Adaptation of "Niagara Rosada" grape must to winemaking by partial cluster dehydration

This study aimed to verify the influence of partial dehydration of "Niagara Rosada" grape clusters in physicochemical quality of the pre- fermentation must. In Brazil, during the winemaking process it is common to need to adjust the grape must when the physicochemical characteristics of the raw material are insufficient to produce wines in accordance with the Brazilian legislation for classification of beverages, which establishes the minimum alcohol content of 8.6 % for the beverage to be considered wine. Therefore, given that the reduction in the water content of grape berries allows the concentration of chemical compounds present in its composition, especially the concentration of total soluble solids, we proceeded with the treatments that were formed by the combination of two temperatures (T1-37.1ºC and T2-22.9 ºC) two air speeds (S1: 1.79 m s-1 and S2: 3.21 m s-1) and a control (T0) that has not gone through the dehydration treatment. Analysis of pH, Total Titratable Acidity (TTA) were performed in mEq L-1, Total Soluble Solids (TSS) in ºBrix, water content on a dry basis and Concentration of Phenolic Compounds (CPC) in mg of gallic acid per 100g of must. The average comparison test identified statistically significant modifications for the adaptation of must for winemaking purposes, having the treatment with 22.9 ºC and air speed of 1.79 m s-1 shown the largest increase in the concentration of total soluble solids, followed by the second best result for concentration of phenolic compounds.

Uncertainties of the 137Cs technique for validation of soil redistribution modelling in a semiarid meso-scale watershed

Scarcity of long-term series of sediment-related variables has led watershed managers to apply mathematical models to simulate sediment fluxes. Due to the high efforts for installation and maintenance of sedimentological gauges, tracers have been pointed out as an alternative to validate soil redistribution modelling. In this study, the 137Cs technique was used to assess the WASA-SED model performance at the Benguê watershed (933 km²), in the Brazilian semiarid. Qualitatively, good agreement was found among the 137Cs technique and the WASA-SED model results. Nonetheless, quantitatively great differences, up to two orders of magnitude, were found between the two methods. Among the uncertainties inherent to the 137Cs technique, definition of the reference inventory seems to be a major source of imprecision. In addition, estimations of water and sediment fluxes with mathematical models usually also present high uncertainty, contributing to the quantitative differences of the soil redistribution estimates with the two methods.

Ammonia nitrogen desorption from sanitary landfill leachate in filling towers

Sanitary landfill leachates present high concentrations of carbonaceous and nitrogenous materials. The crucial point is that carbonaceous materials are of difficult biodegradation, what compromises the performance of biological treatment processes, while nitrogenous materials, such as ammonia nitrogen, probably preclude the use of biological treatments. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study the desorption process of ammonia nitrogen from sanitary landfill leachate in filling towers. Desorption was carried out in filling towers of 35 L capacity. The leachate was collected from a sanitary landfill located in João Pessoa, Paraíba State, Brazil. Desorption efficiency for the pH values ​​adopted in four treatments was 93% minimum and 95.5% maximum, with aeration mean time ranging from 3 to 6 hours. The limiting factors of ammonia nitrogen desorption from sanitary landfill leachates in filling towers are associated with the use of alkalizer species for pH correction, and electricity costs for aeration.

Fistula gastrocólica

A case of gastrocolic fistula(GCF) in a patient with duodenal stenosis who had previously undergone gastroenteric anastomosis is reported. The patient went through hemigastrectomy, partial colectomy and segmental enterectomy with bloc resection. Reconstruction was carried out through Billroth II gastrojejunostomy, jejunojejunostomy and end-to-end anastomosis of the colon. The patient had good post-operative evolution and was discharged from hospital seven days after surgery. GCF should be suspected in patients presenting weight loss, diarrhea and fecal vomiting, mainly with history of peptic ulcer surgery, gastric or colonic malignancy and use of steroidal and nonsteroidal antiinflamatory drugs. Barium enema is the choice test for diagnosis, however, the benign or malignant nature of the lesion should always be evaluated through high digestive endoscopy. Clinical treatment with oral H2-antagonists and discontinuing ulcerogenic medications might be indicated in some cases; surgical treatment is indicated in cases of malignant disease and might be indicated in cases of peptic disease as it treats GCF and also the baseline disease. Some advise upwards colostomy at first. The most used technique is bloc resection, including the fistulous tract, hemigastrectomy and partial colectomy. Gastrectomy, fistulous tract excision and colon suturing may be performed in some cases. The mortality rate is related to metabolic disorders and the recurrence with the use of antiinflammatory drugs.

Ressecção videolaparoscópica de hemangiopericitoma do estômago

In the present case (77 years-old woman), the diagnosis on an extramucosal lesion by endosonography was leiomyoma or schwanoma. Radiological exam of the upper digestive tract with barium and abdominal computed tomography confirmed the site of the lesion at the level of the lesser curvature. The operative technique followed the steps of the laparoscopic partial gastric resection (wedge resection) for gastric mesenchymal tumours, described elsewhere. The Endo-GIA stapler was introduced through the 12mm port in the right upper quadrant. Proper positioning of the stapler over the lesser curvature and a satisfactory margin of tissue around the mass were attained. Nine sequential firings of the Endo-GIA 30 were needed to completely surround the mass. Histopathological diagnosis was a spindle-cell tumour measuring 3cm in diameter. Mitotic index was measured at almost null. The neoplastic cells were strongly reactive for vimentine and CD34 and negative for the immunohistochemical markers S-100 protein, muscle actin, desmin and Ag linked to VIII factor. There was a slight reaction with keratin (+/+++). The XIIIA factor reaction revealed less than 5% of dendritic elements. These data favour a vascular cell origin better than smooth muscle cell origin. In conclusion it was a gastric hemangiopericytoma. Follow-up showed no recurrence at seven years.

Hipervolemia mais tríplice oclusão vascular no tratamento da lesão traumática da veia cava retro-hepática e veias hepáticas

BACKGROUND: Liver vascular isolation is essential for the treatment of the retrohepatic vena cava and hepatic veins. Triple vessel occlusion (TVO - occlusion of the portal triad, the inferior vena cava above the renal veins and within the pericardium) is the easiest isolation method for the surgeon. Unfortunately, this technique cannot be applied to hypovolemic and/or shock (cardiac arrest) patients as it compromises venous return. OBJECTIVES: Our objective is to demonstrate that in the above mentioned patients, establishing a previous hypervolemic state allows the safe use of TVO. METHODS: The method includes efficient injury tamponade with aggressive fluid replacement until normal blood volume is reached (resuscitation). Normal blood volume is recognized by a return of arterial blood pressure to normal levels, inferior vena cava filling and an increase in aortic wall tension. Following this procedure, hypervolemia is obtained by the rapid additional infusion of 1.500 to 2.000 ml of fluids. TVO in this situation does not alter the heart rhythm and maintains a clear operative field which is essential for hepatotomy, venorrhaphy and or venous ligation. RESULTS: Three patients were successfully operated.

Standardization of pulmonary ventilation technique using volume-controlled ventilators in rats with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

OBJECTIVE: To standardize a technique for ventilating rat fetuses with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) using a volume-controlled ventilator.METHODS: Pregnant rats were divided into the following groups: a) control (C); b) exposed to nitrofen with CDH (CDH); and c) exposed to nitrofen without CDH (N-). Fetuses of the three groups were randomly divided into the subgroups ventilated (V) and non-ventilated (N-V). Fetuses were collected on day 21.5 of gestation, weighed and ventilated for 30 minutes using a volume-controlled ventilator. Then the lungs were collected for histological study. We evaluated: body weight (BW), total lung weight (TLW), left lung weight (LLW), ratios TLW / BW and LLW / BW, morphological histology of the airways and causes of failures of ventilation.RESULTS: BW, TLW, LLW, TLW / BW and LLW / BW were higher in C compared with N- (p <0.05) and CDH (p <0.05), but no differences were found between the subgroups V and N-V (p> 0.05). The morphology of the pulmonary airways showed hypoplasia in groups N- and CDH, with no difference between V and N-V (p <0.05). The C and N- groups could be successfully ventilated using a tidal volume of 75 ìl, but the failure of ventilation in the CDH group decreased only when ventilated with 50 ìl.CONCLUSION: Volume ventilation is possible in rats with CDH for a short period and does not alter fetal or lung morphology.

Four-arm single docking full robotic surgery for low rectal cancer: technique standardization

The authors present the four-arm single docking full robotic surgery to treat low rectal cancer. The eight main operative steps are: 1- patient positioning; 2- trocars set-up and robot docking; 3- sigmoid colon, left colon and splenic flexure mobilization (lateral-to-medial approach); 4-Inferior mesenteric artery and vein ligation (medial-to-lateral approach); 5- total mesorectum excision and preservation of hypogastric and pelvic autonomic nerves (sacral dissection, lateral dissection, pelvic dissection); 6- division of the rectum using an endo roticulator stapler for the laparoscopic performance of a double-stapled coloanal anastomosis (type I tumor); 7- intersphincteric resection, extraction of the specimen through the anus and lateral-to-end hand sewn coloanal anastomosis (type II tumor); 8- cylindric abdominoperineal resection, with transabdominal section of the levator muscles (type IV tumor). The techniques employed were safe and have presented low rates of complication and no mortality.

Single access laparoscopic cholecystectomy: technique without the need for special materials and with better ergonomics

The authors describe a surgical technique which allows, without increasing costs, to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a single incision, without using specific materials and with better surgical ergonomics. The technique consists of a longitudinal umbilical incision, navel detachment, use of a permanent 10mm trocar and two clamps directly and bilaterally through the aponeurosis without the use of 5mm trocars, transcutaneous gallbladder repair with straight needle cotton suture, ligation with unabsorbable suture and umbilical incision for the specimen extraction. The presented technique enables the procedure with conventional and permanent materials, improving surgical ergonomics, with safety and aesthetic advantages.

Modified pubovaginal sling technique in the surgical management of female stress urinary incontinence

Objective: To assess the application of aponeurotic sling by a modified technique with direct visualization of needles in patients with stress urinary incontinence. Methods: we applied the Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ) for quality of life, gynecological examination, urinalysis I and urine culture approximately seven days prior to the urodynamic study (UDS) and the one-hour PAD test in patients undergoing making aponeurotic sling with its passing through the retropubic route with direct visualization of the needle, PAD test and King's Helth Questionnaire before and after surgery. Results: The mean age was 50.6 years, BMI of 28 and Leak Pressure (LP) 58,5cm H2O; 89% were Caucasian. Forty-six of them were monitored for three and six months, 43 for 12 months. The objective cure rate at 12 months postoperatively was approximately 93.5%. In evaluating quality of life, we observed a significant improvement in 12 months postoperatively compared with the preoperative period. There was no no urethral/bladder injury. As adverse results, we had one persistent urinary retention (2.3%), who was submitted to urethrolysis, currently without incontinence. Conclusion: The proposed procedure is safe as for the risk of bladder or urethral injuries, promoting significant improvement in quality of life and objective cure.

Genetic characterization of Brazilian bovine viral diarrhea virus isolates by partial nucleotide sequencing of the 5'-UTR region

Nineteen isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) from Brazil were genetically characterized through partial nucleotide sequencing and analysis of the 5'UTR region. The isolates were grouped as BVDV-1 (11/19), BVDV-2 (6/19) or "atypical" pestivirus (2/19). Among the BVDV-1, eight isolates were classified as subgenotype BVDV-1a, whereas most (4 out of 6) BVDV-2 belonged to subgenotype 2b. Two isolates from aborted fetuses were not classified into any genetic group, being considered atypical BVDVs. Genetic diversity among Brazilian BVDV isolates may be responsible for vaccination and diag-nostic failure and therefore may influence the control strategies for BVDV infection in the country.

Isolation and characterization of equine peripheral blood-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells

The objective of the study was to isolate, cultivate and characterize equine peripheral blood-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (PbMSCs). Peripheral blood was collected, followed by the isolation of mononuclear cells using density gradient reagents, and the cultivation of adherent cells. Monoclonal mouse anti-horse CD13, mouse anti-horse CD44, and mouse anti-rat CD90 antibodies were used for the immunophenotypic characterization of the surface of the PbMSCs. These cells were also cultured in specific media for adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. There was no expression of the CD13 marker, but CD44 and CD90 were expressed in all of the passages tested. After 14 days of cell differentiation into adipocytes, lipid droplets were observed upon Oil Red O (ORO) staining. Twenty-one days after chondrogenic differentiation, the cells were stained with Alcian Blue. Although the technique for the isolation of these cells requires improvement, the present study demonstrates the partial characterization of PbMSCs, classifying them as a promising type of progenitor cells for use in equine cell therapy.

Partial budget analysis of prepartum antimicrobial therapy and Escherichia coli J5 vaccination of dairy heifers and their effect on milk production and milk quality parameters

Abstract: This study aimed to determine whether prepartum antimicrobial and/or Escherichia coli J5 vaccination in dairy heifers influence the milk production, milk quality, and estimate their economic benefit. Thus, 33 dairy heifers were enrolled in four groups using a split-splot design. Groups were: (G1) prepartum antimicrobial infusion and vaccination with an E. coli J5 bacterin, (G2) prepartum antimicrobial infusion, (G3) vaccination with an E. coli J5 bacterin, and (G4) control heifers. Composite milk samples for somatic cell count, total bacteria count and milk composition were collected 15 days after calving and every 15 days until the end of the experiment. Bacteriological analysis was carried out at the end of study. The milk production and the incidence of clinical cases of mastitis, as well as the costs associated with them were recorded. The results demonstrate a reduction on clinical mastitis rates by preventive strategies, which implicated in lower volume of discarded milk (0.99, 1.01, 1.04 and 3.98% for G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively) and higher economic benefit. Thus, in well-managed dairy herds the prevention of heifer mastitis by vaccination or antimicrobial therapy can reduce the amount of antimicrobials needed to treat clinical mastitis cases and the days of discarded milk.

The Shadow Moiré method using the phase shifting technique and digital image processing: computational implementation and application to the 3D-reconstruction of a buckled plate

The Shadow Moiré fringe patterns are level lines of equal depth generated by interference between a master grid and its shadow projected on the surface. In simplistic approach, the minimum error is about the order of the master grid pitch, that is, always larger than 0,1 mm, resulting in an experimental technique of low precision. The use of a phase shift increases the accuracy of the Shadow Moiré technique. The current work uses the phase shifting method to determine the surfaces three-dimensional shape using isothamic fringe patterns and digital image processing. The current study presents the method and applies it to images obtained by simulation for error evaluation, as well as to a buckled plate, obtaining excellent results. The method hands itself particularly useful to decrease the errors in the interpretation of the Moiré fringes that can adversely affect the calculations of displacements in pieces containing many concave and convex regions in relatively small areas.

Covalidation of Integral Transforms and Method of Lines in Nonlinear Convection-Diffusion with Mathematica

The Mathematica system (version 4.0) is employed in the solution of nonlinear difusion and convection-difusion problems, formulated as transient one-dimensional partial diferential equations with potential dependent equation coefficients. The Generalized Integral Transform Technique (GITT) is first implemented for the hybrid numerical-analytical solution of such classes of problems, through the symbolic integral transformation and elimination of the space variable, followed by the utilization of the built-in Mathematica function NDSolve for handling the resulting transformed ODE system. This approach ofers an error-controlled final numerical solution, through the simultaneous control of local errors in this reliable ODE's solver and of the proposed eigenfunction expansion truncation order. For covalidation purposes, the same built-in function NDSolve is employed in the direct solution of these partial diferential equations, as made possible by the algorithms implemented in Mathematica (versions 3.0 and up), based on application of the method of lines. Various numerical experiments are performed and relative merits of each approach are critically pointed out.