Cutaneous mycoflora and CD4:CD8 ratio of cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus

This study was designed to compare cutaneous mycoflora isolation and CD4+:CD8+ ratio in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats with that in FIV-uninfected cats. Sixty cats were examined. Twenty-five were Fly-infected cats and 35 were RV-uninfected cats. All 60 cats were FeLV-negative. Fungi were speciated and immunophenotyping of peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes was performed. At least one fungal colony was isolated from 22/25 (88%) FIV-infected cats. Among the FIV-uninfected cats fungal colonies were recovered from 13/35 (37%) specimens. Dermatophytes were recovered from 2/25 (8%) FIV-infected cats (one Microsporum gypseum, one Microsporum can is) and 3/35 (8.5%) FIV-uninfected cats (M gypseum). Malassezia species was the most commonly isolated organism from both groups of cats (51.6%). Malassezia species was more commonly isolated from FIV-infected cats than RV-uninfected cats (84% vs 28.6%). The CD4+ to CD8+ lymphocyte ratio for FIV-infected cats was significantly lower than the CD4+ to CD8+ ratio in the FIV-uninfected cats. The CD4+ to CD8+ lymphocyte ratio for FIV-infected cats with cutaneous overall fungal isolation was significantly lower than the CD4:CD8 lymphocyte ratio in the FIV-infected cats but without cutaneous fungal isolation. We can conclude that immunologic depletion due to retroviral infection might represent a risk factor to cutaneous fungal colonization in cats. (C) 2010 ISFM and AAFP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of sperm concentration and straw volume on motion characteristics and plasma, acrosomal, and mitochondrial membranes of equine cryopreserved spermatozoa

The advantages of using cryopreserved semen in equine reproduction are well known. During cryopreservationl spermatozoa undergo many changes that lead to a decrease in fertility. There is no agreement on the ideal sperm dose and concentration to maximize fertility rates. Thus, the objectives of this experiment were to evaluate sperm motion by computer-assisted analysis (CASA), sperm membrane integrity and function with fluorescence probes of cryopreserved sperm at three concentrations: 100 (C100), 200 (C200) and 400 x 10(6) sperm/mL (C400), and two straw volumes (0.50 and 0.25 mL). There was no interaction between sperm concentration and storage volume (P > .05). Sperm motion characteristics were influenced by concentration (C100 > C200 > C400; P < .05). Curvilinear velocity (VCL) in 0.25-mL straws had higher average values (P < .05). Membrane integrity and function were not changed by straw volume (P > .05). However, sperm concentration changed the percentage of cells with intact plasma membrane (C100 > C200 > C400; P < .05) and the percentage of cells with high mitochondrial membrane potential (C100 = C200; P > .05 and C400 < C100 and C200; P < .05). According to this experiment, the best freeing method was that involving 100 x 10(6) sperm/mL, regardless of straw volume.

Influence of Blood Contamination on Bond Strength of a Self-etching Adhesive to Dental Tissues

Purpose: The aim of this study was to detect the influence of (1) storage period of heparinized blood, (2) type of blood and presence of contaminant, (3) application mode of cleansing agents, and (4) efficacy of cleansing agents on contaminated enamel and dentin during the adhesion process of a one-step adhesive system. Materials and Methods: One hundred four human molars were sectioned into halves along the long axis for enamel and dentin tests. Heparinized and fresh blood were obtained from the same donor, applied and dried to maintain a layer of dry blood on the top of samples. The cleansing agents used were hydrogen peroxide, anionic detergent, and antiseptic solution. A one-step adhesive system (Clearfil S3 Bond) was applied on the dental surface, and composite resin cylinders were built up using Tygon tubing molds. After 24 h, the mu SBS test (1 mm/min) and fracture analysis were performed. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in bond strength values regarding the storage period of heparinized blood and the types of blood. Groups without contamination presented higher bond strengths than contaminated groups. The application mode of the cleansing agents had no influence on bond strength results. There was no statistically significant difference among cleansing agents and they were as effective as a water stream in counteracting the effect of blood contamination. Conclusion: Heparinized blood can be used as a contaminant for up to one week, and it is a reliable procedure to standardize the contaminant. The cleansing agents can be used without friction. A water stream is sufficient to remove blood contamination from dental tissues, before the application of a one-step adhesive system.

Testing for Market Power in Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output Industries: The Australian Grains and Oilseeds Industries

Recent empirical studies have found significant evidence of departures from competition in the input side of the Australian bread, breakfast cereal and margarine end-product markets. For example, Griffith (2000) found that firms in some parts of the processing and marketing sector exerted market power when purchasing grains and oilseeds from farmers. As noted at the time, this result accorded well with the views of previous regulatory authorities (p.358). In the mid-1990s, the Prices Surveillence Authority (PSA 1994) determined that the markets for products contained in the Breakfast Cereals and Cooking Oils and Fats indexes were "not effectively competitive" (p.14). The PSA consequently maintained price surveillence on the major firms in this product group. The Griffith result is also consistent with the large number of legal judgements against firms in this sector over the past decade for price fixing or other types of non-competitive behaviour. For example, bread manufacturer George Weston was fined twice during 2000 for non-competitive conduct and the ACCC has also recently pursued and won cases against retailer Safeway in grains and oilseeds product lines.

Understanding the impact of divalent cation substitution on hydroxyapatite: An in vitro multiparametric study on biocompatibility

Hydroxyapatite (HA), a stable and biocompatible material for bone tissue therapy, may present a variable stoichiometry and accept a large number of cationic substitutions. Such substitutions may modify the chemical activity of HA surface, with possible impact on biocompatibility. In this work, we assessed the effects of calcium substitution with diverse divalent cations (Pb(2+), Sr(2+), Co(2+), Zn(2+), Fe(2+), Cu(2+), or Mg(2+)) on the biological behavior of HA. Physicochemical analyses revealed that apatite characteristics related to crystallinity and calcium dissolution/uptake rates are very sensitive to the nature of cationic substitution. Cytocompatibility was evaluated by mitochondrial activity, membrane integrity, cell density, proapoptotic potential, and adhesion tests. With the exception of Zn-HA, all the substituted HAs induced some level of apoptosis. The highest apoptosis levels were observed for Mg-HA and Co-HA. Cu-HA was the only material to impair simultaneously mitochondrial activity, membrane integrity, and cell density. The highest relative cell densities after exposure to the modified HAs were observed for Mg-HA and Zn-HA, while Co-HA significantly improved cell adhesion onto HA surface. These results show that changes on surface dissolution caused by cationic substitution, as well as the increase of metal species released to biological media, were the main responsible factors related to alterations on HA biocompatibility. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 98A: 351-358, 2011.

GABAergic antagonist blocks the reduction of tonic immobility behavior induced by activation of 5-HT(2) receptors in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala in guinea pigs

Tonic immobility (TI) is a temporary state of profound motor inhibition induced by situations that generate intense fear, with the objective of protecting an animal from attacks by predators. A preliminary study by our group demonstrated that microinjection into the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) of an agonist to 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2) receptors promoted a decrease in TI duration. In the current study, the effects of GABAergic stimulation of the BLA and the possible interaction between GABA(A) and 5-HT(2) receptors on TI modulation were investigated. Observation revealed that GABAergic agonist muscimol (0.26 nmol) reduced the duration of TI episodes, while microinjection of the GABAergic antagonist bicuculline (1 nmol) increased TI duration. Additionally, microinjection of 5-HT(2) agonist receptors (alpha-methyl-5-HT, 0.32 nmol) into the BLA decreased TI duration, an effect reversed by pretreatment with bicuculline (at the dose that had no effect per se, 0.2 nmol). Moreover, the activation of GABA(A) and 5-HT(2) receptors in the BLA did not alter the spontaneous motor activity in the open field test. These experiments demonstrated that the activation of GABA(A) and 5-HT(2) receptors of the BLA possibly produce a reduction in unconditioned fear that decreases the TI duration in guinea pigs, but this is not due to increased spontaneous motor activity, which could affect a TI episode nonspecifically. Furthermore, these results suggest an interaction between GABAergic and serotoninergic mechanisms mediated by GABA(A) and 5-HT(2) receptors. In addition, the GABAergic circuit of the BLA presents a tonic inhibitory influence on TI duration. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of Chelating Solutions on the Microhardness of Root Canal Lumen Dentin

Introduction: The greatest reduction in microhardness of the most superficial layer of dentin of the root canal lumen is desired. The use of chelating agents during biomechanical preparation of root canals removes smear layer, increasing the access of the irrigant into the dentin tubules to allow adequate disinfection, and also reduces dentin microhardness, facilitating the action of endodontic instruments. This study evaluated the effect of different chelating solutions on the microhardness of the most superficial dentin layer from the root canal lumen. Methods: Thirty-five recently extracted single-rooted maxillary central incisors were instrumented, and the roots were longitudinally sectioned in a mesiodistal direction to expose the entire canal extension. The specimens were distributed in seven groups according to the final irrigation: 15% EDTA, 10% citric acid, 5% malic acid, 5% acetic acid, apple vinegar, 10% sodium citrate, and control (no irrigation). A standardized volume of 50 mu L of each chelating solution was used for 5 minutes. Dentin microhardness was measured with a Knoop indenter under a 10-g load and a 15-second dwell time. Data were analyzed statistically by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey-Kramer multiple-comparison test at 5% significance level. Results: EDTA and citric acid had the greatest overall effect, causing a sharp decrease in dentin microhardness without a significant difference (p > .05) from each other. However, both chelators differed significantly from the other solutions (p < .001). Sodium citrate and deionized water were similar to each other (p > .05) and did not affect dentin microhardness. Apple vinegar, acetic acid, and malic acid were similar to each other (p > .05) and presented intermediate results. Conclusion: Except for sodium citrate, all tested chelating solutions reduced microhardness of the most superficial root canal dentin layer. EDTA and citric acid were the most efficient. (J Endod 2011;37:358-362)

Programa de apoio ao desenvolvimento de novas empresas de base tecnol??gica agropecu??ria e ?? transfer??ncia de tecnologia (Proeta)

Em dezembro de 2001, o Proeta foi criado pela Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecu??ria (Embrapa) com apoio financeiro do Fundo Multilateral de Investimentos do Banco Interamericano de Desenvolvimento (Fumin/BID), por meio de um acordo de coopera????o t??cnica n??o-reembols??vel. O programa tem o objetivo de contribuir para a transfer??ncia de tecnologias e conhecimentos gerados pela Embrapa para empreendimentos de base tecnol??gica, mediante a utiliza????o do processo de incuba????o de empresas. Para concretizar a iniciativa, foram estabelecidas experi??ncias-piloto em cinco unidades de pesquisa da Embrapa, estrategicamente situadas nas regi??es Nordeste, Centro-Oeste e Sudeste. Entre os resultados e avan??os obtidos merecem destaque 21 tecnologias disponibilizadas, 14 conv??nios firmados com incubadoras, 16 propostas de neg??cios apresentadas, 14 empresas pr??-selecionadas e incubadas, e uma empresa graduada. A consolida????o das alian??as e parcerias no processo de incuba????o resultou em um sistema de inova????o que auxilia o desenvolvimento sustent??vel da cadeia produtiva do agroneg??cio, gerando benef??cios para a sociedade em geral

Unknown Radial Distortion Centers in Multiple View Geometry Problems

The radial undistortion model proposed by Fitzgibbon and the radial fundamental matrix were early steps to extend classical epipolar geometry to distorted cameras. Later minimal solvers have been proposed to find relative pose and radial distortion, given point correspondences between images. However, a big drawback of all these approaches is that they require the distortion center to be exactly known. In this paper we show how the distortion center can be absorbed into a new radial fundamental matrix. This new formulation is much more practical in reality as it allows also digital zoom, cropped images and camera-lens systems where the distortion center does not exactly coincide with the image center. In particular we start from the setting where only one of the two images contains radial distortion, analyze the structure of the particular radial fundamental matrix and show that the technique also generalizes to other linear multi-view relationships like trifocal tensor and homography. For the new radial fundamental matrix we propose different estimation algorithms from 9,10 and 11 points. We show how to extract the epipoles and prove the practical applicability on several epipolar geometry image pairs with strong distortion that - to the best of our knowledge - no other existing algorithm can handle properly.

Crescimento de girassol como flor em vaso em função de doses de paclobutrazol

O girassol (Helianthus annuus L.), que é comumente cultivado para produção de sementes e óleo, também apresenta potencial de uso como planta ornamental. Entretanto, seu porte elevado dificulta essa utilização, principalmente como flor em vaso. Objetivou-se neste experimento avaliar os efeitos do regulador de crescimento paclobutrazol sobre o crescimento de plantas de girassol em vaso, cultivadas em sistema hidropônico, dentro de estufa, em vasos preenchidos com sílica moída. Os dois genótipos de girassol utilizados foram BRS Oásis, com capítulo marrom e altura média de 1,85 m, e Helio 358, com capítulo amarelo e altura média de 1,45 m. As doses de paclobutrazol avaliadas foram 0; 0,5; 1; 2; 4; e 6 mg L-1 , aplicadas diretamente no substrato de sílica moída. A solução nutritiva utilizada foi a de Hoagland, e as plantas foram mantidas sob aeração constante. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial com cinco repetições, totalizando 60 parcelas. Avaliaram-se a altura das plantas e a massa de matéria seca de raiz, caule, folhas e de capítulos. Houve efeito do paclobutrazol sobre o crescimento das plantas. O uso do paclobutrazol na dose de 2mgL-1 reduz a altura do girassol, porém não afeta a qualidade da inflorescência, o que pode viabilizar o seu uso na produção de flores de girassol como ornamentais. A sensibilidade ao paclobutrazol é maior para o genótipo Helio 358 em relação ao genótipo BRS Oásis.

The Impact of the European Parliament in the Portuguese MEPs

Os estudiosos da União Europeia argumentam que o processo de integração é incentivado pelas elites que, nas diferentes instituições europeias, vão orientando a sua lealdade em direcção a Bruxelas. Contudo, não existem muitos estudos que corroborem este argumento. Neste artigo, proponho-me contribuir para o debate teórico. Analisando o comportamento dos deputados Portugueses quando votam nas sessões parlamentares do Parlamento Europeu, em Estrasburgo, vou mostrar como eles têm vindo a mudar o seu posicionamento político ao longo dos tempos. Enquanto em 1986, votavam maioritariamente com a direita quando discordavam do seu grupo parlamentar, em 1994/95 já existe um equilíbrio entre direita e esquerda.

Síntese de precursores de ligando do tipo 5-aril-2-iminopirrole e sua aplicação na preparação de complexos de níquel

O trabalho apresentado nesta dissertação centrou-se na síntese e caracterização de novos precursores de ligandos do tipo iminopirrolilo, usando como molécula de partida a 2-fenil-1-pirrolina. Estes ligandos foram posteriormente usados em tentativas de síntese de complexos de Ni(II). Em termos experimentais, este trabalho foi iniciado pelo estudo da síntese do 2- fenilpirrole a partir da 2-fenil-1-pirrolina, na tentativa de obter um produto puro, através de um processo competitivo em termos de eficiência e custo em relação aos descritos anteriormente pelo grupo de trabalho e pela literatura. Numa segunda fase, estudou-se a síntese de dois novos precursores de ligandos iminopirrolilo e, por fim, tentou-se sintetizar dois novos complexos de Ni(II) com base nos referidos ligandos, com vista ao seu uso como catalisadores de polimerização de olefinas. O Capítulo 1 apresenta uma introdução ao desenvolvimento dos complexos de metais de transição como catalisadores de polimerização de olefinas, dando-se ênfase especial aos catalisadores de níquel contendo ligandos α-diimina, fenoxi-imina, anilitropona e iminopirrolilo. Focam-se ainda os métodos de síntese de pirroles substituídos na posição 2, devido à importância que apresentam para os objectivos deste trabalho. No Capítulo 2 estuda-se a reacção de desidrogenação catalítica de 2-fenil-1-pirrolina a 2-fenilpirrole, catalisada por paládio suportado em carvão ou alumina activados. Posteriormente descreve-se a reacção de formilação do 2-fenilpirrole que origina o novo composto 5-fenil-2-formilpirrole. Este é transformado em novos precursores de ligando do tipo iminopirrolilo, mais especificamente 2-arilimino-5-fenilpirrolilo, por condensação com a dimetil- e diisopropilanilina. No Capítulo 3 discute-se as tentativas de síntese de novos complexos de Ni(II) contendo os ligandos iminopirrolilo sintetizados, a partir da reacção dos correspondentes sais de sódio com o complexo [NiCl(Ph)(PPh3)2]. O Capítulo 4 apresenta as conclusões gerais e o Capítulo 5 os detalhes experimentais, as sínteses e as caracterizações dos ligandos e dos complexos.

Mosquitos antropofílicos de atividade matutina em Mata Atlântica, Florianópolis, SC

Como os trabalhos sobre Culicidae em Santa Catarina foram restritos a anofelíneos e a Culex quinquefasciatus, pela ocorrência, no passado, de malária e de filariose, a fauna de mosquitos em áreas de mata é pouco conhecida. Assim, foi realizado um levantamento dos culicídeos que atacam o homem pela manhã em trilha situada numa unidade de conservação da Mata Atlântica na Ilha de Santa Catarina, freqüentada por estudantes e turistas. Foram coletados 358 exemplares de 22 espécies, das quais 14 são relatadas pela primeira vez no Estado. Runchomyia reversa e Ochlerotatus scapularis foram as espécies predominantes, com grande diversidade de espécies de Wyeomyia (Phoniomyia).

Idade e uso de preservativo na iniciação sexual de adolescentes brasileiros

OBJETIVO: Analisar a idade e o uso do preservativo na iniciação sexual de adolescentes brasileiros em dois períodos: 1998 e 2005. MÉTODOS: Amostras representativas da população urbana brasileira foram entrevistadas em inquérito domiciliar por duas pesquisas, realizadas em 1998 e 2005. Dentre os entrevistados, 670 jovens (16 a 19 anos) sexualmente ativos foram selecionados para o estudo, 312 de 1998 e 358 de 2005. Para análise dos dados ponderados foram utilizados o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e o teste exato de Fisher (±<5%). RESULTADOS: Em 2005, 61,6% dos jovens entrevistados tinham iniciado-se sexualmente, cuja idade média foi 14,9 anos, sem diferenças significativas para os jovens entrevistados em 1998. O uso de preservativo na primeira relação sexual aumentou significativamente em relações estáveis (48,5% em 1998 vs. 67,7% em 2005) e casuais (47,2% em 1998 vs. 62,6% em 2005) em quase todos os segmentos. Persistiram as diferenças relacionadas à iniciação sexual e ao uso de preservativos segundo gênero, cor da pele e escolaridade, tal como observado em 1998. A diminuição no uso de preservativo entre os jovens que se iniciaram sexualmente antes dos 14 anos, em todos os contextos de parceria, foi expressiva na região Sudeste e entre os mais escolarizados. CONCLUSÕES: Como em outros países, observou-se tendência à estabilização da idade da iniciação sexual entre jovens de 15 a 19 anos. O adiamento do início da vida sexual, mais freqüente entre os jovens mais escolarizados, deve ser tema discutido no planejamento da educação dos adolescentes para a sexualidade e prevenção das IST. Quanto à diminuição da vulnerabilidade ao HIV, é relevante e significativo o incremento no uso de preservativo na iniciação sexual.

O efeito da idade da empresa nos salários

Dissertação de Mestrado, Ciências Económicas e Empresariais, 10 de Dezembro de 2015, Universidade dos Açores.