Effect of the chronological age and sexual maturation on the time to exhaustion at maximal aerobic speed

The purposes of this study were: a) to verify the effect of chronological age and sexual maturation on the time to exhaustion at VO(2)max (t(lim)) and; b) to examine the reproducibility of t(lim) in boys aged 10-15 years. Forty boys, divided into 4 groups, in accordance to the chronological age (G10-12 and G13-15) and sexual maturation (P1-P3 and P4-P5 levels for pubic hair), performed the following tests: 1) incremental test for determination of VO(2)max and; 2) all-out exercise bout performed at VO(2)max to determine the t(lim). There was no difference of t(lim) (sec) between G10-12 and G13-15 (181.5 +/- 96.3 vs. 199 105.5). While the two measures of t(lim) were moderately related (r = 0.78), t(lim) from the second test (226.6 +/- 96.1 s) was higher than that of the first (191.3 +/- 79.2 s). We can conclude that the t(lim) is not influenced by chronological age and sexual maturation. Besides, t(lim) presents a lower reproducibility in children and adolescents.

Radiative properties of the skin and haircoat of cattle and other animals

Radiative properties (reflectance rho, transmittance tau, and absorptance alpha) were determined for wavelengths from 300 to 850 nm in the haircoat and the skin of water buffalo, deer (Pantanal deer, Blastocerus dichotomus), and cattle of the Holstein, Simmental, Canchim, Brangus, and Nelore breeds. The results showed that white hairs have higher rho (0.60 to 0.67) than the other coat colors, but the gray coats (mixed white and dark hair) of the Nelore cattle presented higher rho than that of the white coats of the European breeds at wavelengths lower than 600 nm. The light gray colored skin of the Canchim cattle had higher rho (0. 66) than the non-pigmented skin of Holstein (0.53). Red skins presented rho values higher than those of dark gray and black skins. Buffalo skin (dark gray) presented an average rho of 0.23+/-0.02 and alpha of 0.77+/-0.02. The red haircoat of the deer presented rho lower (0.37) than that of cattle of the same color (0.58). However, there was little difference between deer and cattle with respect to reflectance and absorptance of the skin. As for the spectral transmittance of the skin, it was very low and about the same for both species, until 600 nm. In the range 600 to 850 nm, the tau values for cattle rose to 0. 17, while those for deer increased only to 0.12.

Survival of submerged blowfly species and their parasitoids: Implications for postmortem submersion interval

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

2006 GEP-ISFG collaborative exercise on mtDNA: reflections about interpretation, artefacts, and DNA mixtures

We report the results of the seventh edition of the GEP-ISFG mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) collaborative exercise. The samples submitted to the participant laboratories were blood stains from a maternity case and Simulated forensic samples, including a case of mixture. The success rate for the blood stains was moderate (similar to 77%); even though four inexperienced laboratories concentrated about one-third of the total errors. A similar success was obtained for the analysis of mixed samples (78.8% for a hair-saliva mixture and 69.2% for a saliva-saliva Mixture). Two laboratories also dissected the haplotypes contributing to the saliva-saliva mixture. Most of the errors were due to reading problems and misinterpretation of electropherograms, demonstrating once more that the lack of a solid devised experimental approach is the main cause of error in mtDNA testing. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Alelopatia de Leucena sobre soja e plantas invasoras

With the advance of agriculture, there was consequent rising in environment degradation. Therefore, It is interesting the use of plants which have in their chemical composition substances capable of helping in the control of weeds to minimize the use of pesticides. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate solutions of leucena extract on weeds that are frequent on soybean crop. The treatments were leucena extracts at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% at room temperature water and water heated to 80 degrees C. The extracts were obtained by crushing 200g of leucena leaves and mixing them with one liter of distilled water with the help of a blender. Seeds were kept in B.O.D. at a temperature of 25 degrees C, with a photoperiod of 12 hours of light. Evaluations were done oil a daily basis, from the first to the last day of the experiment, varying according to the species. Results show a negative interference of the extracts, both hot and cold, in the root length of Ipomoea grandifolia, in the percentage of germination and in the root length of Arrowleaf sida and Hair beggarticks. There was no negative interference in the analyzed parameters for soybean seeds. Thus, the results indicate allelopatic potential of Leucaena leuucocephala as an alternative for the management of weeds without interfering on the development of the soybean crop.

Influence of hot environments on some blood variables of sheep

Thirty-two Polwarth sheep of ages up to 1 year were observed under temperatures varying from 10.5 to 46.5°C. The following blood cell counts were made: erythrocyte (RBC), leucocyte (WBC), eosinophil (EOS), neutrophil (NEU), lymphocyte (LYM) and monocyte (MON). Other traits measured were: haemoglobin (HB), haematocrit (HT), blood glucose (GLU) and serum protein (PROT). Multivariate analysis of variance was used and the results showed a significant (P<0.001) effect for the interaction of shearing and temperature treatment. Under temperatures >25°C, sheep presented a decrease of RBC, WBC, HB and HT, these differences being greater in the shorn than in the unshorn animals. Unshorn animals presented higher variations in EOS, NEU, LYM, MON and GLU. Blood glucose increased under high temperatures in the shorn animals (from 56.36±0.65 mg/100 ml to 60.52±0.69 mg/100 ml) as in the unshorn animals (from 54.72±0.74 mg/100 ml to 57.56±0.77 mg/100 ml). © 1992 International Society of Biometeorology.

Fragmentos capilares provocando paroniquia e onicolise em barbeiros/cabeleireiros: Uma dermatose ocupacional

By means of observation of hair fragments provoking paronychia and onycholysis in a barber, the authors performed a epidemiological investigation in others barbers/hair-dressers of Botucatu (SP), that showed a high frequency of die dermatosis.

Caracterização histológica de folhas de Mentha pulegium x spicata (Lamiaceae)

The glandular hairs of Mentha pulegium x spicata (Lamiaceae) were studied by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, Three morphologically distinct types of trichomes are described: two of them are glandulars (peltate and capitate) and one is non-glandular hair (tector). Capitate trichome is of Type I, and consists of a foot cell, a stalk and a unicellular head with elongated format and two lateral depressions, showing the thinnest cuticle. The peltate trichome consists of a foot cell, a stalk cell and a radial cluster of secretory cells, cover by cuticle. The tector trichomes can be simple and forked -format, both multicellular, in which there are ornamentations on cell cuticle. The leaf cross sections, analysed in light microscopy, showed mesophyll organized for unistratification palisade parenchyma and lacurary parenchyma with four to five cell stratum. It was observed the presence of cristal mass agglomerate in mesophyll cells and in epidermical cells.

Flow injection amperometric determination of persulfate in cosmetic products using a Prussian Blue film-modified electrode

A flow-injection system with a glassy carbon disk electrode modified with Prussian Blue film is proposed for the determination of persulfate in commercial samples of hair bleaching boosters by amperometry. The detection was obtained by chronoamperometric technique and the sample is injected into the electrochemical cell in a wall jet configuration. Potassium chloride at concentration of 0.1 mol L-1 acted as sample carrier at a flow rate of 4.0 mL min-1 and supporting-electrolyte. For 0.025 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) applied voltage, the proposed system handles ca. 160 samples per hour (1.0 10-4 - 1.0 10-3 mol L-1 of persulfate), consuming about 200 μL sample and 11 mg KCl per determination. Typical linear correlations between electrocatalytic current and persulfate concentration was ca. 0.9998. The detection limit is 9.0 10-5 mol L-1 and the calculated amperometric sensibility 3.6 103 μA L mol -1. Relative standard deviation (n =12) of a 1.0 10-4 mol L-1 sample is about 2.2%. The method was applied to persulfate determination in commercial hair-bleaching samples and results are in agreement with those obtained by titrimetry at 95% confidence level and good recoveries (95 - 112%) of spiked samples were found. © 2003 by MDPI.

Caracterização anatômica da folha de Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (Poaceae) e perfil químico do óleo essencial

The objective of the work was to accomplish an anatomical and ultrastructural study of mature leaf of Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) and analyze the essential oil through Gas Chromatography (GC). For the anatomical study, the material was fixed in FAA, followed bytheethyl dehydration and infiltration of the material in synthetic resin. For the ultrastructural study, the material was fixed and Kamovsky, dehydrated in acetone, dried to the critical point and metallized. For the analysis in GC, the essential oil it was obtained by steam distillation of leaves and analyzed by Gas Chromatography. Through the anatomical study it was observed that the faces of mesophyll are distinctly, the bulliform cells occupy the adaxial surface of the leaf and in the medium region are situated the biggest vascular bundles involved by sclerenchymatous hem with extensions reaching both epidermis. Between the biggest vascular bundles are observed three to five small vascular bundles, linkage only in the abaxial epidermis. Shortly, pointed and unicellular structures, called prickle-hair, had been observed inserted above the veins and micro-hair, that they consist of a long basal cell and an oval distal cell, that are located between the regions of vascular bundles. The chromatogram sample shows that the analyzed essential oil presented three majority components, responsible for 87% of the relative composition of the oil. These components are monoterpenos, justifying the strong smell of the essential oil.

Demodicose bovina no estado da Paraíba

Cases of bovine demodicosis caused by Demodex bovis were reported in a Sindhi herd from December 1989 to January 1992. Both localized and generalized forms were diagnosed. This is the first report of the generalized form in Brazil. In the first two years, demodicosis was diagnosed only in cattle < 2 years old, whereas animals of all ages were positive in the last two years. Prevalence varied from 20.4% (11/54) to 53.1% (26/49) and 13.2% (12/91) to 14.8% (9/61) for cattle < 2 years old and > 2 years old, respectively. Clinical signs varied from a few small nodules to a thickened skin with soft large nodules in the localized and generalized forms, respectively. Main microscopic features of the nodules in the generalized form consisted of acanthosis with hyperqueratosis, chronic sebaceous adenitis, subcutaneous muscular necrosis, focal cellular degeneration of the epidermis basal layer and presence of large number of mites inside the lumen of dilated hair follicles. In addition, a chronic perifoliculitis was observed, characterized by lymphoplasmocytic infiltrate which also contained macrophages and neutrophils. It is suggested that poor nutrition and stress due to prolonged drought probably contributed to the increase of susceptibility of the herd to mite infestation.

Neonatal rat exposure to pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides: A physiological and biochemical trial of progeny

A manufactured product (Ectoplus®) composed by a cypermethrin (44.7%) and dichlorvos (4.2%) mixture was administered (10mg/kg/day, orally, by gavage) to pregnant rats, during the periods of gestation+lactation, gestation, and lactation. Control mothers received vehicle aqueous solution during the gestation+lactation period. With the progeny, in the 1-15 post-natal days (PNDI-15) there were observed alterations in the periods of occurrence of teeth, hair, unfolding of ears, and in the developmental period for following reflexes: postural, palmar grasp, negative geotaxis, and acoustic startle reflex. After weaning (PND21), there were observed the presence of cypermethrin and dichlorvos in the blood brain and liver; decrease in weight of liver, of cholinesterase activity in the plasma, liver, and brain, and hepatic metabolizing activity of drugs; alterations of levels of gamma glutamyl transferase enzymes, of creatinine, and of potassium in the serum of the animals. In conclusion, neonatal exposure to a formulated mixture of cypermethrin and dichlorvos is inductive to alterations in characteristics that indicate somatic and neuromuscular development of the progeny, and in certain biochemical parameters. The results suggest that enzymatic assessment associated with somatic and neuromotor assessment can be important markers of developmental characteristics in neonatal toxicity by pesticide formulations based on mixtures of insecticides.

Contribuição ao estudo farmacognóstico da mutamba (Guazuma ulmifolia - Sterculiaceae)

Guazuma ulmifolia Lam., Sterculiaceae, popularly known as mutamba, has a wide geographical distribution, ranging from Mexico to Southern Brazil. The interest in its chemical properties is due to its popular use for hair loss treatment. This activity can be attributed to tannins that have many pharmacological activities such anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-microbial, anti-viral, capillary protective action and radical scavenging properties. In the microscopic analysis of barks and leaves, large secretor ducts could be detected among the parenchyma cells, as well as star shaped trichoms on the epidermis. One of the aims of the anatomical study was to detect tissues with polyphenolic compounds. The results indicated two tissues rich in these compounds: the phloematic region and the periderm. Chemical analyses were carried out on the bark and showed the presence of the following chemical groups: flavonoids, tannins, saponins and mucilages.

Critical speed and endurance capacity in young swimmers: Effects of gender and age

This study analyzed the relationship between critical speed (CS) and maximal speed for 30 min (S30) in swimmers of ages 10-15 years. Fifty-one swimmers were divided by chronological age (10-12 years = G10-12, 13-15 years = G13-15), sexual maturation (pubic hair stages; P1-P3 and P4-P5), and gender (M = boys, F = girls). The CS was determined through the slope of the linear regression between the distances (100, 200, and 400 m) and participants' respective times. CS and S30 were similar in the younger (G10-12M = 0.97 vs. 0.97 m/s, and G10-12F = 1.01 vs. 0.97 m/s, respectively), and older swimmers (G13-15M = 1.10 vs. 1.07 m/s and G13-15F = 0.93 vs. 0.91 m/s, respectively). In conclusion, the CS can be used in young swimmers for the evaluation of aerobic capacity, independent of gender and age. © 2005 Human Kinetics, Inc.

Interdisciplinary approach to treat dyskeratosis congenita associated with severe aplastic anemia: A case report

This paper reports on a 4-year-old male who had dyskeratosis congenita and who acquired severe aplastic anemia. The patient developed hyperpigmentation of the face, neck and chest region, arms, shoulders and legs. In addition, he had dry skin, deformed fingernails and toenails, sparse hair and eyebrows and hyperkeratosis of the dorsum of the hands and feet. Laboratory and histological analysis revealed severe pancytopenia and dyserythropoiesis of red blood cells, hypocellularity of white blood cells and decreased megakaryocytes with dysplasia. The intraoral examination identified bleeding gums; petechiae of the palate, tongue and cheek mucosa; and an atrophic, smooth and shining dorsal surface of the tongue. There were deep carious lesions in the deciduous mandibular molars and maxillary anterior teeth; as well as mobility of mandibular left canine, which had bone loss. The treatment for oral lesions included diet changes, improved oral hygiene, and extraction of the deciduous teeth destroyed by caries.