Locais de implante de microchips de identificação eletrônica de leitões: seleção e validação por análise de imagem

Nas últimas décadas, a produção de suínos, pressionada por uma crescente demanda por alimentos, tem-se caracterizado pela maior concentração de animais em grandes unidades de produção, dificultando o registro dos dados individuais. Os sistemas automáticos de identificação eletrônica podem auxiliar a detecção de doenças, a avaliação de respostas fisiológicas, o controle de ingestão de alimentos, a atividade física e ainda o impacto ambiental causado pelo sistema de produção, promovendo melhor controle da propriedade. Transponders injetáveis, brincos eletrônicos e o monitoramento por meio da análise de imagem estão sendo utilizados no processo de identificação. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar os diferentes locais de implante subcutâneo de microchips em leitões, verificando-se possíveis infecções e/ou rejeições, migrações dos microchips em relação ao local de implante e sua validação em relação à análise de imagem.

Efeito das condições ambientais no nível de ruído emitido por leitões

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar a influência das variáveis ambientais nos níveis de ruídos emitidos por suínos e quantificar as faixas em dB comparativamente às condições de conforto térmico estabelecidas pela literatura. O experimento foi conduzido em câmara climática, onde foram alojados cinco leitões em fase de creche, submetidos à variação na temperatura ambiente de 20°C a 38°C e umidade relativa de 50% a 80%. Decibelímetros foram instalados para o registro dos níveis de ruídos e sensores dataloggers para os dados de temperatura e umidade relativa. O nível de atividade foi utilizado para quantificar a movimentação dos animais por intermédio de análise de imagens. Análises de correlação e regressão foram aplicadas nos dados para análise estatística. As variáveis ambientais influenciam na emissão de ruídos pelos leitões quando expostos a diferentes condições térmicas. Os níveis de ruídos foram estabelecidos em faixas de acordo com a condição térmica a que animais foram submetidos. Para a condição de conforto (20 a 23°C), níveis de ruídos na faixa de 70 a 75dB; condição de alerta (23 a 30°C), níveis de ruídos na faixa de 60 a 70dB e para condição de estresse térmico (acima de 30°C), na faixa de 55 a 60dB.

Anatomia e uso da madeira de duas variedades de Sclerolobium paniculatum Vog. do sul do Maranhão, Brasil

O presente estudo traz informações sobre a utilização da madeira de duas variedades de Sclerolobium paniculatum (var. subvelutinum e rubiginosum) em propriedades rurais do sul do Maranhão, a análise anatômica do lenho e a correlação destas características com o uso da madeira. Foram realizadas entrevistas com 17 agricultores residentes na zona rural dessa região, com a finalidade de se conhecer a utilização destas variedades nas propriedades rurais. As variedades subvelutinum Benth. e rubiginosum (Mart. ex Tul. ) Benth. são conhecidas na região como cachamorra-preta e cachamorra-branca, respectivamente, sendo a primeira mais utilizada na confecção de cercados. Para o estudo anatômico do lenho, foram coletados discos à altura do peito de três indivíduos de cada variedade e, destes, obtidas amostras do cerne, na região de transição com o alburno. As amostras foram processadas de acordo com a metodologia usual para anatomia de madeira. Houve diferença estatística significativa (p<0,05) para seis parâmetros anatômicos entre as duas variedades. A utilização diferencial das variedades pode ser decorrente, principalmente, das características das fibras e dos elementos de vasos. Sugere-se que sejam realizados estudos que abordem variações climáticas e características do solo para melhor entendimento das diferenças anatômicas quantitativas encontradas no lenho das variedades.

Electrophoretic and chromatographic profile for S-like hemoglobin

Hemoglobin variants originate mainly by simple amino acid substitutions, the result of nucleotide sequence changes. Recently, the number of known abnormal hemoglobins has increased due to improvement in analysis methodologies; however, many laboratories are not prepared to correctly identify mutants. Hb S is a very well-characterized hemoglobin variant that varies in prevalence in different regions of Brazil. However, there is a type of Hb that presents electrophoretic migration in alkaline pH similar to Hb S, named S-like Hb, which can be incorrectly diagnosed; therefore, its frequency is underestimated. We obtained reference ranges for Hb S by HPLC, and we examined the electrophoretic and chromatographic profiles of S-like Hb. Hb Hasharon, Hb D-Los Angeles, Hb Korle-Bu, Hb Lepore, Hb D-Iran, Hb G-like, Hb Queens, Hb Montgomery, and Hb Q-India were found. Cases of association between two beta chain mutants were also found. Electrophoresis in alkaline and acid pH was utilized to initially screen these Hb variants, and globin chain electrophoresis at both high and low pH was performed to identify the globin chain mutant. Chromatographic analysis permitted the identification of the hemoglobin variant and also facilitated the quantification of these variants. Therefore, an association of classical laboratory diagnostic methodologies is fundamental for the correct identification of suspect Hb variants. The S and S-like hemoglobin profiles determined in this study will help in the diagnosis of these variants in health care services.

Potencialidade energética em diferentes extratores e tempos de extração do óleo de pinhão-manso (jatropha curcas l.) em soxletter

The current rhythm of petroliferous exploration is esteem that the existing reserves will be depleted in next the 45 years. Thus being, it has that to study intensely, what it has come to be fact, the alternative power plants, as well as the technologies economically capable to ultilizar them. The potential demand of biodiesel for 2020 is taken in consideration that, in accordance with the International Agency of Energia (AIE), in only eight countries, will jump of 34,7 million tons in 2010 for 133,8 million in 2020, with an increment next to 300%. The tame nut is a producing oil plant with all the qualities necessary to be transformed into oil diesel. Beyond perennial and of easy culture, it presents good conservation of the harvested seed, being able to become great producer of substance cousin as optional fuel source. For these authors, this is a culture that can be developed in the small properties, with the available familiar man power, being plus a source of income for the country properties of the Northeast Region. The objective of this work is to evidence the capacity of oil production of the nut-bellwether, and the quality of extration with hexano and methanol in 6 distinct times.

Analysis of the Nicotiana tabacum Stigma/Style Transcriptome Reveals Gene Expression Differences between Wet and Dry Stigma Species

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

Repetition of Suicide Attempts Data from Emergency Care Settings in Five Culturally Different Low- and Middle-Income Countries Participating in the WHO SUPRE-MISS Study

Background: Attempted suicide is a strong risk factor for subsequent suicidal behaviors. Innovative strategies to deal with people who have attempted suicide are needed, particularly in resource-poor settings. Aims: To evaluate a brief educational intervention and periodic follow-up contacts (BIC) for suicide attempters in five culturally different sites (Campinas, Brazil; Chennai, India; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Karaj, Islamic Republic of Iran; and Yuncheng, People's Republic of China) as part of the WHO Multisite Intervention Study on Suicidal Behaviors (SUPRE-MISS). Methods: Among the 1,867 suicide attempters enrolled in the emergency departments of the participating sites, 922 (49.4%) were randomly assigned to a brief intervention and contact (BIC) group and 945 (50.6%) to a treatment as usual (TAU) group. Repeated suicide attempts over the 18 months following the index attempt - the secondary outcome measure presented in this paper - were identified by follow-up calls or visits. Subsequent completed suicide - the primary outcome measure has been reported in a previous paper. Results: Overall, the proportion of subjects with repeated suicide attempts was similar in the BIC and TAU groups (7.6% vs. 7.5%, chi(2) = 0.013; p = .909), but there were differences in rates across the five sites. Conclusions: This study from five low-and middle-income countries does not confirm the effectiveness of brief educational intervention and follow-up contacts for suicide attempters in reducing subsequent repetition of suicide attempts up to 18 months after discharge from emergency departments.

Densidades de plantas de Urochloa decumbens em convivência com Corymbia citriodora

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of plant densities of Urochloa decumbens on the early growth of Corymbia citriodora. The experimental design was completely randomized design with four replications, each plot consisted of a of 60 L capacity vase. The signal grass densities were 0, 20, 40, 80 and 160 plants m(-2), along with one eucalyptus plant. At the end of eight months of living together increase in height and in diameter and plant dry mass of eucalyptus and signal grass were carried out. The eucalyptus characteristics were influenced by all the weed populations, the effect being more pronounced with the increasing of grass density.

The β-chemokines MIP-1α and RANTES and lipoprotein metabolism in HIV-infected Brazilian patients

HIV patients are predisposed to the development of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia as a result of both viral infection and HIV infection therapy, especially the protease inhibitors. Chemokines and cytokines are present at sites of inflammation and can influence the nature of the inflammatory response in atherosclerosis. We investigated the correlation between biochemical variables and β-chemokines (MIP-1α and RANTES) and the apolipoprotein E genotype in HIV-infected individuals. The apolipoproteins were measured by nephelometry. Triglycerides and total cholesterol were determined by standard enzymatic procedures. The β-chemokines were detected by ELISA. The genetic category of CCR5 and apolipoprotein E were determined by PCR amplification and restriction enzymes. Immunological and virological profiles were assessed by TCD4 + and TCD8 + lymphocyte counts and viral load quantification. Positive correlations were found between apo E and CD8 + (p = 0.035), apo E and viral load (p = 0.018), MIP-1α and triglycerides (p = 0.039) and MIP-1α and VLDL (p = 0.040). Negative correlations were found between viral load and CD4 + (p = 0.05) and RANTES and CD4 + (p = 0.029). The β-chemokine levels may influence lipid metabolism in HIV-infected individuals. © 2005 by The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Contexto Publishing. All rights reserved.

Influência de laminas de chuva no controle de plantas daninhas, semeadas em diferentes profundidades no solo, com aplicação de herbicidas pré-emergentes

The aim of this work was to evaluate the control in pre-emergence of the weeds brachiaria grass (Brachiaria decumbens) and goosegrass (Eleusine indica) in different depths in the ground, for the oxyfluorfen and isoxaflutole herbicides, applied in pre-emergence condition and submitted of different rain blades. The experimental design was entirely at random, with four repetitions. Each set was consisted of plastic vases with substratum capacity of 4L, filled with arenaceous ground, increased of brachiaria grass and goosegrass seeds in the depths: 0,5; 1,0; 3,0; 6,0 and 9,0 cm. Doses of 37,5 g a.i. ha -1 of isoxaflutole and 720 g a.i. ha -1 of oxyfluorfen were used. The rain blades was 5, 10 and 20 mm applied with a stationary rain simulator, beyond a treatment without rain. Visual evaluations of control at 7 and 14 days had been carried through after application of the herbicides, counting of germinated plants and dry biomass of plants without application. The development of both weeds was inhibited by herbicides, reaching 100% of control, in all depth levels. The different rain blades had not influenced the control of the weeds. In the biggest depth of sowing (9,0 cm), the emergence was above 45% to B. decumbens and 36% to E. indica in treatments without herbicides application.

A comparison between diuretics and angiotensin-receptor blocker agents in patients with stage I hypertension (PREVER-treatment trial): Study protocol for a randomized double-blind controlled trial

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Brazil, and hypertension is its major risk factor. The benefit of its drug treatment to prevent major cardiovascular events was consistently demonstrated. Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB) have been the preferential drugs in the management of hypertension worldwide, despite the absence of any consistent evidence of advantage over older agents, and the concern that they may be associated with lower renal protection and risk for cancer. Diuretics are as efficacious as other agents, are well tolerated, have longer duration of action and low cost, but have been scarcely compared with ARBs. A study comparing diuretic and ARB is therefore warranted.Methods/design: This is a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial, comparing the association of chlorthalidone and amiloride with losartan as first drug option in patients aged 30 to 70 years, with stage I hypertension. The primary outcomes will be variation of blood pressure by time, adverse events and development or worsening of microalbuminuria and of left ventricular hypertrophy in the EKG. The secondary outcomes will be fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular events: myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, evidence of new subclinical atherosclerosis and sudden death. The study will last 18 months. The sample size will be of 1200 participants for group in order to confer enough power to test for all primary outcomes. The project was approved by the Ethics committee of each participating institution.Discussion: The putative pleiotropic effects of ARB agents, particularly renal protection, have been disputed, and they have been scarcely compared with diuretics in large clinical trials, despite that they have been at least as efficacious as newer agents in managing hypertension. Even if the null hypothesis is not rejected, the information will be useful for health care policy to treat hypertension in Brazil. Clinical trials registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00971165. © 2011 Fuchs et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Prevention of hypertension in patients with pre-hypertension: Protocol for the PREVER-prevention trial

Background: Blood pressure (BP) within pre-hypertensive levels confers higher cardiovascular risk and is an intermediate stage for full hypertension, which develops in an annual rate of 7 out of 100 individuals with 40 to 50 years of age. Non-drug interventions to prevent hypertension have had low effectiveness. In individuals with previous cardiovascular disease or diabetes, the use of BP-lowering agents reduces the incidence of major cardiovascular events. In the absence of higher baseline risk, the use of BP agents reduces the incidence of hypertension. The PREVER-prevention trial aims to investigate the efficacy, safety and feasibility of a population-based intervention to prevent the incidence of hypertension and the development of target-organ damage.Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, with participants aged 30 to 70 years, with pre-hypertension. The trial arms will be chlorthalidone 12.5 mg plus amiloride 2.5 mg or identical placebo. The primary outcomes will be the incidence of hypertension, adverse events and development or worsening of microalbuminuria and of left ventricular hypertrophy in the EKG. The secondary outcomes will be fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular events: myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, evidence of new sub-clinical atherosclerosis, and sudden death. The study will last 18 months. The sample size was calculated on the basis of an incidence of hypertension of 14% in the control group, a size effect of 40%, power of 85% and P alpha of 5%, resulting in 625 participants per group. The project was approved by the Ethics committee of each participating institution.Discussion: The early use of blood pressure-lowering drugs, particularly diuretics, which act on the main mechanism of blood pressure rising with age, may prevent cardiovascular events and the incidence of hypertension in individuals with hypertension. If this intervention shows to be effective and safe in a population-based perspective, it could be the basis for an innovative public health program to prevent hypertension in Brazil.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials NCT00970931. © 2011 Fuchs et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Perspectiva ambiental hasta el año 2000 y más adelante = Environmental perspective to the year 2000 and beyond

Expone la opinion general a la que han llegado los gobiernos respecto de los problemas ambientales que se iran produciendo hasta el ano 2000 y mas adelante en relacion con seis sectores principales. Presenta de forma organizada los principales rasgos de los puntos de vista compartidos, los problemas ambientales, los objetivos que deben alcanzarse y el programa de actuacion, que respecto de la perspectiva, han esbozado el Consejo de Administracion y la Asamblea General.

Mean surface temperature prediction models for broiler chickens-a study of sensible heat flow

Body surface temperature can be used to evaluate thermal equilibrium in animals. The bodies of broiler chickens, like those of all birds, are partially covered by feathers. Thus, the heat flow at the boundary layer between broilers' bodies and the environment differs between feathered and featherless areas. The aim of this investigation was to use linear regression models incorporating environmental parameters and age to predict the surface temperatures of the feathered and featherless areas of broiler chickens. The trial was conducted in a climate chamber, and 576 broilers were distributed in two groups. In the first trial, 288 broilers were monitored after exposure to comfortable or stressful conditions during a 6-week rearing period. Another 288 broilers were measured under the same conditions to test the predictive power of the models. Sensible heat flow was calculated, and for the regions covered by feathers, sensible heat flow was predicted based on the estimated surface temperatures. The surface temperatures of the feathered and featherless areas can be predicted based on air, black globe or operative temperatures. According to the sensible heat flow model, the broilers' ability to maintain thermal equilibrium by convection and radiation decreased during the rearing period. Sensible heat flow estimated based on estimated surface temperatures can be used to predict animal responses to comfortable and stressful conditions. © 2013 ISB.

Períodos de interferência de plantas daninhas na cultura do girassol

The interference of weeds in sunflower cultivation can significantly reduce the productivity of achenes. The objective of this study was to determine the period before interference and total period of interference of the weed community on productivity and achene oil of sunflower cultivation. The experiment was conducted under field conditions in the fieldin Botucatu (SP) in the 2007/2008 agricultural year. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. The treatments were composed of portions represent periods of control and presence of weeds. For control periods, the culture was kept free of weeds by increasing periods of 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 110 days after the emergence (DAE) of sunflower. For periods of coexistence, the culture was maintained in the presence of the weed community for the same periods. We assessed the following variables: diameter of chapters, achene yield, oil yield of sunflower, density and dry matter of weeds and phytosociological indices. The period before the interference was 35 DAE culture to the productivity of achenes, and the total period of interference lasted until 24 DAE. For oil yield, the period before the interference was 25 DAE, whereas the total period of interference lasted for 14 DAE.