Follicle profile and plasma gonadotropin concentration in pubertal female ponies

Twelve female ponies were examined daily for 30 days and classified as ovulating (OV; N = 6; 197 ± 6 kg) or prepubertal (PP; N = 6; 196 ± 9 kg). Follicles were detected by ultrasound and gonadotropins quantified by radioimmunoassay. The mean diameter of the largest follicles was significantly larger in OV (38 ± 1 mm) than in PP (26 ± 2 mm) but there was no difference between groups in the size of the second largest follicle. There were more small follicles (<24 mm) in the PP than in the OV group, but PP fillies had a smaller number of follicles >29 mm than the OV fillies. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels did not differ between groups but PP fillies had lower luteinizing hormone (LH) peak (8 ± 1 ng/ml) and basal (4 ± 0.5 ng/ml) levels, lower peak magnitude (2 ± 0.2 ng/ml) and period average (5 ± 0.6 ng/ml) than OV fillies (32 ± 4.5, 8 ± 1.2, 17.1 ± 6, and 15 ± 2.3 ng/ml, respectively). The PP group, in contrast to the OV group, showed no relationship between FSH surge and follicle wave emergence. We conclude that an LH concentration higher than 8 ng/ml is needed for follicle growth to a preovulatory size. Wave emergence and FSH secretion seem to be independent events, probably due to an inhibitory neural system in these PP animals. PP fillies may provide a physiological model for the study of follicle wave emergence which apparently does not depend on gonadotropin levels.

Minimal inhibitory concentration of azithromycin in Rhodococcus equi strains isolated from foals

O perfil de sensibilidade microbiana e a concentração inibitória mínima (MIC) da azitromicina para 42 cepas de Rhodococcus equi isoladas de potros, no Brasil, e em uma cepa-controle, foi avaliado, respectivamente, pelos métodos de difusão com discos e E-test. A azitromicina apresentou 100% de efetividade in vitro para todas as cepas em ambos os testes. As cepas de R. equi apresentaram MIC90 para azitromicina em valores <1.5µg/ml. Este estudo mostra a alta efetividade da azitromicina em linhagens de R. equi isoladas no Brasil, sugerindo o uso dessa droga como alternativa na terapia da rodococose em potros.

Effects of nitrous oxide on minimum alveolar concentration of desflurane in dogs

Estudaram-se os efeitos do óxido nitroso (N2O) sobre a concentração alveolar mínima (CAM) do desfluorano. Trinta cães foram distribuídos em dois grupos: desfluorano (GD) e N2O e desfluorano (GDN). Os do GD receberam propofol (8,9±1,65mg/kg) para intubação orotraqueal e após, 11,5V% de desfluorano em 100% de O2. Após 30 minutos, os animais receberam estímulo elétrico e não havendo reação do animal, reduziu-se a concentração em 1,5V%. Repetiu-se o protocolo a cada 15 minutos, cessando-se os estímulos quando observada reação voluntária. Os GDN foram submetidos ao mesmo protocolo, substituindo-se o fluxo diluente por 30% O2 e 70% N2O. Mensuraram-se freqüências cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (FR), pressões arteriais sistólica, diastólica e média (PAS, PAD e PAM), concentração de dióxido de carbono ao final da expiração (ETCO2), saturação de oxihemoglobina (SpO2), temperatura corpórea (TC) e a CAM do desfluorano. Observou-se aumento da FC, ETCO2 e SpO2, e redução da FR e da TC concomitantemente à administração da maior dose de desfluorano, além de redução da CAM do desfluorano. As pressões arteriais diminuíram em M30 aumentando posteriormente. Concluiu-se que o N2O associado ao desfluorano reduz em 16% a CAM do anestésico volátil. Além disso, essa associação promoveu aumento da FC e depressão respiratória.

Start-up adjustment of a plug-flow digester for cassava wastewater (manipueira) treatment

Um dos resíduos gerados no processamento da mandioca (Manihot esculenta) é a manipueira, passível de tratamento por biodigestão anaeróbia. Este trabalho objetivou estudar o processo de partida de um biodigestor tipo plug-flow, tratando manipueira de duas maneiras: diminuindo-se gradativamente o tempo de retenção hidráulica (TRH) até se chegar ao tempo pré-estabelecido, quatro dias; ou mantendo-se o TRH fixo em quatro dias e aumentando-se gradativamente a concentração do afluente. O biodigestor, com capacidade 1980 mL, foi mantido a temperatura de 32ºC ± 1. Empregou-se como substrato manipueira e ajustou-se o pH entre 5,5 e 6,0. A primeira etapa foi caracterizada empregando-se TRH de 16,6; 13,6; 11,6 e 9,6 dias e 3,1; 2,0; 2,3 e 2,9 g DQO L-1 d-1 de carga orgânica, respectivamente. Na segunda etapa manteve-se TRH fixo, 4 dias, porém cargas orgânicas de 0,48, 0,86, 1,65 e 2,46 g DQO L-1 d-1. Determinaram-se no afluente e efluente, sólidos totais (ST) e sólidos voláteis (SV), demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), alcalinidade e acidez volátil. Na primeira etapa, melhores resultados foram observados trabalhando com TRH 9,6 dias e carga orgânica 2,9 g DQO L-1 d-1, quando houve redução de DQO, ST e SV de 60%, 44% e 60%, respectivamente. Na segunda etapa o TRH de 4 dias apresentou melhores resultados empregando-se carga orgânica de 0,86 g DQO L-1 d-1, houve redução de 71%, 58% e 79% de DQO, ST e SV, respectivamente. A partida do biodigestor plug-flow tratando manipueira, pode ser realizada tanto diminuindo-se o TRH, quanto mantendo-o fixo e aumentado-se a concentração do afluente.

Fermentation and epiphytic microflora dynamics in sugar cane silage

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

Testosterone concentration in a bovine Bos indicus with bilateral varicocele: case report

Um reprodutor bovino, Bos indicus, com varicocele bilateral detectado por palpação e ultra-sonografia foi acompanhado por um período de 24 meses quanto à biometria testicular, valores espermáticos e concentração de testosterona comparados entre as estações do ano e outros animais da mesma espécie. As alterações morfológicas dos defeitos maiores e menores não variaram entre o touro com a patologia e os demais touros, no entanto, durante o verão o touro com varicocele apresentou maior percentual de defeitos totais se comparado aos demais touros da mesma espécie (49,86%±6,9 e 27,91%±2,9). O animal apresentou maior percentual de defeitos maiores no verão se comparado às outras estações do ano. Os achados de necrópsia confirmaram o diagnóstico clínico. Pode-se concluir que esta patologia, caracterizada por trombose nos vasos do cordão espermático, comprometeu a termoregulação determinando degeneração testicular severa. O aumento das concentrações de testosterona sérica sugerem a diminuição da retenção de esteroides nos testículos pelo plexo pampiniforme, a produção espermática estava anormal.

Agarose gel electrophoresis of cerebrospinal fluid proteins of dogs after sample concentration using a membrane microconcentrator technique

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced in the cerebral ventricles through ultrafiltration of plasma and active transport mechanisms. Evaluation of proteins in CSF may provide important information about the production of immunoglobulins within the central nervous system as well as possible disturbances in the blood-brain barrier. Objective: the objective of this study was to measure the concentration and fractions of protein in CSF samples using a membrane microconcentrator technique followed by electrophoresis, and to compare the protein fractions obtained with those in serum. Methods: CSF samples from 3 healthy dogs and 3 dogs with canine distemper virus infection were concentrated using a membrane microconcentrator having a 0.5 to 30,000 d nominal molecular weight limit (Ultrafree, Millipore, Billerica, MA, USA). Protein concentration was determined before and after concentration. Agarose gel electrophoresis was done on concentrated CSF samples, serum, and serial dilutions of one of the CSF samples. Results: Electrophoretic bands were clearly identified in densitometer tracings in CSF samples with protein concentrations as low as 1.3 g/dL. The higher CSF protein concentration in dogs with distemper was mainly the result of increased albumin concentration. Conclusion: the microconcentrating method used in this study enables characterization of the main protein fractions in CSF by routine electrophoresis and may be useful for interpreting the underlying cause of changes in CSF protein concentrations

Synthesis and sintering of PZT ceramics

Lead zirconate powder, with Zr/Ti ratio of 50/50 was prepared by polymeric precursor method and doped with 3, 5 and 7 mol% of Sr+2 Or Ba+2, as well as by 0.2 to 5 mol% of Nb+5. The powder was calcined at 750 degrees C by 4 hours and milled during 1.5 h in isopropilic alcohol. Powders were characterized by surface area measurements (BET method), by infrared spectroscopy and by X-ray diffraction to characterize the crystal structure. Isostatically pressed samples were sintered in a dilatometer furnace by using a constant heating rate of 10 degrees C/min from ambient to 1200 degrees C. Synthetic air and air with water vapor were used as atmospheres. Both Sr+2 and Ba+2 substitute Pb+2 and favor the formation of rhombohedral phase. Otherwise, Nb+5 substitute preferentially Zr+4 favoring tetragonal phase. The concentration of dopants and the atmosphere influence the densification and the microstructure of the PZT, which alters the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics.

DAILY VARIATION IN PLASMA-CONCENTRATION OF FENCAMFAMINE AND STRIATAL DOPAMINE-RECEPTORS IN RATS

Fencamfamine (FCF) is a psychostimulant drug classified as an indirect dopamine agonist. In the present study we evaluated the daily variation in plasma FCF concentration and in striatal dopamine receptors. Adult male Wistar rats (250-300 g) maintained on a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle (lights on at 07:00 h) were used. Rats received FCF (10.0 mg/kg, ip) at 09:00, 15:00, 21:00 or 03:00 h and blood samples were collected 30 (N = 6) or 60 (N = 6) min after the injections. Plasma FCF was measured by gas chromatography using an electron capture detector. Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences in FCF concentration when blood samples were collected 30 min after the injection, and the highest value was obtained following injection 21:00 h. Moreover, at 15:00, 21:00 and 03:00h, plasma FCF levels were significantly lower 60 min after injection when compared to the 30-min interval. Two other groups of rats (N = 6) were decapitated at 09:00 or 21:00 h and the striata were dissected for the binding assays. The Bmax for [H-3]-spiroperidol binding to striatal membranes was higher at 21:00 h, without changes in affinity constant (Kd). In conclusion, plasma FCF levels and dopamine receptors undergo daily variation,a phenomenon that should be considered to explain the circadian time-dependent effects of FCF.

Effect of In concentration in the starting solution on the structural and electrical properties of ZnO films prepared by the pyrosol process at 450 degrees C

Undoped and indium-doped Zinc oxide (ZnO) solid films were deposited by the pyrosol process at 450 degrees C on glass substrates From solutions where In/Zn ratio was 2, 5, and 10 at.%. Electrical measurements performed at room temperature show that the addition of indium changes the resistance of the films. The resistivities of doped films are less than non-doped ZnO films by one to two orders of magnitude depending on the dopant concentration in the solution. Preferential orientation of the films with the c-axis perpendicular to the substrate was detected by X-ray diffraction and polarized extended X-ray absorption fine structures measurements at the Zn K edge. This orientation depends on the indium concentration in the starting solution. The most textured films were obtained for solutions where In/Zn ratio was 2 and 5 at.%. When In/Zn = 10 at.%, the films had a nearly random orientation of crystallites. Evidence of the incorporation of indium in the ZnO lattice was obtained from extended X-ray absorption fine structures at the In and Zn K edges. The structural analysis of the least resistive film (Zn/In = 5 at.%) shows that In substitutes Zn in the wurtzite structure. (C) 2000 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other selected organic compounds in ambient air of Campo Grande City, Brazil

Fourteen samples of particulate matter and semi-volatile organic compounds were collected during 6 months in the city of Campo Grande, South Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were collected on Fluoropore PTFE filters and gas-phase PAHs were collected into sorbent tubes with XAD-2 resin. Both types of samples were extracted with a dichloromethane/methanol mixture (4:1 v/v), then the extracts were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. PAHs, oxidized PAH (oxy-PAHs), phenols and methoxyphenols were identified by use of GC retention indices and MS files. The average value obtained for the sum of 15 PAHs was 21.05 ng m(-3) (range: 8.94-62.5 ng m(-3)). The presence of specific tracers and calculations of characteristic ratios (e.g. [Phe]/[Phe] + [Ant]) were used to identify the sources of the emissions of PAHs in the atmospheric samples. Levoglucosan (the anhydride of beta-glucose), retene (1-methyl-7-isopropylphenanthrene) and methoxyphenols (derivatives of syringol and guaiacol) and tracers for wood burning were identified. This study demonstrates that biomass burning from the rural zone is the main source of PAHs and emissions of other substances in the investigated site of Campo Grande. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of impedance spectroscopy in the study of the effect of Cr concentration on the electrical properties of SnO2-based ceramics

This paper reports a study of influence of Cr concentration on the electrical properties and microstructure of SnO2-based powders doped with Mn and Nb, prepared by an organic route (Pechini method). All the samples were compacted into discs and sintered at 1300 degrees C for 3h, resulting in ceramics with relative density varying between 78% and 98%. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. Impedance spectroscopy characterization indicated that the conductivity decreases as Cr concentration increases, probably due to Cr segregation at grain boundaries, which reduces grain size, increasing the number of resistive boundaries.

Influence of fluid concentration on freezing point depression and thermal conductivity of frozen orange juice

The freezing point depression (FPD) of orange juice at different concentrations was measured by using a simple apparatus. Results showed that the initial freezing point decreased approximately 90% with the increase of juice concentration between 46degrees and 66degrees Brix (water content respectively between 52.8 and 32.8% w/w). The thermal conductivity of orange juice as a function of fluid concentration was also investigated by using a coaxial dual-cylinder apparatus. Below the freezing point, the thermal conductivity was strongly affected by both the orange juice concentration and temperature. Simple equations in terms of water content and temperature could be adjusted to experimental data of FPD and thermal conductivity.

Determination of interfacial co-ion concentration in ionic micelles by chemical trapping: Halide concentration at the interface of sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles

Products from the spontaneous reaction of a long-chain arenediazonium salt, 2,6-dimethyl-4-hexadecylbenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate(16-ArN2BF4), in aqueous micellar solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)? are used to estimate the local concentration of chloride and bromide ions at the micellar surface. The arenediazonium ion, 16-ArN2+, which is totally bound to the SDS micelle, reacts by rate-determining loss of N-2 to give an aryl cation that traps available nucleophiles, i,e., H2O, Cl-, and Br-, to give stable phenol, 16-ArOH, and halobenzene products, 16-ArCl and 16-ArBr, respectively. Product yields, determined by HPLC, are related to local concentrations using calibration curves obtained from independent standards. The local concentrations determined by this method are consistent with co-ion concentrations calculated, using a cell model, by numerical integration of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation (PBE) taking into account salt-induced micellar growth. The salt dependence of the intel facial concentrations of Cl- and Br- are identical. indicating no specific interactions in the interfacial co-ion compartment. PBE calculations predict that, in micellar SDS, increasing the concentration of a particular halide salt (NaX) at constant concentration of another halide (NaY) should result in an increase in the local concentrations of both co-ions. Using this chemical-trapping method, this prediction was demonstrated experimentally.