Soil CO(2) emission estimated by different interpolation techniques

Soil CO(2) emissions are highly variable, both spatially and across time, with significant changes even during a one-day period. The objective of this study was to compare predictions of the diurnal soil CO(2) emissions in an agricultural field when estimated by ordinary kriging and sequential Gaussian simulation. The dataset consisted of 64 measurements taken in the morning and in the afternoon on bare soil in southern Brazil. The mean soil CO(2) emissions were significantly different between the morning (4.54 mu mol m(-2) s(-1)) and afternoon (6.24 mu mol m(-2) s(-1)) measurements. However, the spatial variability structures were similar, as the models were spherical and had close range values of 40.1 and 40.0 m for the morning and afternoon semivariograms. In both periods, the sequential Gaussian simulation maps were more efficient for the estimations of emission than ordinary kriging. We believe that sequential Gaussian simulation can improve estimations of soil CO(2) emissions in the field, as this property is usually highly non-Gaussian distributed.

Short communication: Evaluation of an on-farm test to estimate somatic cell count

The objective of this study was to compare the results of an on-farm test, named Somaticell, with results of electronic cell counting and for milk somatic cell count (SCC) among readers. The Somaticell test correctly determined the SCC in fresh quarter milk samples. Correlation between Somaticell and electronic enumeration of somatic cells was 0.92 and. coefficient 0.82. Using a threshold of 205,000 cells/mL, the sensitivity and specificity for determination of intramammary infections were 91.3 and 96.0%, respectively. The SCC was greater for milk samples from which major mastitis pathogens were recovered. Minor variation among readers was observed and most likely associated with the mixing procedure. However, the final analysis indicated that this variation was not significant and did not affect the amount of samples classified as having subclinical mastitis. The on-farm test evaluated in this study showed adequate capacity of determining SCC on quarter milk samples and may be considered as an alternative for on-farm detection of subclinical mastitis.

Cow/calf preweaning efficiency of Nellore and Bos taurus x Bos indicus crosses

The objectives of this study were to determine if percentage Bos taurus (0 or 50%) of the cow had an effect on ME requirements and milk production, and to compare cow/calf efficiency among 3 mating systems. Metabolizable energy requirements were estimated during a feeding trial that encompassed a gestation and lactation feeding trial for each of 2 groups of cows. Cows were 0 or 50% Bos taurus ( 100 or 50% Nellore) breed type: Nellore cows (NL; n = 10) mated to Nellore bulls, NL cows ( n = 9) mated to Angus bulls, Angus x Nellore (ANL; n = 10) and Simmental x Nellore (SNL; n = 10) cows mated to Canchim (5/ 8 Charolais 3/ 8 Zebu) bulls. Cows were individually fed a total mixed diet that contained 11.3% CP and 2.23 Mcal of ME/kg of DM. At 14-d intervals, cows and calves were weighed and the amount of DM was adjusted to keep shrunk BW and BCS of cows constant. Beginning at 38 d of age, corn silage was available to calves ad libitum. Milk production at 42, 98, 126, and 180 d postpartum was measured using the weigh-suckle-weigh technique. At 190 d of age, calves were slaughtered and body composition estimated using 9-10-11th-rib section to obtain energy deposition. Regression of BW change on daily ME intake (MEI) was used to estimate MEI at zero BW change. Increase in percentage Bos taurus had a significant effect on daily ME requirements (Mcal/d) during pregnancy (P < 0.01) and lactation (P < 0.01). Percentage Bos taurus had a positive linear effect on maintenance requirements of pregnant (P = 0.07) and lactating (P < 0.01) cows; during pregnancy, the ME requirements were 91 and 86% of those in lactation (131 +/- 3.5 vs. 145 +/- 3.4 Mcal.kg(-0.75).d(-1)) for the 0 and 50% B. taurus groups, respectively. The 50% B. taurus cows, ANL and SNL, suckling crossbred calves had greater total MEI (4,319 +/- 61 Mcal; P < 0.01) than 0% B. taurus cows suckling NL (3,484 +/- 86 Mcal) or ANL calves (3,600 +/- 91 Mcal). The 0% B. taurus cows suckling ANL calves were more efficient (45.3 +/- 1.6 g/Mcal; P = 0.03) than straightbred NL (35.1 +/- 1.5 g/Mcal) and ANL or SNL pairs (41.0 +/- 1.0 g/Mcal). Under the conditions of this study, crossbreeding improved cow/ calf efficiency and showed an advantage for cows that have lower energy requirements.

Evaluation of two semi-selective media to detect Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens in bean seeds

Evaluation of two semi-selective media to detect Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens in bean seeds This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the semi-selective MSCFF and modified CNS culture media in detecting Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff) in bean seeds, using the streak and spread plate techniques. Four 500 g subsamples, obtained from two samples of bean seeds, were immersed in 600 mL of sterile distilled water for 18 h at 5 degrees C. Suspensions were picked and transferred to plates with both culture media. Plates were then incubated at 28 degrees C, and bacterial growth on both media was evaluated 72 and 144 hours later, compared to the growth of a Cff reference strain. Both media revealed the presence of Cff colonies. Typical colonies were isolated for PCR analyses and pathogenicity tests on tobacco leaves. A characteristic Cff growth on MSCFF medium was observed for the seed samples, for the two plate techniques used, in both evaluations. On the modified CNS culture medium, the bacterial growth was only detected in seed samples after 144 hours of incubation, regardless of the plate technique used. The results showed Cff grew faster on the MSCFF semi-selective culture medium. Bacterial isolates tested were identified as Cff by both PCR analyses and a positive tobacco hypersensitivity reaction.

Adaptation of an apple sooty blotch and flyspeck warning system for the Upper Midwest United States

A warning system for sooty blotch and flyspeck (SBFS) of apple, developed in the southeastern United States, uses cumulative hours of leaf wetness duration (LWD) to predict the timing of the first appearance of signs. In the Upper Midwest United States, however, this warning system has resulted in sporadic disease control failures. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the warning system`s algorithm could be modified to provide more reliable assessment of SBFS risk. Hourly LWD, rainfall, relative humidity (RH), and temperature data were collected from orchards in Iowa, North Carolina, and Wisconsin in 2005 and 2006. Timing of the first appearance of SBFS signs was determined by weekly scouting. Preliminary analysis using scatterplots and boxplots suggested that Cumulative hours of RH >= 97% could be a useful predictor of SBFS appearance. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to compare the predictive performance of cumulative LWD and cumulative hours of RH >= 97%. Cumulative hours of RH >= 97% was a more conservative and accurate predictor than cumulative LWD for 15 site years in the Upper Midwest, but not for four site years in North Carolina. Performance of the SBFS warning system in the Upper Midwest and climatically similar regions may be improved if cumulative hours of RH >= 97% were substituted for cumulative LWD to predict the first appearance of SBFS.

Cultivar influence on carotenoid composition of loquats from Brazil

Cultivar, growing conditions and geographical origin are factors that influence the carotenoid composition in fruits. Because the loquat cultivars evaluated in this study, CentenAria, Mizauto, Mizuho, Mizumo and Nectar de Cristal, have not previously been investigated, the present work was carried out to determine and compare the carotenoid composition of these five loquat cultivars, by applying high-performance liquid chromatography connected to a photodiode array and mass spectrometry detectors (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS). Twenty-five carotenoids were separated on a C(30) column, and 23 of them were identified. All-trans-beta-carotene (19-55%), all-trans-beta-cryptoxanthin (18-28%), 5,6:5`,6`-diepoxy-beta-cryptoxantilin (9-18%) and 5,6-epoxy-beta-cryptoxanthin (7-10%) were the main carotenoids. The total carotenoid content ranged from 196 mu g/100 g (cv. Nectar de Cristal) to 3020 mu g/100 g (CV. Mizumo). The carotenoid profile of cv. Nectar de Cristal was different from the other cultivars, which was in agreement with its cream pulp colour, in contrast to the other four cultivars with orange pulp colour. Cultivars Mizauto, Mizuho, Mizumo and CentenAria showed provitamin A values between 89 and 162 mu g RAE/100 g, and can be considered good source of this provitamin. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Listeria monocytogenes in two different poultry facilities: Manual and automatic evisceration

Listeriosis is a serious foodborne disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogen often found in food processing plants. Poultry meat and its derivatives may harbor L. monocytogenes even if good manufacturing practices are implanted in abattoirs. Little information exists in Brazil on the frequency of L. monocytogenes contamination, even though the country is considered the top poultry meat exporter in the world. This study attempted to compare 2 exporters poultry facilities following same the standards but differing only in manual (plant M) or automatic (plant A) evisceration. Eight hundred fifty-one samples from food, food contact and non-food contact surfaces, water, and workers` hands were collected from cage to finished products over a 1-yr period. In plant A, 20.1% of the samples were positive for L. monocytogenes, whereas in plant M, 16.4% was found. The greatest incidence of contamination with the pathogen in plant A was found in non- food contact surfaces (27.3%), while in plant M, it was found in products (19.4%). The most prevalent serovars were 1/2a or 3a (plant M) and 4b, 4d, or 4e (plant A). Despite having proper hygiene and good manufacturing practices, controlling the entry and persistence of L. monocytogenes in processing facilities remains a formidable task.

Pleiotropic Effects With Equivalent Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction: Comparative Study Between Simvastatin and Simvastatin/Ezetimibe Coadministration

Background: Coadministration of any statin with ezetimibe is as effective as using high doses of the same statin in the reduction Of tow-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). There may be other effects called pleiotropics. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of 2 different treatments that obtain equivalent LDL-c reductions (80 mg of simvastatin, once a clay and coadministration of 10 mg of simvastatin and 10 mg of ezetimibe, once a day) over endothelial function and inflammation. Methods: Twenty-three randomized patients with hypercholesterolemia in a 2 X 2 crossover protocol were Studied. Endothelial function was analyzed by ultrasound assessment of endothelial dependent flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery, and inflammation was estimated by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Results: LDL-c reduction was similar between the 2 treatments with simvastatin/ezetimibe and with simvastatin (P < 0.001); no difference between treatments was found (P = 0.968). Both treatments improved significantly the endothelial function [3.61% with simvastatin/ezetimibe (P = 0.003) and 5.08%. with simvastatin (P < 0.001)]; no difference was found between the 2 treatments (P = 0.291). hs-CRP had a 23% reduction with simvastatin/ezetimibe (P = 0.004) and a 30% reduction with simvastatin alone (P = 0.01), with no significant difference between the 2 treatments (P = 0.380). Conclusion: The 2 forms of treatment presented similar pleiotropic effects: improvement in endothelial function and decrease in hsCRP levels.

Ascorbic acid concentration is reduced in the secondary aqueous humour of glaucomatous patients

P>Background: We aimed to evaluate the ascorbic acid concentration in secondary aqueous humour (AH) from glaucomatous patients and to compare it with primary AH from primary open-angle glaucoma patients and non-glaucomatous patients. Methods: Primary AH samples were prospectively obtained from clinically uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma patients and senile cataract patients (controls) prior to trabeculectomy and cataract surgery. Secondary AH samples were obtained from eyes with previous intraocular surgery, prior to trabeculectomy or cataract surgery. AH (0.1 mL) was aspirated by inserting a 26-gauge needle into the anterior chamber just before surgery and then immediately stored at -80 degrees C. The ascorbic acid concentration was determined in a masked fashion by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Results: A total of 18 patients with senile cataract, 16 glaucomatous patients with primary AH (no previous intraocular surgery) and 11 glaucomatous patients with secondary AH (previous intraocular surgery) were included. There was no difference in mean age between groups (P = 0.15). The mean +/- standard deviation concentration of ascorbic acid in the secondary AH from glaucomatous patients (504 +/- 213 mu mol/L [95% confidence interval {CI}, 383-624]) was significantly lower than the concentration of ascorbic acid found in the primary aqueous of primary open-angle glaucoma (919 +/- 427 mu mol/L [95% CI, 709-1128]) and control patients (1049 +/- 433 mu mol/L [95% CI, 848-1249]; P < 0.01, Kruskal-Wallis test). Conclusions: The ascorbic acid concentration in secondary AH of glaucomatous patients was approximately twofold lower in comparison with primary AH of glaucomatous and cataract patients. The implications of a reduced concentration of ascorbic acid in the secondary AH deserve further investigation.

Bioequivalence Evaluation of Single Doses of Two Tramadol Formulations: A Randomized, Open-Label, Two-Period Crossover Study in Healthy Brazilian Volunteers

Background: Tramadol is a well tolerated and effective analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain. Several generic formulations of tramadol are available in Brazil; however, published information regarding their bioequivalence in the Brazilian population is not available. A study was designed for Brazilian regulatory authorities to allow marketing of a generic formulation. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the bioequivalence of 2 commercial tablet preparations containing tramadol 100 mg marketed for use in Brazil. Methods: A randomized, open-label, 2 x 2 crossover study was performed in healthy Brazilian volunteers under fasting conditions with a washout period of 12 days. Two tablet formulations of tramadol 100 mg (test and reference formulations) were administered as a single oral dose, and blood samples were collected over 24 hours. Tramadol plasma concentrations were quantified using a validated HPLC method. A plasma concentration time profile was generated for each volunteer and then mean values were determined, from which C(max), T(max), AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity), k(e), and t(1/2) were calculated using a noncompartmental model. Bioequivalence between the products was determined by calculating 90% CIs for the ratios of C(max), AUC(0-t), and AUC(0-infinity) values for the test and reference products using log-transformed data. Tolerability was assessed by monitoring vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate), laboratory tests (hematology, blood biochemistry, hepatic function, urinalysis), and interviews with the volunteers before medication administration and every 2 hours during the study. Results: Twenty-six healthy volunteers (13 men, 13 women) were enrolled in and completed the study. Mean (SD) age was 30 (6.8) years (range, 21-44 years), mean weight was 64 (8.3) kg (range, 53-79 kg), and mean height was 166 (6.4) cm (range, 155-178 cm). The 90% CIs for the ratios of C(max) (1.01-1.17), AUC(0-t) (1.00-1.13), and AUC(0-infinity) (1.00-1.14) values for the test and reference products fell within the interval of 0.80 to 1.25 proposed by most regulatory agencies, including the Brazilian regulatory body. No clinically important adverse effects were reported; only mild somnolence was reported by 4 volunteers and mild headaches by 5 volunteers, and there was no need to use medication to treat these symptoms. Conclusion: Pharmacokinetic analysis in these healthy Brazilian volunteers suggested that the test and reference formulations of tramadol 100-mg tablets met the regulatory requirements to assume bio-equivalence based on the Brazilian regulatory definition. (Clin Ther 2010;32:758-765) (C) 2010 Excerpta Medica Inc.

Development and validation of sensitive methods for determination of sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate and direct enantiomeric separation on a protein-based chiral stationary phase

Sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate, chemically 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-N,N-dimethyl-alpha-(2-methylpropyl) hydrochloride monohydrate (SB center dot HCl center dot H2O), was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obesity. The objective of this study was to develop, validate, and compare methods using UV-derivative spectrophotometry (UVDS) and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the determination of SB center dot HCl center dot H2O in pharmaceutical drug products. The UVDS and HPLC methods were found to be rapid, precise, and accurate. Statistically, there was no significant difference between the proposed UVDS and HPLC methods. The enantiomeric separation of SB was obtained on an alpha-1 acid glycoprotein column. The R- and S-sibutramine were eluted in < 5 min with baseline separation of the chromatographic peaks (alpha = 1.9 and resolution = 1.9).

Determination of Vecuronium Bromide in Pharmaceuticals: Development, Validation and Comparative Study of HPLC and CZE Analytical Methods

Vecuronium bromide is a neuromuscular blocking agent used for anesthesia to induce skeletal muscle relaxation. HPLC and CZE analytical methods were developed and validated for the quantitative determination of vecuronium bromide. The HPLC method was achieved on an amino column (Luna 150 x 4.6 mm, 5 mu m) using UV detection at 205 nm. The mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile:water containing 25.0 mmol L(-1) of sodium phosphate monobasic (50:50 v/v), pH 4.6 and flow rate of 1.0 mL min(-1). The CZE method was achieved on an uncoated fused-silica capillary (40.0 cm total length, 31.5 cm effective length and 50 mu m i.d.) using indirect UV detection at 230 nm. The electrolyte comprised 1.0 mmol L(-1) of quinine sulfate dihydrate at pH 3.3 and 8.0% of acetonitrile. The results were used to compare both techniques. No significant differences were observed (p > 0.05).

Kinetic and thermodynamic investigation on clavulanic acid formation and degradation during glycerol fermentation by Streptomyces DAUFPE 3060

Clavulanic acid (CA) is a potent inhibitor of beta-lactamases, produced by some resistant pathogenic microorganisms, which allows efficient treatment of infectious diseases. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of CA production by a new isolate of Streptomyces DAUFPE 3060 and its degradation were evaluated. The effect of temperature on the system was investigated in the range 24-40 degrees C adopting an overall model accounting for (a) the Arrhenius-type formation of CA by fermentation, (b) the hypothetical reversible unfolding of the enzyme limiting the overall metabolism, and (c) the irreversible first-order degradation of CA. The higher rates of CA formation (k(CA) = 0,107 h(-1)) and degradation (k(d) = 0.062 h(-1)) were observed at 32 and 40 degrees C, respectively. The main thermodynamic parameters of the three above hypothesized events were estimated. In particular, the activation parameters of degradation (activation energy = 39.0 kJ/mol; Delta H(d)* = 36.5 kJ/mol; Delta S(d)* = -219.7 J/(mol K); Delta G(d)* = 103.5 kJ/mol) compare reasonably well with those reported in the literature for similar system without taking into account the other two events. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of plasma and erythrocyte zinc levels in premenopausal women with breast cancer

Introduction: Zinc deficiency has been associated with damage and oxidative changes in DNA that may increase an individual`s risk of cancer. Furthermore, zinc metabolism may be affected in cancer patients, leading to alterations in its distribution that would favor carcinogenesis. Plasma and erythrocyte zinc levels in women with breast cancer were evaluated in this cross-sectional, controlled study. Material and methods: Fifty-five premenopausal women of 25 to 49 years of age with and without breast cancer were divided into two groups: Group A, composed of women without breast cancer (controls, n = 26) and Group B, composed of women with breast cancer (cases, n = 29). Plasma and erythrocyte zinc levels were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry at gamma = 213.9 nm. Diet was assessed using the 3-day diet recall method and analyzed using the NutWin software program, version 1.5. Student`s t-test was used to compare means and significance was established at p <0.05. Results: Mean plasma zinc levels were 69.69 +/- 9.00 g/dt, in the breast cancer patients and 65.93 +/- 12.44 g/dt. in the controls (p = 0.201). Mean erythrocyte zinc level was 41.86 +/- 8.28 mu gZn/gHb in the cases and 47.93 +/- 7.00 mu gZn/gHb in the controls (p < 0.05). In both groups, dietary zinc levels were above the estimated average requirement. Conclusions: The present results suggest that zinc levels are lower in the erythrocyte compartment of premenopausal women with breast cancer.

Pharmacokinetics of tetracycline in plasma, synovial fluid and milk using single intravenous and single intravenous regional doses in dairy cattle with papillomatous digital dermatitis

The purpose of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of tetracycline in plasma, synovial fluid, and milk following either a single systemic intravenous (i.v.) injection or a single i.v. regional antibiosis (IVRA) administration of tetracycline hydrochloride to dairy cattle with papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD). To this end, plasma and synovial fluid tetracycline concentrations were compared with the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the major bacteria, which are known to cause digital diseases and thus assess its efficacy in PDD. Residual tetracycline concentrations in milk from cows treated by both methods were also determined. Twelve Holstein cows with various stages of PDD were randomly assigned to two groups of six animals. Group 1 received a single systemic i.v. injection of 10 mg/kg of tetracycline hydrochloride. Group 2 received 1000 mg of tetracycline hydrochloride by IVRA of the affected limb. Blood, synovial fluid and milk samples were taken prior to tetracycline administration (time 0 control), and then at 22, 45 and 82 min, and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h following drug administration. Tetracycline concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Mean tetracycline plasma and milk concentrations in Group 1 were higher than Group 2. The opposite was observed for synovial fluid concentrations. Group 2 synovial fluid concentrations were higher than the MIC value over 24 h for the bacteria most frequently responsible for claw disease. Compared with i.v. administration, IVRA administration of tetracycline produced very high synovial fluid and low plasma and milk concentrations.