Alterations in the duodenum myenteric neurons of Wistar rats after ingesting of 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

The 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a systemic herbicide whose effects in animal organic systems have been examined in previous studies, being the neurotoxicity considered the predominant effect. However, the studies that detect the 2,4-D neurotoxicity have merely focused in the central nervous system, and therefore, little is known about the effect of this herbicide in the enteric nervous system. This study aimed to verifying the 2,4-D effects on the myenteric neurons in duodenum of Wistar rats. Ten 60-day-old male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided in two groups: control group (C) that did not receive 2,4-D and experimental group (E) that received 5.0 mg of 2,4-D/kg for 15 days. At the end of experimental period, the animal were euthanized, the duodenum was collected and processed for NADPH-diaphorase histochemical analysis in order to expose the nitrergic myenteric neurons (NADPH-dp). In the light microscopy analysis, the whole-mount preparation obtained from duodenum of each animal were image-captured in 120 and 40 fields, for quantitative and morphometric analyses of myenteric neurons, respectively. The neuronal density was not affected when comparing the two groups, but an increase (p > 0.05) of 8.5% was observed in the cell body area of neurons in the E group. In conclusion, the ingestion of 2,4-D at a dosage of 5.0 mg/kg body weight for 15 days does not change the neuronal density, but promotes the hypertrophy of NADPH-dp myenteric neurons in duodenum of the rats of this study.

Consumo e digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes em ovinos alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes quantidades de farelo de linhaça

The aim of this research was to evaluate the intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients in sheep fed with diets containing different amounts of linseed meal. The treatments evaluated were: corn silage exclusive (control); corn silage + concentrate; corn silage + concentrate + 5% of linseed meal; corn silage + concentrate + 10% of linseed meal. The dry matter (DM) intake has increased in diets containing concentrated if compared to diet exclusively with corn silage (P<0.05), however, there was no effect of the inclusion of linseed meal in diets (0; 5 and 10%). As it was expected, the diets containing 5 and 10% of linseed meal resulted in an increase of ether extract (EE) intake. A higher apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in the animals fed with diets containing the concentrate was observed, independently of linseed meal proportion. According to the experimental conditions under which the experiment was developed, itis recommended to provide the diets containing until 5% of linseed meal, because there is no negative effect on dry matter and nutrients intake, as well as on apparent digestibility.

Variabilidade espacial dos atributos físicos em um Argissolo Vermelho sob floresta

This study aim to evaluate the spatial variability of soil physical attributes in of Alfissol forest in Manicoré region, AM. The mapping of an agroforestry growing area of 70×70m was made using a regular grid sampling of 10 × 10m. In each grid, soil samples were collected at 0.0-0.2 and 0,40-0,60 m depth, with a total of 128 sample points. Physical analyses were made (texture, soil bulk and particles density, macro and microporosity, total porosity and aggregates stability in water). With the exception of DMG, DMP and class aggregates <1.00 mm had all the physical attributes spatial dependence structure ranging from moderate to weak. Values were above the range established in the mesh (12.00 to 45.56 m), enabling to make a basis for future studies in forest area. The physical attributes presented in kriging maps different spatial behavior, however there are relationships between these attributes shown by geostatistics proving that this is effective tool for studies in forest area.

Características agronômicas do feijão caupi inoculado em função de lâminas de irrigação e de níveis de nitrogênio

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different irrigation depths and nitrogen levels on the agronomic characteristics of inoculated cowpea. The experiment was arranged in splitplots, with the levels of nitrogen in the plots and the depth of irrigation in the splitplots, in a randomized block design, with two repetitions. The irrigation depth corresponded to 578 mm (L1), 512 mm (L2), 429 mm (L3), 299 mm (L4) and 240 mm (L5), and the nitrogen levels of 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1 of N. The nitrogen levels showed significant effect on the yield components of cowpea. The irrigation depth showed significant effects on productivity of bean cowpea, with the depth of 426.21 mm estimated for obtaining the maximum productivity of 2820.03 kg ha-1.

Anatomical study of the retroarticular process in dry human skulls

Introduction: The retroarticular process is a bony prominence formed by the thickening of the lateral border of the mandibular fossa, forming the posterior wall of the temporomandibular joint. Since little is known and discussed about the retroarticular process, our aim was to study its presence, shape and size, relating these findings to the shape of the skulls according to the horizontal cephalic index. Materials and Methods: We used 400 dry human skulls of the Institute of Science and Technology - UNESP Anatomy Laboratory. Each skull was classified in brachycranics, mesocranics or dolichocranics, and then positioned on a craneostat to measure the height of the retroarticular process from its lower extremity to the auriculo-orbital plane. The width was obtained by measuring the base of the process on its longer lateral axis. Results: The retroarticular process was found bilaterally in 397 skulls (99.25%). All the processes were classified into the following shapes: pyramidal (35.55%), tubercular (31.78%), mammilar (20.73%), crest-like (9.05%) and molar shape (2.89%); 254 skulls (63.50%) showed the same type of process at the right and left sides (Kappa=0.496, moderate agreement). The average height and width were 5.28 mm and 12.81 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The retroarticular process was found in almost all the skulls examined. There are no significant evidences about the relationship among the presence, shape and size of the retroarticular process and the shape of the skulls according to the horizontal cephalic index. However, our findings led us to infer that there would be a functional relationship between the process and the temporomandibular joint.

Morphology and biometric of the vesicular and bulbourethral glands in castrated and non-castrated Santa Ines breed sheep

Introduction: The purpose of this paper is to determine the topography, biometry and light microscopy image of the vesicular and bulbourethral glands in order to analyze morphologic features of the accessory sexual glands in castrated and non-castrated animals. Materials and Methods: The morphology of the accessory sexual glands was investigated in 14 adult Santa Ines breed sheep, weighing 32 kg, on average. Six of them were castrated, and eight, non-castrated. For macroscopic study, the description of these two glands was carried out, as well as dissection and biometry study. Moreover, weight, length, height and width measurements were evaluated. For histological analysis, the vesicular and bulbourethral glands were sampled. Results: The topography of the reproductive glands was similar to bovine species. However, lower macroscopic measurements (p < 0,05) in the glands of the castrated sheep were evidenced when compared with the non-castrated ones. Characteristics such as shape of the glands, composition of the layer mucosa, the lamina propria, muscular, the excretory ducts and the adventitia were determined. Conclusion: Sheep castration promoted changes in the biometric measures of the glands, which were lower in castrated animals. The morphological and biometric characteristics of the vesicular and bulbourethral glands in sheep were determined.

Determination of the force systems produced by different configurations of tear drop orthodontic loops

Objective: To determine the mechanical characteristics of teardrop loop with and without helix fabricated using different metal alloy compositions (stainless steel and beta-titanium), submitted to different intensities of bends preactivation (0° and 40°), and with different cross-sectional dimension of the wire used to build these loops (0.017 x 0.025-in and 0.019 x 0.025-in). Methods: Eighty loops used to close spaces were submitted to mechanical tests. The magnitudes of horizontal force, the moment/force ratio, and the load/deflection ratio produced by the specimens were quantified. Loops were submitted to a total activation of 5.0 mm and the values were registered for each 1.0 mm of activation. For statistic data analysis, a analysis of variance was performed and a Tukey's Multiple Comparison test was used as supplement, considering a 5% level of significance. Results: In general, teardrop loops with helix produced lower magnitudes of horizontal force and load/deflection ratio, and higher moment/force ratio than teardrop loops without helix. Among all analyzed variables, metal alloy composition presented greater influence in the horizontal force and in the load/deflection ratio. The moment/force ratio showed to be more influenced by the preactivation of loops for space closure. © 2013 Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics.

Class II malocclusion treatment using high-pull headgear with a splint: a systematic review

Objective: To systematically review the scientific evidence pertaining to the effectiveness of high-pull headgear in growing Class II subjects. Methods: A literature survey was performed by electronic database search. The survey covered the period from January 1966 to December 2008 and used Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Articles were initially selected based on their titles and abstracts; the full articles were then retrieved. The inclusion criteria included growing subjects between 8 to 15 years of age, Class II malocclusion treatment with high-pull headgear, and a control group with Class II malocclusion. References from selected articles were hand-searched for additional publications. Selected studies were evaluated methodologically. Results: Four articles were selected; none were randomized controlled trials. All of the articles clearly formulated their objectives and used appropriate measures. The studies showed that high-pull headgear treatment improves skeletal and dental relationship, distal displacement of the maxilla, vertical eruption control and upper molars distalization. One of the studies showed a slight clockwise rotation of the palatal plane; the others showed no significant treatment effect. The mandible was not affected by the treatment. Conclusion: While there is still a lack of strong evidence demonstrating the effects of high-pull headgear with a splint, other studies indicate that the AP relations improve due to distalization of the maxilla and upper molars, with little or no treatment effects in the mandible. Greater attention to the design should be given to improve the quality of such trials. © 2013 Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics.

Changes on facial profile in the mixed dentition, from natural growth and induced by Balters' bionator appliance

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the facial profile changes induced by Balters' bionator appliance in Class II division 1 patients, at mixed dentition stage. Methods: The sample consisted of 28 prepubertal individuals at stages 1 and 2 of skeletal maturation (CVM), which were divided in two groups. The experimental group consisted of 14 individuals (7 boys and 7 girls, initial mean age of 8y12m) which were treated with Balters' bionator appliance for 14.7 months. The effects of treatment were compared to a control group of 14 subjects (7 boys and 7 girls, initial mean age of 8y5m) with Class II malocclusion, division 1, not orthodontically treated, which were followed up for 15.4 months. The statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test, at a significance level of 5%. Results: The results showed that the Balters' bionator appliance promoted a significant increase on the mentolabial angle, in addition to demonstrating a tendency to reduce the facial skeletal convexity, to restrict the maxillary growth and to increase the nasolabial angle and the lower anterior facial height. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the Balters' bionator appliance improved the facial profile of children treated at mixed dentition stage. © 2013 Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics.

Rootstocks resistant to Meloidogyne incognita and compatibility of grafting in net melon

Due to the few studies about grafting in net melon, in order to obtain better control of soil pathogens, the aim of the present study was to evaluate 16 genotypes of Cucurbitaceae: Benincasa hispida, Luffa cylindrica, pumpkin 'Jacarezinho', pumpkin 'Menina Brasileira', squash 'Exposição', squash 'Coroa', pumpkin 'Canhão Seca', pumpkin 'Squash', pumpkin 'Enrrugado Verde', pumpkin 'Mini Paulista', pumpkin 'Goianinha', watermelon 'Charleston Gray', melon 'Rendondo Gaucho', melon 'Redondo Amarelo', cucumber 'Caipira HS' and cucumber 'Caipira Rubi', regarding to compatibility of grafting in net melon and resistance to Meloidogyne incognita, based on the reproduction factor (RF), according to Oostenbrink (1966). To assess resistance, the seedlings were transplanted to ceramic pots and inoculated with 300/mL eggs and/or second stage juveniles of M. incognita. At 50 days after transplanting, the plants were removed from the pots and the resistance was evaluated. The compatibility between resistant rootstock and grafts of net melon was determined by performing simple cleft grafting, in a commercial net melon hybrid of great market acceptance and susceptible to M. incognita (Bonus no. 2). The genotypes Luffa cylindrica, pumpkin 'Goianinha', pumpkin 'Mini-Paulista', melon 'Redondo Amarelo', watermelon 'Charleston Gray' are resistant to the nematode M. incognita. The better compatibilities occurred with the rootstocks melon 'Amarelo', which presented 100% of success, followed by pumpkin 'Mini-Paulista' with 94%. On the other hand, Sponge gourd, watermelon 'Charleston Gray' and pumpkin 'Goianinha' showed low graft take percentages of 66%, 62% and 50%, respectively.

Atividade proteolìtica de bactérias psicrotróficas em leites estocados em diferentes temperaturas

The widespread use of cooling technology as a tool for maintaining the microbiological and organoleptic characteristics of milk, Without effective hygienic practices throughout the milk production, caused the psychrotrophic micro-organisms to become major deteriorative bacteria in the dairy industry. The present study aimed to assess how the proteolytic psychrotrophic metabolism responds to different milk storage temperatures, drawing a parallel among psychrotrophic growth, amount of micro-organisms capable of breaking down proteins and amount of GMP (glycomacropeptide) released. Milk samples were collected directly from the cooling tank and subjected to count of psychrotrophs, count of proteolytic micro-organisms and the concentration of GMP at different storage times and temperatures. There was no linearity between the microbiological parameters and the GMP measured, according to the time/temperature binomial. The highest concentration of GMP (5.07 mg/mL) was measured in the binomial 8°C/24h (T8/ M24). The data make clear the need for further studies about questions involving the psychrotrophic microbiota in order to clarify extremely important basic questions about their metabolism.

Produção de matéria seca da braquiária de acordo com os atributos químicos de um Latossolo em Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul

Rustic forages as the signal-grass are predominant in areas of Cerrado in extensive livestock systems that favor soil degradation. However, with time, not even these forages can have a good development in those areas. The objective of this study was to analyze the variability of plant and soil attributes; to define the linear and spatial correlations between signal-grass yield and the chemical attributes of the studied soil, and to evaluate, among the chemical attributes of the soil, which one that best explain the variability in this forage yield. The experiment was conducted in an area that had been under pasture for more than 30 years, belonging to UNESP - Ilha Solteira Campus, located in Selvíria - MS. A geostatistical grid was installed in an oxisol, for soil and plant data collection, with 121 sampling stations, consisted of eleven transections with 160 m width in the direction of the Cartesian axes. The dry mass yield of signal-grass was low, presenting high variation. The attributes MSr, N, PB, MO1, MO2, pHa1, pHa2, pHk1 and pHk2 did not vary at random. They presented data variability from low to high and followed clearly defined spatial patterns, ranging between 17.7-162.9 m. There was significant linear correlation at 1% between MSr and N leaf, and between MSr and PB. The cross semivariograms MSr=f(N) and MSr=f(PB) confirmed that the dry matter can be estimated from data of nitrogen leaf and crude protein content of this forage.

As quatro dimensões da relação homem - meio ambiente

Neste ensaio teórico introdutório, pretendemos trazer algumas contribuições para a temática ambiental, em especial para as discussões a respeito da relação entre o homem e o meio ambiente. Apresentamos a necessidade de se adotar, ao menos, quatro perspectivas ao se discutir as razões pelas quais existem diferentes atitudes e valores do Homo sapiens para com o meio ambiente físico, biológico e social: a perspectiva filogenética, a ontogenética, a sociogenética e a microgenética. Para tanto, nos apoiamos nos trabalhos psicológicos de Vygotsky e nas obras da teoria perceptual de Yi-Fu Tuan. Pautados nessas quatro dimensões, buscamos ainda ampliar nosso entendimento sobre o conceito de meio ambiente, compreendido como uma esfera abstrata construída individualmente no intercâmbio sócio-cultural.

Concepções de educação e educação ambiental nos trabalhos do I EPEA

A necessidade de questionar o “conceito essencial da educação” e de assumiruma postura crítica em face das “concepções usualmente presentes a respeitodos fins da educação” motivou o desenvolvimento desta investigação. Nossaintenção é contribuir para uma reflexão sobre os fundamentos da razão e daspráticas educativas de maneira geral e da educação ambiental em especial.Assim, entendemos como significativo investigar as concepções de educação eeducação ambiental presentes nos trabalhos de pesquisa e nos ensaios críticosapresentados no I Encontro de Pesquisa em Educação Ambiental (julho/2001).As questões que orientaram esta investigação podem ser assim sistematizadas:que concepções de educação e educação ambiental podem ser identificadas nostrabalhos apresentados no I EPEA? Que elementos ou indícios podem serevidenciados nos textos que permitem a identificação de tais concepções?Tanto a coleta de dados como a análise destes foram realizadas a partir dospressupostos da “análise de conteúdo”, privilegiando o desenvolvimento deanálises temáticas. A dimensão política do processo educativo,consubstanciada a partir das perspectivas de transformação social e daconstrução do ideal de cidadania, destaca-se nos textos analisados. Aconcretização de tal perspectiva, segundo os textos, deve considerar nasjustificativas, objetivos, diretrizes e/ou princípios o processo de participação, ainterdisciplinaridade, o desenvolvimento de valores, as relações local-global-local,o potencial de conflitos socioambientais, entre outros. Considerando o risco dapresença de concepções nos textos de pesquisas em educação ambiental que seaproximam de uma perspectiva “tradicional” ou “tecnicista”, associadas, às vezes, a um processo de instrumentalização da educação ambiental, assumindo, assim,uma perspectiva pragmática, entendemos ser necessário a busca da perspectivahumanizadora da educação.