Expenditures, investment and financing for sustainable development in Brazil

Includes bibliography

International migration and development in the Americas

Includes bibliography

Development of a burner to measure biogas generation

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Heat shock protein production and immunity and altered fetal development in diabetic pregnant rats

We evaluated associations between the concentrations of heat shock proteins (hsp60 and hsp70) and their respective antibodies, alterations in maternal reproductive performance, and fetal malformations in pregnant rats with hyperglycemia. Mild diabetes (MD) or severe diabetes (SD) was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats prior to mating; non-treated non-diabetic rats (ND) served as controls. On day 21 of pregnancy, maternal blood was analyzed for hsp60 and hsp70 and their antibodies; and fetuses were weighed and analyzed for congenital malformations. Hsp and anti-hsp levels were correlated with blood glucose levels during gestation. There was a positive correlation between hsp60 and hsp70 levels and the total number of malformations (R∈=∈0.5908, P∈=∈0.0024; R∈=∈0.4877, P∈=∈0.0134, respectively) and the number of malformations per fetus (R∈=∈0.6103, P∈=∈0.0015; R∈=∈0.4875, P∈=∈0.0134, respectively). The anti-hsp60 IgG concentration was correlated with the number of malformations per fetus (R∈=∈0.3887, P∈=∈0.0451) and the anti-hsp70 IgG level correlated with the total number of malformations (R∈=∈0.3999, P∈=∈0.0387). Moreover, both hsp and anti-hsp antibodies showed negative correlations with fetal weight. The results suggest that there is a relationship between hsp60 and hsp70 levels and their respective antibodies and alterations in maternal reproductive performance and impaired fetal development and growth in pregnancies associated with diabetes. © 2012 Cell Stress Society International.

Military expenditure and development in Latin America

Includes bibliography

Technological change and opportunities for development as a moving target

Includes bibliography

Effects of heat stress on development, quality and survival of Bos indicus and Bos taurus embryos produced in vitro

Heat stress is an important cause of poor development and low survival rates in bovine embryos. Experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that Bos indicus embryos are more resistant to heat stress than are Bos taurus embryos. In experiment 1, Nelore and Jersey embryos from oocyte pick-up-derived oocytes were submitted to heat stress (96 hours post-insemination, 41 °C, 6 hours), developmental ratios were assessed at Day 7 (Day 0 = day of fertilization), and blastocysts were frozen for RNA extraction. Experiment 2 evaluated expression of COX2, CDX2, HSF1, and PLAC8 in previously frozen blastocysts. In experiment 3, Nellore and Angus embryos from oocyte pick-up-derived oocytes were submitted to heat stress (96 hours post-insemination, 41 °C, 12 hours) and transferred to recipients on Day 7. In experiment 4, embryos developed as in experiment 3 were fixed for Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling labeling and total cell counting. In experiment 1, heat stress decreased the percentage of Jersey oocytes that became blastocysts, but had no effect on Nellore embryos (34.6%, 25.0%, 39.5%, and 33.0% for Jersey control, Jersey heat-stressed, Nellore control, and Nellore heat-stressed oocytes, respectively; P < 0.05). In experiment 2, heat stress decreased (P < 0.05) expression of CDX2 and PLAC8, with higher expression of these genes in Nellore embryos than in Jersey embryos. Heat stress also decreased (P < 0.05) expression of COX2 in Jersey embryos, but had no effect on Nellore embryos. Expression of HSF1 was decreased (P < 0.05) by heat stress in both breeds, with a greater effect in Nellore embryos. In experiment 3, heat stress tended (P = 0.1) to decrease the percentage of pregnancies among cows (Day 30 to 35) that received Angus embryos. In experiment 4, heat stress increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of apoptotic blastomeres, but had no breed-specific effects. In addition, Nellore embryos had fewer (P < 0.05) Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling- positive blastomeres than did Angus embryos. We concluded that the detrimental effects of heat stress were dependent upon embryo breed and were more evident in Bos taurus embryos than in Bos indicus embryos. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Industrial policy and development

Includes bibliography

Ovarian response to porcine FSH in association with ablation-induced or spontaneous follicular wave development during the estrous cycle in crossbred and Brazilian Warmblood mares

The primary objective of this study was to examine the follicular and ovulatory responses following treatment with pFSH in association with ablation-induced or spontaneous follicular wave emergence or follicle deviation during diestrus in crossbred (Mangalarga × Arabian) and Brazilian Warmblood mares with a propensity for spontaneous multiple ovulations; secondary considerations were given to the collection of embryos In Experiment 1, crossbred mares were administered (im) saline (control, n= 7) or pFSH (25 mg) when the largest follicle of the ablation-induced follicular wave reached ≥13 mm (n= 7) or ≥20 mm (n= 7) or, after pre-treatment ovulation (Day 0) on Day 6 (n= 7) In Experiment 2, crossbred mares were administered (im) saline (control, n= 10) or a larger dose of pFSH (50 mg, n= 7) when the largest follicle of the ablation-induced follicular wave reached ≥13 mm In Experiment 3, Brazilian Warmblood mares were administered (im) saline (control, n= 7), pFSH (25 mg, n= 7 or 50 mg, n= 5) or EPE (12.5 mg, n= 7) as a positive control on Day 6 Ultrasonic technology was used to ablate all follicles ≥8 mm and to monitor follicular development and detect ovulation Treatment with pFSH or EPE was done twice daily until the largest follicle reached ≥32 mm; thereafter, hCG (2500 IU) was administered (iv) when the largest follicle reached ≥35 mm Artificial insemination was done 12 h after hCG and embryo collections were done 8 d after post-treatment ovulations In Experiments 1 and 2, treatment of crossbred mares with pFSH post-ablation in association with the expected time of wave emergence or follicle deviation did not (P> 0.05) enhance the follicular or ovulatory responses or collection of embryos compared to controls In Experiment 3, although the enhanced ovulatory response of mares to EPE at the expected time of spontaneous wave emergence was not different (P> 0.05) from controls, it was greater (P< 0.05) than the response to pFSH In conclusion, the novelty of using follicle ablation prior to pFSH treatment at the time of wave emergence or follicle deviation did not enhance the follicular or ovulatory responses or collection of embryos to treatment in crossbred mares In addition, the hypothesis that Brazilian Warmblood mares with a greater propensity for spontaneous multiple ovulations are as responsive to pFSH compared to EPE was not supported Thus, the combined experimental results of the present study continue to support the general consensus that pFSH is relatively ineffective for follicular superstimulation/superovulation in mares © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

The importance of the manufacturing sector for Brazilian economic development

Includes bibliography

International migration, human rights and development in Latin America and the Caribbean: summary and conclusions

Includes bibliography

Dynamics of DNA Methylation during Early Development of the Preimplantation Bovine Embryo

There is species divergence in control of DNA methylation during preimplantation development. The exact pattern of methylation in the bovine embryo has not been established nor has its regulation by gender or maternal signals that regulate development such as colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2). Using immunofluorescent labeling with anti-5-methylcytosine and embryos produced with X-chromosome sorted sperm, it was demonstrated that methylation decreased from the 2-cell stage to the 6-8 cell stage and then increased thereafter up to the blastocyst stage. In a second experiment, embryos of specific genders were produced by fertilization with X- or Y-sorted sperm. The developmental pattern was similar to the first experiment, but there was stage × gender interaction. Methylation was greater for females at the 8-cell stage but greater for males at the blastocyst stage. Treatment with CSF2 had no effect on labeling for DNA methylation in blastocysts. Methylation was lower for inner cell mass cells (i.e., cells that did not label with anti-CDX2) than for trophectoderm (CDX2-positive). The possible role for DNMT3B in developmental changes in methylation was evaluated by determining gene expression and degree of methylation. Steady-state mRNA for DNMT3B decreased from the 2-cell stage to a nadir for D 5 embryos >16 cells and then increased at the blastocyst stage. High resolution melting analysis was used to assess methylation of a CpG rich region in an intronic region of DNMT3B. Methylation percent decreased between the 6-8 cell and the blastocyst stage but there was no difference in methylation between ICM and TE. Results indicate that DNA methylation undergoes dynamic changes during the preimplantation period in a manner that is dependent upon gender and cell lineage. Developmental changes in expression of DNMT3B are indicative of a possible role in changes in methylation. Moreover, DNMT3B itself appears to be under epigenetic control by methylation. © 2013 Dobbs et al.

Reproductive tract development and puberty in two lines of Nellore heifers selected for postweaning weight

The objective was to evaluate reproductive tract development (ovary and uterus) and onset of puberty in two lines of Nellore heifers (Bos indicus) selected for postweaning weight. A total of 123 heifers, including 46 from the control Nellore line (NeC) and 77 from the selection Nellore line (NeS) were used. Every 18 to 21 days from 12 to 24 months of age, average ovarian area (OVA), endometrial thickness (ETh), and diameter of the largest follicle in each ovary were evaluated (using transrectal ultrasonography), and body weight, hip height, and body condition score were measured. There were no differences between NeS and NeC heifers for ETh or OVA (P < 0.05). Genetic selection for higher postweaning weight had no negative influence on the onset of puberty, with 52% and 48% of NeC and NeS heifers, respectively, pubertal at 24 months of age (P = 0.49). Heifers that reached puberty at the end of the study were heavier (NeC, 296.9 vs. 276.7 kg; NeS, 343.5 vs. 327.9 kg; P < 0.01) and younger (NeC, 23.4 vs. 24.2 mo; NeS, 22.7 vs. 24.0 months; P < 0.01) than those that did not. Furthermore, heifers that were heavier at weaning reached puberty earlier. Pubertal heifers had a greater OVA (4.15 vs. 3.14 cm2; P < 0.01) and ETh (12.15 vs. 9.93 mm; P < 0.01) than nonpubertal heifers. Taken together, OVA and ETh had positive effects (P < 0.01) on the onset of puberty and were suitable indicator traits of heifer sexual precocity in pasture management systems. However, selection for weight did not alter ovarian or endometrial development, or manifestation of puberty at 24 months of age. Among the growth traits studied, weaning weight and weight at puberty had significant positive effects on manifestation of first estrus. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Development and sensory analysis of shampoo for curly hair

Objective: This study aimed to compare the sensory performance of a shampoo formulation with Polyurethane-14, AMP-acrylates copolymer (PAAC) in relation to control formulation in curly and natural hair tresses. Methods: Curly and natural hair tresses (n = 8) of equal size and weight were pre-treated by washing with a standard shampoo. After the hair tresses were treated with a formulation containing polymer (formulation A) and compared to hair tresses treated with control formulation (Formulation B). Each panelist (n=2) is asked to indicate which tress performs better for each of seven sensory attributes evaluated (quantity and creamy foam, combing, wet touch, frizz formation, curl definition and volume). It was collected images of hair tresses at 0, 1, 2, 4 and 24 hours of washing, comparing the attributes: volume, frizz formation and curl definition. The results were analyzed using table to test of paired assessment, being: SUPERIOR results - 8 and 7 positive evaluations; SIMILAR results - 2 to 6 positive evaluations; INFERIOR results - 1 and 0 positive evaluations. Results: The addition of the PAAC on the shampoo formulation provided definition and modeling of curls, reducing volume and frizz in 24 hours. There was also lower foam formation in the formulation with polymer PAAC. However, it is important to note that this attribute has inversely proportional effect to the creamy foam, since more creamy foam, smaller quantity. Conclusions: It was concluded that the shampoo developed was effective in defining and modeling curl in natural and curly hair.

Detection of cytokeratins in ghost cells of calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor indicates an altered keratinization and hair follicle differentiation for their development

Calcifying cystic odontogenic tumors (CCOTs) are benign cystic lesions of odontogenic origin characterized by an ameloblastoma-like epithelium and the presence of a group of cells named ghost cells. The pattern of cytokeratin (Ck) expression on these lesions remains unclear and needs to be clarified. To this end, the expression of Ck6, Ck13, Ck14, Ck18, and Ck19 in the epithelium lining of 7 cases of CCOTs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. For this, the epithelium lining was divided into 3 distinct regions: basal layer, suprabasal layer, and the compartment composed of ghost cells. In this study, 6 cases (85.7%) were classified as type 1 and 1 (14.3%) as type 4. All cases were negative for Ck13 and Ck18, despite the epithelial layer, as well as in the ghost cells. Ck6 was only positive in the ghost cells. Positivity for Ck14 and Ck19 was found in the basal and suprabasal layers, including the ghost cells. The results showing positivity for Ck14 and Ck19 in all of the analyzed cases reinforce CCOT as being of odontogenic origin, and the restricted expression of Ck6 in the ghost cells may be indicative that these cells suffer an altered differentiation into hair follicles in CCOTs. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.