Colostrum-Derived Melatonin Plus PEG Microspheres Modulate the Oxidative Metabolism of Human Colostrum Phagocytes.

Background/objectives: Exogenous melatonin adsorbed onto PEG microspheres can modulate the functional activity of phagocytes in colostrum, but no data are available on the activity of melatonin found in colostrum. Therefore, the objective of this study was to extract melatonin from human colostrum, develop and characterize PEG microspheres with the extracted melatonin adsorbed onto them, and evaluate the effects of this system on the oxidative metabolism of colostrum phagocytes.

Methods: Thirty colostrum samples were collected; ten were used for melatonin extraction, while twenty were used to obtain phagocytes.

Platynosomum (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) infection in barn owls (Tyto alba) in Northeastern Brazil.

Platynosomum spp. are parasites that inhabit the gallbladder and bile ducts of various mammals and birds worldwide. Most studies of Platynosomum spp.

Exposure and reactivity of the preterm infant to noise in the incubator.

Purpose: To evaluate preterm infants' exposure and reactions to intense noise during incubator care.

Methods: An observational and prospective study was performed in the intermediary care unit of a hospital in Ribeirão Preto (SP). Thirty-five preterm infants participated in the first stage of the study (measuring noise) and 20 in the second (analysis of responses to intense noise).