Genetic parameters and relationships of heifer pregnancy and age at first calving with weight gain, yearling and mature weight in Nelore cattle

The objectives of the current study were to investigate the additive genetic associations between heifer pregnancy at 16 months of age (HP16) and age at first calving (AFC) with weight gain from birth to weaning (WG), yearling weight (YW) and mature weight (MW), in order to verify the possibility of using the traits measured directly in females as selection criteria for the genetic improvement of sexual precocity in Nelore cattle. (Co)variance components were estimated by Bayesian inference using a linear animal model for AFC, WG, YW and MW and a nonlinear (threshold) animal model for HP16. The posterior means of direct heritability estimates were: 0.45 +/- 0.02; 0.10 +/- 0.01; 023 +/- 0.02; 0.36 +/- 0.01 and 0.39 +/- 0.04, for HP16, AFC, WG, YW and MW, respectively. Maternal heritability estimate for WG was 0.07 +/- 0.01. Genetic correlations estimated between HP16 and WG, YW and MW were 0.19 +/- 0.04; 0.25 +/- 0.06 and 0.14 +/- 0.05, respectively. The genetic correlations of AFC with WG, YW and MW were low to moderate and negative, with values of -0.18 +/- 0.06; -0.22 +/- 0.05 and -0.12 +/- 0.05, respectively. The high heritability estimated for HP16 suggests that this trait seem to be a better selection criterion for females sexual precocity than AFC. Long-term selection for animals that are heavier at young ages tends to improve the heifers sexual precocity evaluated by HP16 or AFC. Predicted breeding values for HP16 can be used to select bulls and it can lead to an improvement in sexual precocity. The inclusion of HP16 in a selection index will result in small or no response for females mature weight. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Genetic correlations between heifer subsequent rebreeding and age at first calving and growth traits in Nellore cattle by Bayesian inference

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

Períodos de interferência de uma comunidade de plantas daninhas na cultura da batata

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar diferentes períodos de controle e de convivência de uma comunidade de plantas daninhas na cultura da batata 'Atlantic'. O experimento foi realizado no município de Botucatu-SP, e o delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de seis períodos de controle, nos quais a cultura foi mantida livre da comunidade de plantas daninhas e após cada período, as plantas daninhas foram deixadas crescer livremente; e de seis períodos de convivência, nos quais a cultura foi mantida na presença da comunidade de plantas daninhas e após cada período, as plantas daninhas foram eliminadas até a colheita. Os períodos foram de 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias após o plantio dos tubérculos, além de uma testemunha mantida sempre livre de plantas daninhas e outra mantida sempre na presença dessas plantas. Foram identificadas 9 famílias e 15 espécies de plantas daninhas, com destaque para Bidens pilosa, Galinsoga parviflora,Brachiaria plantaginea,Commelina benghalensis e Digitaria horizontalis. Os resultados de produção de tubérculos ajustaram-se ao modelo de regressão não-linear: y = 8,907+(17,722/[1+(x/16,865)-8,412]), (R² = 0,963*) - equação para os períodos de controle e y = 5,728+(24,789/[1+(x/39,292)2,247 ]), (R² = 0,947*) - equação para os períodos de convivência. Assim, considerando perda de 5% na produtividade como aceitável, foram determinados o período anterior à interferência (PAI), que foi de 20 dias; o período total de prevenção à interferência (PTPI), de 21 dias; e o período crítico de prevenção da interferência (PCPI), de apenas de um dia, dos 20 aos 21 dias após o plantio dos tubérculos.

Microbiological assay for ceftazidime injection

A simple, sensitive, and specific biodiffusion assay for the! antibacterial ceftazidime was developed using a strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228) as the test organism. Ceftazidime was measured in powder for injection at concentrations ranging from 100 to 400 mu g/mL. The calibration graph for ceftazidime was linear (r(2) = 1), and the method validation showed that it was precise (relative standard deviation = 0.415) and accurate. The results obtained by biodiffusion assay were statistically calculated by linear parallel model and by means of regression analysis and were verified using analysis of variance. It was concluded that the microbiological assay is satisfactory for in vitro quantification of the antibacterial activity of ceftazidime in pharmaceuticals.

Comparison of a sidestream capnograph and a mainstream capnograph in mechanically ventilated dogs

Objective-To compare the ability of a sidestream capnograph and a mainstream capnograph to measure end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) and provide accurate estimates of Paco(2) in mechanically ventilated dogs.Design-Randomized, double Latin square.Animals-6 healthy adult dogs.Procedure-Anesthesia was induced and neuromuscular blockade achieved by IV administration of pancuronium bromide. Mechanical ventilation was used to induce conditions of standard ventilation, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation. While tidal volume was held constant, changes in minute volume ventilation and Paco(2) were made by changing the respiratory rate. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed and ETCO2 measurements were obtained by use of either a mainstream or a sidestream capnographic analyzer.Results-A linear regression model and bias analysis were used to compare Paco(2) and ETCO2 measurements; ETCO2 measurements obtained by both capnographs correlated well with Paco(2). Compared with Paco(2), mainstream ETCO2 values differed by 3.15 +/- 4.89 mm Hg (mean bias +/- SD), whereas the bias observed with the sidestream ETCO2 system was significantly higher (5.65 +/- 5.57 mm Hg). Regardless of the device used to measure ETCO2, bias increased as Paco(2) exceeded 60 mm Hg.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Although the mainstream capnograph was slightly more accurate, both methods of ETCO2 measurement correlated well with Paco(2) and reflected changes in the ventilatory status. However, ETCO2 values > 45 mm Hg may inaccurately reflect the severity of hypoventilation as Paco(2) may be underestimated during conditions of hypercapnia (Paco(2) > 60 mm Hg).

Effect of haematocrit on pump and kidney dysfunction after myocardial revascularization

Objective - Kidney dysfunction is a common complication after cardiac surgery. It occurs in 7 to 31% of the patients. The lowest haematocrit after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery (LHCT) has been identified as a risk factor for kidney dysfunction after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to determine whether different levels of haematocrit during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery are related to kidney dysfunction.Methods and results-A prospective study was conducted on consecutive adult patients undergoing myocardial revascularization. Preoperative renal function was assessed by baseline serum creatinine level (CrPre). Peak postoperative creatinine (CrPost) was defined as the highest daily in-hospital postoperative value. Peak fractional change in creatinine (% Delta Cr) was defined as the difference between the CrPre and CrePost represented as a percentage of the preoperative value. The LHTC was defined as the lowest recorded haematocrit prior to weaning from the initial pump run. A category variable was created for haematocrit based on the distribution of values. The category variable had the following cut-off points: less than 23%, 23.1 to 28% and greater than 28.1 %. Lowest haematocrit (26.62 +/- 4.15%), CPB (74.71 +/- 24.90 min), CrPre (1.23 +/- 0.37 mg/dl) and highest CrPost (1.52 +/- 0.47 mg/dl) data varied in near-normal fashion. Statistical significance has been observed in the < 23% lowest haematocrit group (CrIPOD and Cr5POD; P = 0.006) and the 23.1 28% lowest haematocrit level group (CrPre and Cr2POD; P = 0.047). CrPre and Cr5POD did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). The multiple linear regression model confirmed that the determinants for higher %Delta Cr were age, body surface area and preoperative serum creatinine level.Conclusion - The LHTC was not identified as a risk factor for kidney dysfunction after myocardial revascularization.

Fator de correção para indivíduos com capacidade acomodativa baseado no uso do refrator automático

OBJETIVO: Pesquisar um fator de correção para avaliação do erro refrativo sem a utilização da cicloplegia. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 623 pacientes (1.246 olhos), de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 3 e 40 anos. As refratometrias estática e dinâmica foram obtidas usando-se o refrator automático Shin-Nippon Accuref-K 9001. A cicloplegia foi obtida com a instilação de uma gota de colírio ciclopentolato a 1%, com refratometria estática 30 minutos após. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística usando a técnica do modelo de regressão linear e modelo de regressão múltipla do valor dióptrico com e sem cicloplegia, em função da idade. RESULTADOS: A correlação entre valores dióptricos sem e com cicloplegia quanto ao erro astigmático variou de 81,52% a 92,27%. Quanto ao valor dióptrico esférico, a correlação foi menor (53,57% a 87,78%). O mesmo se observou em relação ao eixo do astigmatismo (28,86% a 58,80%). O modelo de regressão múltipla em função da idade mostrou coeficiente de determinação múltiplo maior para a miopia (86,38%) e astigmatismo (79,79%). O menor coeficiente foi observado para o eixo do astigmatismo (17,70%). CONCLUSÃO: Avaliando-se os erros refrativos com e sem cicloplegia, observou-se alta correlação nas ametropias cilíndricas. Foram desenvolvidas equações matemáticas como fator de correção para refratometrias dos pacientes sem cicloplegia, portadores de ametropias cilíndricas e esféricas.

Parâmetros e tendência genética da produção de leite de cabra no Brasil

A caprinocultura leiteira no Brasil, apesar de ser uma atividade rural consolidada há algumas décadas, tem se mostrado totalmente dependente de outros países no que se refere ao melhoramento genético. A maioria dos plantéis existentes atualmente tem como base animais importados, e a renovação do material genético é feita por meio da importação de sêmen. Inexistem informações sobre o valor genético dos animais e sua evolução no decorrer dos anos. No presente trabalho, foram estimadas a herdabilidade e a repetibilidade da produção de leite utilizando o REML. Os valores obtidos foram 0,21557 e 0,21564, respectivamente. Para a predição do valor gênico dos animais, foi usado o procedimento BLUP com modelo animal. A mudança na tendência genética anual estimada por um modelo quadrático foi -0,8109 kg/ano², indicando desaceleração no ganho genético. A correlação de Pearson entre os valores gênicos dos bodes estimados com base na média da capacidade provável de produção das filhas obtida pelo método de mínimos quadrados com as estimadas pelas equações do modelo misto foi de 0,5751. A correlação de SPEARMAN entre as classificações dos bodes obtidos pelos dois métodos foi de 0,5813.

Susceptibility of Clinical Isolates of Candida to Photodynamic Effects of Curcumin

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

Nutritional assessment of hospitalized HIV-infected patients by the phase angle z-score measurement

Background: This study analyzed the phase-angle (PA) values of hospitalized HVI-infected patients by comparing them with those reported for a healthy population and investigated their relation with nutritional parameters.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 101 hospitalized patients diagnosed with HIV infection and evaluated by bioimpedance, anthropometry and biochemical tests. The phase angle values, weight loss percentage (%WL), body mass index (BMI), arm muscle circumference (AMC), tricipital skinfold (TSF), body fat percentage (%BF) and albumin were considered. In order to compare with values for the healthy population, the PA z-score of the patients under study was calculated. Spearman's correlation and the multiple linear regression model were used to identify nutritional parameters associated with the PA z-score.Results: The patients showed a mean PA z-score of -2.6 +/- 1.5, and only 6.6% of them with a positive value. The PA z-score values correlated with %WL (r = -0.51; p < 0.0001), albumin (r = 0.49; p < 0.0001), BMI (r = 0.58; p < 0.0001), AMC (r = 0.41; p < 0.0001), TSF (r = 0.47; p < 0.001) and %BF (r = 0.48, p < 0.0001). In multiple analysis %WL (p = 0.008), albumin (p = 0.01), AMC (p < 0.0001) and %BF (p = 0.0003) remained associated with the score.Conclusions: Low PA z-score values were observed, suggesting a worse clinical prognosis for the patients. The inclusion of the PA z-score as a nutritional indicator during care provision to HIV-infected patients is recommended. (Nutr Hosp. 2012;27:771-774) DOI:10.3305/nh.2012.27.3.5684

Fuzzy subset approach in coupled population dynamics of blowflies

This paper is a study on the population dynamics of blowflies employing a density-dependent. non-linear mathematical model and a coupled population formalism. In this Study, we investigated the coupled population dynamics applying fuzzy subsets to model the Population trajectory. analyzing demographic parameters such as fecundity, Survival, and migration. The main results suggest different possibilities in terms of dynamic behavior produced by migration in coupled Populations between distinct environments and the rescue effect generated by the connection between populations. It was possible to conclude that environmental heterogeneity can play an important role in blowfly metapopulation systems. The implications of these results for population dynamics of blowflies are discussed.

Utilização do intercepto-y na avaliação da aptidão anaeróbia e predição da performance de nadadores treinados

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

An experimental assessment of landscape configuration effects on frog and toad abundance and diversity in tropical agro-savannah landscapes of southeastern Brazil

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

Towards a worldsheet derivation of the Maldacena conjecture

A U(2,2 vertical bar 4)-invariant A-model constructed from fermionic superfields has recently been proposed as a sigma model for the superstring on AdS(5) X S(5). After explaining the relation of this A-model with the pure spinor formalism, the A-model action is expressed as a gauged linear sigma model. In the zero radius limit, the Coulomb branch of this sigma model is interpreted as D-brane holes which are related to gauge-invariant N = 4 d=4 super-Yang-Mills operators. As in the worldsheet derivation of open-closed duality for Chem-Simons theory, this construction may lead to a worldsheet derivation of the Maldacena conjecture. Intriguing connections to the twistorial formulation of N = 4 Yang-Mills are also noted. (Republished with permission of JHEP from JHEP 0803:031, 2008.)

Dissipative hydrodynamics coupled to chiral fields

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)