Reliability of one-repetition maximum test in untrained young adult men and women

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Plasma cortisol levels in captive wild felines after chemical restraint

Eight Panthera onca (Po), 13 Felis concolor (Fc), 7 Felis yagouaroundi (Fy), 7 Felis tigrina (Ft) and 5 Felis pardalis (Fp) specimens from São Paulo State zoos were used. All animals were restrained with darts containing 10 mg/kg ketamine and 1 mg/kg xylazine. Venous blood samples were collected as soon as possible (within 15-20 min) and serum was frozen until the time for cortisol quantification. Cortisol was determined using a solid phase radioimmunoassay with an intra-assay coefficient of 8.51%. Data were analyzed statistically by the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunn's multiple comparisons test, and the one-sample t-test, with the level of significance set at P<0.05. Data are reported as means ± SEM. Cortisol levels differed among the captive felines: Po = 166 ± 33a, Fc = 670 ± 118b, Fy = 480 ± 83b, Ft = 237 ± 42ab, Fp = 97 ± 12a nmol/l (values followed by different superscript letters were significantly different (P<0.001)). Since most of the veterinary procedures on these species involve chemical restraint, these results show the necessity of preventive measures in order to minimize the effect of restraint stress on more susceptible species

The use of nonparametric contrasts in one-way layouts and random block designs

Nonparametric simple-contrast estimates for one-way layouts based on Hodges-Lehmann estimators for two samples and confidence intervals for all contrasts involving only two treatments are found in the literature.Tests for such contrasts are performed from the distribution of the maximum of the rank sum between two treatments. For random block designs, simple contrast estimates based on Hodges-Lehmann estimators for one sample are presented. However, discussions concerning the significance levels of more complex contrast tests in nonparametric statistics are not well outlined.This work aims at presenting a methodology to obtain p-values for any contrast types based on the construction of the permutations required by each design model using a C-language program for each design type. For small samples, all possible treatment configurations are performed in order to obtain the desired p-value. For large samples, a fixed number of random configurations are used. The program prompts the input of contrast coefficients, but does not assume the existence or orthogonality among them.In orthogonal contrasts, the decomposition of the value of the suitable statistic for each case is performed and it is observed that the same procedure used in the parametric analysis of variance can be applied in the nonparametric case, that is, each of the orthogonal contrasts has a chi(2) distribution with one degree of freedom. Also, the similarities between the p-values obtained for nonparametric contrasts and those obtained through approximations suggested in the literature are discussed.

Análise dos cromossomos sexuais de Characidium (Characiformes, Crenuchidae) por microdissecção e pintura cromossômica

Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia) - IBB

Comparação entre duas técnicas de neurorrafia do digital palmar em eqüinos

Foram comparadas duas técnicas de neurorrafia em seis eqüinos, divididos em três grupos (G), conforme o tempo para a biópsia. Os animais foram submetidos a neurectomia dos nervos digitais palmares (NDP) e aplicaram-se duas suturas epineurais (SE) e suturas com tubos de silicone (STS) em cada animal. Avaliaram-se os animais mensalmente pelo teste de sensibilidade e exame do aparelho locomotor até a realização das biópsias dos NDP. Aos 30 dias pós-cirurgia foi realizada biópsia no GI, aos 60 dias no GII e aos 180 dias no GIII. Macroscopicamente, o NDP encontrou-se envolvido por tecido conjuntivo fibroso. Microscopicamente, constataram-se proliferação axonal em uma amostra do GI e neuromas nas amostras dos GI, GII e GIII. Houve proliferação de tecido conjuntivo em todos os grupos no local de reparação para SE e adentrando no interior do tubo na STS. Visibilizaram-se infiltrado de células inflamatórias, alterações no coto proximal e degeneração no coto distal na SE e na STS. As técnicas não apresentaram resultados satisfatórios quanto ao grau de regeneração do coto proximal até o coto distal.

Isolation of brucella spp from milk of brucellosis positive cows in São Paulo and Minas Gerais states

A brucelose é uma zoonose crônica de importância para a Saúde Pública. Considerando o pequeno número de dados brasileiros sobre a sua presença em leite cru e derivados não-pasteurizados, estudamos a presença de brucelas em leite de animais sorologicamente positivos. A soroaglutinação rápida (SAR), a soroaglutinação lenta (SAL) e a soroaglutinação lenta com tratamento do soro com 2-mercaptoetanol foram utilizados para identificar os animais positivos nas propriedades estudadas. Amostras diárias de 300 ml de leite foram colhidas por três dias de todos os quartos mamários produtivos (75 ml/teto). As amostras eram misturadas e centrifugadas. Parte do sedimento e do sobrenadante foi inoculada em meios de Farrel e Brodie-Sinton (BS) suplementados com agentes antimicrobianos. As placas e tubos foram cultivados por sete dias a 37ºC, em microaerofilia. As colônias suspeitas no meio BS foram imediatamente repicadas para ágar-Brucella, e cultivadas sob a mesma condição. Os microrganismos isolados foram submetidos a procedimentos de identificação, incluindo a coloração de Gram, requerimento de CO2, produção de H2S, atividade da urease e crescimento na presença de tionina e fucsina. Das 49 amostras examinadas, isolou-se Brucella abortus de 15 (30,61%). Os biótipos isolados foram: biótipo 1 em uma amostra (2,04%), biótipo 2 em oito (16,32%) e biótipo 3 em seis amostras (12,25%)

Chlamydophila psittaci and Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigeons (Columba livia) from São Paulo State, Brazil

Pigeons (Columba livia) cohabit with humans in urban and rural areas, representing a public health problem since microorganisms are transmitted through the inhalation of dust from their dry feces (chlamydiosis) and through ingestion of their undercooked or poorly refrigerated meat (toxoplasmosis). This study aimed to evaluate the presence of Chlamydophila psittaci and Toxoplasma gondii in pigeons from four cities in São Paulo State, Brazil. C psittaci was evaluated through hemi-nested polymerase chain reaction (hnPCR) using cloacal and tracheal swabs, whereas T. gondii specific antibodies were assessed by means of modified agglutination test (MAT), mouse brain and muscle bioassay, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To confirm the infection in mice, T. gondii antibodies were assayed by using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Considering C. psittaci, 40/238 (16.8%; 95%CI 12.6-22.1%) samples were positive according to hnPCR, especially for the cities of São Paulo (42.5%) and Bauru (35%). As regards T. gondii, 12/238 (5%; 95%CI 2.9-8.6%) serum samples were positive according to MAT. of these, five samples had titer equal to 1:8; six samples, 1:16; and one sample, 1:32. Bioassay, IFAT and PCR were negative for mouse toxoplasmosis. The absence of T. gondii antibodies suggests that pigeons may be infected with a low concentration of the agent, not detected by the antigen test. Thus, C. psittaci represents an actual problem concerning bird health. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of organic mineral supplementation on the egg quality of semi-heavy layers in their second cycle of lay

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary trace mineral levels and sources on egg quality parameters of second-cycle semi-heavy layers. A number of 360 72-week-old layers were submitted to forced molting. Upon return of lay (83 weeks of age), birds were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design of six treatments with six replicates of 10 birds each. The control treatment consisted of 0.10% dietary supplementation of trace minerals from inorganic sources, which was proportionally replaced by five levels (110, 100, 90, 80, 70%) of an organic trace mineral supplement containing 30, 30, 40, 6, 0.61, and 0.3 g/kg product of Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, I, and Se, respectively. All diets contained equal protein, energy, and amino acid levels. Every 28 days of the experimental period (112 days) four eggs per replicate were collected for egg quality evaluation. The following parameters were evaluated: specific gravity, yolk, albumen and eggshell percentages, yolk index, Haugh units, and eggshell thickness and breaking strength. One sample per replicate, consisting of the pool of the yolks of three eggs collected at the end of each experimental period, was used to assess protein and mineral (Ca, P, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) contents. The results were submitted to ANOVA, and means to the test of Tukey at 5% significance level. The evaluated trace mineral levels and sources did not influence any of the studied egg quality parameters. It was concluded that reducing organic trace mineral supplementation in up to 70% relative to 100% inorganic trace mineral supplementation does not affect egg parameters and therefore, can be applied to the diet of semi-heavy layers in their second cycle of lay.

Perfil do nível de atividade física na vida diária de pacientes portadores de DPOC no Brasil

Objective: To evaluate characteristics of physical activities in daily life in COPD patients in Brazil, correlating those Characteristics with physiological variables. Methods: Physical activities in daily life were evaluated in 40 COPD patients (18 males; 66 +/- 8 years of age; FEV(1) = 46 +/- 16 % of predicted; body mass index = 27 +/- 6 kg/m(2)) and 30 healthy age- and gender-matched subjects, using a multiaxial accelerometer-based sensor for 12 h/day on two consecutive days. We also assessed maximal and functional exercise capacity, using the incremental exercise test and the six-minute walk test (6MWT), respectively; MIP and MEP; peripheral muscle force, using the one-repetition maximum test and the handgrip test; quality of life, using the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ); functional status, using the London Chest Activity of Daily Living questionnaire; and dyspnea sensation, using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Results: Mean walking time/day was shorter for COPD patients than for the controls (55 +/- 33 vs. 80 +/- 28 min/day; p = 0.001), as movement intensity was lower (1.9 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.3 +/- 0.6 m/s(2); p = 0.004). The COPD patients also tended to spend more time seated (294 +/- 114 vs. 246 +/- 122 min/day, p = 0.08). Walking time/day correlated with the 6MWT (r = 0.42; p = 0.007) and maximal workload (r = 0.41; p = 0.009), as well as with age, MRC scale score and SGRQ activity domain score (-0.31 <= r <= -0.43; p <= 0.05 for all). Conclusions: This sample of Brazilian patients with COPD, although more active than those evaluated in studies conducted in Europe, were less active than were the controls. Walking time/day correlated only moderately with maximal and functional exercise capacity.

Genetic structure of the migratory catfish Pseudoplatystoma corruscans (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) suggests homing behaviour

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Predicting MAOD Using Only a Supramaximal Exhaustive Test

The objective of this study was to propose an alternative method (MAOD(ALT)) to estimate the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) using only one supramaximal exhaustive test. Nine participants performed the following tests: (a) a maximal incremental exercise test, (b) six submaximal constant workload tests, and (c) a supramaximal constant workload test. Traditional MAOD was determined by calculating the difference between predicted O(2) demand and accumulated O(2) uptake during the supramaximal test. MAOD(ALT) was established by summing the fast component of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption and the O(2) equivalent for energy provided by blood lactate accumulation, both of which were measured during the supramaximal test. There was no significant difference between MAOD (2.82 +/- 0.45 L) and MAOD(ALT) (2.77 +/- 0.37 L) (p = 0.60). The correlation between MAOD and MAOD(ALT) was also high (r = 0.78; p = 0.014). These data indicate that the MAOD(ALT) can be used to estimate the MAOD.

SEM analysis of the in situ early bacterial colonization on two novel feldspathic ceramics submitted to different types of glazing

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate in situ, the early bacterial colonization on feldspar-ceramics submitted to different glazing. Methods and Materials: Fourteen standardized disc specimens (diameter: 5 mm, thickness: 1.5 mm) of each of two micro-particulate feldspathic ceramics (VM7 and VM13, Vita) were produced according to manufacturers' specifications for a total of 28 specimens (24 for the analysis of biofilm and 4 for topographic analysis analyzing the ceramic surfaces). Specimens from each type of ceramic were submitted to two different glazing methods composing four groups: VM7 glazed using glazing liquid Vita Akzent® 25 (G1) and glaze firing (G2), VM13 glazed using glazing liquid (G3) and glaze firing (G4). Six individuals (n=6) wore oral appliances with four ceramic specimens, fixed on the buccal face of the appliances. After 8 hours, each sample was evaluated for the presence (1) or absence (0) of bacterial colonization under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) on five randomly selected fields. The value for each sample was cumulative of the results observed in the fields. One sample from each group was evaluated under a SEM to verify the topographic pattern. Results: There was no difference with regard to bacterial colonization between the feldspar-ceramics and between the glazing types (Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test). Conclusion: Feldspar-ceramics submitted to firing or glaze firing with Vita Akzent® 25 present a similar condition for in situ bacterial colonization. The similar topographic pattern of the ceramic surfaces seems to have influenced the bacterial colonization.

Caracterização do perfil clonal, fatores de virulência e determinação da resistência em Staphylococcus spp. isolados de leite ovino

Pós-graduação em Biologia Geral e Aplicada - IBB

Prevalência de parasitas intestinais e caracterização genotípica de Giardia duodenalis em creche do município de Pratânia, estado de São Paulo

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Aglutininas contra Leptospira spp em cervos-do-pantanal (Blastocerus dichotomus) na área afetada pela construção da usina hidrelétrica Sérgio Motta

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)