Small understorey trees have greater capacity than canopy trees to adjust hydraulic traits following prolonged experimental drought in a tropical forest.

Future climate change predictions for tropical forests highlight increased frequency and intensity of extreme drought events. However, it remains unclear whether large and small trees have differential strategies to tolerate drought due to the different niches they occupy. The future of tropical forests is ultimately dependent on the capacity of small trees (<10 cm in diameter) to adjust their hydraulic system to tolerate drought. To address this question, we evaluated whether the drought tolerance of neotropical small trees can adjust to experimental water stress and was different from tall trees. We measured multiple drought resistance-related hydraulic traits across nine common neotropical genera at the world's longest-running tropical forest throughfall-exclusion experiment and compared their responses with surviving large canopy trees. Small understorey trees in both the control and the throughfall-exclusion treatment had lower minimum stomatal conductance and maximum hydraulic leaf-specific conductivity relative to large trees of the same genera, as well as a greater hydraulic safety margin (HSM), percentage loss of conductivity and embolism resistance, demonstrating that they occupy a distinct hydraulic niche. Surprisingly, in response to the drought treatment, small trees increased specific hydraulic conductivity by 56.3% and leaf:sapwood area ratio by 45.6%. The greater HSM of small understorey trees relative to large canopy trees likely enabled them to adjust other aspects of their hydraulic systems to increase hydraulic conductivity and take advantage of increases in light availability in the understorey resulting from the drought-induced mortality of canopy trees. Our results demonstrate that differences in hydraulic strategies between small understorey and large canopy trees drive hydraulic niche segregation. Small understorey trees can adjust their hydraulic systems in response to changes in water and light availability, indicating that natural regeneration of tropical forests following long-term drought may be possible.

Transoperative glycemia in pets: validating old ones, and presenting lip mucosa as new sampling site.

The aim of our study was to investigate the viability and validity of blood sampling from the upper lip mucosa in healthy dogs and cats for monitoring transoperative glycemia and compare the results with those obtained from samples taken from previously described blood sampling sites for determination of glycemia using a glucose meter. Blood glucose (BG) levels were determined in samples taken from the upper lip mucosa of 24 dogs and 31 cats undergoing neutering or spaying surgeries. These values were compared to those of samples obtained from other sites previously described for capillary blood glucose monitoring (marginal ear vein, carpal pad in dogs, metacarpal pad in cats) using a glucose meter. Additionally, BG from peripheral venous blood was determined using a glucose meter, and the gold standard enzymatic colorimetric assay. The clinical reliability of BG values taken from lip mucosa and from all the other BG values measured by the glucose meter was evaluated using the error grid analysis modified by Parkes et al (2000). The upper lip mucosa was an easily accessible site for the obtainment of appropriate blood samples, and glucose levels read in these samples correlated positively with glycemic values read in blood samples from all other sites in dogs and cats. All BG made using glucose meters taken from all sites were within the clinically acceptable range when compared with enzymatic colorimetric assay (gold standard), and were analytically accurate according to the error grid (zones A and B). All blood sampling sites described in this work can be used to assess transoperative glycemia. The upper lip mucosa is a viable blood sampling site for precise monitoring of transoperative glycemia in healthy dogs and cats and shows promise for alternative blood glucose monitoring.

Ovarian follicular dynamic and plasma progesterone concentration in Alpine goats on the breeding season / Dinâmica folicular ovariana e concentração plasmática de progesterona em cabras Alpinas durante a estação reprodutiva

Os objetivos deste estudo foram relatar a dinâmica folicular ovariana e a concentração plasmática de progesterona durante ciclos estrais de duração irregular em cabras da raça Alpina. Vinte e nove cabras tiveram sua atividade ovariana monitorada diariamente por ultrassonografia transretal durante um, dois ou três períodos interovulatórios consecutivos. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para análise da concentração plasmática de progesterona. Dos 47 ciclos avaliados, 28 (59,57%) foram de duração normal (17 a 25 dias), sete (14,89%) de curta duração (<17 dias) e 12 (25,53%) de longa duração (>25 dias). Os ciclos estrais de curta duração tiveram 6,14±0,69 dias e uma onda folicular que emergiu no dia 0,43±1,13. Os ciclos estrais de longa duração tiveram entre 26 e 79 dias, com duas a nove ondas foliculares. Os ciclos estrais de curta duração ocorreram durante a estação reprodutiva e foram associados à regressão prematura do corpo lúteo (CL). Os ciclos estrais de longa duração ocorreram na transição entre o anestro e a estação reprodutiva e foram associados principalmente à persistência do CL ou à fase folicular prolongada.(AU)

Ovarian follicular dynamic and plasma progesterone concentration in Alpine goats on the breeding season / Dinâmica folicular ovariana e concentração plasmática de progesterona em cabras Alpinas durante a estação reprodutiva

Os objetivos deste estudo foram relatar a dinâmica folicular ovariana e a concentração plasmática de progesterona durante ciclos estrais de duração irregular em cabras da raça Alpina. Vinte e nove cabras tiveram sua atividade ovariana monitorada diariamente por ultrassonografia transretal durante um, dois ou três períodos interovulatórios consecutivos. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para análise da concentração plasmática de progesterona. Dos 47 ciclos avaliados, 28 (59,57%) foram de duração normal (17 a 25 dias), sete (14,89%) de curta duração (<17 dias) e 12 (25,53%) de longa duração (>25 dias). Os ciclos estrais de curta duração tiveram 6,14±0,69 dias e uma onda folicular que emergiu no dia 0,43±1,13. Os ciclos estrais de longa duração tiveram entre 26 e 79 dias, com duas a nove ondas foliculares. Os ciclos estrais de curta duração ocorreram durante a estação reprodutiva e foram associados à regressão prematura do corpo lúteo (CL). Os ciclos estrais de longa duração ocorreram na transição entre o anestro e a estação reprodutiva e foram associados principalmente à persistência do CL ou à fase folicular prolongada.(AU)

Contagem bacteriana total do leite em diferentes sistemas de ordenha e de resfriamento / Total bacterial count of milk in different systems of milking and cooling

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito dos sistemas de ordenha e de resfriamento na contagem bacteriana total (CBT) e na quantidade de leite com CBT ≤ 105, que representa leite de alta qualidade. Um total de 12.221 registros de CBT do leite foi obtido de uma indústria láctea da região Oeste do Paraná, no período de janeiro a outubro de 2006. Após as coletas, a qualidade do leite foi analisada em laboratório pelo método de citometria de fluxo. Os dados de CBT foram classificados por sistema de ordenha, tipo de resfriador e intervalos da CBT, segundo critério da Instrução Normativa 62, e submetidos à análise de independência de Qui-Quadrado. As proporçõesde CBT do leite entre tipos de resfriadores, em cada sistema de ordenha, foram comparadas utilizando-se a estatística calculada Z. Observou-se menor (p < 0,01) valor de CBT do leite de vacas submetidas à ordenha canalizada e do leite resfriado a granel. A proporção das amostras de leite avaliadas nos três níveis de CBT resfriadas por sistema de imersão não diferiu (p = 0,1549) do leite resfriado a granel, quando o leite foi obtido de rebanhos ordenhados por ordenha canalizada. A alta qualidade microbiológica do leite da região Oeste do Paraná é obtida quando os produtores utilizam em suas propriedades rurais a ordenha canalizada e o sistema de resfriamento a granel.

Total bacterial count of milk in different systems of milking and cooling. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of milking systems and cooling on total bacterial count (TBC), and the amount of milk samples with TBC ≤ 105, which represents high-quality milk. A total of 12,221 records of milk TBC were obtained from a dairy industry in the western region of Paraná State, Brazil, from January to October 2006. After the sampling was conducted, the milk quality was analyzed in the laboratory by the method of flow cytometry. The TBC data wereclassified by milking system, type of coolers and intervals of the TBC, in accordance with Normative Instruction 62, and submitted to the chi-square test for independence. The proportions of milk TBC among types of coolers at each milking system were compared using the calculated statistic Z. A lower TBC value (p < 0.01) was observed in milk obtained from cows milked using a piped system and from bulk cooled milk. The proportion of milk samples evaluated at three levels of TBC cooled by the immersion system did not differ (p = 0.1549) from bulk cooled milk when the milk was obtained from herds milked with a piped system. The best microbiological quality of milk in the western region of Paraná was achieved with a piped milking system and bulk cooling.

Contagem bacteriana total do leite em diferentes sistemas de ordenha e de resfriamento / Total bacterial count of milk in different systems of milking and cooling

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito dos sistemas de ordenha e de resfriamento na contagem bacteriana total (CBT) e na quantidade de leite com CBT ≤ 105, que representa leite de alta qualidade. Um total de 12.221 registros de CBT do leite foi obtido de uma indústria láctea da região Oeste do Paraná, no período de janeiro a outubro de 2006. Após as coletas, a qualidade do leite foi analisada em laboratório pelo método de citometria de fluxo. Os dados de CBT foram classificados por sistema de ordenha, tipo de resfriador e intervalos da CBT, segundo critério da Instrução Normativa 62, e submetidos à análise de independência de Qui-Quadrado. As proporçõesde CBT do leite entre tipos de resfriadores, em cada sistema de ordenha, foram comparadas utilizando-se a estatística calculada Z. Observou-se menor (p < 0,01) valor de CBT do leite de vacas submetidas à ordenha canalizada e do leite resfriado a granel. A proporção das amostras de leite avaliadas nos três níveis de CBT resfriadas por sistema de imersão não diferiu (p = 0,1549) do leite resfriado a granel, quando o leite foi obtido de rebanhos ordenhados por ordenha canalizada. A alta qualidade microbiológica do leite da região Oeste do Paraná é obtida quando os produtores utilizam em suas propriedades rurais a ordenha canalizada e o sistema de resfriamento a granel.(AU)

Total bacterial count of milk in different systems of milking and cooling. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of milking systems and cooling on total bacterial count (TBC), and the amount of milk samples with TBC ≤ 105, which represents high-quality milk. A total of 12,221 records of milk TBC were obtained from a dairy industry in the western region of Paraná State, Brazil, from January to October 2006. After the sampling was conducted, the milk quality was analyzed in the laboratory by the method of flow cytometry. The TBC data wereclassified by milking system, type of coolers and intervals of the TBC, in accordance with Normative Instruction 62, and submitted to the chi-square test for independence. The proportions of milk TBC among types of coolers at each milking system were compared using the calculated statistic Z. A lower TBC value (p < 0.01) was observed in milk obtained from cows milked using a piped system and from bulk cooled milk. The proportion of milk samples evaluated at three levels of TBC cooled by the immersion system did not differ (p = 0.1549) from bulk cooled milk when the milk was obtained from herds milked with a piped system. The best microbiological quality of milk in the western region of Paraná was achieved with a piped milking system and bulk cooling.(AU)

Parâmetros digestivos e produção de proteína microbiana em novilhas em crescimento compensatório / Digestive parameters and protein microbial production in heifers under compensatory growth

Avaliaram-se o manejo para crescimento compensatório e o efeito da suplementação com ionóforo na dieta sobre os parâmetros digestivos e sobre a produção de proteína microbiana de novilhas leiteiras. Foram utilizadas 20 animais puros da raça Pardo-Suíça, com média de peso inicial de 200kg aos cinco meses de idade. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em um esquema fatorial 2x2x2, e os animais foram alocados, aleatoriamente, em cada uma das combinações. O fator 1 consistiu dos sistemas de alimentação (convencional e crescimento compensatório), o fator 2, da utilização (200mg de monensina/animal/dia) ou não de ionóforo e o fator 3, dos períodos de alimentação (P1 e P2). A inclusão de ionóforo na dieta aumentou os coeficientes de digestibilidade total da matéria seca, da matéria orgânica, dos carboidratos totais e da fibra em detergente neutro. Não houve efeito do sistema de alimentação, da adição de ionóforo à dieta e do período sobre a produção microbiana. A eficiência microbiana (g PB microbiana/kg de NDT consumido) no período de restrição foi maior que no período de realimentação.

The effects of compensatory growth and ionophore supplementation of diet of dairy heifer on digestive parameters and protein microbial production were evaluated. Twenty five-month-old Brown-Swiss heifers averaging 200kg b.w. were used. The treatments were arranged in a factorial design (2x2x2) with the animals randomly allocated to each of the combinations. Factor 1 was based on the feeding systems (conventional and compensatory growth), factor 2 on ionophore supplementation option (200mg of monensin/animal/day or not) and factor 3, on the feeding periods (P1 and P2). The diet supplemented with ionophore increased the total digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, total carbohydrates, and neutral detergent fiber. No effect of feeding systems, ionophore supplementation, or feeding periods based on microbial production was oberved. The microbial efficiency (g of microbial crude protein/kg of NDT intake) during the restriction period was higher than the re-feeding period.

Parâmetros digestivos e produção de proteína microbiana em novilhas em crescimento compensatório / Digestive parameters and protein microbial production in heifers under compensatory growth

Avaliaram-se o manejo para crescimento compensatório e o efeito da suplementação com ionóforo na dieta sobre os parâmetros digestivos e sobre a produção de proteína microbiana de novilhas leiteiras. Foram utilizadas 20 animais puros da raça Pardo-Suíça, com média de peso inicial de 200kg aos cinco meses de idade. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em um esquema fatorial 2x2x2, e os animais foram alocados, aleatoriamente, em cada uma das combinações. O fator 1 consistiu dos sistemas de alimentação (convencional e crescimento compensatório), o fator 2, da utilização (200mg de monensina/animal/dia) ou não de ionóforo e o fator 3, dos períodos de alimentação (P1 e P2). A inclusão de ionóforo na dieta aumentou os coeficientes de digestibilidade total da matéria seca, da matéria orgânica, dos carboidratos totais e da fibra em detergente neutro. Não houve efeito do sistema de alimentação, da adição de ionóforo à dieta e do período sobre a produção microbiana. A eficiência microbiana (g PB microbiana/kg de NDT consumido) no período de restrição foi maior que no período de realimentação.(AU)

The effects of compensatory growth and ionophore supplementation of diet of dairy heifer on digestive parameters and protein microbial production were evaluated. Twenty five-month-old Brown-Swiss heifers averaging 200kg b.w. were used. The treatments were arranged in a factorial design (2x2x2) with the animals randomly allocated to each of the combinations. Factor 1 was based on the feeding systems (conventional and compensatory growth), factor 2 on ionophore supplementation option (200mg of monensin/animal/day or not) and factor 3, on the feeding periods (P1 and P2). The diet supplemented with ionophore increased the total digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, total carbohydrates, and neutral detergent fiber. No effect of feeding systems, ionophore supplementation, or feeding periods based on microbial production was oberved. The microbial efficiency (g of microbial crude protein/kg of NDT intake) during the restriction period was higher than the re-feeding period.(AU)

[Return to work of adults after liver transplantation]. / Retorno ao trabalho de pacientes adultos submetidos a transplante de fígado.

BACKGROUND: Orthotopic liver transplantation is an established therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease. In the last years more attention has been given for the improvement of the quality of life after liver transplantation, and the return to important life pursuits, such as employment, are important goals of this type of therapy. AIM: To assess the work's return rate in liver transplant recipients and the reasons for inability after liver transplant. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-one adults (age > or = 18 years) who underwent liver transplantation at our institution, between September 1991 and June 1999, with a post-transplant survival > or = 9 months, good graft function and a regular clinical follow-up were enrolled for the study. A questionnaire that measured aspects of inactivity before and after liver transplantation had been applied. RESULTS: Thirty-one of 41 patients were unable to work due end-stage liver disease before liver transplantation. Return to work was observed in 28 of 41 patients (68%) in a mean time of 5.9 months after the surgical procedure. Eleven of 28 active patients after liver transplant (39%) contribute significantly to family income. The reasons for inactivity after liver transplantation were: early retirement (n = 5), unemployment (n = 4), and physical disability (n = 4). CONCLUSION: Successful liver transplantation not only improves the survival rate but allows patients to return to social function and workforce.