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The aim of this study was to evaluate the feeding activity and the rhythm of daily locomotor activity of the convict cichlid (Amatitlania sp.) kept in different social groups under a self-feeding system. A total of 120 animals was distributed among six repetitions of four social groups, as follows: group 1 with one male and one female per tank; group 2 with three males and three females per tank; group 3 with six males per tank; and group 4 with six females per tank. Feeding activity (FA) and locomotor activity (LA) were evaluated using photoelectric presence-sensors connected to automatic feeders. The fish were fed a commercial extruded diet (46% crude protein and 3600 kcal kg

Our cord blood banking facility planned and executed a transferral of its entire operation to a new site in the South of Brazil. Transporting LN2 freezers is a complex process in which extensive planning is essential to minimize the risks of damaging products or storage units.To fulfill this objective, we constructed a detailed relocation plan consisting of four phases and risk mitigation measures, collaborated with the representatives of all departments, regulating agencies, and professionals from the transport company, and assembled a validation plan for cryogenic freezers and the viability of cord blood units.The new facility was prepared in accordance with the project plan, local legislation, quality system program requirements, and accreditation agency guidance. A 12-h operation of moving the cryogenic freezers was conducted successfully, with no loss or damage of client samples or equipment.Through the development and execution of a transferral plan, the engagement of appropriate partners, and compliance with security measures from health and government agencies, a successful transferral of a cord blood banking facility operation in its entirety can be successfully accomplished.

Cobalt distribution between the external surface and micropores and acidity of the large pore BEA zeolite were controlled by choosing the sequence of impregnation and ion exchange procedures. Higher concentration of ion exchangeable cobalt was observed in the catalyst prepared by ion-exchange of the zeolite proton form. The presence of Na+ instead of H+ ions in the exchange positions of zeolite favored deposition of cobalt on the external surface. The acid sites in the zeolite micropores can be then restored by subsequent ion exchange of sodium with ammonium nitrate and calcination. The catalytic performance of the cobalt zeolite catalysts prepared using different impregnation and ion exchange procedures was tested in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Higher reaction rates were observed over the catalysts, which did not contain cobalt ions in the cation sites of the zeolite. Lower methane selectivity, higher selectivity to long chain hydrocarbons and high fraction of isomerized products are observed when cobalt species are located on the zeolite outer surface and acid sites inside the BEA zeolite micropores.

The essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet (EOAz) presents myorelaxant and antispasmodic actions on cardiac and smooth muscles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of EOAz on the skeletal muscle contraction in post-stroke spasticity. Fifteen adults with unilateral hemiparesis and spasticity resulting from stroke were submitted to surface electromyography readings of the gastrocnemius muscle, before and after 10 daily applications (dermal 0.05 mL per muscle belly) of EOAz. The healthy contralateral muscles without applying the oil were used as controls. The analysis showed that, in both lateral and medial gastrocnemius, the values of all studied variables (root mean square, maximum amplitude and median power frequency) were significantly decreased in pathological legs during muscle contraction (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.05). Moreover, spastic muscles presented different results before and after dermal application of EOAz: The mean values of root mean square and median power frequency were significantly increased in lateral and medial gastrocnemius, and also, the maximum amplitude increased in medial gastrocnemius (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.05). The results suggest that EOAz acts in the skeletal spastic muscle contraction by promoting relaxation and improvement of the muscular performance. Thus, the EOAz can be useful for the clinical management of secondary effects in patients with cerebral vascular disease.