Spatial variability of forage yield and soil physical attributes of a Brachiaria decumbens pasture in the Brazilian Cerrado

The objective of this study was to analyze variability, linear and spatial correlations of forage dry mass yield (FDM) and dry matter percentage (DM%) of Brachiaria decumbens with the bulk density (BD), gravimetric (GM) and volumetric (VM) moisture, mechanical resistance to penetration (RP) and organic matter content (OM), at depths 1 (0-0.10 m) and 2 (0.10-0.20 m), in a Red Latosol (Oxisol), in order to select an indicator of soil physical quality and identify possible causes of pasture degradation. The geostatistical grid was installed to collect soil and plant data, with 121 sampling points, over an area of 2.56 ha. The linear correlation between FDM × DM% and FDM × BD2 was low, but highly significant. Spatial correlations varied inversely and positively, respectively. Except for DM% and BD, at both depths, the other attributes showed average to high variability, indicating a heterogeneous environment. Thus, geostatistics emerges as an important tool in understanding the interactions in pasture ecosystems, in order to minimize possible causes of degradation and indicate better alternatives for soil-plant-animal management. The decrease in FDM and increased BD1 are indicators of physical degradation (compaction) of Red Latosol (Oxisol), particularly in the places with the highest concentration of animals and excessive trampling, in Cerrado conditions, in the municipality of Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil.

A prelude of a 'little army'? São Paulo police force in the early years of the Republic (1890-1895)

This article analyzes the creation and development of the São Paulo police force during the early years of the republican regime. In a period of political change and turbulence, institutional upheaval (uprising of the Navy and federalist revolution), and social pressure, São Paulo's police force played an important role. As the state sought to organize the public sphere, the police force became a tool in the new government's hands. A more martial set of demands mobilized a large portion of the troops on behalf of the federal government against the Custodio de Mello uprising, and sought to defend São Paulo's borders. Despite official discourse that fomented a militarized response, São Paulo's police force found itself unable to dismiss old personnel and practices and dislodge entrenched interests.

A novel biomagnetic approach to study caecocolonic motility in humans

Motility patterns play a major role in human colonic functions; however, its physiological significance is poorly understood. Several studies have been introducing the Alternating Current Biosusceptometry (ACB) as a valuable tool in gastroenterology and pharmaceutical research. Using gold standard techniques, great effort has been made to validate ACB as a method for measuring gastrointestinal motility in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate caecocolonic motility and its response to a meal in healthy volunteers. The results showed a dominant frequency of 3.17 +/- 0.13 cycles per minute (mean +/- SD) that remained unchanged even after a standardized meal (P > 0.01). The colonic response to a meal was recorded as a considerable increase in amplitude, reflected by motility index (P < 0.01) and was observed for all the volunteers. The caecocolonic motility could be assessed by the ACB providing new insights into physiological patterns of motility. Moreover, the method is non-invasive, radiation-free, cost-effective and independent of bowel preparation.

Geoprocessamento de dados meteo-oceonográficos (cor do oceano e temperatura da superfície do mar) aplicado ao monitoramento ambiental na costa setentrional do Rio Grande do Norte

Orbital remote sensing has been used as a beneficial tool in improving the knowledge on oceanographic and hydrodynamic aspects in northern portion of the continental shelf of Rio Grande do Norte, offshore Potiguar Basin. Aspects such as geography, temporal and spatial resolution combined with a consistent methodology and provide a substantial economic advantage compared to traditional methods of in situ data collecting. Images of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor onboard NASA's AQUA satellite were obtained to support systematic data collections related to the campaign of environmental monitoring and characterization of Potiguar Basin, held in May 2004. Images of Total Suspension Matter (TSM) and values of radiance standard were generated for the calculation of concentrations of total suspension matter (TSM), chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature (SST). These data sets were used for statistical comparisons between measures in situ and satellite estimates looking validate algorithms or develop a comprehensive regional approach empirically. AQUA-MODIS images allowed the simultaneous comparison of two-dimensional water quality (total suspension matter), phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll-a) variability and physical (temperature). For images of total suspension matter, the generated models showed a good correlation with the field data, allowing quantitative and qualitative analysis. The images of chlorophyll-a showed a consistent correlation with the in situ values of concentration. The algorithms adjusted for these images obtained a correlation coefficient fairly well with the data field in order that the sensor can be having an effect throughout the water column and not just the surface. This has led to a fit between the data of chlorophyll-the integration of the average sampling interval of the entire water column up to the level of the first optical depth, with the data generated from the images. This method resulted in higher values of chlorophyll concentration to greater depths, due to the fact that we are integrating more values of chlorophyll in the water column. Thus we can represent the biomass available in the water column. Images SST and SST measures in situ showed a mean difference DT (SST insitu - SST sat) around -0.14 ° C, considered low, making the results very good. The integration of total suspension matter, chlorophyll-a, the temperature of the sea surface (SST) and auxiliary data enabled the recognition of some of the main ways to fund the continental shelf. The main features highlighted were submerged canyons of rivers Apodi and Açu, some of the lines and beachrocks reefs, structural highs and the continental shelf break which occurs at depths around -60 m. The results confirmed the high potential for use of the AQUA-MODIS images to environmental monitoring of sea areas due to ease of detection of the field two-dimensional material in suspension on the sea surface, temperature and the concentration of chlorophyll-a

Quantitative real-time RT-PCR and chromogenic in situ hybridization: precise methods to detect HER-2 status in breast carcinoma

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Cortactin is associated with perineural invasion in the deep invasive front area of laryngeal carcinomas

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

Traceability of bovine meat and bone meal in poultry by stable isotope analysis

Bovine meat and bone meal (MBM) was widely used in animal diets until outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encefalopathy (BSE) occurred in some countries. It has not been confirmed yet whether or not BSE may be transmitted to man through chicken meat originated from poultry that had been fed diets containing MBM. Therefore, consumers nowadays express preference for meat originated from birds fed exclusively vegetable diets. This study analyzed samples of major breast muscle (Pectoralis major) using mass spectrometry of stable isotopes (carbon and nitrogen) as a means to assess the presence of MBM in broiler diets, a technique that might be used in the certification of poultry quality. A total of 150 day-old chicks were reared in five randomized treatments with increasing MBM dietary inclusion levels (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8%). on day 42, breast muscle samples were collected from three birds per treatment and used in the determination of 13C/12C and 15N/14N isotope ratios. The breast muscle isotope values were expressed as delta in parts per thousand (delta ). The following carbon isotope values (13C) were found: 18.74 ±0.11, 18.51 ±0.19, 18.24 ±0.10, -17.79 ±0.12, and -17.15 ±0.15 for 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8% MBM dietary levels, respectively. Nitrogen isotope values (15N) were 1.65 ±0.14, 1.65 ±0.28, 1.72 ±0.08, 1.95 ±0.16, and 2.52 ± 0.09 for 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8% MBM dietary levels, respectively. This study showed important differences in delta13C and delta15N values in breast meat, evidencing a simultaneous enrichment of this isotopic pair, which allowed tracing MBM in bird diets. Analysis of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes may be used to ensure feeding with exclusively vegetable diets, and might also be used as a reliable evaluation tool in broiler meat certification. The diet with 1% inclusion level of MBM and the exclusively vegetable diet showed similar results.

Evaluation of mechanical properties of dental feldsphatic porcelains for metal and zirconia core

Studies has been reported a significant incidence of chipping of the feldspathic porcelain veneer in zirconia-based restorations. The purpose of this study was to compare the three-point flexural strength (MPa), Weibull parameters, Vickers hardness (VHN) and Vickers indentation fracture toughness (MPa/mm(1/2)) in feldspatic porcelains for metal and for zirconia frameworks. Bar specimens were made with the porcelains e.MaxCeram (EM) and VitaVM9 (V9) for zirconia core, and Duceragold (DG) and VitaVMK95 (VK) for metal core (n = 15). Kruskal-Wallis and Dun test were used for statistical analysis. There was no significant difference (p=0.31) among the porcelains in the flexural strength (Median = 73.2; 74.6; 74.5; 74.4). Weibull calculation presented highest reliability for VK (10.8) followed by em (7.1), V9 (5.7) and DG (5.6). Vickers hardness test showed that em (536.3), V9 (579.9) and VK (522.1) had no difference and DG (489.6) had the lowest value (p<.001). The highest fracture toughness was to VK (1.77), DG (1.58) had an intermediate value while V9 (1.33) and em (1.18) had the lowest values (p<.001). Despite of the suitable flexural strength, reliability and high hardness, the porcelains used to zirconia-based fixed dental prostheses showed lower fracture toughness values.

Different exercise protocols improve metabolic syndrome markers, tissue triglycerides content and antioxidant status in rats

Background: An increase in the prevalence of obesity entails great expenditure for governments. Physical exercise is a powerful tool in the combat against obesity and obesity-associated diseases. This study sought to determine the effect of three different exercise protocols on metabolic syndrome and lipid peroxidation markers and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in adult Wistar rats (120 days old).Methods: Animals were randomly divided into four groups: the control (C) group was kept sedentary throughout the study; the aerobic group (A) swam1 h per day, 5 days per week, at 80% lactate threshold intensity; the strength group (S) performed strength training with four series of 10 jumps, 5 days per week; and the Concurrent group (AS) was trained using the aerobic protocol three days per week and the strength protocol two days per week.Results: Groups A and S exhibited a reduction in body weight compared to group C. All exercised animals showed a reduction in triglyceride concentrations in fatty tissues and the liver. Exercised animals also exhibited a reduction in lipid peroxidation markers (TBARS) and an increase in serum superoxide dismutase activity. Animals in group A had increased levels of liver catalase and superoxide dismutase activities.Conclusions: We concluded that all physical activity protocols improved the antioxidant systems of the animals and decreased the storage of triglycerides in the investigated tissues.

Identification of Eimeria mitis and Eimeria praecox in broiler feces using polymerase chain reaction

There are few reports concerning the epidemiology of Eimeria praecox and Eimeria mitis in Brazil. In the present experiment, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify these species in 156 samples of broiler chicken feces from several Brazilian states and the Federal District. Oocysts present in feces samples were purified by sodium chloride flotation followed by addition of DNAzol reagent (Invitrogen®) for extraction of genomic DNA. DNA was precipitated and stored following DNAzol reagent manufacture's instructions. The primers and PCR conditions were as described by Schnitzler et al. (1999). In the 156 field samples analyzed by PCR, 70 and 45 were positive for E. praecox and E. mitis, respectively. In this study we have shown that DNA extraction using DNAzol followed by PCR can be a useful tool in epidemiological studies, since it provides fast and reliable detection of Eimeria sp. in field samples.

Multivariate analysis of stable isotope data in the traceability process for birds

A análise isotópica tem se mostrado uma ferramenta de suma importância ao processo de rastreabilidade, no entanto, existem divergências nas análises estatísticas dos resultados, uma vez que os dados são dependentes e advindos de vários elementos químicos tais como Carbono, Hidrogênio, Oxigênio, Nitrogênio e Enxofre (CHON'S). Com o intuito de estabelecer a análise propícia para os dados de rastreabilidade em aves pela técnica de isótopos estáveis e avaliar a necessidade da análise conjunta das variáveis, foram usados dados de carbono-13 e de nitrogênio-15 de ovos (albúmen + gema) de poedeiras e músculo peitoral de frangos de corte, os quais foram submetidos à análise estatística univariada (Anova e complementada pelo teste de Tukey) e multivariada (Manova e Discriminante). Os dados foram analisados no software Minitab 16, e os resultados, consolidados na teoria, confirmam a necessidade de análise multivariada, mostrando também que a análise discriminante esclarece as dúvidas apresentadas nos resultados de outros métodos de análise comparados nesta pesquisa.

The applicability of hematoxylin-eosin staining plus fluorescence or confocal laser scanning microscopy to the study of elastic fibers in cartilages

This study focuses on the use of hemotoxylin-eosin staining plus fluorescence microscopy for the investigation of elastic fibers in some elastic cartilages. We have observed that elastic fibers are consistently imaged by the proposed procedure and the resolution attained is similar to that obtained with the classical Weigert's fuchsin-resorcin. The results also demonstrate that elastin autofluorescence gives little or no contribution to the final fluorescence and that the use of the confocal laser scanning microscope adds to the resolution, permits the use of thicker sections and reveals of minute structural features. We conclude that this is a relevant tool in elastin research.

Difference variance dispersion graphs for comparing response surface designs with applications in food technology

Variance dispersion graphs have become a popular tool in aiding the choice of a response surface design. Often differences in response from some particular point, such as the expected position of the optimum or standard operating conditions, are more important than the response itself. We describe two examples from food technology. In the first, an experiment was conducted to find the levels of three factors which optimized the yield of valuable products enzymatically synthesized from sugars and to discover how the yield changed as the levels of the factors were changed from the optimum. In the second example, an experiment was conducted on a mixing process for pastry dough to discover how three factors affected a number of properties of the pastry, with a view to using these factors to control the process. We introduce the difference variance dispersion graph (DVDG) to help in the choice of a design in these circumstances. The DVDG for blocked designs is developed and the examples are used to show how the DVDG can be used in practice. In both examples a design was chosen by using the DVDG, as well as other properties, and the experiments were conducted and produced results that were useful to the experimenters. In both cases the conclusions were drawn partly by comparing responses at different points on the response surface.

Uterine evaluation and gestation diagnosis in owl monkey (Aotus azarai infulatus) using the B mode ultrasound

Background Gynecological and obstetrical ultrasonography has become an indispensable tool in the routine management, health evaluation and research on captive non-human primates.Methods Ultrasound was used to evaluate the uterus and estimate the gestation of owl monkeys. Twelve couples were selected, where five were primiparous and seven multiparous females from the National Primate Center reproductive colony, Ananindeua-PA, Brazil. The procedures were carried out using the GE (R) Logiq 100 MP, equipped with a 7.5 MHz linear probe.Results the females showed a simple uterus, of elongated shape, regular outline and homogeneous echogenic texture. In the uterine measurements craniocaudal diameter, dorsoventral diameter and uterine volume (UV), significant differences were identified (P < 0.05) between ultrasound examinations of primiparous and multiparous females. The UV showed a positive correlation with the number of births. The gestational sac and the embryonic echo were visible between 28 and 38 days after mating. Between 48 and 68 days after mating, embryonic death was identified in all the gestations.Conclusions the chemical (use of tranquilizers) and husbandry factors (capture stress) may be related to the prenatal death. The establishing methods of conditioning the female to the ultrasonographic exam may offer a solution to this problem.

Increased corticosterone levels in mice subjected to the rat exposure test

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