Determination and padronization of normal values of bone mineral density (BMD) of the acessory carpus bone in young Thoroughbred horse using optical densitometry in radiographic image

Em 12 fêmeas e 12 machos da raça Puro Sangue Inglês com idade média de 12 meses, avaliou-se os valores normais da densidade mineral óssea do carpo acessório em milímetros de alumínio (mmAl) até o momento do fechamento completo da epífise distal do rádio, por meio do método de densitometria óptica em imagens radiográficas. A avaliação foi realizada por meio de um programa computacional (software) especialmente desenvolvido para medida de densidade óptica em filmes de raios-X, o qual contém a imagem radiográfica do osso carpo acessório, região de partes moles adjacente ao carpo acessório e os degraus de uma escala de alumínio (phatom), que permitiu a medida de densidade mineral óssea, sendo esta a média aritmética da região de interesse determinada no osso carpo acessório correspondente ao valor em milímetros da escala. Os valores da densidade mineral óssea em mmAl do acessório do carpo em função da idade não apresentaram diferenças entre os sexos (p=0,86) permitindo que uma equação de reta fosse ajustada para ambos os sexos (densidade mineral óssea (DMO) mmAl = 3.109 + 0,056 x idade em meses), na faixa etária estudada.

Effect of monomer treatment and polymerisation methods on the bond strength of resin teeth to denture base material

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

Relationship between DIAGNOdent values and sealant penetration depth on occlusal fissures

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the relationship between laser fluorescence values and sealant penetration depth on occlusal fissures. One hundred and sixty-six permanent molars were selected and divided into four groups, which were each treated using a different sealant (two clear and two opaque). The teeth were independently measured twice by two experienced dentists using two laser fluorescence devices-DIAGNOdent (LF and LFpen)-before and after sealing, and then thermoclycled. After measuring, the teeth were histologically prepared and assessed for caries extension. Digital photographs of the cut sealed sites were assessed, and the sealant penetration depth was measured. All 166 sites were measured by one of the examiners taking as limits the outer and inner surface of the sealant into the fissure. For each device (LF and LFpen) and each group, the difference between the values at baseline and after sealing was plotted against the sealant penetration depth and scatter plots were provided. It could be observed that most of the points were concentrated around the zero line, for both LF and LFpen in the four groups. In conclusion, there is no relation between changes in DIAGNOdent values and increasing of depth sealant penetration within the occlusal fissures.

Life Expectancy and Entropy Values for Workers of Pachycondyla striata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae)

We investigated the life expectancy and entropy value for workers of the ant Pachycondyla striata. Seven nests were excavated and these colonies were raised in laboratory conditions. The workers have a mean life-span of 74.48 days, these have a high mortality rate in the period of 1 to 85 days with a high entropy value of H = 0.611, confirming the number of deaths in the initial period.

Distribution transformers modeling with angular displacement: actual values and per unit analysis

In this work a detailed modeling of three-phase distribution transformers aimed at complementing well-known approaches is presented. Thus, incidence of angular displacement and tapping is taken into account in the proposed models, considering both actual values and per unit. The analysis is based on minimal data requirement: solely short-circuit admittance is needed since three-phase transformers are treated as non-magnetically-coupled single-phase transformers. In order to support the proposed methodology, results obtained through laboratory tests are presented.

Hematological values and total protein of Brasileiro de Hipismo and Breton mares during pregnancy

Estudaram-se as variáveis eritrométricas, leucométricas e a concentração de proteína total (PT) de éguas gestantes das raças Brasileiro de Hipismo (BH) e Bretão. Utilizaram-se 175 éguas sadias, com 3 a 13 anos de idade. Dentre as éguas utilizadas, 89 foram da raça BH, divididas em 14 não-prenhes e 75 prenhes, e 86 éguas da raça Bretão divididas em 11 não-prenhes e 75 prenhes. As éguas foram subdivididas em quatro grupos por raça: grupo controle (éguas não-prenhes, n=14 para BH e n=11 para Bretão); grupo I (primeiro período de gestação, 25-110 dias, n=25 para BH e Bretão), grupo II (segundo período de gestação, 111-210 dias, n=25 para BH e Bretão); e grupo III (terceiro período de gestação, 211-340 dias, n=25 para BH e Bretão). Os valores médios de cada variável eritrométrica, leucométrica e de proteína total foram obtidos para cada raça e, posteriormente, realizou-se comparação entre as mesmas. O número de hemácias (He), volume globular (VG) e teor de hemoglobina (Hb) aumentaram no segundo período de gestação e diminuíram no último período tanto para a raça BH, como para a raça Bretão. Além disso, essas mesmas variáveis apresentaram diferença estatística significativa tanto nas éguas não-prenhas como nas prenhes durante os três períodos gestacionais. Os valores médios obtidos de leucócitos e neutrófilos segmentados aumentaram a partir do segundo período de gestação para as duas raças estudadas.

Reduction of the nutritional values of diets for hens through supplementation with phytase

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da redução dos níveis nutricionais de dietas para poedeiras marrons em pico de postura sobre o desempenho das aves, a qualidade dos ovos e os parâmetros ósseos. No total foram avaliadas oito dietas, cada uma com cinco repetições de oito aves: 1. controle: formulada para suprir as exigências das aves; 2) controle + 0,03% ou 600 FTU; 3) 15% PB; 2.800 kcal de EM; 3,8% Ca e 0,28% Pd; 4) dieta 3 + 0,03% ou 600 FTU; 5) 14% PB; 2.750 kcal de EM; 3,4% Ca e 0,23% Pd; 6) dieta 5 + 0,03% ou 600 FTU; 7) 13% PB; 2.700 kcal de EM; 3,0% Ca e 0,18% Pd; e 8) dieta 7 + 0,03% ou 600 FTU. A redução dos níveis nutricionais prejudicou o desempenho das aves, principalmente a produção e massa de ovos, que melhorou com a inclusão de fitase nas dietas. Os parâmetros de qualidade dos ovos, no entanto, não se alteraram com a redução até o nível de 15% de PB; 2.800 kcal de EM/kg; 3,80% Ca e 0,280% Pd, o que não se repetiu nos níveis com menor densidade nutricional. Não houve efeito da redução dos níveis nutricionais sobre os parâmetros ósseos avaliados, exceto a resistência, que melhorou com a suplementação de fitase no nível de 600 FTU. A redução nos níveis nutricionais da dieta para 15% de PB, 2.800 kcal/kg de EM, 3,8% de Ca e 0,280% de Pd com a adição de 600 FTU não prejudica a produção nem a massa de ovos e melhora a saúde óssea das aves.

Flotation of blocolloids suspended in liquid phases of different compositions and pH values

The flotation capacity was determined for cells of yeasts strains belonging to the genera Hansenula, Candida and Saccharomyces. A heterogeneous group of yeasts, comprising strains from the three genera, was identified as showing high flotation capacities (degrees of flotation above 50%), which were practically not affected by variations in medium pH in both the synthetic medium and 2% molasses. Thus, the flotation capacity of the cells in this yeast group seemed strongly dependent on the liquid phase properties and/or growth medium composition, more than on the simple variation in pH of the cell suspensions. A second group of strains, belonging to the Saccharomyces genus, including also brewing yeast strains, was identified as having lower flotation capacities (degrees of flotation below 50% at pH 1.5), which showed no alterations or variations significantly affected by the medium pH. Foam volumes obtained with Saccharomyces strains were greater in synthetic media than in molasses owing to the higher air flow rates required for flotation in molasses. The flotation efficiency decreased in molasses in all cases as well as the foam volume, except in the case of Hansenula cells, which showed an increased foam volume. This was probably due to variations in product excretion by the different yeasts and/or differences in cell wall composition.

Leukocyte and thrombocyte reference values for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Raf), with an assessment of morphologic, cytochemical, and ultrastructural features

Background: Hematology tests are useful to evaluate physiologic disturbances in fish and can provide important information for the diagnosis and prognosis of disease. Objectives: the primary purpose of this study was to define reference intervals for thrombocytes and leukocytes in healthy channel catfish (Ictalurus punctactus). In addition, the morphologic, cytochernical, and ultrastructural features of blood cells were assessed. Methods: Blood samples (0.5 mL were collected into EDTA from 40 clinically healthy catfish on a commercial fish farm in Jaboticabal, Brazil. Thrombocyte, total WBC, and differential WBC counts were determined and reference intervals were calculated as the 25-95th percentiles of data. Thrombocyte and leukocyte morphology was assessed in blood smears stained with May Griinwald-Giemsa-Wright and ultrastructurally by transmission electron microscopy. Cytochemical staining patterns were described using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), peroxidase, nonspecific esterase, alkaline phosphatase, and toluidine blue. Results: Reference intervals were as follows: thrombocytes 58,802-99,569/mu L; total WBCs 27,460-41,523/mu L; lymphocytes 5380-11,581/mu L; monocytes 2949-7459/mu L; neutrophils 12,529-22,748/mu L, and basophils 736-2003/mu L. Neutrophils were positive for peroxidase and PAS; monocytes were positive for nonspecific esterase; and basophils were positive with toluidine blue. Conclusion: the morphologic and staining features of neutrophils and monocytes of channel catfish are similar to those of mammals, and the presence of basophils in this species was verified. These reference intervals and morphologic findings provide a foundation for future investigations on the functions and alterations of blood cells in channel catfish.

Huge values of room-temperature dielectric constants in pellets of poly(3-methylthiophene)

Room temperature data of impedance and phase angle in pellets of electrochemically synthesized ClO4- doped poly(3-methylthiophene) (P3MT) were analyzed assuming the sample being represented by a parallel resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit or by a series RC circuit. The last assumption proved to be the correct one, and to confirm it we use the sample as the RC component of a resistor-capacitor-inductor series resonator. We discuss the possibility of this RC series behavior to be due to a charge-density wave characteristic also evidenced from the huge values of the low-frequency dielectric constant of the system.

On the denominator values and barycentric weights of rational interpolants

We improve upon the method of Zhu and Zhu [A method for directly finding the denominator values of rational interpolants, J. Comput. Appl. Math. 148 (2002) 341-348] for finding the denominator values of rational interpolants, reducing considerably the number of arithmetical operations required for their computation. In a second stage, we determine the points (if existent) which can be discarded from the rational interpolation problem. Furthermore, when the interpolant has a linear denominator, we obtain a formula for the barycentric weights which is simpler than the one found by Berrut and Mittelmann [Matrices for the direct determination of the barycentric weights of rational interpolation, J. Comput. Appl. Math. 78 (1997) 355-370]. Subsequently, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for the rational interpolant to have a pole. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CLINICAL BIOCHEMICAL DETERMINATIONS IN THE MANGALARGA-PAULISTA HORSE - REFERENCE VALUES

Biochemical values are widely related with environmental agents, sex and age, and are used in disease diagnosis. Numerous reports have been published on the biochemical parameters of different breeds of horses. However, there is a paucity of information concerning Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), ceruloplasmin, copper and zinc determinations in the serum. Blood samples from a total of 60 horses of the Mangalarga-Paulista breed, representing three age groups (0 to 4 months old, 6 to 18 months old and adult) were examined. Male horses have a higher mean value of SOD, ceruloplasmin and copper than do females. No significant sex-related difference was observed in serum zinc content of weaned and adult horses. SOD activity was significantly higher in adult animals. Since SOD has a protective effect against superoxide free radical toxicity and possesses anti-inflammatory activity, it is reasonable to assume that the increased activity of this enzyme may be due to an adaptation mechanism which protects the adult animal against oxygen toxicity.

Effect of microwave sterilization and water storage on the Vickers hardness of acrylic resin denture teeth

Statement of problem. Acrylic resin denture teeth soften upon immersion in water, and the heating generated during microwave sterilization may enhance this process.Purpose. Six brands of acrylic resin denture teeth were investigated with respect to the effect of microwave sterilization and water immersion on Vickers hardness (VHN).Material and Methods. The acrylic resin denture teeth (Dentron [D], Vipi Dent Plus [V], Postaris [P], Biolux [B], Trilux [T], and Artiplus [A]) were embedded in heat-polymerized acrylic resin within polyvinylchloride tubes. For each brand, the occlusal surfaces of 32 identical acrylic resin denture posterior teeth were ground flat with 1500-grit silicon carbide paper and polished on a wet polishing wheel with a slurry of tin oxide. Hardness tests were performed after polishing (control group, C) after polishing followed by 2 cycles of microwave sterilization at 650 W for 6 minutes (MwS group), after polishing followed by 90-day immersion in water (90-day Wim group), and after polishing followed by 90-day storage in water and 2 cycles of microwave sterilization (90-day Wim + MwS group). For each specimen, 8 hardness measurements were made and the mean was calculated. Data were analyzed with a 2-way analysis of variance followed by the Bonferroni procedure to determine any significance between pairs of mean values (alpha=.01).Results: Mircrowave sterilization of specimens significantly decreased (P <.001) the hardness of the acrylic resin denture tooth specimens P (17.8 to 16.6 VHN, V (18.3 to 15.8 VHN), T (17.4 to 15.3 VHN), B (16.8 to 15.7 VHN), and A (17.3 to 15.7 VHN). For all acrylic resin denture teeth, no significant differences in hardness were found between the groups Mws, 90-day Wim, and 90-day Wim + MwS, with the exception of the 90-day Wim + MwS tooth A specimens (14.4 VHN), which demonstrated significant lower mean values (P <.001) than the 90-day Wim (15.8 VHN) and MwS (15.7 VHN) specimens.Conclusions. For specimens immersed in water for 90 days, 2 cycles of microwave sterilization had no effect on the hardness of most of the acrylic resin denture teeth.

Seasonal influence on hematologic values and hemoglobin electrophoresis in Brazilian Boa constrictor amarali

As ectothermic animals, snakes depend exclusively on the environment for proper temperature maintenance, which may greatly influence their activity. Twenty-five adult Boa constrictor amarali snakes maintained in captivity were used to determine the influence of seasons on their hematologic values and electrophoretic profile of hemoglobin. A complete blood cell count (CBC) and examination for hemoparasites were performed in the summer and winter of 2004. Hemoglobin was stored for later electrophoresis. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were obtained in RBC, WBC. lymphocyte, thrombocyte, and monocyte counts, demonstrating the importance of the period of the year in the interpretation of reference values in these animals. Two snakes were detected with blood parasites (Hepatozoon sp.) in the winter and four in the summer. although it appears that their presence did not cause any significant alterations in the CBC. The electrophoretic analysis of the samples demonstrated two-four hemoglobin bands in this species.

Estimates of genetic parameters, and cluster and principal components analyses of breeding values related to egg production traits in a White Leghorn population

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