Supplementation of crossbred cows with maize and urea in tropical pasture / Suplementação de vacas mestiças com milho e ureia em pastagem tropical

This research article aims to evaluate the effect of total replacement of corn by soybean meal and urea on intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter and its components, production and composition of milk and feeding behavior of lactating cows grazing, with intermittent stocking Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombaça). Twelve milking cows were distributed in a triple 4 x 4 latin square. Experimental treatments consisted of four soybean meal replacement levels by corn more urea (0; 33; 66; 100%). The grass has an average content of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber of 19% and 59%, respectively. The replacement of soybean meal by corn and urea did not affect the intake and digestibility of nutrients. A linear reduction of milk production was observed, but there was no change in milk production corrected to 4.0% of fat. The milk components (g/kg) of fat, protein, lactose, and total solids were not altered, as well as feeding behavior. Under the conditions of this study, the replacement of the diets is suitable for crossbred dairy cows in lactation third medium, producing in average of 12.5 kg/day-1 when kept in quality pastures.(AU)

Este artigo de pesquisa tem como objetivo avaliar o efeito da substituição total do milho pelo farelo de soja e ureia sobre o consumo e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca e de seus componentes, a produção e a composição do leite e o comportamento alimentar de vacas em lactação mantidas em pastos capim-mombaça (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombaça) manejado sob lotação intermitente. Doze vacas em lactação foram distribuídas em um quadrado latino triplo 4 x 4. Os tratamentos experimentais consistiram de quatro níveis de substituição do farelo de soja pelo milho mais ureia (0; 33; 66; 100%). O capim-mombaça apresentou um teor médio de proteína bruta e de fibra em detergente neutro de 19% e 59%, respectivamente. A substituição do farelo de soja por milho e ureia não afetou o consumo e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. Observou-se redução linear da produção de leite, mas não houve alteração na produção de leite corrigida para 4,0% de gordura. Os componentes do leite (g/kg): gordura, proteína, lactose e sólidos totais não foram alterados, assim como o comportamento ingestivo dos animais. Nas condições deste estudo, a substituição total do milho pelo farelo de soja e ureia nas dietas é adequada para vacas mestiças leiteiras em terço médio de lactação, produzindo, em média, 12,5 kg / dia-1 quando mantidas em pastagens de qualidade.(AU)

Perfil metabólico proteico de vacas em lactação alimentadas com milho e ureia a pasto / Protein metabolic profile of dairy cows fed corn and urea pasture

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os efeitos da substituição total do farelo de soja por milho e ureia sobre consumo e digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, perfil metabólico proteico e balanço de nitrogênio de vacas mestiças em lactação em pastejo, com lotação intermitente de capim-mombaça (Panicum maximum). Foram utilizadas 12 vacas mestiças em lactação, com peso corporal médio inicial de 473,0+45,0kg, período de lactação médio de 95,0+42,2 dias e produção de leite de média inicial de 14,1+1,9kg/dia. As vacas eram primíparas e multíparas, mestiças de Girolando, Pardo-Suíço e Jersey. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro níveis de substituição do farelo de soja por milho e ureia (0; 33; 66; 100% na matéria seca - MS). O capim-mombaça apresentou teor médio de proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro de 19 e 59% na MS, respectivamente. A substituição do farelo de soja por milho e ureia não alterou o consumo e a digestibilidade aparente da MS. As concentrações de ureia e N-ureico plasmáticos foram alteradas pela substituição do farelo de soja por milho e ureia. O balanço de nitrogênio foi positivo e não foi alterado com as substituições. Para vacas mestiças produzindo, em média, 12,5kg/dia e mantidas em pasto de qualidade, pode se substituir totalmente o farelo de soja por milho e ureia.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of total replacement of corn by soybean meal and urea on intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, protein metabolic profile, and nitrogen balance of lactating crossbred cows grazing with intermittent stocking Mombasa grass (Panicum maximum). Twelve milking cows were distributed in a triple 4 x 4 latin design, with a mean initial body weight of 473,0+45,0kg, average lactation period of 95,0+42,2 days and milk production of initial mean of 14,1+1,9kg/day. Cows were primiparous and multiparous. The treatments consisted of four levels of substitution of soybean meal for corn and urea (0; 33; 66; 100% in dry matter - DM). The Mombasa grass showed an average content of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber of 19 and 59% in DM, respectively. The concentrations of urea and plasma urea nitrogen were altered by replacing soybean meal with corn and urea. Protein metabolic profile was changed with the replacement of soybean meal by corn and urea. The nitrogen balance was positive and has not changed with the replacements. For mixed-race cows producing an average of 12.5kg/day and kept in good-quality pastures, one can replace soybean meal totally with corn and urea.(AU)

Inferência bayesiana da conversão alimentar em diferentes experimentos animais / Bayesian Inference of feed conversion in different animal experiments

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a conversão alimentar (CA) por meio da inferência bayesiana considerando-se análises bivariadas. Foram utilizadas diferentes espécies animais de experimentos conduzidos na Universidade Federal de Viçosa, no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. O modelo proposto mostrou ser apropriado, uma vez que possibilitou a detecção de diferenças significativas entre níveis de fatores não detectados por procedimentos frequentistas em ANOVA tradicional, principalmente em pequenas amostras. No experimento com codornas, evidenciou-se que aves cujos níveis de proteína bruta eram de 23% e 29%, respectivamente, para machos e fêmeas, apresentaram uma melhor CA, de 2,83±0,03 e 2,66±0,03, respectivamente. No experimento com frangos, no grupo sem o aditivo antibiótico, a inclusão de 0,02% de extrato de ésteres naturais foi o que promoveu a melhor CA (1,72±0,01), e, de modo geral, o uso de antibiótico e a ausência de ésteres naturais promoveram CA de 1,63±0,02. Em caprinos, verificou-se que o aleitamento, seja com leite de cabra ou de vaca, promove igualmente uma melhor CA, respectivamente, no grupo de 60 e 90 dias, de 1,29±0,14 e 1,79±0,11, sugerindo que o aleitamento seja feito até os 60 dias. Em suínos, a dieta com maior nível de energia metabolizável e aminoácidos foi a que promoveu a melhor CA (2,86±0,07), quando comparada a uma dieta com nível nutricional mais baixo. Já o uso de enzimas na dieta com menor nível energético e de aminoácidos proporcionou resultado intermediário (2,90±007). Em bovinos, observou-se que o uso de 1% de concentrado na dieta promoveria uma melhor CA estimada de 7,33±0,35 entre os Nelores e que essa promoção seria de 7,40±0,58 entre os cruzados com o uso de 2% de concentrado na dieta.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feed conversion (CA) by Bayesian inference in bivariate considering analyzes in real and simulated data. Different animal species experiments conducted at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil are used. The proposed model proved to be appropriate once it enabled the detection of significant differences between levels of factors not detected by frequentist procedures with traditional ANOVA, especially in small samples. In the experiment with quails, it became clear that the birds' brute protein levels were 23% and 29%, respectively, for males and females, which presented better CA, 2.83±0.03 and 2.66±0.03, respectively. In the experiment with chickens, the group without additive antibiotic, including 0.02% extract natural esters promoted the best CA (1.72±0.01) and in general antibiotic absence of esters natural promoted 1.63±0.02 of the CA. In goats, it has been found that feeding milk from cows or goats also promotes better CA, respectively, in groups milked up to 60 and 90 days, being 1.29±0.14 and 1.79±0.11, suggesting that suckling done until 60 days. Pigs fed the highest level of metabolizable energy and aminoacids promoted the best CA (2.86±0.07) compared to a diet with lower nutritional level. But the use of enzymes in the diet with lower energy level and amino acid provided intermediate result (2.90±007). In cattle, it was observed that the use of 1% concentrate diet, CA, promotes a better estimate of 7.33±0.35 between Nellore and this promotion would be 7.40±0.58 between the cross breeds using 2% concentrate diet.

Associação de palma forrageira com feno de maniçoba ou silagem de sorgo e duas proporções de concentrado na dieta de vacas em lactação / The effect of the association of spinelles cactus with maniçoba hay and sorghum silage and two dietary concentrate in lactating dairy

Objetivou-se avaliar a utilização da silagem de sorgo, feno de maniçoba e duas proporções de concentrado (10 e 15% na MS) em dietas à base de palma forrageira na alimentação de vacas em lactação. Foram utilizadas oito vacas da raça Girolando, com peso vivo médio e produção inicial de 463 e 9,65kg, respectivamente, com 95 dias de lactação. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o quadrado latino 4x4 em esquema fatorial 2x2 (feno de maniçoba e silagem de sorgo x 10% e 15% de concentrado), sendo utilizados dois quadrados simultâneos. Cada período experimental teve duração de 21 dias, sendo 14 de adaptação e sete para coleta de dados e amostras. Não houve interação entre volumosos e proporções de concentrado para nenhuma das variáveis avaliadas. Assim, os fatores foram analisados e discutidos separadamente. Os consumos de proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais diferiram em função dos volumosos utilizados, com menores consumos para o feno de maniçoba (1,50; 4,10; 6,17kg/dia, respectivamente). A digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro diferiram de acordo com os volumosos, verificando menores valores para o feno de maniçoba (51,70; 53,91; 62,30 e 20,74%, respectivamente). A produção de leite com ou sem correção para 4% de gordura (9,65 e 9,1kg/dia, respectivamente) e composição do leite não diferiram entre os volumosos, nem entre os níveis de concentrados. A eficiência de síntese de proteína microbiana diferiu entre os volumosos, sendo menor no tratamento com silagem de sorgo (99,46g/kg de NDT). A concentração de ureia no plasma diferiu entre as proporções de concentrado, com menores valores na dieta com 15% de concentrado (31,41mg/dL). Para o atendimento das exigências nutricionais e redução dos custos com suplementação, sugere-se o fornecimento de silagem de sorgo como volumoso e a proporção de 10% de concentrado na dieta de vacas em lactação.

The trial was conducted to evaluate the use of sorghum silage, maniçoba hay, and two concentrate levels (10.0% and 15.0% DM) in diets based on spineless cactus of dairy cows. Eight Girolando cows were used with average body weight and milk yield of 463 and 9.65kg, respectively, with 95 days of lactation. The experimental design was a 4 x 4 Latin Square in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (maniçoba hay and sorghum silage x 10.0% and 15.0% of concentrate), two simultaneous Latin Square were used. Each experimental period lasted 21 days; 14 days for adaptation and seven for data and sample collection. There was no interaction between roughage and concentrate level for any of the variables. Thereby the factors were analyzed and discussed separately. The intake of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and total digestible nutrients differ according to roughage used with lower intake for maniçoba hay (1.50; 4.10; 6.17kg/day, respectively). The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber differed according to the roughage, and lower values were found for maniçoba hay (51.70; 53.91 and 20.74%, respectively). The milk yield with and without adjustment to 4.0% of fat (9.65 and 9.1kg/day, respectively) and the milk composition did not differ between roughages or between concentrate levels. The efficiency of microbial protein synthesis differs between roughages and was lower in the treatment with sorghum (99.46g/kg TDN). The concentration of plasma urea differed between the ratios of concentrate with lower amounts in the diet with 15.0% concentrate (1.41mg/dL). To meet the nutritional requirements and cost reduction with supplementation a supply with sorghum silage as roughage and 100% of concentrate for diet of lactation cows is suggested.

Clinical and histological effects of the temporary occlusion of the rabbit nasolacrimal duct and point using cyanoacrylate adhesives / Efeitos clínicos e histológicos da oclusão temporária do ponto e do duto nasolacrimais de coelhos com adesivos de cianoacrilato

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and histological effects of occluding the nasolacrimal ducts and points of rabbits. For this study, 20 adult New Zealand rabbits, both males and females, weighing 3.2±0.4kg were allocated into two groups for n-butyl-cyanoacrylate occlusion (GB, n=10) or 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate occlusion (GO, n=10). The contralateral eyes served as the controls. The persistence of tears was evaluated daily using the Schirmer I test. Discomfort, eye discharge, epiphora, and conjunctival hyperemia were assessed prior to the procedure (T0) and during the 14 subsequent days (T1-T14). On days seven and 14, five animals from each group were euthanized, and their nasolacrimal ducts were collected, processed and analyzed by histology. In the GB group, the Schirmer test values differed from that at T0 at all of the subsequent time points, whereas there was no difference in the values observed from the GO group. Compared with the corresponding controls, the GO and GB groups differed significantly at almost all of the time points. When comparing the treatment groups, differences were found at T6, T7, T9, T10, T11, T12 and T14, with higher Schirmer values in the GB group. Epiphora was observed in the GB group from T1 to T8 and in the GO group from T1 to T6. Within seven days post-occlusion, histology revealed a moderate foreign body reaction, with marked necrosis and sloughing of the canalicular epithelium, in the GO group, which was absent at day 14. In the GB group, a marked inflammatory reaction and a mild foreign body reaction were found at day seven, and the foreign body reaction was prevalent at day 14. This study demonstrated that both adhesives were effective in obstructing the nasolacrimal ducts and points of rabbits and that their application and handling are easy and free of complications. However, both adhesives promoted inflammatory and foreign body reactions that evolved to repair and regeneration at day 14 of evaluation.

Avaliaram-se os efeitos clínicos e histológicos da oclusão do ponto e do duto nasolacrimais de coelhos. Para isso, utilizaram-se 20 coelhos adultos da raça Nova Zelândia, machos e fêmeas, com peso de 3,2±0,4kg, distribuídos em dois grupos: oclusão com n-butil cianoacrilato (GB, n=10) e oclusão com 2-octil cianoacrilato (GO, n=10). Os olhos contralaterais foram utilizados como controle. A permanência da lágrima foi avaliada diariamente pelo teste de Schirmer I. Foram avaliados o desconforto, secreção ocular, epífora e hiperemia conjuntival, previamente ao procedimento (T0) e durante 14 dias (T1-T14). Aos sete e aos 14 dias, cinco animais de cada grupo foram submetidos à eutanásia, e os dutos nasolacrimais, colhidos, processados e analisados à histologia. Em GB, os valores de Schirmer diferiram de T0 em todos os momentos; em GO não houve diferença. Na comparação com o respectivo controle, GB e GO diferiram significativamente em quase todos os momentos. Ao compararem-se os tratamentos, houve diferença em T6, T7, T9, T10, T11, T12 e T14, sendo os valores de Schirmer superiores em GB. Epífora esteve presente em GB de T1 a T8 e em GO de T1 a T6. À histologia, em GO, aos sete dias, notou-se moderada reação de corpo estranho com marcante necrose e descamação do epitélio canalicular; tais alterações estiveram ausentes aos 14 dias. Em GB, verificou-se, aos sete dias, acentuada reação inflamatória e discreta reação de corpo estranho; aos 14 dias, houve predomínio da reação de corpo estranho. Concluiu-se que ambos os adesivos foram eficazes na obstrução do ponto e do duto nasolacrimais de coelhos, sendo sua aplicação e manuseio fáceis e livres de intercorrências e ambos promoveram reação inflamatória e de corpo estranho que evoluíram para reparação e regeneração aos 14 dias de avaliação.

Evaluation of apoptosis as a mechanism of follicular cell atresia in the ovaries of cattle (bos indicus) and buffalo (bubalus bubalis) fetuses

The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of apoptosis in the ovaries of cattle and buffalo fetuses between 4 and 8 months old by the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase - mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay . Histological analysis of the ovarian t issue showed that apoptosis occurred at all ages evaluated , presenting a similar pattern among different fetal stages in both species . Within species, secondary follicles displayed a higher (P 0.05) of apoptotic follicular cells among the three follicular classes compared . C omparing resul ts between species, secondary follicles had a higher (P < 0.05) mean number of TUN EL positive cells in bovine fetuses; however , this difference was proportional to the larger number of follicular cells present in secondary follicles in this species . In summary, the TUNEL method was effective for the detection of apoptosis in the support ing cells of ovarian follicles from bovine and buffalo fetuses with apoptosis occurring at similar rates in both species between 4 and 8 months of gestational age. Further studies are needed to better understand the dynamics of apoptosis as a regulator of follicular atresia in fetal ovaries from these species, as well as the potential involvement of the oocyte in this process.

Substituição do feno de tifton pela casca de mamona na dieta de ovinos: componentes não-carcaça / Replacement of tifton hay with castor bean hulls in sheep diet: non carcass components

Avaliou-se o efeito da substituição do feno de capim tifton pela casca de mamona, 0, 33, 66 e 100% na dieta de ovinos, sobre o peso e rendimento dos componentes não constituintes da carcaça e o rendimento de buchada e panelada. Vinte e oito animais não castrados, com sete meses de idade e peso inicial médio de 19,5±2,45kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e sete repetições, e abatidos após 70 dias de confinamento. Houve decréscimo linear nos pesos da língua (0,084 a 0,079kg), traqueia+pulmão (0,50 a 0,42kg), coração (0,14 a 0,12kg), timo (0,035 a 0,025kg), rins (0,100 a 0,088kg) e peso total dos órgãos (2,14 a 1,90kg) de acordo com o percentual de substituição. O mesmo comportamento foi verificado para os pesos do esôfago (0,051 a 0,045kg), rúmen-retículo (0,73 a 0,64kg), intestino delgado (0,78 a 0,64kg) e total de vísceras (2,17 a 1,92kg). Para os pesos da cabeça (1,99 a 1,66kg), patas (0,86 a 0,73kg), pele (2,49 a 1,99kg), sangue (1,36 a 1,19kg) e total de subprodutos (7,12 a 5,96kg) verificou-se efeito linear negativo de acordo com a substituição. O mesmo foi observado para os pesos de buchada (4,71 a 4,22kg) e panelada (7,55 a 6,61kg). A casca de mamona não deve substituir o feno de capim tifton na dieta de ovinos por causar decréscimo no peso de órgãos, vísceras e subprodutos e influenciar negativamente os pesos e rendimentos de buchada e panelada.

The effects of replacing tifton hay with 0, 33, 66 and 100% of castor bean hulls in the diet of sheep on the non-carcass components of weight and dressing and on the "buchada" and "panelada" yield were evaluated in this research. Twenty-eight non castrated sheep averaging seven months of age and with initial weight of 19.5±2.45kg were assigned to a randomized block design with four treatments and seven replicates, and were slaughtered after 70 days of confinement. A linear decrease of tongue (0.084 to 0.079kg), trachea + lungs (0.50 to 0.42kg), heart (0.14 to 0.12kg), thymus (0.035 to 0.025kg), kidneys (0.100 to 0.088kg) weights and total weight of organs (2.14 to 1.90kg) was observed. The same behavior was observed for the esophagus (0.051 to 0.045kg), rumen-reticulum (0.73 to 0.64kg), small intestine (0.78 to 0.64kg) and total viscera (2.17 to 1.92kg) weights. There was a linear effect for the head (1.99 to 1.66kg), feet (0.86 to 0.73kg), skin (2.49 to 1.99kg), blood (1.36 to 1.19kg) and total by-products (7.12 to 5.96kg) weights according to the treatments and also for "buchada" (4.71 to 4.22kg) and "panelada" (7.55 to 6.61kg) weights. Castor bean hulls should not replace tifton hay because it decreases the weight of organs, viscera and by-products and adversely affects the "buchada" and "panelada" weight and dressing.

Kint3-4 promotes apoptosis and inhibition of angiogenesis in solid Ehrlich Tumor / Kint3-4 promove apoptose e inibição da angiogênese no tumor sólido de Ehrlich

A proteína Kint3-4 (PKint3-4), codificadora da angiostatina, é reconhecida por sua potencialidade antiangiogênica. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da proteína Kint3-4 no crescimento do tumor sólido de Ehrlich. Para isso, foram analisados a curva de desenvolvimento tumoral, o índice apoptótico e a dosagem de hemoglobina, a fim de se avaliar a angiogênese, em 20 camundongos Swiss fêmeas, inoculadas com o tumor sólido de Ehrlich em seus coxins plantares. Os resultados demonstraram a participação de PKint3-4 na indução à apoptose de células neoplásicas, na diminuição da concentração de hemoglobina e, principalmente, na diminuição do desenvolvimento tumoral. Sugere-se que a ação antitumoral, determinada pela sequência proteica utilizada, possa estar associada ao papel antiangiogênico da angiostatina, que indiretamente aumentaria o índice apoptótico das células neoplásicas, e/ou a uma ação direta da proteína Kint3-4 sobre essas células, estimulando-as a sofrerem apoptose.

Produção de mudas de carobinha (Jacaranda decurrens Cham. ) em sistema de imersão temporária com biorreatores do tipo R.I.T.A. / "Carobinha" seedling production in a temporary immersion system with R.I.T.A. bioreactors

O objetivo deste trabalho foi averiguar a melhor densidade de explantes e o melhor tipo de sistema de cultivo visando desenvolver um protocolo de micropropagação de baixo custo para a Carobinha. Foram realizados experimentos de multiplicação in vitro com quatro tipos de frascos: R.I.T.A. (50 explantes/frasco), erlenmayer, (50 explantes/frasco), potes tipo maionese (6 explantes/frasco) e cubetas (1 explante/frasco). O co-cultivo de explantes, tanto em meio sólido quanto em meio líquido (R.I.T.A.), promoveu maiores taxas de explantes com brotação e de sobrevivência. O sistema de imersão temporária proporcionou melhores índices de desenvolvimento, brotação, sobrevivência e altura dos explantes. Concluímos que biorreatores podem ser utilizados eficientemente para a micropropagação de carobinha.

The aim of this study was to identify the best explant density and the best cultivation system with the goal of developing a micropropagation protocol of low cost for "carobinha" (Jacaranda decurrens CHAM.). Experiments of in vitro multiplication were carried out using four flask types: R.I.T.A. (50 explants/flask), Erlenmeyer (50 explants/flask), mayonnaise pots (6 explants/flask) and cuvettes (1 explant/flask). The co-cultivation of explants, in both solid and liquid medium (R.I.T.A.), led explants to show higher sprouting and survival rates. The temporary immersion system provided better rates of development, sprouting, survival and height of explants. We concluded that bioreactors may be efficiently used for the micropropagation of "carobinha".

The first reported case of human tick paralysis in Brazil: a new induction pattern by immature stages

Tick paralysis (TP) is a rare disease with rapid progression and potential fatal evolution. Immediately after the diagnosis, removal of all ticks from the body of the patient is mandatory. The present study reports for the first time a human case of the disease in Brazil. The patient had loss of muscle strength, decreased reflexes and marked palpebral ptosis. Six hours after removal of the last tick, the ptosis improved and on the following day, the patient had near total regression of the symptoms. This report emphasizes the possible presence of similar cases that should be promptly diagnosed and quickly treated. A new induction pattern for TP in humans associated with immature stages of ticks is also presented.

Mast cells and angiogenesis in canine mammary tumor / Mastócitos e angiogênese nos tumores mamários caninos

The correlation between microvessel density and mast cells density in canine mammary tumors was studied. Sixty-five samples of canine mammary tumors, being 24 benign and 41 malignant, were analyzed. The routine Toluidine Blue staining method was used to assess the mast cells. To evaluate angiogenesis, the immunohistochemical expression of CD31 was assessed. There was no significant difference in either mast cells (P=0.44) or microvessel density (P=0.77) between malignant and benign tumors. A positive correlation was observed between microvessel density and mast cells (r=0.39; P=0.011) in malignant tumors. These results suggest that mast cells may play a role in canine mammary malignant tumors development, promoting angiogenesis, similar to some tumors described in the human species.

Estimou-se a correlação entre a densidade de microvasos e a densidade de mastócitos em tumores mamários caninos. Sessenta e cinco amostras de tumores mamários caninos - 24 benignos e 41 malignos - foram analisadas, pela técnica rotineira de coloração com Azul de Toluidina para avaliação da densidade de mastócitos. Para a avaliação da angiogênese, foi utilizada a técnica de imunoistoquímica para expressão de CD31. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas de mastócitos (P=0.44) ou densidade microvascular (P=0.77) entre tumores malignos e benignos. A correlação entre densidade microvascular e densidade de mastócitos foi positiva (r=0,39; P=0,011) em tumores malignos. Estes resultados sugerem que os mastócitos podem exercer um importante papel no desenvolvimento de tumores mamários malignos caninos mediante promoção da angiogênese, similarmente a alguns tumores descritos na espécie humana.

Use of anti-PGL-1 antibodies to monitor therapy regimes in leprosy patients

The suitability of IgM antibodies to PGL-1 for monitoring the response to multidrug therapy (MDT) was sequentially tested by ELISA in 105 leprosy patients, and bacterial indexes (BI) were also determined. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1, 34 multibacillary (MB) patients treated for 12 months with MDT-MB; group 2, 33 MB patients treated for 24 months with MDT-MB, and group 3, 38 paucibacillary (PB) patients treated for 6 months with MDT-PB. Untreated MB patients exhibited higher antibody levels (mean ± SEM): group 1 (6.95 ± 1.35) and group 2 (12.53 ± 2.02) than untreated PB patients (1.28 ± 0.35). There was a significant difference (P < 0.01) in anti-PGL-1 levels in group 1 patients: untreated (6.95 ± 1.35) and treated for 12 months (2.78 ± 0.69) and in group 2 patients: untreated (12.53 ± 2.02) and treated for 24 months (2.62 ± 0.79). There was no significant difference between untreated (1.28 ± 0.35) and treated (0.62 ± 0.12) PB patients. Antibody levels correlated with BI. The correlation coefficient (Pearson’s r) was 0.72 before and 0.23 (P < 0.05) after treatment in group 1 and 0.67 before and 0.96 (P < 0.05) after treatment in group 2. BI was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) after 12 and 24 months on MDT (group 1: 1.26-0.26; group 2: 1.66-0.36). Our data indicate that monitoring anti-PGL-1 levels during MDT may be a sensitive tool for evaluating treatment efficacy. These data also indicate that the control of leprosy infection can be obtained with 12 months of MDT in MB patients.

Morphological aspect of the midgut of anopheles aquasalis (Curry, 1932) Insecta: Diptera / Aspecto morfológico del intestino medio de anopheles aquasalis (Curry, 1932) Insecta: Diptera

The midgut of adult female Anopheles aquasalis presents a narrow anterior or thoracic region and a distensible posterior or abdominal region constituted by the epithelium formed by a cell layer whose apical portion presents microvilli and the basal portion, a basal labyrinth. The thoracic region revealed heterogeneous cellular staining affinity mainly by the presence of acidic components. The ultrastructural aspect showed columnar cells with the presence of the vesicle, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and secreting cells. The abdominal region of the midgut revealed an irregular epithelium whose cells presented a basophilic cytoplasm and acidophil granules. It was also found secreting and/or basal cells with narrow cytoplasm. The ultrastructural observation of this region demonstrated cells with evident nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Larger vesicles and small granules were found distributed throughout the cytoplasm. The basal lamina that supports the epithelium presented a generally irregular aspect and the muscle fibers have longitudinal and circular organization and were found separating the epithelium from the haemocel. This study will contribute to analyses on the vector mosquito-parasite interaction mechanism in this specimen.

La seccion media del intestino de la hembra de Anopheles aquasalis presenta una estrecha region anterior o toráxica y una region posterior o abdominal constituida por el epitelio formado por una camada de células cuya porcion apical presenta microvilosidades y la porcion basal presenta un laberinto basal. La region toráxica reveló afinidad de tintura celular principalmente para componentes acídicos. El aspecto ultra estructural mostró células columnares con la presencia de la vesícula, mitocondrias, retículo endoplasmático y células secretoras. La region abdominal del intestino medio reveló un epitelio irregular con células con citoplasma basófilo y granulos acidófilos. También se encontraron células secretoras y/o básales con citoplasma estrecho. La observacion ultra estructural de la region mostró células con núcleos, retículo endoplasmático y mitocondrias evidentes. Vesículas largas y granulos pequeños fueron encontrados distribuidos por todo el citoplasma. La lámina basal que apoya el epitelio presentó un aspecto irregular y las fibras musculares tienen organizacion longitudinal y circular y separan el epitelio del hemocele. Este estudio contribuirá al análisis del mecanismo de interaccion entre el mosquito y el parásito en este espécimen.

Genetic diversity studies of Brazilian garlic cultivars and quality control of garlic-clover production

The garlic cultivars grown in Brazil evolved from somatic mutations and clone selection by breeding programs and by the introduction of germplasm from other countries. Morphological characters have been used to differentiate these cultivars. Two hundred and six random amplified polymorphic DNA markers were utilized for a diversity analysis of the 17 most planted garlic cultivars in Brazil. Bootstrap analysis showed that the number of markers was efficient and sufficient to obtain a coefficient of variation of 10%. Similarity varied between 16 and 98% and cluster analysis showed that, in general, genetic similarities correlate with morphological characters of the cultivars and production cycle variation. High bootstrap values at most of the nodes supported the dendrogram stability. The grouping of most varieties agreed well with previous reports based on morphological characters. As a vegetative-propagated species, viral diseases are a key problem regarding production and quality of the bulbs, causing gradual loss of yield and decrease in storage capacity. To improve the health quality of garlic seed, a virus-free stock of garlic cloves of the Amarante cultivar was obtained. The ability to distinguish garlic cultivars to detect varietal mixing after in vitro multiplication is extremely important, since correct identification is not possible until bulbs are produced. Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers were also used to differentiate cultivars while they are in vitro and not amenable to morphological discrimination. No difference was identified between the fingerprints of the virus-free or of the infected bulks of Amarante, showing that there was no clove mixing in the handling of material in the clonal multiplication phase.

Morphological and morphometric aspects of Crassostrea rhizophorae (Guilding, 1828) oocytes in three stages of the gonadal cycle / Aspectos Morfológicos y Morfométricos de Oocitos de Crassostrea rhizophorae (Guilding, 1828) en Tres Fases del Ciclo Gonadal

Crassostrea rhizophorae (Guilding, 1828) es una de las especies de ostras tropicales cultivadas en la costa brasilera, que presenta alto valor comercial, no existiendo información sobre las características gonadales, durante las fases reproductivas de esta especie. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la morfología de los ovocitos y de los folículos gonadales de Crassostrea rhizophorae, en tres fases del ciclo gonadal. Analizando los cortes histológicos de las gónadas y considerando los ovocitos que presentaban núcleo y nucléolo evidentes, fueron determinadas tres fases del ciclo gonadal: gametogénesis inicial, crecimiento y maduración. En la fase de gametogénesis inicial, el diámetro de los folículos y de los ovocitos era de 180,29 (+ - 41,91) e 18,66 (+ - 6,85) µm, respectivamente; también identificamos gran cantidad de tejido conjuntivo interfolicular y un número mayor de ovocitos previtelogénicos. En la fase de crecimiento, el diámetro de los folículos y de los ovocitos era de 218,02 (+ - 43,19) y 25,92 (+ - 9,94) µm, respectivamente. Este fase fue caracterizada por una pequeña cantidad de tejido conjuntivo interfolicular y predominio de ovocitos vitelogénicos. En la fase de maduración, el diámetro de los folículos y de los ovocitos era de 298,16 ( + - 99,24) y 35,27 (+ - 6,2) µm, respectivamente, existiendo gran número de ovocitos maduros. De esta manera, concluimos que durante la implantación del cultivo, Crassostrea rhizophorae tolera la influencia de los factores intrínsecos y extrínsecos y no presenta alteraciones significativas en su actividad reproductiva.

Crassostrea rhizophorae (Guilding, 1828) is one of the tropical species of oysters cultivated on the Brazilian shore. Despite its high commercial value, there is no information on the gonadal characteristics during the reproductive stages of this species. The objective of this work was to analyze the morphology and morphometry of Crassostrea rhizophorae oocytes and follicles in three stages of the gonadal cycle. Were analized histological sections of gonads considering that the oocytes presented visible nuclei and nucleoli, it was observed three gonadal cycle stages: early gametogenesis, growth and maturation. In the early gametogenesis stage, follicles and oocytes presented diameters of 180.29 (± 41.91) and 18.66 (± 6.85) µm, respectively, and presence of large amount of connective tissue and previtellogenic oocyte. In the growth stage, follicles and oocytes presented diameters of 218.02 (± 43.19) and 25.92 (± 9.94) µm, respectively, this stage was characterized by a small amount of interfollicular connective tissue with vitellogenic oocyte predominate. In the maturation stage, follicles and oocytes presented diameters of 298.16 (± 99.24) and 35.27 (± 6.2) µm, respectively, and presence of large number of mature oocytes. We concluded that during culture Crassostrea rhizophorae tolerates the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors and does not undergo significant changes in reproductive activity.

Toxicity to sea urchin egg development of the quinone fraction obtained from Auxemma oncocalyx

Auxemma oncocalyx Taub. belongs to the Boraginaceae family and is native to the Brazilian northeast where it is known as "pau-branco". We investigated the ability of the water soluble fraction isolated from the heartwood of A. oncocalyx to inhibit sea urchin egg development. This fraction contains about 80 percent oncocalyxone A (quinone fraction), a compound known to possess strong cytotoxic and antitumor activities. In fact, the quinone fraction inhibited cleavage in a dose-dependent manner [IC50 of 18.4 (12.4-27.2) æg/ml, N = 6], and destroyed the embryos in the blastula stage [IC50 of 16.2 (13.7-19.2) æg/ml, N = 6]. We suggest that this activity is due to the presence of oncocalyxone A. In fact, these quinones present in A. oncocalyx extract have strong toxicity related to their antimitotic activity

Relationship mbetween immune response and clinical manifestations in patients with tuberculosis

Cutaneous reactivityy to purified protein derivative (PPD) and antibody levels were investigated in 122 adults and 28 children with tuberculosis. IgG anti-PPD levelks (measured by ELISA and reported as absorbance at 405 nm) were higher in adult patients with the disease for more than one year (0.533 ñ 0.391, N=38 vs 0.224 ñ 0.256, n+50 in patients with the disease for less than one year) as well as inn children with disseminated tuberculosis (0.138 ñ 0.137, N=11, vs 0.072 ñ 0.55, N=15 in children with localized disease). The cut-off values (mean + 2SD) for healthy children and adults were 0.09 and 0.22 absorbance at 405 nm. In both adult and pediatric patients, cutaneous reactivity to PPD was inversely correlated with antibody levels. The present data provide additional evidence for the existence of an unstable spectrum of immune response in tuberculosis patients in whom changes in clinical situation are dynamic

Induçäo anestésica: estudo comparativo entre tiopental e etomidato com pré-curarizaçäo / Anesthetic induction: comparative study between thiopental and etomidate with pré-curarization

Observaram-se alguns casos de acentuada bradicardia após o emprego de etomidato em pacientes ambulatoriais para meniscectomia por via artroscópica. Assim sendo estudaram comparativamente dois grupos de 20 pacientes realizando uma técnica de induçäo anestésica com pré-curarizaçäo que variaram fundamentalmente com relaçäo ao agente indutor principal: Tiopental ou Etomidato, foram feitas medidas da freqüência cardíaca (FC) e das pressöes arteriais sistólicas (PAS) e diastólicas (PAD) nos seguintes tempos: Inicial, após fentanil, após dialil-bis-nortoxiferina, após tiopental ou etomidato, após succinilcolina e após intubaçäo traqueal. Até o momento da injeçäo do tiopental ou do etomidato näo ocorreram alteraçöes significativas na FC, PAS ou PAD. No entanto após a administraçäo do etomidato ocorreu diminuiçäo da FC, da PAS e da PAD. Quanto comparado ao tiopental a bradicardia continuou sendo significativa, já as quedas das PAS e PAD näo o foram. Hipertensäo e taquicardia ocorreram após a laringoscopia e intubaçäo traqueal