Identification of trailer heat zones and associated heat stress in weaner pigs transported by road in tropical climates.

Heat stress is major welfare concern during transport of pigs in tropical climates, which can also lead to direct production costs. This study evaluated the dynamics of heat zones through the load and their relationship with heat stress of weaner pigs during road transport in a tropical climate. Both environmental (e.g. temperature and relative humidity) and physiological (e.g. respiratory frequency and lactate) measures were recorded from four vehicle journeys (70 km distance, 216 weaner pigs within each trailer load) within Ceará, northeastern Brazil. Geostatistics and fluid dynamics simulation techniques were applied to understand the dynamics of heat zones and ventilation patterns the truckload. Statistics based on canonical discriminant analysis and ANOVA were performed to verify the relationship between heat zones and heat stress in pigs. The results showed that, during transport, the generation of heat zones occurred with different magnitudes along the load (P < 0.05), which was harmonized by the ventilation dynamics. There was a heat core with high energy content, in the front region of the lower deck (LD) of the trailer. In this zone, weaners pigs had higher rectal temperature (+1.8 °C temperature difference), respiratory frequency (LD = 94 ± 1.3 breaths/min; UD = 86 ± 1.3 breaths/min), and blood cortisol concentration (LD = 32.9 ± 0.8 ng/mL; UD = 30.18 ± 0.6 ng/mL) (all P < 0.05). Weaners pigs transported in the upper deck (UD) compartments had the highest skin temperature (LD = 38.13 ± 0.3 °C; UD = 38.9 ± 0.22 °C) and the highest mean values of blood lactate (LD = 65.5 ± 1.11 m/M; UD = 71.60 ± 1.19 m/M) and Creatine kinase (LD = 3891.23 ± 69U/L; UD = 4107.43 ± 62U/L) (P < 0.05). Weaners transported in compartments of the LD of trailer were more susceptible to heat stress, while weaners in the UD compartments were more susceptible to physical stress and muscle exhaustion. These results provide additional evidence of heat zones within trailer compartments and highlight the requirement for the planning of pig transport operations in tropical climates to mitigate risks of heat stress.

Quantifying intraclass correlations for count and time-to-event data.

The intraclass correlation is commonly used with clustered data. It is often estimated based on fitting a model to hierarchical data and it leads, in turn, to several concepts such as reliability, heritability, inter-rater agreement, etc. For data where linear models can be used, such measures can be defined as ratios of variance components. Matters are more difficult for non-Gaussian outcomes. The focus here is on count and time-to-event outcomes where so-called combined models are used, extending generalized linear mixed models, to describe the data. These models combine normal and gamma random effects to allow for both correlation due to data hierarchies as well as for overdispersion. Furthermore, because the models admit closed-form expressions for the means, variances, higher moments, and even the joint marginal distribution, it is demonstrated that closed forms of intraclass correlations exist. The proposed methodology is illustrated using data from agricultural and livestock studies.

Nitrogen requirements of white-lipped peccary (Mammalia, Tayassuidae).

A study was conducted to determine the protein requirement of the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) performing a nitrogen (N) balance digestion trial. In a 4 × 4 Latin square design, four adult captive male peccaries were fed four isoenergetic diets containing four different levels of N (13.3, 19.2, 28.7, and 37.1 g N/kg dry matter). After 15 days of adaptation, the total collection of feces and urine was carried out for five consecutive days. By regression analysis between N intake and N in feces and urine, the metabolic fecal nitrogen (MFN = 3.1 g/kg of dry matter intake) and daily endogenous urinary N (EUN = 91.0 mg/kg(0.75) ) were determined. Likewise, by regression analyses between consumption of nitrogen and the nitrogen balance [NBN consumed-(fecal N + Urine N)] we estimated the daily requirement of 336.5 mgN/kg(0.75) . Therefore, if food intake is unrestricted, white-lipped peccaries require a minimum content in their diet of about 4.5% crude protein as percentage of dry diet. These values are similar to those found in frugivorous wild ruminants, which reinforces the proposition that peccaries have a digestive physiology nearer to that of ruminants than of domestic pigs. Furthermore, the low nutritional maintenance requirements for white-lipped peccary may explain how this species thrive in the Neo-tropical region eating predominantly palm-fruits that normally have low crude protein contents.

Comparison of the operative time and presence of voids of incremental and bulk-filling techniques on Class II composite restorations.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the operative time and presence of air voids on Class II restorations fabricated by dental practitioners with 1 to 5 years of experience using incremental and bulk-filling techniques. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Four techniques were evaluated: incremental, bulk-filling, bulk-filling with heated composite, and snowplow technique. Standardized mandibular first molars with a MOD (mesial, occlusal, and distal) cavity were used. Voluntary operators made two restorations using each technique and the time required for each restoration was recorded. The restorations were scanned by micro-computed tomography to calculate the volume of the restoration occupied by air voids. The "operative time" and "volume of air voids" were analyzed individually by two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc (α = .05) for the factors operator and insertion technique. A correlation between "operative time" and "volume of air voids" was evaluated using Pearson coefficient (α = .05). RESULTS: The incremental technique required significantly longer time, yet no differences were observed between the bulk-filling techniques. There were no significant differences between techniques regarding the volume of air voids. A significant, but weak, and inverse linear correlation (P = .0059; r = -.29; r2 = 8.41%) was found between the operative time and volume of air voids. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in the volume of air voids among the evaluated techniques, although bulk-filling techniques required a shorter operative time. Hence, implementing bulk-filling techniques by dental schools and restorative dental practitioners with different levels of expertise may reduce chair time and produce a volume of air voids similar to the incremental technique.

Phenotypic stability of hybrids of Gália melon in Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil.

The objectives of this study were to determine the importance of simple and complex components of the interaction genotype × environment and to evaluate the adaptability and stability of Gália melon hybrids. Nine hybrids were tested in twelve environments of Rio Grande Norte State from 2000 to 2001. The experiments were carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The statistical methods of Toler and Burrows, Wricke and AMMI (Additive Main effect and Multiplicative Interaction) were used to study the adaptability and stability. The complex component is responsible for most of the genotype × environment interaction for the yield and content of solids soluble of fruits. The environments associated with Mossoró and Assu municipalities are the most suitable to evaluate melon hybrids in the state. The hybrid DRG 1537 was the most likely to be grown in the Agro-industrial Complex Mossoró-Assu due to its stability, high productivity and high content of soluble solids.

Influence of beam homogenization on bond strength of adhesives to dentin.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of beam homogeneity on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of two adhesive resins to dentin. METHODS: One polywave light-emitting-diode (LED) LCU (Bluephase Style, Ivoclar Vivadent AG) was used with two different light guides: a regular tip (RT, 1010 mW/cm2 emittance) and a homogenizer tip (HT, 946 mW/cm2 emittance). The emission spectra and beam profiles were measured from both light guides. Extracted third molars were prepared for µTBS evaluation using two adhesive systems: Excite F (EXF) and Adhese Universal (ADU). Bond strength was calculated for each specimen (n = 10) at locations that correlated with the output of the two LED chips emitting blue (455 nm) and the one chip that emitted violet light (409 nm) after 24-hs and after one-year water-storage. The µTBS was analyzed using a four-way analysis of variance (factors: adhesive system, light guide, LED wavelength, and storage time) and post-hoc Tukey test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: EXF always delivered a higher µTBS than ADU (p < 0.0001), with the µTBS of ADU being about 20% lower than EXF. The light guide (p = 0.0259) and storage time (p = 0.0009) significantly influenced the µTBS. The LED wavelengths had no influence on the µTBS (p > 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Homogeneity of the emitted light beam was associated with higher 24-h µTBS to dentin, regardless of the adhesive tested. Also, differences in the composition of adhesives can affect their compatibility with restorative composites and their ability to maintain bonding over one year.

Effect of endodontic sealer and resin luting strategies on pull-out bond strength of glass fiber posts to dentin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of eugenol-containing endodontic sealers and luting strategy on the pull-out bond strength of glass fiber posts to dentin. Sixty-four bovine incisors were randomly assigned into two groups of 32 specimens each for obturation procedure with gutta-percha only, or with Pulp Canal Sealer EWT Subsequently, the roots were prepared for the fiber post Reforpost and all specimens of each endodontic sealing procedure were allocated to four groups (n = 8), according to the strategies for post cementation: A) Single Bond 2 and RelyX ARC; B) All Bond 2 and C&B cement; C) All Bond 2 and RelyX ARC; D) Single Bond 2 and C&B Cement. The posts were cemented immediately after the endodontic treatment. The pull-out test was performed at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min in a universal testing machine (EMIC). Data (Kgf) were submitted to a two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p < or = 0.05). The eugenol-based sealer did not influence the pull-out bond strength of fiber posts regardless of the luting strategy. RelyX ARC showed higher bond strength than C&B Cement when used with Single Bond 2 adhesive system, when the eugenol-based sealer was present. All Bond 2, when associated to all cements studied, promoted similar bond strength, regardless of the eugenol-containing endodontic sealer In conclusion, eugenol-containing sealer did not influence the pull-out bond strength values of the resin luting systems for glass fiber post cementation. The bond system and resin cement association from the same manufacturer had similar bond strength values for dentin.

Human urine metabolomic signature after ingestion of polyphenol-rich juice of purple grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam.).

Polyphenol intake has been associated with health promotion because of its interaction with several metabolic pathways. This study investigates changes in the urine metabolome following acute intake of polyphenol-rich juice, purple grumixama juice. Grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam.) is a cherry native to Brazil that is known to be a rich source of anthocyanins and ellagitannins. In this research 15 healthy subjects consumed a single dose of grumixama juice. Urine samples were collected before grumixama juice intake, 0-1, 1-2, 2-4 h, with fasting at 24 h after intake. Plasma samples were also collected before intake, 30' and at 1 h, 2 h and 4 h, with fasting at 24 h after juice intake. The urine primary metabolites were analysed by a metabolomic approach using gas chromatography mass spectrometry with methyl chloroformate derivatisation for amino acids and organic acids. Also, an oxygen radical absorbance capacity method was carried out to evaluate the plasma samples antioxidant capacity changes. Subjects showed increase in plasma antioxidant capacity after juice intake (p-values < .05). A total of 114 metabolites were assessed in urine (1-2 h and 2-4 h), including 17 amino acids, 47 organic acids and several other metabolites. Among the 114 metabolites, 25 were significantly changed during the first 4 h following juice intake, as shown by the Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (0.5 > p(corr) > 0.3) and univariate analysis (p-values < .05). Some metabolites were related to mitochondrial metabolism, such as glyoxylic acid and oxalic acid. Metabolites related to amino acid metabolism were also changed, such as beta-alanine, l-phenylalanine and l-tyrosine. In conclusion, results suggest that acute intake of grumixama juice could affect amino acid metabolism and mitochondrial metabolism, but the related health implications should be explored in further studies using additional approaches.

Natural Ecosystem Surrounding a Conventional Banana Crop Improves Plant Health and Fruit Quality.

Natural ecosystems near agricultural landscapes may provide rich environments for growing crops. However, the effect of a natural ecosystem on crop health and fruit quality is poorly understood. In the present study, it was investigated whether the presence of a natural ecosystem surrounding a crop area influences banana plant health and fruit postharvest behavior. Plants from two conventional banana crop areas with identical planting time and cultural practices were used; the only difference between banana crop areas is that one area was surrounded by a natural forest (Atlantic forest) fragment (Near-NF), while the other area was inserted at the center of a conventional banana crop (Distant-NF). Results showed that bananas harvested from Near-NF showed higher greenlife and a more homogeneous profile during ripening compared to fruits harvested from Distant-NF. Differences in quality parameters including greenlife, carbohydrate profile, and pulp firmness between fruits harvested from Near-NF and Distant-NF are explained, at least partly, by differences in the balance of plant growth regulators (indole-3-acetic acid and abscisic acid) in bananas during ripening. Furthermore, plants from Near-NF showed a lower severity index of black leaf streak disease (BLSD) and higher levels of phenolic compounds in leaves compared to plants from Distant-NF. Together, the results provide additional evidence on how the maintenance of natural ecosystems near conventional crop areas could be a promising tool to improve plant health and fruit quality.

Effect of the composite photoactivation mode on microtensile bond strength and Knoop microhardness.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of the composite photoactivation mode on microtensile bond strength and Knoop microhardness. METHODS: Standard class I cavities (3 x 4 x 3mm) were restored with two adhesives systems, Single Bond (SB) and Clearfil SE Bond (CE), and the TPH composite. The photoactivation of the composite was carried out using three modes: Conventional (CO: 400 mW/cm(2) x 40s), Soft-Start (SS: 100 mW/cm(2) x 10s+600 mW/cm(2) x 30s) and Pulse-Delay (PD: 100 mW/cm(2) x 3s+3 min wait+600 mW/cm(2) x 37s). For the microtensile test, beams obtained from the buccal wall bond interface were tested under tension at 0.5mm/min crosshead speed until failure. For the microhardness test, the restorations were sectioned in the mesio-distal direction and indentations were made on the internal composite surface of each half at three different depths. Data of two tests were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and LSMeans (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: In the microtensile test, SS presented the highest values. PD presented intermediate values without differing significantly from the other modes. For adhesives, SB presented the highest values. In the microhardness test, PD presented the highest values, differing significantly from SS. CO presented intermediate values but without any statistical difference from the others. The SS-CE interaction presented the lowest values with statistical differences from all the others. SIGNIFICANCE: By the SS technique, the highest bond strength was obtained. However, this technique made it possible for the adhesive system to intervene with the hardness of the composite.

Phenotypic stability of hybrids of Gália melon in Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil

The objectives of this study were to determine the importance of simple and complex components of the interaction genotype × environment and to evaluate the adaptability and stability of Gália melon hybrids. Nine hybrids were tested in twelve environments of Rio Grande Norte State from 2000 to 2001. The experiments were carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The statistical methods of Toler and Burrows, Wricke and AMMI (Additive Main effect and Multiplicative Interaction) were used to study the adaptability and stability. The complex component is responsible for most of the genotype × environment interaction for the yield and content of solids soluble of fruits. The environments associated with Mossoró and Assu municipalities are the most suitable to evaluate melon hybrids in the state. The hybrid DRG 1537 was the most likely to be grown in the Agro-industrial Complex Mossoró-Assu due to its stability, high productivity and high content of soluble solids.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar a importância das componentes simples e complexa da interação genótipo × ambiente e avaliar a adaptabilidade e estabilidade de híbridos de melão Gália. Nove híbridos foram testados em doze ambientes do Estado do Rio Grande Norte no período de 2000 a2001. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em blocos completos casualizados com três repetições. Os métodos estatísticos de Toler e Burrows, Wricke e AMMI (Additive Main effect and Multiplicative Interaction) foram usados para estudar a adaptabilidade e estabilidade. A componente complexa é responsável pela maior parte da interação genótipo × ambiente para a produtividade e teor de sólidos solúveis dos frutos. Os ambientes associados com Mossoró e Assu são os mais adequados para a avaliação de melão híbrido. O híbrido DRG1537 é o mais promissor para o cultivo no Complexo Agro-industrial Mossoró-Assu, devido à sua estabilidade, alta produtividade e alto teor de sólidos solúveis.

Atratividade e preferência para oviposição de Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) biótipo B em genótipos de tomateiro / Attractiveness and oviposition preference of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) biotype B in tomato genotypes

Genótipos de tomateiro pertencentes a diferentes espécies foram avaliados quanto à atratividade para adultos e preferência para oviposição de Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biótipo B, em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi instalado em blocos ao acaso, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com três repetições. Para infestação dos genótipos, introduziram-se, na casa de vegetação, plantas de soja com alta população de mosca-branca, aos 40-45 dias após o transplante. Avaliou-se o número de adultos e de ovos da mosca-branca nas faces adaxial e abaxial dos folíolos, durante cinco semanas. Cada observação foi constituída pela média de três folíolos. Determinou-se a área foliar média para cada genótipo, para obtenção da infestação por cm². Não foram constatadas diferenças significativas entre genótipos e entre avaliações, com relação ao número de adultos vivos na face adaxial dos folíolos. Considerando o número de adultos vivos na face abaxial, os genótipos menos atrativos foram LA716 (Lycopersicon pennellii) e PI134417 (L. hirsutum f. glabratum), ao passo que LA1609 (L. peruvianum) destacou-se como um dos mais atrativos. Em LA716, registrou-se o maior número de adultos mortos, devido à exsudação de tricomas glandulares que cobrem as folhas e caules, exercendo efeito sobre a captura dos adultos quando em contato com os folíolos. Comportamento semelhante foi verificado em LA1739, LA1740 e PI127826 (L. hirsutum) e em PI134417 e PI134418 (L. hirsutum f. glabratum). LA716 e PI134418 foram os menos preferidos para oviposição. Os genótipos preferidos para oviposição na face abaxial dos folíolos foram CNPH1039, Japão (L. pimpinellifolium) e LA1609.

Tomato genotypes of different species were evaluated regarding to attractiveness and oviposition preference of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with a split-pot scheme and three replicates. Plant infestation was done at 40-45 days after seedling transplanting by introducing highly whitefly-infested soybean plants. The variables evaluated were adult number and egg number on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the leaflets, during five weeks. Each observation was composed by the mean numbers obtained for three leaflets. Leaf area of each genotype was determined to estimate whitefly population per cm². There were no significant differences among genotypes and evaluations regarding to the presence of live adult whiteflies on the adaxial surfaces of the leaflets. For the number of live adult whiteflies on the abaxial surface, the least attractive genotypes were LA716 (Lycopersicon pennellii) and PI134417 (L. hirsutum f. glabratum); LA1609 (L. peruvianum) was one of the most attractive ones. Great number of dead adult whiteflies was registered on LA716, due to the sticky secretion produced by the glandular trichomes that cover leaves and stalks, trapping whiteflies when they contact the leaflet. Similar behavior was verified for LA1739, LA1740, PI127826 (L. hirsutum), PI134417 and PI134418 (L. hirsutum f. glabratum). LA716 and PI134418 were the least preferred genotypes for oviposition. The preferred genotypes for oviposition on the abaxial surface of the leaflets were CNPH1039, Japão (L. pimpinellifolium) and LA1609.