Utilização da biomassa remanescente de pastagens de estação fria para produção de forragem conservada / Use of remaining biomass of cold season pastures for conserved forage production

Esta pesquisa foi conduzida com o objetivo de avaliar a utilização da biomassa remanescente de pastagens de estação fria para produção de silagem e feno. As espécies testadas foram: aveia preta cv. Agro Zebu, azevém anual cv. Comum e trigo cv. BRS Tarumã. As forrageiras foram pastejadas por vacas em lactação da raça Holandesa, sob método de pastejo de lotação rotacionada. A silagem e o feno foram elaborados da biomassa remanescente das pastagens, 20 dias após o final do período de pastejo. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 3x2, com três repetições. Foram avaliados o rendimento de forragem, a composição botânica e a estrutural da forragem conservada, os parâmetros fermentativos da silagem e o valor nutritivo da silagem e do feno. O rendimento de forragem foi similar entre as espécies, e o material ensilado apresentou pequenos percentuais de lâminas foliares e grãos. A silagem apresentou características fermentativas desejáveis. A ensilagem apresentou menores perdas de componentes solúveis e proporcionou uma forragem com valor nutritivo mais elevado em relação à fenação, sendo a forma mais indicada para conservar a biomassa remanescente de pastagens de estação fria.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of cool season pastures' remaining biomass as conserved forage. The tested species were: Agro Zebu black oat, Common ryegrass and BRS Tarumã wheat. The pastures were grazed by Holstein dairy cows, in the rotating stocking grazing method. Hay and silage were done from the stubble of pasture, twenty days after the end of the grazing period. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3 x 2 factorial scheme, with tree replicates. Forage yield, structural and botanical composition of preserved forage, fermentative parameters and nutritive value of silage and hay were evaluated. Forage yield was similar among species, and ensiled material has small percentuals of leaf blades and grains. The silage presents desirables fermentation parameters. The silage had lower losses of soluble components, provides forage with a higher nutritional value compared to hay, and is the most appropriate way to conserve cool season remaining biomass.

Environment and Health in Children Day Care Centres (ENVIRH) - Study rationale and protocol.

BACKGROUND: Indoor air quality (IAQ) is considered an important determinant of human health. The association between exposure to volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, house dust mite, molds and bacteria in day care centers (DCC) is not completely clear. The aim of this project was to study these effects. METHODS - STUDY DESIGN: This study comprised two phases. Phase I included an evaluation of 45 DCCs (25 from Lisbon and 20 from Oporto, targeting 5161 children). In this phase, building characteristics, indoor CO2 and air temperature/relative humidity, were assessed. A children's respiratory health questionnaire derived from the ISAAC (International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Children) was also distributed. Phase II encompassed two evaluations and included 20 DCCs selected from phase I after a cluster analysis (11 from Lisbon and 9 from Oporto, targeting 2287 children). In this phase, data on ventilation, IAQ, thermal comfort parameters, respiratory and allergic health, airway inflammation biomarkers, respiratory virus infection patterns and parental and child stress were collected. RESULTS: In Phase I, building characteristics, occupant behavior and ventilation surrogates were collected from all DCCs. The response rate of the questionnaire was 61.7% (3186 children). Phase II included 1221 children. Association results between DCC characteristics, IAQ and health outcomes will be provided in order to support recommendations on IAQ and children's health. A building ventilation model will also be developed. DISCUSSION: This paper outlines methods that might be implemented by other investigators conducting studies on the association between respiratory health and indoor air quality at DCC.

Environment and Health in Children Day Care Centres (ENVIRH) - Study rationale and protocol.

BACKGROUND: Indoor air quality (IAQ) is considered an important determinant of human health. The association between exposure to volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, house dust mite, molds and bacteria in day care centers (DCC) is not completely clear. The aim of this project was to study these effects. METHODS ­ STUDY DESIGN: This study comprised two phases. Phase I included an evaluation of 45 DCCs (25 from Lisbon and 20 from Oporto, targeting 5161 children). In this phase, building characteristics, indoor CO2 and air temperature/relative humidity, were assessed. A children's respiratory health questionnaire derived from the ISAAC (International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Children) was also distributed. Phase II encompassed two evaluations and included 20 DCCs selected from phase I after a cluster analysis (11 from Lisbon and 9 from Oporto, targeting 2287 children). In this phase, data on ventilation, IAQ, thermal comfort parameters, respiratory and allergic health, airway inflammation biomarkers, respiratory virus infection patterns and parental and child stress were collected. RESULTS: In Phase I, building characteristics, occupant behavior and ventilation surrogates were collected from all DCCs. The response rate of the questionnaire was 61.7% (3186 children).Phase II included 1221 children. Association results between DCC characteristics, IAQ and health outcomes will be provided in order to support recommendations on IAQ and children's health. A building ventilation model will also be developed. DISCUSSION: This paper outlines methods that might be implemented by other investigators conducting studies on the association between respiratory health and indoor air quality at DCC.

ANTECEDENTES: A qualidade do ar interior (IAQ) é considerada um determinante importante da saúde humana. A associação entre a exposição a compostos orgânicos voláteis, partículas, ácaros, bolores e bactérias em creches (DCC) não é perfeitamente clara. O objectivo deste estudo foi estudar esses efeitos. METODOLOGIA ­ DESENHO DO ESTUDO: Este estudo decorreu em duas Fases. A Fase I incluiu uma avaliação de 45 DCCs (25 em Lisboa e 20 no Porto, visando 5.161 crianças). Nesta Fase, foram avaliadas as características dos edifícios, o CO2 e a temperatura ambiente/humidade relativa no interior. Também foi distribuído um questionário de saúde respiratória das crianças derivado do ISAAC (Estudo Internacional sobre a Asma e Alergias em Crianças). A Fase II englobou duas avaliações e incluiu 20 DCCs seleccionadas da fase I, após uma análise de clusters (11 em Lisboa e 9 no Porto, visando 2.287 crianças). Nesta Fase, foram recolhidos dados sobre a ventilação, IAQ (qualidade do ar interior), parâmetros de conforto térmico, saúde em termos respiratórios e alérgicos, marcadores biológicos de inflamação das vias respiratórias, padrões de infecção de vírus respiratórios e stress dos pais e crianças. RESULTADOS: Na Fase I, foram recolhidas as características dos edifícios, o comportamento dos ocupantes e os marcadores de ventilação, para todas as DCCs. A taxa de resposta ao questionário foi de 61,7% (3.186 crianças).A Fase II incluiu 1.221 crianças. Os resultados da associação entre as características dos DCC, a IAQ e os resultados para a saúde serão fornecidos para apoiar as recomendações sobre a IAQ e a saúde das crianças. Um modelo de ventilação de edifícios também será desenvolvido. DISCUSSÃO: Este documento destaca a metodologia que pode ser implementada por outros investigadores que realizam estudos sobre a associação entre a saúde respiratória e a qualidade do ar interior, em creches e infantários.

Activity of essential oils from spices against Staphylococcus spp. isolated from bovine mastitis / Atividade de óleos essenciais de plantas condimentares frente Staphylococcus spp. isolados de mastite bovina

Avaliou-se a atividade antimicrobiana dos óleos essenciais (OE) de Origanum vulgare (orégano), Thymus vulgaris (tomilho), Lippia graveolens (lipia), Zingiber officinale (gengibre), Salvia officinalis (sálvia), Rosmarinus officinalis (alecrim) e Ocimum basilicum (manjericão), e de suas frações majoritárias, carvacrol e timol, frente a 32 isolados de Staphylococcus spp, oriundos de rebanhos leiteiros bovinos. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e a concentração bactericida mínima foram determinadas por meio da técnica de microdiluição em caldo. Orégano, tomilho e lípia (Orégano Mexicano) apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana similar, médias geométrica de CIM de 1600µg mL-1; 1564µg mL-1; 1562µg mL-1, respectivamente, no entanto menos ativos que carvacrol, 584µg mL-1 e thymol, 427µg mL-1. Isolados com diferentes perfis de susceptibil idade aos antimicrobianos usados no tratamento de mastite bovina, quando subagrupados, foram inibidos por concentrações semelhantes de OE . Estes resultados confirmam a atividade antimicrobiana de OE e algumas frações majoritárias.

All-fiber Mach-Zehnder curvature sensor based on multimode interference combined with a long-period grating.

A novel Mach-Zehnder interferometer based on a fiber multimode interference structure combined with a long-period fiber grating (LPG) is proposed. The multimode interference is achieved through the use of a MMF section spliced between two single-mode fibers, with a length adjusted to couple a fraction of light into the cladding modes. A LPG placed after the MMF couples light back into the fiber core, completing the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. This novel configuration was demonstrated as a bending sensor.

A spreadsheet model for developing field indicators and grazing management tools to meet environmental and production targets for dairy farms.

Changes in livestock farm structure, such as increasing land area per animal, as well as developments in national and European agricultural policies may lead to changes in grazing and fertilizer management practices for environmental or economic reasons. To facilitate choices and the learning of new practices at the farm level, such as the amount of land to allocate for grazing or of fertilizer to apply, we propose to combine a simplified grass growth and N model with two sward indicators. One assesses the sward nitrogen status to evaluate animal excreted N; the other assesses the standing herbage mass to characterize the grazing management. Following a description of the model (first part), we use it as a research tool for highlighting grazing management (second part). First we analyze how stocking rate, N excreted, grazing and N use efficiency varied according to management (i.e., the time between two grazing events), sward (N status, leaf lifespan) and weather characteristics. Next we use it for determining field indicator thresholds at key periods that allow agricultural and environmental aims to be met; these thresholds being intended to give guidance to meet farmers' objectives. In the last part, we illustrate how to combine model and field indicators for planning and monitoring a management strategy suitable for the management of risks.

Occupational genotoxicity risk evaluation through the comet assay and the micronucleus test

The micronucleus (MN) test and the alkaline single cell gel or comet assay were applied to exfoliated cells of the buccal mucous in order to evaluate the genotoxic risk associated with occupational exposure of 10 storage battery renovation workers, and 10 car painters, with age matched controls, in Pelotas, RS, in southern Brazil. In the MN test, 2000 exfoliated buccal cells were analyzed for each individual, while 100 cells were examined in the comet assay. In the comet test, both comet tail length and a damage index were calculated. Highly significant effects of occupational exposure were found with both the MN test and the comet assay (P<0.001). The comet assay was found to be rapid, of simple visualization, and it is a sensitive technique for measuring and analyzing DNA damage in human cells

Occupational genotoxicity risk evaluation through the comet assay and the micronucleus test.

The micronucleus (MN) test and the alkaline single cell gel or comet assay were applied to exfoliated cells of the buccal mucous in order to evaluate the genotoxic risk associated with occupational exposure of 10 storage battery renovation workers, and 10 car painters, with age matched controls, in Pelotas, RS, in southern Brazil. In the MN test, 2000 exfoliated buccal cells were analyzed for each individual, while 100 cells were examined in the comet assay. In the comet test, both comet tail length and a damage index were calculated. Highly significant effects of occupational exposure were found with both the MN test and the comet assay (P<0.001). The comet assay was found to be rapid, of simple visualization, and it is a sensitive technique for measuring and analyzing DNA damage in human cells.

Evaluation of genotoxicity through micronuclei test in workers of car and battery repair garages

In this study, the micronuclei test (MNT) was applied in exfoliated cells of buccal mucosa, in order to evaluate the genotoxic risk associated with occupational exposure of mechanics, storage battery renovation workers, and car painters. For each individual, 3000 exfoliated buccal cells were analyzed. There was a significantly higher frequency of micronucleated cells (MNC) in the exposed workers than in controls. Smoking and drinking habits, age, and working time did not represent significant factors in terms of increasing the production of micronuclei (MN), when the control and the exposed groups were compared. These results allowed to conclude that the studied individuals belong to a risk group and should periodically undergo biological monitoring and proper care

[Lupus pancreatitis]. / Pancreatite lúpica.

We report the case of a sixteen year old female patient, admitted to a general hospital due to fever, poliarthritis, malar rash and vasculitis. Diagnostic studies confirmed the existence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Shortly after admission, the patient was transferred to an intensive care unit due to severe acute pancreatitis. In spite of its infrequency, the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis must always be considered whenever a patient with SLE presents abdominal pain. The authors emphasise the importance of an early diagnosis of this rare complication, with high mortality rates, and present a brief review of the international literature.

[Benign pleural effusion caused by asbestos exposure]. / Derrame pleural benigno por exposição a asbestos.

The Authors present the first case described among us of benign pleural effusion of an asbestotic origin. They stress the importance of thoracoscopy (pleuroscopy) in the diagnosis of this situation. Attention is drawn to the fact that asbestotic lesions and asbestotic bodies have been found in the lung and, in particular, in the parietal pleura as well. They emphasize the fact that exposure to asbestos was not realized by the patient, which made the clarification of the situation more difficult. It was a CT scan that showed the signs suggestive of exposure to asbestos which raised the diagnostic suspicion. They conclude that every patient with a pleural effusion must be thoroughly questioned about exposure to asbestos. Even if the exposure is accepted, they consider that one should proceed to a pleuro-pulmonar biopsy by thoracoscopy. This biopsy allows demonstration of the characteristic histopathological lesions and rule out other etiologies, namely malignancy and tuberculosis. They suggest that these patients must be highly motivated to stop any smoking and kept under periodic surveillance.

[Multiple myeloma. An unusual case]. / Mieloma múltiplo. Um caso atípico.

We describe the case of a 75 year old male patient, hospitalized because of sudden paraplegia. The radiological tests performed, revealed degenerative changes of the entire vertebral spine, osteolytic lesions of the seventh cervical and first two thoracic vertebrae, and lacunar lesions of the others. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, total proteins and its electrophoretic study, as well as quantification of serum immunoglobulins were found to be normal. Regardless of these results, we continued our investigation in order to diagnose or exclude multiple myeloma (MM), which was confirmed by serum and urinary immunoelectrophoresis, that revealed monoclonal gammopathy IgG, K with low value of serum IgG and very high urinary values of Bence Jones K, and by the histological analysis of the necropsy material. In conclusion, we report a case where the probability of an alteration of the controlling immunological mechanisms must be considered. We suggest that there is a heavy chain suppression of the malignant clone, that would explain its very low value in peripheral blood. These findings associated to the absence of light chains in serum, have lead to a particular laboratorial expression of this myeloma.

First clinical experience with isradipine in the treatment of hypertension in Portugal.

The efficacy and safety of isradipine and nifedipine retard were compared in 51 patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension. A 4-week placebo run-in period was followed by an 8-week course of treatment. Patients were randomly allocated to either isradipine 1.25 mg twice daily (n = 24) or nifedipine 20 mg twice daily (n = 826); dosages were doubled if blood pressure was not normalized [diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg) after 4 weeks of active treatment. Systolic/diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced (p less than 0.01/p less than 0.01) by isradipine from 162/103 to 145/89 mm Hg, and by nifedipine from 162/104 to 143/88 mm Hg. Normalization rates were 79% with isradipine and 67% with nifedipine. It was necessary to double the dosage in seven of the patients taking isradipine and in three of those taking nifedipine; the mean final dosages were 1.63 mg and 22.4 mg twice daily, respectively. Heart rate did not change significantly with either treatment. There were drug-related adverse events in five patients (21%) taking isradipine (2 edema, 2 headache, 2 palpitations, 1 flushing) and in eight (30%) of those taking nifedipine (5 edema, 2 headache, 1 palpitations). Therapy was withdrawn in one patient in the isradipine group (1 headache) and two patients in the nifedipine group (1 edema, 1 headache). We conclude that isradipine is a highly effective and well tolerated antihypertensive agent.

Quantitative analysis of C-bands in chromosomes 1, 9, 16, and Y of twins.

Thirty-two pairs of Caucasoid twins, 16 monozygotic (MZ) and 16 dizygotic (DZ) of the same sex, were studied by densitometry in relation to the C-bands of chromosomes 1, 9, 16, and Y. Confirming earlier results, concordance was not absolute among MZ. Estimates of the degree of genetic determination for these traits varied from 0.73 to 0.89 for the autosomes and from 0.86 to 0.95 for the Y. There are now stronger indications that a fraction of the intergeneration variability found in these structures may be real, probably due to mitotic and/or meiotic unequal crossing-over.

C-bands in chromosomes 1,9, and 16 of twins.

Thirty-two pairs of Caucasoid twins, 16 monozygotic (MZ) and 16 dizygotic (DZ) of the same sex, were studied in relation to the C-bands of chromosomes 1, 9, and 16. Concordance was not absolute among MZ, the best evaluation of the degree of genetic determination for these traits being 0.40 for chromosome 16, 0.64 for chromosome 1, and 0.73 for chromosome 9. Possible explanations for the failure to obtain 100% concordance are methodologic shortcomings, intercell variations in chromosome contraction, and unequal mitotic crossing over.