PHOTH-graphene: a new 2D carbon allotrope with low barriers for Li-ion mobility.

The continued interest in 2D carbon allotropes stems from their unique structural and electronic characteristics, which are crucial for diverse applications. This work theoretically introduces PHOTH-Graphene (PHOTH-G), a novel 2D planar carbon allotrope formed by 4-5-6-7-8 carbon rings. PHOTH-G emerges as a narrow band gap semiconducting material with low formation energy, demonstrating good stability under thermal and mechanical conditions. This material has slight mechanical anisotropy with Young modulus and Poisson ratios varying between 7.08-167.8 GPa and 0.21-0.96. PHOTH-G presents optical activity restricted to the visible range. Li atoms adsorbed on its surface have a migration barrier averaging 0.38 eV.

Insights into the DHQ-BN: mechanical, electronic, and optical properties.

Computational materials research is vital in improving our understanding of various class of materials and their properties, contributing valuable information that helps predict innovative structures and complement empirical investigations. In this context, DHQ-graphene recently emerged as a stable two-dimensional carbon allotrope composed of decagonal, hexagonal, and quadrilateral carbon rings. Here, we employ density functional theory calculations to investigate the mechanical, electronic, and optical features of its boron nitride counterpart (DHQ-BN). Our findings reveal an insulating band gap of 5.11 eV at the HSE06 level and good structural stability supported by phonon calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Moreover, DHQ-BN exhibits strong ultraviolet (UV) activity, suggesting its potential as a highly efficient UV light absorber. Its mechanical properties, including Young's modulus (230 GPa) and Poisson's ratio (0.7), provide insight into its mechanical resilience and structural stability.

Environmental and ichthyofaunistic characteristics of Amazonian streams with and without fish farm.

The environmental impacts caused by fish farming can lead to changes in aquatic ecosystems, especially in fish communities. In this study, we investigated possible changes in water quality, in the number of species and individuals of the same species caused by the construction of fish nurseries in dammed Amazonian streams. For this purpose, four streams located in the municipalities of Novo Airão and Presidente Figueiredo were selected. Samples were collected in streams without fish farming and in streams with stretches used for fish farming, where collections took place both downstream and upstream. The fish were captured, identified, quantified and the water was collected for physical and chemical analyses, in addition to the environmental characterization that was carried out. Comparisons were made using fish richness and abundance indices between the sampled points and correspondence analysis of the species identified at the collection sites, using the Mantel test and principal component analysis (PCA) for the environmental characteristics of the water and variables physical and chemical, and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) to verify the possible effects of species composition on the sampled conditions and on the analyzed environmental variables. In total, 2,302 fish belonging to 53 species, 15 families and six orders were found. We conclude that the Amazonian streams dammed for fish farming, under the analyzed conditions, can be characterized as environments with different and specific levels of richness and abundance, however, the data set analyzed in this study did not show that these characteristics are directly related to productive activity. We recommend that further studies be carried out following the current research.

Magnesium Supplementation Is Associated with a Lower Cardio-Metabolic Risk in Patients Submitted to Bariatric Surgery.

PURPOSE: Literature has demonstrated an inverse relation between magnesium (Mg) consumption and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension (HT), and dyslipidemia. After bariatric surgery (BS), micronutrients deficiencies are common, it being important to ensure appropriate supplementation. There is no recommendation about Mg supplementation and to our knowledge, its effect has not been studied to date. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of Mg supplementation in cardio-metabolic risk factors on post-bariatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study of patients with obesity who underwent BS was performed. Data was assessed preoperatively and yearly (4-year follow-up). RESULTS: A total of 3363 patients were included. In the first year of follow-up, 79.8% (n = 2123) of the patients were supplemented with Mg, with evidence of slightly decreased percentages in the following years. Mg deficiency (serum Mg < 1.52 mEq/L) was more common among patients who were not supplemented during each year of follow-up (p < 0.05). Among those who underwent Mg supplementation, the percentage of T2DM, HT, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) > 130 mg/dL was significantly lower. In the first year post-surgery, the supplementation group had a lower risk of T2DM (OR = 0.545, p < 0.0001), LDL-C > 130 mg/dL (OR = 0.612, p < 0.0001), and HT (OR = 0.584, p < 0.0001). The OR for having these metabolic comorbidities persisted lower during the 4 years' follow-up. Patients who had Mg deficiency had higher prevalence of T2DM and HT. CONCLUSION: Mg supplementation seems to have a protective effect on the development of T2DM, HT, and LDL-C > 130 mg/dL in post-bariatric patients.

Dosagem sérica do marcador tumoral CA 15. 3 em cadelas portadoras de neoplasias mamárias pelo método de eletroquimioluminescência / Serum dosage of the tumor marker Ca 15. 3 in bitches presenting mammary neoplasia with the chemiluminescence method

The objective of the present study was to analyze the serum levels of the tumor marker Ca15.3 in healthy bitches and those with mammary neoplasms, correlating results with tumor type, clinical staging, time until presentation, and presence of ulceration and vascularization. For the study, 30 bitches with mammary tumors and 30 healthy bitches (control group) were selected. Histopathology was performed for identification of tumor type, and blood was collected for measurement of serum concentration of the marker via the chemiluminescence method using a commercial kit. A higher frequency of malignant neoplasms was observed (76.7%), with a higher quantity of carcinoma in mixed tumor (26.7%). Regarding serum concentration of the marker Ca15.3, there was no difference in serum values when comparing the means from bitches with neoplasia and healthy bitches, nor when comparing the other characteristics. The majority of results for serum concentration of Ca15.3, whether in bitches with neoplasia or in healthy bitches, was zero. It is concluded that the measurement of the marker Ca15.3 using the chemiluminescence method and commercial kits for humans did not offer significant results that would make this method or this marker a useful tool for patient monitoring and evaluation of the prognosis of bitches with mammary neoplasms.(AU)

Antimicrobial alumina nanobiostructures of disulfide- and triazole-linked peptides: Synthesis, characterization, membrane interactions and biological activity.

Due to the its physical-chemical properties, alumina nanoparticles have potential applications in several areas, such as nanobiomaterials for medicinal or orthodontic implants, although the introduction of these devices poses a serious risk of microbial infection. One convenient strategy to circumvent this problem is to associate the nanomaterials to antimicrobial peptides with broad-spectrum of activities. In this study we present two novel synthesis approaches to obtain fibrous type alumina nanoparticles covalently bound to antimicrobial peptides. In the first strategy, thiol functionalized alumina nanoparticles were linked via disulfide bond formation to a cysteine residue of an analog of the peptide BP100 containing a four amino acid spacer (Cys-Ala-Ala-Ala). In the second strategy, alumina nanoparticles were functionalized with azide groups and then bound to alkyne-decorated analogs of the peptides BP100 and DD K through a triazole linkage obtained via a copper(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition reaction. The complete physical-chemical characterization of the intermediates and final materials is presented along with in vitro biological assays and membrane interaction studies, which confirmed the activity of the obtained nanobiostructures against both bacteria and fungi. To our knowledge, this is the first report of aluminum nanoparticles covalently bound to triazole-peptides and to a disulfide bound antimicrobial peptide with high potential for biotechnological applications.

Immune response mediated by Th1 / IL-17 / caspase-9 promotes evolution of periodontal disease.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontitis is characterized by inflammatory mediators beyond T lymphocyte function and phenotype (Th1/Th2/Th17). The clinical diversity in periodontitis makes it difficult to characterize the immune response in patients. This study evaluated the profile of the adaptive immune response in the periodontal disease model. METHODS: 72 rats (Wistar) were divided into a control group (CTL/day 0) and periodontitis (PD15/15 days and PD60/60 days). In the PD15 and PD60 groups, periodontal disease was induced by ligature with a silk thread placed in the cervical region of the upper first molar. After euthanasia, the periodontal tissue was analyzed by flow cytometry (CD4, CD8, CD25, CD44), semi-quantitative RT-PCR (T-bet, GATA-3, RORγt), semi-quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA IFN-γ, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17) and by Western blotting (Caspase-9, PCNA). RESULTS: The number of CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD44+, CD8+CD25+ and CD8+CD44+ cells and expression levels of T-bet and GATA-3 are increased in the PD60 group compared to PD15 and CTL. The RORγ-t gene transcript increased in the PD15 group in relation to PD60 and CTL. The cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 increased in the PD60 group in relation to PD15. The expression of Caspase-9 was higher in the PD60 group than in PD15. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the evolution of gingivitis to periodontitis is related to the accumulation of activated Th1 cells (IFN-γ and TNF-α) associated with the presence of increased IL-17. Studies with inhibitors of these cytokines in periodontal disease may lead to therapy directed at blocking the inflammatory process in this pathology, interrupting bone loss.

Temperature Effect on the Development of Tropical Dragonfly Eggs.

Physiological constraints in insects are related to several large-scale processes such as species distribution and thermal adaptation. Here, we fill an important gap in ecophysiology knowledge by accessing the relationship between temperature and embrionary development time in four dragonfly species. We evaluated two questions (1) what is the effect of temperature on the development time of Odonata eggs, and (2) considering a degree-day relationship, could a simple linear model describe the dependence of embrionary development time on temperature or it is better described by a more complex non-linear relation. Egg development time of Erythrodiplax fusca (Rambur), Micrathyria hesperis Ris, Perithemis mooma Kirby, and Miathyria simplex (Rambur) (Odonata: Libellulidae) were evaluated. We put the eggs at different temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30°C) and counted the number of hatched larvae daily. A nonlinear response of the development to the temperature was found, differing from the expected pattern for standard degree-day analysis. Furthermore, we observed that there is a similar process in the development time and hatching synchronization between species, with all species presenting faster egg development at high temperatures. Species-specific differences are more evident at lower temperatures (15°C), with no egg development in M. simplex. Only E. fusca was relatively insensitive to temperature changes with similar hatching rates in all treatments.

Dual Contribution of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Employed for Tissue Engineering of Peripheral Nerves: Trophic Activity and Differentiation into Connective-Tissue Cells.

Adult peripheral nerves in vertebrates can regrow their axons and re-establish function after crush lesion. However, when there is extensive loss of a nerve segment, due to an accident or compressive damage caused by tumors, regeneration is strongly impaired. In order to overcome this problem, bioengineering strategies have been employed, using biomaterials formed by key cell types combined with biodegradable polymers. Many of these strategies are successful, and regenerated nerve tissue can be observed 12 weeks after the implantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the key cell types and the main stem-cell population experimentally employed for cell therapy and tissue engineering of peripheral nerves. The ability of these cells to release a range of different small molecules, such as neurotrophins, growth factors and interleukins, has been widely described and is a feasible explanation for the improvement of nerve regeneration. Moreover, the multipotent capacity of MSCs has been very often challenged with demonstrations of pluripotency, which includes differentiation into any neural cell type. In this study, we generated a biomaterial formed by EGFP-MSCs, constitutively covering microstructured filaments made of poly-ε-caprolactone. This biomaterial was implanted in the sciatic nerve of adult rats, replacing a 12-mm segment, inside a silicon tube. Our results showed that six weeks after implantation, the MSCs had differentiated into connective-tissue cells, but not into neural crest-derived cells such as Schwann cells. Together, present findings demonstrated that MSCs can contribute to nerve-tissue regeneration, producing trophic factors and differentiating into fibroblasts, endothelial and smooth-muscle cells, which compose the connective tissue.

Laryngeal Neuropathy in Adult Goats With Copper Deficiency.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the cause of a neurological syndrome characterized by stridor in adult goats with clinical signs of copper deficiency. The main clinical signs consisted of apathy, emaciation, pale mucous membranes, mucous nasal discharge, dyspnea, severe achromotrichia, diffuse alopecia, torpor, ataxia, and stridor. When the goats were forced to move, the stridor increased. In a herd of 194 Toggenburg goats, 10 adult goats with clinical signs of copper deficiency were removed from the herd and divided into 2 groups: group 1, which consisted of 4 nannies and 1 buck with stridor, and group 2, which consisted of 4 nannies and 1 buck without stridor. Group 3, used as a control, consisted of 5 adult goats from another flock without any clinical signs of disease. The mean serum copper concentrations were 1.3 ± 0.3 µmol/L in group 1, 8.1 ± 1.1 µmol/L in group 2, and 11.3 ± 2.2 µmol/L in group 3. The mean serum iron concentrations were 42.3 ± 14.2 µmol/L in group 1, 39.1 ± 8.2 µmol/L in group 2, and 20.6 ± 6.1 µmol/L in group 3. The main histological lesions in goats from group 1 were axonal degeneration of the recurrent laryngeal nerves and atrophy of the muscles of vocal folds and of the dorsal cricoarytenoid and right and left cricothyroid muscles. Goats with ataxia had neuronal degeneration and necrosis of cerebellar Purkinje cells and of the cranial cervical ganglion. We concluded that the stridor was caused by axonal degeneration of the recurrent laryngeal nerves due to the severe copper deficiency.

Zoledronic acid and alendronate sodium and the implications in orthodontic movement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in rats treated with two types of bisphosphonates (BPs), alendronate sodium (A) and zoledronic acid (Z). DESIGN: In all, 15 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group OTM+A: orthodontic tooth movement and subcutaneous administration of alendronate sodium (2.5 mg/kg); Group OTM+Z: orthodontic tooth movement and subcutaneous administration of zoledronic acid (0.02 mg/kg), and Group OTM: orthodontic tooth movement and subcutaneous injection of saline. The BPs were administered once a day during 25 days before OTM started and during 10 days of OTM. The left upper first molar was moved with a stainless-steel closed coil spring which delivered an initial force of 0.4N. OTM was measured with a digital caliper comparing the moved and the contralateral side. The histomorphometric analysis counted the number of osteoclasts, inflammatory cells, blood vessels and fibroblasts (n/104  m2 ) in periodontal ligament (PDL) of the distobuccal root. RESULTS: A reduction of 58.3% of OTM was found in Group OTM+A and 99.6% in Group OTM+Z, when compared with Group OTM. There was a significant decrease of osteoclasts and inflammatory cells in BP-treated groups. Blood vessels and fibroblastic cells decreased mainly in Group OTM+Z. CONCLUSION: Alendronate sodium and zoledronic acid have similar effects on the periodontal tissue during orthodontic treatment in rats. Especially, zoledronic acid can affect orthodontic tooth movement.

Anesthetic management in a child with moya-moya disease and sickle cell anemia: case report / Tratamiento anestésico en niño con enfermedad de moya-moya y anemia falciforme: caso clínico

Objective. The objective of this case report is to describe the anesthetic management in a child with moya-moya disease and sickle cell anemia provided in a tertiary hospital. Case. A 6 year-old patient, diagnosed with moya-moya disease and sickle cell anemia, both conditions associated with a greater incidence of intracranial ischemic events, with a history of two strokes of the ischemic subtype, was submitted to general anesthesia for the execution of multiple cranial burr holes in order to produce the neovascularization in poorly perfused regions. There were no complications in the perioperative period and the child was discharged from the hospital on the second postoperative day. Conclusion. Although scarcely described in the medical literature, the anesthetic management in a patient with moya-moya disease must ensure the maintenance of cerebral blood flow, normocapnia and the appropriate mean arterial pressure. In a patient with sickle cell disease, an adequate tissue perfusion, adequate oxygenation and hydration and strict pain control are to be primarily expected. The anesthesiologist is expected to know the physiopathology of both conditions to provide the best outcome for these patients (AU)

Objetivo. El objetivo de este caso clínico es el de describir el tratamiento anestésico en un niño con la enfermedad de moya-moya y anemia falciforme en un hospital terciario. Caso. Se trataba de un paciente de 6 años de edad, diagnosticado de enfermedad de moya-moya y anemia falciforme. Ambas condiciones se asocian a una elevada incidencia de episodios de isquemia cerebral. El paciente presentaba como antecedentes médicos 2 accidentes cerebrovasculares isquémicos. Se procedió a la administración de la anestesia para la realización de múltiples orificios craneales, y así favorecer la neovascularización en regiones cerebrales previamente hipoperfundidas. Conclusión. Aunque escasamente descrito, el procedimiento anestésico aplicado en el paciente con enfermedad de moya-moya debe asegurar la estabilidad del flujo de sangre en el cerebro, normocapnia y el apropiado control de la presión arterial. En un paciente con anemia falciforme, la adecuada perfusión tisular, oxigenación e hidratación y el estricto control del dolor son los primeros objetivos a conseguir. El anestesiólogo debe conocer la fisiopatología de ambas condiciones para proveer el mejor cuidado de este tipo de pacientes (AU)

Anesthetic management in patient with neurofibromatosis: a case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: We report the anesthesia management of a 15 years-old patient with neurofibromatosis type 1, scheduled for resection of a tumor located in the occipitocervical region. In addition, we review the pertaining literature, emphasizing the anesthetic implications of neurofibromatosis manipulation. CASE : A 15-years-old female patient, with Neurofibromatosis type 1 was diagnosed with a large tumor in occipitocervical region suggestive of a plexiform neurofibroma. She presented with cervical instability, difficulty in positioning due to the large cervical mass and other predictors of airway difficulty. Awake intubation was carried out with fiberoptic bronchoscopy after anesthetic block of the airway and remifentanil infusion at low doses (0.05 mcg/kg/min). An inadvertent lesion in the left vertebral artery during the surgical procedure was well controlled by fluid replacement, red blood cell and plasma infusion and norepinephrine. The histopathological report revealed a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor originated from a neurofibroma in the craniocervical region. Two months after surgery the patient presented a right crural deficit due to tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrates the importance of knowing the anesthetic peculiarities of patients affected by Neurofibromatosis type 1 submitted to surgery. Neurofibromatosis is a rare pathology in surgical centers, which requires special attention from the anesthesiologist.

Anesthetic management in a child with moya-moya disease and sickle cell anemia: Case report.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this case report is to describe the anesthetic management in a child with moya-moya disease and sickle cell anemia provided in a tertiary hospital. CASE: A 6 year-old patient, diagnosed with moya-moya disease and sickle cell anemia, both conditions associated with a greater incidence of intracranial ischemic events, with a history of two strokes of the ischemic subtype, was submitted to general anesthesia for the execution of multiple cranial burr holes in order to produce the neovascularization in poorly perfused regions. There were no complications in the perioperative period and the child was discharged from the hospital on the second postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Although scarcely described in the medical literature, the anesthetic management in a patient with moya-moya disease must ensure the maintenance of cerebral blood flow, normocapnia and the appropriate mean arterial pressure. In a patient with sickle cell disease, an adequate tissue perfusion, adequate oxygenation and hydration and strict pain control are to be primarily expected. The anesthesiologist is expected to know the physiopathology of both conditions to provide the best outcome for these patients.

Yield of Computed Tomography at Baseline Staging of Melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines call for baseline imaging only for very high-risk (T4b) primary cutaneous melanomas. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the frequency of computed tomography (CT) at baseline staging of primary cutaneous melanoma and the diagnostic yield of CT; and to describe the types and frequencies of incidentaloma findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of cutaneous melanoma cases (tumor classifications Tis to T4bN0M0) attended between 2008 and 2014 in a specialized melanoma unit. Reports of CT scans performed during baseline staging were reviewed to determine the frequency of positive scan results, incidentaloma findings, unit cost for detection of metastasis, and factors associated with the decision to order CT. RESULTS: CT results were available for 310 of the 419 patients included (73.99%). The tumor classifications were as follows: Tis, 17; T1, 137; T2, 71; T3, 48; and T4, 37. The CT results were negative in 81.61%, and incidentalomas were found in 18.06%. Additional primary tumors were found in 2 patients (0.64%), and metastasis was identified in one patient (0.32%). The cost of finding the case of metastasis was €71,234.90. A T2 tumor classification (odds ratio [OR], 8.73) and age under 70 years (OR, 3.53) were associated with greater likelihood of CT being ordered. Excision of the primary tumor in the melanoma unit (OR, 0.08) was associated with less likelihood of ordering CT. CONCLUSIONS: The results for this patient series support current recommendations restricting CT at baseline to cases where there is high risk of metastasis (stagesiiC-iii).

Energetic status of crossbreed dairy cows during transition period in two different seasons / Perfil energético de vacas leiteiras mestiças no período de transição em duas estações do ano

We used 31 crossbreed dairy cows to compare the energetic profile in summer and winter. Blood samples were taken weekly prepartum, at calving and on days 2, 5, 10, 15, 21 and 30 postpartum. All metabolic indicators analyzed were influenced by the physiological status. The glucose concentrations were higher during winter while the triglyceride concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were higher in the summer. The season influenced the concentrations of cholesterol, AST and GGT, showing a different pattern between summer and winter. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hidroxibutirate (BHB) were not influenced by the season. Cows that calved during winter had a greater body condition score (BCS) and lost more BCS until calving. During summer, 32.26% of the animals and 29.03% during winter had NEFA concentrations above the optimum level and 22.58% of the animals in summer and 19.35% in the winter had subclinical ketosis at some point during the transition period, making then more susceptible to diseases.

Foram utilizadas 31 vacas leiteiras mestiças para comparar o perfil energético em duas estações, verão e inverno. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas semanalmente durante o pré-parto, no dia do parto e nos dias dois, cinco, 10, 15, 21 e 30 do pós-parto. Todos os metabólitos analisados foram influenciados pelo estádio fisiológico. As concentrações de glicose foram maiores no inverno, enquanto as concentrações de triglicérides e lactato desidrogenase (LDH) foram maiores no verão. As concentrações de colesterol, AST e GGT mostraram um padrão de comportamento diferente entre o verão e o inverno. Ácidos graxos não esterificados (NEFA) e beta-hidroxibutirato (BHB) não foram influenciados pela estação do ano. As vacas que pariram durante o inverno tinham um escore de condição corporal (ECC) maior e perderam mais ECC até o parto. No verão, 32,26% e, no inverno, 29,03% dos animais apresentaram concentrações de NEFA acima do recomendado no pré-parto; 22,58% dos animais no verão e 19,35% no inverno tiveram cetose subclínica em algum momento do período de transição, tornando-os mais suscetíveis a outras doenças.

Biological behavior of mesenchymal stem cells on poly-ε-caprolactone filaments and a strategy for tissue engineering of segments of the peripheral nerves.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral nerves may fail to regenerate across tube implants because these lack the microarchitecture of native nerves. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) secrete soluble factors that improve the regeneration of the peripheral nerves. Also, microstructured poly-caprolactone (PCL) filaments are capable of inducing bands of Büngner and promote regeneration in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). We describe here the interaction between PCL filaments and MSC, aiming to optimize PNS tubular implants. METHODS: MSC were plated on PCL filaments for 48 h and the adhesion profile, viability, proliferation and paracrine capacity were evaluated. Also, Schwann cells were plated on PCL filaments covered with MSC for 24 h to analyze the feasibility of the co-culture system. Moreover, E16 dorsal root ganglia were plated in contact with PCL filaments for 4 days to analyze neurite extension. Right sciatic nerves were exposed and a 10 mm nerve segment was removed. Distal and proximal stumps were reconnected inside a 14-mm polyethylene tube, leaving a gap of approximately 13 mm between the two stumps. Animals then received phosphate-buffered saline 1×, PCL filaments or PCL filaments previously incubated with MSC and, after 12 weeks, functional gait performance and histological analyses were made. Statistical analyses were made using Student's unpaired t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-test. RESULTS: MSC were confined to lateral areas and ridges of PCL filaments, aligning along the longitudinal. MSC showed high viability (90 %), and their proliferation and secretion capabilities were not completely inhibited by the filaments. Schwann cells adhered to filaments plated with MSC, maintaining high viability (90 %). Neurites grew and extended over the surface of PCL filaments, reaching greater distances when over MSC-plated filaments. Axons showed more organized and myelinized fibers and reinnervated significantly more muscle fibers when they were previously implanted with MSC-covered PLC filaments. Moreover, animals with MSC-covered filaments showed increased functional recovery after 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence for the interaction among MSC, Schwann cells and PCL filaments, and we also demonstrate that this system can constitute a stable and permissive support for regeneration of segments of the peripheral nerves.

Diurnal behavior of dairy cows on alfalfa pastures supplemented with corn silage and concentrate / Comportamento diurno de vacas leiteiras em pastagem de alfafa suplementada com silagem de milho e concentrado

The diurnal ingestive behavior of dairy cows on alfalfa pastures supplemented with corn silage and concentrate was evaluated. Sixteen Holstein dairy cows in mid-lactation were used in a randomized block design. The treatments were partial replacement of corn silage for limited alfalfa grazing time (LGT) or unlimited grazing time (UGT). Rotational alfalfa grazing was used and the amount of concentrate fed was the same in both treatments. Behavioral activities observed were time spent grazing, rumination and idleness, during four days, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. From 2:00 to 5:00 PM grazing was intermittent and short-lasting on UGT, whereas on LGT grazing activity was longer than UGT in the morning and at the end of the afternoon. Restriction in available grazing time clearly influenced the distribution of time spent with grazing, rumination and idleness throughout the day. However, this effect was not observed in the total time spent in these activities...

Avaliou-se o comportamento ingestivo de vacas leiteiras com acesso restrito ou irrestrito a uma pastagem de alfafa suplementada com silagem de milho e concentrado. Utilizaram-se 16 vacas da raça Holandesa, em estádio médio de lactação, em delineamento em blocos ao acaso. Os tratamentos foram: silagem de milho substituída parcialmente por pastejo restrito ou irrestrito de alfafa. As vacas foram manejadas em sistema de pastejo rotacionado e a quantidade de concentrado foi igual em ambos os tratamentos. As atividades comportamentais observadas foram pastejo, ruminação e ócio, das oito às 19 horas, em quatro ocasiões. No pastejo irrestrito, observou-se que, nos horários entre 14 e 17 horas, o pastejo foi intermitente e de curta duração, enquanto no pastejo restrito a atividade de pastejo foi mais prolongada durante a manhã e no final da tarde. A restrição no tempo disponível para pastejo da alfafa influenciou marcadamente a distribuição, no decorrer do dia, do tempo gasto em pastejo, da ruminação e do ócio. Entretanto, não se observou este efeito no tempo total gasto nestas atividades...