O efeito do regime hidrológico do semiárido na composição de espécies durante dominância de cianobactérias em um reservatório tropical

The potentially toxic cyanobacterial blooms in water bodies are spread across the globe, resulting in the loss of water quality and adverse effects on human health. In arid and semiarid regions, the hydrologic regime characterized by an annual cycle of drought and rain, change the volume and the retention time of the reservoir. Such changes affect the limnological characteristics and causing changes in composition and biomass community of cyanobacteria. The reservoir Cruzeta (Zmax = 8.7 m) is a eutrophic water supply source located in the semiarid tropical (Northeast Brazil). Raised the hypothesis that the hydrological regime of semi-arid tropical is a determining factor in the availability of resources in eutrophic water sources, which influences the composition of dominant species of cyanobacteria. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in biomass and species composition of cyanobacteria for two annual hydrological cycles and evaluate factors drivers. The study was divided into five distinct periods (dry 2010, rain 2011, dry 2011, rain 2012, dry 2012). The dominant group found in all periods was Cyanobacteria (99% of total biomass), which contributed to the low diversity. The filamentous species Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii was present at both points in almost every study. The colonial species Microcystis panniformis and Sphaerocavum brasiliensis dominated only in periods with lower volumes of water. The diatoms contribute more to the biomass during the period of severe drought. The point near the dam (P1) had phytoplankton biomass larger than the point near the tributary (P2). The dominant species of colonial cyanobacteria lasted until the overflow in P1, and P2 this dominance was until the first rains. The redundancy analysis indicated that physical factors such as light availability and water level were the main factors driving the seasonal succession of phytoplankton. The composition of phytoplankton in spring was alternated by species of filamentous cyanobacteria in conditions of poor stability of the water column, such as Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, and colonial species under conditions of high stability of the water column, such as Microcystis panniformis and Sphaerocavum brasiliensis. The extremes of torrential rains and severe droughts, governed by the hydrological regime of the semi-arid region led to the availability of resources in the watershed, directing the spatial and temporal dynamics of phytoplankton in the reservoir Cruzeta

Caracterização e modelagem dos sistemas de produção de caprinos leiteiros

The objectives of this research were characterizing the dairy goat production systems and model it using linear program. On the first step of this research, the model was developed using data from farms that was affiliated in the ACCOMIG/Caprileite, used a similar dairy goat production systems and have a partnership program with Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais . The data of research were from a structured questionnaire applied with farmers and monitoring of production systems during a guided visit on their farms. The results permitted identify that all farms were classified as a small and have a intensive production system. The average herd size had 63.75 dairy goats on lactation; it permits a production of 153, 38 kg of goat milk per day. It was observed that existing more than one channel of commercialization for the goat milk and their derivative products. The data obtained, on the first step of this research, was used to develop a linear program model. It was evaluated in two goat production systems, called P1 and P2. The results showed that the P1 system, with an annual birth and lactation during approximately 300 days was the best alternative for business. These results were compared with a mixed (beef and dairy) goat system in the semiarid region, which indicated merged with both systems. Therefore, to achieve profits and sustainability of the system, in all simulations it was necessary a minimum limit of funding of U.S. $ 10,000.00; this value permit earning of U.S. $ 792.00 per month and pay the investment within 5 years

Desenvolvimento de uma metodologia para caracterização de amostras de sedimento: Rio Jundiaí RN

The study of sediment in water bodies presents great environmental importance, because of its ability to adsorb the pollutants, they may facilitate the understanding of the history of the current quality of the water system. Depending on how it is done the collection, analysis can show both a recent contamination as old. The detailed characterization of the sediment may reveal details that can understand how each type of pollutant interacts with the material given its composition. In this work it has developed a systematic methodology to characterize samples of sediment, with the aim to understand how a series of metal is distributed in different size fractions of the sediment. This study was conducted in five samples of sediment (P1, P2, P3a, P3B and P3c) collected in Jundiaí river, one of the most important tributaries of the river Potengi in the region of Macaíba, RN. The characterization was made with the samples previously sieved into meshes with different granulometries (+8#, -8+16#, -16+65# - 65+100#,-100+200#,-200+250# and -250#), using the following techniques: Analysis of specific surface area by BET method, determining the levels of organic matter (OM%) and humidity through the gravimetry and Analysis Thermogravimetric (TG), Infrared Spectroscopy in a Fourier transform (FTIR ), Analysis of X ray diffraction (XRD), analysis of heavy metals by optical emission spectrometry with the Argon Plasma (ICP-OES). The analyzed elements were Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn and P. In addition to the techniques of characterization above, was also made the rebuilding of the samples P1, P2 and P3B in relation to the levels of organic matter and concentration of heavy metals. Then, the results of the recomposed samples were compared with those obtained in crude samples, showing great consistency. The gravimetry, used in determining the levels of organic matter, was not considered an appropriate method because the clay minerals present in the sediment samples analyzed fall apart in the same range of temperature (550-600 0C) used in roasting (600 0C). The results also showed the trend of organic matter and heavy metals to focus on the thin fractions, although the largest concentrations of metals are in intermediate fractions

Induced crystallization on tellurite 20Li(2)O-80TeO(2) glass

Crystallization kinetics and structure of 20Li(2)O-80TeO(2) glasses are studied using x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. XRD results show gamma-TeO2, alpha-TeO2 and Li2Te2O5 phase crystallization in the glass matrix. The infrared band structure of this glass is similar to that observed in glassy TeO2. Activation energies were evaluated from Lorentzian three-peak deconvolution of the DSC crystallization peak recorded at different particle sizes. As the obtained activation values were very close, it was not possible to establish a hierarchy on the crystallization of this glass. In addition, the height of the Lorentzian peaks ( delta T-P1, delta T-P2 and delta T-P3) for each sample was measured and plotted against the nucleation temperature. The presence of two maxima at around 284 and 304 degrees C suggests at least two maximum nucleation temperatures in the studied 20Li(2)O-80TeO(2) glass.

Sediment grain size distribution and heavy metals determination in a dam on the Parana River at Ilha Solteira, Brazil

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

Grupos sanguíneos e lúpus eritematoso crônico discoide

FUNDAMENTOS: Lesão discoide é a manifestação cutânea mais comum do lúpus eritematoso, e formas cutâneas crônicas apresentam características imunológicas próprias, direcionadas ao polo Th1. Diversas doenças possuem associação com grupos sanguíneos, o que não foi ainda estudado no lúpus discoide. OBJETIVO: Investigar a associação entre tipos sanguíneos (ABO e Rh) e lúpus eritematoso discoide. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo tipo transversal envolvendo tipagem sanguínea ABO e Rh, inquérito de dados clínicos e dosagem de FAN e C4 de portadores de lúpus discoide sem critérios de doença sistêmica, atendidos em hospital universitário. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 69 pacientes, sendo 71,0% do sexo feminino (p 1:160, em 31,9%; e níveis baixos de C4, em 8,7%. Não houve diferença significativa entre as frequências dos grupos sanguíneos dos pacientes e da população local; entretanto, o grupo A foi associado às formas disseminadas da doença (OR 4,1 e p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Grupos sanguíneos de pacientes com lúpus discoide apresentam frequência semelhante à da população; porém, formas clínicas disseminadas foram mais prevalentes entre portadores do grupo A.

Estudo evolutivo das condições ambientais da região costeira do município de Guamaré - RN

The work concerns on the evolutionary study of the environmental conditions of the coastal area of Guamaré-RN, where was investigated the geo-environmental transformation occourred in this region, whose primordial purpose was to diagnose the changes verified in the temporary space of five decades (1950 to 2001). With the objective of evaluanting the action of the active coastal processes (currents, waves, tides and winds), in order to understand the generating mechanisms of the erosion/sedimentation, evidenced by constant morphologic changes. The adopted methodological procedure consisted of a succession of stages, involving bibliographical and cartographic study, aereal photographs study, digital treatment of images, field work (sample collection, beaches profiles, characterization of the beach environment and morfodynamics), mapping correction and laboratory analyses (granulometry). The evolutionary study of the morphologic features indicated significant variations in the studied period, mainly, in the dunes, sea terraces, variation of the shore line and tidal flat, evidencing the largest transformations in the temporary space between 1988 and 2001. The analyses of the beach profiles showed a sedimentation tendency in the area of the profiles P1, P2 and P3, however in the monitored pediod, it was observed in the referred profiles, erosive and depositionals intervals evidencing a need of more effective monitoring. The results of the granulometric analyses indicate a predominance of mean to coarse sand in the backshore and estirancy area, as in the shoreface, the analyses indicated medium to fine sand. The morfodynamic state, showed that beach of Minhoto is intermediate state, with alternancy to reflective. The areas of larger vulnerability and sensibility are the tidal flat, shore line, barrier island and mobile dunes, that actually is suffering great environmental impact with expansion of the carcinoculture, urban presence and natural impacts (erosion of the shoreline)

GIANT FUSIFORM ANEURYSM ARISING FROM FENESTRATED POSTERIOR CEREBRAL ARTERY and BASILAR TIP VARIATION: CASE REPORT

OBJECTIVE: A giant fusiform aneurysm in the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) is rare, as is fenestration of the PCA and basilar apex variation. We describe the angiographic and surgical findings of a giant fusiform aneurysm in the P1-P2 PCA segment associated with PCA bilateral fenestration and superior cerebellar artery double origin.CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of visual blurring. Digital subtraction angiography showed a giant (2.5 cm) fusiform PCA aneurysm in the right P1-P2 segment. The 3-dimensional view showed a caudal fusion pattern from the upper portion of the basilar artery associated with a bilateral long fenestration of the P1 and P2 segments and superior cerebellar artery double origin.INTERVENTION: Surgical trapping of the right P1 -P2 segment, including the posterior communicating artery, was performed by a pretemporal approach. Angiograms performed 3 and 13 months after surgery showed complete aneurysm exclusion, and the PCA was permeated and filled the PCA territory. Clinical follow-up at 14 months showed the patient with no deficits and a return to normal life.CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of a giant fusiform aneurysm of the PCA associated with P1-P2 segment fenestration and other variations of the basilar apex (bilateral superior cerebellar artery duplication and caudal fusion). Comprehension of the embryology and anatomy of the PCA and its related vessels and branches is fundamental to the decision-making process for a PCA aneurysm, especially when parent vessel occlusion is planned.

Malondialdeído e troponina I cardíaca em equinos da raça Puro Sangue Árabe submetidos ao exercício e à suplementação com vitamina E

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

Use of three rapid detection systems to evaluate the prevalence and dissemination of Salmonella in a Brazilian poultry slaughterhouse

Prevalence and dissemination of Salmonella in a Brazilian poultry slaughterhouse were evaluated by three rapid detection systems (SS/SV(TM), VICAM, OSRT(TM), Unipath/Oxoid, and REVEAL(TM), Neogen), plus the conventional procedure. The carcasses were sampled after bleeding (P1), defeathering (P2), evisceration (P3), washing (P4), chilling (P5) and the packaged end-product (P6). In the first set of carcasses, the Salmonella incidence determined by the conventional method was 38.3% and 22.5% by SS/SV(TM). In the set for evaluation of OSRT(TM), the number of positive samples was the same detected by the cultural procedure (49.0%). In the third set, the positivity by the conventional procedure was 33.3%, and 5.0% by REVEAL(TM). The comparisons of positives in the first and third sets of carcasses were significantly different (P < 0.05). The positivity for Salmonella, in carcasses at P1 to P6, as determined by at least one of the methods, was 47.5%, 47.5%, 32.5%, 30.0%, 30.0% and 37.7%, respectively.

Potencial de transdiferenciação neural das células-tronco mesenquimais da medula óssea de equino

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

Effect of Progesterone and Ionomycin on Domestic Cat Sperm Motility Patterns and Acrosome Reaction

This study was aimed at assessing the changes in sperm motion patterns and the percentage of acrosome reaction (AR) in domestic cat semen after treatment with either ionomycin or progesterone (P(4)). Ten ejaculates were collected from five tomcats using an artificial vagina, and were diluted, centrifuged and resuspended in a capacitation medium. Samples were evaluated and divided into seven equal aliquots and, after 2 h at 25 degrees C, were incubated for 30 min at 38 degrees C in 5% CO(2) and then analyzed. Computer-assisted sperm analysis and a combination of three fluorescent probes were used to assess sperm plasma, acrosomal membrane integrity and mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Thirty minutes after the start of incubation, P(4) was added (10 mu g/ml) to the P1 group. Groups P2 and P3 were supplemented with P(4) (10 and 20 mu g/ml, respectively) only after 2 h of incubation, and groups I1 and I2 were supplemented with ionomycin (4 and 8 mu M, respectively) 2 h after incubation. Group E was supplemented with ethanol (0.6%) at 2 h after incubation and group C received no supplementation. Ionomycin and P(4) treatments led to a hyperactivation-like sperm motion and an increase (p < 0.05) in the percentage of AR. Although a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of AR was obtained in group I2 when compared with all P(4) groups, a decrease (p < 0.05) in total and progressive motility was observed in I2 group. As I1 group was similar to I2 to induce AR without diminishing sperm motility, we can conclude that ionomycin at 4 mu M seems to be more suitable to trigger AR in domestic cat sperm.

Postoperative periodontal pain prevention using two dexamethasone medication protocols: A double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Antidipsogenic effects of central adenosine-5'-triphosphate

Besides other physiological functions, adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) is also a neurotransmitter that acts on purinergic receptors. In spite of the presence of purinergic receptors in forebrain areas involved with fluid-electrolyte balance, the effect of ATP on water intake has not been investigated. Therefore, we studied the effects of intracerebroventricular (icv) injections of ATP (100, 200 and 300 nmol/µL) alone or combined with DPCPX or PPADS (P1 and P2 purinergic antagonists, respectively, 25 nmol/µL) on water intake induced by water deprivation. In addition, the effect of icv ATP was also tested on water intake induced by intragastric load of 12% NaCl (2 mL/rat), acute treatment with the diuretic/natriuretic furosemide (20 mg/kg), icv angiotensin II (50 ng/µL) or icv carbachol (a cholinergic agonist, 4 nmol/µL), on sodium depletion-induced 1.8% NaCl intake, and on food intake induced by food deprivation. Male Holtzman rats (280-320 g, N = 7-11) had cannulas implanted into the lateral ventricle. Icv ATP (300 nmol/µL) reduced water intake induced by water deprivation (13.1 ± 1.9 vs saline: 19.0 ± 1.4 mL/2 h; P < 0.05), an effect blocked by pre-treatment with PPADS, but not DPCPX. Icv ATP also reduced water intake induced by NaCl intragastric load (5.6 ± 0.9 vs saline: 10.3 ± 1.4 mL/2 h; P < 0.05), acute furosemide treatment (0.5 ± 0.2 vs saline: 2.3 ± 0.6 mL/15 min; P < 0.05), and icv angiotensin II (2.2 ± 0.8 vs saline: 10.4 ± 2.0 mL/2 h; P < 0.05), without changing icv carbachol-induced water intake, sodium depletion-induced 1.8% NaCl intake and food deprivation-induced food intake. These data suggest that central ATP, acting on purinergic P2 receptors, reduces water intake induced by intracellular and extracellular dehydration.

Host specificity of sheep and cattle nematodes in São Paulo state, Brazil

The trial was carried out to investigate parasite host specificity and to analyse the dynamics of infection with nematodes parasitizing sheep and catt:le raised together or separately in São Paulo state, Brazil, and, also to clarify doubts about the systematics of species of the genus Haemonchus on the basis of cytological and morphological studies. Ten steers and 32 ewes were randomly assigned to three paddocks (P), as follows: P1, 5 steers; P2, 5 steers and 16 ewes; and P3, 16 ewes. The animals remained on these paddocks in continuous grazing throughout the trial (1-yr period). Faecal exams and larvae counting on pasture were performed fortnightly. Once a month two tracer lambs were placed in each paddock, while two tracer calves were also placed, but only in the eighth month of the trial. All these animals were slaughtered for worm identification and counting. At the end of the trial, one steer and one ewe from P2, which showed high faecal egg counts, were also slaughtered for the same purpose. Nematodes identified cytogenetically as H. placei presented spicule hooks longer than those identified as H. contortus. The following distribution of parasites in cattle and sheep was observed: Bunostomum phlebotomum, H. similis, Mammomonogamus laryngeus strongly adapted to cattle, H. placei and Cooperia punctata more adapted to cattle than to sheep, Trichostrongylus axel and C. spatulata apparently more adapted to cattle, T. colubriformis strongly adapted to sheep, H. contortus more adapted to sheep than to cattle and C. curticei apparently more adapted to sheep. Cross-infection was shown to occur involving some species, however, with time the animals apparently eliminate the species that are not well adapted to them. Therefore, grazing management systems using cattle and sheep appear to be promising for worm control in southeastern Brazil. (C) 1997 Elsevier B.V. B.V.