on body composition. A high stocking density accentuated the effects of high temperatures on growth performances leading, in both seasons, to a decrease of carcass adiposity. In experiment 3 a low dietary energy density was better used in Winter. With this type of feed the growth rate was better. In Summer it was the higher dietary energy density which leaded, in general terms, to better growth performance. This results also showed that dressing percentage and carcass adiposity decreased with the decrease of energy density of diet, in both seasons. The results obtained evidenciated the major importance of environmental temperature on growing-finishing pig performance. They also demonstrated that strategies related to the handling of animals could attenuated the thermal effects. However the practice of this strategies was limited because they did not garantee the control of the negative effects of a environmental temperature outside the recommendations. For reach this aim it is necessary that the buildings located in this zone (Alentejo) were provided with effective systems of environmental control, particularly in Summer. Keywords: swine, environmental temperature, cold and warm adaptation, growth performance, body composition, stocking density, dietary energy density, environmental control

Avaliação do desempenho energético de uma pequena fracção de serviços existente tendo por base as metodologias regulamentares do RSECE e do RECS

A dependência energética das grandes economias mundiais, alertaram o mundo para a necessidade de mudar o comportamento relativo ao consumo de energia. O sector dos edifícios representa 40% dos consumos globais de energia na União Europeia, já no panorama nacional, o sector dos edifícios representa 28% dos consumos globais da energia, constituindo uma parte significativa no consumo global de energia, sendo portanto, essencial avaliar o desempenho energético dos edifícios, no sentido de promover a sua eficiência energética e beneficiar do grande potencial de economia de energia. Portugal à luz das linhas de orientação da União Europeia com o objectivo de instigar o aumento da eficiência energética nos edifícios, lançou o programa nacional para a eficiência energética nos Edifícios (P3E). Posteriormente, da transposição da Directiva 2002/91/CE para a ordem jurídica nacional surgiu o SCE, o RCCTE e o RSECE. Já em 2013, com a necessidade de transpor para a ordem da jurídica nacional a Directiva n.º 2010/31/EU, surge o Decreto-Lei n.º 118/2013, reunindo num só diploma o SCE, o REH e o RECS, promovendo uma revisão da legislação nacional, garantindo e promovendo a melhoria do desempenho energético dos edifícios. Através da presente dissertação, pretende-se avaliar o desempenho energético de uma pequena fracção de serviços existente tendo por base a metodologia regulamentar revogada do RSECE e a vigente metodologia regulamentar do RECS. Após apresentação dos dois regulamentos e da identificação das principais diferenças entre as duas metodologias regulamentares, procedeu-se ao enquadramento da fracção em estudo no âmbito de aplicação do RSECE e do RECS. Segundo os dois regulamentos a fracção não está sujeita a requisitos mínimos de qualidade térmica, nem a quaisquer requisitos energéticos e de eficiência dos sistemas técnicos, ao tratar-se de uma pequena fracção de serviços existente. Recorrendo ao software DesignBuilder, gerou-se o modelo da fracção em estudo, que através da simulação dinâmica multizona permitiu obter os consumos de energia anuais e a sua desagregação por utilização final. A partir dos consumos energia, determinaram-se os indicadores de eficiência energética de acordo com as duas metodologias, permitindo deste modo, proceder à classificação energética da fracção em estudo. De acordo com o RSECE a fracção em estudo obteve a classificação D, já segundo o RECS alcançou a classe C. Para aumentar a eficiência energética da fracção e consequentemente diminuir o consumo energético, foi proposto proceder à substituição das lâmpadas existentes por lâmpadas tubulares de tecnologia LED e à substituição do sistema de ventilação mecânico por um sistema de ventilação dimensionado para os novos valores de caudal de ar novo regulamentares. Com a implementação destas duas medidas a fracção em estudo melhoraria a sua classificação energética, exigindo um investimento baixo e apresentando um período de retorno de 1 ano e 5 meses. Segundo o RSECE passaria para a classe B, e aplicando a metodologia regulamentar do RECS alcançaria a classe B-.The Great Economies dependence on Energy alert the world for the need to change the behavior on energy consumption. Building sector represents 40% of European Union global energy consumption. On the national outlook, the building sector represents 28% of the global energy consumption, which is a significant part of the global energy consumption. Like this is essential to evaluate the energetic performance of the buildings, promoting its energetic efficiency and benefit of the great potential coming from energy economy. Portugal, following the European Union guidelines and with the target of increasing the energetic efficiency of the buildings, launch the national program for Building efficiency (P3E). After this, from the transcription of 2002/91/CE Directive for the national juridical order, came the SCE, the RCCTE and the RSECE. Already in 2013, with the need of implementing 2010/31/EU Directive in the national juridical order, comes the “Decreto-Lei nº 118/2013”, unifying in a single diploma the SCE, the REH and the RECS, promoting a revision of the national legislation, assuring and promoting the buildings energetic performance. Thru this dissertation, it’s pretended to evaluate the energetic performance of a small fraction of existing service taking as base the regulatory methodology revoked from RSECE and current regulatory methodology from RECS. After presenting both regulations and identify the main differences between the two regulatory methodologies, proceeded with the framework of the faction in study according to the RSECE and the RECS. Following the two regulatory methodologies the faction is not subject to minimum requirements on thermic quality nor any energetic requirements and efficiency of the technical systems. By using DesingBuilder software it was generated a model of the faction under study, which, by multi-zone dynamic simulation allowed to obtain the annual energetic consumptions and its breakdown for final use. From the energy consumptions, the energetic efficiency indicators were determined according to both methods, allowing, this way, to proceed to the energetic classification of the faction is study. According to the RSECE the faction in study was classified D, and according to the RECS, reach C class. To increase the energetic efficiency of the faction and, consequently, diminish the energy consumption, was proposed to proceed to the replacement of the existing lamps for LED technology tubular ones and the replacement of the ventilation mechanical system by a dimensioned ventilation system for the new regulatory air flow values. With the implementation of these two measures, the faction in study would improve its energetic classification, showing a low investment and presenting a payback period of one year and five months. According to the RSECE it would pass for B class and applying the regulatory methodology of the RECS it would reach B-

Sugar Surfactant-Based Shampoos

© 2020 AOCSNaturally derived surfactants in hair care products are a trend in cosmetic technology. This study aimed to formulate and fully characterize the performance of shampoos with sugar-derived surfactants, namely, the alkyl polyglucosides decyl glucoside and coco-glucoside. In addition, different thickeners and conditioning ingredients were added to improve the formulation properties. A sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) formulation was used as control. Rheology, pH, foaming, contact angles on a keratin surface, and surface tensions were determined. The safety of the formulations was evaluated by in vitro cytotoxicity studies using the human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line and human retinal pigment epithelial cells ARPE-19. The efficacies were studied by in vitro hair combing force assays and in vivo sensorial analysis. The formulated sugar surfactant-based shampoos showed the following properties: (i) pH values higher than those of SLES (which were posteriorly lowered with lactic acid); (ii) higher foamability than SLES, and high wettability; (iii) Newtonian behavior and predominance of liquid state with a suitable viscosity; (iv) low cytotoxicity in both human keratinocytes and retinal cell lines (in contrast to SLES); (v) easier hair combing than SLES, when Polyquaternium-7 was used as conditioner; (vi) efficient and gentle hair washing; and (vii) favorable sensorial analysis confirming the previous washing properties. In conclusion, the sugar surfactants had a considerable impact in the properties of the shampoo formulations, in terms of both hair cleansing properties and efficacy, as demonstrated here. These favorable outcomes clearly support the use of these ingredients in shampoo formulation design.This research was funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal (UID/DTP/04138/2019 to iMed.Ulisboa and SFRH/BSAB/150315/2019 to Andreia Ascenso).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

New Insights into the Dermocosmetic Potential of the Red Seaweed <i>Gelidium corneum</i>

This work addresses the potential of the red seaweed Gelidium corneum as a source of bioactive ingredients for skin health and wellness in response to the growing awareness regarding the significance of sustainable strategies in developing new nature-based dermocosmetic products. Hydroalcoholic extracts from the dried biomass were subjected to sequential liquid–liquid partitions, affording five different fractions (F1–F5). Their cosmetic potential was assessed through a set of in vitro assays concerning their antioxidant, photoprotective, and healing properties. Additionally, their cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells and their capacity to induce inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells were also evaluated. As a proof-of-concept, O/W emulsions were prepared, and emulsion stability was assessed by optical microscopy, droplet size analysis, centrifugation tests, and rheology analysis. Furthermore, in vivo tests were conducted with the final formulation to assess its antioxidant capacity. At subtoxic concentrations, the most lipophilic fraction has provided photoprotection against UV light-induced photooxidation in HaCaT cells. This was conducted together with the aqueous fraction, which also displayed healing capacities. Regarding the physical and stability assays, the best performance was achieved with the formulation containing 1% aqueous extract, which exhibited water retention and antioxidant properties in the in vivo assay. In summary, Gelidium corneum displayed itself as a potential source of bioactive ingredients with multitarget properties for dermatological use