The effects of feeding sows at onset of farrowing supplemental energy (blend of carbohydrates and glycerol) on farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality.

Delivering piglets is one of the most energy-demanding activities sows undergo in their lifetime. Sows can have myometrial contractions from 2 to 12 h before the first piglet is expelled as well as a nest-building behavior. Thus, when the first piglet is delivered, the female has already used part of her energy supply. When the sow gets exhausted due to lack of energy, the farrowing process can be interrupted, causing damage to the viability and vitality of the piglets. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of feeding sows an energy supplement at the onset of farrowing on farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality. The energy supplement consisted of a blend of carbohydrates and glycerol which provides 439 kJ of metabolizable energy per kg of metabolic weight. A total of 180 sows were used. At the onset of farrowing, sows were assigned to one of the following treatments: sows that were not supplied energy at the onset of farrowing, serving as controls (CON, n = 85); sows fed the energy supplement at the onset of farrowing (ESP, n = 95). Farrowing kinetics, blood glucose concentration, and piglet vitality were recorded for each sow. Blood glucose concentration was assessed by puncturing the auricular vein and using a portable glucometer at four different time points: after the birth of the 1st piglet (T0), and at 20 (T20), 40 (T40), 80 (T80), and 180 (T180) min after the birth of the 1st piglet. The vitality of the 1st, 6th, 12th, 17th, and 20th piglet born was evaluated using the Apgar score. Piglet birth weight and average colostrum intake were measured. The farrowing duration was 20 min shorter (P < 0.05) for ESP sows in comparison with CON sows. Sows from ESP treatment had higher (P ≤ 0.05) blood glucose concentration at T20 and T40 compared to the CON sows. The inter-piglet birth interval was shortened (P < 0.05) by 14 min between the 1st and 2nd piglet for the ESP treatment. The 17th and 20th piglets born from ESP sows had higher (P < 0.05) Apgar score compared to piglets of the same birth order from CON sows. Colostrum intake was higher (P < 0.01) for piglets born from ESP sows. Litter growth performance did not differ (P > 0.05). In conclusion, feeding a blend of carbohydrates and glycerol as an energy supplement for farrowing sows improved farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality score.

On the structural, electronic, and optical properties of L-histidine crystal: a DFT study.

CONTEXT: The monoclinic L-histidine crystal is critical for protein structure and function and is also found in the myelin of brain nerve cells. This study numerically examines its structural, electronic, and optical properties. Our findings indicate that the L-histidine crystal has an insulating band gap of approximately 4.38 eV. Additionally, electron and hole effective masses range between 3.92[Formula: see text]-15.33[Formula: see text] and 4.16[Formula: see text]-7.53[Formula: see text], respectively. Furthermore, our investigation suggests that the L-histidine crystal is an excellent UV collector due to its strong optical absorption activity for photon energies exceeding 3.5 eV. METHODS: To investigate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of L-histidine crystals, we used the Biovia Materials Studio software to conduct Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations as implemented in the CASTEP code. Our DFT calculations were performed using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) as parameterized by the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) exchange-correlation functional, with an additional dispersion energy correction (PBE [Formula: see text] TS) based on the model proposed by Tkatchenko and Scheffler to describe van der Waals interactions. Additionally, we employed the norm-conserving pseudopotential to treat core electrons.

Dripping faucet dynamics in a nonuniform electric field.

Two experimental bifurcation diagrams were obtained with two different control parameters. One parameter was the faucet opening and the other one, keeping fixed the faucet opening, was an electrical voltage (V) applied to a metallic cylinder that surrounds the pendant water column. In this way, the drops are formed in an electrical field gradient that polarizes the water column altering the effective surface tension that is consistent with the observed decreasing of the drop mass as the potential is increased, while the water flow rate remains constant. We observed that the two bifurcations are similar for S ≲ 65 and V ≲ 2.05 kV ; otherwise, the bifurcation evolutions are quite different.

Association Between DMSO and Sugars in the Sperm Cryopreservation of Pacu.

　　BACKGROUND: The cryopreservation protocol that has been developed exclusively for the preservation of the sperm of the species different. OBJECTIVE: this study was to evaluate the effect of the association of 10% DMSO with trehalose, raffinose, sucrose and lactose concentrations on the sperm cells of Piaractus mesopotamicus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sperms were collected from the animals through abdominal massage. The samples were diluted in the Beltsville Thawing Solution without different concentrations of other sugars (test conditions). Sixty days after the cryopreservation, cell movement analysis was performed using CASA. RESULTS: The results revealed that the parameters for total motility and motility period were superior when 100mM raffinose (P <0.05). The lateral displacement of the head was observed to be improved was 100mM lactose, 150mM sucrose and 150mM raffinose (P <0.05) as compared to treatment wherein lactose (0mM) was omitted. CONCLUSION: the results of our study indicated that the ideal parameters for cryopreservation, were obtained when the cryopreservation fluid contained 100mM raffinose in association with DMSO.

Fracture characterization of human cortical bone under mode II loading using the end-notched flexure test.

Fracture characterization of human cortical bone under mode II loading was analyzed using a miniaturized version of the end-notched flexure test. A data reduction scheme based on crack equivalent concept was employed to overcome uncertainties on crack length monitoring during the test. The crack tip shear displacement was experimentally measured using digital image correlation technique to determine the cohesive law that mimics bone fracture behavior under mode II loading. The developed procedure was validated by finite element analysis using cohesive zone modeling considering a trapezoidal with bilinear softening relationship. Experimental load-displacement curves, resistance curves and crack tip shear displacement versus applied displacement were used to validate the numerical procedure. The excellent agreement observed between the numerical and experimental results reveals the appropriateness of the proposed test and procedure to characterize human cortical bone fracture under mode II loading. The proposed methodology can be viewed as a novel valuable tool to be used in parametric and methodical clinical studies regarding features (e.g., age, diseases, drugs) influencing bone shear fracture under mode II loading.

Effects of non-carious cervical lesion size, occlusal loading and restoration on biomechanical behaviour of premolar teeth.

BACKGROUND: Information on fracture biomechanics has implications in materials research and clinical practice. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL) size, restorative status and direction of occlusal loading on the biomechanical behaviour of mandibular premolars, using finite element analysis (FEA), strain gauge tests and fracture resistance tests. METHODS: Ten buccal cusps were loaded on the outer and inner slopes to calculate the strain generated cervically. Data were collected for healthy teeth at baseline and progressively at three lesion depths (0.5 mm, 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm), followed by restoration with resin composite. The magnitude and distribution of von Mises stress and maximum principal stress were simulated at all stages using FEA, and fracture strength was also determined (n = 7 per group). RESULTS: There were significant effects of the lesion size and loading directions on stress, strain and fracture resistance (p < 0.05). Fracture resistance values decreased with increase in lesion size, but returned to baseline with restorations. CONCLUSIONS: Combined assessment of computer-based and experimental techniques provide an holistic approach to characterize the biomechanical behaviour of teeth with both unrestored and restored NCCLs.

Mixed-mode I+II fracture characterization of human cortical bone using the Single Leg Bending test.

Mixed-mode I+II fracture characterization of human cortical bone was analyzed in this work. A miniaturized version of the Single Leg Bending test (SLB) was used owing to its simplicity. A power law criterion was verified to accurately describe the material fracture envelop under mixed-mode I+II loading. The crack tip opening displacements measured by digital image correlation were used in a direct method to determine the cohesive law mimicking fracture behavior of cortical bone. Cohesive zone modeling was used for the sake of validation. Several fracture quantities were compared with the experimental results and the good agreement observed proves the appropriateness of the proposed procedure for fracture characterization of human bone under mixed-mode I+II loading.

Comminution and sizing processes of concrete block waste as recycled aggregates.

Due to the environmental impact of construction and demolition waste (CDW), recycling is mandatory. It is also important that recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) are used in concrete to meet market demands. In the literature, the influence of RCAs on concrete has been investigated, but very limited studies have been conducted on how the origin of concrete waste and comminution processes influence RCA characteristics. This paper aims to investigate the influence of three different comminution and sizing processes (simple screening, crushing and grinding) on the composition, shape and porosity characteristics of RCA obtained from concrete block waste. Crushing and grinding implies a reduction of RCA porosity. However, due to the presence of coarse quartz rounded river pebbles in the original concrete block mixtures, the shape characteristics deteriorated. A large amount of powder (<0.15 mm) without detectable anhydrous cement was also generated.

Methods of cryopreservation of Tambaqui semen, Colossoma macropomum.

This study compared three different techniques for sperm cryopreservation of Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). Semen was diluted in Beltsville Thawing Solution with the addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at various concentrations (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%). Cryopreservation was performed using three methods: Box Conditioner Method with straws at a 5 cm distance from liquid nitrogen vapor (N2L); Dry Shipper Method placing the straws inside the machine; Vitrification Method placing the straws directly into N2L, amounting to 12 treatments (four DMSO concentrations×three freezing methods). The samples were evaluated for analysis of sperm quality in vivo and in vitro. Use of the Vitrification Method at different concentrations of DMSO provided the least values in the different evaluations. Fertilization, hatching rates and plasma membrane integrity using the Box Conditioner Method with 5% and 10% DMSO did not differ (P>0.05) but use of the concentration of 5% DMSO resulted in greater values than the other treatments (P<0.05) as well as for sperm motility and latency time (P<0.05), although sperm viability was superior using the Dry Shipper Method with 20% of the cryoprotectant. Mitochondrial functionality was impaired by use of the Vitrification Method with all DMSO concentration tested showing the most desirable values when the Box Conditioner Method was used with 5%, 10%, 15% DMSO and the Dry Shipper Method was used with 10% and 15% DMSO. Considering the variables evaluated, the use of the Box Conditioner Method is associated with enhanced Tambaqui semen quality with freeze concentrations of 5% and 10% DMSO.

Bone fracture characterization under mixed-mode I+II loading using the single leg bending test.

Fracture under mixed-mode I+II was induced in bovine cortical bone tissue using a developed miniaturized version of the single leg bending test (SLB). Due to the difficulty in crack length monitoring in the course of the test, an equivalent crack method based on specimen compliance and beam theory was adopted as a data reduction scheme. The method was applied to the experimental results in order to obtain the Resistance curves in each loading mode. The determined fracture energy is well described by an energetic power law whose exponent is below one, which means that the linear energetic criterion is not applicable to this material. The proposed procedure was numerically validated by means of a cohesive mixed-mode I+II damage model with bilinear softening. It was concluded that the miniaturized version of the SLB test is adequate for mixed-mode I+II fracture characterization of bone for a constant mode ratio.

Chitosan-montmorillonite biocomposite as an adsorbent for copper (II) cations from aqueous solutions.

Chitosan-montmorillonite (KSF-CTS) beads were prepared by crosslinking with pentasodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Montmorillonite (KSF-Na), CTS and KSF-CTS biocomposite were used to remove Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. These materials were characterized before and after copper adsorption by XRD, FTIR and thermogravimetry (TG). The data indicated that the adsorption process proceeds kinetically according to a pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption processes were adjusted to the Langmuir model for KSF-Na and CTS and to the Temkin model for KSF-CTS. The maximum adsorption capacity followed the order CTS>KSF-CTS>KSF-Na. Percentages desorption of copper ions from the KSF-CTS composite after three desorption cycles were 86%, 85% and 84%, respectively, using EDTA as regeneration agents.

Bone fracture characterization using the end notched flexure test.

A miniaturized version of the end notch flexure test was used in the context of pure mode II fracture characterization of bovine cortical bone. To overcome the difficulties intrinsic to crack length monitoring during its propagation an equivalent crack method was employed as data reduction scheme. The proposed method was validated numerically by means of a finite element analysis including a cohesive zone modeling and subsequently applied to experimental results to determine the fracture energy of bone under pure mode II loading. Finally, a cohesive law representative of fracture behavior of each specimen was determined employing an inverse method, considering a trapezoidal shape for the softening law. The consistency of the obtained results leads to the conclusion that the trapezoidal law is adequate to simulate fracture behavior of bone under mode II loading. The proposed testing setup and the employed data reduction scheme constitute powerful tools in which concerns fracture characterization of bone under pure mode II loading and can be viewed as the main outcomes of this work.

Pamidronate for the treatment of osteoporosis secondary to chronic cholestatic liver disease in Wistar rats

Osteoporosis is a major complication of chronic cholestatic liver disease (CCLD). We evaluated the efficacy of using disodium pamidronate (1.0 mg/kg body weight) for the prevention (Pr) or treatment (Tr) of cholestasis-induced osteoporosis in male Wistar rats: sham-operated (Sham = 12); bile duct-ligated (Bi = 15); bile duct-ligated animals previously treated with pamidronate before and 1 month after surgery (Pr = 9); bile duct-ligated animals treated with pamidronate 1 month after surgery (Tr = 9). Rats were sacrificed 8 weeks after surgery. Immunohistochemical expression of IGF-I and GH receptor was determined in the proximal growth plate cartilage of the left tibia. Histomorphometric analysis was performed in the right tibia and the right femur was used for biomechanical analysis. Bone material volume over tissue volume (BV/TV) was significantly affected by CCLD (Sham = 18.1 ± 3.2 vs Bi = 10.6 ± 2.2%) and pamidronate successfully increased bone volume. However, pamidronate administered in a preventive regimen presented no additional benefit on bone volume compared to secondary treatment (BV/TV: Pr = 39.4 ± 12.0; Tr = 41.2 ± 12.7%). Moreover, the force on the momentum of fracture was significantly reduced in Pr rats (Sham = 116.6 ± 23.0; Bi = 94.6 ± 33.8; Pr = 82.9 ± 22.8; Tr = 92.5 ± 29.5 N; P < 0.05, Sham vs Pr). Thus, CCLD had a significant impact on bone histomorphometric parameters and pamidronate was highly effective in increasing bone mass in CCLD; however, preventive therapy with pamidronate has no advantage regarding bone fragility.

Pamidronate for the treatment of osteoporosis secondary to chronic cholestatic liver disease in Wistar rats.

Osteoporosis is a major complication of chronic cholestatic liver disease (CCLD). We evaluated the efficacy of using disodium pamidronate (1.0 mg/kg body weight) for the prevention (Pr) or treatment (Tr) of cholestasis-induced osteoporosis in male Wistar rats: sham-operated (Sham = 12); bile duct-ligated (Bi = 15); bile duct-ligated animals previously treated with pamidronate before and 1 month after surgery (Pr = 9); bile duct-ligated animals treated with pamidronate 1 month after surgery (Tr = 9). Rats were sacrificed 8 weeks after surgery. Immunohistochemical expression of IGF-I and GH receptor was determined in the proximal growth plate cartilage of the left tibia. Histomorphometric analysis was performed in the right tibia and the right femur was used for biomechanical analysis. Bone material volume over tissue volume (BV/TV) was significantly affected by CCLD (Sham = 18.1 ± 3.2 vs Bi = 10.6 ± 2.2%) and pamidronate successfully increased bone volume. However, pamidronate administered in a preventive regimen presented no additional benefit on bone volume compared to secondary treatment (BV/TV: Pr = 39.4 ± 12.0; Tr = 41.2 ± 12.7%). Moreover, the force on the momentum of fracture was significantly reduced in Pr rats (Sham = 116.6 ± 23.0; Bi = 94.6 ± 33.8; Pr = 82.9 ± 22.8; Tr = 92.5 ± 29.5 N; P < 0.05, Sham vs Pr). Thus, CCLD had a significant impact on bone histomorphometric parameters and pamidronate was highly effective in increasing bone mass in CCLD; however, preventive therapy with pamidronate has no advantage regarding bone fragility.

Fracture characterization of bone under mode II loading using the end loaded split test.

Fracture energy release rate under mode II loading of bovine cortical bone is determined using a miniaturized testing device of the end loaded split test. The energy release rate is evaluated by means of a data reduction scheme based on specimen compliance, beam theory and crack equivalent concept. Experimental tests were carried out to evaluate the Resistance curve which provides a successful method to characterize fracture behavior of quasi-brittle materials like bone. A numerical analysis including a cohesive damage model was used to validate the procedure. It was demonstrated that the end loaded split test and proposed data reduction scheme provide a valuable solution for mode II fracture characterization of bone.

Efeito da ractopamina e de métodos de formulação de ração sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça de leitoas em terminação / Effect of ractopamine and methods of diet formulation on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing gilts

Avaliou-se o efeito da ractopamina e de diferentes métodos de formulação de dietas sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça de leitoas em terminação. Foram utilizadas 60 leitoas, híbridas comerciais, distribuídas em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x3, sendo dois níveis de ractopamina e três métodos de formulação de dietas. Houve interação de métodos de formulação versus ractopamina para ganho de peso diário, peso corporal, conversão alimentar e taxa de deposição de carne magra (TDCM) na avaliação de carcaça in vivo por ultrassom. A dieta formulada com alta proteína bruta proporcionou maior consumo de dieta (CRD), de lisina (CLD), ganho de peso diário (GPD) e peso corporal final. A suplementação de ractopamina não influenciou o CRD e o CLD, entretanto aumentou o GPD. O método de formulação da dieta não influenciou as características de carcaça aos 28 dias, enquanto a suplementação de ractopamina reduziu a espessura de toucinho, aumentou a profundidade de lombo e o rendimento de carne magra. A dieta formulada com alta proteína bruta proporcionou melhores resultados de desempenho e taxa de deposição de carne magra na carcaça de leitoas em terminação, suplementadas com ractopamina.

The effect of ractopamine supplementation and feed formulation methods was evaluated on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing gilts. Sixty animals were allotted in a completely randomized block experimental design, in a 2x3 factorial scheme - ractopamine (0 and 5ppm) X three feed formulation methods. Interactions between feed formulation method and ractopamine for daily weight gain (DWG), body weight, feed:gain (DFG), and lean carcass meat deposition (LCMD) were by in vivo carcass evaluation using ultrasound observed. Daily feed intake (DFI), lysine intake (DLI), DWG, and final body weight were higher for diets with high protein level. Ractopamine supplementation did not affect feed intake, and lysine intake, but increased daily weight gain. Feed formulation method affected carcass characteristics recorded at 28 days, while ractopamine supplementation reduced backfat thickness, increased muscle depth, and lean carcass proportion of the gilts. Ractopamine improved performance and carcass characteristics of finishing gilts and feed formulation methods affected performance and carcass characteristics. Better performance and higher lean carcass deposition were observed for finishing gilts fed high protein level diets supplemented with ractopamine.

Longitudinal evaluation of hepatic osteodystrophy in children and adolescents with chronic cholestatic liver disease.

Bone mass loss is a major complication of chronic cholestatic liver disease (CCD). However, the long-term impact of CCD on bone mass acquisition is unknown. We longitudinally assessed bone mineral density (BMD) and factors involved in bone remodeling in 9 children and adolescents with CCD Child-Pugh A (5 boys/4 girls) and in 13 controls (6 boys/7 girls). The groups were evaluated twice, at baseline (T0) and after 3 years (T1), when osteocalcin, deoxypyridinoline, 25-hydroxyvitamin-D, parathyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and BMD (L1-L4, proximal femur and total body) were determined. Serum levels of receptor activator for nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin were measured only at T1. Lumbar spine BMD was reanalyzed twice: after adjustment for bone age and to compensate for the height factor. Volumetric density was also estimated mathematically in L2-L4. The BMD of L1-L4 was lower in the CCD group (Z-score at T0: control = -1.2 ± 0.8 vs CCD = -2.2 ± 1.4, P < 0.05; T1: control = -0.7 ± 0.8 vs CCD = -2.1 ± 1.1, P < 0.05). Osteocalcin and deoxypyridinoline were similar for the two groups. The CCD group presented lower IGF-I (Z-score at T1: control = 1.4 ± 2.8 vs CCD = -1.5 ± 1.0, P < 0.05) and RANKL (control = 0.465 ± 0.275 vs CCD = 0.195 ± 0.250 pM, P < 0.05) than control. Children with compensated CCD Child-Pugh A showed early impairment of bone acquisition, with the impact being more severe in an initial phase and then tapering in a slowly progressive way. Reduction in endocrine IGF-I has a crucial role in this process.

Longitudinal evaluation of hepatic osteodystrophy in children and adolescents with chronic cholestatic liver disease

Bone mass loss is a major complication of chronic cholestatic liver disease (CCD). However, the long-term impact of CCD on bone mass acquisition is unknown. We longitudinally assessed bone mineral density (BMD) and factors involved in bone remodeling in 9 children and adolescents with CCD Child-Pugh A (5 boys/4 girls) and in 13 controls (6 boys/7 girls). The groups were evaluated twice, at baseline (T0) and after 3 years (T1), when osteocalcin, deoxypyridinoline, 25-hydroxyvitamin-D, parathyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and BMD (L1-L4, proximal femur and total body) were determined. Serum levels of receptor activator for nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin were measured only at T1. Lumbar spine BMD was reanalyzed twice: after adjustment for bone age and to compensate for the height factor. Volumetric density was also estimated mathematically in L2-L4. The BMD of L1-L4 was lower in the CCD group (Z-score at T0: control = -1.2 ± 0.8 vs CCD = -2.2 ± 1.4, P < 0.05; T1: control = -0.7 ± 0.8 vs CCD = -2.1 ± 1.1, P < 0.05). Osteocalcin and deoxypyridinoline were similar for the two groups. The CCD group presented lower IGF-I (Z-score at T1: control = 1.4 ± 2.8 vs CCD = -1.5 ± 1.0, P < 0.05) and RANKL (control = 0.465 ± 0.275 vs CCD = 0.195 ± 0.250 pM, P < 0.05) than control. Children with compensated CCD Child-Pugh A showed early impairment of bone acquisition, with the impact being more severe in an initial phase and then tapering in a slowly progressive way. Reduction in endocrine IGF-I has a crucial role in this process.

The double cantilever beam test applied to mode I fracture characterization of cortical bone tissue.

The primary objective of this work was to analyse the adequacy of the Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) test in determining fracture toughness under pure mode I loading of cortical bone tissue. A new data reduction scheme based on specimen compliance and the crack equivalent concept was used to overcome the difficulties inherent in crack monitoring during its growth. It provides a complete resistance curve, which is fundamental in estimating the fracture energy. A cohesive zone model was used to simulate damage initiation and propagation, thus assessing the efficacy of the proposed testing method and data reduction scheme. Subsequently, the DCB test was applied to evaluate the mode I fracture energy of hydrated and thermally dehydrated cortical bone tissue from young bovine femur, in the tangential-longitudinal propagation system. The results obtained demonstrate the efficacy of the DCB test and the proposed data reduction scheme on the bone fracture characterization under mode I loading.

Miyake-Apple study of the rotational stability of the Acrysof Toric intraocular lens after experimental eye trauma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the rotational stability of the Acrysof Toric intraocular lens (IOL) after experimental eye trauma. METHODS: Two human cadaver eyes were prepared in accordance with the Miyake-Apple technique, with closed-system modification. After phacoemulsification, an Acrysof Toric IOL was implanted in the capsular bag. Experimental traumatisation of the globe was achieved by pressing against the eye wall using a cotton tip or a fingertip, whereas the IOL was observed from the posterior view. Digital photographs of the eye before and after the procedures were overlaid to detect and measure rotation of the IOL. RESULTS: The IOL rotated 5.80 degrees when the traumatic procedures did not cause important leakage from the incision. When the traumatic procedures caused important leakage from the incision and anterior chamber collapse, the IOL rotated 41.00 degrees. CONCLUSION: Ocular trauma can cause rotation of the Acrysof Toric IOL. In the event of an eye trauma with no or insignificant leakage from the incision, the IOL rotates less than when the trauma causes significant leakage from the incision.