Ash content, carbon and C/N ratio in paricá in function of NPK fertilization

ABSTRACT Fertilization in areas of forest plantations is needed to supplement plants´ nutritional needs until harvest. An experiment was performed to check the influence of fertilization on levels of ash, carbon and C/N relation in Schizolobium amazonicum. Soil liming was performed and fertilization occurred after 15 days of incubation. S. amazonicum seedlings were produced and submitted to fertilization with N, P and K: N = 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1; P2O5 = 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg ha-1; K2O = 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg ha-1. The plants were measured after 180 days. The seedlings of 20 treatments with the highest increase in height and diameter were transplanted to the field. Soil was fertilized and limestone was spread; seedlings were distributed into randomized blocks, with six replications. After 12 months, the plants were removed to determine ash, organic carbon, C/N relation contents. The ashes were submitted to digestion to determine nutrient concentrations. Fertilization influenced the levels of ash and organic carbon and C/N relation in S. amazonicum. Results indicate that the species has a potential for energy production.

Potassium adsorption in soil cultivated with sugarcane

ABSTRACT Vinasse is a byproduct of the process of distillation of sugarcane juice for the manufacture of sugar and alcohol. Because it is rich in nutrients, mainly potassium (K), is used as fertilizer and applied via fertigation, without concerning for the fate of this compound in the soil. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate the interactions of the potassium ion (K+), applied via vinasse in a soil representative of the sugarcane zone of the State of Pernambuco using adsorption isotherms. The methodology was based on physical, chemical and soil mineralogical characterization, as well as equilibrium batch tests, where the experimental curves were fitted by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The results allowed to infer that the Freundlich model showed better fit of the curve in both forms: linear and non-linear (direct fit); the non-linear model was selected due to the values ​​of coefficient of determination (R²). The interaction between potassium and soil occurred mainly with organic matter and the presence of soil kaolinite, because they showed negative ions on the external surface, thereby promoting potassium adsorption. Soil potassium adsorption capacity was higher for the first layer (0-20 cm) and decreased along the depth profile.

Biological properties of disturbed and undisturbed Cerrado sensu stricto from Northeast Brazil / Propriedades biológicas de Cerrado sensu stricto preservado e não preservado do Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract The aim of this study was to measure soil microbial biomass and soil surface fauna in undisturbed and disturbed Cerrado sensu stricto (Css) from Sete Cidades National Park, Northeast Brazil. The following sites were sampled under Cerrado sensu stricto (Css) at the park: undisturbed and disturbed Css (slash-and-burn agricultural practices). Total organic and microbial biomass C were higher in undisturbed than in disturbed sites in both seasons. However, microbial biomass C was higher in the wet than in the dry season. Soil respiration did not vary among sites but was higher in the wet than in the dry season. The densities of Araneae, Coleoptera, and Orthoptera were higher in the undisturbed site, whereas the densities of Formicidae were higher in the disturbed site. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis separated undisturbed from disturbed sites according to soil biological properties. Disturbance by agricultural practices, such as slash-and-burn, probably resulted in the deterioration of the biological properties of soil under native Cerrado sensu stricto in the Sete Cidades National Park.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as propriedades biológicas do solo em área de Cerrado sensu stricto preservadas e não preservadas do Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades, Nordeste do Brasil. Os seguintes sites sob Cerrado sensu stricto (Css) foram avaliados: preservado (UND) e não preservado (DIS). O C orgânico total e da biomassa microbiana foram maiores na área preservada do que na não preservada em ambas estações seca e chuvosa. Entretanto, o C da biomassa microbiana foi maior na estação chuvosa do que na seca. A respiração do solo não variou entre as áreas, mas foi maior na estação chuvosa. As densidades de Araneae, Coleoptera e Ortoptera foram maiores na área preservada, enquanto as densidades de Formicidae foram maiores na área não preservada. A analise de escalonamento não-métrico separou a área preservada da não-preservada de acordo com as propriedades biológicas. Os distúrbios no solo pelas atividades agrícolas, como corte-e-queima, resultaram na deterioração das propriedades biológicas do Cerrado nativo no Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades.

Necrose tecidual causada por alúmen de potássio / Tissue necrosis caused by potassium alumina: case report

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi relatar um caso clínico de necrose tecidual causada por alúmen de potássio. Paciente do sexo feminino realizou procedimento de enxerto de tecido conjuntivo para tratamento de defeito de rebordo classe I. Aos sete dias do período pós-operatório, observou-se extensa necrose da área receptora e do tecido enxertado. A paciente relatou que utilizou bochechos diários de alúmen de potássio para controle de edema e sangramento. O alúmen de potássio interferiu negativamente no processo de reparo tecidual.

The aim of this present study is to describe a case report of tissue necrosis caused by potassium alumina. Subepithelial connective tissue graft was used in the treatment of class I alveolar ridge defect. After seven days an extensive necrosis of the tissue graft and the receptor area was observed. The patient related that used potassium alumina solution as mouthrinse daily to control edema and bleeding. Potassium alumina had a negative influence in the tissue repair process.

Development of cardioplegic solution without potassium: experimental study in rat / Desenvolvimento de solução cardioplégica sem potássio: estudo experimental em ratos

INTRODUCTION: Myocardial preservation during open heart surgeries and harvesting for transplant are of great importance. The heart at the end of procedure has to resume its functions as soon as possible. All cardioplegic solutions are based on potassium for induction of cardioplegic arrest. OBJECTIVE: To assess a cardioplegic solution with no potassium addition to the formula with two other commercially available cardioplegic solutions. The comparative assessment was based on cytotoxicity, adenosine triphosphate myocardial preservation, and caspase 3 activity. The tested solution (LIRM) uses low doses of sodium channel blocker (lidocaine), potassium channel opener (cromakalin), and actin/myosin cross bridge inhibitor (2,3-butanedione monoxime). METHODS: Wistar rats underwent thoracotomy under mechanical ventilation and three different solutions were used for "in situ" perfusion for cardioplegic arrest induction: Custodiol (HTK), Braile (G/A), and LIRM solutions. After cardiac arrest, the hearts were excised and kept in cold storage for 4 hours. After this period, the hearts were assessed with optical light microscopy, myocardial ATP content and caspase 3 activity. All three solutions were evaluated for direct cytotoxicity with L929 and WEHI-164 cells. RESULTS: The ATP content was higher in the Custodiol group compared to two other solutions (P<0.05). The caspase activity was lower in the HTK group compared to LIRM and G/A solutions (P<0.01). The LIRM solution showed lower caspase activity compared to Braile solution (P<0.01). All solutions showed no cytotoxicity effect after 24 hours of cells exposure to cardioplegic solutions. CONCLUSION: Cardioplegia solutions without potassium are promised and aminoacid addition might be an interesting strategy. More evaluation is necessary for an optimal cardioplegic solution development.

INTRODUÇÃO: Preservação do miocárdio durante cirurgias cardíacas abertas e de colheita para transplante são de grande importância. O coração ao final do processo tem de retomar as suas funções, logo que possível. Todas as soluções cardioplégicas são baseadas em potássio, para indução de parada cardioplégica. OBJETIVO: Comparar a uma solução cardioplégica sem adição de potássio à sua fórmula com duas outras soluções cardioplégicas disponíveis comercialmente. A avaliação comparativa foi baseada na citotoxicidade, preservação miocárdica (adenosina trifosfato, ATP) e atividade da caspase 3. A solução testada (LIRM) utiliza baixas doses de bloqueador de canal de sódio (lidocaína), abridor do canal de potássio (cromacalina) e inibidor da ponte actina/miosina (2,3-butanodiona monoxima). MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar foram submetidos à toracotomia sob ventilação mecânica e três soluções diferentes foram utilizadas para perfusão in situ para a indução de parada cardioplégica: soluções Custodiol (HTK) Braile (G/A) e LIRM. Após parada cardíaca, os corações foram retirados e mantidos em câmara fria por 4 horas. Após esse período, o coração foi avaliado com microscopia de luz ótica, o conteúdo de ATP miocárdico e atividade da caspase 3. Todas as três soluções foram avaliadas quanto à citotoxicidade direta com células L929 e WEHI-164. RESULTADOS: A quantidade de ATP foi maior no grupo Custodiol em comparação às com outras duas soluções (P<0,05). A atividade de caspase foi menor no grupo HTK quando comparado às soluções LIRM e G/A (P<0,01). A solução LIRM demonstrou menor atividade da caspase em comparação à solução Braile (P<0,01). Todas as soluções não mostraram qualquer efeito de citotoxicidade após 24 horas de exposição das células às soluções cardioplégicas. CONCLUSÃO: Soluções cardioplégicas sem potássio são uma perspectiva e a adição de aminoácido pode ser uma estratégia interessante. Mais avaliações são necessárias para o desenvolvimento ideal da solução cardioplégica.

Precipitation reaction of SDS and potassium salts in flocculation of a micronized megestrol acetate suspension

In this work attempts were made to evaluate K[+]-SDS and hydrocolloid polymer-SDS interactions in flocculation of megestrol acetate dispersions to enhancetheir stability as a part of suspension formulation. Different dispersions of micronized megestrol acetate and SDS were prepared. KCl and KH[2]PO[4] and their corresponding sodium salts were added to the dispersions and the preparations were evaluated using general physicochemical and stability tests including appearance, sedimentation volume, sedimentation rate and redispersibility. Addition of polyols and hydrocolloid polymers to the SDS containing dispersions was also investigated for possible instabilities.SDS deflocculated the initial megestrol acetate dispersions. The use of potassium salts unlike the sodium salts flocculated the dispersion particles due to precipitation reaction of potassium ions and the adsorbed SDS. Additionally the uncharged hydrocolloid polymers MC and HPMC in contrast to the ionic polymers xanthan gum and NaCMC showed incompatibility due to their interaction with SDS. K[+]- SDS interactions have proved useful in protein and DNA analysis studies and we found this precipitation reaction to be applicable in flocculation of pharmaceutical suspensions containing SDS

Studies on production and characterization of enriched urban waste composts and their influence on crops productivity.

Enriched compost produced with use of municipal solid wastes (MSW) recorded narrow C:N ratio at the end of decomposition period than municipal solid wastes decomposed without enrichers. To enhance the decomposition rate, quality of municipal solid wastes and enrichers/amendments are found very significant for production of compost. Nutrient content particularly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium could be enhanced with addition of organic amendment/enrichers. Response of different crops for composts produced with addition of different enrichers like night soil, 25% distillery sludge and bio-fertilizers (Azospirillum sp and Bacillus sp) was conspicuous compared to the compost derived from municipal solid wastes alone with respect to increased growth and yield of crops. Among the enriched composts, night soil enriched compost significantly increased the response of potato and groundnut crops. According to farmer's opinion obtained with matrix scoring, chemical fertilizers and sheep penning are cheaper compared to pit compost or urban solid waste compost. While chemical fertilizers are considered to have adverse effects on soil more than pit compost, tank silt, sheep penning and urban solid waste. Weed infestation is associated more with urban waste than other sources. For dry land, agriculture urban waste could be useful due to good moisture holding capacity. Crop yields could be improved under low rainfall condition whenever pit compost or urban solid waste is used.

Determination of reaction rates and activation energy in aerobic composting processes for yard waste.

The reaction rates and activation energy in aerobic composting processes for yard waste were determined using specifically designed reactors. Different mixture ratios were fixed before the commencement of the process. The C/N ratio was found to be optimum for a mixture ratio of 1:6 containing one part of coir pith to six parts of other waste which included yard waste, yeast sludge, poultry yard waste and decomposing culture (Pleurotosis). The path of stabilization of the wastes was continuously monitored by observing various parameters such as temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity, C.O.D, VS at regular time intervals. Kinetic analysis was done to determine the reaction rates and activation energy for the optimum mixture ratio under forced aeration condition. The results of the analysis clearly indicated that the temperature dependence of the reaction rates followed the Arrhenius equation. The temperature coefficients were also determined. The degradation of the organic fraction of the yard waste could be predicted using first order reaction model.

Physical, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic studies of uroliths.

Identification of chemical constituents of calculus is important in the diagnosis and management of urolithiasis. The compositional variability of uroliths has different etiologies and requires various modes of treatment and prophylaxis. In the present study, we report the chemical compositional analyses of calculi recovered from buck and bullock by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques and ultra-structure examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD and EDX investigations conclusively established the chemical compositions of urinary calculi under investigation. The calculus from buck (sample I) had calcium oxalate monohydrate, a dominant salt phase and magnesium compound in significant amount. The calculus from bullock (sample II) had magnesium ammonium phosphate phase, with significant amount of calcium in apatite form and K+ ions. SEM study at higher magnification (X 1000) showed bipyramidal crystals in external zones of urolith (sample I). The struvite apatite calculus showed that basic unit of structure was lamination and the laminitis appeared to be made up of fine granules and high porosity. The bio-mineralization process of calculus formation was also studied, with a view to take preventive and therapeutic measures for amelioration of urinary stone diseases in animals and humans.

Proximate composition and functional properties of Bulma cotton [Bombcapsis glabra] seeds

BOMBCAPSIS glabra seeds has percentage protein [16.50], crude fat [34.8], crude fibre [8.70] and ash [3.52] contents. The predominant mineral was potassium, 791mg/100g of sample. Palmitic acid was the predominant fatty acid constituting 75.0% in the seeds oil. The amino acid pattern of the seed flour showed that Aspartic and Glutamic acids were the major amino acids and that the seed flour was deficient in Leucine and Cystine. Physicochemical analysis of the seed oils showed that they could be classified as non-drying oils. Bombcarpsis glabra seed flour had high water and low oil absorption capacities 255.0 and 91.8%, respectively. It could serve as a good gelating agent with at least gelation concentration of 2.0%. The flour had poor foaming capacity but good foaming stability

Effects of calcium channel blocker, mibefradil, and potassium channel opener, pinacidil, on the contractile response of mid-pregnant goat myometrium.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the in vitro influence of mibefradil, a calcium channel blocker, and pinacidil, a potassium channel opener, on pregnant goat myometrial spontaneous rhythmic contractility and contractions induced with the agonist, oxytocin. Longitudinal strips from the distal region of uterus, collected from goats at midgestation, were mounted in an organ bath for recording isometric contractions. Mibefradil (10(-8)-10(-4) M) or pinacidil (10(-10)-10(-4) M), added cumulatively to the bath at an increment of 1 log unit, caused concentration-dependent inhibition of the spontaneous rhythmic contractions of isolated uterine strips. The rhythmic contraction was, respectively, abolished at 100 and 10 microM concentrations of mibefradil and pinacidil. In a concentration-dependent manner, mibefradil (1 and 10 microM) antagonized the contractions elicited with oxytocin (10(-5)-10(-2) IU). Pretreatment of uterine strips with glibenclamide (10 microM), a selective KATP channel blocker, caused a rightward shift of the concentration-response curve of pinacidil with a concomitant decrease in its pD2 value. Pinacidil (0.3, 1 and 3 microM), in a concentration-related manner, antagonized the oxytocin (10(-5)-10(-2) IU)-induced contractile response. The inhibition of spontaneous rhythmic contractions and antagonism of oxytocin-induced contraction by mibefradil in the pregnant goat myometrium may be related to the antagonism of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, while by pinacidil suggests that KATP channel could be a therapeutic target for tocolysis.

Double logarithmic, linear relationship between postmortem vitreous sodium/potassium electrolytes concentration ratio and time since death in subjects of Chandigarh zone of Northwest India.

Present authors had recently demonstrated a highly significant double logarithmic linear relationship between time since death and serum sodium/potassium concentration ratio and also with the serum chloride concentration in humans. Consecutively the present study was carried out to substantiate this disposition in vitreous humour. The data on postmortem vitreous sodium/potassium electrolytes concentration ratio in 1026 subjects, revealed a highly significant relationship between logarithm of vitreous sodium/potassium electrolytes concentration ratio and logarithm of time since death upto 66 hrs. of death. Postmortem interval can be predicted from vitreous sodium/potassium electrolytes concentration ratio with standard error of estimate 0.1800 hrs. However, factors like environmental temperature, age & gender also influences it significantly.

Response of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) to salinity in the early growth stages for agricultural cultivation in saline environments.

Salinity is a serious environmental problem. Growing of plants like tomato can be solution for coping with soil salinity. For this purpose, response of tomato to salinity has been tested in the early growth stages. Characteristics of germination (percentage and period; length and fresh-dry weight of radicle and hypcotyl) and seedling (length and fresh-dry weight of root, shoot and whole plant; leaf number and area based on Relative Growth Rate); Na+ and K+ content of leaf; K+/Na+ rate of leaf has been studied at the 0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl levels. Thus, it determined that tomato can be indicator for agricultural cultivation at the salinity environments at the early growth stages.

In vitro effects of organophosphate pesticides on rat erythrocytes.

In vitro effects of various organophosphate pesticides (dimethoate, chlorpyrifos, ethion and monocrotophos) were studied on hemolysis, K+ leakage and lipid peroxidation in rat erythrocytes. All the four pesticides increased hemolysis and K+ leakage from erythrocytes, that was concentration and time dependent. On the contrary, there was decrease in lipid peroxidation in erythrocyte membrane. Effect of pesticides on lipid peroxidation could be due to pesticide itself abstracting protons or interacting with free radicals rather than polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), thereby protecting the latter against peroxidation.

Effect of potassium channel modulators on toxicity of Cleistanthus collinus.

The study was conducted to determine the effects of boiled extract of Cleistanthus collinus on rats by observing ECG changes and electrolyte levels in serum and urine. Influence of minoxidil and glibenclamide on Cleistanthus collinus induced toxicity was determined. ED50 for arrhythmia, changes in contractility and heart rate were recorded using the isolated frog heart. Cleistanthus at low doses caused transient tachycardia and increase in contractility and at high dose caused arrhythmia and cardiac arrest in rat. LD50 was found to be 1690 mg/kg. Minoxidil potentiated cardiac toxicity, whereas glibenclamide did not produce any significant change. High concentration of potassium in Cleistanthus extract hindered comparison of its levels. There was excretion of sodium even in the presence of hyponatraemia. Cleistanthus at low dose caused transient tachycardia and increase in contractility and at high dose caused arrhythmia and cardiac arrest in isolated frog heart. ED50 for arrhythmia was found to be 1406 mg/kg. Acute toxicity was mainly due to depressive cardiac activity of Cleistanthus. It also caused renal failure. Potassium channel modulators did not have important role in acute cardiac toxicity treatment. Probably in chronic toxicity, electrolyte level changes are involved and potassium channel modulators might have a role.

Effects of pH on Vascular Tone in Rabbit Basilar Arteries

Effects of pH on vascular tone and L-type Ca2+ channels were investigated using Mulvany myograph and voltage-clamp technique in rabbit basilar arteries. In rabbitbasilar arteries, high K+ produced tonic contractions by 11+/-0.6 mN (mean+/-S.E., n=19). When extracellular pH (pHo) was changed from control 7.4 to 7.9 ([alkalosis]o), K+-induced contraction was increased to 128+/-2.1% of the control (n=13). However, K+-induced contraction was decreased to 73+/-1.3% of the control at pHo 6.8 ([acidosis]o, n=4). Histamine (10 micrometer) also produced tonic contraction by 11+/-0.6 mN (n=17), which was blocked by post-application of nicardipine (1 micrometer). [alkalosis]o and [acidosis]o increased or decreased histamine-induced contraction to 134+/-5.7% and 27+/-7.6% of the control (n=4, 6). Since high K+- and histamine-induced tonic contractions were affected by nicardipine and pHo, the effect of pHo on voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channel (VDCCL) was studied. VDCCL was modulated by pHo: the peak value of Ca2+ channel current (IBa) at a holding of 0 mV decreased in [acidosis]o by 41+/-8.8%, whereas that increased in [alkalosis]o by 35+/-2.1% (n=3). These results suggested that the external pH regulates vascular tone partly via the modulation of VDCC in rabbit basilar arteries.

Emprego da fluorescência de raios X na análise semi-quantitativa de `Ti' `O IND. 2' em medicamento repositor de potássio / X-Rays fluorescence employment in semi-quantitative analysis of `Ti'`O IND. 2' in potassium replacement medicine

Através do emprego da técnica analítica instrumental de fluorescência de raios X por dispersão de comprimento de onda (WD-XRF) detectaram-se os elementos Br, Fe, Ti, Ca, K, Cl e Si em uma amostra de medicamento repositor de potássio. Por intermédio da elaboração de amostras-padrão (adição de alíquota) estimou-se, semi-quantitativamente, o teor de `Ti'`O IND. 2', presente no excipiente, empregando-se dois métodos. Embora se tenha diluído a amostra, observou-se a ocorrência do efeito matriz e o não fornecimento das quantidades dos compostos empregados no excipiente impossibilitaram a elaboração de padrões sintéticos (similares ao medicamento) para correção desse efeito e, conseqüentemente, dosar com precisão o teor de `Ti'`O IND. 2'

Stool electrolytes in acute dehydrating gastroenteritis.

Stool electrolytes were studied in 100 cases of gastroenteritis. The duration of illness was 24-48 hours in 32% and 72-96 hours in 28% of the cases. On stool culture, 43% children had no growth, 23% had Enteropathogenic E. coli and 10% had cholera and rotavirus each. The stool sodium loss was more in cholera and shigella cases, diarrhea of shorter duration and in children between 24-30 months of age. Potassium loss in the stool was more in shiegella cases, diarrhea of short duration and in children between 30-36 months of age. In cases of gastroenteritis with severe malnutrition, stool sodium loss was less; stool potassium loss was not affected by the nutritional status. Total electrolytes lost in stools can be estimated by knowing purging rate and rehydration therapy can be planned accordingly.