Exigências nutricionais de caprinos da raça Alpina em crescimento: 1. Exigência nutricional de fósforo para mantença: perdas endógenas e abate comparativo

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a exigência dietética de fósforo (P) para mantença de caprinos da raça Alpina em crescimento pelo método das perdas endógenas e pela técnica do abate comparativo. Foram usados 21 animais, machos, castrados, com idade média de quatro a seis meses e 18 kg PV. Destes, três foram abatidos no início do experimento, como referência, e os 18 restantes, distribuídos em tratamentos com dietas isoenergéticas e isoprotéicas, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com arranjo fatorial 3x2 (nível de P na dieta [0,12; 0,21; e 0,29% MN] e forma de fornecimento da dieta [restrito ou à vontade]). O período experimental foi de 37 dias, com 30 dias para adaptação e sete dias para coleta total de fezes e urina. No final do período de coleta, três animais de cada tratamento foram abatidos. As exigências dietéticas de P para mantença foram então estimadas por meio das perdas endógenas fecal e urinária (perdas endógenas) e da retenção de P no corpo animal em relação à sua ingestão e aquele retido nos animais referência (abate comparativo). Os valores médios foram coeficiente de absorção aparente e real de P, -157+30, 98+10, 43+24, e 65+33; 235+09, 145+24%, respectivamente; perda diária endógena fecal e urinária de P, 8,84 e 4,84 mg/kg PV, respectivamente; e balanço de P, 187,62+153,87; 14,0+160,59; 85,96+337,85 mg/d; e -11,42+10,98; 1,04+9,14; -2,33+11,69 mg/kg PV, respectivamente. A exigência líquida diária estimada de P para a mantença foi de 13,68 mg/kg PV. As exigências dietéticas diárias de P para mantença foram estimadas em 72 e 58,46 mg/kg PV, pelo método das perdas endógenas e pelo abate comparativo, respectivamente.

Dynamics of follicle populations and gonadotropin concentrations in fillies age two to ten months

Follicle populations and concentrations of circulating gonadotropins were studied during age 2-10 months in 10 spring-born pony fillies. Blood sampling and ultrasound scanning were done every 4 days and daily for four 30 day periods. During 5-12 weeks, FSH concentrations were lower in 6 fillies with follicles greater than or equal to 6 mm (mean +/- s.e. 1.4 +/- 0.1 ng/ml) than in 4 fillies with follicles <6 mm (2.8 + 0.3 ng/ml). The diameters and numbers of follicles and gonadotropin concentrations increased progressively during age 2-4 months. A plateau in follicle activity and reduced levels of gonadotropins occurred during 5-7 months. During 8-10 months, follicles grew to >10 mm and gonadotropin concentrations increased. Waves of follicular growth were identified during the 30 day periods by significant increases in the diameter of the 10 largest follicles. The waves did not partition into dominant and subordinate follicles. Results indicated an initial postnatal period of negative ovarian feedback, temporally related changes in gonadotropins and follicles for months 3-10, and development of follicles in waves.

Chronotropic response of beta-adrenergic-, muscarinic-, and calcitonin gene-related peptide-receptor agonists in right atria from neonatal capsaicin-treated rats

We evaluated the potency of isoproterenol, carbachol, pilocarpine and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the rat right atria at 30, 60 and 90 days after neonatal capsaicin treatment. Neonatal rats were pretreated on the second day of life with capsaicin (50 mg/kg). The capsaicin pretreatment caused a five-fold rightward shift at the pEC(50) level on the concentration-response curves to isoproterenol in 30-day-old rats. Propranolol (10 mg/kg, given 15 min prior to capsaicin treatment) prevented this subsensitivity. No changes in the potency of isoproterenol were observed at 60 and 90 days after capsaicin pretreatment. The potency and maximal responses of CGRP in the right atria in 30-day-old rats were significantly higher than in 60- and 90-day-old rats; however, no differences were found between control and capsaicin groups. The potency and maximal responses to carbachol and pilocarpine were not changed in all groups. The neonatal capsaicin treatment reduced by about 74% the CGRP content in the heart in all groups. In summary, capsaicin treatment in newborn rats produces a desensitization of chronotropic response mediated by beta-adrenoceptors in isolated right atria from 30-day-old rats possibly due to a massive release of catecholamines. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

POTASSIUM ABSORPTION AND PARTITIONING IN COTTON AS AFFECTED BY PERIODS OF POTASSIUM-DEFICIENCY

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum var. Latifolium) was grown in nutrient media, at two K levels: 58.5 mg/K and 11.7 mg/K. Potassium deficiency (11.7 mg K/g of K) was imposed upon cotton plants at different stages of plant development. A sequence of increasing sensitivity to K deficiency among cotton plant parts was observed: leaves < bolls < roots < stems. When K deficiency symptoms are clearly visible in the leaves, all the other plant parts are already affected. Bolls are a very important component in K partitioning within the cotton plant, but K is required most by the bur itself and is not translocated to seeds or fibers. Cotton could overcome a 30 day deficiency late in the season without significant losses in lint and seed cotton yields.

Influence of fluoride-containing solutions on the translucency of flowable composite resins

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of fluoride-containing solutions on the translucency of flowable composite resins, with respect the immersion time. Flow-It! (FI) and Natural Flow (NF) composite resins and three commercial brands of fluoride-containing solutions (Fluordent, Fluorgard and Oral B) were used. Specimens were prepared and stored in the solutions at 37degreesC, until the measurements were made after the following treatments: T1 - after 1 hour in relative humidity; T2 - after 1 h in solution; T3 - 24 h; T4 - 48 h; T5 - after a week; from T9, the measurements were accomplished weekly, up to 30-day immersion. To obtain translucency values an electrophoresis equipment was employed. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests. The results disclosed that NF showed highest values of translucency and was statistically different from FI (p < 0.001). As regards the solutions, Fluordent and Oral B presented similar values and were statistically superior to Fluorgard (p < 0.05). Concerning the immersion time, similar results were observed for the different evaluation periods. It may be concluded that the fluoride-containing solutions affected the translucency of the composite resins, independently of the materials used. Among the tested resins, NF presented the best performance. (C) 2003 Kluwer Academic Publishers.

INTRAGASTRIC INFECTION OF CONVENTIONAL AND GERM-FREE MICE WITH GIARDIA-LAMBLIA

The effects of experimental infection with Giardia lamblia were studied in 30-day old conventional and germfree CFW mice (7 animals in each group) of both sexes. Cysts were observed in the feces of both groups 6 to 7 days after intragastric infection of each animal with about 2.5 x 10(5) G. lamblia trophozoites. Fecal cyst level was statistically higher in germfree mice (about 10(5) cysts/g feces) when compared with the conventional group (about 10(4) cysts/g feces). The peak of infection in the conventional group apparently occurred on the 10th day after infection as indicated by an increase of fecal weight and by histopathological examination. Intense infiltration of the lamina propria and high reactional hyperplasia of the lymphoid component were observed in the conventional group. There was no infiltration or hyperplasia in germfree infected mice and fecal weight was relatively constant throughout the experiment. These results suggest that, as is the case for other intestinal pathogenic protozoa, the intestinal microflora is indispensable for the expression of the pathogenicity but not for the multiplication of G. lamblia.

Developmental lead exposure in rats: is a behavioral sequel extended at F2 generation?

Lead toxicity was studied in rats exposed from conception until weaning and assessed by monitoring offspring behavior in both the open field and elevated plus maze and by determining tissue lead in an assessment schedule extended to first (F1) and second (F2) generations. Dams utilized for the F1 generation were submitted to 750 ppm of lead (acetate) in drinking water during pregnancy and lactation. For F1 pups, behavioral alterations were not detected in the elevated plus maze, while in the open field, spontaneous locomotor activity as well as time of both grooming and rearing increased, while freezing time decreased in 30- and 90-day-old rats. Lead content was higher in tissues of 1- and 30-day-old pups. However, in 90-day-old rats, lead was detected only in the femur. F2 generation was lead-free but still presented alterations in both locomotor activity and grooming in 30- and 90-day-old pups. It appears that developmental lead exposure may cause behavioral effects during the developmental stage of the F1 generation, which remains throughout the animal's adult life as a sequel, regardless of lead accumulation, and is extended to the F2 generation of rats. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Localization of Antigenic Sites in Unfed Nymphs of Amblyomma triste Koch 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks by Immunohistochemistry

P>The reactivity of sera collected from guinea pigs after three infestations with Amblyomma triste nymphs on histological sections of the same tick species was investigated through immunohistochemistry to identify potential target cells and tissues. Six guinea pigs were infested thrice, at 30 day intervals, with 30 nymphs of A. triste per animal per infestation. Blood samples were collected from the guinea pigs 15 days after each infestation for serum separation; normal serum was obtained before the first infestation as control. Unfed A. triste nymphs' histological sections were submitted to indirect immunohistochemistry technique by using normal or hyperimmune guinea pig serum as primary antibody and a goat IgG-alkaline phosphatase-APase conjugate as secondary antibody. A weak to moderate APase activity was observed in cells of salivary glands, midgut and haemolymph of unfed nymphs incubated with hyperimmune serum.

Effects of Passiflora edulis on the Metabolic Profile of Diabetic Wistar Rat Offspring

Dry extract of the genus Passiflora has been shown to help control glycemia and lipid levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of passion fruit (P. edulis) on the biochemical profile of offspring from diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. The diabetes group consisted of 10 rats with glucose levels greater than 200 mg/dL; the nondiabetic (control) group consisted of 10 rats with glucose levels less than 120 mg/dL. After the diagnosis of diabetes, the mating phase was started. By day 21 of pregnancy, the offspring were born; the dams were kept in individual cages with their offspring until the weaning period. The offspring were then divided into 4 groups (n = 15 each): G1 were offspring from control dams, G2 were offspring from treated nondiabetic dams, G3 were offspring from diabetic dams, and G4 were offspring from treated diabetic dams. For 30 consecutive days, G1 and G3 offspring were treated with vehicle (oral gavage) and G2 and G4 offspring were treated with passion fruit juice (oral gavage). After 30-day treatment, the animals were anesthetized and killed, and blood was drawn immediately for analysis of the biochemical profile (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose). The G2 and G4 rats showed significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and an increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. The use of passion fruit juice improved lipid profiles, suggesting that this plant may have beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemias and hyperglycemia.

Observations on the development of the febrile response to pyrogen in newborn pigs

The febrile response of newborn pigs to exogenous pyrogen injection was investigated. Lipopolysacharides (LPS, E coli) were injected intravenously into the superior vena cava of 1-30-day-old piglets. All the experiments were carried out in littermates half of which were injected with pyrogen and half with pyrogen-free saline. Newborn pigs did not develop a febrile response from 1 to 4 days of age; however, when the animals were 5 days old exogenous pyrogen determined a typical monophasic febrile response. A second intravenous injection of pyrogen into newborn pigs (1 day old) 24 h after the first did not raise body temperature. It is suggested that newborn pigs behave like the newborn of other mammalian species regarding endotoxin-induced thermogenesis.

Nucleolar changes in malpighian tubules cells of Rhodnius prolixus during starvation

This study focused on nuclear and nucleolar area changes in Malpighian tubule cells of Rhodnius prolixus, an hematophagous insect, vector of Chagas' disease. Male and female adult insects were dissected after a 28-day starvation period, as well as insects which had been fed again after a 30-day starvation period. Malpighian tubules were fixed and silver stained. In both, males and females, nucleolar fusions and regions of nucleolar corpuscles were observed to be differentially impregnated by silver during feeding stress. In the males and females that were fed again, nucleolar corpuscles were partially fusioned, indicating a slight recovery upon the 30-day starvation period. The changes observed in the nucleolar phenotype and in both nuclear and nucleolar areas indicated that, as a result of stress, a more intense, compensatory activity occurred to supply the metabolic rate. The mechanism of this phenomenon may be associated to the decondensation and activation of chromatin that carries rDNA in order to increase rRNA transcription, and,consequently, protein synthesis.

Fatores que afetam a oviposição de Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biótipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) em tomateiro

The aim of the present work was to determine the oviposition preference of the silverleaf whitefly on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Preferred plant age and leaflet position on the plant were studied and the number of adults per plant necessary for selecting hosts was determined. Bruna VFN hybrid plants at different ages (30-, 45- and 60-days old) were offered to adult whiteflies in free choice test and 30-day old plants in no-choice test. Leaves were collected from upper and lower part of the plant; the leaflets were divided into three categories: basis (those near the steam of plant), middle and apex (terminal leaflet). The 30-day old plants were more preferred for oviposition in free choice test. In the upper part of the plant, whitefly adults preferred to oviposit on the leaflets at the apex and the middle of the leaves. However, in the lower part of the plant, the basal leaflets were preferred in relation to middle and apex. The densities of 100 or 150 adults per tomato plant were considered adequate for genotypes screening, using no-choice test.

Produção deficiente de citocinas Th1 em camundongos BALB/c jovens

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a produção de IFN-γ, IL-12 e IL-4 entre camundongos jovens (5, 12 e 19 dias de idade) e adultos (30 dias de idade). As avaliações foram feitas por estimulação, in vitro, de células esplênicas com Concanavalina A (ConA) , Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) e lipopolissacarídeo (LPS). Diferentes concentrações de cada estímulo foram testadas e os sobrenadantes das culturas foram coletados após 48 horas de incubação e as concentrações de IFN-γ, IL-12 e IL-4 determinadas por ELISA. Células de camundongos jovens e adultos produziram níveis igualmente elevados de IFN-γ após estímulo com ConA. Somente animais adultos produziram IFN-γ em resposta ao estímulo com S. aureus. Em culturas estimuladas com LPS, a produção desta citocina foi baixa e similar nos animais jovens e significativamente elevada nos animais adultos. Somente células de animais adultos estimuladas com S. aureus foram capazes de produzir IL-12. O único estímulo capaz de induzir níveis detectáveis de IL-4 foi ConA, sendo que estes níveis foram mais elevados nos animais com 12 e 19 dias de idade em comparação com animais neonatos e adultos. A diminuição das doses ótimas dos estímulos não mudou o perfil de produção de cada citocina nos animais jovens. Estes resultados permitem concluir que a idade afeta a produção de citocinas: ocorre maior produção de IL-4 em camundongos jovens e maior produção de IL-12 e IFN-γ em animais adultos. Estas informações são importantes devido ao papel destas citocinas na polarização das respostas imunes nos sentidos Th1 e Th2. Palavras-chave: camundongo; citocina; interferon-gama; interleucina-4; interleucina-12.

Comparações entre equações de predição de consumo de capim-elefante cortado para vacas lactantes

This work aimed to compare intake prediction equations with values obtained by direct methods using chopped elephant-grass offered to crossbreed lactating cows with rumen canulas. The experimental design was a 3 x 3 Latin square (three animals and three cutting ages: 30, 45 and 60 days). The equations used for intake prediction (y) were: (1) y= -1.19 + 0.035(a+b) + 28.5c; (2) y= [%NDF on DM]*[NDF intake]/[(1- a - b)/KP+b/(c+kp)]/24; (3) y= -0.822 + 0.0748(a+b) + 40.7c and (4) equation 2 with values of intake measured directly. The predictions of NDF intake by equations were not different among treatments, instead of the difference among values measured directly: the 30 day-old had lower intake (5.29 kg/day) in relation to 45 (6.57 kg/day) and 60 (7.31 kg/day) day-old grasses. In general, equations overestimated the DM intake in relation to direct measuring (9.0 kg/cow/day), with exception of equation 3 which underestimated the intake (7.7 kg/day). The means of DM intake found by equations 1 and 2 (13.7 and 13.4 kg/cow/day, respectively) were similar between themselves and superior in relation to those found by equation 4 (9.7 kg/cow/day). The intakes measured directly were similar to those found in equation 4 and higher than those found by equation 3. The mean of rumen fill of 7.5 kg was superior to those of 5.2 kg estimated by equation. The prediction equations based on in situ degradability parameters do not supply estimates of DM intake, NDF intake and rumen fill in agreement with values obtained by direct methods.

Consumo de capim-elefante com diferentes idades fornecido para vacas leiteiras

The 30, 45 and 60 day-old elephant grasses were evaluated by monitoring their nutritional profile and DM (DMI) and NDF (NDFI) intake by crossbred lactating cows in a 3 × 3 Latin square trial, where the split-plots were the rumen evacuation times: 0, 2, 4 and 6 h after meal. Chemical composition, in vitro dry matter digestibility and ruminal content ranged with grass age. Means (in kg/cow/day) of DMI and NDFI of 30 day-old grass (8.0 and 5.3) were lower than those of grasses with 45 days (10.0 and 6.6) and 60 days (11.0 and 7.3). The maximum of rumen fill was observed at 4:22, 3:55 and 3:49 hours after feeding for treatments with 30, 45 and 60 day-old elephant grass, respectively. Rumen fill did not limit the DMI and NDFI of elephant grass, but the dry matter intake of 30 day-old grass may be affected by the wet content.