Influence of eucalyptus development under soil fauna / Influência do desenvolvimento do eucalipto sob a fauna edáfica

Abstract In the implantation of forests, soil tillage can affect the soil fauna, but over the years, it is possible that forest development can recompose the biological indicators of soil quality. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different periods of eucalyptus development on community of edaphic fauna. The experiment was carried out in forest areas in the municipality of Ametista do Sul, RS. The Experimental design was completely randomized with 6 treatments, once 4 of the treatments were with different ages of the Eucalyptus grandis (two, four, six and eight years after trasnplant - YAT); plus 2 control treatments: Native Forest and Soil Naked, with 7 collection points. To sample the edaphic fauna, it was used traps such as PROVID. Also, the edaphic fauna was sampled at the depth of 0-5 cm for the quantification of mites. It was carried out the counting of individuals at the level of order and family for the mites, the means of the groups were submitted to the Tukey test and comparisons by Orthogonal Contrasts and calculated indices of Biodiversity: Margalef Richness, Simpson dominance, Shannon diversity and Pielou uniformity. The results showed lower abundance of individuals in Naked soil, while the Native Forest presented the best Biodiversity indices. With eight years of implantation of eucalyptus there was recovered the biological quality of the soil expressed by the population of springtails. The population of oribatídeos mites increased expressively from the six years of implantation of eucalyptus.

Resumo Na implantação de florestas, o revolvimento do solo pode simplificar a fauna edáfica, porém com o passar dos anos é possível que o desenvolvimento florestal possa recompor os indicadores biológicos de qualidade do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de diferentes períodos de desenvolvimento de eucalipto sobre a comunidade da fauna edáfica. O experimento foi realizado em área florestal no município de Ametista do Sul, RS. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com 6 tratamentos, sendo 4 tratamentos com diferentes períodos de implantação de Eucalyptus grandis (dois, quatro, seis e oito anos após o transplante - YAT) + 2 tratamentos controle - Mata Nativa e Solo Desnudo, com 7 pontos de coleta. A coleta da fauna edáfica foi por meio de armadilhas do tipo PROVID e amostras centrais de solo na profundidade de 0-5 cm para ácaros. Realizou-se a contagem de indivíduos em nível de classe ou ordem e de família para ácaros, as médias dos grupos foram submetidas ao teste de Tukey e comparações por Contrastes Ortogonais e calculados os índices de biodiversidade: Riqueza de Margalef, dominância de Simpson, Diversidade de Shannon e uniformidade de Pielou. Os resultados demonstram menor abundância de indivíduos no solo Desnudo, enquanto a Mata Nativa apresentou os melhores índices de Biodiversidade. Com oito anos de implantação de eucalipto ha recuperação da qualidade biológica do solo expressa pela população de Colêmbolos. A população de ácaros oribatídeos aumenta expressivamente a partir dos seis anos de implantação de eucalipto.

Lipids: Role in Embryonic Development (Review)

Aims: We propose to briefly review the specific role of lipids in embryonic structures development. Results: Lipids are organic substances insoluble in water, divided into several classes, such as fatty acids, glycolipids, phospholipids, ceramides, sphingolipids, and stereo-lipids. They participate in processes of cellular metabolism and embryonic development which are associated with signalling, proliferation and cell migration. They act in developmental processes such as calcification and bone mineralization, pulmonary maturity, cellular differentiation, and neural survival, epithelial cells polarization and muscle formation, in which phospholipids as a major group, work more regularly. Lipids during embryonic development work directly as transport molecules or cell markers. In addition to an imbalance in its enzymatic and protein precursors (such as choline kinase), lipids can increase or decrease lipid concentration in cells, prevent its biotransformation, or affect its synergy with other molecules, leading to failures in the formation of organs such as the heart, brain, and bones. This aims to further the understanding of these processes and highlight its feasibility for future clinical applications. Conclusion: Lipids maintain cell membrane integrity in blastocysts, transport calcium to nerve and bone cells, facilitate neural apoptosis, and promote pulmonary maturation. These results aid in the understanding and prediction of alterations in lipidic metabolic syndromes in several pathological disorders during organ development.

Influence of eucalyptus development under soil fauna

Abstract In the implantation of forests, soil tillage can affect the soil fauna, but over the years, it is possible that forest development can recompose the biological indicators of soil quality. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different periods of eucalyptus development on community of edaphic fauna. The experiment was carried out in forest areas in the municipality of Ametista do Sul, RS. The Experimental design was completely randomized with 6 treatments, once 4 of the treatments were with different ages of the Eucalyptus grandis (two, four, six and eight years after trasnplant YAT); plus 2 control treatments: Native Forest and Soil Naked, with 7 collection points. To sample the edaphic fauna, it was used traps such as PROVID. Also, the edaphic fauna was sampled at the depth of 0-5 cm for the quantification of mites. It was carried out the counting of individuals at the level of order and family for the mites, the means of the groups were submitted to the Tukey test and comparisons by Orthogonal Contrasts and calculated indices of Biodiversity: Margalef Richness, Simpson dominance, Shannon diversity and Pielou uniformity. The results showed lower abundance of individuals in Naked soil, while the Native Forest presented the best Biodiversity indices. With eight years of implantation of eucalyptus there was recovered the biological quality of the soil expressed by the population of springtails. The population of oribatídeos mites increased expressively from the six years of implantation of eucalyptus.

Resumo Na implantação de florestas, o revolvimento do solo pode simplificar a fauna edáfica, porém com o passar dos anos é possível que o desenvolvimento florestal possa recompor os indicadores biológicos de qualidade do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de diferentes períodos de desenvolvimento de eucalipto sobre a comunidade da fauna edáfica. O experimento foi realizado em área florestal no município de Ametista do Sul, RS. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com 6 tratamentos, sendo 4 tratamentos com diferentes períodos de implantação de Eucalyptus grandis (dois, quatro, seis e oito anos após o transplante - YAT) + 2 tratamentos controle - Mata Nativa e Solo Desnudo, com 7 pontos de coleta. A coleta da fauna edáfica foi por meio de armadilhas do tipo PROVID e amostras centrais de solo na profundidade de 0-5 cm para ácaros. Realizou-se a contagem de indivíduos em nível de classe ou ordem e de família para ácaros, as médias dos grupos foram submetidas ao teste de Tukey e comparações por Contrastes Ortogonais e calculados os índices de biodiversidade: Riqueza de Margalef, dominância de Simpson, Diversidade de Shannon e uniformidade de Pielou. Os resultados demonstram menor abundância de indivíduos no solo Desnudo, enquanto a Mata Nativa apresentou os melhores índices de Biodiversidade. Com oito anos de implantação de eucalipto ha recuperação da qualidade biológica do solo expressa pela população de Colêmbolos. A população de ácaros oribatídeos aumenta expressivamente a partir dos seis anos de implantação de eucalipto.

Mensurações do bulbo ocular e cálculo do poder dióptrico da lente intraocular em miniporcos / Ocular bulb measurements and diopter power calculation of the lens in minipigs

Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar o poder dióptrico da lente intraocular (LIO) em miniporco e as dimensões do bulbo do olho. Foram utilizados 17 miniporcos, sadios, adultos, machos e fêmeas, com peso médio de 70kg. Em todos os olhos foram realizadas a ultrassonografia modo A, a ceratometria e a medida da distância limbo a limbo. O cálculo do poder dióptrico da LIO foi obtido utilizando-se as fórmulas Haigis, Hoffer Q, SRK/T, Holladay I e Holladay II e o software Holladay IOL Consultant(r). Na comparação entre o sexo e a lateralidade do olho, não houve diferença nas variáveis biométricas e poder da LIO. A aplicação das fórmulas (Haigis, Holladay II, Holladay I, SRK/T e Hoffer Q) possibilitou o cálculo do poder da LIO. A Holladay II, fórmula que melhor individualiza o bulbo do olho do miniporco, estima valor dióptrico ao redor de 41 D. Os miniporcos têm potencial como modelo experimental em oftalmologia, relacionado ao seu menor porte e à facilidade no manejo, especialmente em experimentos de longa duração.

The aim of this study was to determine the refractive power of intraocular lens (IOL) of mini pigs and the dimensions of the eyeball. A total of 17 (34 eyes) healthy, adult, males and female animals, with average weight of 70kg were used. For every eye, A-mode ultrasound, keratometry and the measurement of limbo-to-limbo distance were conducted, all variables for calculating the refractive power of the IOL. The value was obtained using different formulas and Holladay IOL Consultant(r) Software. Additionally, the ocular measurements were compared per sex, laterality of the eye and the different formulas used in this study (Haigis, Hoffer Q, SRK / T, Holladay I and Holladay II). In the comparison between sex and laterality of the eye, there was no difference in biometric variables and power of the IOL. The application of the employed formulas (Haigis, Holladay II, Holladay I, SRK / T and Hoffer Q) allowed the IOL power calculation for this specie, and the observed value ranged between 39.58±2.15 and 46.60±2.81 diopters. Mini pigs play an important and growing role as an experimental model for study and practice of ophthalmic procedures, specially related to their smaller size and easy management in long-term experiments.

Seedling survival of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart ex DC) Mattos in a semi-arid environment through modified germination speed and post-germination desiccation tolerance / Sobrevivência de plântulas de Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart ex DC) Mattos em ambiente semi-árido ocorre por modificação da velocidade de germinação e da tolerância à dessecação pós germinação

Abstract Uniform rapid seed germination generally forms a great risk for the plant population if subsequent intermittent precipitation causes desiccation and seedling death. Handroanthus impetiginosus can be found commonly in a wide range of biomes within Brazil including those that are semi-arid. Germination and early growth was studied to understand how germinated seeds survive under these stringent conditions. Accessions were sampled from four seasonally dry biomes in Brazil. Precipitation at the start of the rainy season in the Caatinga, a semi-arid biome, is less predictable and the number of successive dry days per dry interval in the first four months of the rainy season was higher than in the other studied biomes. Plants from the Caatinga produced thicker seeds and this trait concurred with slow germination and stronger osmotic inhibition of germination across the accessions, forming a stress avoidance mechanism in the Caatinga. Post-germination desiccation tolerance was high in the Caatinga accession, could be re-induced in accessions from biomes with more regular precipitation (Cerrado and transition zone), but remained poor in the Cerradão accession; thus forming a stress tolerance mechanism. Production of adventitious roots ascertained survival of all tested individuals from all four locations, even if protruded radicles did not survive desiccation, forming an additional stress tolerance mechanism. A sequence of stress avoidance and stress tolerance mechanisms in seeds and germinated seeds was associated with precipitation patterns in different biomes. These mechanisms purportedly allow rapid seedling establishment when conditions are suitable and enable survival of the young seedling when conditions are adverse.

Resumo A germinação rápida e uniforme geralmente pode apresentar riscos para a população de plantas caso a precipitação ocorra de maneira intermitente, provocando seca e morte das plântulas. Handroanthus impetiginosus pode ser encontrado em uma grande variedade de biomas no Brasil. A germinação e o crescimento inicial das plântulas de Handroanthus impetiginosus foram estudadas para compreender como as sementes germinadas sobrevivem nestas condições. Acessos de quatro biomas que apresentam secas sazonais foram amostrados. A precipitação, no início da estação chuvosa na Caatinga, um bioma semi-árido, é menos previsível e o número de dias secos consecutivos por intervalo de seca, nos primeiros quatro meses da estação chuvosa, foi maior do que nos outros biomas estudados. Plantas do bioma Caatinga produzem sementes mais espessas e essa característica está associada com uma germinação lenta e com a inibição osmótica maior da germinação através dos acessos, formando um mecanismo para evitar o estresse. Tolerância à dessecação em sementes germinadas foi superior no bioma Caatinga e que podem ser reinduzida em acesso com uma precipitação mais regular (Cerrado e na zona de transição), mas manteve-se baixa no acesso Cerradão, formando assim um mecanismo para evitar o estresse. Produção de raízes adventícias foi observada nos indivíduos estudados de todos os quatro biomas, mesmo quando as raízes primárias não sobreviveram à dessecação, formando um mecanismo adicional de tolerância ao estresse. Assim, foi observado estratégias para evitar o estresse e mecanismos de tolerância ao estresse em sementes e sementes germinadas associada com padrões de precipitação nos diferentes biomas estudados. Estes mecanismos podem favorecer o estabelecimento das plântulas de forma rápida quando as condições são adequadas e permitirem a sobrevivência de plântulas quando as condições são adversas.

Avaliação histopatológica da cápsula posterior associada ao implante de lente intraocular com superfície modificada com plasma de flúor e polietilenoglicol em coelhos / Histopathological evaluation of posterior capsule associated with intraocular lens implant with modified surface using fluorine and poliethilene glycol plasma in rabbits

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento da superfície de lentes intraoculares acrílicas utilizando-se plasma de flúor ou polietilenoglicol na prevenção da opacidade de cápsula posterior. Foram analisados 40 olhos de coelhos, submetidos à cirurgia de facoemulsificação e distribuídos em quatro grupos experimentais (n=10), sendo estes: grupo controle, coelhos sem implante de lente intraocular; grupo com lente intraocular tratada com plasma de polietilenoglicol; grupo com lente intraocular tratada com plasma de flúor; e grupo com lente intraocular comercial. As cápsulas posteriores das lentes dos grupos foram avaliadas por meio de análise histopatológica (morfometria e imuno-histoquímica). Os grupos com lente intraocular tratada com polietilenoglicol e com lente intraocular comercial apresentaram menor espessura da cápsula posterior na avaliação inicial (12 semanas) em relação ao grupo controle. No período final de avaliação (6 meses), os tratamentos da superfície da lente intraocular à base de plasma de flúor e polietilenoglicol não reduziram o desenvolvimento das alterações histológicas associadas à opacidade de cápsula posterior. O tratamento das superfícies das lentes intraoculares com plasma de flúor e polietilenoglicol pode ser realizado como adjuvante na prevenção da opacidade de cápsula posterior, pois não causa alterações na morfologia da lente após facoemulsificação.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of surface treatment of acrylic intraocular lens using Fluorine plasma or polyethylene glycol in the prevention of posterior capsule opacification. Forty rabbit eyes that underwent phacoemulsification were analyzed and distributed into four experimental groups (n=10): Control group, composed of rabbits without intraocular lens implantation; intraocular lens group treated with Polyethylene glycol plasma, intraocular lens group treated with Fluoride plasma, and commercial intraocular lens group. The posterior capsule of the lens was evaluated by histopathological analysis, including morphometric and immunohistochemical studies. Groups with intraocular lens treated with polyethylene glycol and commercial intraocular lens presented thinner posterior capsule at initial assessment (12 weeks) compared to the control group. At the end of the evaluation (six months), the treatment of surface intraocular lens with fluorine and polyethylene glycol plasma did not reduce the development of histological changes associated with posterior capsule opacification. The surface treatment of the intraocular lens with Fluoride and Polyethylene glycol can be performed as an adjuvant in preventing posterior capsule opacification, because it does not cause changes in the morphology of lens after phacoemulsification surgery.

The action of demineralized bovine bone matrix on bone neoformation in rats submitted to experimental alcoholism / Ação da matriz óssea bovina desmineralizada na neoformação óssea em ratos submetidos ao alcoolismo experimental

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether demineralized bovine bone (Gen-ox®) alters bone neoformation in rats submitted to alcoholism. Forty male rats were separated into two groups of 20 rats and distributed as follows: Group E1, which received 25% ethanol and a surgical cavity filled only by a blood clot, and Group E2, which received 25% ethanol and a surgical cavity filled with Gen-ox®. The animals were euthanized at 10, 20, 40 and 60 days after surgery and necropsy was performed. The histomorphological and histometric analyses of the area of connective tissue and bone neoformation showed that the reorganization of the bone marrow and full repair of the surgical cavity in Group E1 occurred more quickly than in Group E2. It was also noted that in the final period the animals in Group E2 showed areas of connective tissue and thick bone trabeculae around the particles of the implant. It can be concluded that the use of Gen-ox® delayed the process of bone repair in alcoholic rats, although it can be used as filling material because it shows osteoconductive activity, as evidenced by bone tissue formation around the graft particles.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar se a matriz óssea bovina desmineralizada (Gen-ox®) altera a neoformação óssea em ratos submetidos ao alcoolismo. Foram utilizados 40 ratos machos, separados em dois grupos de 20 animais cada, assim distribuídos: Grupo E1, que recebeu etanol a 25% e cavidade cirúrgica preenchida por coágulo sanguíneo, e Grupo E2, que recebeu etanol a 25% e cavidade cirúrgica preenchida por Gen-ox®. Os animais foram eutanasiados aos 10, 20, 40 e 60 dias após a cirurgia. Os estudos histomorfológico e histométrico da quantidade de tecido conjuntivo presente e a quantidade de tecido ósseo neoformado demostraram que a reorganização da medula óssea e a reparação total da cavidade cirúrgica no Grupo E1 ocorreram em menor espaço de tempo do que no Grupo E2. Observou-se também que, no período final do experimento, os animais do Grupo E2 apresentaram áreas de tecido conjuntivo e trabéculas ósseas espessas ao redor das partículas do material implantado. Concluiu-se que a utilização do Gen-ox® retardou o processo de reparação óssea em ratos alcoolizados, muito embora o Gen-ox® possa ser utilizado como material de preenchimento, pois demonstra atividade osteocondutiva, com a formação de tecido ósseo ao redor das partículas do enxerto.

Effects of melatonin on DNA damage induced by cyclophosphamide in rats

The antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties of melatonin have been well described in the literature. In this study, our objective was to determine the protective effect of the pineal gland hormone against the DNA damage induced by cyclophosphamide (CP), an anti-tumor agent that is widely applied in clinical practice. DNA damage was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (20 or 50 mg/kg). Animals received melatonin during the dark period for 15 days (1 mg/kg in the drinking water). Rat bone marrow cells were used for the determination of chromosomal aberrations and of formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase enzyme (Fpg)-sensitive sites by the comet technique and of Xpf mRNA expression by qRT-PCR. The number (mean ± SE) of chromosomal aberrations in pinealectomized (PINX) animals treated with melatonin and CP (2.50 ± 0.50/100 cells) was lower than that obtained for PINX animals injected with CP (12 ± 1.8/100 cells), thus showing a reduction of 85.8% in the number of chromosomal aberrations. This melatonin-mediated protection was also observed when oxidative lesions were analyzed by the Fpg-sensitive assay, both 24 and 48 h after CP administration. The expression of Xpf mRNA, which is involved in the DNA nucleotide excision repair machinery, was up-regulated by melatonin. The results indicate that melatonin is able to protect bone marrow cells by completely blocking CP-induced chromosome aberrations. Therefore, melatonin administration could be an alternative and effective treatment during chemotherapy.

Mensurações do bulbo ocular e cálculo do poder dióptrico de lentes intraoculares em coelhos / Measurements of ocular bulb and calculation of the dioptric power of intraocular lenses in rabbits

Determinaram-se as dimensões oculares de coelhos, empregando ultrassonografia modo-A e ceratometria, a fim de utilizá-las como subsídios para calcular o poder dióptrico de lentes intraoculares a serem implantadas experimentalmente nessa espécie e avaliar se existe diferença entre as mensurações oculares de machos e fêmeas e entre olho esquerdo e olho direito. Foram utilizados 58 animais do grupo genético Botucatu, distribuídos entre 30 fêmeas e 28 machos, com idade média de 85,8±8,29 dias e peso médio de 2,3±0,46kg. O cálculo da lente intraocular foi realizado por meio do software Holladay IOL Consultant®. As fórmulas empregadas para o cálculo foram: Holladay II, Holladay I, Hoffer Q e SRK-T, que calcularam lentes de aproximadamente 48,5 D; 50,27 D; 59,67 D e 49,24 D, respectivamente. A fórmula SRK-T mostrou-se semelhante às fórmulas Holladay II e Holladay I, enquanto entre as demais ocorreram diferenças. As características biométricas oculares avaliadas, assim como o poder dióptrico calculado por uma mesma fórmula, não apresentaram diferenças significativas com relação ao sexo e à lateralidade.

The rabbit ocular dimensions were determined using A-mode ultrasound and keratometry, in order to use them as data for calculating the dioptric power of intraocular lenses to be implanted experimentally in this species, as well as assess whether there are differences in ocular measurements between males and females and between the left eye and right eye in rabbits. Fifty-eight animals (30 females and 20 males) of the Botucatu genetic group, with a mean age of 85.8±8.29 days and average weight of 2.3±0.46kg were used. The calculation of the intraocular lens was performed using Holladay IOL Consultant®. The formulas used for the calculation were: Holladay II, Holladay I, Hoffer Q and SRK-T which estimated lenses around 48.5 D, 50.27 D, 59.67 D and 49.24 D, respectively. The SRK-T was statistically similar to the Holladay II and Holladay I, while the others were different from each other. The ocular biometric parameters evaluated, as well as the lens power calculated by the same formula showed no significant differences in relation to gender and laterality.

Efeito alelopático de folhas de bamburral [Hyptis suaveolens (L. ) Poit] sobre a germinação de sementes de sorgo (Sorghum vulgare Pers. ), rabanete (Raphanus sativus L. ) e alface (Lactuca sativa L. ) / Allelopathic effects of leaves of "bamburral" [Hyptis suaveolens (L. ) Poit] on the germination of seeds of sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pers. ), radish (Raphanus sativus L. ) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. )

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi à verificação do efeito alelopático de Hyptis. suaveolens na germinação de sorgo, alface e rabanete, bem como, a comprovação da existência de compostos com potencial alelopático. Sementes de sorgo, alface e rabanete foram semeadas em substrato constituído de areia, terra e adubo orgânico contendo folhas de H. suaveolens. As análises da germinação foram feitas considerando a protrusão da radícula para o término do evento germinativo. Foi calculado o IVG (índice de velocidade de germinação) e %G (porcentagem de germinação). Os resultados mostraram que sorgo e a alface foram mais susceptíveis ao potencial alelopático de H. suaveolens, sendo que para o rabanete foi observado um efeito benéfico. Entre os tratamentos, o substrato esterilizado e não esterilizado mostraram diferenças entre si. A análise cromatográfica do óleo essencial presente nas folhas de H. suaveolens revelou a presença de compostos com potencial alelopático. Portanto, H. suaveolens, pode apresentar efeito alelopático positivo no IVG de sementes de rabanete e a presença de microorganismos pode ser necessária para que esse efeito alelopático aconteça.

The aim of this study was to verify the allelopathic effect of H. suaveolens on the germination of sorghum, lettuce and radish, as well as to prove the existence of compounds with allelopathic potential. Seeds of sorghum, lettuce and radish were sown in substrate consisting of sand, soil and organic fertilizer containing leaves of H. suaveolens. The germination tests were performed considering the protrusion of the radicle for the conclusion of the germinative event. GSI (germination speed index) and G% (percentage of germination) were calculated. The results showed that sorghum and lettuce were more susceptible to the allelopathic potential of H. suaveolens, while for radishes a beneficial effect was observed. Between treatments, the sterilized and unsterilized substrate showed differences. The chromatographic analysis of essential oil present in the leaves of H. suaveolens revealed the presence of compounds with allelopathic potential. Therefore, H. suaveolens may have positive allelopathic effect on the GSI of radish seeds, and the presence of microorganisms may be necessary for such an allelopathic effect to occur.

Efeito de diferentes herbicidas, doses e volume de calda na dessecação de milheto [Pennisetum Glaucum (L. Leek)] / Effect of different herbicides, doses and spray volume in the chemical management of pearl millet [Pennisetum Glaucum (L. Leek)]

Objetivou-se nesse trabalho avaliar a eficácia de diferentes herbicidas aplicados em pósemergência na de secação do milheto com diferentes doses e volumes de calda de aplicação. Para a dessecação do milheto foram utilizadas doses de 0, 25, 50 e 100% dos herbicidas glyphosate (1.440 g ha-1), em três formulações comerciais (Round up Original, Round up Transorb e Round up WG), paraquat + diuron (500 + 250 g ha-1) e amônio-glufosinato (800 g ha-1). Em todos os tratamentos foram utilizados dois volumes de aplicação (200 e 400 L ha-1). Manteve-se uma testemunha sem aplicação de herbicidas. Os efeitos dos tratamentos foram avaliados visualmente aos 3, 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após aplicação. Ao final das avaliações foi determinada a massa seca das plantas. O estudo de campo foi instalado no delineamento em blocos casualizados. No final do estudo, aos 28 DAA, todos os tratamentos apresentaram controle total das plantas de milheto, independente da dose e do volume de aplicação, exceto para os tratamentos com paraquat + diuron e amônio-glufosinate na menor dose (25% da dose), nos dois volumes de aplicação, que apresentaram ainda controles considerados bons a muito bom, sendo que para esses dois herbicidas houve efeito do volume de calda, na qual o controle foi superior com o uso de volume menor.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of different herbicides applied in post-emergence in the desiccation of pearl millet with different doses and spray volumes. For the desiccation, doses at 0, 25, 50 and 100% of the herbicide glyphosate (1,440 g ha-1) were used in 3 formulations (Original Round up, Round up Transorb and Round up WG), paraquat + diuron (500 + 250 g ha-1) and glufosinateammonium (800 g ha-1). In all treatments, 2 spray volumes (200 and 400 l ha-1) were used, and there was 1 treatment (control) without the application of herbicides. The treatment effects were evaluated visually at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after application (DAA). At the end of the evaluations, the dry mass of the plants was determined. The field trial was carried out in randomized block design. At the end of the study, at 28 DAA, all treatments presented total control of plant pearl millet, regardless of the dose and spray volume, except the treatments with paraquat + diuron and glufosinate-ammonium at the lower dose (25%), in 2 spray volumes, which nevertheless showed good and very good control, these two herbicides presenting an effect of volume, in which the control was higher with the use of smaller volume.

Non-association between anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and ABO blood group system

Toxoplasma gondii infects humans through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), which elicits humoral immune response with specific antibodies. The expression of the ABO blood group glycoconjugates also occurs in this same system and may influence the human susceptibility of infection by T. gondii. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between ABO blood group phenotypes and the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Data - including age, results of serology tests for T. gondii infection and ABO blood group phenotypes - were assembled from the medical records of 1,006 pregnant women attended in the Base Hospital of the Medical School of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil, between 2001 and 2004. The chi-square test was used to compare the results with the level of significance set at 5 percent. Of the studied cases, 64.1 percent (645/1006) and 35.9 percent (391/1006) presented respectively positive and negative serology tests for anti-T. gondii antibodies. The mean age of those who tested positive was higher than those with negative serology tests (p = 0.0004). The frequencies of ABO blood group phenotypes were similar in those with and without anti-T. gondii antibodies (p = 0.35). In conclusion, the ABO blood group system is not associated with the presence or absence of anti-T. gondii antibodies.

Uso de viscoelásticos na facoemulsificação em cães portadores de catarata: efeitos sobre a pressão intraocular, a morfologia das células endoteliais e a espessura corneana / Use of viscoelastic substances for the phacoemulsification in dogs with cataract: effects on the intraocular pressure, morphology of endothelial cells, and corneal thickness

Avaliaram-se as células endoteliais, a espessura corneana e a pressão intraocular (PIO) de cães portadores de catarata madura, empregando-se viscoelástico à base de hialuronato de sódio 3 por cento e sulfato de condroitina 4 por cento e hidroxipropilmetilcelulose 2 por cento, utilizando-se 20 cães, distribuídos entre os dois grupos dos viscoelásticos. A técnica cirúrgica adotada foi a da facoemulsificação bimanual. As avaliações tonométricas foram efetuadas antes e após o ato cirúrgico, aos 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 e 60 dias de pós-operatório, e a microscopia especular, antes e após 7, 28 e 60 dias. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos quanto à PIO, com exceção aos 14 dias, em que se observou maior PIO com o uso de hialuronato de sódio 3 por cento e sulfato de condroitina 4 por cento. Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto aos parâmetros relacionados ao endotélio, com diminuição discreta da densidade celular endotelial e aumento da área celular com a utilização de hidroxipropilmetilcelulose 2 por cento. A utilização de ambos os dispositivos viscoelásticos analisados é recomendada para o procedimento de facoemulsificação em cães.

The endothelial cells, the corneal thickness, and the intraocular pressure (IOP) were evaluated in dogs with cataract, using viscoelastic substances based on 3 percent sodium hyaluronate and 4 percent chondroitin sulfate and comparing them with 2 percent hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. Twenty dogs were distributed in two groups of ten, each using one viscoelastic material. The surgical technique was bimanual phacoemulsification. The tonometric evaluations were made before and at one, seven, 14, 21, 28, and 60 days after the surgery and the specular microscopy before and after seven, 28, and 60 days. No statistical difference between groups was found according to IOP, except at 14 days, which was significantly higher with the use of 3 percent sodium hyaluronate and 4 percent chondroitin sulfate. There was no statistical difference between the groups considering the parameters related to the endothelium, with slight decrease in endothelial cell density and increase of cell area with the use of 2 percent hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. The use of both viscoelastic devices is recommended for the phacoemulsification in dogs.

Participation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in experimental neuropathic pain induced by sciatic nerve transection

Nerve injury leads to a neuropathic pain state that results from central sensitization. This phenomenom is mediated by NMDA receptors and may involve the production of nitric oxide (NO). In this study, we investigated the expression of the neuronal isoform of NO synthase (nNOS) in the spinal cord of 3-month-old male, Wistar rats after sciatic nerve transection (SNT). Our attention was focused on the dorsal part of L3-L5 segments receiving sensory inputs from the sciatic nerve. SNT resulted in the development of neuropathic pain symptoms confirmed by evaluating mechanical hyperalgesia (Randall and Selitto test) and allodynia (von Frey hair test). Control animals did not present any alteration (sham-animals). The selective inhibitor of nNOS, 7-nitroindazole (0.2 and 2 µg in 50 µL), blocked hyperalgesia and allodynia induced by SNT. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that nNOS was increased (48 percent by day 30) in the lumbar spinal cord after SNT. This increase was observed near the central canal (Rexed’s lamina X) and also in lamina I-IV of the dorsal horn. Real-time PCR results indicated an increase of nNOS mRNA detected from 1 to 30 days after SNT, with the highest increase observed 1 day after injury (1469 percent). Immunoblotting confirmed the increase of nNOS in the spinal cord between 1 and 15 days post-lesion (20 percent), reaching the greatest increase (60 percent) 30 days after surgery. The present findings demonstrate an increase of nNOS after peripheral nerve injury that may contribute to the increase of NO production observed after peripheral neuropathy.

Análise computacional da compactação da cromatina de espermatozoides de galo / Computational analysis of chromatin condensation of rooster spermatozoa

Testaram-se variantes metodológicas utilizando azul de toluidina (AT), até se estabelecer um protocolo confiável para a avaliação computacional da compactação da cromatina em espermatozoides de galo. Para tal, foram utilizados sêmen de 10 galos com 35 semanas de idade e sêmen de 10 galos com 60 semanas de idade. O melhor método foi o de hidrólise com ácido clorídrico 1N por 10 minutos, coloração em cubeta com AT 0,025 por cento, pH 4,0, por 20 minutos, desidratação em álcool, diafanização em xilol e montagem com bálsamo do Canadá. Todas as amostras de sêmen foram submetidas a este protocolo e posteriormente avaliadas por análise de imagem computacional, em que foram feitas mensurações da área, comprimento, largura, perímetro, homogeneidade da compactação da cromatina dentro de cada cabeça e intensidade de compactação da cromatina. Os espermatozoides de galos velhos apresentaram mais alterações na cromatina que os de galos jovens. Os galos jovens apresentaram cabeça dos espermatozoides maior que os galos mais velhos. A análise computacional da compactação da cromatina mostrou-se um método menos subjetivo e mais preciso que a avaliação visual das cabeças dos espermatozoides.

The methodological variants using toluidina blue (AT) to establish a trustworthy protocol for the computational analysis of chromatin condensation of rooster spermatozoa were studied. Twenty semen samples were used: ten from 35-week-old roosters and ten from 60-week-old roosters. Different methods of denaturation and staining were tested. The best method was hydrolysis with 1N HCl for 10 minutes, staining in bucket with 0.025 percent AT, pH 4.0, for 20 minutes, dehydration in alcohol, clearing in xylol, and mounted with Canada balsam. All the semen samples were submitted to this protocol and later evaluated by computational image analysis. Area, length, width, perimeter, and chromatin compaction homogeneity of head spermatozoa were measured. The sperm of older roosters presented more chromatin changes than the ones of younger ones. The spermatozoa of younger roosters presented bigger heads than the ones of older roosters. The computational analysis of chromatin compaction showed to be less subjective and more precise than the visual evaluation for identification of chromatin alterations of rooster spermatozoa.

Avaliação da cifose torácica em mulheres idosas portadoras de osteoporose por meio da biofotogrametria computadorizada / Evaluation of thoracic kyphosis in older adult women with osteoporosis by means of computerized biophotogrammetry

OBJETIVOS: Mensurar e comparar o grau de cifose torácica em mulheres idosas portadoras e não portadoras de osteoporose na coluna por meio da biofotogrametria computadorizada. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 12 mulheres com idade média de 68,5 anos (variação de 65 a 74 anos), divididas em dois grupos. O grupo 1, composto por seis mulheres com diagnóstico densitométrico de osteoporose na coluna (DP: -2,70 a -4,97) e o grupo 2, composto por seis mulheres com diagnóstico densitométrico de osteopenia na coluna (DP: 1,07 a -2,09), ambos comparados com a população adulta jovem. Os dois grupos foram fotografados no plano sagital direito com marcadores fixados na coluna em dois pontos anatômicos. As imagens selecionadas foram quantificadas por meio da biofotogrametria computadorizada, utilizando-se o programa Autocad-2006. RESULTADOS: Observou-se diferença significativa (p=0,02) entre os graus de cifose torácica do grupo 1 (66,8º±10,75) e do grupo 2 (53,0º±10,56). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados permitem concluir que a osteoporose acentua o grau de cifose torácica.

OBJECTIVES: To measure and compare the degree of thoracic kyphosis in older adult women with and without spinal osteoporosis, by means of computerized biophotogrammetry. METHODS: Twelve women of mean age 68.5 years (ranging from 65 to 74 years) were evaluated and divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of six women with a densitometry diagnosis of spinal osteoporosis (SD: -2.70 to -4.97), while Group 2 consisted of six women with a densitometry diagnosis of spinal osteopenia (SD: -1.07 to -2.09). These groups were compared with young adults. The two groups were photographed in the right sagittal plane with markers attached to the spine at two anatomical points. The images selected were quantified by means of computerized biophotogrammetry, using the software AutoCAD-2006. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (p=0.02) between the degrees of thoracic kyphosis in group 1 (66.8º±10.75) and group 2 (53.0º±10.56). CONCLUSION: The results showed that osteoporosis increased the degree of thoracic kyphosis.

Pontos críticos de controle de Salmonella spp. no abate de frangos / Critical control points for Salmonella spp. in poultry slaughter

Avaliou-se a presença de Salmonella spp. em esfregaços superficiais em 135 carcaças de frangos, coletadas em cinco diferentes fases do abate, utilizando os métodos de microbiologia convencional, reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR) e imunoanálise. Os três métodos resultaram em tendência semelhante de detecção de Salmonella spp. nas carcaças de frango, ao longo da linha de abate. A maior frequência de Salmonella spp. foi determinada após o chuveiro de lavagem das carcaças, localizado entre a evisceração e o pré-resfriamento. Vinte (14,8 por cento) esfregaços foram determinados pela metodologia convencional, 52 (38,5 por cento) pela PCR e 66 (48,8 por cento) pela imunoanálise. A menor contaminação foi encontrada na saída do pré-resfriamento, com frequências de 3,7 por cento, 0 por cento e 16,7 por cento, respectivamente. Salmonella spp. foi encontrada em todas as fases de abate, mostrando a importância do monitoramento de diferentes pontos críticos de controle eventualmente identificados no abate de frangos.

The presence of Salmonella spp. in superficial swabs collected from 135 chicken carcasses in five different slaugther steps using the conventional microbiology, PCR, and immunoanalysis methods was evaluated. The three methods presented similar tendency to detect Salmonella spp. in the chicken carcasses along the slaugther line. The highest frequency of Salmonella spp. was found after the shower, located between the evisceration and the chiller. Twenty (14.8 percent) swabes were determined by the conventional methodology, 52 (38.9 percent) by the PCR, and 66 (48.9 percent) by the immunoanalysis. The lowest contamination was found after chiller tank, where the frequencies were 5 (3.7 percent), 0 (0 percent), and 24 (16.7 percent), respectively. Salmonella spp. was found in all the slaugther steps. This shows the importance for monitoring different CCP (Control Critical Point) in the poultry slaughterhouses.

Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 induces type 1 cytokine production by mouse cells in vitro and in vivo

Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 has been shown to increase clearance of bacteria injected into the blood of germ-free mice. Moreover, it induces the production of type 1 cytokines by human peripheral mononuclear cells. The objective of the present study was to investigate the production of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-12 (IL-12 p40), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)] triggered in vitro by live, heat-killed or lysozyme-treated L. delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 and in vivo by a live preparation. Germ-free, L. delbrueckii-monoassociated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-resistant C3H/HeJ mice were used as experimental models. UFV-H2b20 induced the production of IL-12 p40 and TNF-α by peritoneal cells and IFN-γ by spleen cells from germ-free or monoassociated Swiss/NIH mice and LPS-hyporesponsive mice (around 40 ng/mL for IL-12 p40, 200 pg/mL for TNF-α and 10 ng/mL for IFN-γ). Heat treatment of L. delbrueckii did not affect the production of these cytokines. Lysozyme treatment decreased IL-12 p40 production by peritoneal cells from C3H/HeJ mice, but did not affect TNF-α production by these cells or IFN-γ production by spleen cells from the same mouse strain. TNF-α production by peritoneal cells from Swiss/NIH L. delbrueckii-monoassociated mice was inhibited by lysozyme treatment. When testing IL-12 p40 and IFN-γ levels in sera from germ-free or monoassociated Swiss/NIH mice systemically challenged with Escherichia coli we observed that IL-12 p40 was produced at marginally higher levels by monoassociated mice than by germ-free mice (40 vs 60 ng/mL), but IFN-γ was produced earlier and at higher levels by monoassociated mice (monoassociated 4 and 14 ng/mL 4 and 8 h after infection, germfree 0 and 7.5 ng/mL at the same times). These results show that L. delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 stimulates the production of type 1 cytokines in vitro and in vivo, therefore suggesting...

Retinoscopia com luz em faixa em cães fácicos, afácicos e pseudofácicos / Streak retinoscopy in phakic, aphakic, and pseudophakic dogs

Avaliou-se o erro refracional em 40 cães submetidos ou não à facectomia por facoemulsificação, por meio de retinoscopia com luz em faixa. Distribuídos em quatro grupos de 10 animais cada, foram designados por cães fácicos, cães afácicos (CA), cães pseudofácicos com implante de duas lentes intra-oculares em piggyback (PP) e cães pseudofácicos com implante de uma lente intra-ocular veterinária de 41D (PL). As avaliações foram realizadas por ceratometria, ecobiometria ultra-sônica e retinoscopia. A média da curvatura corneana foi de 40,46±2,44D. O poder dióptrico obtido por retinoscopia foi de 18,50D no grupo CA, 5,25D no grupo PP e 2,00D no grupo PL. A retinoscopia com luz em faixa constituiu um método eficaz para avaliar a refração ocular em cães, mas foi dificultada quando da presença de opacidade de meios oculares. Todos os animais apresentaram-se hipermétropes, em diferentes graus; o astigmatismo ceratométrico cirurgicamente induzido foi discreto.

The refraction error in dogs submitted or not to phakectmy, by phakoemulsification by streak retinoscopy was evaluated. Forty dogs were distributed in four groups of 10 animals each, and were designated by phakic, aphakic (AD), pseudo-phakic with two piggyback intraocular lenses (PD), and pseudo-phakic with one intraocular 41D veterinary lens implant (LD). The evaluation was performed by keratometry, ultrasonic echobiometry, and retinoscopy. The mean corneal curvature was 40.46±2.44D. The dioptric power obtained by retinoscopy was 18.50D in AD group, 5.25D in PD group, and 2.00D in LD group. The retinoscopy was an efficient method to evaluate ocular refraction in dogs, but was more complex in ocular opacity presence. All animals presented different levels of hypermetropy, and the surgically induced astigmatism was discrete.

Análise da fórmula SRK/T no cálculo de lente intra-ocular em cães portadores de catarata / Analysis of the SRK/T formula for calculation of intra-ocular lens in dogs carrying cataract

Foram utilizados 20 cães de raças e idades variadas, machos e fêmeas, portadores de catarata e não diabéticos, os quais foram submetidos ao exame oftálmico. Posteriormente, realizaram-se mensurações oculares empregando-se um ecobiômetro ultra-sônico (ultra-sonografia modo-A) para o cálculo do poder dióptrico da lente intra-ocular por meio da fórmula SRK/T. O comprimento axial médio foi de 19,94±1,12mm. Todos os animais foram submetidos à facoemulsificação extracapsular. A lente calculada foi implantada no transoperatório da cirurgia de catarata, obtendo-se média de 37,33±3,05D. A avaliação pós-cirúrgica do erro refracional aos 60 dias de pós-operatório, pela retinoscopia, com a utilização da esquiascopia, foi de 5,57±1,59D. A fórmula SRK/T não ofereceu bons resultados.

Twenty males and females non-diabetic dogs of different breeds and ages underwent ophthalmic examination because they presented catarats. Ocular measurements were performed by echobiometry (A-scan ultrasound) for intraocular lens power calculation using the SRK/T formula. The obtained mean axial length was 19.94±1.12mm. All animals were submitted to extracapsular phacoemulsification; the mean intraocular lens power implanted was 37.33±3.05. At 60 days postoperative, the refractional error assessed via retinoscopy was 5.57±1.59 D. The SRK/T formula did not offer good results.