Biochemical changes during the induction of mineral stress in plants of bell pepper cultivated in fertigation system

The greenhouse production associated with the fertigation management, have established in Brazil as economical alternative for several horticultural species. With this strategy this study had as aim to evaluate possible impacts in the metabolism of plants of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.; cv Elisa) in response to the increase of mineral concentration in the soil. During the experiments, the some nutrient concentrations were altered, to obtain high values of electric conductivity (EC) in the soil solution. The EC values commonly observed in the traditional fertigation system were adopted, as control. It was also verified the possibility of reduction of the mineral stress impact by the application of organic matter in the soil. Parameters of the antioxidative response system, as the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzyme activities besides the proline content were evaluated to measure the extension of the saline stress and their effects on the plants. The increase of EC of the soil induced to the increase of the proline concentration and the SOD activity. Unexpectedly, it was verified that the saline stress inhibited the activity of the enzyme catalase. It was also concluded that the monitoring of EC of the soil is an indispensable tool to reach success in the fertigation system and that the study of the activity of the enzymes of the antioxidative response system, and the proline contents can be assumed as indicators in of the levels of stress in bell pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.; cv Elisa).

Composição mineral de substratos à base de resíduos de bananeira durante o cultivo de Pleurotus ostreatus

The objective of this study was to evaluate the mineral composition (macro e micronutrients) of the substrates [initial and residual (postharvest)] based on different combinations of waste (leaf, pseudo-stem and pseudostem + leaf) and banana cultivars - Musa spp. (Thap Maeo, Prata Anã, Pelipita and Caipira) during 49 days for the cultivation of POS 09/100 strain of P. ostreatus. It was verified that all of the substrates based on different combinations of waste and banana cultivars presented satisfactory amounts of nutrients for the cultivation of P. ostreatus, both in the initial phase of cultivation and in the end.

Impacto da redução do fósforo suplementar sobre fertilidade, habilidade materna e custos com suplementação mineral em vacas de corte mantidas em Urochloa decumbens: Rogério Magnoli Costa. -

Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal - FMVA

Avaliação de propriedades físico-químicas e antimicrobianas sobre Enterococcus faecalis do mineral trióxido agregado associado a óleo de melaleuca ou farnesol

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Sulfate Mineral Paragenesis in Pennsylvanian Rocks and The Occurrence of Slavikite in Nebraska

The acid weathering of pyrite-bearing Pennsylvanian clastic sedimentary rocks in southeastern Nebraska locally produces the secondary sulfate minerals alunogen, copiapite, epsomite, felsobanyaite/basaluminite, gypsum, halotrichite, jarosite, rozenite, and slavikite. Of these mineral occurrences, four are first-time discoveries in the state or the surrounding region. Slavikite (NaMg2Fe5 (S04)7 (OH) 6• 33H20), which has been reported only once before in North America and from a handful of sites in Europe and South America, was found in abundance at an outcrop at Brownville, NE. The pH values in 1:1 solutions of deionized water of the studied minerals, excluding epsomite, range from 1.94 to 4.82. Therefore, segregations of secondary minerals in themselves are significant microenvironmental reservoirs of acid that can be mobilized during precipitation events. Because of its role in liberating and concentrating ions such as Al3+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mg3+, and SO42-, acid rock weathering should be considered in local to regional assessments of surface-water and groundwater chemistry. Observations also suggest that rock weathering by the growth of sulfate salts is a potential factor in local hillslope development, one that has not previously been considered in the study area.

Avaliação de propriedades físico-químicas e antimicrobianas sobre Enterococcus faecalis do mineral trióxido agregado associado a óleo de melaleuca ou farnesol

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Mejillonesite, a new acid sodium, magnesium phosphate mineral, from Mejillones, Antofagasta, Chile

Mejillonesite, ideally NaMg(2)(PO(3)OH)(PO(4))(OH)center dot H(5)O(2), is a new mineral approved by the CNMNC (IMA 2010-068). It occurs as isolated crystal aggregates in thin zones in fine-grained opal-zeolite aggregate on the north slope of Cerro Mejillones, Antofagasta, Chile. Closely associated minerals are bobierrite, opal, clinoptilolite-Na, clinoptilolite-K, and gypsum. Mejillonesite forms orthorhombic, prismatic, and elongated thick tabular crystals up to 6 mm long, usually intergrown in radiating aggregates. The dominant form is pinacoid {100}. Prisms {hk0}, {h0l}, and {0kl} are also observed. The crystals are colorless, their streak is white, and the luster is vitreous. The mineral is transparent. It is non-fluorescent under ultraviolet light. Mohs' hardness is 4, tenacity is brittle. Cleavage is perfect on {100}, good on {010} and {001}, and fracture is stepped. The measured density is 2.36(1) g/cm(3); the calculated density is 2.367 g/cm(3). Mejillonesite is biaxial (-), alpha= 1.507(2), beta= 1.531(2), gamma= 1.531(2), 2V(meas) = 15(10)degrees, 2V(calc) = 0 degrees (589 nm). Orientation is X= a, Z= elongation direction. The mineral is non-pleochroic. Dispersion is r> v, medium. The IR spectrum contains characteristic bands of the Zundel cation (H(5)O(2)(+), or H(+)center dot 2H(2)O) and the groups P-OH and OH(-). The chemical composition is (by EDS, H(2)O by the Alimarin method, wt%): Na(2)O 9.19, MgO 26.82, P(2)O(5) 46.87, H(2)O 19, total 101.88. The empirical formula, based on 11 oxygen atoms, is Na(0.93)Mg(2.08)(PO(3)OH)(1.00) (PO(4)) (OH)(0.86) .0.95H(5)O(2) The strongest eight X-ray powder-diffraction lines [d in angstrom(I)(hkl)] are: 8.095(100)(200), 6.846(9) (210), 6.470(8)(111), 3.317(5)(302), 2.959(5)(132), 2.706(12)(113), 2.157(19)(333), and 2.153(9) (622). The crystal structure was solved on a single crystal (R = 0.055) and gave the following data: orthorhombic, Pbca, a = 16.295(1), b = 13.009(2), c = 8.434(1) angstrom, V= 1787.9(4) angstrom(3), Z = 8. The crystal structure of mejillonesite is based on a sheet (parallel to the b-c plane) formed by two types of MgO(6) octahedra, isolated tetrahedra PO(4) and PO(3)OH whose apical vertices have different orientation with respect to the sheet. The sheets are connected by interlayer, 5-coordinated sodium ions, proton hydration complexes, and hydroxyl groups. The structure of mejillonesite is related to that of angarfite, NaFe(5)(3+)(PO(4))(4)(OH)(4).4H(2)O and bakhchisaraitsevite, Na(2)Mg(5)(PO(4))(4)center dot 7H(2)O.

Periapical Tissue Response After Use of Intermediate Restorative Material, Gutta-Percha, Reinforced Zinc Oxide Cement, and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate as Retrograde Root-End Filling Materials: A Histologic Study in Dogs

Purpose: To investigate the periapical tissue response of 4 different retrograde root-filling materials, ie, intermediate restorative material, thermoplasticized gutta-percha, reinforced zinc oxide cement (Super-EBA), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), in conjunction with an ultrasonic root-end preparation technique in an animal model. Materials and Methods: Vital roots of the third and fourth right mandibular premolars in 6 healthy mongrel dogs were apicectomized and sealed with 1 of the materials using a standardized surgical procedure. After 120 days, the animals were sacrificed and the specimens were analyzed radiologically, histologically, and scanning electron microscopically. The Fisher exact test was performed on the 2 outcome values. Results: Twenty-three sections were analyzed histologically. Evaluation showed better re-establishment of the periapical tissues and generally lower inflammatory infiltration in the sections from teeth treated with the intermediate restorative material and the MTA. New root cement on the resected dentin surfaces was seen on all sections regardless of the used material. New hard tissue formation, directly on the surface of the material, was seen only in the MTA sections. There was no statistical difference in outcome among the tested materials. Conclusions: The results from this dog model favor the intermediate restorative material and MTA as retrograde fillings when evaluating the bone defect regeneration. MTA has the most favorable periapical tissue response when comparing the biocompatibility of the materials tested. (C) 2012 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 70:2041-2047, 2012

Bone mineral density and body composition in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty before and after treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist

OBJECTIVES: Idiopathic central precocious puberty and its postponement with a (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) GnRH agonist are complex conditions, the final effects of which on bone mass are difficult to define. We evaluated bone mass, body composition, and bone remodeling in two groups of girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty, namely one group that was assessed at diagnosis and a second group that was assessed three years after GnRH agonist treatment. METHODS: The precocious puberty diagnosis and precocious puberty treatment groups consisted of 12 girls matched for age and weight to corresponding control groups of 12 (CD) and 14 (CT) girls, respectively. Bone mineral density and body composition were assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Lumbar spine bone mineral density was estimated after correction for bone age and the mathematical calculation of volumetric bone mineral density. CONEP: CAAE-0311.0.004.000-06. RESULTS: Lumbar spine bone mineral density was slightly increased in individuals diagnosed with precocious puberty compared with controls; however, after correction for bone age, this tendency disappeared (CD = -0.74 +/- 0.9 vs. precocious puberty diagnosis = -1.73 +/- 1.2). The bone mineral density values of girls in the precocious puberty treatment group did not differ from those observed in the CT group. CONCLUSION: There is an increase in bone mineral density in girls diagnosed with idiopathic central precocious puberty. Our data indicate that the increase in bone mineral density in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty is insufficient to compensate for the marked advancement in bone age observed at diagnosis. GnRH agonist treatment seems to have no detrimental effect on bone mineral density.

Vitamin or mineral supplement intake and the risk of head and neck cancer: pooled analysis in the INHANCE consortium

To investigate the potential role of vitamin or mineral supplementation on the risk of head and neck cancer (HNC), we analyzed individual-level pooled data from 12 casecontrol studies (7,002 HNC cases and 8,383 controls) participating in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology consortium. There were a total of 2,028 oral cavity cancer, 2,465 pharyngeal cancer, 874 unspecified oral/pharynx cancer, 1,329 laryngeal cancer and 306 overlapping HNC cases. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for self reported ever use of any vitamins, multivitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and calcium, beta-carotene, iron, selenium and zinc supplements were assessed. We further examined frequency, duration and cumulative exposure of each vitamin or mineral when possible and stratified by smoking and drinking status. All ORs were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, study center, education level, pack-years of smoking, frequency of alcohol drinking and fruit/vegetable intake. A decreased risk of HNC was observed with ever use of vitamin C (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.590.96) and with ever use of calcium supplement (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.420.97). The inverse association with HNC risk was also observed for 10 or more years of vitamin C use (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.540.97) and more than 365 tablets of cumulative calcium intake (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.160.83), but linear trends were not observed for the frequency or duration of any supplement intake. We did not observe any strong associations between vitamin or mineral supplement intake and the risk of HNC.

Nutrição mineral da cana‑de‑açúcar irrigada com efluente de esgoto tratado, em área com aplicação de fosfogesso

O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar o aporte e a remoção de nutrientes em sistemas de cultivo  de cana‑de‑açúcar irrigados, ou não, com efluente de estação de tratamento de esgoto (EETE), com e sem  adição  de fosfogesso,  bem  como  avaliar  os  efeitos  desses sistemas  de  cultivo  no  estado  nutricional  das  plantas. Foram avaliados tratamentos sem irrigação e com irrigação a 100 e 150% da necessidade hídrica da  cultura. Os tratamentos com fosfogesso foram aplicados em área de terceiro corte, irrigada com EETE desde  o plantio. As  avaliações foram realizadas em duas safras. Os tratamentos não afetaram os rendimentos de  colmos. O tratamento com EETE e fosfogesso apresentou efeito sinérgico sobre o conteúdo de nitrogênio e de  enxofre nas plantas. O EETE beneficiou a nutrição das plantas quanto ao fósforo, mas não causou melhorias  na nutrição com potássio e enxofre. A nutrição com ferro, zinco e manganês não foi influenciada pelo aporte  desses micronutrientes pelo EETE. O  fósforo e o nitrogênio aportados na irrigação com EETE devem ser  considerados na recomendação de adubação. Porém, potássio, enxofre, ferro, zinco e manganês do efluente não  são fontes eficientes desses nutrientes para as plantas.

Effect of Different Radiopacifying Agents on the Physicochemical Properties of White Portland Cement and White Mineral Trioxide Aggregate

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pH, calcium ion release, setting time, and solubility of white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) and white Portland cement (WPC) combined with the following radiopacifying agents: bismuth oxide (BO), calcium tungstate (CT), and zirconium oxide (ZO). Methods: Fifty acrylic teeth with root-end filling material were immersed in ultrapure water for measurement of pH and calcium release (atomic absorption spectrophotometry) at 3, 24, 72, and 168 hours. For evaluation of setting time, each material was analyzed according to the American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines 266/08. The solubility test was performed according to American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association specification no. 57/2000. Solubility, setting time, and pH values were compared by using analysis of variance and Tukey test, and the values of calcium release were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis and Miller tests. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The pH and calcium release were higher at 3 and 24 hours. WPC was the material with the higher values for both properties. WMTA had the greatest solubility among all materials (P < .05). All radiopacifiers increased the setting time of WPC, and WMTA had the shortest setting time among all materials (P < .05). Conclusions: All materials released calcium ions. Except for WPC/CT at 168 hours, all materials promoted an alkaline pH. On the basis of the obtained results, ZO and CT can be considered as potential radiopacifying agents to be used in combination with Portland cement. (J Endod 2012;38:394-397)

Evaluation of the propylene glycol association on some physical and chemical properties of mineral trioxide aggregate

Duarte MAH, Alves de Aguiar K, Zeferino MA, Vivan RR, Ordinola-Zapata R, Tanomaru-Filho M, Weckwerth PH, Kuga MC. Evaluation of the propylene glycol association on some physical and chemical properties of mineral trioxide aggregate. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 565570, 2012. Abstract Aim To evaluate the influence of propylene glycol (PG) on the flowability, setting time, pH and calcium ion release of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Methodology Mineral trioxide aggregate was mixed with different proportions of PG, as follows: group 1: MTA + 100% distilled water (DW); group 2: MTA + 80% DW and 20% PG; group 3: MTA + 50% DW and 50% PG; group 4: MTA + 20% DW and 80% PG; group 5: MTA + 100% PG. The ANSI/ADA No. 57 was followed for evaluating the flowability and the setting time was measured by using ASTM C266-08. For pH and calcium release analyses, 50 acrylic teeth with root-end cavities were filled with the materials (n = 10) and individually immersed in flasks containing 10 mL deionized water. After 3 h, 24 h, 72 h and 168 h, teeth were placed in new flasks and the water in which each specimen was immersed had its pH determined by a pH metre and the calcium release measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer with a calcium-specific hollow cathode lamp. Data were analysed by using one-way anova test for global comparison and by using Tukeys test for individual comparisons. Results The highest value of flowability was observed with MTA + 20% DW and 80% PG and the lowest values were found with MTA + 100% DW. They were significantly different compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). The presence of PG did not affect the pH and calcium release. The MTA + 100% PG favoured the highest (P < 0.05) pH and calcium release after 3 h. Increasing the PG proportion interfered (P < 0.05) with the setting time; when used at the volume of 100% setting did not occur. Conclusion The addition of PG to MTA-Angelus increased its setting time, improved flowability and increased the pH and calcium ion release during the initial post-mixing periods. The ratio of 80% DW 20% PG is recommended.

NUTRITIONAL BALANCE, ESSENTIAL OIL AND WOOD PRODUCTION FROM Corymbia citriodora Hill & Johnson WITH SEWAGE SLUDGE AND MINERAL FERTILIZER APPLICATIONS

The Corymbia citriodora is one of the most important forest species in Brazil and the reason is the diversity of its use, because it produces good quality wood and the leaves may be used for essential oil production. Although, there are not many studies about species and the handling effect in the nutritional balance. This study aimed to evaluate the biomass production and nutrient balance in the conventional production of essential oil and wood of Corymbia citriodora with sewage sludge application. The experiment design established was the randomized blocks, with four replicates and two treatments: 1 - fertilization with 10 tons ha(-1) (dry mass) of sewage sludge, supplemented with K and B, and 2 - mineral fertilization. It was evaluated the aerial biomass production, the nutrient export of the leaves, the essential oil and wood production at four years old. The trees that received application of sewage sludge produced 20 % more leaves biomass than the trees with mineral fertilization, resulting in larger oil production. Besides, the trees with sewage sludge application produced 14.2 tons ha(-1) yr(-1) of woody biomass that was 27 % higher than the treatment with mineral fertilization. For both treatments the N balance was negative, but treatment with sewage sludge application (-45 kg ha(-1)) was four times lower than the observed on mineral fertilization treatment (-185 kg ha(-1)). It may be concluded in this paper that the application of sewage sludge benefits the production of leaves biomass, essential oil and wood, besides result better nutritional balance of the Corymbia citriodora production system.

Low fatness, reduced fat intake and adequate plasmatic concentrations of LDL-cholesterol are associated with high bone mineral density in women: a cross-sectional study with control group

Background: Several parameters are associated with high bone mineral density (BMD), such as overweight, black background, intense physical activity (PA), greater calcium intake and some medications. The objectives are to evaluate the prevalence and the main aspects associated with high BMD in healthy women. Methods: After reviewing the database of approximately 21,500 BMD scans performed in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo, Brazil, from June 2005 to October 2010, high BMD (over 1400 g/cm(2) at lumbar spine and/or above 1200 g/cm2 at femoral neck) was found in 421 exams. Exclusion criteria were age below 30 or above 60 years, black ethnicity, pregnant or obese women, disease and/or medications known to interfere with bone metabolism. A total of 40 women with high BMD were included and matched with 40 healthy women with normal BMD, paired to weight, age, skin color and menopausal status. Medical history, food intake and PA were assessed through validated questionnaires. Body composition was evaluated through a GE-Lunar DPX MD + bone densitometer. Radiography of the thoracic and lumbar spine was carried out to exclude degenerative alterations or fractures. Biochemical parameters included both lipid and hormonal profiles, along with mineral and bone metabolism. Statistical analysis included parametric and nonparametric tests and linear regression models. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age was 50.9 (8.3) years. There was no significant difference between groups in relation to PA, smoking, intake of calcium and vitamin D, as well as laboratory tests, except serum C-telopeptide of type I collagen (s-CTX), which was lower in the high BMD group (p = 0.04). In the final model of multivariate regression, a lower fat intake and body fatness as well a better profile of LDL-cholesterol predicted almost 35% of high BMD in women. (adjusted R2 = 0.347; p < 0.001). In addition, greater amounts of lean mass and higher IGF-1 serum concentrations played a protective role, regardless age and weight. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the potential deleterious effect of lipid metabolism-related components, including fat intake and body fatness and worse lipid profile, on bone mass and metabolism in healthy women.