Digestibilidade Aparente e Efeito Macro-Microscópico em Tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) Arraçoadas com Torta de Dendê

To evaluate the nutritional value of palm kernel meal on the performance Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), five isonitrogenous (30% crude protein), isoenergetic (2800 kcal/kg of digestible energy), and isofibrous (10% crude fiber) diets, with increasing levels of palm kernel meal (0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35%). were ad libitum fed to fingerlings with initial body weight of 1.52g +/- 0.04, housed per 120 days in 35 aquarium of 60 liters with fingerlings each. The environmental culture condition were monitored during all experimental period. Statistical analyses of recorded data were performed through polynomial regression models. To determine the apparent digestibility, macroscopic analysis of viscera and microscopic analysis of intestine epithelium were performed. The obtained results indicated that the inclusion of palm kernel meal up to 35% Nile tilapia diets did not affects the apparent digestibility and did not induce any pathological effects on viscera and intestinal epithelium.

The impact of endogenous annexin A1 on glucocorticoid control of in ammatory arthritis

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

Cellular and tissue effects induced by photogemA (R) and red LED in photodynamic therapy

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

Potencial alelopático e levantamento do banco natural de sementes sob a copa de Copaifera langsdorffii Desf

the aim of this study was to evaluate the allelopathic effect of soil samples collected under the canopies of three specimens of Copaifera langsdorffii the germination of Lactuca sativa and survey the natural seed bank according to seasonality. To test the allelopathic effect was carried experiments of pre and post-emergence with seeds of L. sativa and to quantify the stock of seeds, soil samples were collected from three specimens at three distances from the stem (1, 2 and 3 m) and at three depths (0-5, 5-10 and 10-15cm) in the region of savanna in the dry and wet seasons. The samples tested in bioassay of pre-emergence no significant influence on germinability, mean germination time and mean germination speed, but showed a difference in the synchronism of germination, these data were independent of sampling station. In test for post-emergence was observed statistical difference in the parameters evaluate (length of primary roots and hypocotyls) in both seasons. To quantify the natural seed bank were macroscopic analysis of each soil sample with the help of stereoscopic microscope. The analysis of the natural seed bank showed a larger number of seeds in the 0-5cm and in distance of 2m for both seasons. The results suggest the presence of allelochemical substances in soil samples collected under the canopy of Copaifera langsdorffii.

Effects of a lectin-like protein isolated from Acacia farnesiana seeds on phytopathogenic bacterial strains and root-knot nematode

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Initial Development of Bovine Placentation (Bos indicus) from the Point of View of the Allantois and Amnion

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

Anticoccidial effects of coumestans from Eclipta alba for sustainable control of Eimeria tenella parasitosis in poultry production

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticoccidial efficacy of a product containing coumestans from Eclipta alba. Experimental conditions were set up as to reproduce the environment conditions for husbandry adopted in commercial broiler farms. Broilers were raised in broiler chicken shed provided with feeders, drinkers, illumination and temperature control systems and floor covering to afford an adequate nourishing environment. Male Cobb broilers (240) were assigned to four experimental groups being each experimental group set apart in rice straw-covered shed isolated with wire mesh. One-day-old broilers were reared in a coccidian-free environment with ad libitum supply of filtered water and freely available standard feed, from the 1st to the 35th day of life. The T1 group received standard feed (negative control); T2 was treated with standard feed supplemented with 66 ppm of salinomycin (positive control); groups T3 and T4 had standard feed supplemented with the ethyl acetate fraction from methanolic extract of E. alba aerial parts, which contains the coumestans WL and DWL (120 and 180 ppm, respectively). The chicken broilers were individually infected with 2 x 104 oocysts of Eimeria tenella when they were 14 days old and were monitored weekly to evaluate zootechnical parameters such as weight gain and food conversion ratio. Counting of coccidial oocyst in chiken feces was assessed from random samples, from the 21st to 28th days of life, which corresponded to 7-14 days after the infection. Five chickens selected at random from each experimental group were subsequently euthanized at 21, 28 or 35 days of life to determine the lesion score in the cecal region and to excise a cecum portion for histopathological evaluation. The group treated with coumestans from E. alba presented an average weight gain and food conversion ratio higher than the negative control group and similar to the mean value of the positive control group. Coumestan-treated groups showed a significant decrease in the oocyst counting since the 21th day of life and displayed a reduced number of macroscopic lesions. Histopathological evaluations of cecum fragments showed that both treatments induced the migration of defense cells at the site of infection. A severe destruction of the cecal lining was found in the intestinal tract of broilers fed with a coumestans dose of 180 ppm. Overall, our results validate the use of a phytotherapy containing E. alba coumestans at a dose of 120 ppm as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent against avian coccidiosis. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Controlling the growth of zirconia needles precursor from a liquid crystal template

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Vitamin E responsive neurological signs in ostriches (Struthio camelus).

Encephalomalacia in birds is commonly related to vitamin E deficiency. To the best of our knowledge, in ostriches there are no reports of neurological signs associated to nutritional deficiencies. Fourteen ostriches aged from 1 day to 3 weeks old were sent to necropsy and showed apathy, progressive weight loss, twisting or S-shaped flexure of the neck and mortality. Gross changes were mild and consisted of congested blood vessels besides edematous aspect of the cerebrum and cerebellum. Microscopic examination revealed congested meningeal vessels. Capillaries were evident in cortex and white matter of the encephalon. Focal spongy vacuolation and reactive gliosis were observed within the white matter of cerebellum. Four birds that presented neurological signs were inoculated by the subcutaneous route in the neck with 50 mg of vitamin E (alfatocoferol acetate), followed by clinical evaluation. These birds were fully recovered in a period of 24 h. Macroscopic and microscopic lesions associated to the clinical signs and to the therapeutic improvement provided by vitamin E administration are strong evidences of nutritional encephalomalacia (vitamin E deficiency).

Morpho-physical Recording of Bovine Conceptus (Bos indicus) and Placenta from Days 20 to 70 of Pregnancy

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

Miniaturized structures for removal or selection of particles from liquid flow

The aim of this work was the development of miniaturized structures useful for retention and/or selection of particles and viscous substances from a liquid flow. The proposed low costs structures are similar to macroscopic wastewater treatment systems, named baffles, and allow disassemble. They were simulated using FEMLAB 3.2b package and manufactured in acrylic with conventional tools. Tests for retention or selection of particles in water or air and viscous fluids in water were carried out. Either in air or water particles with 50 mu m diameter will be retained but not with 13 mu m diameter. In aqueous flow, it is also possible the retention of viscous samples, such as silicone 350 cSt. The simulated results showed good agreement with experimental measurements. These miniaturized structures can be useful in sample pretreatment for chemical analysis and microorganism manipulation. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Caracterização da fusão caruncular em gestações naturais e de conceptos bovinos clonados

Barreto R.S.N., Miglino M.A., Meirelles F.V., Visintin J.A., Silva S.M., Burioli K.C., Fonseca R., Bertan C., Assis Neto A.C. & Pereira F.T.V. 2009. [Characterization of the caruncular fusion in gestations of natural and cloned bovine conceptuses.] Caracterizacao da fusao caruncular ern gestacoes naturais e de conceptos bovinos clonados. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 29(10):779-787. Laboratorio de Morfofisiologia da Placenta e Embriao, Faculdade de Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, SP294 Km 651, Dracena, SP 17900-000, Brazil. E-mail: fverechia@dracena.unesp.brThe objective of the study was to compare the characteristics of the caruncular fusion in gestations of non-cloned and cloned conceptuses. The non-cloned conceptuses were divided according to the gestation period: Group 1 (2 to 3 months; n=9),II (4 to 6; n=9); III (7 to 8; n=10) and IV (9 n=7). The cloned conceptuses formed the Group V: 9 months; n=4. The caruncles were observed macroscopically (number and dimensions: length, width and height), microscopically and submitted to statistical analysis (5% of significance). We observed three types of macroscopic caruncular fusions: oval (morphologically normal); two united adjacent caruncles and the lobulated type, characterized by regions with several united caruncles presenting a false fusion or deformation of the caruncular parenchyma. The length of the caruncles was 1.55 +/- 0.57; 2.45 +/- 0.55; 4.66 +/- 2.0 and 5.72 +/- 1.90cm for the groups 1, 11, 111, IV respectively. As for the height, the caruncles presented a lineal growth during the gestation: 0.40 +/- 0.15; 0.57 +/- 0.21; 1.0 +/- 0.48 and 1.80 +/- 0.91cm, for the respective groups 1, 11, 111 and IV. The width of the caruncles was similar between the groups I and 11 (0.97 +/- 0.30 e 1.42 +/- 0.71 cm) and the groups III and IV (2.68 +/- 1.22 and 3.52 +/- 1.16cm). When the group V was compared to the IV, the caruncles of the group V presented a larger length (5.72 +/- 1.90 vs. 7.88 +/-.13cm) and width (3.52 +/- 1.16 vs. 4.93 +/- 1.46cm), however they were similar in height (1.80 +/- 0.91 and 2.25 +/- 0.67cm). We verified that in gestations of cloned conceptuses the caruncles presented a larger development than in gestations of non-cloned conceptuses. The fusioned caruncles presented measurements statistically similar to the isolated ones in all the parameters and groups. Under light microscopy, we observed the formation of a stromal axis from the basis of the caruncle to the apex of the fusional fissure, with the histological constitution similar to the endometrial stroma. Three microscopic shapes were also unpublished defined: true fusion with a single axis evident below the fusional fissure; pseudofusion with a double axis in H shape and false fusion with absence of the axis. The first two formats were associated to the oval and lobulated caruncles and the last one to the false fusion with deformation of the caruncle parenchyma. The fusional axis increased in size along the gestation among the groups I, II, III and IV. The group V presented a larger length and width of the axis when compared to the group IV. Thus, in gestations of cloned conceptuses a destruction of the lateral epithelium of the caruncles is associated to an incompetence in the maternal-fetal interdigitation, that compromises the cotyledonary fusion. We suggest that, in gestations derived of cloned conceptuses, the increase of the size of the caruncular fusions is possibly associated to a compensatory mechanism for the metabolic exchanges between mother and fetus, in reason of the smallest number of isolated caruncles.

Cluster identification and characterization in the riser of a circulating fluidized bed from numerical simulation results

A methodology of identification and characterization of coherent structures mostly known as clusters is applied to hydrodynamic results of numerical simulation generated for the riser of a circulating fluidized bed. The numerical simulation is performed using the MICEFLOW code, which includes the two-fluids IIT's hydrodynamic model B. The methodology for cluster characterization that is used is based in the determination of four characteristics, related to average life time, average volumetric fraction of solid, existing time fraction and frequency of occurrence. The identification of clusters is performed by applying a criterion related to the time average value of the volumetric solid fraction. A qualitative rather than quantitative analysis is performed mainly owing to the unavailability of operational data used in the considered experiments. Concerning qualitative analysis, the simulation results are in good agreement with literature. Some quantitative comparisons between predictions and experiment were also presented to emphasize the capability of the modeling procedure regarding the analysis of macroscopic scale coherent structures. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anatomical aspects of the masticatory muscles of the tufted capuchin (Cebus apella)

The description of the macroscopic structure of the masticatory muscles is based upon the dissection of 26 adult and juvenile tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) of both sexes. A detailed description of the temporal, masseter and medial and lateral pterygoid muscles on each side of the head is given. Not only the general shape, origin and insertion are described, but also the architectonic organization, i.e. the stratiform disposition of the muscle parts. Anatomical variations in each sex or age appear to be few and unimportant. Anatomical aspects are found to be essentially similar to those found in other primates including man; however some characteristics differences do exist and deserve special comment.

Acute, subchronic and chronic 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) intoxication in rats

The acute, subchronic and chronic toxicities of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were studied in rats. Animals were exposed acutely (600 mg/kg), subchronically (200 ppm for 30 d) and chronically (200 ppm for 180 d) to 2,4-D by the oral route. Clinical, laboratory and histopathological methods were used as indicators of toxicity. After acute exposure, the herbicide decreased locomotor activity and induced ataxia, sedation, muscular weakness (mainly of the hind quarters) and gasping for breath; increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), amylase activities and creatinine levels; decreased total protein (TP) and glucose levels; and increased hematocrit values. Subchronic and chronic 2,4-D exposures did not induce overt clinical signs or symptoms of intoxication. However, subchronic herbicide exposure increased AST activity and albumin and hematocrit values, and chronic exposure increased AST, AP and LDH activities, decreased amylase and glucose levels, but did not change hematocrit values. Chromatographic analysis of the serum of chronically exposed rats showed the presence of the herbicide; the amount found (3.76 ± 1.16 mg/ml) suggested the absence of 2,4-D accumulation within the body. Although macroscopic or histopathological lesions were not observed in acutely, subchronically or chronically 2,4-D exposed rats, the laboratory data obtained suggest tissue injuries after dosing, since the results are considered early indicators of primarily hepatic and muscle tissue damage.