Fermentation profile and microbial population in soybean silages with inoculant and powdered molasses / Perfil fermentativo e população microbiana em silagens de soja com inoculante e melaço em pó

Fermentation profile and microbial population were assessed in soybean silages without any additive (control), with inoculant (I), with I + powdered molasses (I+M), and with powdered molasses only (M). Soybean plants were harvested at the R6 stage and ensiled in 2kg-capacity laboratory silos. The additives were added to the natural matter base of silages. The assessed fermentation periods were 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. A 4 × 6 factorial arrangement (4 additives × 6 fermentation periods) in a completely randomized design with 3 replicates was used. Lactic, acetic, and butyric acids concentrations were influenced by additives and periods (P< 0.05). It was observed higher lactic acid values to control silages, on the 56th day. Lower average values of acetic and butyric acids were observed to I+M and M silages. It was observed quadratic effect to pH values with a reduction estimated of 0.5504, 0.5358, 0.6312 and 0.6680 units to pH values to control, I, I+M, and M silages in the first 10 days. A maximum lactic acid bacteria population was observed at the 28th day of fermentation in silages with inoculant. The inoculant and powdered molasses improve the fermentation profile of soybean silages.(AU)

Avaliou-se o perfil fermentativo e a composição microbiana de silagens de soja sem aditivos (controle), com inoculante (I), com I + melaço em pó (I+M) e com melaço em pó (M). As plantas de soja foram colhidas no estádio R6 e ensiladas em silos laboratoriais com capacidade de 2kg. Os aditivos foram adicionados às silagens na matéria natural. Os períodos de fermentação avaliados foram: 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 e 56 dias. Utilizou-se um esquema fatorial 4 × 6 (quatro aditivos × seis períodos), em um delineamento completamente ao acaso, com três repetições. Observou-se efeito de aditivos e de período (P<0,05) sobre os ácidos láctico, acético e butírico. Foi constatado maior teor de ácido láctico na silagem controle aos 56 dias. Para os teores dos ácidos acético e butírico, registraram-se menores valores médios nas silagens I+M e M. Observou-se efeito quadrático para o pH das silagens, com estimativa de redução de pH nos primeiros 10 dias igual a 0,5504; 0,5358; 0,6312 e 0,6680 nas silagens controle, I, I+M e M, respectivamente. A máxima população de bactéria ácido-láctica foi observada aos 28 dias nas silagens inoculadas. O inoculante e o melaço em pó melhoram o perfil fermentativo de silagens de soja.(AU)

Blood levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines during an oral glucose tolerance test in patients with symptoms suggesting reactive hypoglycemia

We evaluated the impact of postprandial glycemia on blood levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines during an oral glucose tolerance test in non-diabetic patients with symptoms suggesting reactive hypoglycemia. Eleven patients with clinical symptoms suggesting reactive hypoglycemia received an oral glucose solution (75 g) Blood was collected at 0 (baseline), 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after glucose ingestion and the plasma concentrations of interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin 13 (IL-13), interleukin 15 (IL-15), interleukin 17 (IL-17), IFN-γ inducible protein 10 (IP-10), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP1), monokine induced by IFN-γ (MIG), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-basic), eotaxin, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and 1β (MIP-1β) were evaluated. Overall, glycemic levels increased, reached its maximum at 30 min (phase 1), returned to baseline levels at 120 min (phase 2), followed by a mild hypoglycemia at 180 min (phase 3). During phase 1, cytokine blood levels were maintained. However, we observed a synchronous fall (P<0.05) in the concentrations of pro-inflammatory (IL-15, IL-17, MCP-1) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (FGF-basic, IL-13, IL-1RA) during phase 2. Furthermore, a simultaneous rise (P<0.05) of pro-inflammatory (IL-2, IL-5, IL-17) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-1RA, IL-2R, IL-13, FGF-basic) occurred during phase 3. Thus, mild acute hypoglycemia but not a physiological increase of glycemia was associated with increased blood levels of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Digestibility and microbial efficiency in steers fed diets based on corn silage hybrids and concentrate levels / Digestibilidade e eficiência microbiana em novilhos alimentados com dietas à base de silagem de híbridos de milho e níveis de concentrado

A trial involving a 2x2 factorial design was conducted to evaluate the effect of corn silage hybrids and concentrate levels (25 and 50%) on intake and digestibility of nutrients, ruminal characteristics and microbial efficiency in steers. Four ruminal and abomasal cannulated steers (512±25kg of birth weight), were used in a 4×4 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of 75% silage A + 25% concentrate; 50% silage A + 50% concentrate; 75% silage B + 25% concentrate; and 50% silage B + 50% concentrate on dry matter (DM) basis. There were no differences in the intakes of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein, and ether extract. The intake of non fiber carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients were positively affected by concentrate levels. The digestibility of DM and OM were also positively affected by concentrate levels. There were no effects of treatments on ruminal pH values, ruminal ammonia-N, and microbial efficiency.

Avaliou-se, em um esquema fatorial 2x2, o efeito de silagem de milho de diferentes híbridos e da porcentagem de concentrado (25 ou 50%) sobre o consumo e a digestibilidade de nutrientes, os parâmetros ruminais e a síntese de proteína microbiana em bovinos. Utilizaram-se quatro novilhos cruzados (HxZ) - (512±25kg) -, fistulados no rúmen e no abomaso, os quais foram distribuídos em um quadrado latino 4x4. Os tratamentos consistiram em 75% de silagem A + 25% de concentrado; 50% de silagem A + 50% de concentrado; 75% de silagem B + 25% de concentrado; e 50% de silagem B + 50% de concentrado em % da matéria seca (MS). Não houve diferença entre os consumos de MS, matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta e extrato etéreo, e houve efeito positivo de concentrado sobre os carboidratos não fibrosos e nutrientes digestíveis totais. A digestibilidade da MS e da MO foi positivamente influenciada pela porcentagem de concentrado. Não houve efeito de tratamento sobre o pH e a concentração de amônia ruminais, bem como sobre a eficiência de síntese microbiana.

Produção e valor nutritivo do capim-coastcross sob doses de nitrogênio e idades de rebrotação / Production and nutritional value of bermudagrass cv. coastcross grown under different nitrogen doses and regrowth ages

Avaliaram-se a produção e o valor nutritivo do capim-coastcross (Cynodon dactylon) sob cinco doses de nitrogênio - 0, 100, 200, 300 e 400kg/ha.ano - e duas idades de rebrotação - 28 e 42 dias. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em esquema fatorial, em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. A adubação com nitrogênio (N) foi parcelada em três aplicações, realizadas logo após os cortes. A densidade populacional de perfilhos apresentou padrão de resposta quadrático em resposta à aplicação de N. A produção de forragem do capim-coastcross variou de 8,0 a 17,2t/ha.ano para as doses de 0 a 400kg/ha.ano de N, apresentando resposta linear positiva com a adubação nitrogenada. Maiores valores de relação folha:colmo (RFC) foram obtidos em cortes mais tardios, na ausência de aplicação de N. Em geral, as doses crescentes de N diminuíram linearmente a RFC do capim-coastcross. A adubação nitrogenada aumentou linearmente os teores de proteína bruta (PB), observando-se maior eficiência de resposta na idade de 28 dias. Aumentos na digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca em resposta à aplicação de doses crescentes de N somente ocorreram em plantas mais jovens, aos 28 dias de rebrotação. O teor de fibra em detergente neutro reduziu linearmente com a adubação nitrogenada. O efeito da adubação nitrogenada no valor nutritivo do capim-coastcross depende da idade de rebrotação dessa forrageira. Com a aplicação de maiores doses de N e sob condições favoráveis de crescimento, o pasto de capim-coastcross deve ser manejado com frequência de desfolhação de 28 dias.

The production and nutritive value of the bermudagrass cv. coastcross under five different nitrogen doses (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400kg/ha.year) and two regrowth ages (28 and 42 days) were evaluated. The experiment was arranged in a factorial scheme in a complete randomized block design with three repetitions. The nitrogen (N) fertilization was performed in three applications right after harvest. Tiller population density showed quadratic response to N application. The forage production varied from 8.0 to 17.2t/ha.year at N doses ranging from 0 to 400kg/ha.year, showing positive linear response to nitrogen fertilization. The highest values of leaf:stem relation (LSR) were observed for later harvest in the absence of N fertilization. In general, as the N doses increased the LSR of grass decreased linearly. The crude protein contents increased linearly with nitrogen fertilization, showing higher efficiency at 28 days of regrowth. In vitro digestibility increases regarding the N fertilization occurred for younger plants at 28 days of regrowth. The neutral detergent fiber content decreased linearly with nitrogen fertilization. The nitrogen fertilization effect on the nutritional value of bermudagrass cv. coastcross depends on the regrowth age of this forage. When applying higher N doses under favorable growth conditions, the coastcross grass pasture should be managed to have defoliation each 28 days.

Consumo, digestibilidade dos nutrientes e parâmetros ruminais em bovinos alimentados com silagem de capim-mombaça / Intake, digestibilities of the nutrients, and ruminal variables in cattle fed mombaça-grass silage

Avaliaram-se o consumo, a digestibilidade aparente total e parcial dos nutrientes, o pH e a concentração de amônia ruminal em bovinos alimentados com silagem de capim-mombaça e concentrado nas seguintes proporções: 80:20, 65:35, 50:50 e 35:65, com base na matéria seca. Foram utilizados quatro animais Holandês x Zebu, com peso corporal médio inicial de 229kg, canulados no rúmen e abomaso, e distribuídos em quadrado latino 4x4. Os consumos de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE) e carboidratos totais (CHOT), expressos em kg/dia, e a digestibilidade parcial dos carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF) apresentaram comportamento linear crescente, com resposta platô nos níveis de concentrado de 54,1; 54,8; 52,9; 62,2; 55,2 e 52,7 por cento. O consumo dos demais nutrientes, exceto da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), e as digestibilidades aparente total de MS, MO e CNF e a parcial de MO aumentaram linearmente com o incremento do concentrado nas dietas. Não foram encontradas diferenças no consumo e nas digestibilidades aparente total e parcial da FDN. Para concentração de amônia e pH ruminal, observou-se efeito quadrático de tempo de amostragem, com valores máximos de 24,76mg/dL e 6,53 em 2,8 e 3,5 horas após a alimentação, respectivamente.

Intake; total and partial digestibilities of nutrients; and ruminal pH and ammonia concentration were evaluated in beef cattle fed Mombaça-grass silage and concentrate at the following proportions: 80:20, 65:35, 50:50, and 35:65, in the dry matter basis. Four Holstein x Zebu steers, with average live weight of 229kg, fitted with ruminal and abomasal canullae, were used. The animals were allotted in a 4x4 latin square design. The intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and total carbohydrates (kg/day), as well the partials digestibilities of non fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) increased linearly with plateau at the concentrate levels of 54.1, 54.8, 52.9, 62.2, 55.2, and 52.7 percent. The intakes of others nutrients, except neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and the total apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, and NFC and the partial digestibility of OM increased linearly as the concentrate levels in the diets increased. No differences were found on the intake and the total and partial apparent digestibilities of NDF. The ruminal pH and ammonia concentration presented a quadratic affect in relation to the time of sampling, with maximum register at 2.8 and 3.5 hours after feeding, respectively, corresponding to pH 6.53 and 24.76mg/dL of ammonia.

Intake, digestibility, and performance of steers fed diets based on two corn silage hybrids and two concentrate levels / Consumo, digestibilidade e desempenho de novilhos alimentados com dietas a base de silagem de dois híbridos de milho e dois níveis de concentrado

A trial involving a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments was conducted to evaluate two corn silage hybrids (Agromen, AGN35-A42) and (Bayer, A3663) and concentrate levels (25 and 50 percent) on animal performance. Twenty-four Holstein x Zebu crossbred steers, averaging 335±30kg of BW, were distributed in six randomized blocks to evaluate intake, digestibility, and performance. Treatments consisted of 75 percent corn silage A + 25 percent concentrate, 50 percent corn silage A + 50 percent concentrate, 75 percent corn silage B + 25 percent concentrate, and 50 percent corn silage B + 50 percent concentrate (dry matter basis); formulated to be isonitrogenous (13 percent crude protein, dry matter basis). There were no differences in the daily intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and crude protein. Additionally, there was a concentrate effect on non-fiber carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients intakes, and on total apparent digestibility of DM and OM, with higher intakes for steers fed diets with 50 percent of concentrate. However, average daily gain (ADG) was not influenced by treatments. The utilization of both corn silage hybrids in association with 25 percent of concentrate is a good option to feed crossbred steers with ADG close to 1.0kg in order to reduce diet cost.

Avaliaram-se, em esquema factorial 2x2, o efeito das silagens de dois híbridos de milho (A: Agromen - AGN35-A42; B:Bayer - A3663) e dois níveis de concentrado (25 e 50 por cento) sobre o desempenho animal. Para avaliar o consumo, a digestibilidade e o desempenho animal, utilizaram-se 24 novilhos cruzados, Holandês x Zebu, com média de peso de 335±30kg, distribuídos em seis blocos ao acaso. Os tratamentos consistiram em 75 por cento de silagem de milho A + 25 por cento de concentrado; 50 por cento de silagem de milho A + 50 por cento de concentrado; 75 por cento de silagem de milho B + 25 por cento de concentrado; e 50 por cento de silagem de milho B + 50 por cento de concentrado (na base de matéria seca) e foram formulados para serem isonitrogenados (13 por cento proteína bruta). Não houve diferenças entre os consumos diários de matéria seca, matéria orgânica e proteína bruta. Houve efeito de concentrado sobre os consumos de carboidratos não-fibrosos e nutrientes digestíveis totais, e sobre as digestibilidades da matéria seca e da matéria orgânica. O maior consumo foi observado em animais alimentados com dietas que continham 50 por cento de concentrado. Entretanto, o ganho de peso diário não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos. A utilização de silagem dos dois híbridos de milho associada a 25 por cento de concentrado é uma alternativa para reduzir o custo de dietas para novilhos em confinamento, com ganho de peso diário próximo a 1kg.

LABIO LEPORINO UNILATERAL. TRATAMIENTO QUIRÚRGICO / UNILATERAL CLEFT LIP. SURGICAL TREATMENT

RESUMEN En este trabajo presentamos nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento quirúrgico de 10 pacientes con Labio leporino unilateral y al mismo tiempo, el abordaje y corrección de la deformidad nasal presente en casi todos los casos. El tratamiento incluyó disecar delicadas estructuras anatómicas del labio y nariz para conseguir realinear elementos distorsionados y teniendo como meta conseguir una apariencia facial normal.

ABSTRACT In this work we present our experience in the surgical treatment of patient with Unilateral Cleft Lip and also, at the same time, the approach and correction of the nasal deformity present in almost all the cases. The treatment includes to dissect delicate anatomical structures of the lip and nose and thus achieve a realignment of the distorted elements and to reach a normal facial appearance.

Intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters, and microbial protein synthesis in crossbred steers fed diets based on Brachiaria grass silage and sorghum silage / Consumo, digestibilidade, parâmetros ruminais e síntese de proteína microbiana em novilhos cruzados alimentados com dietas a base de silagem de braquiária e silagem de sorgo

A trial was carried out with four Holstein x Nellore crossbred steers (225±22kg of BW) fitted with ruminal and abomasal cannulaes in a 4 x 4 Latin Square design to evaluate the intake and the total and partial apparent digestibilities of nutrients, ruminal parameters, and microbial synthesis. Diets consisted of 60 percent silage and 40 percent concentrate formulated to be isonitrogenous (12.5 percent of crude protein, dry matter basis). Treatments consisted of different proportions of Brachiaria brizantha grass silage and sorghum silage: 100:0; 67:33; 33:67, and 0:100 percent, respectively, on dry matter basis. The intake of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, non-fiber carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients linearly increased (P<0.01) as levels of sorghum silage increased. The total apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber linearly increased with sorghum silage levels (P<0.02). The highest ruminal NH3-N (13.63mg/dL) levels occurred at 2.94h post-feeding whereas the lowest ruminal pH (5.87) was measured at 5.21h post-feeding. Microbial efficiency was not affected (P>0.05) by the treatments. The use of 67 percent of sorghum silage and 33 percent of grass silage increased intake and digestibility of nutrients without affecting ruminal pH, ruminal NH3-N, and microbial efficiency.

Realizou-se um estudo com quatro novilhos cruzados Holandês x Nelore (225±22kg de peso vivo), canulados no rúmen e abomaso, distribuídos em quadrado latino 4 x 4 para avaliar o efeito de diferentes proporções de silagem de Braquiária brizantha e silagem de sorgo sobre o consumo e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes no trato digestório total e parcial, sobre os parâmetros ruminais e sobre a eficiência microbiana. As dietas continham 60 por cento de volumoso e 40 por cento de concentrado e foram formuladas para serem isonitrogenadas (12,5 por cento de proteína bruta na matéria seca). Os tratamentos consistiram em diferentes proporções de silagens de Brachiaria brizantha e de sorgo: 100:0; 67:33; 33:67 e 0:100 por cento, respectivamente ( por cento da matéria seca). O consumo de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, carboidratos não-fibrosos e nutrientes digestíveis totais aumentou linearmente (P<0,01) com o aumento da proporção de silagem de sorgo. A digestibilidade total da matéria seca, da matéria orgânica e da fibra em detergente neutro também aumentou linearmente (P<0,02) com o aumento da proporção de silagem de sorgo. A máxima concentração de N-amoniacal ruminal (13,63mg/dL) ocorreu 2,94 horas após a alimentação enquanto o menor pH foi observado às 5,21 horas após a alimentação. A eficiência microbina não foi afetada pelos tratamentos (P>0,05). O uso de 67 por cento de silagem de sorgo com 33 por cento de silagem de braquiária aumentou o consumo e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes sem afetar o pH e N-amoniacal ruminais, bem como a eficiência microbiana.

Características fermentativas de silagens de capim-elefante emurchecido ou com adição de farelo de cacau / Fermentation characteristics of silage of elephantgrass wilted or with addition of cocoa meal

O experimento foi realizado para avaliar as características fermentativas da silagem de capim-elefante emurchecido ou adicionado de diferentes níveis de farelo de cacau. O capim-elefante utilizado foi colhido aos 50 dias de rebrota após o corte de uniformização e submetido aos seguintes tratamentos na ensilagem: capim-elefante emurchecido ao sol por oito horas e capim-elefante sem emurchecimento adicionado de 0, 7, 14, 21 e 28 por cento de farelo de cacau ( por cento da matéria natural). Foram utilizadas quatro repetições por tratamento. O material foi acondicionado em silos de PVC com 0,15m de diâmetro e 0,3m de altura, adotando-se compactação de 500kg/m³. O pH reduziu e os carboidratos solúveis (CHO S) aumentaram de forma linear (P<0,05) com a adição de farelo de cacau. O teor de N-NH3 aumentou com a adição de farelo de cacau na ensilagem, contudo, os teores dos ácidos orgânicos não diferiram entre a silagem com farelo de cacau e aquela com capim-elefante emurchecido. A inclusão de 0, 7, 14, 21 e 28 por cento de farelo de cacau provocou aumentos de 2,23; 2,48; 3,14; 3,49 e 3,47 por cento no teor de ácido lático, respectivamente. A qualidade fermentativa da silagem de capim-elefante melhorou com a adição de farelo de cacau.

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the fermentation characteristics of eight hours sun light wilted elephant grass silage in comparison to no sun light exposed silage added by 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 percent of cocoa meal during the ensilage process. PVC silos, measuring 0.15m diameter x 0.30m height, were used to ensilage the elephantgrass using a compacting pressure of 500kg/m³. Soluble carbohydrates decreased but pH and N-NH3 increased (P<0.05) as the cocoa meal level increased in the silage. No difference between wilted and no wilted elephantgrass silages was observed for organic acid content. Addition of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 percent of cocoa meal caused an increase of 2.23, 2.48, 3.14, 3.49, and 3.87 percent of lactic acid contents. Addition of cocoa meal during the ensilage process enhanced fermentation quality of elephantgrass silage.

Frações de carboidratos de quatro gramíneas tropicais em diferentes idades de corte e doses de adubação nitrogenada / Carbohydrate fractions of tropical grasses at different cutting ages and under nitrogen fertilization

Avaliaram-se as frações de carboidratos dos capins setária (Setaria anceps Stapf), hemarthria (Hemarthria altissima [Poir] Stapf. & Hubbard), angola (Brachiaria purpurascens [Raddi] Henr.) e acroceres (Acroceras macrum Stapf.) adubados com 0, 100, 200, 300 e 400kg de N/ha na forma de sulfato de amônio e colhidos aos 28, 42, 56 e 70 dias de idade. Os cortes foram realizados a 20cm do solo para o capim-setária e a 10cm para as demais espécies. As frações dos carboidratos das forrageiras foram influenciadas pela idade de corte, observando-se com avanço da idade elevação dos teores de carboidratos não fibrosos, especialmente aos 56 dias de idade para os capins-hemarthria e angola e aos 70 dias para setária e acroceres. Os maiores teores de carboidratos fibrosos foram obtidos aos 42 dias em todas as forrageiras. A inclusão de níveis crescentes de adubação nitrogenada contribuiu para redução dos teores de carboidratos fibrosos da parede celular, porém os carboidratos não fibrosos não apresentaram respostas evidentes quanto à adubação nitrogenada.

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the levels of 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400kg of nitrogen/ha fertilization and the cutting ages at 28, 42, 56 and 70 days on the carbohydrate fractions of the tropical grasses Setaria (Setaria anceps Stapf), Limpo (Hemarthria altissima [Poir] Stapf. & Hubbard), California (Brachiaria purpurascens [Raddi] Henr.) and Nilo (Acroceras macrum Stpaf). The cuts were made 20cm upper from the ground for Setaria and 10cm for the other species. The fractions of the carbohydrates of the grasses were affected by the age of cut, as the older the forage the higher the non-fibrous carbohydrate content, especially at 56 days for Limpo grass and California grass and at 70 days for Setaria and Nilo grasses. The highest percentages of fibrous carbohydrate were observed at 42 days for all the grasses. The increasing levels of nitrogen fertilization contributed for the reduction of the fibrous carbohydrate percentages of the cellular wall, but no response of non-fibrous carbohydrate was observed in function of the nitrogenous fertilization.

Frações dos compostos nitrogenados de quatro gramíneas tropicais em diferentes idades de corte e doses de adubação nitrogenada / Fractions of nitrogenous compounds of four tropical grasses in the different cutting ages and nitrogen fertilizer levels

Avaliaram-se as frações dos compostos nitrogenados dos capins setária (Setaria anceps Stapf), hemarthria (Hemarthria altissima [Poir] Stapf. & Hubbard), angola (Brachiaria purpurascens [Raddi] Henr.) e acroceres (Acroceras macrum Stapf.) adubados com 0, 100, 200, 300 e 400kg de nitrogênio/ha e colhidos aos 28, 42, 56 e 70 dias de idade, utilizando-se análise de fatores. Após redução e avaliação da variação conjunta total das variáveis, optou-se pela adoção de três fatores, os quais englobaram 85,6 por cento da variação total, em que o primeiro fator associou-se intimamente aos compostos nitrogenados ligados à parede celular (frações B3 e C), o segundo fator associou-se aos compostos nitrogenados protéicos citoplasmáticos de rápida e intermediária degradação (fração B1+B2), e o terceiro fator associou-se aos compostos nitrogenados não-protéicos (NNP) (fração A). As frações dos compostos nitrogenados das forrageiras foram influenciadas pela idade de corte, e o avanço da idade das plantas resultou em redução dos teores de NNP. A adubação nitrogenada contribuiu para a elevação dos teores das frações de NNP e B1+B2, e as frações associadas à parede celular não apresentaram respostas evidentes quanto à adubação nitrogenada.

The effects of levels of nitrogen fertilizer 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400kg of nitrogen/ha, and cutting ages at 28, 42, 56 and 70 days on nitrogenous compounds of tropical grasses, Setaria grass (Setaria anceps Stapf), Limpo grass (Hemarthria altissima [Poir] Stapf. & Hubbard), California grass (Brachiaria purpurascens [Raddi] Henr.) and Nilo grass (Acroceras macrum Stpaf) were evaluated, using factor analysis. After reduction and evaluation of the total variation, three selected factors accounted for 85.60 percent of the total variation, the first factor was strongly associated with nitrogenous compounds of cell wall (fractions B3 and C), the second factor, was related to citoplasmatic protein and to fast and intermediary degradations rates (fraction B1+B2), while the third factor was related to nonproteic nitrogenous compounds (NPN) (fraction A). Cutting age affected nitrogenous compounds fractions of the grasses. The increase in cutting age resulted in a reduction of NPN fraction scores. The level of nitrogen fertilizer resulted in increases of NPN and B1+B2 fractions scores, however, no evident responses in other fractions were related to nitrogen fertilizer supply.

Endocrine disruptors and hypothalamic sexual differentiation

The so-called "endocrine disruptors" have been described as compounds which interfere with the estrogen action in their receptors and may exert a crucial role in the development of the reproductive tract and in the brain sexual differentiation. Thus, conducts and/or exposure to these drugs in the perinatal period that apparently do not endanger the neonate may cause side effects. During embrionary development, the gonads, through discharge of a small quantity of reproductive hormones, will guarantee the phenotype of male or female at birth, as well as actuate in specific areas sexual differentiation of the central nervous system. Several experimental models have shown an interference of drugs acting as endocrine disruptors in hypothalamic sexual differentiation. Thus, reproductive function is impaired by exposure to estrogen in the perinatal life of rats and the mechanisms involved in this effect are distinct for males and females. Perinatal exposure to drugs which may be considered endocrine disrupters may induce an incomplete masculinization and defeminization of the central nervous system. Alterations in these processes, if present, generally are perceived only at puberty or adult reproductive life. These later alterations may include anomalies in the process of fertility or in sexual behavior.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis in a pregnant woman with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis (RCM) is a rare but often fatal condition characterized by aggressive necrotizing infection originating from nose and spreading to paranasal sinuses, orbit and central nervous system. Although Fungi and spores of mucorales show minimal intrinsic pathogenicity towards normal persons, they can initiate fulminant infections in patients with underlying debilitating conditions. A case of RCM in a pregnant woman with diabetic keto-acidosis successfully treated by supportive care, amphotericin B and surgery is reported.

Short duration of neutralizing antibody titers after pre-exposure rabies vaccination with suckling mouse brain vaccine

The human anti-rabies pre-exposure treatment currently used in Brazil, employing a 1-ml dose of suckling mouse brain vaccine (SMBV) administered on days 0, 2, 4 and 28, was compared to an alternative treatment with two 1 ml-doses on day 0, and one 1 ml-dose injected on days 7 and 21. The latter induced higher virus-neutralizing antibody (VNA) titers on day 21. Both Brazilian rabies vaccines produced with PV or CVS rabies virus strains were tested. Two additional volunteer vaccinee groups, receiving the pre-exposure and the abbreviated post-exposure schedules recommended by the WHO using cell-culture vaccine (CCV) produced with PM rabies virus strain, were included as reference. The VNA were measured against both PV and CVS strains on days 21, 42 and 180 by the cell-culture neutralization microtest. The PV-SMBV elicited higher seroconversion rates and VNA by day 21 than the CVS-SMBV. Both, however, failed to induce a long-term immunity, since VNA titers were <0.5 IU/ml on day 180, regardless of the schedule used. Cell-culture vaccine always elicited very high VNA on all days of collection. When serum samples from people receiving mouse brain tissue were titrated against the PV and CVS strains, the VNA obtained were similar, regardless of the vaccinal strain and the virus used in the neutralization test. These results contrast with those obtained with sera from people receiving PM-CCV, whose VNA were significantly higher when tested against the CVS strain.

Reduced schedule of human anti-rabies immunization with Fuenzalida & Palacios vaccine. Additional data

It was reevaluated a reduced schedule for anti-rabies post-exposure immunization with newborn mice nervous tissue vaccine (Fuenzalida & Palacios) in a group of 30 non exposed volunteers. The vaccine was administered by intramuscular injections on days zero, 2, 4, 16 and 27, in the deltoid area. Antibody levels were determinated by a simplified serum neutralization microtest on days zero, 16 and 37. On days 16 and 37 the antibody levels of the whole group was > or = 0.5 IU/ml and > or = 1.0 IU/ml, respectively. The cell mediated immunity was precociously detected (on day 4) by the delayed type hypersensitivity skin test. Our results show that this reduced schedule elicited an early and effective humoral and cellular immune response. However it is necessary other studies with larger groups of vaccinees in order to obtain definitive conclusion.

Simplified fluorescent inhibition microtest for the titration of rabies neutralizing antibodies

A simplified fluorescence inhibition microtest (SFIMT) was standardized for the evaluation of antirabies serum neutralizing antibodies based on the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT) and the fluorescence inhibition microtest (FIMT). The simplified test showed reproducibility similar to that of the FIMT with advantages as easier executation and quicker reading. A simple pre-treatment of Brazilian microplates produced for immune enzymatic assays (PROSIL) gave equivalent results and substantial coast reduction, in relation to imported plates (DIFCO). The simplified test can be easily implemented in less sophisticated laboratories, as alternative to the mouse serum neutralization test, still the most largely employed in Brazil, or even to others as RFFIT and FIMT.

Detection of classic and invasive E.coli and Shigella serotypes in stools by indirect immunofluorescence.

A imunofluorescencia indireta (IFI) de sorotipos enteropatogenicos classicos e invasores de E. coli e de Shigella foi comparada com os metodos tradicionais de coprocultura e soroaglutinacao. Os resultados da IFI concordaram com os da coprocultura em 128 dos 140 casos testados para E.coli enteropatogenica (91%) e em 108 dos 112 testados para Shigella (96%). Todos os casos com reacoes positivas por coprocultura foram confirmados por IFI. No grupo controle, onde nao haviam sido isolados tais patogenos por coprocultura, foram evidenciados por IFI, 12 casos com reacoes positivas para E. coli enteropatogenica e 4 para Shigella, incluindo-se 2 com infeccao mista: E. coli 026/Sh. dysenteriae e E. coli 0124/Sh. dysenteriae. Foi discutida a alta sensibilidade e especificidade da IFI quando comparada aos metodos tradicionais, sendo sugerido o valor desta tecnica em estudos epidemiologicos envolvendo os microrganismos em questao e sua importancia no estabelecimento de diagnostico precoce na diarreia infantil aguda