Tempo de migração dos macrófagos em matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus, por meio da técnica de inoculação de leveduras Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Na aquicultura são utilizados análises da ativação e incremento da migração de macrófagos, com intuito de verificar a capacidade imunológica inespecífica dos peixes frente a um desafio. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o tempo de migração de monócitos/macrófagos para a cavidade peritoneal em matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus, por meio da técnica de inoculação de leveduras Saccharomyces cerevisiae, e verificar as possíveis alterações dos parâmetros hematológicos após o estímulo. Foram utilizados 30 matrinxãs com peso médio de 101,55 ± 24,50 g e comprimento médio de 19,75 ± 1,72 cm. Os tempos de inoculação utilizados foram 2, 4, 8 e 12 horas, sendo utilizados 6 animais por tempo. Após os períodos de incubação (2, 4, 8 e 12 horas), os exemplares foram anestesiados e alíquotas de sangue foram coletadas por punção do vaso caudal, para a análise: número total de células, contagem diferencial e total dos leucócitos e contagem total de trombócitos, hematócrito, taxa de hemoglobina e índices hematimétricos (VCM, HCM e CHCM). Os resultados mostram que a capacidade fagocítica do macrófago não apresentou diferenças significativas entre os tempos experimentais. Com relação ao índice fagocítico, o tempo de 2 horas representa o tempo em que os macrófagos fagocitaram maior número de leveduras com diferenças significativas em relação aos outros tempos experimentais, indicando que este tempo (2 horas) de incubação foi suficiente para a migração e ativação máxima dos macrófagos da cavidade peritoneal, da espécie estudada. Os valores do número de eritrócitos apresentaram diferenças entre os tempos de incubação. Entretanto, os valores dos outros parâmetros hematológicos não apresentaram diferenças significativas.

Influência de diferentes níveis de vitamina C na ração sobre parâmetros hematológicos de alevinos de Piaractus mesopotamicus Holmberg (Osteichthyes, Characidae)

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

Ensaio imunoenzimático indireto (ELISA) para detecção de anticorpos anti-Rhodococcus equi em potros

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

The kinetics of donor cell mtDNA in embryonic and somatic donor cell-derived bovine embryos

The mechanisms controlling the outcome of donor cell-derived mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in cloned animals remain largely unknown. This research was designed to investigate the kinetics of somatic and embryonic mtDNA in reconstructed bovine embryos during preimplantation development, as well as in cloned animals. The experiment involved two different procedures of embryo reconstruction and their evaluation at five distinct phases of embryo development to measure the proportion of donor cell mtDNA (Bos indicus), as well as the segregation of this mtDNA during cleavage. The ratio of donor cell (B. indicus) to host oocyte (B. taurus) mtDNA (heteroplasmy) from blastomere- (NT-B) and fibroblast- (NT-F) reconstructed embryos was estimated using an allele-specific PCR with fluorochrome-stained specific primers in each sampled blastomere, in whole blastocysts, and in the tissues of a fibroblast-derived newborn clone. NT-B zygotes and blastocysts show similar levels of heteroplasmy (11.0% and 14.0%, respectively), despite a significant decrease at the 9-16 cell stage (5.8%; p < 0.05). Heteroplasmy levels in NT-F reconstructed zygotes, however, increased from an initial low level (4.7%), to 12.9% (p < 0.05) at the 9-16 cell stage. The NT-F blastocysts contained low levels of heteroplasmy (2.2%) and no somatic-derived mtDNA was detected in the gametes or the tissues of the newborn calf cloned. These results suggest that, in contrast to the mtDNA of blastomeres, that of somatic cells either undergoes replication or escapes degradation during cleavage, although it is degraded later after the blastocyst stage or lost during somatic development, as revealed by the lack of donor cell mtDNA at birth.

Adaptabilidade e estabilidade em feijão-vagem de crescimento indeterminado

Estudaram-se a adaptabilidade e estabilidade de 15 genótipos de feijão-vagem de crescimento indeterminado em relação a oito ambientes. Houve diferenças significativas entre genótipos em apenas três ambientes. As linhagens Hav 13, Hav 14, Hav 53 e Hav 56 igualaram-se aos genótipos mais produtivos em todos ambientes. As linhagens Hav 13, Hav 21, Hav 25, Hav 38, Hav 40, Hav 56, Hav 65 e a cultivar Favorito Ag 480 foram estáveis e as demais imprevisíveis, de acordo com a metodologia de Eberhart & Russell. Os genótipos apresentaram ampla adaptabilidade, exceto Hav 67 adaptável a ambientes desfavoráveis. A linhagem Hav 13, de vagens cilíndricas e sementes brancas, foi a alternativa mais vantajosa à cultivar Favorito Ag 480, utilizada como testemunha.

Decomposição e liberação de nitrogênio de resíduos culturais de plantas de cobertura em um solo de cerrado

A produção de massa seca, a taxa de decomposição e a liberação de nitrogênio (N) foram avaliadas em um experimento com sete tipos de cobertura vegetal: milheto pérola (Pennisetum americanum sin. tiphoydes), braquiária (Brachiaria brizantha), sorgo forrageiro (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), guandu (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp), crotalária juncea (Crotalarea juncea) e aveia-preta (Avena strigosa Schreb), em pousio e em área de cultivo convencional (testemunha), em solo de cerrado, em Uberaba, região do Triângulo Mineiro. Dentre as coberturas avaliadas, o milheto e a crotalária foram as que apresentaram a maior produção de massa seca, maior acúmulo e a maior liberação de N. A braquiária foi a cobertura que apresentou a maior taxa de decomposição. Todas as coberturas apresentaram a maior taxa de liberação de N até 42 dias após dessecação.

Extração e exportação de nutrientes em cultivares de batata: II - micronutrientes

Cultivares de batata mais produtivas possivelmente exigem maior quantidade de micronutrientes, porém no Brasil há carência de informações sobre extração e exportação de micronutrientes pelas principais cultivares de batata utilizadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produtividade de tubérculos, a extração e a exportação de micronutrientes nas cultivares de batata Ágata, Asterix, Atlantic, Markies e Mondial. O experimento foi conduzido durante a safra de inverno, em um Latossolo Vermelho, no município de Itaí (SP). As parcelas foram constituídas pelas cinco cultivares, e as subparcelas, por épocas de coletas, realizadas no momento do plantio e a cada sete dias após a emergência. As cultivares Mondial e Asterix, mais produtivas, apresentaram maior extração de micronutrientes, com quantidades médias por hectare de 71 g de B, 122 g de Cu, 2.228 g de Fe, 618 g de Mn e 405 g de Zn. As menores quantidades extraídas foram observadas na cultivar Atlantic, com valores de 50, 81, 1.960, 544 e 270 g ha-1 de B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn, respectivamente. A fase de maior demanda por B ocorre logo após o início da formação de tubérculos, aos 34 DAP, enquanto a maior demanda por Fe e Mn inicia-se a partir dos 42 DAP e vai até 63 DAP. O Cu e o Zn são absorvidos em maiores proporções a partir dos 64 DAP até o final do ciclo. A quantidade de B, Cu, Mn e Zn exportada foi dependente da cultivar, com valores por hectare variando de 48 a 22 g de B, 79 a 16 g de Cu, 65 a 37 g de Mn e 167 a 83 g de Zn. A quantidade de Fe exportada não variou entre as cultivares, sendo, em média, de 243 g ha-1. A quantidade de micronutrientes extraída e exportada pela batateira variou com as cultivares utilizadas, indicando necessidade de manejo diferencial da adubação.

Avaliação técnica e econômica da colheita de florestas de eucalipto com harvester

The acquisition of machinery used in timber harvesting depends on high financial investment, which implies the need for assessments that allow defining more precisely, what is the machine or the whole more recommended for streamlining the operation. This study aimed to technically and economically evaluating the performance of a harvester in Eucalyptus forest harvest first cut. The technique analysis included a time and movements, productivity, efficiency operational and mechanical availability. The economic analysis included the parameters operational cost, harvesting cost and energy consumption. The results obtained from the technological-economic parameters evidenced that of Diameter at Breast Height directly influenced the productivity of harvester. Consequently the lower costs of forest harvest were obtained for the compartments with wider diameter trees.

Coenzyme Q(10) and its effects in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

According to clinical and pre-clinical studies, oxidative stress and its consequences may be the cause or, at least, a contributing factor, to a large number of neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases include common and debilitating disorders, characterized by progressive and irreversible loss of neurons in specific regions of the brain. The most common neurodegenerative diseases are Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) has been extensively studied since its discovery in 1957. It is a component of the electron transportation chain and participates in aerobic cellular respiration, generating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The property of CoQ(10) to act as an antioxidant or a pro-oxidant, suggests that it also plays an important role in the modulation of redox cellular status under physiological and pathological conditions, also performing a role in the ageing process. In several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, CoQ(10) has shown beneficial effects in reducing disease progression. However, further studies are needed to assess the outcome and effectiveness of CoQ(10) before exposing patients to unnecessary health risks at significant costs.

Contato corporal entre adolescentes através da dança de salão na escola

The objective of this study was to identify the reaction and perception of adolescents in relation to body contact as well as emotional expressions through ballroom dancing. Forty-two adolescents from a public elementary school in the state of São Paulo participated in the study. Data gathering was conducted in groups by filming the ballroom dance class and applying a questionnaire about the experience. The dance experience was observed to provide greater body proximity and demonstration of affection, since part of the participants reported well-being, while others reported being embarrassed by dancing with a partner from the opposite sex. It was concluded that more dance activities related to biopsychosocial development need to be offered at school since ballroom dancing can help in interaction promoting body contact and thus facilitate in the process of interpersonal relations between adolescents.

Effects of surface treatments on the fatigue strength of AISI 4340 aeronautical steel

Internal residual stresses significantly influence the fatigue strength of coated materials. It is well known that chromium plating is the most used electrodeposited coating for important industrial applications. However, pressure to identify alternatives or to improve the chromium electroplating process have increased in recent years, related to the reduction in fatigue strength of the base material and to environmental requirements. The high efficiency and fluoride free hard chromium electroplating there called accelerated) is an improvement to the conventional process. One environmentally safer and cleaner alternative to hard chromium plating is tungsten carbide thermal spray coating applied by the High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) process. To increase the fatigue strength of chromium plated materials, coating thickness and microcracks density are important parameters to be controlled. Techniques as compressive residual stresses induced by shot peening and multilayers, are also used. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects on AISI 4340 steel, in the rotating bending fatigue behaviour, of the: tungsten carbide thermal spray coating applied by HP/HVOF process; chemical nickel underplate, and shot peening process applied before coating deposition, in comparison to hard chromium electroplatings. Rotating bending fatigue test results indicate better performance for the conventional hard chromium plating in relation to the accelerated hard chromium electroplating. Tungsten carbide thermal spray coating and accelerated hard chromium plate over nickel resulted in higher fatigue strength when compared to samples conventional or accelerated hard chromium plated. Shot peening showed to be an excellent alternative to increase fatigue strength of AISI 4340 steel hard chromium electroplated. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Avrami exponent of crystallization in tellurite glasses

Nucleation process and crystal growth for three samples of the (20-x)Li(2)O-80TeO(2)-xWO(3) glass system were studied using X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. X-ray diffraction data confirmed the amorphous characteristic of the as-quenched samples and indicated the growth of crystalline phases formed due to the thermal treatment for annealed samples. These results reveal the presence of three distinct gamma-TeO(2), alpha-TeO(2) and alpha-Li(2)Te(2)O(5) crystalline phases in the TL sample, and two distinct alpha-TeO(2) and gamma-TeO(2) crystalline phases in the TLW5 and TLW10 samples. The activation energy and the Avrami exponent were determined from DSC measurements. The activation energy values X-ray diffraction data of the TLW10 glass sample suggest that gamma-TeO(2) phase occur before the alpha-TeO(2). The results obtained for the Avrami exponent point to that the nucleation process is volumetric and that the crystal growth is two or three-dimensional.

Correlação entre os métodos de concepção, ocorrência e formas de tratamento das onfalopatias em bovinos: estudo retrospectivo

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

Levels of toxic and essential metals in maternal and umbilical cord blood from selected areas of South Africa-results of a pilot study

This pilot study uses concentrations of metals in maternal and cord blood at delivery, in seven selected geographical areas of South Africa, to determine prenatal environmental exposure to toxic metals. Samples of maternal and cord whole blood were analysed for levels of cadmium, mercury, lead, manganese, cobalt, copper, zinc, arsenic and selenium. Levels of some measured metals differed by site, indicating different environmental pollution levels in the regions selected for the study. Mercury levels were elevated in two coastal populations studied (Atlantic and Indian Ocean sites) with mothers from the Atlantic site having the highest median concentration of 1.78 mu g/L ranging from 0.44 to 8.82 mu g/L, which was found to be highly significant (p < 0.001) when compared to other sites, except the Indian Ocean site. The highest concentration of cadmium was measured in maternal blood from the Atlantic site with a median value of 0.25 mu g/L (range 0.05-0.89 mu g/L), and statistical significance of p < 0.032, when compared to all other sites studied, and p < 0.001 and p < 0.004 when compared to rural and industrial sites respectively, confounding factor for elevated cadmium levels was found to be cigarette smoking. Levels of lead were highest in the urban site, with a median value of 32.9 mu g/L (range 16-81.5 mu g/L), and statistically significant when compared with other sites (p < 0.003). Levels of selenium were highest in the Atlantic site reaching statistical significance (p < 0.001). All analysed metals were detected in umbilical cord blood samples and differed between sites, with mercury being highest in the Atlantic site (p < 0.001), lead being highest in the urban site (p < 0.004) and selenium in the Atlantic site (p < 0.001). To the best of our knowledge this pilot investigation is the first study performed in South Africa that measured multiple metals in delivering mothers and umbilical cord blood samples. These results will inform the selection of the geographical sites requiring further investigation in the main study.

Ocorrência de leucose enzoótica bovina na microrregião da Serra de Botucatu

The aim of this study was characterize the positivity of the bovine leukosis virus in the Microregion of the Serra de Botucatu. Sera from 1193 bovine from 65 properties of the Microregion of the Serra de Botucatu were evaluated throught ELISA test. All the evaluated animals were adult and 16 of them only were male; 85.5% were crossbred, 6.45% Nellore and 8% dutch. of the analyzed samples, 618 sera had resulted positive to the test. In only one flock it was not found seroreagents animals, the regional positivity was 52% (the seropositivity in the properties varied of 10% to 67%), the higher the percentage of positivity was in the animals of the dutch race (94.7%), followed for the crossbred (43.7%). The high percentage of positivity of the disease in our region is distinguished.