Net requirements of protein and energy for maintenance of wool and hair lambs in a tropical region

The objective of this work was to evaluate the total endogenous N losses, and protein and energy net requirements for maintenance in growing lambs. Thirty-four castrated lambs, 17 F1 Ideal X Ile de France wool and 17 Santa Inas hair lambs, averaging 20 +/- 0.14 kg BW, were used in the experiment. Five animals from each genotype were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment and taken as controls. Diets (D) were composed of concentrate mix (C) and Cynodon sp. c.v. Tifton 85 hay (R), combined in three different ratios: D1 = 60C:40R; D2 = 40C:60R and D3 = 20C:80R. Animals of each group of three lambs, that showed BW of 20 kg at the beginning of the dietary regimen, were slaughtered when one of them reached 35 kg, what always happened to be the one fed with D1. Total endogenous N losses estimated for wool lambs were 250 mg N/kg BW0.75. For hair lambs, total endogenous N losses reached 324 mg N/kg BW0.75 . Hair lambs showed higher (P < 0.01) (29.9%) net requirements of protein for maintenance than wool lambs. In contrast, net energy (NE) requirement for maintenance was similar (P > 0.05) for both genotypes (74.27 kcal/kg BW0.75 per day), the average of the antilog of the two intercept values obtained from the estimated regression equations of heat production for zero metabolizable energy (ME) consumption. Further studies should be done to check if this trend is also true for metabolizable energy and protein in animals exhibiting BW gains in tropical region. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of vanadium in human hair slurries by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

This work describes an analytical procedure for vanadium determination in human hair slurries by electrothermal AAS using longitudinal heating (LHGA) and transversal heating (THGA) graphite furnace atomizers. The samples were powdered using cryogenic grinding and the hair slurries containing 0.2% (m/v) were prepared in three different media for determination of vanadium: 0.14 mol L-1 HNO3, 0.1% (v/v) Triton X-100 and 0.1% (v/v) water soluble tertiary amines (CFA-C, pH 8). The limits of detection (LOD), limits of quantification (LOQ), and characteristic masses obtained were 0.28, 0.95 mu g L-1 and 35 pg (LHGA) and 0.34, 1.13 mu g L-1 and 78 pg (THGA), respectively. The accuracy of the analytical results obtained by the proposed procedure in both equipments was confirmed by a paired t-test at the 95% confidence level and compared with a conventional procedure based on acid digestion. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Food intake and digestive efficiency in temperate wool and tropic semi-arid hair lambs fed different concentrate: forage ratio diets

This work was conducted to evaluate food intake and digestive efficiency of temperate wool and tropic semi-arid hair lambs, according to different concentrate: forage ratios in diet. Twenty-four lambs, averaging 90 +/- 1.8 days old and a mean body weight of 20 +/- 0.69 kg, 12 of them wool lambs, F, from Ideal x Ile de France crossing, and 12 others pure Santa Ines hair lambs, were distributed into a four replication 3 x 2 factorial arrangement consisting of three diets and two genotypes. Experimental diets consisted of: D1 = 60% concentrate mix (C) and 40% Cynodon sp. cv. Tifton-85 hay (F), D2 = 40% C and 60% F, and D3 = 20% C and 80% F. D1 was formulated for a daily gain of 300g per animal. Increasing forage levels in diets resulted in linear reductions (P < 0.01) in DM, OM, CP, TCH and metabolizable energy (ME) intake, and a linear increase (P < 0.01) in NDF ingestion. Tropic semi-arid hair lambs had higher DM, OM, NDF, CP, and TCH intake than temperate wool lambs. Although there were no genotype effects in OM and GE coefficient of digestibility, hair lambs showed more efficient (P < 0.05) digestibility of DM, CP, NDF and TCH. Increases in forage levels of diets corresponded to a negative linear effect (P < 0.01) in the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, TCH and GE, while apparent digestibility of NDF increased linearly (P < 0.01). Total endogenous nitrogen (fecal plus urinary N) for F(1) Ideal x Ilede France wool and Santa Ines hair lambs were, respectively, 182 and 312 mg/kg(0.75) per day. Thus, Santa Ines tropic semi-arid hair lambs showed to be more responsive than F(1) Ideal x Ile de France temperate wool lambs to low quality fibrous diets. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of cocaine in samples of hair using the chromatographic column, ISRP-C-18

A method has been developed for the determination of the cocaine levels in samples of hair, using a chromatographic column internal surface reverse phase (ISRP)-C-18, for direct injection of the extracts of hair, without purification or derivation of the sample. The method allows monitoring an individual stopped for using or making cocaine. This method allowed the determination of levels of cocaine concentration in 75% of the analyzed samples of chemical dependents' hair, with cocaine detected at levels of 0.37-16.85 mug g(-1). In the other analyzed samples (25%), the drug was not detected, because the corresponding individuals told us that they consumed cocaine infrequently and in small amounts. The detection

The determination of iron, lead, copper and zinc in the hair of children between 22 and 85 months old

In this study the levels of Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn, determined in hair of healthy children (25-85 months), living at Araraquara (São Paulo, Brasil) are reported. Analytical determinations were carried out by using atomic absorption spectrometry employing an air acetylene flame. The results obtained are discussed with regard to effect of sex and age, as well compared with others analogous studies.

Epidemiologia das dermatofitoses em instituições públicas da região de Araraquara - SP

Dermatophytosis on skin, hair and nails are the most common infectious process in the world. A total of 94 individuals from Public Institutions from the city of Araraquara - Sao Paulo/Brazil, with suspected of dermatophytic lesions were examined in order to determine the incidence and etiology of dermatophytosis. 105 specimens were collected from August to December of 2001 in the Mycology Laboratory of the Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas. It was observed that 47 samples were positive for dermatophytes. Trichophyton rubrum was the prevalent specie (59.6%), followed by Microsporum canis (17%), T. tonsurans (10.6%), T. mentagrophytes (8.5%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (4.3%). T. rubrum was the most frequent in interdigital lesions (81.5%) and M. canis was the main dermatophyte involved in scalp lesions (58.3%). Therefore, it was observed a predominance of antropophilic and zoophilic species, respectively. These results are in agreement with statistical data from South and Southeast regions of Brazil, as well as from other parts of the world in which these fungi were the most frequently isolates from tinea pedis and tinea capitis. In this study, it was also observed a high percentage of T. tonsurans (41.7%) in tinea capitis and this result was different from the statistical data collected until now in our region.

Charge density alterations in human hair fibers: An investigation using electrostatic force microscopy

A new method for high-resolution analyses of hair surface charge density under ambient conditions is presented in this paper. Electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) is used here to analyze changes in surface charge density in virgin hair, bleached hair, and hair treated with a cationic polymer. The atomic force microscopy technique is used concomitantly to analyze morphological changes in hair roughness and thickness. The EFM images depict exactly how the polymer is distributed on the surface of the hair fiber. The EFM's powerful analytical tools enabled us to evaluate the varying degrees of interaction between the hair fiber surface charge density and the cationic polymer. The surface charge density and the polymer's distribution in the hair fibers are presented in the light of EFM measurements. © 2006 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Socièété Française de Cosmétologie.

A 12-month follow-up of hypopigmentation after laser hair removal

Introduction: Laser hair removal is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional methods such as shaving, waxing, among other methods. Semiconductor diode lasers are considered the most efficient light sources available and are especially well suited for clinical applications including hair reduction. The effectiveness of laser hair reduction depends on many variables, including the skin type of the patient. Material and Methods: A patient with Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV was submitted to laser hair removal of the arms with a high-power diode laser system with long pulses with a wavelength of 800 nm, a fluence of 40 J/cm2 and a pulse width of 20 ms. A 12-month follow-up assessment was performed and included photography and questionnaire. Results: Hypopigmentation was observed after a single laser hair removal section. After 6 months with the area totally covered, a gradual suntan with a sun screen lotion with an SPF of 15 was prescribed by the dermatologist. After 12 months of the initial treatment, a complete recovery of the hypopigmentation was achieved. Conclusion: Although a safe procedure, lasers for hair removal may be associated with adverse side effects including undesired pigment alterations. Before starting a laser hair removal treatment, patients seeking the eradication of hair should be informed that temporary, and possibly permanent, pigmentary changes may occur. © 2013 Informa UK, Ltd.

Is characterizing the digital forensic facial reconstruction with hair necessary? A familiar assessors' analysis

Background: In the international scientific literature, there are few studies that emphasize the presence or absence of hair in forensic facial reconstructions. There are neither Brazilian studies concerning digital facial reconstructions without hair, nor research comparing recognition tests between digital facial reconstructions with hair and without hair. The miscegenation of Brazilian people is considerable. Brazilian people, and, in particular, Brazilian women, even if considered as Caucasoid, may present the hair in very different ways: curly, wavy or straight, blonde, red, brown or black, long or short, etc. For this reason, it is difficult to find a correct type of hair for facial reconstruction (unless, in real cases, some hair is recovered with the skeletal remains). Aims and methods: This study focuses on the performance of three different digital forensic facial reconstructions, without hair, of a Brazilian female subject (based on one international database and two Brazilian databases for soft facial-tissue thickness) and evaluates the digital forensic facial reconstructions comparing them to photographs of the target individual and nine other subjects, employing the recognition method. A total of 22 assessors participated in the recognition process; all of them were familiar with the 10 individuals who composed the face pool. Results and conclusions: The target subject was correctly recognized by 41% of the 22 examiners in the International Pattern, by 32% in the Brazilian Magnetic Resonance Pattern and by 32% in the Brazilian Fresh Cadavers Pattern. The facial reconstructions without hair were correctly recognized using the three databases of facial soft-tissue thickness. The observed results were higher than the results obtained using facial reconstructions with hair, from the same skull, which can indicate that it is better to not use hair, at least when there is no information concerning its characteristics. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Performance, survivability and carcass traits of crossbred lambs from five paternal breeds with local hair breed Santa Inês ewes

The present study aimed to evaluate the performance, survivability and carcass traits of crossbred lambs. Data from 299 lambs born to 209 ewes were used. The dams were from a local hair breed (Santa Inês) and five breeds of sires were used: Dorper (DR), Ile de France (IF), Hampshire Down (HD), Texel (TX) and Santa Inês (SI). The lambs were weighed at birth, weaning and slaughter. Fasting body weight, skin thickness, hot and cold carcass weight, carcass yield and carcass length were measured at slaughter. Carcasses were separated into commercial cuts: neck, shoulder, rib, belly, loin and leg. Leg length and circumference were measured. Analyses of variances using MIXED procedure in SAS® were carried out for weights and carcass traits. Factor, discriminant and canonical analysis were carried out. Mortality data of animals from birth until slaughter was analyzed using logistic regression. The HD animals had the highest mortality rate. TX lambs had similar growth rate and survivability compared to DR and IF and had better carcass traits than these genetic groups. Therefore, this breed can be used as paternal breed to crossbreeding with Santa Inês dams. Santa Inês animals did not differ in growth from birth until slaughter compared to crossbred animals, which highlights the potential of this naturalized breed for meat production. Moreover, there is a great variability inside this breed for carcass and growth traits which may undergo great improvement through selection programs. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Towards an insight on photodamage in hair fibre by UV-light: An experimental and theoretical study

Synopsis: Objectives: In this research, an experimental and theoretical study was conducted to design a photodegradation mechanism of the amino acid tryptophan (Trp) in hair fibres. Methods: For the experimental research, Caucasian hair fibres were exposed to several different solar radiation simulation periods. Then, Trp and its photoproducts (N-formylkynurenine and kynurenine) were assayed by excitation and emission spectroscopic analysis. Results: For the theoretical study, reactions involved in the photodegradation of Trp were evaluated by high-level quantum mechanical calculations in a density functional theory (DFT) framework which indicate a probable Trp degradation mechanism with a minimum expended energy pathway. Conclusion: The biochemistry concerning these reactions is essentially important for a biological system where the degradation of Trp occurs. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of hair dye basic red 51 at W/WO 3/TiO2 bicomposite photoanode activated by ultraviolet and visible radiation

We prepared a W/WO3/TiO2 bicomposite photoanode by simple electrochemical anodization of W foil, followed by cathodic electrodeposition of TiO2 and annealing at 450 C for 30 min. This photoanode shows good photoactivity under irradiation with UV and visible light. In optimized conditions, it promotes complete photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of 3.33 × 10-5 mol L-1 basic red 51 solution (which is used in hair dye) at 0.1 mol L-1 Na2SO4, pH 2.0, under a current density of 1.25 mA cm-2 and ultraviolet and visible radiation-total organic carbon removal is 94 and 88%, respectively. This effect paves the way for the sustainable solar-assisted remediation of water bodies contaminated with organic components of hair dyes. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Detection of cytokeratins in ghost cells of calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor indicates an altered keratinization and hair follicle differentiation for their development

Calcifying cystic odontogenic tumors (CCOTs) are benign cystic lesions of odontogenic origin characterized by an ameloblastoma-like epithelium and the presence of a group of cells named ghost cells. The pattern of cytokeratin (Ck) expression on these lesions remains unclear and needs to be clarified. To this end, the expression of Ck6, Ck13, Ck14, Ck18, and Ck19 in the epithelium lining of 7 cases of CCOTs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. For this, the epithelium lining was divided into 3 distinct regions: basal layer, suprabasal layer, and the compartment composed of ghost cells. In this study, 6 cases (85.7%) were classified as type 1 and 1 (14.3%) as type 4. All cases were negative for Ck13 and Ck18, despite the epithelial layer, as well as in the ghost cells. Ck6 was only positive in the ghost cells. Positivity for Ck14 and Ck19 was found in the basal and suprabasal layers, including the ghost cells. The results showing positivity for Ck14 and Ck19 in all of the analyzed cases reinforce CCOT as being of odontogenic origin, and the restricted expression of Ck6 in the ghost cells may be indicative that these cells suffer an altered differentiation into hair follicles in CCOTs. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.