RH maps of bovine chromosomes 15 and 29: conservation of human chromosomes 11 and 5

Comparative mapping data on evolutionary conserved coding sequences and synteny maps between human and cattle are insufficient to define the extent and distribution of conserved segments between these two species, because the order of loci is often rearranged. A 5000-rad cattle whole-genome radiation hybrid (WG-RH) panel was constructed to provide high-resolution comparative maps and also to integrate linkage maps of microsatellites with evolutionary conserved genes and transcripts in a single ordered map. We used the WG-RH panel to construct radiation hybrid maps of bovine Chromosomes (Chrs) 15 and 29 (BTA15 and BTA29), integrating microsatellites from published linkage maps with selected genes. The comprehensive map of BTA15 consists of 24 markers. 13 of which were placed in the framework map. Eleven molecular markers compose the comprehensive map of BTA29. seven of which were placed in the framework map. We identified the homologous regions between bovine Chr 15 (BTA15) and human Chrs 5 and 11 (HSA5 and HSA11), as well as between BTA29 and HSA11, the present study demonstrates that WG-RH mapping is an efficient method for integrating multiple genetic maps into one map and for incorporating monomorphic Type I loci into ordered maps for comparison between species.

Effect of thermal treatment temperature on the crystallinity and morphology of LiTaO3 thin films prepared from polymeric precursor method

Lithium tantalate thin films (LiTaO3) with (50:50) stoichiometry were prepared by spin coating method using a polymeric organic solution. The films were deposited on silicon (100) substrates with 4 layers. The substrates were previously cleaned and then the solution of lithium tantalate was deposited by adjusting the speed at 5000 rpm. The thin films deposited were thermally treated from 350 to 600degreesC for 3 hours in order to study the influence of the thermal treatment temperature on the crystallinity, microstructure, grain size and roughness of the final film. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the films are polycrystalline and secondary phases free. The thickness of films was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies showed that the grain size and roughness are strongly influenced by thermal treatment.

AN EXTREMELY LARGE, CAULIFLOWER-TYPE, CUTANEOUS METASTASIS OF OVARIAN-CANCER ASSOCIATED WITH GOOD PROGNOSIS

We report an unusual case of a 37-year-old woman who presented in 1980 with a serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. The patient refused any treatment and the patient was lost to follow-up for 6 years. After this period of time she returned with an extremely large, cutaneous, cauliflower-type of metastasis located in the lower abdominal wall and measuring 20 x 20 cm. She received two courses of chemotherapy treatment consisting of intraperitoneal cisplatin (100 mg/m2) and intravenous epirubicin (50 mg/m2) every 3 weeks. After the second course of chemotherapy she received cobalt radiotherapy (5000 cGy). Subsequently, she received four more courses of chemotherapy with dramatic remission of the cutaneous metastasis. Shortly after chemotherapy, the patient underwent a laparotomy consisting of the resection of the abdominal wall including the cutaneous metastasis completed by total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy. The patient is well after the surgery and without any evidence of residual disease after 6 years of follow up. This description illustrates a rare example of ovarian cancer with skin metastases and favorable outcome. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.

Interval training at 95% and 100% of the velocity at VO2 max: effects on aerobic physiological indexes and running performance

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of two different high-intensity interval training (HIT) programs on selected aerobic physiological indices and 1500 and 5000 m running performance in well-trained runners. The following tests were completed (n = 17): (i) incremental treadmill test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), running velocity associated with VO2 max (VVO2max), and the velocity corresponding to 3.5 mmol/L of blood lactate concentration (vOBLA); (ii) submaximal constant-intensity test to determine running economy (RE); and (iii) 1500 and 5000 m time trials on a 400 m track. Runners were then randomized into 95% vVO(2max) or 100% vVO(2max) groups, and undertook a 4 week training program consisting of 2 HIT sessions (performed at 95% or 100% vVO(2max), respectively) and 4 submaximal run sessions per week. Runners were retested on all parameters at the completion of the training program. The VO2 max values were not different after training for both groups. There was a significant increase in post-training vVO(2 max), RE, and 1500 in running performance in the 100% vVO(2 max) group. The vOBLA and 5000 m running performance were significantly higher after the training period for both groups. We conclude that vOBLA and 5000 m running performance can be significantly improved in well-trained runners using a 4 week training program consisting of 2 HIT sessions (performed at 95% or 100% vVO(2max)) and 4 submaximal run sessions per week. However, the improvement in vVO(2 max), RE, and 1500 in running performance seems to be dependent on the HIT program at 100% vVO(2 max).

Endectocide activity of a new long-action formulation containing 2.25% ivermectin+1.25% abamectin in cattle

The present work aimed to evaluate the endectocide activity of a new injectable long-action formulation, containing ivermectin (IVM) and abamectin (ABA). In each one of the four experiments performed, the following groups were formed: group I: 2.25% IVM (450 mu g/kg) + 1.25% ABA (250 mu g/kg), group II: 3.15% IVM (630 mu g/kg) and group III: control. Eighteen bovine naturally infected by gastrointestinal nematoda were selected for anthelmintic evaluation and necropsied on posttreatment day (PTD) 14 to estimate the total parasitic burden. For the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus field trial, 30 bovine were selected by means of counts of semi-engorged R. (B.) microplus and the therapeutic and residual efficacy evaluated by tick counts on PTDs 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84 and 91. In the stall test, 15 calves were artificially infested with 5000 R. (B.) microplus (Mozzo strain) larvae three times a week and daily collections of all the engorged female ticks detached from each calf were performed until the PTD 80. Forty bovine naturally infected with Dermatobia hominis larvae were selected and the number of larvae was counted by visual and tactile inspection on PTDs 3, 7, 14, 28, 35, 49, 63, 77, 91 and 105. In this trial, a formulation containing 1% doramectin (200 mu g/kg) was also used. IVM + ABA formulation and 3.15% IVM eliminated four of the eight species of nematode identified. The anthelmintic efficacy of the avermectins association against Haemonchus placei, Cooperia spatulata and C. punctata was 89.64%, 98.84% and 97.69%, while 3.15% IVM achieved 30.98%, 84.79% and 75.56%, respectively. The two formulations evaluated showed reduced acaricide action on the PTD I and 3, reaching high efficacy percentages from PTD 14 onward. The IVM + ABA showed efficacy above 95% in the period between PTDs 21 and 49. In the stall test, it observed no difference (P > 0.05) between the two formulations regarding the R. (B.) microplus counts during the entire evaluation period. IVM + ABA reduced the number of ticks from the PTD 1 to 77 (P < 0.05) and 3.15% IVM reduced (P < 0.05) the tick number from PTD 4 up to PTD 80. The three endectocides showed no difference (P > 0.05) regarding the number of D. hominis larvae and prevented this parasite reestablishment until PTD 105. These results indicate that the IVM + ABA association showed higher anthelmintic activity and similar efficacy against arthropods to the formulation containing 3.15% IVM. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The slippery slope - Critical perspectives on in vitro research methodologies

Objectives. This paper attempts to provide critical perspectives on common in vitro research methodologies, including shear bond testing, wear testing, and load-to-failure tests. Origins of interest in high-quality laboratory data is reviewed, in vitro data is categorized into property and simulation protocols, and two approaches are suggested for establishing clinical validity. It is hoped that these insights will encourage further progress toward development of in vitro tests that are validated against clinical performance and/or by producing clinically validated failure or damage mechanisms.Materials and methods. Published shear and tensile bond data (macro and micro) is examined in light of published finite element analyses (FEA). This data is subjected to a Weibull scaling analysis to ascertain whether scaling is consistent with failure from the bonded interface or not. Wear tests results are presented in light of the damage mechanism(s) operating. Quantitative wear data is re-examined as being dependent upon contact pressure. Load-to-failure test results are re-analyzed by calculating contact stresses at failure for 119 tests from 54 publications over more than 25 years.Results. FEA analyses and reported failure modes (adhesive, mixed, cohesive) are consistent with failure not involving interfacial "shear stresses" as calculated in published work. Weibull scaling clearly suggests failure involving external surfaces of specimens, not interfacial origins. Contact stresses (pressures) are clearly an important variable in wear testing and are not well-controlled in published work. Load-to-failure tests create damage not seen clinically due to excessively high contact stresses. Most contact stresses in the 119 tests examined were calculated to be between 1000 MPa and 5000 MPa, whereas clinical contact stresses at wear facets have been measured not to exceed 40 MPa.Conclusions. Our community can do a much better job of designing in vitro tests that more closely simulate clinical conditions, especially when contact is involved. Journals are encouraged to thoughtfully consider a ban on publishing papers using bond tests and load-to-failure methods that are seriously flawed and have no clinical relevance. (C) 2011 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Medicinal plants' hosting ability for nematode meloidogyne javanica and m. incognita

Baida, F.C., D.C. Santiago, L. H. I. Vidal, L. C. Baida, C. T. Stroze. 2011. Medicinal Plants' Hosting Ability for Nematode Suitability Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica. Nematropica 41: 150-153.Medicinal plants can be attacked by pests, diseases and nematodes, which can compromise the quality and quantity of their healing properties and their yield. The aim of this study was to analyse the reaction of 15 medicinal plant species to the nematode Meloidogyne spp. The seedlings were produced by seed germination or cuttings under greenhouse conditions. A completely random experimental pattern of 15 treatments and 10 replications was chosen for the study. The seedlings were inoculated with approximately 5000 eggs + J(2)/plant 20 days after planting. Plant height and fresh and dry leaf weight, were measured 60 days after planting. The roots were collected, thoroughly washed and stained with Philoxine B and then processed to extract the eggs to determine the reproduction factor. For M. incognita the results showed that Chamomile was susceptible with RF = 1,64 making it a good host, and the other plants were resistant (RF < 1), and for M. javanica that all the plants showed resistance (RF < 1), Myrrh, Rue and Balsam demonstrating immunity (RF = 0).

Determination of Total Sulfur in Agricultural Samples by High-Resolution Continuum Source Flame Molecular Absorption Spectrometry

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

Controlling the Eccentricity of Polar Lunar Orbits with Low-Thrust Propulsion

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Composição fitoquímica dos óleos essenciais de folhas de Lippia alba (Mill.)N.E.Br. em diferentes épocas de colheita e partes do ramo

This work aimed to determine the best harvest time for biomass production, yield and essential oil composition considering the seasonal variation (spring, summer, autumn and winter) on different plant parts (apical, medial and basal). Essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation with a Clevenger apparatus for both fresh and dry mass obtained in field and lab conditions respectively. The extracted essential oils were analyzed by GS/MS (Shimadzu, QP-5000). The chemical components were identified by comparing their mass spectrum to the patterns filed in the MS computer memory (Wiley,139,Lib.), to the literature references, and by co-injection with authentic standards. Applying phyto-chemical tests on fresh and dry mass, the chemical component percentages of essential oils were calculated and identified as follows: citral (neral and geranial), myrcene, caryophylene and elemene.

A radiation hybrid map of bovine X Chromosome (BTAX)

We present a comprehensive radiation hybrid map of the bovine X chromosome (Chr) containing 20 new markers, including both microsatellites and expressed genes. This study was conducted with a 5000-rad whole genome RH cell panel consisting of 90 hybrid cell lines. Retention frequencies of individual markers range from 7.8% for XIST to 31.1% for TGLA325. Statistical analysis with RHMAPPER placed all the loci into five linkage groups under a LOD score criterion of 6.0. These groups could be oriented relative to each other because they included multiple microsatellite loci from the consensus linkage map of the X Chr. Markers included in both this RH map and the bovine cytogenetic map were in a consistent order. The comparative bovine-human map thus generated consists of five blocks of genes, the order of which is conserved, although in the opposite direction when presented as ideograms with p and q arms. Inversions of three blocks account for the difference in gene order across the entirety of the two X Chrs.

Holocene paleoclimatic reconstruction based on the Lagoa Dourada deposits, southern Brazil

The Lagoa Dourada is a circular-shaped pond formed on the Furnas Formation (Devonian of the Paraná Basin), filled by late Pleistocene - Holocene sediments. It lies in the hydrographic basin of the Guabiroba River, a tributary of the Tibagi River situated in the Campos Gerais region of the State of Paraná, southern Brazil. The pond is about 200 m in diameter and the maximum water depth is 5.4 m. Geological, chemical, textural and mineralogical studies on a core sample of the sediments collected from the Lagoa Dourada, 12.2 m thick, was obtained for investigations of paleoenvironmental changes as well as to provide additional data to support previous reconstructions based on palynomorphs and diatoms. Within the period recorded in the core, the pond has been filled by sandy material introduced by springs at the northern edge of the pond as well as by muddy material brought in by floodwaters of the Guabiroba River. Thus, the sandy layers could be interpreted as evidence of drier climates with consequent diminution of fluvial overflow, but with maintenance of the sandy deposits coming from springs. The occurrence of euhedral pyrite in the sediments, locally associated with gypsum, may indicate periods of increase in the organic matter content or an increase in the water salinity, what could be related to greater evaporation under drier paleoclimate regimes. Three cycles defined by an increase in the total carbon content of the sediments of the pond were observed. These cycles seem to correspond to an increase in the isotope ratio 13C/12C (δ13C). Several hypotheses can be suggested to explain the presence of these cycles, including the alternation of wetter or drier climatic phases. The convergence of the sedimentological data obtained during this study with previous microfossil paleoclimatic (pollens and diatoms) indicators and radiocarbon dating suggests that a drier paleoclimatic phase occurred around 8720±150 years B.P. The evidence for a second drier phase in more recent times is less consistent. This subsequent phase could correspond to the drier phase in southern and southeastern Brazil between 5000 and 3000 years B.P. as suggested by other paleoclimatic studies.

Essential oil composition of Aloysia triphylla (L'Herit) Britton leaves cultivated in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil

The family Verbenaceae comprises about 175 genera and 2300 species, distributed in tropics and subtropics, mainly in temperate zone of southern hemisphere. The lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla (L'Herit) Britton) is a perennial, bushy plant originally from South America. The essential oil of this plant is used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfumery industry. Therapeutic properties include febrifuge, sedative, stomachical, diuretic, and antispasmodic activities. The present work aimed to identify the chemical composition of essential oil of Aloysia triphylla leaves. The study was done in Lageado Experimental Farm of the Department of Plant Production-Horticulture, Agronomical Sciences College, São Paulo State University Campus of Botucatu. Leaves of lemon verbena from Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Garden, were collected in the end of winter (September/2001). The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, in Clevenger apparatus. 100 g of leaves were used in each extraction. Four extractions were performed during three hours. The essential oils of the leaves were analyzed in Gas Chromatography Mass spectrometry (CG-MS, Shimadzu, QP-5000), equipped with capillary column DB-5 (30 m × 0,25 mm × 0,25 mm), split 1/35, injector for 220 C°, detector for 230 C°, dragged by gas He (1,0 mL/min), with programmed temperature for 60 C° to 240 C°, 3 C°/min. The identification of the substances was held by comparison of their mass spectra with data of the CG-MS (Nist 62 lib), literature references and retention index of Kovats. The main constituents of essential oils were geranial (29.54 %), neral (27.01 %), limonene (15.93 %), geranyl acetate (4.0 %) and geraniol (3.96 %). This species possesses high quantity of monoterpenes and low quantity of sesquiterpenes.

Composition of coriander essential oil from Brazil

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is an annual and herbaceous plant, belonging to the Apiaceae family. Native of southern Europe and western Mediterranean region, this herb is cultivated world widely. This species, rich in linalool, has potential using as source of essential oil and as a medicinal plant. It has been used as analgesic, carminative, digestive, depurative, anti-rheumatic and antispasmodic agent. Its fruits (commonly called seeds) are used for flavoring candies, in cookery, perfumery, beverage and in tobacco industry. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition of the seed essential oil of this species grown in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in Lageado Experimental Farm, Department of Plant Production, Agronomical Sciences College, São Paulo State University. The fruits were harvest 108 days after sowing. The essential oils were extracted by hydro distillation, in Clevenger apparatus. 50 g of fruits were used in each extraction. Three extractions were performed during three hours. The essential oils were analyzed in Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (CG-MS, Shimadzu, QP-5000), equipped with DB-5 capillary column (30 m × 0,25 mm × 0,25 mm), split 1/20, injector for 240 C°, detector for 230 C°, dragged by gas He (1,7 mL/min), with programmed temperature for 40 C° (5 min)-150 C°, 4 C°/min; 150 C°-280 C°, 8 C°/min. The identification of the compounds was made by comparison of their spectra of masses with data from CG-MS (Nist 62 lib), literature references and retention index of Kovats. The 18 most important components were identified and quantified. The main components of the oil were linalool (77.48 %), γ-terpinene (4.64 %), α-pinene (3.97 %), limonene (1.28 %), geraniol (0.64 %) and 2-decenal (0.16 %).

Aplicação exógena de artemisinina e indução floral em Artemisia annua L.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different artemisinin concentrations in the flowering induction of A. annua. Two genotypes of A. annua (CPQBA 239x1V and 3MxPOP) were atomized with four different artemisinin concentrations (0, 500, 5000, and 10000 mg L-1). The application of artemisinin didn't induce the flowering of both genotypes tested, in none of the used concentrations.