Annual pattern of plasma melatonin and progesterone concentrations in hair and wool ewe lambs kept under natural photoperiod at lower latitudes in the southern hemisphere

To study the annual pattern of plasma melatonin and progesterone concentrations in hair [Santa Ines (SI)] and wool [Romney Marsh (RM) and Suffolk (SU)] ewe lambs kept under natural photoperiods at 21 degrees 59'S, 12 ewe lambs (four/breed) were used. For melatonin, blood samples were collected monthly throughout the year at the onset (17:00, 19:00 and 21:00 hr) and end (04:00, 06:00 and 08:00 hr) of the night, and for progesterone the samples were collected in the morning, two to three times a week throughout the year. Plasma melatonin concentrations at different times of the day changed according to the season. In diurnal periods (17:00 and 8:00 hr) no seasonal differences were observed but they became evident in the nocturnal intervals (21:00 and 4:00 hr) and transitional night-day (6:00 hr) times. The patterns of melatonin secretion were higher in winter and autumn than in spring and summer. The patterns of plasma progesterone secretion were affected by interaction between breed and season. There was no seasonal variation in plasma progesterone concentrations for SI females. The progesterone pattern for RM and SU females varied with season. The plasma levels were higher in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. At 21 degrees 59'S hair and wool ewe lambs showed the same annual pattern of plasma melatonin concentration while the annual progesterone profiles were quite different. For SI females this pattern was constant along all seasons and for RM and SU females this pattern was higher during autumn and winter than spring and summer.

Evaluation of thyroxine (T4) and progesterone-17-alpha-OH circadian rhythm in swine females (Sus scrofa domestica - Linnaeus, 1758)

No presente trabalho foram utilizadas quatro fêmeas suínas, adultas, mestiças, não-gestantes e sem sinais clínicos de estro, criadas e mantidas sob condições industriais de criação. Objetivou-se avaliar a ocorrência de ritmicidade biológica circadiana para tiroxina e 17-alfa -OH progesterona. Os ensaios para dosagens hormonais foram executados utilizando-se a técnica de radioimunoensaio (RIE) em fase sólida e para isso foi empregado conjunto de reagentes comerciais (COAT-A-COUNT R). As análises séricas de tiroxina mostraram valores mais elevados ao redor das 15 horas, decrescendo a partir dai até atingir níveis menores no intervalo da zero às 4 horas. Quanto a 17-alfa -OH progesterona, observaram-se níveis mais elevados por volta das 3 horas, decrescendo gradativamente ao longo do dia, até atingir menor concentração no intervalo das 12 às 15 horas.

Biomass and minerals distribution in family of banana 'prata-ana' fertilized with zinc through thinned sprout

In the North of Minas Gerais it is cultivated basically 'Prata-Ana' banana, a cultivar that requires mainly Zn. The possibility of zinc supply, without this nutrient getting in contact with the soil, it is important for the region, since several factors take to the low availability of the element supplied by the soil, as: elevated organic matter content on the surface (from cultural residues); maintenance of high pH of the soil - above 6,00 - as strategy contrary to the proliferation of the causal agent of the Fusarium Wilt; frequent fertilizations with potassium and magnesium that, besides converting the medium into base, they reduce the participation of Zn in the balance cation/anion of the soil, hindering the absortion of this micronutrient by the plant. For determining the distribution of biomass and minerals in the Prata-Ana" banana, cultivated under irrigation in the North of Minas Gerais, when the zinc was supplied through thinned sprout, an experiment was carried out in the Irrigated Perimeter of Jaiba. The plants were fertilized with 0,00; 1,66 and 3,33 g.family-(1) of Zn, through thinned sprout. One month after the fertilizations from October 2007 and February 2008, the production of fresh mass (FM) and dry mass (DM) were evaluated, the contents and meanings of minerals in all the bananas "family" bodies composed by mother-plant with bunch + tall daughter-plant + granddaughter-plant. The doses of Zn did not influence on the production of FM and DM of the plants in the first evaluation, while in the second evaluation positive effect of the treatment was observed just for MF accumulated in the inferior leaves, in the portions of the medium third and inferior of the pseudostem, and in the mother-plant's rhizome. As much the content as the accumulation of nutrients in the mother-plants presented the following decreasing order: K > N > Ca > Mg > P > S > Fe > Zn > B > Cu. The Zn contents were affected by the dose of that micronutrient in the most of the studied situations. The zinc supplied through thinned sprout increased in the mother-plant, and then it was redistributed in the banana's "family".

Análise de sobrevivência aplicada ao desenvolvimento do pulgão Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) em plantas de pepino (Cucumis sativus L.) contaminadas com fungicidas

It was aimed to evaluate the influence of fungicides utilized in cucumber on the development of the aphid Aphis gossypii Glover under greenhouse conditions. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments and 45 replicates, being each plot consisting of a first instar nymph coming from an apterous female in early reproductive period. The fungicides utilized and their respective dosages at g i.a.L(-1) were 800 PM sulphur (1.6), 800 PM mancozeb (1.6) and 840 PM copper oxichloride (1.5). The control was made up of water only. The products did not influence the median time of life in each instar and the nymphal stage, being respectively 1 and 4 days. Copper oxychloride and mancozeb increased the median time of life in days and the total life cycle of the adult stage of this species.

Uréia em cobertura e via foliar em feijoeiro

O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de verificar a influência de diferentes concentrações de uréia (0, 40, 60, 80, 100 e 120 g kg-1) em solução, para fornecimento de N via foliar, em diferentes horários (08h, 16h e 20h), na presença e ausência de adubação nitrogenada em cobertura (via solo). O solo do local do ensaio é do tipo Latossolo Vermelho-Escuro álico. O delineamento experimental seguiu o esquema fatorial 6x3x2, com quatro repetições. A semeadura foi realizada mecanicamente no dia 24.06.1996, utilizando-se o cultivar IAC Carioca, conduzido em regime de irrigação. Aplicaram-se 200 L ha-1 de calda, em cada pulverização com uréia. A adubação nitrogenada em cobertura foi realizada aos 32 dias após a emergência (dae), aplicando-se 40 kg ha-1 de N. Foram realizadas as seguintes avaliações: teor de agua e grau de fitotoxicidade nas folhas, número de dias para o florescimento pleno, matéria seca de plantas, teor de N total em folhas, número de vagens/planta, número de grãos/vagem, peso médio de 100 grãos e rendimento de grãos. A adubação nitrogenada em cobertura, aumentou a produtividade, o mesmo não ocorrendo com a adubação foliar. É importante a época de aplicação e a concentração da uréia foliar, devido a fitotoxicidade.

Fibra bruta e óleo em dietas práticas para alevinos de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus)

Objetivou-se, neste estudo, avaliar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de fibra bruta e de óleo de soja em rações para a tilápia do Nilo. Utilizaram-se 24 aquários circulares de 250 L, dotados de sistema individual de reabastecimento de água e aquecimento. A densidade de estocagem foi de sete peixes/aquário, totalizando 168 peixes, com peso inicial médio de 6,41±0,05 g. Ganho de peso, conversão alimentar aparente, taxa de crescimento específico e taxa de eficiência protéica foram avaliados. Foram analisados a composição química e o rendimento de carcaça, gordura visceral e índice hepatossomático dos peixes. O experimento foi realizado segundo um esquema fatorial 3 x 2 (três níveis de fibra bruta 6,00; 9,00 e 12,00%, com e sem óleo de soja) no delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com quatro repetições. Verificou-se que a fibra interfere de forma significativa na digestibilidade aparente da dieta, com ação positiva para a proteína e negativa para a matéria seca, não interferindo na digestibilidade do extrato etéreo; que a fibra bruta não tem efeito significativo sobre o rendimento de carcaça e no depósito de gordura visceral, mas a inclusão de óleo à ração tem efeito significativo no depósito de gordura visceral; que a fibra resulta em efeito significativo na composição química da carcaça (teor de água e proteína), não tendo efeito sobre sua composição em gordura; e que a inclusão de gordura à ração diminui e eleva de forma significativa, respectivamente, o conteúdo de proteína e extrato etéreo da carcaça. Concluiu-se que, na fase de alevinagem (6,40 a 31,00g), pode-se utilizar na dieta da tilápia do Nilo até 9,00% de fibra bruta, e que a suplementação de níveis excessivos de lipídeos na dieta piora a composição da carcaça e resulta em maior depósito de gordura visceral.

Lipid peroxidation and generation of hydrogen peroxide in frozen-thawed ram semen cryopreserved in extenders with antioxidants

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Bone healing in critical-size defects treated with platelet-rich plasma: a histologic and histometric study in the calvaria of diabetic rat

Objective. The objective of this study was to histologically analyze the influence of the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on bone healing in surgically created critical-size defects (CSD) in the calvaria of diabetic rats.Study design. A total of 20 diabetic rats were divided into 2 groups: C (control) and PRP. A 5-mm diameter CSD was created in the calvarium of each animal. In Group C, the defect was filled by blood clot only. In Group PRP, 0.35 mL of PRP was placed in the defects. All animals were humanely killed 30 days postoperatively. Histometric and histologic analyses were performed. Data were statistically analyzed (t test, P < .05).Results. No defect completely regenerated with bone. Group PRP had a statistically greater amount of bone formation than Group C (37.22% +/- 6.00% and 21.68% +/- 11.35%, respectively).Conclusion. PRP placed in the defects significantly enhanced bone healing in CSD in the calvaria of diabetic rats both qualitatively and quantitatively. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010; 109: 72-78)

Effect of antioxidant agents on bond strength of composite to bleached enamel with 38% hydrogen peroxide

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Microeletrodos: II. Caracterização eletroquímica

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of recycled tiles and OSB ceiling materials in closed broiler house prototypes

This study aimed at evaluating the thermal performance of a modular ceiling system for poultry houses. The reduced- and distorted-scale prototypes used ceiling modules made of reforested wood and were covered with recycled long-life package tiles. The following parameters were measured for 21 days: tile internal surface temperature (ST), globe temperature and humidity index (WBGT), and radiant heat load (RHL). Measurements were made at times of highest heat load (11:00 am, 13:00 pm, and 03:00 pm). Collected data were analyzed by R statistics software. Means were compared by multiple comparison test (Tukey) and linear regression was performed, both at 5% significance level. The results showed that the prototype with the ceiling was more efficient to reduce internal tile surface temperature; however, this was not sufficient to provide a comfortable environment for broilers during the growout. Therefore, other techniques to provide proper cooling are required in addition to the ceiling.

The role of matrix effects on the quantification of abscisic acid and its metabolites in the leaves of Bauhinia variegata L. using liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Distribuição da biomassa e minerais em família de bananeira 'prata-anã' adubada com zinco via broto desbastado

O Norte de Minas Gerais cultiva basicamente bananeira 'Prata-Anã', cultivar especialmente exigente em zinco. A possibilidade de fornecimento de Zn, sem que esse entre em contato com o solo, é importante para a região, uma vez que vários fatores levam à baixa disponibilidade do elemento fornecido via solo, como: elevado teor de matéria orgânica na camada superficial (resultante de resíduos culturais); manutenção de elevado pH do solo - acima de 6,00 - como estratégia contrária à proliferação do agente causal do mal- do-panamá; adubações frequentes com potássio e magnésio, que além de basificar o meio, diminuem a participação do Zn no equilíbrio cátion-ânion do solo, dificultando a absorção deste micronutriente pela planta. Para determinar a distribuição de biomassa e minerais na bananeira Prata-Anã, cultivada sob irrigação no norte de Minas Gerais, quando o zinco é fornecido via broto desbastado, foi conduzido um experimento no Perímetro Irrigado de Jaíba. As plantas foram adubadas com 0,00; 1,66 e 3,33 g.família-1 de Zn (0; 25 e 50 g.família-1.ano-1 de sulfato de Zn), via muda desbastada. Um mês após as adubações de outubro de 2007 e junho de 2008, avaliaram-se a produção de massa fresca (MF) e massa seca (MS), os teores e conteúdos de minerais em todos os órgãos de uma ''família'' de bananeira composta por planta-mãe com cacho + planta-filha alta + planta-neta. As doses de Zn não influíram na produção de MF e MS das plantas na primeira avaliação, enquanto na segunda avaliação observou-se efeito positivo do tratamento apenas para MF acumulada nas folhas inferiores, nas porções do terço médio e inferior do pseudocaule, e no rizoma da planta-mãe. Tanto o teor quanto o acúmulo de nutrientes nas plantas-mãe apresentaram a seguinte ordem decrescente: K > N > Ca > Mg > P > S > Fe > Zn > B > Cu. Os teores de Zn foram afetados pela dose desse micronutriente na maioria das situações estudadas. O Zn fornecido via broto desbastado ascendeu na planta-mãe, e daí se redistribuiu na ''família'' da bananeira.

Levantamento florístico das espécies vasculares da floresta estacional mesófila semidecídua da Estação Ecológica de Paulo de Faria - SP

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Environmental color affects Nile tilapia reproduction

We investigated the effects of environmental color on the reproductive behavior of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Two environmental colors were tested by covering the aquarium (60 x 60 x 40 cm) with white (12 groups) or blue (13 groups) cellophane and observing reproductive behavior in groups of 2 males (10.27 ± 0.45 cm) and 3 females (10.78 ± 0.45 cm) each. After assignment to the respective environmental color (similar luminosity = 100 to 120 Lux), the animals were observed until reproduction (identified by eggs in the female's mouth) or up to 10 days after the first nest building. Photoperiod was from 6:00 h to 18:00 h every day. Food was offered in excess once a day and water quality was similar among aquaria. Daily observations were made at 8:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00 h regarding: a) latency to the first nest, b) number of nests, c) gravel weight removed (the male excavates the nest in the bottom of the aquarium), d) nest area, and e) mouthbrooding incubation (indication of reproduction). The proportion of reproducing fish was significantly higher (6 of 13) in the group exposed to the blue color compared the group exposed to the white color (1 of 12; Goodman's test of proportions). Moreover, males under blue light removed significantly larger masses of gravel (blue = 310.70 ± 343.50 g > white = 130.38 ± 102.70 g; P = 0.01) and constructed wider nests (blue = 207.93 ± 207.80 cm² > white = 97.68 ± 70.64 cm²; P = 0.03) than the control (white). The other parameters did not differ significantly between light conditions. We concluded that reproduction in the presence of blue light was more frequent and intense than in the presence of white light.