Avaliação de atributos de Latossolo Bruno e de Terra Bruna Estruturada da região de Guarapuava, Paraná, por meio de sua energia refletida

Este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar espectralmente amostras de Latossolo Bruno e Terra Bruna Estruturada, provenientes de rochas vulcânicas ácidas na região Centro Sul do estado do Paraná, nas profundidades de 0-20 e 40-60 cm. Foram realizadas a caracterização, discriminação e previsão dos atributos desses solos por meio de sua energia refletida, obtidas em laboratório, pelo sensor IRIS, na faixa espectral de 400 a 2.500 nm. Foi possível discriminar os solos pela intensidade de reflectância e feições de absorção, apesar de apresentarem altos teores de óxidos de ferro, matéria orgânica e textura muito argilosa. A análise discriminante foi 100% eficiente na separação dos solos por sua energia refletida. A gibbsita, a matéria orgânica, a CTC e a tonalidade e a intensidade da cor foram os atributos dos solos que apresentaram equações múltiplas com coeficientes de correlação mais elevados, para sua previsão, por meio da energia refletida.

Deficiency symptoms and uptake of micronutrients by castor bean grown in nutrient solution

Castor bean is a nutrient-demanding species, but there is still little information on its micronutrient requirements. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of levels of B (2.5, 12.5 and 25.0 µmol L-1), Cu (0.05, 0.25 and 0.50 µmol L-1), Mn (0.2, 1.0 and 2.0 µmol L-1) and Zn (0.2, 1.0 and 2.0 µmol L-1) in a nutrient solution on plant B, Cu, Mn and Zn concentrations and uptake, vegetative growth and fruit yield of castor bean "Iris", grown in greenhouse. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with three replicates. The first deficiency symptoms were observed for B, followed by Zn, Cu and Mn. The main changes in the cell ultrastructure due to lack of B were thickening of the cell walls and middle lamellae, distorted chloroplasts and tightly stacked thylakoids, besides the absence of starch grains. The Mn, Zn and Cu deficiencies led to disruption of chloroplasts, disintegration of thylakoids and absence of amyloplasts. The concentration and uptake of B, Cu, Mn, and Zn in castor bean plants increased with micronutrient supply in the solution. Fruit yield was drastically reduced by B and Mn deficiencies. On the other hand, the dry matter yield of the shoot and root of castor bean plants was not. In the treatment with full nutrient solution, the leaves accumulated 56 and 48 % of the total B and Mn taken up by the plants, respectively, and the seeds and roots 85 and 61 % of the total Cu and Zn taken up, respectively. This shows the high demand of castor bean Iris for B and Mn for fruit yield.

Comparação entre mapas de solos obtidos por sensoriamento remoto espectral e pelo método convencional

O meio científico carece de métodos que efetivem a utilização da espectroradiometria em mapeamentos de solos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o uso do sensoriamento remoto espectral com o método convencional, na obtenção de mapas de solos. Utilizando o mapa planialtimétrico como base, trinta pontos de amostragem foram demarcados na área de estudo. As amostras foram coletadas a 0-20, 40-60 e 80-100 cm de profundidade em cada ponto, todos georreferenciados, totalizando noventa amostras nas quais foram feitas as análises químicas, físicas e radiométricas. Os dados radiométricos foram obtidos em laboratório usando o espectrorradiômetro IRIS, na faixa de 400-2.500 nm. Pela análise e interpretação dos dados espectrais juntamente com as curvas de nível, obteve-se um mapa espectral detalhado de solos. Na mesma área foi obtido um mapa de solos detalhado pelo método convencional. Foram identificadas quatro classes de solos em ambos os mapas, com boa correlação, demonstrando que os dados espectrais podem ser utilizados como instrumento no mapeamento de solos. A utilização conjunta dos dados de sensoriamento remoto espectral, curvas de nível e trabalho de campo permite a obtenção do mapa detalhado de solos.

RT-PCR and Dot Blot hybridization methods for a universal detection of tospoviruses

Transcriptase reverse - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and dot blot hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled probes were applied for the universal detection of Tospovirus species. The virus species tested were Tomato spotted wilt virus, Tomato chlorotic spot virus, Groundnut ringspot virus, Chrysanthemum stem necrosis virus, Impatiens necrotic spot virus, Zucchini lethal chlorosis virus, Iris yellow spot virus. Primers for PCR amplification were designed to match conserved regions of the tospovirus genome. RT-PCR using distinct primer combinations was unable to simultaneously amplify all tospovirus species and consistently failed to detect ZLCV and IYSV in total RNA extracts. However, all tospovirus species were detected by RT-PCR when viral RNA was used as template. RNA-specific PCR products were used as probes for dot hybridization. This assay with a M probe (directed to the G1/G2 gene) detected at low stringency conditions all Tospovirus species, except IYSV. At low stringency conditions, the L non-radioactive probe detected the seven Tospovirus species in a single assay. This method for broad spectrum detection can be potentially employed in quarantine services for indexing in vitro germplasm.

Compostaje de biosólidos de plantas de tratamiento de águas residuales

Foi avaliada a compostagem dos biossólidos gerados na Estação de Tratamento de Esgotos - ETE, de Cañaveralejo, da cidade de Cali - Colômbia. Ainda que o processo se mostrasse viável, a incorporação de materiais de suporte e emenda foi favorável ao mesmo e à qualidade do produto final ao melhorar as condições de manejo, estrutura e porosidade do biossólido (B), além de melhorar as relações carbono/nitrogênio. Dos materiais avaliados, os que apresentaram melhor desempenho como materiais de suporte (MS) e Emenda (ME), foram os resíduos de poda e a cachaça, respectivamente; a relação ótima B:MS:ME, em percentagem, foi 72:10:18. Do ponto de vista da gestão dos resíduos e considerando o crescente incremento no número de ETEs municipais, este estudo mostrou que o composto produzido a partir de biossólidos pode ser considerado um material com potencial agrícola; adicionalmente, nos casos em que a única opção é a disposição final, o processo permitiu reduzir o volume a ser disposto até em 70%.

Anatomical and functional characteristics of the pelvic floor in nulliparous women submitted to three-dimensional endovaginal ultrasonography: case control study and evaluation of interobserver agreement

PURPOSE: To determine anatomical and functional pelvic floor measurements performed with three-dimensional (3-D) endovaginal ultrasonography in asymptomatic nulliparous women without dysfunctions detected in previous dynamic 3-D anorectal ultrasonography (echo defecography) and to demonstrate the interobserver reliability of these measurements. METHODS: Asymptomatic nulliparous volunteers were submitted to echo defecography to identify dynamic dysfunctions, including anatomical (rectocele, intussusceptions, entero/sigmoidocele and perineal descent) and functional changes (non-relaxation or paradoxical contraction of the puborectalis muscle) in the posterior compartment and assessed with regard to the biometric index of levator hiatus, pubovisceral muscle thickness, urethral length, anorectal angle, anorectal junction position and bladder neck position with the 3-D endovaginal ultrasonography. All measurements were compared at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver, and perineal and bladder neck descent was determined. The level of interobserver agreement was evaluated for all measurements. RESULTS: A total of 34 volunteers were assessed by echo defecography and by 3-D endovaginal ultrasonography. Out of these, 20 subjects met the inclusion criteria. The 14 excluded subjects were found to have posterior dynamic dysfunctions. During the Valsalva maneuver, the hiatal area was significantly larger, the urethra was significantly shorter and the anorectal angle was greater. Measurements at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver differed significantly with regard to anorectal junction and bladder neck position. The mean values for normal perineal descent and bladder neck descent were 0.6 cm and 0.5 cm above the symphysis pubis, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.62-0.93. CONCLUSIONS: Functional biometric indexes, normal perineal descent and bladder neck descent values were determined for young asymptomatic nulliparous women with the 3-D endovaginal ultrasonography. The method was found to be reliable to measure pelvic floor structures at rest and during Valsalva, and might therefore be suitable for identifying dysfunctions in symptomatic patients.

Participação da excreção renal de cálcio, fósforo, sódio e potássio na homeostase em cães sadios e cães com doença renal crônica

Na doença renal crônica (DRC) a manutenção da homeostase de água e sódio é o primeiro problema a ser contornado pelo organismo e com o agravamento das lesões renais surgem outros problemas graves relacionados à homeostase de cálcio e fósforo. O presente estudo tem por escopo avaliar a excreção renal de cálcio, fósforo, sódio e potássio, e o perfil sérico destes eletrólitos em cães normais e em cães com DRC naturalmente adquirida. Foram avaliados três grupos de cães adultos, machos ou fêmeas, de raças variadas. Animais normais compuseram o grupo controle (G1) e os cães com DRC foram distribuídos em dois grupos de acordo com os estágios de comprometimento da função renal (G2 e G3, respectivamente, estágios 1-2 e estágios 3-4, descritos pela IRIS 2006 staging CKD). Os cães do G3 apresentaram aumento das concentrações séricas de cálcio ionizado e fósforo, além de diminuição da concentração sérica de sódio. Quanto à excreção renal dos eletrólitos analisados, os animais dos grupos G1 e G2 apresentaram diminuição de carga filtrada e aumento de excreção fracionada, mas as excreções urinárias não variaram significativamente. Os resultados são indicativos de que os rins de cães com DRC podem manter a excreção urinária dos eletrólitos em valores se melhantes aos dos normais. O mecanismo envolve aumento da excreção fracionada na medida em que haja diminuição da filtração glomerular. Esse processo de compensação, entretanto, pode perder a eficiência nos estágios mais avançados da enfermidade no que se refere à manutenção das concentrações séricas de fósforo e sódio.

Serum intact parathyroid hormone levels in cats with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is frequently observed in cats and it is characterized as a multisystemic illness, caused by several underlying metabolic changes, and secondary renal hyperparathyroidism (SRHPT) is relatively common; usually it is associated with the progression of renal disease and poor prognosis. This study aimed at determining the frequency of SRHPT, and discussing possible mechanisms that could contribute to the development of SRHPT in cats at different stages of CKD through the evaluation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, as well as acid-base status. Forty owned cats with CKD were included and divided into three groups, according to the stages of the disease, classified according to the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) as Stage II (n=12), Stage III (n=22) and Stage IV (n=6). Control group was composed of 21 clinically healthy cats. Increased serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentrations were observed in most CKD cats in all stages, and mainly in Stage IV, which hyperphosphatemia and ionized hypocalcemia were detected and associated to the cause for the development of SRHPT. In Stages II and III, however, ionized hypercalcemia was noticed suggesting that the development of SRHPT might be associated with other factors, and metabolic acidosis could be involved to the increase of serum ionized calcium. Therefore, causes for the development of SRHPT seem to be multifactorial and they must be further investigated, mainly in the early stages of CKD in cats, as hyperphosphatemia and ionized hypocalcemia could not be the only factors involved.

Estudo da ocorrência de litíase renal e ureteral em gatos com doença renal crônica

Investigou-se a ocorrência de nefrolitíase e/ou ureterolitíase em 72 gatos portadores de doença renal crônica (DRC), classificados predominantemente no estágio II, segundo os critérios designados pela IRIS - International Renal Interest Society. Destes pacientes, 47 (65,27%) apresentaram litíase renal e ou ureteral. Não houve diferença estatística entre o grupo de estudo (DRC com cálculo) e o grupo controle (DRC sem cálculo) em relação à idade (p=0,274). Apesar disso, os pacientes portadores de nefrolitíase e/ou ureterolitíase apresentaram maiores indícios de lesão renal, caracterizados por diferenças estatisticamente relevantes da densidade urinária (p=0,013) e pelo menor tamanho dos rins direito (p=0,009) e esquerdo (p=0,048). Encontrou-se similaridade entre os grupos em relação a outros parâmetros, tais como as concentrações plasmáticas de cálcio total, cálcio ionizado, fósforo, sódio, potássio e paratormônio intacto (PTHi). Os valores das concentrações séricas de ureia e bicarbonato diferiram entre os grupos, com valores de p=0,039 e p=0,037, respectivamente. Além disso, foi mensurada a pressão arterial, que se manteve inalterada na comparação entre o grupo de estudo e o grupo controle. Os resultados obtidos reforçam a necessidade de acompanhamento ultrassonográfico de todos os pacientes portadores de DRC, mesmo daqueles assintomáticos ou em estágios iniciais da doença.

In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate non-mutagenicity of the herbicide metolachlor

The herbicide metolachlor was evaluated for genotoxic potential. Metolachlor did not induce micronuclei in mice, however at 40 mg/kg it significantly decreased the percentage of polychromatic erythrocytes, which is a cytotoxic effect. Metolachlor did not induce chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes in vitro, but 2.0 mug/ml culture medium resulted in cytotoxicity, decreasing the mitotic index significantly. The indirect exposure test was carried out by adding plasma from metolachlor-pretreated rats to the human lymphocyte cultures. There was no indication of clastogenicity by metolachlor metabolites. On the other hand, plasma of cyclophosphamide-pretreated rats had a significant clastogenic effect

Application of isotope-selective non-dispersive infrared spectrometry for the evaluation of the 13C-urea breath test: comparison with three concordant methods

The aim of this work was to compare the performance of isotope-selective non-dispersive infrared spectrometry (IRIS) for the 13C-urea breath test with the combination of the 14C-urea breath test (14C-UBT), urease test and histologic examination for the diagnosis of H. pylori (HP) infection. Fifty-three duodenal ulcer patients were studied. All patients were submitted to gastroscopy to detect HP by the urease test, histologic examination and 14C-UBT. To be included in the study the results of the 3 tests had to be concordant. Within one month after admission to the study the patients were submitted to IRIS with breath samples collected before and 30 min after the ingestion of 75 mg 13C-urea dissolved in 200 ml of orange juice. The samples were mailed and analyzed 11.5 (4-21) days after collection. Data were analyzed statistically by the chi-square and Mann-Whitney test and by the Spearman correlation coefficient. Twenty-six patients were HP positive and 27 negative. There was 100% agreement between the IRIS results and the HP status determined by the other three methods. Using a cutoff value of delta-over-baseline (DOB) above 4.0 the IRIS showed a mean value of 19.38 (minimum = 4.2, maximum = 41.3, SD = 10.9) for HP-positive patients and a mean value of 0.88 (minimum = 0.10, maximum = 2.5, SD = 0.71) for negative patients. Using a cutoff value corresponding to 0.800% CO2/weight (kg), the 14C-UBT showed a mean value of 2.78 (minimum = 0.89, maximum = 5.22, SD = 1.18) in HP-positive patients. HP-negative patients showed a mean value of 0.37 (minimum = 0.13, maximum = 0.77, SD = 0.17). IRIS is a low-cost, easy to manage, highly sensitive and specific test for H. pylori detection. Storing and mailing the samples did not interfere with the performance of the test.

Influence of chitosan addition on quality properties of vacuum-packaged pork sausages

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the chitosan addition on the quality of vacuum packaged pork sausages. A variant of the product was elaborated with 1% (w/w) of chitosan in lactic acid solution at 1% (v/v) and it was compared to a control. Sausages were mechanically stuffed and manually conformed and vacuum packaged. Sausages were stored at 4 °C and microbiological evaluations, pH measurements, texture profile analysis and sensorial evaluation were performed. The chitosan addition in the formulation of the sausages did not reduce the microbiological counts. The pH values obtained in all samples were similar, which suggests that the chitosan addition did not influence the pH values of sausages. The added chitosan did not affect significantly (p < 0.05) the results of the texture profile analysis and sensorial attributes and therefore, the overall acceptance of the sausages.