Lisina digestível e zinco orgânico para frangos de corte machos na fase de 22 a 42 dias de idade

Os efeitos dietéticos de lisina digestível e zinco quelato para frangos de corte machos entre 22 e 42 dias de idade foram avaliados em dois ensaios experimentais. Adotou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 5 × 2, com cinco níveis de lisina (0,841; 0,876; 0,997; 1,022 e 1,030%) e dois de zinco (43 e 243 ppm). No primeiro ensaio, utilizaram-se 900 aves com peso médio inicial de 957,4 g distribuídas em parcelas experimentais de 30 aves e três repetições e, no segundo ensaio, 180 frangos com peso médio inicial de 866,22 g, divididos em parcelas de três aves e seis repetições. As características avaliadas foram desempenho, rendimento de cortes e composição corporal (1º ensaio), balanço de nitrogênio e digestibilidade aparente das dietas (2º ensaio). Houve interação entre os níveis de lisina e zinco para o ganho de peso, a conversão alimentar, a matéria seca ingerida e o balanço energético. Os rendimentos de peito, coxa e sobrecoxa tiveram aumentos lineares em resposta ao acréscimo no nível de lisina digestível na dieta. O melhor desempenho foi obtido com o nível de 0,997% de lisina digestível (ou 1,134% lisina total) e de 43 ppm de zinco. Para maior rendimento dos cortes, o nível de lisina digestível recomendável deve ser no mínimo 1,002% (ou 1,139% de lisina total), independentemente dos níveis de zinco quelato. A maior inclusão de zinco em dietas para frangos de corte dos 22 aos 42 dias de idade não melhora a utilização da lisina na dieta e aumenta a deposição de gordura corporal.

Effects of croton urucurana extracts and crude resin on Anagasta kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Hundreds of plant species have been studied in order to find out the active ingredient responsible for their insecticidal activity against the pests of economic importance. To verify the insecticidal activity in the husk of stem of Croton urucurana Baillon 1864 (Euphorbiaceae) against Anagasta kuehniella Zeller 1879 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), the methanolic (EMeOH) extract, dichloromethane fraction (FDM), ethyl acetate fraction (FAE) and crude resin, incorporated into an artificial diet were evaluated. EMeOH (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%) and crude resin (2.0%) interfered with neither the weight nor the survival of fourth instar larvae and other analyzed parameters. FDM (2.0%) fraction caused mortality of 65%, and the artificial diet containing 2.0, 1.0 and 0.5% FAE caused 100, 55 and 68% mortality respectively when compared with the control, confirming the least efficiency rates of food conversion for FDM(2.0%) and FAE(1.0%). The tryptic analysis performed with the midgut fluid of fourth-instar larvae demonstrated that tryptic and chymiotryptic activities for the larvae fed artificial diet containing EMeOH and crude resin were not different.

Microbiological and histopathological aspects of canine pyometra

As pyometra is recognized as one of the main causes of disease and death in the bitch the purposes of this study were to evaluate microbiological and histopathological aspects of canine pyometra and to research the virulence factors of the E. coli isolates identifying possible risks to human health. The microbiological isolation from the intrauterine contents of 100 dogs with pyometra was carried out and the virulence factors in the E. coli strains were identified using PCR method. This study also consisted of the counting of microorganisms colonies forming units in samples of intrauterine content, tests of antimicrobial susceptibility of the E. coli isolates and the histological examination of the uterus. E. coli was the most prevalent microorganism isolated (76.6%) and 120 strains (79.5%) were positive for sfa, 86 (56.9%) were positive for cnf, 87 (57.6%) were positive for pap, 52 (34.4%) were positive for hly, 51 (33.8%) were positive for iuc and 5 (3.3%) were positive for afa genes. One observed more sensitivity of E. coli to norfloxacin, polimixin B, sulphazotrin, chloranfenicol and enrofloxacin. In 42% of the samples of uterine walls where microorganisms were isolated, the sizes of the areas of the inflammatory responses corresponded to 39-56%. Virulence factors were identified in 98.0% of the strains evaluated, demonstrating a high frequency of potentially pathogenic E. coli. It must be considered that dogs are animals that are living in close proximity to man for thousands of years and have an important role in the transmission of E. coli to other animals and to man.

Participação dos grupos de alimentos no valor energético total, nos domicílios rurais e urbanos das regiões nordeste e sudeste do Brasil

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a participação relativa dos grupos de alimentos no Valor Energético Total (VET) para as famílias rurais e urbanas das Regiões Nordeste e Sudeste, de acordo com o rendimento mensal familiar. Foram utilizadas as informações da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF), realizada pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE), entre julho de 2002 e junho de 2003. Os recursos do software Statistical Analysis System foram utilizados para as análises. Quanto à participação dos distintos grupos alimentares no VET, destaca-se a reduzida contribuição energética das frutas e hortaliças, bem como a elevada participação do grupo de açúcares e doces, evidenciadas para a totalidade das famílias analisadas. Foi notória a influência exercida pela localização dos domicílios, especialmente o estrato geográfico, bem como pelos rendimentos familiares, sobre a alimentação da população das Regiões Nordeste e Sudeste do Brasil.

Densidade mineral óssea, composição corporal e ingestão alimentar de adolescentes modelos de passarela

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) e relacioná-la com a ingestão alimentar e composição corporal de adolescentes modelos de passarela. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal avaliando 33 modelos e 33 não modelos de 15 a 18 anos pareadas por idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC). A densidade mineral óssea da coluna (L1-L4) foi avaliada por meio da técnica da absorciometria de feixe duplo de energia (Lunar® DPX Alpha), e a composição corporal, pela técnica de pletismografia. A ingestão alimentar foi avaliada por meio do registro alimentar de 3 dias. RESULTADOS: A média de idade das adolescentes foi de 16,75±1,04 anos, sendo que 24 por cento apresentaram IMC abaixo dos valores ideais para a idade. Não houve diferença de DMO entre modelos (1,108±0,080 g/cm2) e não modelos (1,096±0,102 g/cm2) (p > 0,05), sendo identificada uma porcentagem de 6 por cento de baixa DMO para a idade. Observou-se que a média de ingestão de energia foi menor entre as modelos em comparação às adolescentesnão modelos (1.480,93±582,95 versus 1.973,00±557,63 kcal) (p > 0,05) e que a maioria das adolescentes de ambos os grupos apresentou consumo inadequado de micronutrientes, ressaltando-se a baixa ingestão de cálcio. Verificou-se correlação significativa da DMO apenas com a massa magra (kg) (modelos r = 0,362 e não modelos r = 0,618; p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de não ter sido encontrada associação entre a DMO, o IMC e a ingestão de nutrientes importantes no processo de mineralização óssea, as inadequações na ingestão alimentar podem influenciar negativamente a aquisição de massa óssea, que se encontra potencializada neste estágio de vida

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and ready-to-eat garlic products: in vitro antioxidant activity

Garlic contains polyphenol and sulphur compounds, which are responsible for its antioxidant activity (AA). This study aimed at evaluating the AA of fresh garlic and its commercialised products and their shelf life. Fresh garlic (FG) and its products, i.e. chopped with salt (CGS), chopped without salt (CG), fried (FRG) and mixed garlic (FG with dehydrated garlic; MG) antioxidant activity was evaluated by three different methods: DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay, ß-carotene/linoleic acid assay and Rancimat® method. Amongst all the analysed products, fried garlic presented the highest antioxidant activity. The free radical-scavenging activity decreased during the shelf life of all analysed products that correlated with the decrease in the total polyphenol content. Our findings suggest that some compounds other than phenol may have contributed towards this outcome

Estratégia de capacitação em educação nutricional para professores de educação infantil

Foi avaliada estratégia de capacitação em educação nutricional para professores de um curso de educação infantil do Município de São Paulo. O estudo foi desenvolvido em três etapas de avaliação: (a) diagnóstica, em que se verificou o conhecimento dos educadores sobre temas relacionados à alimentação e nutrição; (b) impacto nos conhecimentos sobre nutrição; (c) repercussões da intervenção. A intervenção educativa constitui-se de um encontro com os professores, utilizando material de apoio didático. Verificou-se aumento no conhecimento sobre nutrição após capacitação e os professores informaram utilizar o material de apoio como base teórica para o desenvolvimento de atividades com as crianças. Além disso, depoimentos espontâneos dos pais bem como dos alunos, referiram mudanças positivas ocorridas no comportamento alimentar. Pôde-se notar que a capacitação do professor para a educação nutricional de crianças em idade pré-escolar pode beneficiar a comunidade escolar, sendo importante ressaltar a pertinência da continuidade dessas atividades

Interactive Brazilian program to prevent eating disorders behaviors: a pilot study

During a four month scholarly leave in United States of America, researchers designed a culturally appropriate prevention program for eating disorders (ED) for Brazilian adolescent girls. The program "Se Liga na Nutrição" was modeled on other effective programs identified in a research literature review and was carried out over eleven interactive sessions. It was positively received by the adolescents who suggested that it be part of school curricula. The girls reported that it helped them to develop critical thinking skills with regards to sociocultural norms about body image, food and eating practices

Relationships of blood lead to calcium, iron, and vitamin C intakes in Brazilian pregnant women

Background & aims. This study aimed to determine the relationship between blood lead concentrations and calcium, iron and vitamin C dietary intakes of pregnant women. Methods. Included in the study were 55 women admitted to a hospital, for delivery, from June to August 2002. A food frequency questionnaire was applied to determine calcium, iron and vitamin C intakes, and a general questionnaire to obtain data on demographic-socioeconomic condition, obstetric history, smoking habit, and alcohol intake. Blood lead and haemoglobin were determined, respectively, by atomic absorption spectrometry and by the haemoglobinometer HemoCue®. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the relationship between blood lead and calcium, iron and vitamin C intakes, and haemoglobin levels, controlling for confounders. Results. The final model of the regression analysis detected an inverse relationship between blood lead and age of the women (p=0.011), haemoglobin (p=0.001), vitamin C (p=0.012), and calcium intake (p<0.001) (R2=0.952). One hundred percent, 98.2% and 43.6% of the women were below the adequate intake (AI) for calcium, and below the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for iron, and vitamin C, respectively. Conclusion. Despite the small sample size, the results of this study suggest that maternal age, haemoglobin, vitamin C intake, and calcium intake may interfere with blood concentrations of lead

Embryonic, Larval, and Juvenile Development of the Sea Biscuit Clypeaster subdepressus (Echinodermata: Clypeasteroida)

Sea biscuits and sand dollars diverged from other irregular echinoids approximately 55 million years ago and rapidly dispersed to oceans worldwide. A series of morphological changes were associated with the occupation of sand beds such as flattening of the body, shortening of primary spines, multiplication of podia, and retention of the lantern of Aristotle into adulthood. To investigate the developmental basis of such morphological changes we documented the ontogeny of Clypeaster subdepressus. We obtained gametes from adult specimens by KCl injection and raised the embryos at 26 degrees C. Ciliated blastulae hatched 7.5 h after sperm entry. During gastrulation the archenteron elongated continuously while ectodermal red-pigmented cells migrated synchronously to the apical plate. Pluteus larvae began to feed in 3 d and were similar to 20 d old at metamorphosis; starved larvae died 17 d after fertilization. Postlarval juveniles had neither mouth nor anus nor plates on the aboral side, except for the remnants of larval spicules, but their bilateral symmetry became evident after the resorption of larval tissues. Ossicles of the lantern were present and organized in 5 groups. Each group had 1 tooth, 2 demipyramids, and 2 epiphyses with a rotula in between. Early appendages consisted of 15 spines, 15 podia (2 types), and 5 sphaeridia. Podial types were distributed in accordance to Loven's rule and the first podium of each ambulacrum was not encircled by the skeleton. Seven days after metamorphosis juveniles began to feed by rasping sand grains with the lantern. Juveniles survived in laboratory cultures for similar to 9 months and died with <500 mu m wide, a single open sphaeridium per ambulacrum, aboral anus, and no differentiated food grooves or petaloids. Tracking the morphogenesis of early juveniles is a necessary step to elucidate the developmental mechanisms of echinoid growth and important groundwork to clarify homologies between irregular urchins.

From Offshore to Onshore: Multiple Origins of Shallow-Water Corals from Deep-Sea Ancestors

Shallow-water tropical reefs and the deep sea represent the two most diverse marine environments. Understanding the origin and diversification of this biodiversity is a major quest in ecology and evolution. The most prominent and well-supported explanation, articulated since the first explorations of the deep sea, holds that benthic marine fauna originated in shallow, onshore environments, and diversified into deeper waters. In contrast, evidence that groups of marine organisms originated in the deep sea is limited, and the possibility that deep-water taxa have contributed to the formation of shallow-water communities remains untested with phylogenetic methods. Here we show that stylasterid corals (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Stylasteridae)-the second most diverse group of hard corals-originated and diversified extensively in the deep sea, and subsequently invaded shallow waters. Our phylogenetic results show that deep-water stylasterid corals have invaded the shallow-water tropics three times, with one additional invasion of the shallow-water temperate zone. Our results also show that anti-predatory innovations arose in the deep sea, but were not involved in the shallow-water invasions. These findings are the first robust evidence that an important group of tropical shallow-water marine animals evolved from deep-water ancestors.

Morphometric and genetic changes in a population of Apis mellifera after 34 years of Africanization

Though the replacement of European bees by Africanized honey bees in tropical America has attracted considerable attention, little is known about the temporal changes in morphological and genetic characteristics in these bee populations. We examined the changes in the morphometric and genetic profiles of an Africanized honey bee population collected near where the original African swarms escaped, after 34 years of Africanization. Workers from colonies sampled in 1968 and in 2002 were morphometrically analyzed using relative warps analysis and an Automatic Bee Identification System (ABIS). All the colonies had their mitochondrial DNA identified. The subspecies that mixed to form the Africanized honey bees were used as a comparison for the morphometric analysis. The two morphometric approaches showed great similarity of Africanized bees with the African subspecies, Apis mellifera scutellata, corroborating with other markers. We also found the population of 1968 to have the pattern of wing venation to be more similar to A. m. scutellata than the current population. The mitochondrial DNA of European origin, which was very common in the 1968 population, was not found in the current population, indicating selective pressure replacing the European with the African genome in this tropical region. Both morphometric methodologies were very effective in discriminating the A. mellifera groups; the non-linear analysis of ABIS was the most successful in identifying the bees, with more than 94% correct classifications.

Africanized honey bees are efficient at detecting, uncapping and removing dead brood

The hygienic behavior of honey bees is based on a two-step process, including uncapping and removing diseased, dead, damaged, or parasitized brood inside the cell. We evaluated during periods of 1 h the time that hygienic and non-hygienic colonies of Africanized honey bees spend to detect, uncap and remove pin-killed brood using comb inserts with transparent walls placed in observation hives. We observed that hygienic colonies are significantly faster in detecting, uncapping and removing dead brood in the cells (P < 0.001).

A scientific note about spectroscopic analysis of honey bee brood comb cappings in hygienic and non-hygienic honey bee colonies

Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)

Black holes and wormholes in AdS branes

In this work we have derived a class of geometries which describe black holes and wormholes in Randall-Sundrum-type brane models, focusing mainly on asymptotically anti-de Sitter backgrounds. We show that by continuously deforming the usual four-dimensional vacuum background, a specific family of solutions is obtained. Maximal extensions of the solutions are presented, and their causal structures are discussed.