Weather-based prediction of anthracnose severity using artificial neural network models

Data were collected and analysed from seven field sites in Australia, Brazil and Colombia on weather conditions and the severity of anthracnose disease of the tropical pasture legume Stylosanthes scabra caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Disease severity and weather data were analysed using artificial neural network (ANN) models developed using data from some or all field sites in Australia and/or South America to predict severity at other sites. Three series of models were developed using different weather summaries. of these, ANN models with weather for the day of disease assessment and the previous 24 h period had the highest prediction success, and models trained on data from all sites within one continent correctly predicted disease severity in the other continent on more than 75% of days; the overall prediction error was 21.9% for the Australian and 22.1% for the South American model. of the six cross-continent ANN models trained on pooled data for five sites from two continents to predict severity for the remaining sixth site, the model developed without data from Planaltina in Brazil was the most accurate, with >85% prediction success, and the model without Carimagua in Colombia was the least accurate, with only 54% success. In common with multiple regression models, moisture-related variables such as rain, leaf surface wetness and variables that influence moisture availability such as radiation and wind on the day of disease severity assessment or the day before assessment were the most important weather variables in all ANN models. A set of weights from the ANN models was used to calculate the overall risk of anthracnose for the various sites. Sites with high and low anthracnose risk are present in both continents, and weather conditions at centres of diversity in Brazil and Colombia do not appear to be more conducive than conditions in Australia to serious anthracnose development.

Male gonadal denervation by guanethidine at pre-puberty: Different doses, different results. The intervention of the pineal deafferentation

Since gonadal denervation and pineal deafferentation by cervical superior ganglionectomy affect sexual development, this study was performed to evaluate testicular steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis and the cervical superior ganglion (CSG) histology in rats treated with guanethidine (GD). The treatment was performed by GD s.c. injections for 3 weeks, from the 21st day of age to the 41st day of age (pre-puberty), when the animals were sacrificed. Different doses were used: group A=10 mg/kg/day, group B=50 mg/kg/day and saline (control group). Testicular denervation was confirmed by HPLC for catecholamines in testicular tissue. Testicular concentrations (TC) of progesterone (P4) and testosterone (T) were measured by RIA. Significantly higher TC of P4 and lower TC of T were observed only in group A in comparison with group B and the control group. No alteration of sperm production was observed in either treated group. Histological analysis of CSG showed only few neuronal alterations in group A rats, while in group B the nervous cells were practically destroyed. This suggests that 10 mg/kg/day GD treatment probably produces a specific blockade of 17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 desmolase at pre-puberty leading to a decrease of the androgen production. However, in the 50 mg/kg/day group no differences were observed concerning the steroid profiles, this result being attributed to the extensive damage to the CSG observed only in group B. The CSG destruction causes deafferentation of the pineal gland producing abolishment of the inhibition of the 17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 desmolase promoted by melatonin or by an out of phase production of androgen.

Synchronization rate, size of the ovulatory follicle, and pregnancy rate after synchronization of ovulation beginning on different days of the estrous cycle in lactating dairy cows

Recently a protocol was developed that precisely synchronizes the time of ovulation in lactating dairy cows (Ovsynch; GnRH-7d-PGF(2 alpha)-2d-GnRH). We evaluated whether initiation of Ovsynch on different days of the estrous cycle altered the effectiveness of this protocol. The percentage of cows (n=156) ovulating to the first GnRH was 64% and varied (P<0.01) by stage of estrous cycle. Treatment with PGF(2 alpha) was effective, with 93% of cows having low progesterone at second GnRH. The overall percentage of cows that ovulated after second GnRH (synchronization rate) was 87% and varied by response to first GnRH (92% if ovulation to first GnRH vs 79% if no ovulation; P<0.05). There were 6% of cows that ovulated before the second injection of GnRH and 7% with no detectable ovulation by 48 h after second GnRH. Maximal diameter of the ovulatory follicle varied by stage of estrous cycle, with cows in which Ovsynch was initiated at midcycle having the smallest follicles. In addition, milk production and serum progesterone concentration on the day of PGF(2 alpha) affected (P<0.05) size of the ovulatory follicle. Using these results we analyzed pregnancy rate at Days 28 and 98 after Al for cows (n=404) in which Ovsynch was initiated on known days of the estrous cycle. Pregnancy rate was lower for cows expected to ovulate larger follicles than those expected to ovulate smaller follicles (P<0.05; 32 vs 42%). Thus, although overall synchronization rate with Ovsynch was above, 85%, there were clear differences in response according to day of protocol initiation. Cows in which Ovsynch was initiated near midcycle had smaller ovulatory follicles and greater pregnancy rates. (C) 1999 by Elsevier B.V.

Perinatal estrogen exposure: Later repercussion on the fertility of rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of perinatal estrogen exposure in the fertility of rats. Thus, rats were treated with estrogen on the 21st or 22nd day of intra-uterine life or treated with estrogen immediately after birth. It was observed that the testicular descent of males and beginning of puberty of females were advanced in all estrogen-treated groups. The females from estrogen-treated groups showed reduced frequency of estrous in 15 consecutive days of study, and there was an increase in estrous duration. Their fertility also were impaired and a reduction in the number of alive fetuses, as well as enhancement of pre- and postimplantation loss, mainly in the group treated with estrogen on the 21st day of intra-uterine life. However, the alterations observed in the fertility of estrogen-treated male rats were slighter and only females mated with male rats from the group treated with estrogen immediately after birth showed enhanced preimplantation loss. We suggest that the reproductive function is impaired by exposure to estrogen in the perinatal life of rats, and that the mechanisms involved in this effect are distinct for males and females. (C) 1997 Elsevier B.V.

Potential of municipal solid waste (MSW) as a source of energy in São Paulo: Its impact on CO2 balance

Energy generation is needed in São Paulo and MSW represents a promising alternative, although it is more expensive than hydroelectric power. About 14 900 t/day of MSW is generated, of which 8433 t/day is domestic and commercial MSW. From this amount, 1800 t will be destined to generate 30 MW of power. The eco-balance of CO2 has been considered for incineration and recycling. The recycling program of plastics, metals, paper and glass would represent a significant reduction in energy and CO2 emission. The total CO2 released is 3.34 x 10(5) t/yr without recycling. and is 1.25 x 10(5) t/yr with a recycling program. Most of the CO2 comes from plastics and paper production. Economic aspects could probably favor Incineration with energy production as the best option. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ovulation synchronization following commercial application of ultrasound-guided follicle ablation during the estrous cycle in mares

A regimen of progesterone plus estradiol (P&E) was used as a standard for ovarian synchronization to test the efficacy and evaluate the commercial application of ultrasound-guided follicle ablation as a non-steroidal alternative for ovulation synchronization in mares. Recipient mares at a private embryo transfer facility were at unknown stages of the estrous cycle at the start of the experiment on Day 1 when they were randomly assigned to an ablation group (n = 18-21 mares) or to a ME group (n = 20-21 mares). In the ablation group, mares were lightly sedated and all follicles > 10 mm were removed by transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration. In the ME group, a combination of progesterone (150 mg) plus estradiol (10 mg) prepared in safflower oil was given daily (im) for 10 d. Two doses of prostaglandin FZ, (PGF, 10 mg/dose, im) were given 12 h apart on Day 5 in the ablation group, or a single dose on Day 10 in the ME group. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, 2500 IU/mare, im) was given at a fixed time, 6 and 10 d after PGF treatment in the ablation and ME groups, respectively, with the expectation of a follicle > 30 mm at the time of treatment. In both the ablation and P&E groups, transrectal ultrasonography was done at the start of the study (Day 1) and again on the day of hCG treatment and daily thereafter to determine the presence of a CL, measure diameter of the largest follicle and detect ovulation. The mean interval from the start of the study and from PGF treatment to ovulation was shorter (P < 0.0001) in the ablation group (13.7 and 9.7 d, respectively) compared to the P&E group (22.3 and 13.2 d, respectively). Following fixed-day treatment with hCG after PGF treatment, the degree of ovulation synchronization was not different (P > 0.05) between the ablation and P&E groups within a 2-d (56 and 70%) or 4-d (83% and 90%) period. Although ultrasound-guided follicle ablation may not be practical in all circumstances, it excluded the conventional 10-d regimen of progesterone and estradiol and was considered an efficacious and feasible, non-steroidal alternative for ovulation synchronization in mares during the estrous cycle. (C 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ability of bacteriophages isolated from different sources to reduce Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis in vitro and in vivo

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis-lysing bacteriophages isolated from poultry or human sewage sources were used to reduce Salmonella Enteritidis in vitro and in experimentally infected chicks. Cocktails of 4 different bacteriophages obtained from commercial broiler houses (CB4O) and 45 bacteriophages from a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WT45O) were evaluated. In experiment 1, an in vitro crop assay was conducted with selected bacteriophage concentrations (105 to 101 pfu/mL) to determine ability to reduce Salmonella Enteritidis in the simulated crop environment. Following 2 h at 37 degrees C, CB40 or WT45O reduced Salmonella Enteritidis recovery by 1.5 or 5 log, respectively, as compared with control. However, CB40 did not affect total SE recovery after 6 h, whereas WT45O resulted in up to a 6-log reduction of Salmonella Enteritidis. In experiment 2, day-of-hatch chicks were challenged orally with 3 x 103 cfu /chick Salmonella Enteritidis and treated cloacally with 1 X 109 WT45O pfu/chick I h postchallenge. One hour later, chicks were treated or not with a commercially available probiotic (Floramax-B11). Both treatments significantly reduced Salmonella Enteritidis recovery from cecal tonsils at 24 h following vent lip application as compared with controls, but no additive effect was observed with the combination of bacteriophages and probiotic. In experiment 3, day-of-hatch chicks were challenged orally with 9 x 103 cfu/chick Salmonella Enteritidis and treated via oral gavage with I X 108 CB40 pfu/chick, 1.2 x 108 WT45O pfu/chick, or a combination of both, I h postchallenge. All treatments significantly reduced Salmonella Enteritidis recovered from cecal tonsils at 24 h as compared with untreated controls, but no significant differences were observed at 48 h following treatment. These data suggest that some bacteriophages can be efficacious in reducing SE colonization in poultry during a short period, but with the bacteriophages and methods presently tested, persistent reductions were not observed.

Enhancement of natural killer cell function by titanocenes in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumour

In the present work, we studied the effects of two titanocenes, biscyclopentadienyidichlorotitanium IV, (DDCT) and its derivative, biscyclopentadienylditiocianatetitanium IV (BCDT), on the activity of natural killer (NK) cells in Ehrlich ascites tumour (EAT)-bearing BALB/c mice. In order to investigate a more direct effect of these compounds on NK cell function, we performed experiments with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice, which exhibit a normal NK cell response in the absence of T and B cells. The treatment consisted of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 15 mg/kg/day of DDCT for 2 days or 10 mg/kg/day of BCDT for 3 days. In addition, to verify whether the effects produced by the titanocenes were compound specific or related to a direct antitumour effect, we also investigated the effects of a 3-day treatment with 100 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide cyclophosphamide on NK cell activity. Our results demonstrated that, in BALB/c and SCID mice, NK cell function declined to subnormal levels after inoculation of the tumour. In these animals, although treatment with DDCT and BCDT significantly enhanced NK cell function, only DDCT restored NK cell activity to normal values in all stages studied. Conversely, treatment with cyclophosphamide reduced NK cell function in nontumour bearing SCID mice and was also unable to restore the decreased NK activity of tumour-bearing SCID mice, thus demonstrating that the enhancement of NK cell function by titanocenes is compound specific. The same effect of cyclophosphamide was observed with BALB/c mice. In the present study, the up-modulatory effects of these two compounds on NK cell function reveal a new aspect of the mechanism of antitumoural action of titanocenes. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of timing of thermal conditioning during incubation on embryo physiological parameters and its relationship to thermotolerance in adult broiler chickens

Previously, we reported that thermal conditioning at 39degreesC on days 13-17 of incubation of broiler eggs enabled thermotolerance during post-hatch growth (J. Therm. Biol. 28 (2003) 133). Tolerance to a temperature of 30degreesC was accompanied by changes in thyroid hormones and metabolic parameters. In the current study, we determined the mechanism of epigenetic heat adaptation during embryonic age by measuring blood physiological parameters that may be associated with the ultimate effects of thermal conditioning. Hatching eggs from Ross breeders were subjected to heat treatment of 39degreesC at days 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 of incubation for 2 h per day. Control eggs were incubated at 37.6degreesC. Samples of eggs were withdrawn on each day of thermal conditioning and at internal pipping (IP) to obtain blood samples from embryos. The remaining eggs were weighed at day 18 and transferred to hatchers. The timing of IP, external pipping (EP) and hatching were monitored every 2 h. At hatch, chicks were weighed and hatchability was determined. Blood samples were obtained from samples of day-old chicks. T3, T4, corticosterone, pCO(2), pO(2) levels were determined in the blood. Blood pH was measured and T3/T4 ratios were calculated. Heat conditioning significantly increased corticosterone and pO(2) levels and blood pH but depressed pCO(2) at day 14. These were followed by a significant depression of T4 level on day 15. Remarkably, at day 16, all these parameters were back to normal as in the control embryos. Hatching was delayed by thermal conditioning probably as a result of the depressed corticosterone levels at IP. Hatchability was also lower in the heat-treated group but 1-day old chick weights were comparable to those of the controls. The result suggests that epigenetic thermal conditioning involves changes in these physiological parameters and probably serve as a method for epigenetic temperature adaptation since the same mechanisms are employed for coping with heat during post-embryonic growth. It also suggests that days 14-15 may be the optimal and most sensitive timing for evoking this mechanism during embryonic development. The adverse effects of heat treatment observed in this study may have been due to the continued exposure to heat until day 17. Fine-tuning thermal conditioning to days 14-15 only may improve these production parameters. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Morphological characterization of follicle deviation in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers and cows

Follicle diameter deviation is defined as the beginning of the differential change in growth rates between the largest and next largest follicles subsequent to wave emergence and is considered a key component of follicle selection. Follicle selection has been extensively studied in European breeds of cattle (Bos taurus) but has not been critically studied in Zebu breeds (Bos indicus). The objectives of the present study were to determine and compare the morphological characteristics of deviation associated with the first post-ovulatory wave (Wave 1) of the estrous cycle in Nelore heifers (n = 8) and nonlactating cows (n = 11). Beginning on the day of ovulation (day 0), the three largest follicles (F1-F3, respectively) were individually tracked every 12 h for 6 d using transrectal ultrasonography. In individual animals, deviation was determined graphically using visual inspection of the diameter profiles of F1, F2 and sometimes F3 (observed deviation) and mathematically using segmented regression analysis of the diameter differences between F1 and F2 or sometimes F3 (calculated deviation). Mean day of emergence of Wave 1 when F1 reached >3 rum (approximately 1 d after ovulation) and growth rate of F1 during deviation (approximately 1.4 mm/d) were not significantly different between heifers and cows. The results of determining the beginning of deviation within heifers and cows using the observed and calculated methods were not significantly different. Averaged over both methods, diameter deviation occurred 2.8 d after ovulation when F1 reached 5.7 mm in heifers, and 2.4 d after ovulation when F1 reached 6.1 mm in cows. In conclusion, the emergence of Wave 1 and growth rates and diameters of the future dominant follicles at the beginning of deviation were similar in Nelore heifers and nonlactating cows, regardless of the methods used to determine deviation. Relative to Holstein cattle, emergence of Wave 1 appeared to occur about 1 d later and diameter of the future dominant follicle at the beginning of deviation was about 2 turn smaller in Nelore. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fibrin adhesive implant in wound healing repair of dental sockets with topical application of epsilon aminocaproic acid: Histological analysis

The aim of the study was to evaluate wound healing repair of dental sockets after topical application of 5% epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) and the use of fibrin adhesive implant in rats under anticoagulant therapy with warfarin. Sixty Albinus wistar rats were used, divided into three groups of 20. In Group I, the animals were given 0.1 mL/100 mg of 0.9% saline solution per day, beginning 6 days before dental extraction and continuing throughout the experimental period. In Group II, the animals received 0.03 mL of sodium warfarin daily, beginning 6 days before the surgery and continuing until the day of sacrifice; after tooth extractions, the sockets were filled with fibrin adhesive material. In Group III the animals were treated as in Group II, and after extractions, the sockets were irrigated with 5 mL of 5% EACA and filled with the same fibrin adhesive material. All groups presented biological phases of wound healing repair, the differences being evident only in the chronology. The results obtained in Group III were very similar to those of Group I in the last period of wound repair, whereas Group II presented a late chronology compared to the other groups. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of travoprost 0.004% compared with latanoprost 0.005% on the intraocular pressure of normal dogs

Purpose To compare the effects of travoprost 0.004% and latanoprost 0.005% on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of normal dogs.Methods Twenty mixed breed dogs were randomized to two groups: latanoprost was used in group A and travoprost in group B. The drugs were instilled in the right eye of the dogs, whereas the left eye received placebo. Both drugs were instilled once a day at 8 AM during 5 days. IOP measurements were made at 8 AM, 10 AM, 2 PM and 8 PM during the 5 days of treatment, the 3 days that preceded treatment, and 3 days following treatment. Presence of blepharospasm, miosis, anterior chamber flare, and conjunctival hyperemia were evaluated during the study.Results Mean IOP was significantly reduced in the eyes treated with both latanoprost and travoprost, when compared with the eyes treated with placebo (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean IOPs of eyes treated with latanoprost and travoprost at all time intervals during baseline, treatment, and recovery (P > 0.05). on the fifth day of treatment and on the first day of the recovery period, a severe ocular hypotension was noted with both drugs, resulting in imprecise readings with the tonometer. Miosis and conjunctival hyperemia were observed in the treated eyes of both groups, whereas flare was noticed in one latanoprost-treated eye.Conclusion Travoprost 0.004% significantly reduces the IOP in normal dogs. The hypotensive effect obtained with travoprost 0.004% is comparable to that obtained with latanoprost 0.005%.

The influence of study schedules and work on the sleep-wake cycle of college students

College students usually exhibit an irregular sleep-wake cycle characterized by great phase delays on weekends and short sleep length on weekdays. As the temporal organization of social activities is an important synchronizer of human biological rhythms, we investigated the role played by study's schedules and work on the sleep-wake cycle. Three groups of female college students were investigated: (1) no-job morning group, (2) no-job evening group, (3) job evening group. The volunteers answered a sleep questionnaire in the classroom. The effects of day of the week and group on the sleep schedules and sleep length were analyzed by a two way ANOVA for repeated measures. The three groups showed delays in the wake up time on weekends. No-job evening and morning groups also delayed bedtime, but the job evening group slept at the same time on weekdays as on weekends. Sleep length increased on weekends for morning group and job evening group, whereas the no-job evening group maintained the amount of sleep from weekdays to weekends. This survey showed that the tendency of phase delay on weekends was differently expressed according to study's schedules and work.

A phase III randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial to determine the efficacy of low level laser therapy for the prevention of oral mucositis in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation

Introduction Oral mucositis (OM) is a significant early complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). This phase III randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was designed to compare the ability of 2 different low level GaAlAs diode lasers (650 nm and 780 nm) to prevent oral mucositis in HCT patients conditioned with chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.Materials and methods Seventy patients were enrolled and randomized into 1 of 3 treatment groups: 650 nm laser, 780 nm laser or placebo. All active laser treatment patients received daily direct laser treatment to the lower labial mucosa, right and left buccal mucosa, lateral and ventral surfaces of the tongue, and floor of mouth with energy densities of 2 J/cm(2). Study treatment began on the first day of conditioning and continued through day +2 post HCT. Mucositis and oral pain was measured on days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, and 21 post HCT.Results the 650 nm wavelength reduced the severity of oral mucositis and pain scores. Low level laser therapy was well-tolerated and no adverse events were noted.Discussion While these results are encouraging, further study is needed to truly establish the efficacy of this mucositis prevention strategy. Future research needs to determine the effects of modification of laser parameters (e.g., wavelength, fluence, repetition rate of energy delivery, etc.) on the effectiveness of LLE laser to prevent OM.

DIABETES AND EXPERIMENTAL PREGNANCY IN RATS - COURSE OF MATERNAL BLOOD-GLUCOSE LEVELS AND ITS REPERCUSSIONS ON THE BLOOD-GLUCOSE LEVELS AND PANCREAS OF NEWBORN PUPS

The objective of the present investigation was to determine the course of maternal blood glucose levels in pregnant rats and its repercussions on the glucose levels and pancreas of their newborn pups. Diabetes was induced by alloxan (42 mg/kg body weight) and streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). Sixty-two pregnant Wistar rats weighing 180 to 250 g were divided into a control group and two groups with moderate (120 to 200 mg/dl glucose) and severe diabetes (greater than 200 mg/dl glucose), respectively. Blood glucose levels were measured in the dams on the 1st, 14th, and 21st days of pregnancy and in the pups at birth. The results were pooled for each litter. The fetal pancreases were removed after cesarian section performed on the 21st day of pregnancy, pooled for each litter and processed for histopathologic examination by light microscopy. Maternal blood glucose levels were significantly increased compared with the first day of pregnancy in both normal and diabetic rats starting on the 14th day of pregnancy. Fetal blood glucose levels correlated with maternal levels. The histopathologic changes characterized by vacuolization and basophilia of the cytoplasm of endocrine pancreas of newborn pups from darns with moderate or severe diabetes suggested pancreatic hyperactivity.