Different acquisition systems for heart rate variability analysis may lead to diverse outcomes.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a relevant physiological variable for the estimation of cardiac autonomic function. Although the gold standard for HRV registration is the electrocardiogram (ECG), several applications (APPs) have been increasingly developed. The evaluation carried out by these devices must be compatible with ECG standards. The aim of this study was to compare the data obtained simultaneously with ECG and APP with chest heart rate transmitters. Fifty-six healthy individuals (28 men and 28 women) were evaluated at rest through a short simultaneous HRV measurement with both devices. Data from both acquisition systems were analyzed separately using their own analysis software and exported and analyzed using a validated software. Signal recordings were compatible between the two acquisition systems (Pearson r=0.99; P<0.0001). Although a high correlation was found for the HRV variables obtained in the time domain (Spearman r=0.99; P<0.0001), the correlation decreased in the frequency domain (Pearson r=0.85; P<0.0001) when two software programs were used. Comparison of the averages of spectral analysis parameters also showed differences when HRV data were analyzed separately in each device for low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) bands. Although the portability of these mobile devices allows for optimal HRV evaluation, the direct analysis obtained from these devices must be carefully evaluated with respect to frequency domain parameters.

Different acquisition systems for heart rate variability analysis may lead to diverse outcomes

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a relevant physiological variable for the estimation of cardiac autonomic function. Although the gold standard for HRV registration is the electrocardiogram (ECG), several applications (APPs) have been increasingly developed. The evaluation carried out by these devices must be compatible with ECG standards. The aim of this study was to compare the data obtained simultaneously with ECG and APP with chest heart rate transmitters. Fifty-six healthy individuals (28 men and 28 women) were evaluated at rest through a short simultaneous HRV measurement with both devices. Data from both acquisition systems were analyzed separately using their own analysis software and exported and analyzed using a validated software. Signal recordings were compatible between the two acquisition systems (Pearson r=0.99; P<0.0001). Although a high correlation was found for the HRV variables obtained in the time domain (Spearman r=0.99; P<0.0001), the correlation decreased in the frequency domain (Pearson r=0.85; P<0.0001) when two software programs were used. Comparison of the averages of spectral analysis parameters also showed differences when HRV data were analyzed separately in each device for low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) bands. Although the portability of these mobile devices allows for optimal HRV evaluation, the direct analysis obtained from these devices must be carefully evaluated with respect to frequency domain parameters.

Methionine precursor effects on lactation performance of dairy cows fed raw or heated soybeans.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of isopropyl ester of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid (HMBi) on lactation performance of dairy cows. Experiment 1 evaluated the effect of HMBi in diets with 15.3% crude protein (CP) and with different proportions of rumen-degradable and undegradable protein. Variation in rumen-degradable and undegradable protein was achieved by replacing raw with heated soybeans. Experiment 2 was an on-farm trial to evaluate HMBi with a large number of observations and using a farm-formulated diet (17.2% CP). In experiment 1, 20 Holsteins at 100 ± 41 d in milk were allocated to 5 replicated 4 × 4 Latin squares with 21-d periods. Treatments were formed by a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of raw or heated soybeans with or without HMBi. Paper capsules with HMBi were orally administered twice daily to each cow. Dosage of HMBi was 7.6 g of digestible Met/cow per day. There was no interaction between soybean type and HMBi. Heat-treated soybeans increased the yields of milk, protein, fat, and lactose, and reduced urea N in milk and plasma (PUN) compared with raw soybeans. Rumen microbial yield, dry matter intake (DMI), and the total-tract apparent digestibility of nutrients did not differ between soybean types. There was no evidence for HMBi-driven effects on DMI, milk and components yield, or diet digestibility. Urinary purine derivative excretion and PUN concentration were reduced in HMBi-fed cows compared with cows fed diets without HMBi. In experiment 2, 294 Holstein cows were blocked by parity and milk yield, and randomly assigned to HMBi (8.9 g of digestible Met/cow per day) or control. The final data set had 234 cows (215 ± 105 days in milk; 96 primiparous and 138 multiparous; 114 on control and 120 on HMBi) housed in 4 freestall groups (1 group/treatment per parity). The freestall group was the experimental unit for DMI, diet and orts composition, and feed availability. The HMBi supplement was top dressed for 28 d on the first daily meal of each cow, immediately after feed delivery of the same batch of feed to all 4 freestall groups (3 times per day). Sample collection and feed analysis occurred during the last 5 d. Spot urine samples and blood samples from each cow were obtained for analysis of the urinary allantoin to creatinine ratio and PUN. Feed availability, the contents of CP and neutral detergent fiber in diets and orts, and DMI did not differ. Cows fed with HMBi had greater milk protein yield and concentration compared with control and had no change in milk fat and lactose. Rumen microbial yield was greater and PUN was lower in HMBi-fed cows compared with control. In experiment 1, HMBi decreased rumen microbial yield and did not affect lactation performance, but it increased ruminal microbial yield and the secretion of milk protein in experiment 2. These results suggest that lactation response to HMBi may be partially mediated by ruminal events. Heated soybeans increased the efficiency of N utilization and the yields of milk, protein, fat, and lactose, but did not interact with HMBi supplementation.

Food consumption on campus is associated with meal eating patterns among college students.

This is a cross-sectional analysis of data obtained in the baseline of the Longitudinal Study on the Lifestyle and Health of University Students (n 685) carried out in a public Brazilian university. Food intake was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall. Dietary patterns (DP) for breakfast, lunch and dinner were identified using principal component analysis. Generalised linear models were used to analyse the variables associated with each DP. Three DP were extracted for each meal: breakfast: 'White bread and butter/margarine', 'Coffee and tea' and 'Sausages, whole wheat bread and cheese'; lunch: 'Traditional', 'Western' and 'Vegetarian' and dinner: 'Beans, rice and processed juice', 'White bread and butter/margarine' and 'White meat, eggs and natural juice'. Students who had meals at the campus showed greater adherence to the 'White bread and butter/margarine' (exp (ßadj) = 1·15, 95 % CI 1·11, 1·19) and 'Coffee and tea' (exp (ßadj) = 1·06, 95 % CI 1·02, 1·10) breakfast patterns; 'Western' lunch pattern (exp (ßadj) = 1·04, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·08) and to the 'Beans, rice and processed juice' dinner pattern (exp (ßadj) = 1·10, 95 % CI 1·06, 1·14). Having meals at the campus was associated with lower adherence to the 'Sausages, whole wheat bread and cheese' breakfast pattern (exp (ßadj) = 0·93, 95 % CI 0·89, 0·97), 'Traditional' lunch pattern (exp (ßadj) = 0·96, 95 % CI 0·93, 0·99) and to the 'White bread and butter/margarine' (exp (ßadj) = 0·96, 95 % CI 0·93, 0·99) and 'White meat, eggs and natural juice' (exp (ßadj) = 0·96, 95 % CI 0·93, 0·99) dinner pattern. The food environment at campus may influence students' DP. Recognising meal eating patterns is important to support healthy eating promotion strategies on campus. Adjustments in the University Canteen menu could contribute to healthier eating choices among students.

Post-gel and Total Shrinkage Stress of Conventional and Bulk-fill Resin Composites in Endodontically-treated Molars.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The clinician should consider the polymerization shrinkage stress when selecting a composite resin for posterior restorations. The use of post-gel shrinkage values should guide the selection of a composite resin for posterior teeth. SUMMARY: Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the method used for calculation of polymerization shrinkage, total or post-gel, on the shrinkage stress of conventional and bulk-fill composite resins for restoring endodontically treated teeth using finite element analysis.Methods and Materials: Four composite resins were tested for post-gel shrinkage (P-Shr) by the strain-gauge test and total shrinkage (TShr) using an optical method (n=10). Two conventional composite resins, Filtek Z350 XT (3M-ESPE; Z350) and TPH3 Spectrum (Dents-ply; TPH3) and two bulk-fill composite resins. Filtek Bulk-Fill Posterior (3M-ESPE; POST) SureFil SDR flow (Dentsply; SDR) were tested. Elastic modulus (E), diametral tensile strength (DTS), and compressive strength (CS) were also determined (n=10). The residual shrinkage stress was evaluated by finite element analysis with four restorative techniques: incremental with Z350 and TPH3; SDR/TPH3 (two bulk increments of 4 mm and two occlusal increments); and two bulk increments of 5 mm for POST. Data for P-Shr, T-Shr, E, DTS, and CS were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's test (α=0.05), and residual shrinkage was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively by the modified von Mises criteria.Results: SDR had the lowest CS values, POST and TPH3 had similar and intermediate values, and Z350 had the highest CS. TPH3 and Z350 had similar DTS values and values higher than SDR. Z350 and POST had higher P-Shr, and SDR had lower T-Shr. T-Shr resulted in higher shrinkage stress than P-Shr values. SDR/TPH3 resulted in higher shrinkage stress when using T-Shr and lower values when using the P-Shr value.Conclusion: T-Shr resulted in higher stress in the enamel and in root dentin close to the pulp chamber than P-Shr values. The selection of the T-Shr or P-Shr changed the ranking of the shrinkage stress of the tested composite resin.

Avaliação metabólica de um dispositivo intravaginal polimérico para a administração de cálcio e magnésio em ruminantes / Metabolic evaluation of a polymer intravaginal device for the administration of calcium and magnesium in ruminants

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a disponibilidade de cálcio (Ca2+) a partir de duas formas farmacêuticas (oral e intravaginal) e o seu efeito sobre o metabolismo de ruminantes. O estudo foi realizado na fazenda experimental da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, foram estudadas 24 ovelhas lactantes, divididas de forma randomizada em 4 grupos: dispositivo tratamento (DT); dispositivo controle (DC); oral tratamento (OT); e oral controle (OC). Os animais tratados receberam formiato de cálcio e cloreto de magnésio, as avaliações foram realizadas após a administração dos tratamentos. Foi feita avaliação de cálcio total (CaT), magnésio (Mg), proteínas plasmáticas totais (PPT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), gama glutamil transpeptidase (GGT), ureia, albumina e pH urinário, e realizado exame clínico em todos os animais. As concentrações séricas de CaT, CaI e Mg diferiram entre os grupos (P≤ 0,05), os animais dos grupos DT e DC, diferiram nas três avaliações, o grupo DT apresentou as maiores médias, sendo significativamente igual ao grupo OT. Não houve diferença nas concentrações séricas de PPT, AST, GGT, Albumina, Ureia e pH urinário. Conclui-se que a disponibilidade sanguínea de CaT, CaI e Mg é igual quando a administração de formiato de cálcio e magnésio é por via intravaginal ou por via oral, sem alterar outros parâmetros metabólicos avaliados.(AU)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the availability of calcium (Ca2+) from two pharmaceutical forms (oral and intravaginal) and its effect on the metabolism of ruminants. The study was carried out at the experimental farm of the Federal University of Pelotas. Twenty-four lactating ewes were randomly divided into 4 groups: treatment device (TD); control device (DC); oral treatment (OT); and oral control (OC). Treated animals received calcium formate and magnesium chloride, evaluations were performed after administration of the treatments. Total calcium (CaT), magnesium (Mg), total plasma proteins (PPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), urea, albumin and urinary pH, and clinical examination were performed on all animals. Serum CaT, CaI and Mg levels differed between the groups (P≤ 0.05), the animals in the DT and DC groups differed in the three evaluations, the DT group had the highest mean values, being significantly equal to the OT group. There was no difference in the serum concentrations of PPT, AST, GGT, Albumin, Urea and urinary pH. In conclusion, the blood availability of CaT, CaI and Mg is the same when administration of calcium and magnesium formate is intravaginal or orally, without altering other metabolic parameters evaluated.(AU)

Family health and conditional cash transfer in Brazil and its effect on tuberculosis mortality.

BACKGROUND: Social protection can reduce poverty and act on the determinants of tuberculosis (TB). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) and the Bolsa Família Programme on TB-related mortality in Brazil. METHODS: This was an ecological study in which the units of analysis were Brazilian municipalities between 2001 and 2012. The principal independent variables were the levels of coverage of the primary health care system and the conditional cash transfer programme. The dependent variable was TB mortality rate (obtained from national databases). Descriptive analysis and negative binomial regression based on panel data using fixed-effects models were performed. Crude and adjusted estimates were calculated for continuous and categorical variables. RESULTS: A high FHS coverage was significantly associated with a reduction in the TB mortality rate (RR 0.80, 95%CI 0.72-0.89). An increase in the coverage of the Brazilian cash transfer programme was significantly associated with a reduction in the TB mortality rate (RR 0.87, 95%CI 0.81-0.96). CONCLUSION: FHS and the Bolsa Família conditional cash transfer programme had a positive impact on the TB mortality rate in Brazil. Public policies should include economic support combined with health promotion.

Hepatic fibropoiesis in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum treated with liposome-encapsulated meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol.

Hepatic fibropoiesis in canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) were evaluated by histological (morphometrical collagen deposition) and immunohistochemical assays characterizing alpha-actin (α-SMA), vimentin, calprotectin (L1 antigen), and TGF-ß in 46 naturally infected dogs with Leishmania infantum treated with liposome-encapsulated meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol separately and in combination. Six treatment groups were defined: meglumine antimoniate encapsulated in nanometric liposomes (LMA), allopurinol (ALLOP); liposome-encapsulated meglumine antomoniate combined with allopurinol (LMA+ALLOP); empty liposomes (LEMP); empty liposomes combined with allopurinol (LEMP+ALLOP) and saline. Relative liver weight was lower in LMA, LMA+ALLOP, and ALLOP groups compared to the LEMP control. Significantly lower granulomatous chronic inflammatory reaction was seen in the ALLOP group compared to a control group. Calprotectin was lowest in liver of those dogs showing lower numbers of intralobular hepatic granulomas. Collagen deposits were significantly higher in LMA compared to ALLOP, LEMP+ALLOP, and Saline groups. LMA+ALLOP group collagen deposition was higher than dogs treated only with allopurinol. Immunohistochemical analysis showed significant higher α-SMA in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), hepatic perisinusoidal cells, in control groups than LMA+ALLOP and LEMP+ALLOP. Alpha-actin and Vimentin positive cells were diffusely distributed throughout the liver parenchyma in the hepatic lobule, mainly in HSCs. Vimentin expression was significantly higher in the saline group than in the ALLOP group. Our data suggest that allopurinol inhibits HSC and results in lower collagen deposits in liver during CVL progression, as supported by the significantly lower expression of TGF-ß in the ALLOP group compared to other groups. Results demonstrated that treatment with allopurinol inhibited chronic granulomatous inflammatory reaction and hepatic fibrosis in CVL.

Parâmetros clínicos, hematológicos e bioquímicos de novilhas com hipocalcemia subclínica pré-parto suplementadas com dieta aniônica / Anionic diet on clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters of heifers with subclinical hypocalcemia prepartum

A hipótese do presente estudo consiste em que uma dieta aniônica prolongada acarretaria uma mobilização mais rápida do cálcio sanguíneo. O objetivo proposto foi avaliar parâmetros clínicos, hematológicos e bioquímicos de novilhas, com hipocalcemia subclínica, submetidas a diferentes períodos de fornecimento de dieta aniônica no pré-parto. Foram utilizadas nove novilhas da raça Holandês induzidas à hipocalcemia subclínica no pré-parto, divididas em três grupos: G0 = sem dieta aniônica antes da indução; G11 = 11 dias de dieta aniônica pré-indução; e G15 = 15 dias de dieta aniônica pré-indução. Foi realizado exame clínico antes e depois da indução, e avaliaram-se cálcio total e ionizado, magnésio e albumina nos dias -2, 0, 1, 2 e 3 (dia 0 = momento da indução) e parâmetros hematológicos nos dias 0, 1, 2 e 3. O G11 apresentou maiores concentrações de cálcio total e ionizado que o G0 e maiores níveis de cálcio total que o G15 (P<0,01). O magnésio teve maiores valores no G15 quando comparado aos outros grupos (P<0,01). O G0 apresentou os maiores valores de monócitos e neutrófilos bastonetes (P<0,01). A dieta aniônica por 11 dias é suficiente para manter a homeostase do cálcio e a resposta leucocitária em novilhas desafiadas a uma diminuição do cálcio sanguíneo.(AU)

This study's hypothesis is that cows receiving anionic diet for a longer period respond more quickly to decreased blood calcium. The aim was to evaluate the heifers' clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters, with subclinical hypocalcemia, subjected to different periods of anionic diet supply during antepartum. Nine heifers were induced to subclinical hypocalcemia during antepartum, sorted in 3 groups: G0 = no anionic diet before induction; G11= eleven days of anionic diet before induction; and G15 = fifteen days of anionic diet before induction. Examinations were held before and after induction and total and ionized calcium, magnesium and albumin were evaluated from days -2, 0, 1, 2 and 3, day 0 being the moment of induction; hematologic parameters were evaluated at days 0, 1, 2 and 3. G11 presented a higher total and ionized calcium concentration than G0 and higher total calcium concentration than G15 (P < 0.01). Magnesium had its highest values at G15 when compared to the other two groups (P < 0.01). G0 presented its highest values of monocytes and neutrophils rods (P<0.01). The eleven days of anionic diet supply were enough to maintain calcium homeostasis and leukocyte response in heifers challenged to reduction in blood calcium.(AU)

Combinação de butafosfan e cianocobalamina no metabolismo da glicose em vacas leiteiras após o parto / Combined of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin on the glucose metabolism of dairy cows after calving

A hipótese deste estudo é de que o uso da combinação de butafosfan e cianocobalamina pode melhorar a resistência periférica à insulina, aumentar a quantidade de glicose disponível para a glândula mamária e a produção de leite. Assim, o objetivo foi investigar os efeitos combinados de butafosfan e cianocobalamina sobre o metabolismo da glicose em vacas leiteiras no período pós-parto. Vinte e uma vacas leiteiras foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo controle (CON, n= 11), que recebeu cinco aplicações de solução salina (20mL / animal 0,9% NaCl), e grupo Catosal(r) (ABC, n= 10), que recebeu cinco aplicações de 20mL de uma solução contendo as substâncias butafosfan e cianocobalamina (B12 Catosal(r), 100mg da substância butafosfan e 50µg de cianocobalamina por mL). As aplicações foram realizadas por via intramuscular, nos dias sete, 12, 17, 22 e 27 pós-parto. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas para a avaliação das concentrações plasmáticas de fósforo, glicose, ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE), albumina, aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e creatina quinase (CK). Nos dias oito e 28 pós-parto, os animais foram pesados e submetidos aos testes de tolerância à glicose e à insulina. O tratamento promoveu perda de peso (ABC 40,4kg, CON 10,73kg, P<0,05) e aumento da AST (ABC 62,92 ±3,31U/L, CON 53,11±3,49 U / L, P<0,05) e dos níveis de CK (ABC 134,09± 19,08U / L, CON 79,43 ± 18,27U / L). Os grupos não diferiram quanto ao metabolismo (área sob a curva) da glicose nos dias oito e 28, porém os animais tratados tiveram um aumento na glicemia (P<0,05) no dia 28 pós-parto (97,54 ± 8,54mg / dL), após a administração de insulina, em comparação ao dia oito (83,01 ± 8,54mg / dL). Assim, pode-se concluir que a combinação de butafosfan e cianocobalamina melhora a adaptação do metabolismo da glicose em vacas leiteiras no início da lactação.(AU)

The hypothesis of this study is that the combined use of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin could enhance peripheral insulin resistance, increasing the amount of glucose available for the mammary gland and milk production. Thus, our aim was to investigate the combined effects of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin on the glucose metabolism in dairy cows during the postpartum period. Twenty one dairy cows were divided into two groups: Control Group (CON, n= 11), that received 5 injections of saline solution (20mL/animal 0.9 % NaCl), and Catosal group (ABC, n= 10) which received 5 injections of 20mL of a Butafosfan and Cyanocobalamin solution (Catosal(r) B12, 100mg of Butafosfan and 50µg Cyanocobalamin for mL). The injections were performed by intramuscular route, on days 7, 12, 17, 22 and 27 postpartum. Blood samples were taken on these days to evaluate plasma concentrations of phosphorus, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK). On days 8 and 28 postpartum, the animals were weighted and subjected to the glucose tolerance and insulin challenge tests. The treatment promoted weight loss (ABC 40.4kg, CON 10.73kg, P< 0.05) and increased AST (ABC 62.92 ±3.31U/L, CON 53.11 ±3.49U/L, P< 0.05) and CK levels (ABC 134.09 ±19.08U/L, CON 79.43 ±18.27U/L). Glucose metabolism (area under the curve) did not differ (P> 0.05) among groups on days 8 and 28; however, ABC animals showed higher serum glucose levels (P< 0.05) after insulin administration on day 28 postpartum (97.54 ±8.54mg/dL) when compared to day 8 (83.01 ±8.54mg/dL). It could be concluded that the combined use of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin interferes positively with the adaptation of glucose metabolism in dairy cows in early lactation.(AU)

Determinantes de lucratividade em fazendas leiteiras de Minas Gerais / Determinants of profitability in Minas Gerais dairy farms

Identificaram-se quais indicadores de desempenho determinam a variação na lucratividade de 159 fazendas da região Triângulo Mineiro-Alto Paranaíba de Minas Gerais. A lucratividade foi mensurada pela renda líquida anual (RL), RL sobre o valor dos bens e RL sobre a renda bruta. Cento e dezenove fazendas com lucratividade positiva produziram mais leite por mão de obra e por vaca, tinham maior proporção de vacas em lactação e maior proporção de custo com concentrados, custo com mão de obra com menor proporção do custo de produção e menor relação entre o custo com mão de obra e o custo com concentrados do que as 40 fazendas com lucratividade negativa (P<0,01). A análise de componentes principais mostrou que os principais determinantes da variação na lucratividade entre fazendas foram: relação entre o custo com mão de obra e o com concentrados, custo de mão de obra por litro de leite, produção de leite por mão de obra, produção de leite por vaca e proporção de vacas lactantes no rebanho. Maior lucratividade foi associada ao uso mais eficiente da mão de obra, ao maior investimento em concentrados e ao ganho na produção por vaca.(AU)

We identified which performance indicators determined the variation in profitability of 159 farms of the Triângulo Mineiro-Alto Paranaíba region of Minas Gerais. Profitability was measured by annual net income (RL), RL over assets value, and RL over gross income. The 119 farms with positive profitability produced more milk per labor and per cow, had a greater proportion of lactating cows in the herd, had concentrates cost as a greater proportion and labor cost as a smaller proportion of the production cost, and had smaller ratio of labor cost to concentrates cost than the 40 farms with negative profitability (P<0.01). Principal component analysis showed that the key determinants of profitability variation among farms were: The ratio of labor cost to concentrates cost, labor cost per liter of milk, milk yield per labor, milk yield per cow, and the proportion of lactating cows in the herd. Increased profitability was associated with more efficient labor usage, the result of larger investment in concentrates and greater yield per cow.(AU)

Indicadores de desempenho de fazendas leiteiras de Minas Gerais / Performance indicators of Minas Gerais dairy farms

Foram avaliados indicadores de desempenho de 159 fazendas de leite da região Triângulo Mineiro-Alto Paranaíba no estado de Minas Gerais, em 2007 e 2008. Os dados foram obtidos mensalmente por 18 consultores privados. A produção de leite foi de 770(697 L/d, oriunda de 81(54 vacas em lactação, exploradas em 109(75 ha. A produção anual de leite por hectare foi de 3333(2.720 L, oriunda de 0,70(0,44 vacas em lactação/ha, por vaca adulta foi de 3383(1.269 L, e 26(8% do rebanho adulto era não lactante. A produção de leite por mão-de-obra contratada foi 103342(44616 L. Concentrados constituíram 30% e mão-de-obra 10% do custo de produção. A renda líquida foi em média positiva, mas o resíduo foi negativo em 15 e 25% das fazendas, quando a estimativa de custo computou ou não os juros sobre o valor dos bens, respectivamente. Os indicadores de lucratividade foram: renda líquida anual R$32841,00; renda líquida anual sobre o valor dos bens 4,7%; e renda líquida sobre a renda bruta 8,7%. Mesmo com desempenho acima das médias brasileira e mineira, os indicadores de desempenho foram modestos, sugerindo existir oportunidade para ganho em eficiências produtiva e financeira.(AU)

Performance indicators of 159 dairy farms in the Triângulo Mineiro-Alto Paranaíba region of the Minas Gerais state, in 2007 and 2008, were evaluated. Data was obtained monthly by 18 private consultants. Milk yield was 770(697 L/d, from 81(54 lactating cows, and 109(75 ha were explored. Yearly milk yield per hectare was 3,333(2,720 L, from 0.70(0.44 lactating cows/ha, per adult cow was 3,383(1,269 L, and 26(8% of the adult herd was non-lactating. Milk yield per hired labor was 103,342(44,616 L. Concentrates cost was 30% and labor 10% of the production cost. The mean net income was positive, but 15 and 25% of the farms had negative residue, when cost was estimated computing or not the interest on assets value, respectively. Profitability indicators were: annual net income R$32,841.00; annual net income over assets value 4.7%; and net income over gross income 8.7%. Even though performance was above Brazilian and Minas Gerais means, performance indicators were modest, suggesting that there is opportunity for gain in productive and financial efficiencies.(AU)

Perspectives on carbon materials as powerful catalysts in continuous anaerobic bioreactors.

The catalytic effect of commercial microporous activated carbon (AC) and macroporous carbon nanotubes (CNT) is investigated in reductive bioreactions in continuous high rate anaerobic reactors, using the azo dye Acid Orange 10 (AO10) as model compound as electron acceptor and a mixture of VFA as electron donor. Size and concentration of carbon materials (CM) and hydraulic retention time (HRT) are assessed. CM increased the biological reduction rate of AO10, resulting in significantly higher colour removal, as compared to the control reactors. The highest efficiency, 98%, was achieved with a CNT diameter (d) lower than 0.25 mm, at a CNT concentration of 0.12 g per g of volatile solids (VS), a HRT of 10 h and resulted in a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 85%. Reducing the HRT to 5 h, colour and COD removal in CM-mediated bioreactors were above 90% and 80%, respectively. In the control reactor, thought similar COD removal was achieved, AO10 decolourisation was just approximately 20%, demonstrating the ability of CM to significantly accelerate the reduction reactions in continuous bioreactors. AO10 reduction to the correspondent aromatic amines was proved by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Colour decrease in the reactor treating a real effluent with CNT was the double comparatively to the reactor operated without CNT. The presence of AC in the reactor did not affect the microbial diversity, as compared to the control reactor, evidencing that the efficient reduction of AO10 was mainly due to AC rather than attributed to changes in the composition of the microbial communities.

Misreport of energy intake assessed with food records and 24-h recalls compared with total energy expenditure estimated with DLW.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The accuracy of dietary assessment methods has rarely been validated using precise techniques. The objective of this work was to evaluate the validity of energy intake (EI) estimated with food records (FRs) and 24-h recalls (24hRs) against total energy expenditure (EE) estimated by the doubly labeled water (DLW) method. In addition, the magnitude of EI under-reporting was assessed along with its associated characteristics. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The studied group included 83 adults between 20 and 60 years of age who were recruited from a population-based sample. Within-person variation-adjusted means of EI estimated from two FRs and three 24hRs were compared with EE estimated using the DLW method multiple-point protocol. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the differences between EI and EE, whereas Bland-Altman and survival-agreement plots assessed the agreement between the estimates. RESULTS: The mean EE (2540 kcal) was greater than the mean reported EI for both dietary assessment methods (FR: 1774 kcal; 24hR: 1658 kcal, P<0.01). The frequency of under-reporting was lower (20%) for EI estimated with the 24hR than that estimated with the FR (32%). Men presented lower magnitude of under-reported EI than women did. For women, differences between EI and EE were lower with FR than with 24hR. Overall, FR and 24hR showed similar performance. The mean under-reported EI was ~30% for both methods. CONCLUSIONS: Irregular meal habits, smoking and low education were associated with the under-report of EI. Both FR and 24hR are subjected to bias suggesting the need of refining the procedures applied in dietary assessment methods.

Comparison of Retinal Sensitivity between Professional Soccer Players and Non-athletes.

The purpose of the study was to compare the peripheral retinal sensitivity of the visual field between professional soccer players and age-gender matched non-athlete subjects. All participants underwent a complete eye evaluation. The visual field was evaluated with the achromatic program 60-4 from the Humphrey automated perimetry. The binocular visual field was created with the best location model. It was divided into 4 quadrants (left superior, right superior, left inferior, and right inferior) and compared between groups. The study group comprised 29 professional male football players and the control group comprised 26 age-matched male non-athletes. Mean age was 25.8±4.7 years in the study group and 26.3±5.1 for controls. The average of retina sensitivity in the left inferior and right inferior quadrants was higher in the study group (27.2±1.2 dB and 27.0±1.4 dB) as compared to controls (26.1±1.9 dB and 25.5±2.1 dB). (Student's t test, P=0.011 and P=0.004, respectively). In this small cohort, professional soccer players presented higher retina sensitivity in the inferior quadrants when compared to non-athletes.

Supplementation of prepartum dairy cows with ß-carotene.

The prepartum supplementation of dairy cows with ß-carotene was evaluated. Cows were blocked by parity and expected calving date and assigned to a treatment: ß-carotene (1.2 g/cow per d) or control (no supplementation). The same total mixed ration batch was offered to all cows, and ß-carotene was top dressed to individual cows once per day. The data set contained 283 Holsteins that received a treatment for >14 d (29.1±6.9 d). Frequency distributions were analyzed with the GENMOD procedure of SAS using logistic regression for binomial data. Continuous variables were analyzed with the MIXED procedure of SAS. Within parity, nonparametric estimates of the survivor function for reproductive variables were computed using the product-limit method of the Kaplan-Meier method with the LIFETEST procedure of SAS. Plasma ß-carotene concentration before supplementation was similar between supplemented and nonsupplemented cows (2.99µg/mL) and peaked at 3.26±0.175µg/mL on d -15±2.4 precalving for supplemented cows (2.62±0.168µg/mL for control). Colostrum density, milk yield, and milk composition were similar between treatments. ß-Carotene tended to increase milk protein content from 2.90 to 2.96% and to decrease the proportion of primiparous cows with a milk fat to protein ratio >1.5 from 22.6 to 6.4%. The proportion of primiparous and multiparous cows with difficult calving, metritis, progesterone >1 ng/mL at 21 d and at 42 d in lactation, % conception at first service, and % pregnancy at 90 and 150 d in lactation were similar between treatments. A trend for decreased incidence of somatic cell count >200,000 cells/mL was present in multiparous cows supplemented with ß-carotene (38.9% vs. 28.1%). ß-Carotene was associated with a reduction in the proportion of multiparous cows with retained placenta 12 h postpartum from 29.9 to 21.7%; time of placenta release was 392 min (340 to 440) for ß-carotene and 490 min (395 to 540) for control (median and 95% confidence interval). For primiparous cows, placenta release was not affected by ß-carotene (incidence was 15.4%). The intervals from calving to first estrus, to first service, and to conception were not affected by ß-carotene supplementation in either parity. However, independent of treatment, cows with improved reproductive efficiency had increased postpartum ß-carotene concentration in plasma. The prepartum supplementation of ß-carotene increased plasma concentration around calving. No response in milk yield or reproductive performance was detected. Beta-carotene supplementation was associated with a lower incidence of retained placenta in multiparous cows.

Efeito do ambiente ruminal sobre a degradabilidade de colmos da cana-de-açúcar / Effect of the rumen environment on sugarcane stems degradability

Avaliou-se o efeito do ambiente ruminal sobre a degradação da FDN de 12 cultivares de cana. As dietas continham: 87,1% de cana (Cana) ou 42,0% de cana e 58,0% de concentrado com milho (Milho) ou polpa cítrica (Polpa). Seis vacas com cânula ruminal formaram quadrados latinos 3x3. Por 11 dias de cada período experimental, o consumo de matéria seca foi fixado em 1,2% do peso vivo. No dia 12, baixo pH ruminal foi induzido no Milho e na Polpa por infusão intrarruminal de milho ou polpa cítrica. Simultaneamente, ureia foi adicionada ao rúmen em todos os tratamentos. Sacos de náilon contendo os cultivares foram incubados por 24h nos dias 11 e 12. O pH ruminal no dia 11 foi 7,01 e NH3 foi 3,4, 4,4 e 6,2mg/dL para Cana, Milho e Polpa, respectivamente. O pH no dia 12 foi 6,98 para Cana, 6,49 para Milho e 6,04 para Polpa, e NH3 foi 13,0mg/dL. Para Cana, a degradabilidade ruminal da FDN foi 21% no dia 11 e 28% no dia 12; para Milho e Polpa esta foi ao redor de 21% em ambos os dias. O ordenamento dos cultivares por degradabilidade ruminal da FDN foi similar nos ambientes ruminais distintos.(AU)

The effect of the rumen environment on NDF degradability of 12 sugarcane cultivars was evaluated. Diets contained: 87.1% of sugarcane (Cane) or 42.0% of sugarcane and 58.0% of concentrates with corn (Corn) or citrus pulp (Citrus). Six rumen cannulated cows formed 3x3 Latin Squares. For 11 days of each experimental period, the intake of dry matter was fixed at 1.2% of body weight. On day 12, low ruminal pH was induced on Corn and Citrus by pulse dosing corn or citrus pulp into the rumen. Simultaneously, urea was added to the rumen in all treatments. Nylon bags containing the cultivars were incubated for 24 h on the 11th and 12th days. Rumen pH on day 11 was 7.01 and NH3 was 3.4, 4.4 and 6.2 mg/dl for Cane, Corn and Citrus, respectively. Ruminal pH on day 12 was 6.98 for Cane, 6.49 for Corn and 6.04 for Citrus and NH3 was 13.0 mg/dl. For Cane, ruminal NDF degradability was 21% on day 11 and 28% on day 12, for Corn and Citrus it was around 21% in both days. The ranking of cultivars based on ruminal NDF degradability was similar in distinct rumen environments.(AU)

Response of lactating cows to live yeast supplementation during summer.

Dairy cows experiencing heat stress have reduced intake and increased reliance on glucose, making feeding strategies capable of improving diet digestibility plausible for improving postrumen nutrient flow and performance. The effect of yeast on digestion and performance of lactating cows during the warm summer months of southeastern Brazil was evaluated. Cows were individually fed in tie stalls and temperature-humidity index was above 68 during 75.6% of the experiment. Twenty-eight Holstein cows (207±87 d in milk) received a standard diet for 14 d and then a treatment for 70 d, in a covariate-adjusted, randomized block design with repeated measures over time. Treatments were yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or control. Yeast was top dressed to the diet in the morning, equivalent to 25×10(10) cfu of live cells and 5×10(10) cfu of dead cells. The diet contained corn silage (37.7%), Tifton silage (7.1%), raw soybeans (4.1%), soybean meal (16.5%), finely ground corn (20.7%), and citrus pulp (11.9%). Yeast increased milk (26.7 vs. 25.4 kg/d) and solids yield (3.06 vs. 2.92 kg/d), especially lactose. Response in milk yield was consistent over time and started at d 5. The daily intake of digestible OM, total-tract digestibility of nutrients, urinary allantoin excretion, chewing pattern throughout the day, and dry matter intake did not respond to yeast. A trend was observed for increased plasma glucose with yeast (62.9 vs. 57.3mg/dL), lowered respiratory frequency (48 vs. 56 breaths/min), and increased plasma niacin content (1.31 vs. 1.22 µg/mL), though cows had similar rectal temperature. Ruminal lactate and butyrate as proportions of ruminal organic acids were reduced by yeast, but no effects on other organic acids, ruminal pH, or protozoa content were detected. Plasma urea N over 24h was increased by yeast. On d 72 to 74, citrus pulp was abruptly replaced with finely ground corn to induce acidosis. The increased load of starch increased dry matter intake between 0700 and 1300 h, jugular blood partial pressure of CO2, HCO3-, and base excess, and decreased blood pH for both treatments. The yeast treatment had a higher blood pH compared with the control, 7.34, and 7.31, respectively. Yeast supplementation improved lactation performance of dairy cows under heat stress. Improvement in lactation performance apparently involved the regulation of body homeothermia, rather than improved digestibility.

Late biliary obstruction in Wistar rats after intermittent hepatic pedicle clamping.

INTRODUCTION: The temporary vascular occlusion of hepatic flow is one of the essential procedures in hepatic surgery. AIM: Evaluate the late liver alterations after intermittent pedicle hepatic clamping (IHPC) in Wistar rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 14) with average weight of 281.1 g, were anesthetized with intraperitoneal ketamine 5%. The IHPC group (n = 7) was submitted to U-shaped abdominal incision; the hepatic pedicle was isolated and submitted to IHPC ischemia 4 times, 5 minutes each, followed by reperfusion 4 times, 5 minutes each. The simulated operation group (n = 7) was subjected to anesthesia, laparotomy, and manipulation of the hepatic pedicle. On day 35, after fasting for 12 hours, liver biopsies were collected and blood was tested for liver aminotransferases (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase). RESULTS: All the IHPC group animals had a dilated common bile duct and increased liver enzymes (P < .05 by Mann-Whitney test). Ductular proliferation (100% of cases), porta-porta septa (42.8%), formation of lumps (42.8%), foci of necrosis (14.2%), and bile plugs (14, 2%) were observed only in the IHPC group. CONCLUSION: In rats, IHPC caused morphologic features leading to biliary obstruction.