Evasive Maneuvers in Space Debris Environment and Technological Parameters

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

SUGARCANE BAGASSE PULPING and BLEACHING: THERMAL and CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION

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

Nutritional and chemical composition of culinary-medicinal Royal Sun Agaricus (the Himematsutake mushroom) Agaricus brasiliensis S. Wasser et al. (agaricomycetideae)

The objective of the study was to determine the nutritional and chemical composition (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, calcium, and iron), water and ash content, and the caloric value of powdered fruiting bodies from six strains and from a mixture of strains of the culinary-medicinal mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis. The Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric and multiple comparisons tests and the Pearson correlation coefficient were used, with a 5% significance level. First, the results showed that strain 99/30 had a similar nutritional composition to the mixed sample. Second, when comparing strain nutrients to the mixture nutrients, the highest levels of carbohydrates, proteins, and calcium were in strain 99/25, and the highest levels of lipids were in strains 97/11, 99/28, and 99/30. Strain 99/30 was highest both in caloric value and moisture content. Finally, the mixture was established as a good source of macronutrients and micronutrients, and strain 99/30 was the closest to the mixture in nutritional composition.

Neonatally Induced Mild Diabetes in Rats and Its Effect on Maternal, Placental, and Fetal Parameters

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Hazards in non-pasteurized milk on retail sale in Brazil: prevalence of Salmonella spp, Listeria monocytogenes and chemical residues

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

Genetic and environmental parameters for racing time at different distances in Brazilian Thoroughbreds

The aim of the present study was to investigate genetic parameters for racing time in Thoroughbred horses racing at distances between 1000 and 1600 m subdivided into 100-m intervals. The data provided by TURFETOTAL Ltda comprised races that occurred in the Gavea and Cidade Jardim race tracks over a period of 11 years (1992-2002) and consisted of 32 145 races and 238 890 time records. The variance components necessary to obtain the heritability and repeatability estimates of the traits studied were estimated with the MTDFREML program, and animal age at race (3 years old or younger, 4, 5 and older than 5 years), sex (male and female), number of races (1-32 145), and postposition at start (1-11) as fixed effects, and animal and permanent environmental random effects were included in a one-trait animal model. Males were significantly superior to females at all distances. Excluding the 1100 m distance, animals 4 years of age were significantly faster than the mean of the other ages for all distances analysed. Horses older than 5 years showed a significantly lower performance than the mean of the other ages for all distances analysed, except for the 1100 m. Postpositions one and two did not differ significantly from one another for any of the distances analysed. These two inner positions both together varied from the other positions depending on race length. The components of additive genetic and permanent environmental variance varied in a similar way, tending to decrease with increasing racing distance, and the other temporary environmental variance almost doubled from 1000 to 1600 m. As was the case for the additive genetic and environmental variances, heritability and repeatability estimates tended to decrease with increasing distance, indicating that selection based on racing time will be less successful when the racing distance increases.

Effects of calcium salts of polyunsaturated fatty acids on productive and reproductive parameters of lactating Holstein cows

Two experiments evaluated milk production, serum progesterone and insulin, and reproductive performance of lactating Holstein cows receiving or not receiving Ca salts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), or receiving Ca salts of PUFA at different daily frequencies. In experiment 1, 1,125 cows randomly distributed in 10 freestall barns were enrolled. Barns were assigned randomly to receive a high-concentrate diet containing (PI?) or not containing (control, CON) 1.1% (dry matter basis) Ca salts of PUPA. Diets were offered 6 times daily, whereas the Ca salts of PUFA were included in the PF treatment in the first feeding of the day. In experiment 2, 1,572 cows were randomly distributed in 10 freestall barns, which were assigned randomly to receive a diet similar to PF, but with Ca salts of PUFA included only in the first feeding of the day (PF1X), or equally distributed across all 6 feedings (PF6X). During both experiments, cows were artificially inseminated 12 h after the onset of estrus. Once per month, cows that did not conceive to artificial insemination were assigned to a fixed-time embryo transfer protocol. Pregnancy was determined via transrectal ultrasonography 28 and 60 d after expected ovulation. Pregnancy loss was considered in cows that were pregnant on d 28 but nonpregnant on d 60. During both experiments, feed intake, milk yield, and milk protein and fat content were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected concurrently with embryo transfer. During experiment 1, feed intake was similar between treatments. Compared with CON, PF cows had greater milk yield (37.8 vs. 35.3 kg/d), and reduced milk fat content (3.41 vs. 3.55%). However, PF cows had reduced pregnancy losses per service compared with CON (12.6 vs. 18.3%). Serum progesterone was greater and serum insulin tended to be greater in primiparous cows receiving PF compared with CON cohorts (4.50 vs. 3.67 ng of progesterone/mL, and 10.4 vs. 7.5 mu UI of insulin/mL). During experiment 2, no treatment effects were detected for feed intake, milk yield, or milk fat, whereas PF1X cows tended to have reduced pregnancy losses per service compared with PF6X (14.4 vs. 18.4%). In summary, feeding Ca salts of PUFA to dairy cows increased milk production, did not alter feed intake, and reduced pregnancy losses per service. Further, the total daily amount of Ca salts of RITA should be fed during the first feeding of the day to optimize its benefits on pregnancy maintenance of dairy cows.

Vida útil e qualidade de frutos de tomateiros tratados com paclobutrazol

A aplicação de reguladores de crescimento pode influenciar todas as fases do desenvolvimento de uma planta, incluindo o florescimento, o desenvolvimento e a maturação de frutos e sementes. Assim, avaliaram-se as principais características físicas e químicas e a vida útil dos frutos de tomate obtidos de plantas tratadas com paclobutrazol - PBZ (0, 50 e 100 mg L-1), via rega de mudas, aos 15 dias após a semeadura. Os frutos foram analisados imediatamente após a colheita e aos cinco, 10, 15 e 20 dias de armazenamento, em condições ambientes. A eficiência dos tratamentos e a qualidade dos frutos foram determinadas por meio da perda de matéria fresca, firmeza da polpa, teores de sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), vitamina C e relação SS/AT. Adotou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 5 (três concentrações de paclobutrazol x cinco períodos de armazenamento em temperatura ambiente). As aplicações de paclobutrazol em mudas de tomateiro, aos 15 dias após a semeadura, nas concentrações de 50 e 100 mg L-1, não alteraram a vida útil dos frutos do tomate longa vida AF 7631. O aumento das concentrações de PBZ resultou em menor perda de matéria fresca dos frutos e sua menor firmeza e acidez. Os teores de sólidos solúveis e de vitamina C e a relação SS/AT não se alteraram com o aumento das concentrações de PBZ. Os frutos, independentemente das concentrações de PBZ aplicadas às mudas, chegaram aos 20 dias de armazenamento (25 ± 2 ºC e 75 ± 5% UR) em condições para consumo, mesmo tendo perdido significativa quantidade de matéria fresca, acidez e firmeza.

Longitudinal study of the influence of removable partial denture and chemical control on the levels of Streptococcus mutans in saliva

Some studies have evaluated the salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS) in removable partial denture (RPD) users. Saliva samples (2.0 mL) were obtained from 31 patients in six periods: (T0): immediately before installation of RPD; (T8): 8 days after T0; (T48): 48 days after T0; (T92): 92 days after T0; (T140): 140 days after T0 and (T189): 189 days after T0. The samples were vortexed and serially diluted from 10(-1) to 10(-6) in 0.05 m phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). From each dilution, 0.025 mL was plated on Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin (MSB). The plates were incubated in 5% CO2 at 37 degreesC for 72 h. There was an increase (t -test, P < 0.05) in the number of MS between periods T0 and T48 (mean/s.d., CFU mL(-1) of saliva): T0: 2.26/4.43 x 10(6) and T48: 0.47/1.48 x 10(8) . After this, intensive treatment with CHX was accomplished in 29 patients. Saliva samples were obtained after treatment in four periods: (T24 h): 24 h after T0; (T14): 14 days after T24 h; (T28): 28 days after T24 h, and (T63): 63 days after T24 h. The number of MS in saliva did not decrease (t -test, P > 0.05). A new CHX formulation was applied in 15 patients. Saliva samples were obtained in periods: (T0): before new CHX application; (T24 h): 24 h after T0 and (T82): 82 days after T0. The new CHX reduced MS levels in saliva: (mean/s.d., CFU mL(-1) of saliva): T0: 6.64/8.47 x 10(6) and T24 h: 3.2/4.27 x 10(5) (sign rank, P < 0.05). In conclusion, there was a significant increase in the number of MS in saliva after the installation of RPD. The intensive treatment with a properly formulated CHX was effective in the reduction of MS, between 24 h and 82 days after its application.

Evaluation of the Shore A Hardness of Silicone for Facial Prosthesis as to the Effect of Storage Period and Chemical Disinfection

The failure of facial prostheses is caused by limitations in the properties of existing materials, especially flexibility and durability. Therefore, this study evaluated the Shore A hardness of silicone used for fabrication of facial prostheses, Silastic MDX4-4210, according to the influence of storage period, daily disinfection, and 2 types of pigmentation. Thirty specimens were fabricated and divided in 3 groups: colorless, pigmented with makeup, and pigmented with iron oxide. Analysis of results was assessed on a Shore A hardness meter immediately, 6 months, and 1 year after fabrication of specimens, following the guidelines of the American Society for Testing and Materials. The hardness values were statistically analyzed by the Tukey test. The silicone exhibited an increase in hardness with time. However, the hardness was stable from 6 months to 1 year. It was concluded that the silicone is within the values of Shore A hardness reported in the literature, regardless of the storage period, pigmentation, and chemical disinfection.

Effect of electrolytic and chemical lesion by ibotenic acid of the septal area on water and salt intake

Water and sodium chloride intake was studied in male Holtzman rats weighing 250-300 g that had been subjected to electrolytic and chemical lesions of the septal area (SA). Water intake increased in animals with electrolytic lesion of the SA bilaterally from 169.37 +/- 8.55 (sham) to 214.87 +/- 23.10 ml/5 days (lesioned). Water intake decreased after ibotenic acid lesion of the SA from 229.33 +/- 27.60 to 127.33 +/- 22.84 ml/5 days. Sodium chloride intake (1.5%) increased in animals with electrolytic lesion of the SA from 10.0 +/- 1.73 to 15.5 +/- 1.95 ml/5 days after lesion. Also sodium chloride (1.5%) intake increased after ibotenic acid injection into the SA to a greater extent (from 7.83 +/- 1.25 to 14.33 +/- 1.87 ml/5 days). The results indicate that the water intake response may be due to lesions that involve cell bodies and fibers of passage and that the sodium intake response can also be induced by lesions which involve only cell bodies. Finally, these results led us to conclude that the SA uses its cell bodies and afferent bodies and fibers for processing inputs mediating water intake and salt appetite and that the cells bodies of the SA are implicated in increased water intake. (C) 1998 Elsevier B.V.

Flexural strength of acrylic resin repairs processed by different methods: water bath, microwave energy and chemical polymerization

Denture fractures are common in daily practice, causing inconvenience to the patient and to the dentists. Denture repairs should have adequate strength, dimensional stability and color match, and should be easily and quickly performed as well as relatively inexpensive. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the flexural strength of acrylic resin repairs processed by different methods: warm water-bath, microwave energy, and chemical polymerization. Material and methods: Sixty rectangular specimens (31x10x2.5 mm) were made with warm water-bath acrylic resin (Lucitone 550) and grouped (15 specimens per group) according to the resin type used to make repair procedure: 1) specimens of warm water-bath resin (Lucitone 550) without repair (control group); 2) specimens of warm water-bath resin repaired with warm water-bath; 3) specimens of warm water-bath resin repaired with microwave resin (Acron MC); 4) specimens of warm water-bath resin repaired with autopolymerized acrylic resin (Simplex). Flexural strength was measured with the three-point bending in a universal testing machine (MTS 810 Material Test System) with load cell of 100 kgf under constant speed of 5 mm/min. Data were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). Results: The control group showed the best result (156.04 +/- 1.82 MPa). Significant differences were found among repaired specimens and the results were decreasing as follows: group 3 (43.02 +/- 2.25 MPa), group 2 (36.21 +/- 1.20 MPa) and group 4 (6.74 +/- 0.85 MPa). Conclusion: All repaired specimens demonstrated lower flexural strength than the control group. Repairs with autopolymerized acrylic resin showed the lowest flexural strength.

Leaf trait variation on Erythroxylum tortuosum (Erythroxylaceae) and its relationship with oviposition preference and stress by a host-specific leaf miner

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

Semen and reproductive parameters during some abstinence periods after cigarette smoke exposure in male rats

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Catch and selectivity parameters of the anastomid fish Schizodon nasutus using gillnets in the Jurumirim reservoir (São Paulo, Brazil)

Catch and selectivity parameters using gillnets were calculated for Schizodon nasutus in the Jurumirim reservoir on the Parana-panema River in southern Brazil. The simple gillnets used were made of monofilament nylon of 30 to 140 mm mesh size an of different heights. The relative abundance of the S. nasutus caught was analysed monthly and a positive relationship was found between catches per unit effort in number and biomass. The relative catches were more abundant for the nets of 40 and 50 mm, mesh size. Catches were characterized by clear temporal variations and a predominance of medium size fish throughout the study period. The selectivity curve of gillnets for S. nasutus in this ecosystem was obtained. The catch obtained was compared with the available catch for each mesh size, and the available catch for a certain length of fish was calculated starting from the theoretical selectivity curve. The 50 mm mesh size gillnet showed the best fit between real and available captures and was considered the most suitable, because a smaller mesh size resulted in a catch of predominantly immature specimens. It is expected that these results will contribute to improving management strategies for conservation of resources. Parameters such as the minimum catch length advisable or the mesh size permitted for a given species are indispensable for such decision-making.