Quantification of milk adulterants (starch, H2O2, and NaClO) using colorimetric assays coupled to smartphone image analysis

In this paper, a colorimetric method for the detection of milk adulterants using smartphone image analysis is reported. This is based on the reactions to detect hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and starch in milk, where a color variation is observed for each substance. The image analysis was performed by using lab-made apps (PhotoMetrix®, and RedGIM®) based on partial least squares regression with the histograms of the red-green-blue images. The image histograms are automatically calculated using the smartphone camera and processed within the app. The results have shown the capability of this method to predict the concentration of the three adulterants, demonstrating the potential of the use of digital images and smartphone applications associated with chemometric tools. This method presents a fast, low-cost, and portable way to quantify adulterants in Cow milk

POTENCIAL ANTI-INFLAMATÓRIO DAS FOLHAS DE Chenopodium ambrosioides L. NO MODELO DE CISTITE HEMORRÁGICA EM CAMUNDONGOS

A cistite hemorrágica (CH) possui etiologia infecciosa, medicamentosa ou radioterápica. Consiste na presença de hematúria macroscópica secundária a sangramento vesical e uma das suas possíveis causas é o uso de ciclofosfamida (CYP). Várias alternativas farmacológicas têm sido investigadas para o tratamento da CH. Dentre as possibilidades, o potencial terapêutico de espécies vegetais tem sido avaliado. A espécie Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Amaranthaceae), tem sido utilizado popularmente como anti-infamatório, efeito que  tem  sido comprovado cientifcamente. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo  foi investigar os efeitos do extrato bruto hidroalcoólico (EBH) de folhas secas de C. ambrosioides na CH induzida em camundongos pela ciclofosfamida. Camundongos fêmeas da linhagem Swiss receberam 150 mg/kg de CYP por via intraperitoneal para indução de CH. Em seguida, os animais foram tratados em dose única de acordo com protocolo estabelecido para cada grupo: soro fsiológico a 0,9% (grupo Controle); diclofenaco potássico (grupo Diclofenaco); EBH com dose única de 5 (grupo EBH5) ou 50mg/kg (grupo EBH50). Após 12 horas da indução da CH, o sangue dos animais foi retirado para realização do hemograma.  Os animais foram então sacrifcados e as bexigas retiradas, avaliadas macroscopicamente (hemorragia) e pesadas. Foram removidos, ainda, os órgãos linfóides a fm de realizar contagem de células do baço, medula óssea e linfonodos. Os resultados demonstraram que houve diminuição do peso das bexigas e da hemorragia nos grupos Diclofenaco e EBH5 quando comparados ao grupo controle. Houve um aumento das células da medula óssea, baço e linfonodo mesentérico em todos os animais tratados em relação ao controle. Em relação ao hemograma houve apenas aumentos pontuais no grupo EBH50. Em conclusão, o extrato bruto hidroalcoólico de folhas de C. ambrosioides na dose de 5mg/Kg apresentou efeito anti-infamatório e imunoestimulante, pois diminuiu o peso e a hemorragia da bexiga, e aumentou a produção e proliferação de células linfóides. Diante dos resultados desse estudo, bem como da evidência de ausência de toxicidade de outros trabalhos, podemos sugerir o tratamento com este extrato como alternativa terapêutica nos modelos de CH induzida por CYP em camundongos.Descritores: Anti-infamatório. Chenopodium ambrosioides. Ciclofosfamida. Cistite.AbstractHemorrhagic cystitis (HC) has infectious, drug or radiotherapy etiology. Consists in the presence of macroscopic hematuria secondary to bladder bleeding, and one of its possible causes is the use of cyclophosphamide (CYP). Several pharmacological alternatives have been investigated for the treatment of HC. Among the possibilities, the therapeutic potential of plant species have been reported. The species Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Amaranthaceae) has been popularly used as an anti-infammatory efect that has been proven scientifcally. The objective of this study was to investigate the efects of crude hydroalcoholic extract of dried leaves of C. ambrosioides in HC cyclophosphamide induced in mice. Female mice of the Swiss strain received 150 mg / kg of CYP intraperitoneally to induce HC. Then the animals were treated with a single dose according to protocol established for each group: normal saline 0.9% (control group); diclofenac (diclofenac group); hydroalcoholic extract with a single dose of 5 (EBH5 group) or 50 mg / kg (EBH50 group). After 12 hours from the induction of HC, the bleeding was performed in the animal for the complete blood count. The animals were then sacrifced and had their bladders removed, as assessed macroscopically (bleeding) and weighed. The lymphoid organs were also removed in order to perform spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes cell count. The results demonstrated that there was a decrease in the weight of bladders and bleeding in the diclofenac group and EBH5 when compared to the control group. There was an increase of cells in the bone marrow, spleen and lymph node in all treated animals as compared to control. In blood count there were only occasional increases in EBH50 group. In conclusion, the hydroalcoholic crude extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides leaves at a dose of 5 mg / kg showed anti-infammatory and immunostimulatory efect as decreased body weight and bleeding of the bladder, and increased production and proliferation of lymphoid cells. Given the results of this study, as well as evidence of absence of toxicity in other studies, we suggest treatment with this extract as an alternative therapy in models of CH-induced CYP in mice.Descriptors: Anti-infammatory. Chenopodium ambrosioides. Cyclophosphamide. Cystitis

PROTAGONISMO DO ENFERMEIRO NO PROCESSO DE CICATRIZAÇÃO DAS FERIDAS CRÔNICAS: UM ENSAIO DA LITERATURA

Introduction: Chronic wounds are a type of lesion that has its healing process stagnated for a period of six weeks or more, despite adequate treatment. Objectives: to understand the role of nurses in the assessment and treatment of chronic wounds and to describe their performance in the face of the systematization of nursing care in the care process. Methodology: This is a literature search with a qualitative approach. The data were collected in a virtual database. For this purpose, the Virtual Health Library (VHL) was used, in the following information base: LILACS; BDENF and MEDLINE in the period from March to April 2021. After the association of all descriptors, 85 articles were found, 70 were excluded and 15 articles were selected. Results and Discussion: After reflective reading and repetition of the themes developed in the articles found, two categories emerged: the role of the nurse in the assessment and treatment of chronic wounds and the role of the nurse in the systematization of nursing care in the care process. Conclusion: It is concluded that it is of great relevance that the dermatologist nurse has theoretical and scientific knowledge about chronic wounds for implementation in practice and, thus, to meet the demands arising from the patient, considering that, care for the patient with a chronic wound needs to be holistically targeted.Introducción: Las heridas crónicas son un tipo de lesión que tiene su proceso de cicatrización estancado por un período de seis semanas o más, a pesar de un tratamiento adecuado. Objetivos: comprender el papel del enfermero en la evaluación y tratamiento de las heridas crónicas y describir su desempeño frente a la sistematización del cuidado de enfermería en el proceso asistencial. Metodología: Se trata de una búsqueda bibliográfica con enfoque cualitativo. Los datos se recopilaron en una base de datos virtual. Para ello se utilizó la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS), en la siguiente base de información: LILACS; BDENF y MEDLINE en el período de marzo a abril de 2021. Tras la asociación de todos los descriptores, se encontraron 85 artículos, se excluyeron 70 y se seleccionaron 15 artículos. Resultados y Discusión: Luego de la lectura reflexiva y repetición de los temas desarrollados en los artículos encontrados, surgieron dos categorías: el rol del enfermero en la evaluación y tratamiento de las heridas crónicas y el rol del enfermero en la sistematización del cuidado de enfermería en el cuidado. proceso. Conclusión: Se concluye que es de gran relevancia que el enfermero dermatólogo cuente con conocimientos teóricos y científicos sobre las heridas crónicas para su implementación en la práctica y, así, atender las demandas que surjan del paciente, considerando que, el cuidado del paciente con una enfermedad crónica. La herida debe ser dirigida de manera integral.Introdução: As feridas crônicas constituem-se um tipo de lesão que tem seu processo de cicatrização estagnado por um período de seis semanas ou mais, apesar do tratamento adequado. Objetivos: compreender o protagonismo do enfermeiro frente à avaliação e tratamento de feridas crônicas e descrever a sua atuação diante a sistematização da assistência de enfermagem no processo do cuidado. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica de abordagem qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados em base de dados virtuais. Para tal utilizou-se a Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), na seguinte base de informação: LILACS; BDENF e MEDLINE no período de março e abril de 2021. Após a associação de todos os descritores foram encontrados 85 artigos, excluídos 70 e selecionados 15 artigos. Resultados e Discussão: Posterior à leitura reflexiva e repetição das temáticas desenvolvidas nos artigos encontrados, emergiram duas categorias: Protagonismo do enfermeiro frente à avaliação e tratamento de feridas crônicas e Atuação do enfermeiro frente a Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem no processo do cuidado. Conclusão: Conclui-se que é de grande relevância que o enfermeiro dermatologista tenha conhecimento teórico-cientifico sobre as feridas crônicas para implementação na prática e assim, atender as demandas advindas do paciente, tendo em vista que, o cuidado com o paciente com ferida crônica precisa ser direcionado de forma holística. &nbsp

Actividad de acetilcolinesterasa y niveles totales de antioxidantes en perros con tumores de mama antes y después de la extirpación quirúrgica

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate AChE activity in total blood and the FRAP levels in samples from dogs with mammary tumors before and after surgery, as well as the relationship between these variables with immunohistochemical markers of tumor (E-caderina, ki-67, COX-2). Materials and methods. In this study, 13 dogs with mammary tumors were divided into two groups (A and B). The group A was formed by dogs with tumors smaller than 3 cm of diameter, and the group B was formed by dogs with tumor of 3 cm of diameter or larger. The AChE activity and FRAP levels were evaluated before and after surgery and the immunohistochemistry were performed at the tumors. Results. The AChE activity was significantly increased (p<0.05) in dogs with mammary cancer compared to control animals, and neither surgery or tumor size affected the AChE activity (p>0.05). FRAP levels before surgery were significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to control animals. Also, FRAP levels increased significantly after surgery in animals of the group A compared to data before surgery, a fact not observed in dogs from the group B. E-cadherin showed low significant positive correlation with FRAP levels (r=0.37, P-value=0.05); COX-2 showed a moderate significant positive correlation to FRAP (r=0.55, P-value<0.05); and COX-2 showed a low significant positive correlation to AChE (r=0.32, P-value=0.01). Conclusions. AChE and antioxidant levels are modified in dogs with mammary cancer. These variables are involved in various physiological functions, and thus, they might be related to disease pathogenesis.Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad de la AChE en sangre total y los niveles de FRAP en muestras de perros con tumores mamarios antes y después de la cirugía, así como la relación entre estas variables con marcadores inmunohistoquímicos de tumores (E-caderina, ki-67 , COX - 2). Materiales y métodos. En este estudio, 13 perros con tumores mamarios se dividieron en dos grupos (A y B). El grupo A estaba formado por perros con tumores menores de 3 cm de diámetro y el grupo B estaba formado por perros con tumor de 3 cm de diámetro o más. La actividad de AChE y los niveles de FRAP se evaluaron antes y después de la cirugía y la inmunohistoquímica se realizó en los tumores. Resultados. La actividad de la AChE aumentó significativamente (p <0,05) en perros con cáncer mamario en comparación con los animales control, y ni la cirugía ni el tamaño tumoral afectaron la actividad de la AChE (p> 0,05). Los niveles de FRAP antes de la cirugía fueron significativamente más bajos (p <0,05) en comparación con los animales control. Además, los niveles de FRAP aumentaron significativamente después de la cirugía en animales del grupo A en comparación con los datos antes de la cirugía, hecho que no se observó en perros del grupo B. La E-cadherina mostró correlación positiva baja con los niveles de FRAP (r = 0,37, valor P = 0,05); COX-2 mostró una moderada correlación positiva significativa con FRAP (r = 0,55, P-valor <0,05); Y la COX-2 mostró una correlación positiva de baja significación con la AChE (r = 0.32, P-valor = 0.01). Conclusiones. AChE y los niveles de antioxidantes se modifican en perros con cáncer de mama. Estas variables están implicadas en diversas funciones fisiológicas, y por lo tanto, pueden estar relacionadas con la patogénesis de la enfermedad

Comparative proteomic analysis of four biotechnological strains Lactococcus lactis through label-free quantitative proteomics

Lactococcus lactis is a bacteria with high biotechnological potential, where is frequently used in the amino acid production and production of fermented dairy products, as well as drug delivery systems and mucosal vaccine vector. The knowledge of a functional core proteome is important extremely for both fundamental understanding of cell functions and for synthetic biology applications. In this study, we characterized the L. lacits proteome from proteomic analysis of four biotechnological strains L. lactis: L. lactis subsp. lactis NCDO2118, L. lactis subsp. lactis IL1403, L. lactis subsp. cremoris NZ9000 and L. lactis subsp. cremoris MG1363. Our label-free quantitative proteomic analysis of the whole bacterial lysates from each strains resulted in the characterization of the L. lactis core proteome that was composed by 586 proteins, which might contribute to resistance of this bacterium to different stress conditions as well as involved in the probiotic characteristic of L. lactis. Kegg enrichment analysis shows that ribosome, metabolic pathways, pyruvate metabolism and microbial metabolism in diverse environments were the most enriched. According to our quantitative proteomic analysis, proteins related to translation process were the more abundant in the core proteome, which represent an important step in the synthetic biology. In addition, we identified a subset of conserved proteins that are exclusive of the L. lactis subsp. cremoris or L. lactis subsp. lactis, which some are related to metabolic pathway exclusive. Regarding specific proteome of NCDO2118, we detected ‘strain-specific proteins’. Finally, proteogenomics analysis allows the identification of proteins, which were not previously annotated in IL1403 and MG1363. The results obtained in this study allowed to increase our knowledge about the biology of L. lactis, which contributes to the implementation of strategies that make it possible to increase the biotechnological potential of this bacterium.Fil: Marques Da Silva, Wanderson. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Brasil. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Sousa, Cassiana S.. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Oliveira, Leticia C.. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Soares, Siomar C.. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Souza, Gustavo F.M.H.. No especifíca;Fil: Tavares, Guilherme C.. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Resende, Cristiana P.. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Folador, Edson L.. Universidade Estadual da Paraiba; BrasilFil: Pereira, Felipe L.. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Figueiredo, Henrique. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Azevedo, Vasco. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Brasi

Analyses of the probiotic property and stress resistance-related genes of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis NCDO 2118 through comparative genomics and in vitro assays.

Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis NCDO 2118 was recently reported to alleviate colitis symptoms via its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, which are exerted by exported proteins that are not produced by L. lactis subsp. lactis IL1403. Here, we used in vitro and in silico approaches to characterize the genomic structure, the safety aspects, and the immunomodulatory activity of this strain. Through comparative genomics, we identified genomic islands, phage regions, bile salt and acid stress resistance genes, bacteriocins, adhesion-related and antibiotic resistance genes, and genes encoding proteins that are putatively secreted, expressed in vitro and absent from IL1403. The high degree of similarity between all Lactococcus suggests that the Symbiotic Islands commonly shared by both NCDO 2118 and KF147 may be responsible for their close relationship and their adaptation to plants. The predicted bacteriocins may play an important role against the invasion of competing strains. The genes related to the acid and bile salt stresses may play important roles in gastrointestinal tract survival, whereas the adhesion proteins are important for persistence in the gut, culminating in the competitive exclusion of other bacteria. Finally, the five secreted and expressed proteins may be important targets for studies of new anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory proteins. Altogether, the analyses performed here highlight the potential use of this strain as a target for the future development of probiotic foods

Acetylcholinesterase activity and total antioxidant levels in dogs with mammary tumors before and after surgical removal

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate AChE activity in total blood and the FRAP levels in samples from dogs with mammary tumors before and after surgery, as well as the relationship between these variables with immunohistochemical markers of tumor (E-caderina, ki-67, COX-2). Materials and methods. In this study, 13 dogs with mammary tumors were divided into two groups (A and B). The group A was formed by dogs with tumors smaller than 3 cm of diameter, and the group B was formed by dogs with tumor of 3 cm of diameter or larger. The AChE activity and FRAP levels were evaluated before and after surgery and the immunohistochemistry were performed at the tumors. Results. The AChE activity was significantly increased (p0.05). FRAP levels before surgery were significantly lower (p0.05). Los niveles de FRAP antes de la cirugía fueron significativamente más bajos (p<0.05) en comparación con los animales control. Además, los niveles de FRAP aumentaron significativamente después de la cirugía en animales del grupo A en comparación con los datos antes de la cirugía, hecho que no se observó en perros del grupo B. La E-cadherina mostró correlación positiva baja con los niveles de FRAP (r = 0.37, valor p=0.05); COX-2 mostró una moderada correlación positiva significativa con FRAP (r = 0.55, p-valor<0.05); Y la COX-2 mostró una correlación positiva de baja significación con la AChE (r = 0.32, p-valor = 0.01). Conclusiones. AChE y los niveles de antioxidantes se modifican en perros con cáncer de mama. Estas variables están implicadas en diversas funciones fisiológicas, y por lo tanto, pueden estar relacionadas con la patogénesis de la enfermedad