Aquatic Macrophytes Hosting Immature Mansonia (Mansonia) Blanchard, 1901 (Diptera, Culicidae) in Porto Velho, Rondonia State, Brazil.

High abundance of hematophagous mosquitoes of the genus Mansonia Blanchard, 1901 (Diptera: Culicidae) threatens human and domestic animal health and well-being. Knowledge of the biology of nuisance mosquito species is necessary to understand specific ecological and biological factors to enable rapid and effective monitoring measures for sustainable control programs. The establishment and dispersion of Mansonia species are associated with the occurrence of aquatic macrophytes species, which are indispensable for the development of larvae and pupae. To increase knowledge of the host plants for Mansonia immature stages in Porto Velho, Rondonia State, Brazil, specimens of four plant species, which occur across the tributaries of the Madeira River were sampled and inspected for the presence of egg batches, larvae, and pupae. A total of 1,386 larvae and pupae of Mansonia spp. were collected attached to the roots of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Commelinales: Pontederiaceae), Pistia stratiotes L. (Alismatales: Araceae), and Limnobium laevigatum (Humb. and Bonpl. Ex Willd.) Heine (Alismatales: Hydrocharitaceae). The novel association of Mansonia species with L. laevigatum is presented. Egg batches of Mansonia spp. were found only on Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch. (Salviniales: Salviniaceae). Possible differences in the roles played by E. crassipes and S. molesta in the reproductive cycle of Mansonia spp. in the surveyed area are discussed. All species of host plants including E. crassipes, P. stratiotes, S. molesta, and L. laevigatum should be considered when planning macrophyte management for the control of Mansonia species.

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in sub-Saharan Africa and associations with undernutrition, and governance in children under five years of age: a systematic review.

Associations between different forms of malnutrition and environmental conditions, including water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), may contribute towards persistently poor child health, growth and cognitive development. Experiencing poor nutrition in utero or during early childhood is furthermore associated with chronic diseases later in life. The primary responsibility for provision of water and sanitation, as a basic service and human right, lies with the State; however, a number of stakeholders are involved. The situation is most critical in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where, in 2015, 311 million people lacked a safe water source, and >70% of SSA populations were living without adequate sanitation. The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review to investigate the state of literature concerned with WASH and its association with nutritional status, and governance in children from birth to 5 years of age in SSA. Articles were sourced from PubMed Central, Science Direct and ProQuest Social Science databases published between 1990 and 2017. The PRISMA Statement was utilised and this systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017071700). The search terms returned 15,351 articles for screening, with 46 articles included. This is indicative of a limited body of knowledge; however, the number of publications on this topic has been increasing, suggesting burgeoning field of interest. Targeted research on the governance of WASH through the identification of the various role players and stakeholders at various levels, while understanding the policy environment in relation to particular health-related outcomes is imperative to address the burden of child undernutrition.

Retinol status and associated factors in mother-newborn pairs.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency is still considered to be a nutritional problem during pregnancy, lactation and early childhood. The present study aimed to assess the vitamin A status of women and their newborns in the Brazilian Northeast and to determine the association between retinol in the maternal serum, umbilical cord blood and colostrum. METHODS: Vitamin A status in 65 pairs of women and newborns was assessed from samples of the mother's serum, umbilical cord serum and colostrum using high-performance liquid chromatography. The inadequacy of the vitamin A status of mothers and infants was identified if the retinol values were <0.7 µmol L- 1 in maternal serum or umbilical cord blood or <1.05 µmol L-1 in colostrum. RESULTS: The prevalence of inadequate maternal vitamin A status was 21.5% (95% CI: 11.5%-31.5%) and 13.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.4%-22.2%] based on maternal serum and colostrum, respectively. Among newborns, 41.5% (95% CI = 29.3%-53.5%) presented a low status of vitamin A based on cord serum. Multiple linear regression analysis identified that maternal serum retinol is a predictor of umbilical cord retinol (P = 0.005). Retinol in maternal serum was lower in mothers who were less educated (P = 0.04) and colostrum retinol was higher in older (P = 0.04) and multiparous (P = 0.002) mothers. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin A deficiency is a common problem among mothers attended in public hospitals in Northeast Brazil and maternal retinol concentrations are associated with retinol status in newborns. Maternal age, parity and educational level were related to the maternal vitamin A status.

Photodynamic effect of zinc porphyrin on the promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania braziliensis.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease present in more than 88 countries. The currently adopted chemotherapy faces challenges related to side effects and the development of resistance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is emerging as a therapeutic modality for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Zn(ii) meso-tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (ZnTE-2-PyP4+, ZnP) is a cationic, water-soluble, zinc porphyrin-based photosensitizer whose photodynamic effect on Leishmania braziliensis was analyzed by evaluating the number of visibly undamaged and motile cells, cell membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ultrastructural damage. Treatment of parasites with ZnP and light induced damage in up to 90% of L. braziliensis promastigote cells. Propidium iodide labeling suggested the loss of plasma membrane integrity. In samples treated with ZnP and light, a hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential was also observed. Ultrastructural evaluation of promastigotes after photodynamic treatment indicated a loss of cytoplasmic material and the presence of vacuoles. Scanning electron microscopy showed wrinkling of the plasma membrane and a reduced cell volume. Additionally, the number of amastigotes per macrophage was reduced by about 40% after photodynamic application. The treatment showed no considerable toxicity against mammalian cells. Therefore, the results indicated that PDT associated with ZnTE-2-PyP4+ represents a promising alternative to cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment.

Long-term success of dental implants in patients with head and neck cancer after radiation therapy.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the long-term success and factors potentially influencing the success of dental implants placed in patients with head and neck cancer who underwent radiation therapy with a minimum total dose of 50Gy during the years 1995-2010. Thirty-five patients (169 dental implants) were included in this study. Data on demographic characteristics, tumour type, radiation therapy, implant sites, implant dimensions, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) were obtained from the medical records and analyzed. Implant survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Seventy-nine dental implants were placed in the maxilla and 90 in the mandible. The mean follow-up after implant installation was 7.4 years (range 0.3-14.7 years). The overall 5-year survival rate for all implants was 92.9%. Sex (P<0.001) and the mode of radiation therapy delivery (P=0.005) had a statistically significant influence on implant survival. Age, time of implantation after irradiation, implant brand and dimensions, and HBOT had no statistically significant influence on implant survival. Osseointegrated dental implants can be used successfully in the oral rehabilitation of patients with head and neck cancer with a history of radiation therapy. Risk factors such as sex and the mode of radiation therapy delivery can affect implant survival.

Fermentation profile and microbial population in soybean silages with inoculant and powdered molasses / Perfil fermentativo e população microbiana em silagens de soja com inoculante e melaço em pó

Fermentation profile and microbial population were assessed in soybean silages without any additive (control), with inoculant (I), with I + powdered molasses (I+M), and with powdered molasses only (M). Soybean plants were harvested at the R6 stage and ensiled in 2kg-capacity laboratory silos. The additives were added to the natural matter base of silages. The assessed fermentation periods were 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. A 4 × 6 factorial arrangement (4 additives × 6 fermentation periods) in a completely randomized design with 3 replicates was used. Lactic, acetic, and butyric acids concentrations were influenced by additives and periods (P< 0.05). It was observed higher lactic acid values to control silages, on the 56th day. Lower average values of acetic and butyric acids were observed to I+M and M silages. It was observed quadratic effect to pH values with a reduction estimated of 0.5504, 0.5358, 0.6312 and 0.6680 units to pH values to control, I, I+M, and M silages in the first 10 days. A maximum lactic acid bacteria population was observed at the 28th day of fermentation in silages with inoculant. The inoculant and powdered molasses improve the fermentation profile of soybean silages.(AU)

Avaliou-se o perfil fermentativo e a composição microbiana de silagens de soja sem aditivos (controle), com inoculante (I), com I + melaço em pó (I+M) e com melaço em pó (M). As plantas de soja foram colhidas no estádio R6 e ensiladas em silos laboratoriais com capacidade de 2kg. Os aditivos foram adicionados às silagens na matéria natural. Os períodos de fermentação avaliados foram: 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 e 56 dias. Utilizou-se um esquema fatorial 4 × 6 (quatro aditivos × seis períodos), em um delineamento completamente ao acaso, com três repetições. Observou-se efeito de aditivos e de período (P<0,05) sobre os ácidos láctico, acético e butírico. Foi constatado maior teor de ácido láctico na silagem controle aos 56 dias. Para os teores dos ácidos acético e butírico, registraram-se menores valores médios nas silagens I+M e M. Observou-se efeito quadrático para o pH das silagens, com estimativa de redução de pH nos primeiros 10 dias igual a 0,5504; 0,5358; 0,6312 e 0,6680 nas silagens controle, I, I+M e M, respectivamente. A máxima população de bactéria ácido-láctica foi observada aos 28 dias nas silagens inoculadas. O inoculante e o melaço em pó melhoram o perfil fermentativo de silagens de soja.(AU)

Valor nutritivo e cinética de degradação in vitro de genótipos de capim-elefante (Penissetum purpureum Schumach) sob dois intervalos de desfolhação e duas alturas de resíduo pós-pastejo / Nutritive value and in vitro kinetics degradation of elephant grass genotypes (Penissetum purpureum Schumach) under two intervals of defoliation and two post-grazing heights

O experimento foi conduzido na Embrapa Gado de Leite, em Coronel Pacheco, MG, com o objetivo de avaliar o valor nutritivo e a cinética de degradação in vitro de genótipos de capim-elefante submetidos ao pastejo, usando-se a técnica de mob-grazing. Utilizou-se a combinação fatorial (2x2x2), sendo dois genótipos de capim-elefante (BRS Kurumi e CNPGL 00-1-3), duas interceptações luminosas (IL) à entrada dos animais nos piquetes (90 e 95%) e duas alturas de resíduo pós-pastejo (30 e 50cm), dispostos num delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três repetições. Para o pastejo, foram usadas 24 novilhas mestiças Holandês x Zebu, com 190kg. O genótipo BRS Kurumi apresentou maior teor de PB (15,65%), menor teor de FDN (60,35%), maior coeficiente de digestibilidade (70,04%) e mais alta taxa de degradação (2,62% h1) em relação ao outro genótipo, quando manejados a 90% IL. O manejo a 95% de IL e resíduo de 30cm favoreceu mais altos teores de PB (14,04%) e coeficientes de DIVMS (69,81%) e mais baixos teores de FDN (60,61%), independentemente do genótipo. Assim, recomenda-se a utilização do genótipo Kurumi, manejado a 90% de IL e resíduo de 30cm, quando se leva em consideração o valor nutritivo da forragem.(AU)

The experiment was conducted at Embrapa Gado de Leite, Coronel Pacheco, MG, to evaluate the nutritive value and the in vitro kinetics of degradation of elephant grass genotypes under rotational grazing. The treatments consisted of a factorial combination (2x2x2), two genotypes of elephant grass (BRS Kurumi and CNPGL 00-1-3), two light interceptions (LI) at initiation of grazing (90 and 95%) and two post-grazing heights (30 and 50cm), arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. Grazing animals were 24 Holstein Zebu crossbred heifers with 190kg BW. The genotype BRS Kurumi has a higher CP content (15.65%), lower NDF content (60.35%), higher digestibility (70.04%) and higher rate of degradation (2.62% h-1) in relation to CNPGL 00-1-3 when managed under 90% of LI. The management based on 95% of LI and 30cm of residual height promote higher CP content (14.04%) and coefficient of IVDMD (69.81%), as well as lower NDF content (60.61%), regardless of genotype. Thus, taking into account the nutritional value of forage, it is recommended to use the genotype BRS Kurumi managed under 90% of LI and 30cm of post-grazing residue.(AU)

Effects of lactic acid bacteria with bacteriocinogenic potential on the fermentation profile and chemical composition of alfalfa silage in tropical conditions.

The fermentation profile, chemical composition, and microbial populations of alfalfa silages treated with microbial inoculants (MI) at different fermentation periods (T) were evaluated in tropical conditions. A 4×6 factorial arrangement was used in a randomized design with 3 replicates. Fresh alfalfa was treated with (1) no treatment (CTRL), (2) commercial inoculant (CIN), (3) Pediococcus acidilactici (strain 10.6, S1), and (4) Pediococcus pentosaceus (strain 6.16, S2). An inoculant application rate of 10(6) cfu/g of fresh forage was used. The fermentation periods were 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 d. Alfalfa was harvested 82 d after sowing at the early flowering stage, chopped into 1.5-cm particle size, and ensiled in 25 × 35 cm vacuum-sealed plastic bags. The numbers of lactic acid bacteria, enterobacteria, mold, and yeast in alfalfa before ensiling were 5.42, 5.58, 4.82, and 4.8 log cfu/g, respectively. Silage chemical composition was evaluated only at 56 d. All parameters were affected by the interaction MI × T, except the concentrations of lactic and propionic acids. Alfalfa silage treated with S1 or S2 had lower pH values than CTRL from the first day until 28 d. However, the inoculants resulted in similar pH after 56 d, and these values were lower than the CTRL. The highest concentration of lactic acid was observed in the silage treated with S1 and S2 at 7 and 14 d of ensiling. The concentration of acetic acid was lower in the silages treated with S1 and S2 than the CTRL and CIN at 3 and 28 d of fermentation. There was no effect of MI or MI × T interaction on the microbial populations. However, the number of enterobacteria decreased over the fermentation period until 14 d and increased slightly after this time point. The chemical composition of alfalfa silage was not affected by MI at 56 d of ensiling. The strain P. pentosaceus 6.16 was the most efficient in dominating the fermentation process by decreasing the pH more quickly and increasing the concentration of lactic acid, suggesting its potential use as a silage inoculant.

Effects of roughage sources produced in a tropical environment on forage intake, and ruminal and microbial parameters.

Our objective was to study the effect of different roughage sources produced in a tropical environment on intake, digestibility, and ruminal parameters of crossbred bulls. Five rumen-fistulated 30-mo-old Holstein × Bos indicus bulls (average BW =459 ± 32.5 kg) were utilized in a 5 × 5 randomized Latin square design. The experiment consisted of five 19-d experimental periods (10 d for adaptation and 9 d for data collection) and 5 treatments. Experimental diets consisted of corn (Zea mays L.) silage (CS), Brachiaria grass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf.) silage (BGS), elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) silage(EGS), Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) hay (T85), and fresh sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.; SC). Diets were formulated to have approximately 11% CP (DM basis)using a mixture of urea and ammonium sulfate (9:1 ratio) that was diluted in water and then mixed with roughage. Intake, ruminal outflow, digestibility coefficients,ruminal pool, intake, passage (kp) and digestion rates, microbial parameters, and pH data were assessed.D ry matter intake was greater (P < 0.01) for CS compared with SC. Among treatments, lesser (P < 0.01)potentially digestible NDF, ash- and protein-free NDF(apNDF), and digestible ash- and protein-free NDF intake values were observed for SC. Ruminal outflows of DM and nonfibrous carbohydrates were lesser (P <0.01) for SC compared with other treatments. Dry matter apparent digestibility and ruminal digestibility did not differ (P > 0.27) among treatments. No differences (P = 0.11) were observed for ruminal apNDF pool and ruminal kp of apNDF (P = 0.06) among treatments. No treatment effect (P > 0.28) was observed for DM and nitrogen of rumen-isolated bacteria, and microbial efficiency was greater (P = 0.02) for BGS among treatments.A treatment × time interaction (P < 0.01) was found for ruminal pH, with a quadratic pattern in terms of time for CS, BGS, EGS, and T85, whereas pH values for CA linearly decreased as a function of time. In summary, these roughages, when supplemented with an additional nitrogen sources, show similar overall apparent digestibility and ruminal pool values, but conversely, bulls fed sugarcane had less overall nutrient intake and lower ruminal outflow and digestion rate values. We conclude that fresh-cut sugarcane, when provided with urea, can affect digestion rate and, consequently, impact nutrient intake.

Intake, digestibility, nitrogen efficiency, and animal performance of growing and finishing beef cattle fed warm-season legume (Stylosanthes capitata plus Stylosanthes macrocephala) silage replacing corn silage.

It was hypothesized that Stylosanthes cv. Campo Grande (ES) silage could be used as the single source of dietary forage for beef cattle and that performance on ES would be similar to corn silage (CS) at a 50:50 forage:concentrate. The objectives of this study were to evaluate intake, total and partial digestibility of nutrients, ruminal pH, ruminal ammonia, and productive performance in growing beef cattle fed diets with varying proportions of ES silage replacing CS. Treatments consisted of diets with ratios of 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0% ES:CS. Two experiments were conducted simultaneously. In the first experiment, 10 crossbred Holstein-Zebu bulls with an average initial weight of 272 ± 86 kg were used. The bulls were rumen and abomasums fistulated. An experimental design of two 5 × 5 Latin squares (Exp. 1) was used. The second experiment used 40 Nellore bulls with an average BW of 386 ± 30 kg in a completely randomized design (Exp. 2). Results showed a linear increase in CP intake (P < 0.05) in response to increased dietary ES. An increase in the proportion of ES in the diet had a negative linear effect on TDN. Apparent ruminal digestibility of CP increased linearly, and apparent intestinal digestibility of nonfibrous carbohydrates increased with the addition of ES to the diet (P < 0.05). Intestinal digestibility of DM exhibited a quadratic response (P < 0.05). Nitrogen balance, excretion of urinary urea, and plasma urea nitrogen did not respond to the inclusion of ES in the diet (P > 0.05). There was also no effect (P > 0.05) of ES inclusion on animal performance. Ruminal pH was not affected by an increased proportion of ES in the diet (P > 0.05), but ruminal pH was affected (P < 0.05) by the time of collection, for which a cubic model fit the data. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) between treatment and collection time for ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration. It can be concluded that ES silage can be used as a source of roughage in the diet of beef cattle during the growing and finishing phases at a proportion of 50% of DM in the total diet. Therefore, ES silage is a promising alternative dietary ingredient and the use of this alternative source of silage will depend on availability and economic factors.

Continuous, high-resolution biospeckle imaging reveals a discrete zone of activity at the root apex that responds to contact with obstacles.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Shining a laser onto biological material produces light speckles termed biospeckles. Patterns of biospeckle activity reflect changes in cell biochemistry, developmental processes and responses to the environment. The aim of this work was to develop methods to investigate the biospeckle activity in roots and to characterize the distribution of its intensity and response to thigmostimuli. METHODS: Biospeckle activity in roots of Zea mays, and also Jatropha curcas and Citrus limonia, was imaged live and in situ using a portable laser and a digital microscope with a spatial resolution of 10 µm per pixel and the ability to capture images every 0.080 s. A procedure incorporating a Fujii algorithm, image restoration using median and Gaussian filters, image segmentation using maximum-entropy threshold methods and the extraction of features using a tracing algorithm followed by spline fitting were developed to obtain quantitative information from images of biospeckle activity. A wavelet transform algorithm was used for spectral decomposition of biospeckle activity and generalized additive models were used to attribute statistical significance to changes in patterns of biospeckle activity. KEY RESULTS: The intensity of biospeckle activity was greatest close to the root apex. Higher frequencies (3-6 Hz) contributed most to the total intensity of biospeckle activity. When a root encountered an obstacle, the intensity of biospeckle activity decreased abruptly throughout the root system. The response became attenuated with repeated thigmostimuli. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that at least one component of root biospeckle activity resulted from a biological process, which is located in the zone of cell division and responds to thigmostimuli. However, neither individual cell division events nor root elongation is likely to be responsible for the patterns of biospeckle activity.

Trastuzumab-induced myocardiotoxicity mimicking acute coronary syndrome.

Trastuzumab is an important biological agent in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, with effects on response rates, progression-free survival, overall survival and quality of life. Although this drug is well tolerated in terms of adverse effects, trastuzumab-associated myocardiotoxicity has been described to have an incidence of 0.6-4.5% and in rare cases, the drug can trigger severe congestive heart failure with progression to death or even mimic acute coronary syndrome with complete left bundle branch blockade. In this paper is reported a case of trastuzumab-associated myocardiotoxicity manifesting as acute coronary syndrome in a 69-year-old female. The patient is currently undergoing a conservative clinical treatment that restricts overexertion.The majority of clinical studies report trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity as a rare event, and, when present, characterized by mild to moderate clinical signs, the ease of reversibility with pharmacological measures and the temporary discontinuation of the medication. Conversely, it is vital for the oncologist/cardiologist to consider the possibility that trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity may manifest itself as a severe clinical case, mimicking acute coronary syndrome, justifying careful risk stratification and adequate cardiac monitoring, especially in high-risk patients.

Digestibility and microbial efficiency in steers fed diets based on corn silage hybrids and concentrate levels / Digestibilidade e eficiência microbiana em novilhos alimentados com dietas à base de silagem de híbridos de milho e níveis de concentrado

A trial involving a 2x2 factorial design was conducted to evaluate the effect of corn silage hybrids and concentrate levels (25 and 50%) on intake and digestibility of nutrients, ruminal characteristics and microbial efficiency in steers. Four ruminal and abomasal cannulated steers (512±25kg of birth weight), were used in a 4×4 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of 75% silage A + 25% concentrate; 50% silage A + 50% concentrate; 75% silage B + 25% concentrate; and 50% silage B + 50% concentrate on dry matter (DM) basis. There were no differences in the intakes of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein, and ether extract. The intake of non fiber carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients were positively affected by concentrate levels. The digestibility of DM and OM were also positively affected by concentrate levels. There were no effects of treatments on ruminal pH values, ruminal ammonia-N, and microbial efficiency.

Avaliou-se, em um esquema fatorial 2x2, o efeito de silagem de milho de diferentes híbridos e da porcentagem de concentrado (25 ou 50%) sobre o consumo e a digestibilidade de nutrientes, os parâmetros ruminais e a síntese de proteína microbiana em bovinos. Utilizaram-se quatro novilhos cruzados (HxZ) - (512±25kg) -, fistulados no rúmen e no abomaso, os quais foram distribuídos em um quadrado latino 4x4. Os tratamentos consistiram em 75% de silagem A + 25% de concentrado; 50% de silagem A + 50% de concentrado; 75% de silagem B + 25% de concentrado; e 50% de silagem B + 50% de concentrado em % da matéria seca (MS). Não houve diferença entre os consumos de MS, matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta e extrato etéreo, e houve efeito positivo de concentrado sobre os carboidratos não fibrosos e nutrientes digestíveis totais. A digestibilidade da MS e da MO foi positivamente influenciada pela porcentagem de concentrado. Não houve efeito de tratamento sobre o pH e a concentração de amônia ruminais, bem como sobre a eficiência de síntese microbiana.

Efeitos da fumaça de cigarro sobre a osteogênese e a resistência mecânica óssea em ratos / Effects of cigarette smoke on osteogenesis and bone mechanical resistance in rats

This paper reports a study of the effects of exposure to cigarette smoke on osteogenesis and the mechanical strength of bone in rats. Twelve male rats were separated into two groups (n=6): CT (control) and CI (cigarette). All the animals had free access to rat chow and water throughout the experiment. Group CI was exposed to the smoke of 6 cigarettes/day for 12 weeks. After 6 weeks of exposure to cigarette smoke, a defect was produced on the parietal bone and dense hydroxyapatite (DHA) ceramic bodies were implanted into cavities made surgically in the tibia of the animals, in each group. After surgery, the CT and CI groups returned to normal experimental conditions and, at the end of 12 weeks, they were euthanized, and their tibiae and parietal bones removed for histological processing, while the femurs were subjected to biomechanical tests in a MTS TestStar II three-point flexion module. Consumption of solid and liquid diet was satisfactory in both groups, all animals gaining weight throughout the experiment. CI animals showed a smaller volume of newly formed bone in the parietal defect (8.l9±0.2) and around the DHA implant in the tibia (33±0.5) than the rats in the CT group (14.4±0.5 and 39±1 respectively). The maximum force needed to break the femur was smaller in CI (119±3.2) than in CT (140±6.5). The results of this study led to the conclusion that exposure to cigarette smoke interfered with osteogenesis in the bone defect and around the DHA implant and reduced the maximum force required to completely break the femur, revealing that bone fragility can be caused by tobacco smoke.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da exposição à fumaça de cigarro sobre a osteogênese e a resistência mecânica do osso em ratos. Foram utilizados doze ratos machos, divididos em dois grupos (n=6): grupo CT (controle) e grupo CI (cigarro). Durante 12 semanas, os animais do grupo CI foram expostos à fumaça de seis cigarros/dia. Após seis semanas de exposição à fumaça de cigarro, uma falha óssea de 5mm foi produzida no osso parietal e corpos cerâmicos de hidroxiapatita densa (HAD) foram implantados em cavidade produzida cirurgicamente na tíbia dos animais do grupo CI e CT. Após as cirurgias, os animais retornaram aos protocolos experimentais e, ao término de doze semanas de experimentação, foram eutanasiados, as tíbias e os ossos parietais foram coletados para processamento histológico e os fêmures encaminhados para ensaio biomecânico em um módulo MTS TestStar II®. A exposição à fumaça do cigarro não interferiu no ganho de peso dos animais e os consumos de dieta líquida e sólida foram satisfatórios entre os grupos. Os animais do grupo CI apresentaram menor volume de osso neoformado na falha óssea (8,9±0,2) produzida no osso parietal e ao redor do implante de HAD na tíbia (33±0,5). A força máxima necessária para romper o fêmur dos animais foi menor no grupo CI (119±3,2) do que no grupo CT (140±6,5). Com bases nos resultados obtidos no presente trabalho, pôde-se concluir que a exposição à fumaça do cigarro interferiu na osteogênese da falha óssea e ao redor do implante de HAD, diminuiu a força máxima necessária para a ruptura completa dos fêmures e demonstrando a fragilidade óssea causada pelo hábito tabagista.

Produção e valor nutritivo do capim-coastcross sob doses de nitrogênio e idades de rebrotação / Production and nutritional value of bermudagrass cv. coastcross grown under different nitrogen doses and regrowth ages

Avaliaram-se a produção e o valor nutritivo do capim-coastcross (Cynodon dactylon) sob cinco doses de nitrogênio - 0, 100, 200, 300 e 400kg/ha.ano - e duas idades de rebrotação - 28 e 42 dias. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em esquema fatorial, em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. A adubação com nitrogênio (N) foi parcelada em três aplicações, realizadas logo após os cortes. A densidade populacional de perfilhos apresentou padrão de resposta quadrático em resposta à aplicação de N. A produção de forragem do capim-coastcross variou de 8,0 a 17,2t/ha.ano para as doses de 0 a 400kg/ha.ano de N, apresentando resposta linear positiva com a adubação nitrogenada. Maiores valores de relação folha:colmo (RFC) foram obtidos em cortes mais tardios, na ausência de aplicação de N. Em geral, as doses crescentes de N diminuíram linearmente a RFC do capim-coastcross. A adubação nitrogenada aumentou linearmente os teores de proteína bruta (PB), observando-se maior eficiência de resposta na idade de 28 dias. Aumentos na digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca em resposta à aplicação de doses crescentes de N somente ocorreram em plantas mais jovens, aos 28 dias de rebrotação. O teor de fibra em detergente neutro reduziu linearmente com a adubação nitrogenada. O efeito da adubação nitrogenada no valor nutritivo do capim-coastcross depende da idade de rebrotação dessa forrageira. Com a aplicação de maiores doses de N e sob condições favoráveis de crescimento, o pasto de capim-coastcross deve ser manejado com frequência de desfolhação de 28 dias.

The production and nutritive value of the bermudagrass cv. coastcross under five different nitrogen doses (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400kg/ha.year) and two regrowth ages (28 and 42 days) were evaluated. The experiment was arranged in a factorial scheme in a complete randomized block design with three repetitions. The nitrogen (N) fertilization was performed in three applications right after harvest. Tiller population density showed quadratic response to N application. The forage production varied from 8.0 to 17.2t/ha.year at N doses ranging from 0 to 400kg/ha.year, showing positive linear response to nitrogen fertilization. The highest values of leaf:stem relation (LSR) were observed for later harvest in the absence of N fertilization. In general, as the N doses increased the LSR of grass decreased linearly. The crude protein contents increased linearly with nitrogen fertilization, showing higher efficiency at 28 days of regrowth. In vitro digestibility increases regarding the N fertilization occurred for younger plants at 28 days of regrowth. The neutral detergent fiber content decreased linearly with nitrogen fertilization. The nitrogen fertilization effect on the nutritional value of bermudagrass cv. coastcross depends on the regrowth age of this forage. When applying higher N doses under favorable growth conditions, the coastcross grass pasture should be managed to have defoliation each 28 days.

Comparison of bone quantity by ultrasound measurements of phalanges between white and black children living in Paraná, Brazil, with Europeans

The objective of this study was to determine bone quantity by ultrasound measurements of the proximal finger phalanges (AD-SoS = amplitude-dependent speed of sound) of healthy Brazilian schoolchildren living in Paraná, Brazil and to compare these values with European populations. The sample was composed of 1356 Brazilian schoolchildren of both genders (660 males, 696 females), aged 6 to 11 years, divided into white (840) and black (516) groups and compared to age- and gender-matched Europeans. AD-SoS of the schoolchildren increased significantly with age for both genders. Significantly higher AD-SoS values were observed for the white children (1916 ± 58) compared to their black counterparts (1898 ± 72) and for the female gender (1920 ± 61) compared to the male gender (1898 ± 66). Overall, the AD-SoS outcomes for females were similar to those of European studies. However, the AD-SoS of the Brazilian schoolchildren of both genders and skin colors was lower than that reported for children in Poland. AD-SoS outcomes for Brazilian schoolboys were similar to those obtained in Italian studies and were lower than those of the Spanish children. In conclusion, Brazilian schoolchildren of both genders and skin colors showed lower bone quantities than Polish children and Spanish males, and levels similar to Italian children and Spanish females.

Alpha-tocopherol concentration in the colostrum of nursing women supplemented with retinyl palmitate and alpha-tocopherol.

BACKGROUND: Vitamins A and E are recognisably important in the initial stages of life, and the newborn depends on nutritional adequacy of breast milk to meet their needs. These vitamins share routes of transport to the tissues and antagonistic effects have been observed in animals after supplementation with vitamin A. The present study aimed to determine the effect of maternal supplementation with a megadose of retinyl palmitate in the immediate post-partum on α-tocopherol concentration in the colostrum. METHODS: Healthy parturient women at a Brazilian public maternity were recruited for the study and divided into two groups: control (n = 37) and supplemented (n = 36). Blood and colostrum samples were collected up to 16 h post-partum. The supplemented group was administered with a retinyl palmitate capsule and, 24 h after the first collection, the second colostrum sample was obtained in the two groups for analysis of α-tocopherol. The cut-off points for deficiency are <1.05 µmol L(-1) for retinol and <11.6 µmol L(-1) for α-tocopherol. RESULTS: The mean (SD) serum concentration of 1.77 (0.50) µmol L(-1) for retinol and 30.81 (6.46) µmol L(-1) for α-tocopherol indicates an adequate biochemical status. The supplemented group showed an increase of α-tocopherol in the colostrum 24 h after supplementation (P = 0.04), and this finding was not observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with a 200,000 IU megadose of vitamin A did not negatively affect α-tocopherol levels in colostrum.

Comparison of bone quantity by ultrasound measurements of phalanges between white and black children living in Paraná, Brazil, with Europeans.

The objective of this study was to determine bone quantity by ultrasound measurements of the proximal finger phalanges (AD-SoS = amplitude-dependent speed of sound) of healthy Brazilian schoolchildren living in Paraná, Brazil and to compare these values with European populations. The sample was composed of 1356 Brazilian schoolchildren of both genders (660 males, 696 females), aged 6 to 11 years, divided into white (840) and black (516) groups and compared to age- and gender-matched Europeans. AD-SoS of the schoolchildren increased significantly with age for both genders. Significantly higher AD-SoS values were observed for the white children (1916 ± 58) compared to their black counterparts (1898 ± 72) and for the female gender (1920 ± 61) compared to the male gender (1898 ± 66). Overall, the AD-SoS outcomes for females were similar to those of European studies. However, the AD-SoS of the Brazilian schoolchildren of both genders and skin colors was lower than that reported for children in Poland. AD-SoS outcomes for Brazilian schoolboys were similar to those obtained in Italian studies and were lower than those of the Spanish children. In conclusion, Brazilian schoolchildren of both genders and skin colors showed lower bone quantities than Polish children and Spanish males, and levels similar to Italian children and Spanish females.

Intake, digestibility, and performance of steers fed diets based on two corn silage hybrids and two concentrate levels / Consumo, digestibilidade e desempenho de novilhos alimentados com dietas a base de silagem de dois híbridos de milho e dois níveis de concentrado

A trial involving a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments was conducted to evaluate two corn silage hybrids (Agromen, AGN35-A42) and (Bayer, A3663) and concentrate levels (25 and 50 percent) on animal performance. Twenty-four Holstein x Zebu crossbred steers, averaging 335±30kg of BW, were distributed in six randomized blocks to evaluate intake, digestibility, and performance. Treatments consisted of 75 percent corn silage A + 25 percent concentrate, 50 percent corn silage A + 50 percent concentrate, 75 percent corn silage B + 25 percent concentrate, and 50 percent corn silage B + 50 percent concentrate (dry matter basis); formulated to be isonitrogenous (13 percent crude protein, dry matter basis). There were no differences in the daily intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and crude protein. Additionally, there was a concentrate effect on non-fiber carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients intakes, and on total apparent digestibility of DM and OM, with higher intakes for steers fed diets with 50 percent of concentrate. However, average daily gain (ADG) was not influenced by treatments. The utilization of both corn silage hybrids in association with 25 percent of concentrate is a good option to feed crossbred steers with ADG close to 1.0kg in order to reduce diet cost.

Avaliaram-se, em esquema factorial 2x2, o efeito das silagens de dois híbridos de milho (A: Agromen - AGN35-A42; B:Bayer - A3663) e dois níveis de concentrado (25 e 50 por cento) sobre o desempenho animal. Para avaliar o consumo, a digestibilidade e o desempenho animal, utilizaram-se 24 novilhos cruzados, Holandês x Zebu, com média de peso de 335±30kg, distribuídos em seis blocos ao acaso. Os tratamentos consistiram em 75 por cento de silagem de milho A + 25 por cento de concentrado; 50 por cento de silagem de milho A + 50 por cento de concentrado; 75 por cento de silagem de milho B + 25 por cento de concentrado; e 50 por cento de silagem de milho B + 50 por cento de concentrado (na base de matéria seca) e foram formulados para serem isonitrogenados (13 por cento proteína bruta). Não houve diferenças entre os consumos diários de matéria seca, matéria orgânica e proteína bruta. Houve efeito de concentrado sobre os consumos de carboidratos não-fibrosos e nutrientes digestíveis totais, e sobre as digestibilidades da matéria seca e da matéria orgânica. O maior consumo foi observado em animais alimentados com dietas que continham 50 por cento de concentrado. Entretanto, o ganho de peso diário não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos. A utilização de silagem dos dois híbridos de milho associada a 25 por cento de concentrado é uma alternativa para reduzir o custo de dietas para novilhos em confinamento, com ganho de peso diário próximo a 1kg.