Anthocyanins identification and quantification in new acai access.

The objective of this work was to identify and quantify the anthocyanins present in new genetically breeding açaí accesse

Compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante de genótipos de açaí (Euterpe oleracea).

O estresse oxidativo gerado pelo excesso de espécies reativas no organismo ou por uma produção inadequada de antioxidantes está associado com o desenvolvimento de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNTs) e esta condição pode ser minimizada por antioxidantes exógenos da dieta. Neste contexto, o açaí é uma opção para obter antioxidantes (polifenóis e carotenoides) e seu consumo está associado com efeitos benéficos contra as DCNTs. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar seis genótipos de açaí do programa de melhoramento genético desenvolvido pela Embrapa-Amazônia Oriental em relação ao conteúdo de compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante pelo método ABTS. Os resultados mostram um aumento na atividade antioxidante dos frutos melhorados associado ao incremento no teor de antocianinas e carotenóides. Tal resultado indica genótipos promissores à continuidade do programa de melhoramento do açaí, resultando em frutos com uma maior quantidade de antioxidantes para o consumidor

Avaliação da citotoxicidade de extratos hidroetanólicos de genótipos de açaí (Euterpe oleracea) em células SH-SY5Y.

Danos oxidativos induzidos pelo desequilíbrio entre a geração de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) e sistemas antioxidantes estão associados a diversas doenças, entre as quais as doenças neurodegenerativas. O sistema nervoso é particularmente suscetível a danos oxidativos devido ao alto consumo de oxigênio e baixo nível de antioxidantes. Assim, a inserção na dieta de alimentos que possuam compostos antioxidantes podem ser uma alternativa para a contenção de danos oxidativos aos tecidos biológicos, entre estes, o tecido nervoso. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a toxicidade de seis diferentes genótipos de açaí (Euterpe oleracea) do programa de melhoramento genético desenvolvido pela Embrapa Amazônia Oriental em células SH-SY5Y. Os resultados demonstram que, em geral, os genótipos não induziram citotoxicidade podendo ser uma alternativa para fins nutricionais

Association between MUC1 gene polymorphism and expected progeny differences in Nelore cattle (Bos primigenius indicus)

MUC1 is a heavily glycosylated mammalian transmembrane protein expressed by mucosal secretory tissues for both protection against microbial infection and lubrication. An important characteristic of MUC1 is its variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) containing several sites for O-glycosylation. VNTR length has been associated with many human diseases and with certain economically important traits in domestic ruminants. The aim of the present study was to correlate the length of MUC1 gene VNTR with expected progeny differences (EPDs) obtained for growth, fertility and carcass traits. Five alleles were identified, with alleles containing short VNTRs being more frequent than those with long, thereby demonstrating that Brazilian Nelore cattle are characterized by high frequencies in short MUC1 VNTRs. Statistical analyses revealed there to be no significant association between VNTR length and EPDs for weight at 120 days (W120 ), scrotal circumference at 365 (SC 365 ) and 450 (SC 450 ) days, age at first calving (AFC), and rib eye area (REA)

Restoration of photosystem II photochemistry and carbon assimilation and related changes in chlorophyll and protein contents during the rehydration of desiccated Xerophyta scabrida leaves

Recovery of photosynthesis in rehydrating desiccated leaves of the poikilochlorophyllous desiccation-tolerant plant Xerophyta scabrida was investigated. Detached leaves were remoistened under 12 h light/dark cycles for 96 h. Water, chlorophyll (Chl), and protein contents, Chl fluorescence, photosynthesis–CO2 concentration response, and the amount and activity of Rubisco were measured at intervals during the rehydration period. Leaf relative water contents reached 87% in 12 h and full turgor in 96 h. Chl synthesis was slower before than after 24 h, and Chla:Chlb ratios changed from 0.13 to 2.6 in 48 h. The maximum quantum efficiency recovered faster during rehydration than the photosystem II operating efficiency and the efficiency factor, which is known to depend mainly on the use of the electron transport chain products. From 24 h to 96 h of rehydration, net carbon fixation was Rubisco limited, rather than electron transport limited. Total Rubisco activity increased during rehydration more than the Rubisco protein content. Desiccated leaves contained, in a close to functional state, more than half the amount of the Rubisco protein present in rehydrated leaves. The results suggest that in X. scabrida leaves Rubisco adopts a special, protective conformation and recovers its activity during rehydration through modifications in redox status

The Stromboli geophysical experiment. Preliminary report on wide angle refraction seismics and morphobathymetry of Stromboli Island (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) based on integrated offshore-onshore data acquisition (Cruise STR06 R/V URANIA)

Cruise STR06 on R/V Urania was performed in the framework of the ”INGV - DPC V2 - Monitoring and research activity at Stromboli and Panarea - Unit V2/03”, and resulted as a joint initiative between CNR (IAMC, Napoli and ISMAR, Bologna), INGV (Roma2, Osservatorio Vesuviano, Catania, Gibilmanna-CNT), University of Firenze and DPC, aiming to produce a seismic tomography of the Stromboli volcano, South Eastern Tyrrhenian Sea [Fig.1], and have insights into its 2-D structure and magma chambers. Cruise work plan was designed to extend at sea the existing Seismographic Network, complemented by several mobile stations, and to generate seismic shots by air-gun tuned array. 10 OBS were deployed around Stromboli, along the NE, SE and SW flanks of the volcano, according to (a) morphobathymetric analysis of available and newly produced DTMs, (b) modeling and (c) optimal lineaments with on-land recording stations. Seismic shots along radial and circle lines were obtained by a 4 GI-GUN 105+105 C.I. tuned array, while the absolute shot time was recorded at the resolution of ms. A request for ship time of R/V Uraniawas presented by IAMC, and a period of 7 days, including 2 day of transit was assigned to the project by CNR and scheduled for late November 2006. Cruise STR06 started in Naples 2006-11-27 and ended in Naples 2006-12-06. This paper reports the shipboard activities during the cruise STR06 on R/V Urania and some preliminary results regarding also the onshore activities carried out in order to perform the Stromboli geophysical experiment. A description of the ship, equipment and their usage is given thereinafter, along with details of the general settings, performances and some scientific and technical results.Istituto di Scienze Marine, ISMAR-CNR, BolognaPublished3.6. Fisica del vulcanismo1.4. TTC - Sorveglianza sismologica delle aree vulcaniche attiveope

The Stromboli geophysical experiment. Preliminary report on wide angle refraction seismics and morphobathymetry of Stromboli Island (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) based on integrated offshore-onshore data acquisition (Cruise STR06 R/V URANIA)

Cruise STR06 on R/V Urania was performed in the framework of the ”INGV - DPC V2 - Monitoring and research activity at Stromboli and Panarea - Unit V2/03”, and resulted as a joint initiative between CNR (IAMC, Napoli and ISMAR, Bologna), INGV (Roma2, Osservatorio Vesuviano, Catania, Gibilmanna-CNT), University of Firenze and DPC, aiming to produce a seismic tomography of the Stromboli volcano, South Eastern Tyrrhenian Sea [Fig.1], and have insights into its 2-D structure and magma chambers. Cruise work plan was designed to extend at sea the existing Seismographic Network, complemented by several mobile stations, and to generate seismic shots by air-gun tuned array. 10 OBS were deployed around Stromboli, along the NE, SE and SW flanks of the volcano, according to (a) morphobathymetric analysis of available and newly produced DTMs, (b) modeling and (c) optimal lineaments with on-land recording stations. Seismic shots along radial and circle lines were obtained by a 4 GI-GUN 105+105 C.I. tuned array, while the absolute shot time was recorded at the resolution of ms. A request for ship time of R/V Uraniawas presented by IAMC, and a period of 7 days, including 2 day of transit was assigned to the project by CNR and scheduled for late November 2006. Cruise STR06 started in Naples 2006-11-27 and ended in Naples 2006-12-06. This paper reports the shipboard activities during the cruise STR06 on R/V Urania and some preliminary results regarding also the onshore activities carried out in order to perform the Stromboli geophysical experiment. A description of the ship, equipment and their usage is given thereinafter, along with details of the general settings, performances and some scientific and technical results

Some food toxic for pets

According to world statistics, dogs and cats are the species that owners most frequently seek assistance with potential poisonings, accounting 95–98% of all reported animal cases. Exposures occur more commonly in the summer and in December that is associated with the holiday season. The majority (>90%) of animal poisonings are accidental and acute in nature and occur near or at the animal owner's home. Feeding human foodstuff to pets may also prove dangerous for their health

Evaluation of basil extract ( Ocimum basilicum L.) on oxidative, anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects in human leukocytes cell cultures exposed to challenging agents

ABSTRACT Ocimum is one of the most important genera of the Lamiaceae family. Several studies about basil and its popular use reveal many characteristics of the herb, including its use as antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial, and cardiovascular agents, among others. In this paper, we evaluated genotoxic, oxidative, and anti-inflammatory parameters from the extract of Ocimum basilicum in different concentrations, using human leukocytes cultures exposed to challenging agents. Our results confirm that the O. basilicum extract acts as an antioxidant and effectively reverts or subjugates the effects of high oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide. These actions are attributed to its composition, which is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids as well as compounds such as rosmarinic acid, all of which have well-known antioxidant activity. We also show that our basil extract presents anti-inflammatory properties, the mechanism of which is a composed interaction between the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediator and the stimulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Although pharmacodynamics studies are necessary to evaluate the activities in vivo, our results demonstrated that basil could act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and a possible alternative for medicinal treatment