ABSTRACT
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents host unique ecosystems but face risks of incidents with Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) along busy shipping lanes such as the transatlantic route. We developed an Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) model of the Menez Gwen (MG) vent field (MG-EwE) (Mid-Atlantic Ridge) to simulate ecosystem effects of potential accidental spills of four different HNS, using a semi-Lagrangian Dispersion Model (sLDM) coupled with the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) calibrated for the study area. Food web modelling revealed a simplified trophic structure with low energy efficiency. The MG ecosystem was vulnerable to disruptions caused by all tested HNS, yet it revealed some long-term resilience. Understanding these impacts is vital for enhancing Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure plans (SPCC) in remote marine areas and developing tools to assess stressors effects on these invaluable habitats.
Subject(s)
Ecosystem , Hydrothermal Vents , Hazardous Substances , Food Chain , AccidentsABSTRACT
The human gut microbiome can be impacted by a range of environmental and lifestyle factors including diet, antibiotics, physical fitness and acute and chronic stressors. There is also evidence to suggest that specific compositional and/or functional features of the gut microbiome are mediators of aspects of health and performance including disease susceptibility, cognitive and physical states and the immune response. Therefore, understanding microbe-to-microbe and nutrient-to-microbe interactions in the gut and how they interact with host biology (eg, via the gut-brain axis) could enable better design of interventions aimed at modulating the gut microbiome to improve the health and performance of the military. Accordingly, this review summarises a thematic session hosted at the 6th International Conference on Soldier Physical Performance which provided an overview of military-relevant research related to the gut microbiome. It articulates a timely opportunity to leverage this rapidly advancing area to improve personnel health and military performance.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the influence of culture media, irradiance, and sealing system on the in vitro and ex vitro growth of Cattleya walkeriana Gardner. We used MS medium as culture medium, supplemented with 30 g L-1 of sucrose and solidified with 7.0 g L-1 of bacteriological agar. This medium served as a control, while for the other treatments we supplemented the media as follows: 2) MS with 150 g L-1 of banana pulp = P150; 3) MS with 300 g L-1 of banana pulp = P300; 4) MS with 150 g L-1 of banana peel = PE150; and 5) MS with 300 g L-1 of banana peel = PE300. The irradiances were provided by 3000K LED lamps: 86 µmol m-2 s-1 (Irradiance-1) and 128 µmol m-2 s-1 (Irradiance-2) and the conventional sealing (CSS) and sealing systems that allow gas exchange (GESS). After 120 (in vitro) and 180 days (ex vitro) of cultivation, we evaluated them for pseudobulb (PN), leaf (LN) and root number (RN), plant height (PH), pseudobulb diameter (PD), longest leaf (LL) and root length (RL), fresh mass (TFM) and survival (%SURV). There was a significant interaction for all the variables analyzed. The CM x SS double interaction was significant for PH, LL, and RL. The CM x I x SS interaction was significant for PN, LN, RN, PD, TFM, and %SURV traits of C. walkeriana grown in vitro. There was a significant interaction between CM x I x SS for all C. walkeriana traits evaluated in ex vitro culture. Using the medium with up to 150 g L-1 of banana pulp combined with Irradiance-2 and CSS provided the highest values for in vitro plant growth. However, prior cultivation in MS medium, Irradiance-1, and CSS provided the greatest survival and establishment of this species plants in ex vitro culture.
Subject(s)
Culture Media , Orchidaceae , Orchidaceae/growth & development , Light , Time Factors , Musa/growth & developmentABSTRACT
This study investigated the incidence and diversity of Tolypocladium within trunks of south Florida slash pines (Pinus densa). Thirty-five isolates were recovered from trunk tissue including living phloem, cambium, and sapwood. Two novel species of Tolypocladium (T. subtropicale and T. trecense) are described here based on morphological and molecular analysis of concatenated LSU, ITS, tef-1, tub, and RPB1 sequences. Our findings expand our understanding of the distribution, diversity, and ecology of this genus and confirm that it is widely spread as an endophyte across ecosystems and hosts. Strains collected in this survey will be used in future bioassays to determine their potential ecological roles as mycoparasites or entomopathogens. Citation: Soares JM, Karlsen-Ayala E, Salvador-Montoya CA, Gazis R (2023). Two novel endophytic Tolypocladium species identified from native pines in south Florida. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 11: 51-61. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2023.11.04.
ABSTRACT
Objetivo: conhecer as percepções dos graduandos em Enfermagem sobre violência contra a mulher. Métodos: estudo qualitativo realizado com 16 graduandos em Enfermagem entre abril e junho de 2016. Dados coletados por entrevista e realizada a análise de conteúdo. Resultados: foram determinadas como categorias: entendimento sobre violência de gênero, abordagem da violência de gênero na formação dos graduandos, percepção sobre a atuação do enfermeiro na atenção às mulheres em situação de violência e considerações sobre o atendimento ideal à mulher em situação de violência. Considerações finais: a violência e a desigualdade de gênero são percebidas pelos acadêmicos. O papel do enfermeiro é destacado nas habilidades de comunicação e acolhimento. Os graduandos não se identificam como parte da equipe de saúde que receberá a mulher em situação de violência e percebem o tema no currículo da graduação. Estudos semelhantes contribuirão com a discussão sobre a violência contra a mulher.
Objective: to learn how nursing graduate students perceive violence against women. Methods: qualitative analysis carried out with 16 nursing students from April to June 2016. Data were collected in interviews and content was analyzed. Results: four categories were discerned: overall understanding about gender-related violence; approach towards gender-related violence during students graduation; perception about nurses role when assisting violated women; considerations about the best approach to take when assisting violated women. Final considerations: gender-related violence is noticed by students, as much as gender inequality. Nurses highlighted role is the ability to communicate and to foster patient care. Undergraduate students do not identify as active part of health care team. However, they identify the theme in the Universitys undergraduation syllabus. Similar researches can contribute to discuss violence against women.
Subject(s)
Humans , Nursing , Students, Nursing , Violence Against WomenABSTRACT
The present work had the objective of detecting the occurrence of Equine Piroplasmosis in horses housed in the 3rd Guards Cavalry Regiment (GCR) - Brazilian Army (BA) Ë Porto Alegre, RS-Brazil, as well as to demonstrate the proactivity of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique, aiming at the judicious use of the resources involved in the training and employment of Equines in the Brazilian Army. Fifty horses of the 3rd GCR - Porto Alegre Ë RS, which are employed for Sport, Military Ceremonial, Law and Order Guarantee Operations (LOGO), were evaluated by means of the 18s r RNA screening with PCR technique, thirty eight horses with Babesia Caballi and Theileria Equi were detected, which corresponds to an incidence of 76% of the horses effective analyzed at the time. In this way, it can be verified that the Military activity have its "performance and effectiveness" factors threatened in case the health of the principal of his means employed, that is the horse, is compromised. The PCR technique then offers a reliable and feasible tool for the detection of Equine Piroplasmosis in BA horses.(AU)
O presente trabalho teve como objetivo detectar a ocorrência de Piroplasmose equina em cavalos alojados no 3º Regimento de Cavalaria de Guarda (RCG) - Exército Brasileiro (EB) - Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil, bem como demonstrar a forma proativa do método da PCR (reação em cadeia de polimerase), objetivando o uso criterioso dos recursos envolvidos no treinamento e emprego de equinos no Exército Brasileiro. Foram avaliados 50 cavalos da 3ª GCR-Porto Alegre, RS, empregados nas modalidades de: esporte, cerimonial militar e operações de garantia da lei e da ordem (GLO), por meio da triagem da região do genoma 18S rRNA mediante a aplicação do método da PCR. Foram positivas as amostras de 38 equinos para Babesia caballi e Theileria Equi, o que corresponde a uma incidência de 76% dos cavalos efetivos analisados na época. Dessa forma, verifica-se que as atividades militares tem seus fatores de "desempenho e efetividade" ameaçados no caso da saúde do principal de seus meios empregados, o Cavalo, estar comprometida. A técnica de PCR, então, oferece uma ferramenta confiável e viável para a detecção de Piroplasmose em equinos do EB.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Babesiosis/diagnosis , Polymerase Chain Reaction/statistics & numerical data , Genes, rRNA , Horses/abnormalitiesABSTRACT
Nos últimos anos, tem-se observado um aumento no consumo de alimentos diet e light por adolescentes ou por aqueles que estão à procura de uma alimentação com baixo teor calórico, surgindo, assim, diversos edulcorantes, como o aspartame. Porém, seu consumo ainda gera polêmica, devido a muitos dados contraditórios e inconclusivos. Diante disso, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da suplementação de aspartame sobre ingestão alimentar, parâmetros físicos, bioquímicos e histopatológicos em 18 ratos machos da linhagem Wistar, com cinco semanas de vida (ratos jovens), tratados durante 21 dias. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo controle (GC) - tratados com água destilada por gavagem, e o grupo aspartame (GA) - tratados diariamente com 2mL/100g/dia de aspartame. Todos os animais receberam ração comercial (Essence(r)) e água ad libitum. O controle da ingestão alimentar foi registrado semanalmente. Foram aferidos os parâmetros físicos por meio da análise do peso corporal, da circunferência toráxica, da circunferência abdominal, do comprimento vértice-cóccix, da gordura abdominal total e do cálculo do índice de massa corporal; os parâmetros bioquímicos foram analisados por meio da glicemia, da lipoproteína de alta densidade e dos triglicerídeos; além de tais análises, foi realizado o estudo histopatológico do fígado. Durante todo o experimento, os ratos tratados com aspartame apresentaram um aumento significativo no peso corpóreo e na ingestão alimentar quando comparados ao grupo controle. Não houve diferença nas demais análises tanto físicas, quanto bioquímicas e histopatológicas comparando-se o GA com o GC (P<0,05). Com base nos resultados obtidos, é possível inferir uma maior chance de desenvolvimento da obesidade, oriunda do consumo regular desse tipo de adoçante, já que ele comprovou ser capaz de estimular o consumo de alimentos e, consequentemente, o ganho de peso corpóreo.(AU)
Recent years have seen an increase in consumption of diet and light foods by teenagers or those who are looking for a low-calorie diet, thus resulting in several sweeteners such as aspartame. However, their consumption still generates controversy due to many contradictory and inconclusive data. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aspartame supplementation on dietary intake, physical, biochemical, and histopathological parameters in 18 male Wistar rats, at five weeks old (young mice) treated for 21 days. The animals were randomly assigned into two groups: control group (CG) - treated with distilled water by gavage and aspartame group (GA) - treated with 2ml/100g/day of aspartame. All animals received commercial feed (Essence (r)) and water ad libitum. The control of food intake was recorded weekly. The physical parameters were measured by analyzing the body weight, chest circumference, waist circumference, vertex-coccyx length, total abdominal fat and calculating the body mass index; biochemical parameters were analyzed by glucose, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides. Apart from such analysis the histopathological study of the liver was conducted. Throughout the experiment the rats treated with aspartame showed a significant increase in body weight and food intake compared to the control group. There was no difference in other analyzes such physical, biochemical, and histopathological comparing GA to GC (P<0.05). From the results we can infer a greater chance of developing obesity, coming from the regular consumption of this type of sweetener, as it proved able to stimulate food intake, and hence the gain of body weight.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Aspartame/analysis , Eating/drug effects , Weight Gain , Reference Standards/analysisABSTRACT
Foi avaliada a viabilidade econômica de três sistemas de produção por meio da mensuração dos custos de produção e da análise dos indicadores financeiros. Os três sistemas (S1, S2 e S3), situados na fronteira oeste do Rio Grande do Sul, foram avaliados no período de outubro de 2010 a outubro de 2011. A pastagem estabelecida no S1 foi de azevém (Lolium multiflorumLam)e trevo branco (Trifolium repensLam); no S2, trevo branco, trevo vermelho (Trifolium pratenseLam), cornichão (Lotus corniculatusLam), azevém e aveia preta (Avena strigosaSchreb); e no S3, azevém, cornichão, trevo branco e trevo vermelho. Os animais foram pesados na entrada e na saída das pastagens. A coleta de dados para mensuração do custo foi realizada mensalmente utilizando-se planilhas apropriadas. As produtividades foram de 369, 772 e 637kg/ha para os sistemas S1, S2 e S3, respectivamente. O S2 apresentou o maior custo total (R$ 2.101,59/ha), enquanto o menor foi obtido pelo S1 (R$ 1.626,93/ha). Na análise do custo operacional médio dos três sistemas, os itens que apresentaram maiores valores foram a implantação de pastagem, a energia elétrica, a manutenção da pastagem e a depreciação. Quanto às margens, os sistemas S1, S2 e S3 apresentaram, respectivamente, R$ 33,46, 1.162,55 e 701,01/ha para margem bruta; R$ -63,51, 955,40 e 541,05/ha para margem operacional; e R$ -583,18, 291,61 e -28,99/ha para lucro total. A rentabilidade foi de -0,47, 4,37 e 3,01% e a lucratividade foi de -5,94, 39,92 e 27,38% para o S1, S2 e S3, respectivamente. A irrigação de pastagens para terminação de bovinos é viável economicamente, no entanto a sua adoção deve sempre visar a altas produtividades zootécnicas devido ao seu elevado custo de produção.
The economic viability of three systems of production was evaluated through the measurement of costs and analysis of financial indicators. The three systems (S1, S2 and S3), located on the Western Border of Rio Grande do Sul, were evaluated from October 2010 to October 2011. The pasture established is S1 was ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) and white clover (Trifolium repens Lam), in S2, white clover, red clover (Trifolium pratense Lam), Bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus Lam), ryegrass and oats (Avena strigosa Schreb), and in S3, ryegrass, birdsfoot trefoil, white clover and red clover. The animals were weighed before and after the pastures. Data collection was conducted monthly, using spreadsheets suitable for the measurement of production cost. Productivities were 369, 772 and 637 kg/ha for systems S1, S2 and S3, respectively. S2 had the highest total cost (R$ 2101.59/ha), while the lower was obtained by S1 (R$ 1626.93/ha). In the analysis of the average operating costs, items that showed the highest values were the establishment of pasture, electricity, maintenance of pasture and depreciation. As for margins, the systems S1, S2, and S3 were, respectively, R$ 33.46, 1162.55 and 701.01/ha for gross margin; R$ -63.51, 955.40 and 541.05 ha-1 for operating margin; and R$ -583.18, -28.99 and 291.61 ha-1 for total profit. The return was -0.47, 4.37 and 3.01% and profitability was -5.94, 39.92 and 27.38% for the S1, S2 and S3 respectively. The positive result found in the financial evaluation of the three systems studied indicates the economic viability of irrigated pasture in finishing cattle. Irrigation of pasture for finishing cattle is economically feasible, however, its application should always aim high yields husbandry due to their high cost of production.
Subject(s)
Animals , Cattle , Costs and Cost Analysis , Pasture/analysis , Pasture/statistics & numerical data , Agricultural Irrigation , Rural EconomyABSTRACT
The structural alterations that occur in the muscle fibers of denervated rat diaphragms were studied. Fifteen adult male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) with a mean weight of 200 g and about 60 days of age were used. Chronically denervated diaphragms were obtained and the animals were sacrificed after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of denervation. The left antimere of the diaphragm was denervated by sectioning of the phrenic nerve and the right antimere served as control. Each antimere was divided into fragments, which were used for analysis transmission electron microscopy. During the initial phase of denervation (4 weeks), ultrastructural muscle modifications appeared in scattered fibers and in foci along these fibers. Muscle fibers with foci of less dense and loosely arranged myofibrils, disorganized Z line, displaced T tubules, and central nucleus exhibiting reentrances and fragmented aspect were observed. After 8 weeks, formation of large aggregates of small elongated mitochondria showing altered cristae, matrix inclusions and increased electron density was noted. At 12 weeks of denervation the alterations were found to be more drastic. Nuclei with internal deposits of myofibrillar or amorphous material were observed. In these fibers, vacuoles harbored enormous myeloid structures in the subsarcolemmal or intermyofibrillar region.
Fueron estudiadas las alteraciones ultra estructurales de las fibras musculares del diafragma denervado de ratas. Fueron utilizadas 15 ratas albinas (Rattus norvegicus), machos, adultas, con peso promedio de 200 g de aproximadamente 60 días de edad. Los diafragmas crónicamente denervados fueron obtenidos después de 4, 8 y 12 semanas de denervación. El antímero izquierdo del diafragma fue denervado por sección del nervio frénico y el antímero derecho fue utilizado como control. Cada antímero fue dividido en fragmentos, que fueron utilizados para el estudio en microscopia electrónica de transmisión. Durante los períodos iniciales de denervación (4 semanas), las modificaciones en la ultraestructura del músculo se disponen en fibras dispersas y en focos a lo largo de las mismas. Se observan fibras musculares con focos de miofibrillas rarefactas y laxamente dispuestas; línea Z desorganizada; túbulos T dislocados; núcleo central con aspecto fragmentado. Después de 8 semanas de denervación, se observa la formación de numeroso agregados de pequeñas mitocondrias alargadas, con alteraciones en las crestas, inclusiones en la matriz y aumento de la electrodensidad. Con 12 semanas de denervación, las alteraciones se muestran más drásticas; se observan núcleos con depósitos internos de material miofibrillar o amorfo. En estas fibras, las vacuolas presentan grandes estructuras mieloides en la región subsarcolemal o intermiofibrillar.
Subject(s)
Male , Animals , Rats , Diaphragm/ultrastructure , Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/ultrastructure , Denervation , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Time FactorsABSTRACT
The morphological alterations that occur in the muscle fibers of denervated rat diaphragms were studied. Fifteen adult male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) with a mean weight of 200 g and about 60 days of age were used. Chronically denervated diaphragms were obtained and the animals were sacrificed after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of denervation. The left antimere of the diaphragm was denervated by sectioning of the phrenic nerve and the right antimere served as control. Each antimere was divided into two fragments, which were used for histological (H.E.) and histoenzymological (NADH-TR and myofibrillar ATPase). After 4 weeks, denervated muscle fibers showed important light microscopic alterations: atrophy with angular profiles in cross-sections, cytoplasm containing vacuoles, enlarged interstitial space with increased connective tissue, cellular infiltration, and muscle fibers without defined contours. The most marked alterations being observed for type IIb and IIa fibers. Eight and 12 weeks after denervation, the NADH-TR reaction showed that it was impossible to characterize the muscle fibers based on their metabolic profile...
Fueron estudiadas las alteraciones morfológicas de las fibras musculares del diafragma denervado de ratas. Se utilizaron 15 ratas albinas (Rattus norvegicus) machos, adultos, con peso promedio de 200g y cerca de 60 días de edad. Se denervó el diafragma y después de 4, 8 y 12 semanas los animales fueron sacrificados. El antímero izquierdo del diafragma fue denervado por sección del nervio frénico y el antímero derecho fue utilizado como control. Cada antímero fue dividido en fragmentos, utilizados para el estudio histológico (H-E), histoenzimológico (NADH-TR y ATPasa miofibrilar). Después de 4 semanas las fibras musculares denervadas presentaron alteraciones importantes en lamicroscopía de luz: atrofia con perfiles angulados en secciones transversales; citoplasma con vacuolas; aumento del espacio intersticial con aumento de tejido conjuntivo; infiltración celular y fibras musculares sin contornos definidos, siendo las alteraciones más marcadas en las fibras tipo IIb e IIa. Después de 8 y 12 semanas de denervación la reacción para NADH-TR demuestra que es imposible caracterizar a las fibras musculares a través de su perfil metabólico...
Subject(s)
Male , Animals , Rats , Diaphragm/innervation , Diaphragm/pathology , Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/pathology , Muscle Denervation , Time FactorsABSTRACT
O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a influência dos reguladores vegetais BAP e GA3 como tratamentos pré-germinativos no processo de germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de Dendrobium nobile, espécie importante pelas propriedades farmacológicas como anti-oxidante, vasodilatadora e até mesmo anti-cancerígena, além do valor ornamental. Os tratamentos pré-germinativos consistiram de BAP e GA3, separadamente, nas concentrações de 0,0; 1,0; 2,0 e 5,0 mg L-1. Após seis meses da semeadura in vitro e manutenção em câmara de germinação e de crescimento com temperatura e foto-período controlados (12 horas e 23ºC ± 2), foram avaliados os parâmetros número de sementes germinadas, porcentagem de germinação, massa fresca e altura das plântulas, diâmetro e número de pseudobulbos, número de folhas, número de raízes, e o comprimento da maior raiz. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado. Todas as variáveis foram submetidas à análise de variância e de regressão, quando significativas. As sementes de D. nobile germinaram melhor na ausência de reguladores vegetais e os tratamentos com BAP ou GA3 na embebição das sementes pouco beneficiaram o desenvolvimento in vitro de D. nobile.
The present study aimed to investigate the influence of plant growth regulators BAP and GA3 as pre-germinative treatment in the process of germination and initial development of seedlings of Dendrobium nobile, a species important for its pharmacological properties like antioxidant, vasodilator and even anticancer, besides its ornamental value. Pre-germinative treatments consisted of BAP and GA3, separately, at the concentrations of 0.0; 1.0; 2.0 and 5.0 mg L-1. At six months after in vitro sowing and maintenance in a germination and growth chamber with controlled temperature and photoperiod (12 hours and 23ºC ± 2), the following parameters were evaluated: number of germinated seeds, percentage of germination, fresh mass and height of seedlings, number and diameter of pseudo-bulbs, number of leaves, number of roots, and length of the largest root. The experimental design was completely randomized. All variables underwent analysis of variance and regression analysis when significant. D. nobile seeds presented better germination in the absence of plant growth regulators and the treatments with BAP or GA3 in seed imbibition little benefited D. nobile in vitro development.
Subject(s)
Germination , Growth and Development , Plant Growth Regulators/analysis , Seeds/growth & development , Dendrobium/growth & development , SeedlingsABSTRACT
Com o objetivo de estudar o impacto de inseticidas na redução da entomofauna benéfica na cultura algodoeira, conduziu-se um experimento na região Oeste da Bahia nos anos de 2002/2003. Dois sistemas de manejo foram adotados, o Manejo Integrado de Pragas (MIP) e o sistema convencional realizado na fazenda onde o experimento foi instalado. As populações de Orius spp., Chrysoperla externa, Sirfideos e Coccinelideos foram monitoradas por 19 semanas consecutivas, utilizando-se o pano de batida, com 100 batidas de pano por levantamento em cada um dos sistemas de cultivo. Estimou-se uma regressão linear para cada espécie monitorada, em cada sistema, tomando-se como variável independente o tempo, número de semanas, e como variável dependente a população de insetos, representada pela média das contagens dos 100 pontos de batida de pano em cada levantamento. Para as espécies em estudo, constatou-se que as taxas de crescimento representadas nas inclinações das retas de regressão foram sempre superiores no MIP.
Aiming to study the impact of insecticides on beneficial insects in the cotton crop, we conducted an experiment in the western region of state of Bahia, Brazil, in the 2002/2003 season. Two management systems were compared: the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the conventional system, conducted at the farm where the experiment was installed. The populations of Orius spp, Chrysoperla externa, syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) and coccinellids (Coeloptera: Coccinellidae) were monitored for 19 consecutive weeks, using a beat cloth, beat 100 times per week at each cropping system. The evaluation was made based on linear regression for each species monitored in each system, taking "time," the number of weeks, as the independent variable, and, as the dependent variable, the insect population, represented by the average of the counts of the 100 beat cloth points in each survey. For these species, it was found that the growth rates given by the slopes of regression lines were always higher in the IPM.
Subject(s)
Pest Control/methods , Gossypium/parasitology , Insecticides/adverse effects , BiodiversityABSTRACT
The morphological and structural alterations that occur in the neuromuscular junctions of the denervated rat diaphragm were studied. Fifteen adult male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) aged about 60 days and with a mean weight of 200 g were used. Chronically denervated diaphragms were obtained and the animals were sacrificed after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of denervation. The left antimere of the diaphragm was denervated by section of the phrenic nerve and the right antimere was used as control. Each antimere was divided into three fragments: one was used for histochemical (nonspecific esterase) and morphometric study of neuromuscular junctions, and the other two were used for transmission and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Histochemical analysis of the diaphragm neuromuscular junctions after denervation showed only small changes in junction morphology. However, these junctions became smaller and elongated and presented less visible contours with increasing time of denervation. Ultrastructural analysis of neuromuscular junctions after 12 weeks showed more or less organized junctional folds on the muscle fiber surface. The junctional cytoplasm exhibited important alterations such as mitochondrial degeneration and the presence of numerous filaments. SEM revealed the presence of deep primary synaptic grooves with peripheral excavations which housed the nerve terminal boutons and exhibited internally the secondary synaptic clefts present among the junctional folds of the sarcolemma. This study showed that some of the morphological changes demonstrated in other denervated striated skeletal muscles are not repeated at the same intensity or in the same temporal pattern in the rat diaphragm.
En este trabajo se estudiaron las alteraciones morfológicas y estructurales de las uniones neuromusculares en el diafragma denervado de ratas. Se utilizaron 15 ratas albinas (Rattus norvegicus), machos, adultos, con peso promedio de 200g y cerca de 60 días de edad. Los diafragmas crónicamente denervados fueron obtenidos y los animales se sacrificaron después de 4, 8 y 12 semanas de denervación. El antímero izquierdo del diafragma fue denervado por sección del nervio frénico y el antímero derecho fue utilizado como control. Cada antímero fue dividido en 3 fragmentos: uno fue utilizado para el estudio histoquímico (esterasa inespecífica) y morfométrico. Los otros dos se destinaron al estudio de microscopía electrónica de transmisión (MET) y microscopia electrónica de barrido (MEB) de las uniones neuromusculares. El estudio histoquímico de las uniones neuromusculares posterior a la denervación, muestra que la morfología de esas uniones sufre pequeñas alteraciones. Con la evolución del tiempo de denervación esas uniones muestran tamaños menores, son alargadas y con contornos menos nítidos. La ultra-estructura de las uniones neuromusculares después de 12 semanas, demostró que la superficie de la fibra muscular exhibe pliegues de unión más o menos organizados. La región del citoplasma de unión exhibe alteraciones importantes, con degeneración mitocondrial y presencia de muchos filamentos. En MEB se observa que los botones sinápticos primarios son profundos, presentan escavaciones periféricas donde estaban alojados los botones de las terminaciones nerviosas y exhiben internamente, los espacios sinápticos secundarios presentes entre los pliegues de unión del sarcolema. Este estudio mostró que algunos patrones morfológicos demostrados en otros músculos estriados esqueléticos denervados no se repiten con la misma intensidad y curso temporal en el diafragma de ratas.
Subject(s)
Rats , Diaphragm/innervation , Diaphragm/ultrastructure , Neuromuscular Junction/ultrastructure , Diaphragm/pathology , Histocytochemistry , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Muscle Denervation , Time Factors , Neuromuscular Junction/pathologyABSTRACT
Determinaram-se a degradabilidade potencial (DP) e a digestibilidade intestinal da proteína não degradada no rúmen (DIPNDR) do capim-elefante em diferentes idades de rebrote (30, 45 e 60 dias) e comparou-se a técnica do saco de náilon móvel (in situ) com o método de três estádios (in vitro). Para tanto, utilizaram-se seis novilhos mestiços canulados no rúmen e duodeno alimentados exclusivamente com capim-elefante picado. O ensaio de degradabilidade foi realizado com amostras do capim incubadas no rúmen por 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 e 120h. A digestibilidade intestinal foi determinada utilizando-se os resíduos de incubação por 24 horas. Na técnica in situ os resíduos em sacos de náilon foram colocados no duodeno e recuperados nas fezes. No método in vitro, os resíduos foram submetidos à digestão com HCl-pepsina-pancreatina. Em amostras de capim com idades de 30, 45 e 60 dias foram observados valores de DP da proteína de 87,5; 87,8 e 83,8 por cento, respectivamente. A DIPNDR variou com a idade do capim e foi semelhante entre os métodos in situ e in vitro somente para o capim com 60 dias. O método in situ apresentou estimativa de digestibilidade intestinal mais coerente com as mudanças na composição química do capim-elefante decorrentes do envelhecimento.
The potential degradability (PD) and intestinal digestibility of ruminal escape protein (IDREP) of elephant-grass at 30, 45, and 60 days of regrowth were determined and the mobile bag technique (in situ) was compared to the three-stage method (in vitro). Thus, six cross-bred steers with rumen and duodenum canulas were used and fed exclusively with chopped elephant grass. The degradability trial was carried out with grass samples incubated in rumen by 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. The intestinal digestibility was determined using 24-h ruminal incubation residue. In the in situ technique, residues in nylon bags were placed in duodenum and recovered in feces. In the in vitro method, residues were digested with solution of HCl-pepsin-pancreatin. In samples of grass at 30, 45, and 60 days of age, the values of protein PD were 87.5, 87.8, and 83.8 percent, respectively. The IDREP ranged with grass age and it was similar between in situ and in vitro methods only for 60-day old grass. Considering the changes in elephant-grass chemical composition due to aging, the in situ method supplied a more coherent estimative of intestinal digestibility.
Subject(s)
Animals , Cattle , Intestinal Absorption , Pennisetum/metabolism , RumenABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of isoflavones on the skin of postmenopausal women. DESIGN: A prospective study was performed with 30 postmenopausal women before and immediately after the end of treatment with 100 mg/day of an isoflavones-rich, concentrated soy extract for six months. A skin punch was performed in the gluteal region for sample collection before and immediately after the treatment program. Morphometric determination of epidermal thickness, the papillary index (wrinkling), and the amount of dermal elastic and collagen fibers was assessed. In addition, the number of blood vessels in the sample was also evaluated. The paired Student¡¯s t-test was used for statistical analysis (P ¡Ü 0.05). RESULTS: Isoflavone treatment resulted in a 9.46% increase in the thickness of the epidermis in 23 patients. In addition, the papillary index was reduced in 21 women. The papillary index was inversely proportional to skin wrinkling, i.e., there were a large number of papillae after treatment. The amount of collagen in the dermis was increased in 25 women (86.2%). In 22 women (75.8%) we observed that the number of elastic fibers increased. The number of dermal blood vessels was significantly increased in 21 women.CONCLUSION: Our data show that the use of a concentrated, isoflavone-rich soy extract during six consecutive months caused significant increases in epithelial thickness, the number of elastic and collagen fibers, as well as the blood vessels.
Subject(s)
Aged , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Isoflavones/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Postmenopause/drug effects , Skin/drug effects , Soybean Proteins/pharmacology , Pilot Projects , Prospective Studies , Skin Aging/drug effects , Skin/ultrastructureABSTRACT
Este trabalho descreve um estudo sobre a determinação dos valores de biomassa de rotíferos, cladóceros, copépodos calanóides e ciclopóides em represas de diferentes estados tróficos, com o objetivo de comparar e relacionar com dados de densidades numéricas, considerando os períodos chuvoso quente e estiagem frio. Verificou-se que, embora rotíferos tenham dominado numericamente em ambas as represas, em termos de biomassa os cladóceros predominaram no ambiente oligotrófico, em ambos os períodos considerados. No ambiente eutrófico, copépodos ciclopóides predominaram no período estiagem frio, e cladóceros, no chuvoso quente, evidenciando padrões diferenciados de biomassa tanto em relação às condições tróficas quanto aos períodos chuvoso e seco.
Subject(s)
Animals , Biomass , Zooplankton/classification , Brazil , Eutrophication , Fresh Water , Population Dynamics , SeasonsABSTRACT
This paper reports on a study involving an estimate of the biomass of rotifers, cladocerans, and cyclopoid and calanoid copepods found in reservoirs in different trophic conditions, comparing and relating numerical density data and pointing out differences between the dry and rainy seasons. In terms of numerical densities, both reservoirs were dominated by rotifers, although cladocerans represented a higher biomass in the oligotrophic environment in both seasons. In the eutrophic environment, higher biomass values were found for cyclopoids during the dry season and for cladocerans during the rainy one. Different biomass patterns were observed relating to both the trophic conditions and the rainy and dry seasons.
Este trabalho descreve um estudo sobre a determinação dos valores de biomassa de rotíferos, cladóceros, copépodos calanóides e ciclopóides em represas de diferentes estados tróficos, com o objetivo de comparar e relacionar com dados de densidades numéricas, considerando os períodos chuvoso quente e estiagem frio. Verificou-se que, embora rotíferos tenham dominado numericamente em ambas as represas, em termos de biomassa os cladóceros predominaram no ambiente oligotrófico, em ambos os períodos considerados. No ambiente eutrófico, copépodos ciclopóides predominaram no período estiagem frio, e cladóceros, no chuvoso quente, evidenciando padrões diferenciados de biomassa tanto em relação às condições tróficas quanto aos períodos chuvoso e seco.
ABSTRACT
A sucessão secundária em áreas degradadas é pouco estudada, principalmente em relação ao acompanhamento dos processos evolutivos por longo período. O objetivo deste trabalho foi de verificar as mudanças qualitativas e quantitativas da vegetação durante o processo de regeneração após fogo em um cerrado com fisionomia de cerradão. A área estudada pertence a uma reserva institucional da CPPSE EMBRAPA, São Carlos, SP, Brasil. No ano de 1981 ocorreu um incêndio de proporções elevadas eliminando todo o folhedo e o dossel. O acompanhamento foi realizado em três parcelas fixas de 2 x 20 m ao longo de vinte anos. Os resultados demonstraram um rápido estabelecimento de indivíduos sucessivamente com plantas herbáceas, arbustivas, lianas e arbóreas, uma grande riqueza em espécies e, depois de determinado tempo, uma regressão em densidade na mesma ordem de estabelecimento. O banco de sementes do solo e o rebrotamento subterrâneo tiveram papel importante na recuperação da vegetação. No processo sucessional ocorreram três fases sucessivas: estabelecimento de plantas; competição intra-específica devido ao reajuste no número de indivíduos por espécies e competição interespecífica com a eliminação de algumas espécies das parcelas. As populações analisadas apresentaram padrões semelhantes de comportamento e a maior ou menor densidade ao longo do tempo refletiu o comportamento ecológico das espécies.
Subject(s)
Fires , Plants/growth & development , Brazil , Population Density , Plants/classificationABSTRACT
Secondary succession in degraded areas is little studied, especially where long-term observation of evolutionary processes is concerned. The aim of this work was to follow the qualitative and quantitative changes in vegetation throughout the regeneration process after fire in a cerrado with forest physionomy. The area under study is a reserve on CPPSE-EMBRAPA's farm, São Carlos region of São Paulo State, Brazil. In 1981, an especially destructive fire eliminated the aerial part of the vegetation and litter. From that time, the vegetation in three permanent quadrats of 2 x 20 m was recorded for twenty years. The results demonstrated the rapid growth of herbs, shrubs, climbers and trees successively, with a great species richness and, after a certain time, a decline in density at a rate similar to the initial recovery. Both the soil seed bank and sprouting subterranean organs played important parts in the recovery of the vegetation. Three phases were observed in the plant succession: plant growth, followed by intraspecific competition with a reduction in the number of individuals and finally interspecific competition with the disappearance of some species from the quadrats. The different populations behaved similarly and the rise and fall in density of each species over time reflected their ecological role.
A sucessão secundária em áreas degradadas é pouco estudada, principalmente em relação ao acompanhamento dos processos evolutivos por longo período. O objetivo deste trabalho foi de verificar as mudanças qualitativas e quantitativas da vegetação durante o processo de regeneração após fogo em um cerrado com fisionomia de cerradão. A área estudada pertence a uma reserva institucional da CPPSE EMBRAPA, São Carlos, SP, Brasil. No ano de 1981 ocorreu um incêndio de proporções elevadas eliminando todo o folhedo e o dossel. O acompanhamento foi realizado em três parcelas fixas de 2 x 20 m ao longo de vinte anos. Os resultados demonstraram um rápido estabelecimento de indivíduos sucessivamente com plantas herbáceas, arbustivas, lianas e arbóreas, uma grande riqueza em espécies e, depois de determinado tempo, uma regressão em densidade na mesma ordem de estabelecimento. O banco de sementes do solo e o rebrotamento subterrâneo tiveram papel importante na recuperação da vegetação. No processo sucessional ocorreram três fases sucessivas: estabelecimento de plantas; competição intra-específica devido ao reajuste no número de indivíduos por espécies e competição interespecífica com a eliminação de algumas espécies das parcelas. As populações analisadas apresentaram padrões semelhantes de comportamento e a maior ou menor densidade ao longo do tempo refletiu o comportamento ecológico das espécies.