Hematology of free-living marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) from Southeast Brazil

This work reports basic hematologic values of a sample of a population of free-living marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) living by the Parana River in Southeast Brazil. Hematologic values are presented separately for male, female, and young animals as well as for anesthetized and nonanesthetized cervids. Nonanesthetized deer restrained by physical means had significantly higher erythrocyte indices and total leukocyte counts. Comparisons of blood parameters of anesthetized animals of different ages and gender differed slightly, with only two significant differences observed: young animals had significantly higher red blood cell counts than adult males and a lower blood total protein content when compared to adult females. Results indicate that two main reference ranges for blood values should be considered for marsh deer, for blood obtained from anesthetized or physically restrained individuals.

Estádio de Desenvolvimento do Milho. 1. Efeito sobre a Produção, Composição da Planta e Qualidade da Silagem

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of maturity on the production, stalk/leaf/ear relationship, chemical composition, and quality of corn silage (Zen mays, L.). Four harvests were made from the early milk (23.49% DM) to the semi-hard dough stage. (30.70%DM). After these evaluations, the corn was ensiled in 200 liter metal drums. After six months of storage, the quality of the silages was determined. The corn dry matter production was higher at the dough and semi-hard dough stages (9866 and 9896 t/ha, respectively) than in the early milk stage (7460 t/ha). The ears with the maturity showed a increase in dry matter (20.93 to 43.51%), acid detergent fiber decrease (32.46 to 18.62%), and maintainance of the crude protein content (average = 8.27%). The stalks and leaves decreased from 33.31 to 27.18% and from 34.17 to 23.66%, respectively, while the ears increased from 32.52 to 49.16% from the early milk to the semi-hard dough stages. All experimental silages attained good quality, independent of corn development stages. The corn can be ensiled from the early milk and soft dough stages without a decrease in silage quality, but the restricting factor under those conditions was a lower dry matter content (24.35 and 28.65%, respectively).

In vitro biocompatibility of a novel membrane of the composite poly(vinylidene-trifluoroethylene)/barium titanate

This study was aimed at investigating the in vitro biocompatibility of a novel membrane of the composite poly(vinylidene-trifluoroethylene)/barium titanate (P(VDF-TrFE)/BT). Osteoblastic cells were obtained from human alveolar bone fragments and cultured under standard osteogenic condition until subconfluence. First passaged cells were cultured on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE - control) membranes in 24-well plates. Cell adhesion and spreading were evaluated at 30 min, and 4 and 24 h. For proliferation assay, cells were cultured for 1, 7, and 10 days. Cell viability was detected by trypan blue at 7 and 10 days. Total protein content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were measured at 7, 14, and 21 days. Cultures were stained with Alizarin red at 21 days, for detection of mineralized matrix. Data were compared by ANOVA and Student t test. Cell attachment (p = 0.001), cell number (p = 0.001), and ALP activity (p = 0.0001) were greater on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT. Additionally, doubling time was greater on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT (p = 0.03), indicating a decreased proliferation rate. Bone-like nodule formation took place only on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT. The present results showed that both membranes are biocompatible. However, P(VDF-TrFE)/BT presented a better in vitro biocompatibility and allowed bone-like nodule formation. Therefore, P(VDF-TrFE)/BT could be an alternative membrane to be used in guided tissue regeneration. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Physicochemical properties of maize starch obtained from intermittent milling and dynamic steeping (IMDS) under various steeping conditions

Physicochemical properties of maize starch obtained under different steeping conditions by intermittent milling and dynamic steeping process (IMDS) were studied. Brazilian dent maize (hybrid XL 606) was milled using a 2x2x3 factorial experimental design with two lactic acid levels (0.0 and 0.55%, v/v), two SO2 levels (0.05 and 0.1%, w/v), and three temperatures (52, 60, and 68degreesC). Properties of starch obtained by conventional wet-milling process (36 hr at 52degreesC, 0.55% lactic acid, and 0.2% SO2) were used for comparison. Starch protein content and solubility increased with presence of lactic acid, while swelling power decreased. Higher SO2 concentration (0.1%) had the same effect as lactic acid on some properties. Steeping temperatures of 60 and 68degreesC increased solubility and most of the thermal properties but reduced swelling power, suggesting stronger starch annealing during IMDS at these temperatures. Some thermal changes on starch granules were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 60 and 68degreesC. Amylose content as well as pasting properties were affected by steeping factors and interactions. Starches from IMDS and conventional wet-milling processes were similar in most properties, indicating that IMDS provides starch with quality similar to that from conventional milling.

Efeito dos níveis de energia da ração sobre o desempenho e teor de gordura na carcaça de frangos de corte

It was studied the effect of energy levels in the diet, obtained from vegetal oil inclusion, on the performance, diet cost per kilogram of broiler and fat content of the carcass, There were used 4,800 broiler chicks, 2,400 males and 2,400 females, and they were distributed in six treatment (energy levels in kcal ME/kg of diet) in three different phases: start diet from one to 20 days of age: A - 2930, B - 2980, C - 3030, D - 3080, E - 3130, F - 3180, growth diet from 21 to 40 days: A - 2980, B - 3030, C - 3050, D - 3130, E - 3150, F - 3230, finishing diet from 41 to 45 days of age: A - 3030, B - 3080, C - 3130,, D - 3180, E - 3230, F - 3280. The protein content was 22, 20 and 18% in each phase, respectively, There were evaluated the feed intake, energy intake, protein intake, weight gain, feed conversion mortality, diet cost per kg/bw. Sixty broilers were slaughtered, five males and five females per treatment, randomly chosen to determine the carcass composition considering the dry matter content, lipids content and protein content, total fat in carcass and fat per kilogram of broiler. The data were submitted to variance analysis and the means were compared using SNK. The broilers fed with medium and low levels of dietary energy showed the highest weight gain. At energy levels of the treatment D in the three phases, the lowest cost per kilogram of broiler was obtained. The females presented the highest fat content per kilogram of broiler produced.

Response of rat bone marrow cells to commercially pure titanium submitted to different surface treatments

Objectives. Alterations in the commercially pure titanium (cpTi) surface may be undertaken to improve its biological properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the biocompatibility of cpTi submitted to different surface treatments.Methods. The cpTi surfaces were prepared so that machined and blasted surfaces, either acid etched or not, were compared using rat bone marrow cells cultured to differentiated into osteoblast. For attachment evaluation, cells were cultured for 4 and 24 h. Cell morphology was evaluated after 3 days. After 7, 14, and 21 days cell proliferation was evaluated. Total protein content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were evaluated after 14 and 21 days. For bone-like nodule formation, cells were cultured for 21 days. Data were compared by analysis of variance.Results. Cell attachment, cell morphology, cell proliferation, and ALP activity were not affected by surface treatments. Total. protein content was reduced by blasted and acid etched surface. Bone-Like nodule formation was significantly reduced by blasted, acid etched, and a combination of both blasted and acid etched surfaces.Conclusions. Based on these results, it can be suggested that cpTi surfaces that were submitted only to machining treatment favor the final event of osteoblastic differentiation of the rat bone marrow cells, evidenced by increased bone-Like nodule formation. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

In vitro biocompatibility of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)/barium titanate composite using cultures of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts and keratinocytes

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

Agronomic Traits of Corn Fertilized with Sewage Sludge

Although research on the environmental impacts of using waste as a fertilizer is of great importance, the basic principle for using a product as fertilizer is that it should provide nutrients for plants without causing any harm to them. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic traits (number of nodes, plant height, leaf number, yield, and protein content of grains) and the nutritional status of corn treated with sewage sludge. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Jaboticabal in a Red Latosol. A randomized block design with four treatments (0, 55, 110, and 167.5 Mg ha(-1) of sewage sludge) and five repetitions was used. At 30 days after emergence (DAE), the dose of 110 Mg ha(-1) dry weight presented greater values for plant height, leaf number and stem diameter. At 60 DAE, the treatments did not affect the agronomic traits. No influence from the treatments tested was observed for protein content of grains and yield. The dose of 167.5 Mg ha(-1) showed greater weight of 100 seeds. All treatments showed nutritional imbalances. This study confirmed the agricultural potential of sewage sludge as a source of nutrients.

Temporal variation in C, N and P of the periphyton on the tropical aquatic macrophyte echinochloa polystachya (H.B.K.) hitch. In Jurumirim Reservoir (São Paulo, Brazil)

The temporal variations in C, N and P concentrations of the periphyton on the natural substratum (Echinochloa polystachya) and its relationships to the water's climatological (air temperature and precipitation), hydrodynamic (water discharge and water level), physical (temperature, transparency) and chemical variables (conductivity, total suspended solids, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, silica, total phosphorus and orthophosphate) were evaluated in a lagoon at the Paranapanema River mouth into the Jurumirim Reservoir (São Paulo, Brazil) from August 1993 to July 1994. An amplitude variation of 2.0 m in water level was observed. Depending on to the hydrologic conditions, the lagoon presents intermediate conditions of lentic and lotic environments. The amplitude variations in C, N and P were 14.5-52.1% C DW-1, 0.5-3.2% N DW-1, and 0.03-0.4% P DW-1, respectively. The periphyton presented a decreased protein content. The environmental trophic degree appears to be decisive in chemical periphyton composition.

Efeito do alumínio no crescimento de brotações de Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla cultivadas in vitro

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of aluminum on the growth of Eucalyptus shoots cultivated in vitro through nutrient and total soluble protein content. The trial had a totally randomized design with four treatments and four replicates. The treatments were: 0.0; 0.25; 0.5 and 1.0 mM of AlCl 3.6H 2O. Shoots without roots of a Eucalyptus grandis x E urophylla clone were used for the in vitro culture. Evaluations were made on the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, 20th, 24th and 28th day of culture. The Al addition to the culture media reduced mainly Ca, P and K availability and absorptions by the shoots. The cellular metabolism was affected, conducted to morphological alterations in shoots (browning, mass calluses formation and shoots not friable), dry matter increased and a decreased in total protein soluble.

Tracing metabolic routes of feed ingredients in tissues of broiler chickens using stable isotopes

The present study aimed to quantify the proportion of 13C from energy and protein feed ingredients that follow the metabolic routing of the liver and muscle in broiler chickens. A stable isotope of carbon technique was used that is based on the isotopic discrimination that occurs in the plants during the photosynthesis process. One-day-old male chicks were subjected to treatments based on free choice of energy and protein sources. Rice bran (R) and soybean meal (S), C3 plants, have higher isotopic ratios than corn (C), a C4 plant, and corn gluten meal (G). Choices were R+S, C+G, R+G, C+S, or R+C+G+S. A complete feed (CF) was a sixth treatment. Feed intake and BW were measured at 30 d of age, when liver and breast muscle were collected for isotopic analysis. Treatments affected the amount of feed intake and the choices of energy or protein sources. Complete feed had the largest intake, differing from the other treatments that had free-choice feeding. Final BW was a direct reflection of consumption by these birds in all treatments. The isotopic results indicated that the 13C/12C ratio was generally higher in breast muscle than in liver, probably because of higher protein content. Moreover, in the liver, the proportion of 13C retained from the energy ingredient was greater than the proportion from the protein ingredient. That is in contrast to muscle, where the proportion of 13C retained from the protein ingredient was greater than from the energy ingredient that was self-selected.

Enzymatic variability among venoms from different subspecies of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The enzymatic variability was analyzed in venom extracts from bees reared in different colonies of the Africanized, A. m. ligustica and A. m. carnica subspecies. The implications of this variation focused on the biochemistry differentiation and immunogenicity of these venoms. The results showed the existence of a huge variability among the subspecies as well as among the colonies for three out of the six tested components - hyaluronidase, acid phosphatase and proteases - suggesting the utilization of these features as possible biochemical markers. Furthermore, although not statistically significant, it was found that the Africanized bee venom presented slightly higher levels of protein content and esterase activity, when compared to the other subspecies. If the esterase plays a role in the pain intensity caused by the sting, as suggested elsewhere, this might suggest a reason for a bigger algogenicity of this venom in relation to that of European bees. On the other hand, A. m. ligustica bees presented the highest levels of proteolytic and acid phosphatase activities, whose functions are not enlightened in Hymenoptera venoms. The A. m. carnica workers presented the highest hyaluronidase and the lowest acid phosphatase activity levels. The extremely variable results among colonies of the same subspecies and among subspecies, for the tested venom components, justify the absence of correlation between allergic reactions and tests with pooled venom.

Low ethanol consumption induces enhancement of insulin sensitivity in liver of normal rats

Moderate amounts of alcohol intake have been reported to have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system and this may involve enhanced insulin sensitivity. We established an animal model of increased insulin sensitivity by low ethanol consumption and here we investigated metabolic parameters and molecular mechanisms potentially involved in this phenomenon. For that, Wistar rats have received drinking water either without (control) or with 3% ethanol for four weeks. The effect of ethanol intake on insulin sensitivity was analyzed by insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), intravenous insulin tolerance test (IVITT) and lipid profile. The role of liver was investigated by the analysis of insulin signaling pathway, GLUT2 gene expression and tissue glycogen content. Rats consuming 3% ethanol showed lower values of HOMA-IR and plasma free fatty acids (FFA) levels and higher hepatic glycogen content and glucose disappearance constant during the IVITT. Neither the phosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR) and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), nor its association with phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3-kinase), was affected by ethanol. However, ethanol consumption enhanced liver IRS-2 and protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation (3 times, P < 0.05), which can be involved in the 2-fold increased (P < 0.05) hepatic glycogen content. The GLUT2 protein content was unchanged. Our findings point out that liver plays a role in enhanced insulin sensitivity induced by low ethanol consumption. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kappa-casein gene study with molecular markers in female buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Caseins comprise make up about 80% of the total protein content of milk and present polymorphism with change in the amino acid sequence. Within this abundance of proteins, kappa-casein is noteworthy, since it has been associated with differences in milk yield, composition and processing. The objective of this study was to observe the existence of polymorphism in the kappa-casein gene in female buffaloes. For this purpose, blood samples from 115 female buffaloes, collected with vacutainer by needle punctionure of the jugular vein, were used. for genomic DNA extraction was done from blood samples. The PCR-RFLP and SSCP techniques demonstrated that the studied animals were monomorphic for the kappa-casein gene. Only allele B was observed in these animals, which was present in homozygosis. Therefore, it was not possible to quantify the gene action on milk yield and its constituents. The monomorphism observed in the population studied would allow the development of a method to identify mixtures of cow and buffalo milk in mozzarella cheese production, especially because, in cattle, the kappa-casein gene is polymorphic. Copyright by the Brazilian Society of Genetics.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) location in the ventral, lateral, dorsal and anterior lobes of rat prostate by immunohistochemistry

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) play a major role in extracellular matrix component degradation in several normal and abnormal tissue situations; they are also found in human seminal plasma. MMPs have been found in rat prostate secretions and are nearly lobe specific in expression pattern. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether TIMP-2, like other semen components, is expressed differently from different rat prostatic lobes. Immunohistochemical staining was performed in both young and adult rat ventral (VP), lateral (LP), dorsal (DP), and anterior (AP) prostatic lobes and confirmed by western blotting. TIMP-2 expression was found in the epithelial cells in the following sequence: LP > AP > DP > VP, in both young and adult rats. In this study, 100% of adult LP presented histological signs of prostatitis, where TIMP-2 immunostaining was positive in normal epithelium even with intraluminal neutrophils, but was reduced or absent in the epithelium with intraepithelial leukocytes or with periductal stroma disorganization associated with mononuclear cell infiltration. However, TIMP-2 expression in LP was not induced by prostatitis, since younger rat LPs were also strongly TIMP-2 positive. The distal and intermediate VP regions were TIMP-2 negative, but the proximal regions were strongly stained. Western blotting results confirmed the high TIMP-2 expression in the LP lobe. Thus, TIMP-2 is expressed differently between the prostatic lobes and is another nearly lobe-specific protein, which plays a role in the regulation of MMP activity in seminal plasma and glandular homeostasis. TIMP-2 is also another regional ductal variation of VP. Further studies should address whether TIMP-2 expression is related to the highest incidence of rat LP prostatitis and adenocarcinoma. © 2006 International Federation for Cell Biology.